(相关申请的交叉引用)(Cross-reference to related application)
本申请基于并要求在先的美国专利申请No.12/878,576(2010年9月9日递交)和日本专利申请No.2011-177906(2011年8月16日递交)为优先权，其全部内容在此引作参考。This application is based on and claims priority from prior U.S. Patent Application No. 12/878,576 (filed September 9, 2010) and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-177906 (filed August 16, 2011), the entire contents of which It is incorporated herein by reference.
技术领域technical field
本实施方式涉及超声波探头。This embodiment relates to an ultrasonic probe.
背景技术Background technique
图32是示出根据现有例的超声波诊断装置的构成的图。像图32所示的那样，根据现有例的超声波诊断装置具有：处理部1、显示部2、缆线3和超声波探头4。超声波探头4经由缆线3连接到处理部1。处理部1控制超声波探头4，以便向被检测体中的关注区域发送超声波脉冲和接收被被检测体反射的超声波回波。处理部1实时地接收超声波回波，以便进行把与关注区域有关的超声波图像显示到显示部2上的之类的后处理。FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a conventional example. As shown in FIG. 32 , an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a conventional example includes a treatment unit 1 , a display unit 2 , a cable 3 , and an ultrasonic probe 4 . The ultrasonic probe 4 is connected to the treatment unit 1 via a cable 3 . The processing unit 1 controls the ultrasonic probe 4 so as to transmit ultrasonic pulses to a region of interest in the subject and receive ultrasonic echoes reflected by the subject. The processing unit 1 receives ultrasonic echoes in real time to perform post-processing such as displaying an ultrasonic image related to the region of interest on the display unit 2 .
更详细地说，超声波探头4具有预定的多个振子。把多个振子区分成用来发送超声波脉冲的信道和用来接收超声波回波的信道。在收集二维拍摄数据时，信道数目通常设定成64～256的范围的数。在收集三维拍摄数据时，信道数目通常要求在1000以上。为了进行实时拍摄，超声波探头4要收存用来控制超声波脉冲的收发的电子电路和其它构成要素等等的大量电子部件。More specifically, the ultrasonic probe 4 has a predetermined number of vibrators. The multiple transducers are divided into channels for transmitting ultrasonic pulses and channels for receiving ultrasonic echoes. When collecting two-dimensional imaging data, the number of channels is usually set to a number in the range of 64 to 256. When collecting 3D shooting data, the number of channels is usually required to be more than 1000. In order to perform real-time imaging, the ultrasonic probe 4 houses a large number of electronic components such as an electronic circuit for controlling transmission and reception of ultrasonic pulses and other constituent elements.
上述电子部件在超声波探头内会产生不需要的热。由于不需要的热向超声波探头的框体、声音整合层透镜的表面传导，所以在超声波诊断装置工作时，超声波探头的表面会达到不合适的、有时甚至有害的温度。例如，有时在超声波检查技师手持着超声波探头期间，不需要的热会使超声波检查技师的手出汗或者烫伤。因此，不仅会降低工作中的舒适性和安全性，还会因框体表面打滑而对精确度造成不良影响。不需要的热还会经由透镜表面或其它超声波探头表面等的与被检测体体表接触的接触面对被检测体造成不良影响。不需要的热达到预定的温度时，超声波探头的接触面会因发热而伤及体表。The aforementioned electronic components generate unwanted heat within the ultrasonic probe. Since unwanted heat is conducted to the housing of the ultrasound probe and the surface of the acoustic integration layer lens, the surface of the ultrasound probe can reach unsuitable and sometimes even harmful temperatures when the ultrasound diagnostic device is in operation. For example, sometimes the unwanted heat can cause the sonographer's hands to sweat or burn while the sonographer is holding the ultrasound probe. Therefore, not only the comfort and safety at work are reduced, but also the accuracy is adversely affected due to slippage of the frame surface. Unnecessary heat also adversely affects the object to be inspected via the surface of the lens, the surface of another ultrasonic probe, or the like that is in contact with the body surface of the object to be inspected. When the unnecessary heat reaches a predetermined temperature, the contact surface of the ultrasonic probe will generate heat and damage the body surface.
研发了用各种手段控制超声波探头的温度的技术。但是，无论哪种技术还都得不到所希望的效率，未达到安装的水平。Technology has been developed to control the temperature of the ultrasonic probe by various means. However, none of the technologies has yet achieved the desired efficiency and has not reached the installed level.
<专利文献1>日本特开2001-353147号公报<Patent Document 1> Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-353147
<专利文献2>日本特开平10-127632号公报<Patent Document 2> Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-127632
发明内容Contents of the invention
(发明要解决的问题)(problem to be solved by the invention)
本发明的目的在于提供可以使从热源产生的热高效地冷却的超声波探头。An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of efficiently cooling heat generated from a heat source.
(解决问题的方案)(solution to the problem)
根据本实施方式的超声波探头，其特征在于包括：产生热的热产生源；在上述热产生源的周围设置的外壁；以及在上述外壁与上述热产生源之间设置的内壁，在由上述外壁和上述内壁围成的流动空间中收存用来传导从上述热产生源产生的热的热传导介质。The ultrasonic probe according to this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a heat generating source that generates heat; an outer wall provided around the heat generating source; and an inner wall provided between the outer wall and the heat generating source, and the outer wall A heat transfer medium for transferring heat generated from the heat generation source is accommodated in the flow space enclosed by the inner wall.
(发明的效果)(effect of invention)
可以提供可以使从热源产生的热高效地冷却的超声波探头。An ultrasonic probe capable of efficiently cooling heat generated from a heat source can be provided.
附图说明Description of drawings
图1A是根据实施方式1的超声波探头的侧视图。FIG. 1A is a side view of an ultrasound probe according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
图1B是根据实施方式1的超声波探头的俯视图。FIG. 1B is a plan view of the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 1. FIG.
图2A是图1A的X-X剖面图。Fig. 2A is an X-X sectional view of Fig. 1A.
图2B是图1B的W-W剖面图。Fig. 2B is a W-W sectional view of Fig. 1B.
图3是图1A的V-V剖面图。Fig. 3 is a V-V sectional view of Fig. 1A.
图4A是图2A的部分区域Z的放大剖面图。FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area Z in FIG. 2A .
图4B是图2B的部分区域A的放大剖面图。FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area A of FIG. 2B .
图5是图1A或图4A的AE-AE剖面图。Fig. 5 is an AE-AE sectional view of Fig. 1A or Fig. 4A.
图6A是根据实施方式2的超声波探头的侧视图。FIG. 6A is a side view of an ultrasound probe according to Embodiment 2. FIG.
图6B是根据实施方式2的超声波探头的俯视图。FIG. 6B is a plan view of the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 2. FIG.
图7A是图6A的E-E剖面图。FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view along line E-E of FIG. 6A.
图7B是图6B的F-F剖面图。Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F of Fig. 6B.
图8是图6A的L-L剖面图。Fig. 8 is an L-L sectional view of Fig. 6A.
图9A是图7A的部分区域J的放大剖面图。FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area J of FIG. 7A .
图9B是图7B的部分区域K的放大剖面图。FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area K in FIG. 7B .
图10是图6A或图9A的H-H剖面图。Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line H-H of Fig. 6A or Fig. 9A.
图11A是根据实施方式3的超声波探头的侧视图。FIG. 11A is a side view of an ultrasound probe according to Embodiment 3. FIG.
图11B是根据实施方式3的超声波探头的俯视图。FIG. 11B is a plan view of an ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 3. FIG.
图12A是图11A的B-B剖面图。Fig. 12A is a B-B sectional view of Fig. 11A.
图12B是图11B的A-A剖面图。Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of Fig. 11B.
图13是图11A的K-K剖面图。Fig. 13 is a K-K sectional view of Fig. 11A.
图14A是图12A的部分区域J的放大剖面图。FIG. 14A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area J of FIG. 12A .
图14B是图12B的部分区域M的放大剖面图。FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial region M of FIG. 12B .
图15是图11A或图14A的D-D剖面图。Fig. 15 is a D-D sectional view of Fig. 11A or Fig. 14A.
图16是根据实施方式4的超声波探头的侧视图。FIG. 16 is a side view of an ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 4. FIG.
图17是图16所示的超声波探头的探头缆线的放大立体图。Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of a probe cable of the ultrasonic probe shown in Fig. 16 .
图18是示出根据实施方式4的超声波探头的前面部的图。FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a front portion of an ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 4. FIG.
图19是图18的N-N剖面图。Fig. 19 is an N-N sectional view of Fig. 18 .
图20是图19的部分区域Q的放大剖面图。FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area Q in FIG. 19 .
图21是图18的N-N剖面图。Fig. 21 is an N-N sectional view of Fig. 18 .
图22是图21的部分区域T的放大剖面图。FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area T in FIG. 21 .
图23是根据实施方式5的超声波探头的侧视图。FIG. 23 is a side view of an ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 5. FIG.
图24是图23的C-C剖面图。Fig. 24 is a C-C sectional view of Fig. 23 .
图25是图24的部分区域E的放大剖面图。FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area E of FIG. 24 .
图26是图23的G-G剖面图。Fig. 26 is a G-G sectional view of Fig. 23 .
图27是图26的部分区域J的放大剖面图。FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area J in FIG. 26 .
图28是根据实施方式6的超声波探头的立体图。FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 6. FIG.
图29是根据实施方式6的超声波探头的正视图。FIG. 29 is a front view of an ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 6. FIG.
图30是图29的F-F剖面图。Fig. 30 is a sectional view taken along line F-F of Fig. 29 .
图31是图29的B-B剖面图。Fig. 31 is a B-B sectional view of Fig. 29 .
图32是示出根据现有例的超声波诊断装置的构成的图。FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a conventional example.
(附图标记说明)(Description of Reference Signs)
10：同轴缆线；30：外壁；40：内壁；50：介质流动空间；50A：吸入侧空间；60A：排出侧空间；70：吸入口；80：排出口；92：电子部件单元；94：柔性缆线；100：超声波探头；101：框体；110：探头缆线；120：振子阵列10: coaxial cable; 30: outer wall; 40: inner wall; 50: medium flow space; 50A: suction side space; 60A: discharge side space; 70: suction port; 80: discharge port; 92: electronic component unit; 94 : flexible cable; 100: ultrasonic probe; 101: frame; 110: probe cable; 120: vibrator array
具体实施方式Detailed ways
根据本实施方式的超声波探头，包括：热产生源、外壁以及内壁。热产生源产生热。外壁设置在热产生源的周围。内壁设置在外壁与热产生源之间。在由外壁和内壁围成的流动空间中，收存有用来传导从热产生源产生的热的热传导介质。The ultrasonic probe according to this embodiment includes a heat generating source, an outer wall, and an inner wall. The heat generating source generates heat. An outer wall is provided around the heat generating source. The inner wall is disposed between the outer wall and the heat generating source. A heat transfer medium for transferring heat generated from a heat generation source is stored in the flow space surrounded by the outer wall and the inner wall.
下面，参照附图说明根据本实施方式的超声波探头。Next, an ultrasonic probe according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
根据本实施方式的超声波诊断装置，具有超声波探头、处理部和缆线。缆线将超声波探头和处理部连接。根据本实施方式的超声波探头，产生超声波脉冲，向被检测体中的某区域发送超声波脉冲。然后，根据本实施方式的超声波探头接收从被检测体反射的超声波回波，以便得到被检测体的内部图像。根据本实施方式的超声波探头具有便于携带的大小。但是，根据本实施方式的超声波探头并不仅限于此，也可以不具有便于携带的大小。另外，通常，根据本实施方式的超声波探头具有冷却结构、冷却覆盖物。为了把从超声波探头内的振子、电子部件产生的热高效地冷却，冷却结构、冷却覆盖物与超声波探头的框体一体地形成。According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment, it has an ultrasonic probe, a treatment part, and a cable. The cable connects the ultrasonic probe and the treatment unit. According to the ultrasonic probe of this embodiment, ultrasonic pulses are generated, and the ultrasonic pulses are transmitted to a certain region in the subject. Then, the ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment receives the ultrasonic echoes reflected from the subject to obtain an internal image of the subject. The ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment has a portable size. However, the ultrasonic probe according to the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and may not have a portable size. In addition, generally, the ultrasonic probe according to this embodiment has a cooling structure and a cooling cover. In order to efficiently cool the heat generated from the vibrator and electronic components in the ultrasonic probe, a cooling structure and a cooling cover are integrally formed with the housing of the ultrasonic probe.
(实施方式1)(Embodiment 1)
图1A是根据实施方式1的超声波探头100的侧视图。超声波探头100具有框体101。在框体101的一端安装有探头缆线110，在另一端配置有由多个振子构成的振子阵列120。探头缆线110与超声波诊断装置的处理部连接，以便经由同轴缆线10在超声波诊断装置的处理部与超声波探头100之间收发电气信号。框体101向操作者提供用来手持超声波探头100的手持部，以便向被检测体的所希望区域配置超声波探头100的振子阵列120。正像参照其它剖面图可以看到的那样，框体101的大部分被超声波探头100外侧的覆盖物即外壁30所包覆。虽然超声波探头100是作为与超声波诊断装置缆线连接的便携型装置而例示的，但本实施方式并不仅限于此，也可以是非便携型装置。FIG. 1A is a side view of an ultrasound probe 100 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The ultrasonic probe 100 has a housing 101 . A probe cable 110 is attached to one end of the housing 101 , and a transducer array 120 composed of a plurality of transducers is arranged at the other end. The probe cable 110 is connected to the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus so as to transmit and receive electrical signals between the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic probe 100 via the coaxial cable 10 . The housing 101 provides a handle for an operator to hold the ultrasonic probe 100 in order to place the transducer array 120 of the ultrasonic probe 100 on a desired region of the subject. As can be seen with reference to other cross-sectional views, most of the housing 101 is covered by the outer wall 30 which is a cover on the outside of the ultrasonic probe 100 . Although the ultrasonic probe 100 is exemplified as a portable device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device with a cable, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and may be a non-portable device.
图2A是图1A的X-X剖面图，是超声波探头100的长轴剖面图。像图2A所示的那样，框体101收存电子部件单元92和与电子部件单元92连接的同轴缆线10。电子部件单元92具有被超声波探头100利用的多个电子电路。电子电路由例如元件、电路等的电子部件构成。例如，电子部件单元92包含：用来从振子阵列120发送超声波脉冲的发送电路、用来由振子阵列120处理伴随超声波回波的接收而产生的电气信号的接收电路。同轴缆线10设置在探头缆线110的内部。柔性缆线94把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。像上述那样，框体101的大部分被超声波探头100的外壁30所包覆。外侧的覆盖物或外壁30从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110的侧面部分。内侧的覆盖物即内壁40配置在外壁30的内侧，设置在外壁30与电子部件单元92之间。内壁40沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110的侧面部分。FIG. 2A is an X-X sectional view of FIG. 1A , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 100 . As shown in FIG. 2A , housing 101 accommodates electronic component unit 92 and coaxial cable 10 connected to electronic component unit 92 . The electronic component unit 92 has a plurality of electronic circuits utilized by the ultrasonic probe 100 . The electronic circuit is constituted by electronic components such as elements, circuits, and the like. For example, the electronic component unit 92 includes a transmitting circuit for transmitting ultrasonic pulses from the transducer array 120 , and a receiving circuit for processing an electrical signal generated by the transducer array 120 accompanying reception of ultrasonic echoes. The coaxial cable 10 is provided inside the probe cable 110 . The flexible cable 94 connects the electronic component unit 92 to the vibrator array 120 . As described above, most of the housing 101 is covered by the outer wall 30 of the ultrasonic probe 100 . An outer covering or wall 30 extends from a point near the transducer array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110 . The inner wall 40 , which is an inner cover, is disposed inside the outer wall 30 and is provided between the outer wall 30 and the electronic component unit 92 . The inner wall 40 extends along the long axis from a point near the transducer array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110 .
内壁40和外壁30共同地形成空洞即介质流动空间50。即，由内壁40和外壁30围成的空间构成介质流动空间50。介质流动空间50沿框体101的外框设置。在介质流动空间50中填充有用来传导从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的固体、气体、液体等的物质(以下称为热传导流体)。为了热传导，任意地使用热传导流体的相变。通常，从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热经由内壁40传向外壁30。内壁40由具有至少比外壁30高的热传导特性的物质形成，以便使热容易向热传导流体传导而不向外壁30的外侧表面传导。例如，内壁40由塑料、铝、碳/铝、铜、石墨、或其它公知的热传导物质形成，也可以用它们的任意组合形成。介质流动空间50沿超声波探头100的长轴延伸设置，收存上述热传导流体。因此，来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的大部分，在到达外壁30之前被热传导流体吸收。例如，热传导流体从吸入口70经由吸入侧空间50A向排出侧空间60A移动，向排出口80单方向地移动。另外，上述热传导流体的流动方向也可以是不同的方向。The inner wall 40 and the outer wall 30 jointly form a cavity, ie a medium flow space 50 . That is, the space surrounded by the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 30 constitutes the medium flow space 50 . The medium flow space 50 is arranged along the outer frame of the frame body 101 . The medium flow space 50 is filled with a solid, gas, liquid, or other substance (hereinafter referred to as a heat transfer fluid) for transferring heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 . For heat transfer, a phase change of the heat transfer fluid is optionally used. Normally, heat generated from electronic component unit 92 and vibrator array 120 is transferred to outer wall 30 via inner wall 40 . The inner wall 40 is formed of a substance having at least higher heat transfer characteristics than the outer wall 30 so as to conduct heat easily to the heat transfer fluid and not to the outer surface of the outer wall 30 . For example, inner wall 40 is formed of plastic, aluminum, carbon/aluminum, copper, graphite, or other known thermally conductive substances, or any combination thereof. The medium flow space 50 extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 100 and stores the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid. Therefore, most of the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is absorbed by the heat transfer fluid before reaching the outer wall 30 . For example, the heat transfer fluid moves from the suction port 70 to the discharge-side space 60A via the suction-side space 50A, and moves unidirectionally toward the discharge port 80 . In addition, the flow direction of the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid may be a different direction.
图1B是根据实施方式1的超声波探头100的俯视图。图1B是围绕长轴把图1A旋转90度得到的图。另外，“上面”和“侧面”是表示相对位置关系的用语，并不意味着是使用时的超声波探头100的方向。探头缆线110具有同轴缆线10、吸入口70A和排出口80A。在探头缆线110的外侧覆盖物与同轴缆线10之间设置有至少一对管状的吸入口70A和排出口80A这二者。框体101收存电子部件单元。FIG. 1B is a plan view of the ultrasonic probe 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1B is a view obtained by rotating Figure 1A 90 degrees around the major axis. In addition, "top" and "side" are terms showing relative positional relationship, and do not mean the direction of the ultrasonic probe 100 during use. The probe cable 110 has the coaxial cable 10, a suction port 70A, and a discharge port 80A. Between the outer cover of the probe cable 110 and the coaxial cable 10 are provided both at least one pair of tubular suction port 70A and discharge port 80A. The housing 101 accommodates electronic component units.
图2B是图1B的W-W剖面图，是根据实施方式1的超声波探头100的长轴剖面图。像图2B所示的那样，框体101收存电子部件单元92和同轴缆线10。同轴缆线10与电子部件单元92连接。柔性缆线94把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。图2B未示出用分割壁90A和90B把内壁40和外壁30分割开来。但是，像在图2A中已经示出的那样，框体101的大部分被外壁30所包覆，外壁30从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110的侧面部分。像上述那样，内壁40配置在外壁30的内侧，设置在电子部件单元92与外壁30之间。内壁40也从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110的侧面部分。分割壁90A和90B在沿长轴的W-W剖面中在外壁30与内壁40之间形成。2B is a W-W sectional view of FIG. 1B , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2B , housing 101 accommodates electronic component unit 92 and coaxial cable 10 . The coaxial cable 10 is connected to the electronic component unit 92 . The flexible cable 94 connects the electronic component unit 92 to the vibrator array 120 . FIG. 2B does not show that the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 30 are divided by the dividing walls 90A and 90B. However, as already shown in FIG. 2A , most of the housing 101 is covered by the outer wall 30 extending from a point near the transducer array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110 . As described above, the inner wall 40 is arranged inside the outer wall 30 and is provided between the electronic component unit 92 and the outer wall 30 . The inner wall 40 also extends from a point near the transducer array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110 . The partition walls 90A and 90B are formed between the outer wall 30 and the inner wall 40 in a W-W section along the major axis.
分割壁90A和90B分别与内壁40和外壁30连接。分割壁90A和90B分别把介质流动空间50分成至少两部分。分割壁90A和90B沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110的侧面部分。关于该结构，在图4A和图4B中进一步说明。由于介质流动空间50沿超声波探头100的长轴延伸设置，所以分割后的各个介质流动空间50也沿长轴延伸设置。以下，把分割后的介质流动空间50中的一个称为吸入侧空间50A，另一个称为排出侧空间60A。例如，热传导流体从吸入侧空间50A流向排出侧空间60A。这样，通过使热传导流体沿框体101的外周循环，可以将从振子阵列120、电子部件单元92产生的热冷却。The partition walls 90A and 90B are respectively connected to the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 30 . The partition walls 90A and 90B respectively divide the medium flow space 50 into at least two parts. The partition walls 90A and 90B are provided extending from a point near the vibrator array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110 along the major axis. This structure is further described in FIGS. 4A and 4B . Since the medium flow space 50 extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 100 , each divided medium flow space 50 also extends along the long axis. Hereinafter, one of the divided medium flow spaces 50 will be referred to as a suction-side space 50A, and the other will be referred to as a discharge-side space 60A. For example, heat transfer fluid flows from the suction side space 50A to the discharge side space 60A. In this way, by circulating the heat transfer fluid along the outer periphery of the housing 101 , heat generated from the vibrator array 120 and the electronic component unit 92 can be cooled.
图3是图1A的V-V剖面图，是示出了分割壁90A和90B的超声波探头100的横剖面图。外壁30和内壁40这二者包围作为热的产生源的电子部件单元92。分割壁90A和90B分别设在外壁30和内壁40之间，与外壁30和内壁40这二者连接。这样，分割壁90A和90B把介质流动空间50分割成吸入侧空间50A和排出侧空间60A。FIG. 3 is a V-V sectional view of FIG. 1A , and is a transverse sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 100 showing partition walls 90A and 90B. Both the outer wall 30 and the inner wall 40 surround the electronic component unit 92 as a heat generation source. The partition walls 90A and 90B are respectively provided between the outer wall 30 and the inner wall 40 and are connected to both the outer wall 30 and the inner wall 40 . In this way, the partition walls 90A and 90B partition the medium flow space 50 into the suction side space 50A and the discharge side space 60A.
图4A是图2A的部分区域Z的放大剖面图，是示出介质流动空间50的细节的图。像部分区域Z所示的那样，内壁40和外壁30共同地形成介质流动空间50，设置成从同轴缆线10的侧面越过电子部件单元92，与振子阵列120的侧面相接。振子阵列120的前面覆盖在声音透镜130上。另外，振子阵列120的后面经由柔性缆线94连接到电子部件单元92。FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area Z in FIG. 2A , showing details of the medium flow space 50 . As shown in the partial area Z, the inner wall 40 and the outer wall 30 jointly form the medium flow space 50 , which is provided so as to pass over the electronic component unit 92 from the side of the coaxial cable 10 , and contact the side of the vibrator array 120 . The front of the vibrator array 120 is covered on the acoustic lens 130 . In addition, the rear surface of transducer array 120 is connected to electronic component unit 92 via flexible cable 94 .
图4B是图2B的部分区域A的放大剖面图，是示出分割壁90A和90B的细节的图。图4B与图4A正交。因此，在图4B中，分割壁90A和90B把介质流动空间50分割成吸入侧空间50A和排出侧空间60A。柔性缆线94在图4B中用长方形示出，在图4A中用线示出，由此可以看出，具有条带状结构。FIG. 4B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial region A of FIG. 2B , showing details of partition walls 90A and 90B. Figure 4B is orthogonal to Figure 4A. Therefore, in FIG. 4B , the partition walls 90A and 90B partition the medium flow space 50 into a suction side space 50A and a discharge side space 60A. The flexible cable 94 is shown as a rectangle in FIG. 4B and as a line in FIG. 4A, from which it can be seen that it has a strip-like structure.
像图4A和图4B所示的那样，分割壁90A和90B将外壁30和内壁40连接起来，以把介质流动空间50分割成吸入侧空间50A和排出侧空间60A。分割壁90A和90B，从同轴缆线10侧环绕包围电子部件单元92，延伸设置直到振子阵列120的左端面和右端面的附近。换言之，分割壁90A和90B不接触振子阵列120的左端面和右端面。利用该结构，在分割壁90A与振子阵列120的左端面之间形成开口96A，在分割壁90B与振子阵列120的右端面之间形成开口96B。开口96A和96B设置在介质流动空间50中的吸入侧空间50A和排出侧空间60A之间。用该开口96A和96B把吸入侧空间50A和排出侧空间60A连通起来。被连通起来的吸入侧空间50A和排出侧空间60A共同地形成可循环热传导流体的流路(以下称为连络流路)，以由上述的热传导流体吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。连络流路中的热传导流体的流动方向无须是单方向，也可以是多个方向。而且，开口96A和96B的数目、尺寸和配置可以根据需要适当变更。连络流路可以对外部开放，也可以对外部密闭。As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , partition walls 90A and 90B connect the outer wall 30 and the inner wall 40 to divide the medium flow space 50 into a suction side space 50A and a discharge side space 60A. The partition walls 90A and 90B surround the electronic component unit 92 from the side of the coaxial cable 10 , and extend to the vicinities of the left end surface and the right end surface of the transducer array 120 . In other words, the partition walls 90A and 90B do not contact the left end surface and the right end surface of the vibrator array 120 . With this configuration, opening 96A is formed between partition wall 90A and the left end surface of transducer array 120 , and opening 96B is formed between partition wall 90B and the right end surface of transducer array 120 . The openings 96A and 96B are provided between the suction side space 50A and the discharge side space 60A in the medium flow space 50 . The suction side space 50A and the discharge side space 60A are connected by the openings 96A and 96B. The connected suction-side space 50A and discharge-side space 60A jointly form a flow path (hereinafter referred to as a communication flow path) through which a heat transfer fluid can circulate, so that the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid absorbs heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120. hot. The flow direction of the heat transfer fluid in the communication flow path does not need to be one direction, but may be multiple directions. Also, the number, size and arrangement of the openings 96A and 96B can be appropriately changed as needed. The connecting channel may be open to the outside or may be closed to the outside.
吸入口70A和排出80A经由热传导流体的流路与循环装置(未图示)连接。循环装置促进连络流路中的热传导流体的循环，提高来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的冷却效率。The suction port 70A and the discharge port 80A are connected to a circulation device (not shown) via a heat transfer fluid flow path. The circulation device promotes the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the communication flow path, and improves the cooling efficiency of heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 .
下面参照图5说明开口96A和96B的细节。图5是图1A或图4A的AE-AE剖面图，是超声波探头100的横剖面图。在图5中，开口96A和96B相互连接。开口96A和96B在振子阵列120的周围形成具有环形状的空间即连络空间55。换言之，连络流路至少包含吸入侧空间50A、连络空间55和排出侧空间60A。吸入侧空间50A、连络空间55和排出侧空间60A相互连接，可循环地收存有热传导流体，以吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。这样，连络流路设置成可以使热传导流体流过电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的附近。由此，由于来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热被热传导流体高效地吸收，所以冷却效果提高。Details of the openings 96A and 96B will be described below with reference to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is an AE-AE cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A or FIG. 4A , and is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 100 . In FIG. 5, openings 96A and 96B are interconnected. Openings 96A and 96B form communication space 55 , which is a ring-shaped space around transducer array 120 . In other words, the communication flow path includes at least the suction side space 50A, the communication space 55 and the discharge side space 60A. The suction-side space 50A, the communication space 55 , and the discharge-side space 60A are connected to each other, and heat transfer fluid is circulatively stored to absorb heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 . In this way, the communication flow path is provided so that the heat transfer fluid can flow in the vicinity of the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 . Thereby, since the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is efficiently absorbed by the heat transfer fluid, the cooling effect is improved.
像上述说明的那样，超声波探头100具有热产生源92和120、外壁30以及内壁40。外壁30设置在热产生源92和120的周围。内壁40设置在外壁30与热产生源92和120之间。在由外壁30和内壁40围成的流动空间中，收存有用来传导从热产生源92和120产生的热的热传导流体。这样，由于热传导流体分布在热产生源92和120的周围，所以可以高效地吸收从热产生源92和120产生的热。被热传导流体吸收的热通过在热传导流体内传导或者因被热升温了的热传导流体远离热产生源92和120而被发散。因此，根据实施方式1的超声波探头100可以冷却从热产生源92和120产生的热，可以防止超声波探头100的内部的温度上升。As described above, the ultrasonic probe 100 has the heat generating sources 92 and 120 , the outer wall 30 , and the inner wall 40 . The outer wall 30 is disposed around the heat generating sources 92 and 120 . The inner wall 40 is disposed between the outer wall 30 and the heat generating sources 92 and 120 . In the flow space enclosed by the outer wall 30 and the inner wall 40 , a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat generated from the heat generation sources 92 and 120 is accommodated. In this way, since the heat transfer fluid is distributed around the heat generating sources 92 and 120, heat generated from the heat generating sources 92 and 120 can be efficiently absorbed. The heat absorbed by the heat transfer fluid is dissipated by conduction within the heat transfer fluid or as the heat-warmed heat transfer fluid moves away from the heat generating sources 92 and 120 . Therefore, according to the ultrasonic probe 100 of Embodiment 1, the heat generated from the heat generating sources 92 and 120 can be cooled, and the temperature inside the ultrasonic probe 100 can be prevented from rising.
(实施方式2)(Embodiment 2)
其次，在根据实施方式1的超声波探头中，设为外壁和内壁不覆盖振子阵列的前面部分。在根据实施方式2的超声波探头中，设置成外壁和内壁覆盖振子阵列的前面部分。下面说明根据实施方式2的超声波探头。另外，在以下的说明中，对于具有与实施方式1大致相同功能的构成要素，赋予相同的附图标记，仅在必要时进行重复说明。Next, in the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 1, it is assumed that the outer wall and the inner wall do not cover the front part of the transducer array. In the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 2, the outer wall and the inner wall are arranged to cover the front part of the vibrator array. An ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 2 will be described below. In addition, in the following description, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component which has substantially the same function as Embodiment 1, and description is repeated only when necessary.
图6A是根据实施方式2的超声波探头200的侧视图。超声波探头200具有框体201。在框体201的一端安装有探头缆线110′，在另一端配置有振子阵列120。探头缆线110′与超声波诊断装置的处理部连接，以便经由同轴缆线10′在超声波诊断装置的处理部与超声波探头200之间收发电气信号。框体201向操作者提供用来手持超声波探头200的手持部。参照其它剖面图可知，框体201的大部分被超声波探头200外侧的覆盖物即外壁30′所包覆。虽然超声波探头200是作为与超声波诊断装置缆线连接的便携型装置而例示的，但也可以是非便携型装置。FIG. 6A is a side view of the ultrasonic probe 200 according to Embodiment 2. FIG. The ultrasonic probe 200 has a housing 201 . The probe cable 110' is attached to one end of the housing 201, and the vibrator array 120 is arranged at the other end. The probe cable 110' is connected to the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus so as to transmit and receive electrical signals between the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic probe 200 via the coaxial cable 10'. The housing 201 provides a handle for the operator to hold the ultrasonic probe 200 . Referring to other cross-sectional views, it can be seen that most of the frame body 201 is covered by the outer wall 30 ′ which is the outer covering of the ultrasonic probe 200 . Although the ultrasonic probe 200 is exemplified as a portable device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device with a cable, it may be a non-portable device.
图7A是图6A的E-E剖面图，是超声波探头200的长轴剖面图。像图7A所示的那样，框体201收存电子部件单元92和与电子部件单元92连接的同轴缆线10′。同轴缆线10′设置在探头缆线110′的内部。柔性缆线94′把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。像上述那样，框体201的大部分被超声波探头200的外壁30′所包覆。外壁30′从振子阵列120的前面部分延伸设置到探头缆线110′，以覆盖电子部件单元92的全部和振子阵列120的前面部分。内侧的覆盖物即内壁40′配置在外壁30′的内侧，设置在外壁30′与电子部件单元92之间。内壁40′也与外壁30′同样地，从振子阵列120的前面部分延伸设置到探头缆线110′，以覆盖振子阵列120的前面部分。FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view along line E-E of FIG. 6A , and is a long-axis cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 200 . As shown in FIG. 7A , the housing 201 accommodates the electronic component unit 92 and the coaxial cable 10 ′ connected to the electronic component unit 92 . The coaxial cable 10' is disposed inside the probe cable 110'. A flexible cable 94 ′ connects the electronics unit 92 to the transducer array 120 . As described above, most of the housing 201 is covered by the outer wall 30 ′ of the ultrasonic probe 200 . The outer wall 30 ′ extends from the front portion of the vibrator array 120 to the probe cable 110 ′ to cover the entire electronic component unit 92 and the front portion of the vibrator array 120 . The inner wall 40 ′, which is an inner cover, is arranged on the inner side of the outer wall 30 ′, and is provided between the outer wall 30 ′ and the electronic component unit 92 . Like the outer wall 30 ′, the inner wall 40 ′ extends from the front portion of the transducer array 120 to the probe cable 110 ′ so as to cover the front portion of the transducer array 120 .
内壁40′和外壁30′共同地形成空洞即介质流动空间50′。即，由内壁40′和外壁30′围成的空间构成介质流动空间50′。在介质流动空间50′中填充用来传导从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的热传导流体。为了热传导，任意地使用热传导流体的相变。通常，从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热经由内壁40′传向外壁30′。内壁40′由具有至少比外壁30′高的热传导特性的物质形成，以便使热容易向热传导流体传导而不向外壁30′的外侧表面传导。例如，内壁40′由塑料、铝、碳/铝、铜、石墨、或其它公知的热传导物质形成，也可以用它们的任意组合形成。介质流动空间50′沿超声波探头200的长轴延伸，收存有上述热传导流体。因此，来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的大部分在到达外壁30′之前被热传导流体吸收。例如，热传导流体从吸入口70′经由吸入侧空间50A’向排出侧空间60A′移动，向排出口80′单方向地移动。另外，上述热传导流体的流动方向也可以是不同的方向。The inner wall 40 ′ and the outer wall 30 ′ together form a cavity, ie a medium flow space 50 ′. That is, the space enclosed by the inner wall 40' and the outer wall 30' constitutes a medium flow space 50'. The medium flow space 50 ′ is filled with a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 . For heat transfer, a phase change of the heat transfer fluid is optionally used. Normally, the heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is transferred to the outer wall 30' via the inner wall 40'. The inner wall 40' is formed of a substance having at least higher heat transfer characteristics than the outer wall 30' so that heat is easily conducted to the heat transfer fluid and not to the outer surface of the outer wall 30'. For example, inner wall 40' is formed of plastic, aluminum, carbon/aluminum, copper, graphite, or other known thermally conductive substances, or any combination thereof. The medium flow space 50 ′ extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 200 and stores the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid. Therefore, most of the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is absorbed by the heat transfer fluid before reaching the outer wall 30'. For example, the heat transfer fluid moves from the suction port 70' to the discharge side space 60A' via the suction side space 50A', and moves unidirectionally to the discharge port 80'. In addition, the flow direction of the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid may be a different direction.
图6B是根据实施方式2的超声波探头200的俯视图。图6B是围绕长轴把图6A旋转90度得到的图。另外，“上面”和“侧面”是表示相对位置关系的用语，并不意味着是使用时的超声波探头200的方向。探头缆线110′具有同轴缆线10′、吸入口70A′和排出口80A′。在探头缆线110′的外侧覆盖物与同轴缆线10′之间设置有至少一对管状的吸入口70A′和排出口80A′这二者。框体201收存电子部件单元。FIG. 6B is a plan view of the ultrasonic probe 200 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 6B is a diagram obtained by rotating Fig. 6A by 90 degrees about the major axis. In addition, "top" and "side" are terms indicating relative positional relationship, and do not mean the direction of the ultrasonic probe 200 during use. The probe cable 110' has a coaxial cable 10', a suction port 70A', and a discharge port 80A'. Between the outer cover of the probe cable 110' and the coaxial cable 10', at least one pair of both a tubular suction port 70A' and a discharge port 80A' are provided. The housing 201 accommodates electronic component units.
图7B是图6B的F-F剖面图，是超声波探头200的长轴剖面图。像图7B所示的那样，框体201收存电子部件单元92和同轴缆线10′。同轴缆线10′与电子部件单元92连接。柔性缆线94′把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。另外，图7B未示出用分割壁90A′和90B′把内壁40′和外壁30′分割开来。但是，像在图7A中已经示出的那样，框体201的大部分被外壁30′所包覆，外壁30′从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110′的侧面部分。像上述那样，内壁40′配置在外壁30′的内侧，且设置在电子部件单元92与外壁30′之间。内壁40′也从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110′的侧面部分。分割壁90A′和90B′在沿长轴的F-F剖面中在外壁30′与内壁40′之间形成。FIG. 7B is a sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 6B , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 200 . As shown in FIG. 7B , the housing 201 accommodates the electronic component unit 92 and the coaxial cable 10 ′. The coaxial cable 10 ′ is connected to the electronic component unit 92 . A flexible cable 94 ′ connects the electronics unit 92 to the transducer array 120 . In addition, Fig. 7B does not show that the inner wall 40' and the outer wall 30' are divided by the dividing walls 90A' and 90B'. However, as already shown in FIG. 7A, the frame body 201 is largely enclosed by the outer wall 30' extending from a point near the transducer array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110'. As mentioned above, the inner wall 40' is arrange|positioned inside the outer wall 30', and is provided between the electronic component unit 92 and the outer wall 30'. The inner wall 40' also extends from a point near the transducer array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110'. Partition walls 90A' and 90B' are formed between the outer wall 30' and the inner wall 40' in the F-F section along the major axis.
分割壁90A′和90B′分别与内壁40′和外壁30′连接。分割壁90A′和90B′分别把介质流动空间50′分成至少两部分。在介质流动空间50′中收存用来传递从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的热传导流体。分割壁90A′和90B′沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110′。关于该结构，在图9A和图9B中进一步说明。由于介质流动空间50′沿超声波探头200的长轴延伸设置，所以分割后的各个介质流动空间50′也沿长轴延伸设置。The partition walls 90A' and 90B' are connected to the inner wall 40' and the outer wall 30', respectively. The partition walls 90A' and 90B' respectively divide the medium flow space 50' into at least two parts. A heat transfer fluid for transferring heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is accommodated in the medium flow space 50 ′. Partition walls 90A' and 90B' extend along the long axis from a point near vibrator array 120 to probe cable 110'. This structure is further described in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Since the medium flow space 50' extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 200, each divided medium flow space 50' also extends along the long axis.
图8是图6A的L-L剖面图，是超声波探头200的横剖面图。外壁30′和内壁40′这二者包围作为热的产生源的振子阵列120。分割壁90A′和90B′分别设在外壁30′和内壁40′之间，与外壁30′和内壁40′这二者连接。这样，分割壁90A′和90B′把介质流动空间50′分割成吸入侧空间50A’和排出侧空间60A′。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line L-L in FIG. 6A , and is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 200 . Both the outer wall 30' and the inner wall 40' surround the vibrator array 120 as a heat generation source. The partition walls 90A' and 90B' are respectively provided between the outer wall 30' and the inner wall 40', and are connected to both the outer wall 30' and the inner wall 40'. Thus, the partition walls 90A' and 90B' partition the medium flow space 50' into a suction side space 50A' and a discharge side space 60A'.
图9A是图7A的部分区域J的放大剖面图，是示出介质流动空间50′的细节的图。像部分区域J所示的那样，内壁40′和外壁30′共同地形成介质流动空间50′，延伸设置成从同轴缆线10′的侧面越过电子部件单元92，覆盖振子阵列120的前面部分。在此，把介质流动空间50′中的振子阵列120的前面部分的空间称为共用连通空间96C。换言之，振子阵列120设置在共用连通空间96C的后方。振子阵列120的后面经由柔性缆线94′连接到电子部件单元92。FIG. 9A is an enlarged sectional view of a partial region J of FIG. 7A , showing details of a medium flow space 50 ′. As shown in the partial area J, the inner wall 40' and the outer wall 30' jointly form a medium flow space 50', which is extended to cross the electronic component unit 92 from the side of the coaxial cable 10' and cover the front part of the vibrator array 120. . Here, the space in the front part of the transducer array 120 in the medium flow space 50' is referred to as a common communication space 96C. In other words, the vibrator array 120 is disposed behind the common communication space 96C. The rear of the vibrator array 120 is connected to the electronic component unit 92 via a flexible cable 94'.
图9B是图7B的部分区域K的放大剖面图，是示出分割壁90A′和90B′的细节的图。图9B与图9A正交。因此，在图9B中，分割壁90A′和90B′把介质流动空间50′分割。同样地，柔性缆线94′在图9B中用长方形示出，在图9A中用线示出，由此可知，具有条带状结构。像上述那样，振子阵列120的前面被共用连通空间96C覆盖，振子阵列120的后面经由柔性缆线94′连接到电子部件单元92。FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial region K in FIG. 7B , showing details of partition walls 90A' and 90B'. Figure 9B is orthogonal to Figure 9A. Therefore, in FIG. 9B, the partition walls 90A' and 90B' partition the medium flow space 50'. Similarly, the flexible cable 94' is shown as a rectangle in FIG. 9B and as a line in FIG. 9A, so it can be seen that it has a strip-like structure. As described above, the front of the transducer array 120 is covered by the common communication space 96C, and the rear of the transducer array 120 is connected to the electronic component unit 92 via the flexible cable 94 ′.
像图9A和图9B所示的那样，分割壁90A′和90B′从介质流动空间50′内的同轴缆线10′的侧面附近延伸设置到振子阵列120的侧面附近。即，分割壁90A′和90B′不会延伸设置到介质流动空间50′内的振子阵列120的前面部分一侧。利用该结构，在振子阵列120的前面部分一侧的介质流动空间50′中，形成不存在分割壁90A′和90B′的共用连通空间96C。共用连通空间96C用作用来使热传导流体在吸入侧空间50A′和排出侧空间60A′之间流通的连络流路。吸入侧空间50A’和排出侧空间60A′共同地形成可循环热传导流体的连络流路，以由上述的热传导流体吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。该连络流路中的流动无须是单方向。而且，共用连通空间96C的数目、尺寸和配置可以根据需要适当变更。连络流路可以对外部开放，也可以对外部密闭。As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B , the partition walls 90A' and 90B' extend from near the side of the coaxial cable 10 ′ in the medium flow space 50 ′ to near the side of the vibrator array 120 . That is, the partition walls 90A' and 90B' do not extend to the front part side of the vibrator array 120 provided in the medium flow space 50'. With this structure, in the medium flow space 50' on the front portion side of the vibrator array 120, the common communication space 96C in which the partition walls 90A' and 90B' are not present is formed. The common communication space 96C serves as a communication flow path for communicating the heat transfer fluid between the suction side space 50A' and the discharge side space 60A'. The suction-side space 50A' and the discharge-side space 60A' jointly form a communication flow path through which a heat transfer fluid can circulate, so that heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 can be absorbed by the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid. The flow in the connecting flow path need not be unidirectional. Moreover, the number, size and arrangement of the shared communication spaces 96C can be appropriately changed as needed. The connecting channel may be open to the outside or may be closed to the outside.
吸入口70A′和排出口80A′经由热传导流体的流路与循环装置(未图示)连接。循环装置促进连络流路中的热传导流体的循环，提高来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的冷却效率。The suction port 70A' and the discharge port 80A' are connected to a circulation device (not shown) via a heat transfer fluid flow path. The circulation device promotes the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the communication flow path, and improves the cooling efficiency of heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 .
下面参照图10说明开口96A和96B的细节。图10是图6A或图9A的H-H剖面图，是超声波探头200的横剖面图。在图10中，共用连通空间96C将在图10中具有圆环形状的空间和振子阵列120连接。换言之，连络流路至少包含吸入侧空间50A’、共用连通空间96C和排出侧空间60A′。吸入侧空间50A’、共用连通空间96C和排出侧空间60A′相互连接，可循环地收存热传导流体，以吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。连络流路中的热传导流体的流动不限于是单方向，也可以是任意方向。Details of the openings 96A and 96B are described below with reference to FIG. 10 . FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H in FIG. 6A or FIG. 9A , and is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 200 . In FIG. 10 , the common communication space 96C connects the space having a circular ring shape in FIG. 10 and the vibrator array 120 . In other words, the communication flow path includes at least the suction-side space 50A', the common communication space 96C, and the discharge-side space 60A'. The suction-side space 50A', the common communication space 96C, and the discharge-side space 60A' are connected to each other, and can cyclically store heat transfer fluid to absorb heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 . The flow of the heat transfer fluid in the communication channel is not limited to one direction, but may be in any direction.
像上述说明的那样，超声波探头200具有热产生源92和120、外壁30′以及内壁40′。外壁30′设置在热产生源92和120的周围。内壁40′设置在外壁30′与热产生源92和120之间。更详细地说，外壁30′以及内壁40′设置成覆盖振子阵列120的前面部分。在由外壁30′和内壁40′围成的流动空间中，收存用来传导从热产生源92和120产生的热的热传导流体。这样，由于热传导流体分布在热产生源92和120的周围，所以可以高效地吸收从热产生源92和120产生的热。另外，由于流动空间(共用连通空间96C)通到温度上升快的振子阵列120的前面部分一侧，所以超声波探头200可以高效地吸收从振子阵列120产生的热。另外，像上述那样，由于在振子阵列120的前面部分一侧不存在分割壁90A′和90B′，所以可以维持从振子阵列120发送的超声波脉冲、振子阵列120所接收的超声波回波的良好传播。As described above, the ultrasonic probe 200 has the heat generating sources 92 and 120, the outer wall 30', and the inner wall 40'. The outer wall 30' is disposed around the heat generating sources 92 and 120. As shown in FIG. The inner wall 40 ′ is disposed between the outer wall 30 ′ and the heat generating sources 92 and 120 . In more detail, the outer wall 30 ′ and the inner wall 40 ′ are arranged to cover the front part of the vibrator array 120 . In the flow space enclosed by the outer wall 30' and the inner wall 40', a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat generated from the heat generating sources 92 and 120 is accommodated. In this way, since the heat transfer fluid is distributed around the heat generating sources 92 and 120, heat generated from the heat generating sources 92 and 120 can be efficiently absorbed. In addition, since the flow space (common communication space 96C) leads to the front portion side of transducer array 120 where temperature rises rapidly, ultrasonic probe 200 can efficiently absorb heat generated from transducer array 120 . In addition, as described above, since the partition walls 90A' and 90B' do not exist on the front side of the transducer array 120, good propagation of the ultrasonic pulse transmitted from the transducer array 120 and the ultrasonic echo received by the transducer array 120 can be maintained. .
(实施方式3)(Embodiment 3)
其次，在根据实施方式1的超声波探头中，振子阵列设置在框体的内侧。在根据实施方式3的超声波探头中，振子阵列设置在框体的外侧。下面说明根据实施方式3的超声波探头。另外，在以下的说明中，对于具有与实施方式1大致相同功能的构成要素，赋予相同的附图标记，仅在必要时进行重复说明。Next, in the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 1, the transducer array is provided inside the housing. In the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 3, the transducer array is provided outside the housing. An ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 3 will be described below. In addition, in the following description, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component which has substantially the same function as Embodiment 1, and description is repeated only when necessary.
图11A是根据实施方式3的超声波探头300的侧视图。超声波探头300具有框体301。在框体301的一端安装探头缆线110″，在另一端配置由多个振子构成的振子阵列120。探头缆线110″与超声波诊断装置的处理部连接，以便经由同轴缆线10″在超声波诊断装置的处理部与超声波探头300之间收发电气信号。框体301向操作者提供用来手持超声波探头300的手持部。参照其它剖面图可知，框体301的大部分被超声波探头300外侧的覆盖物即外壁30″所包覆。虽然超声波探头300是作为与超声波诊断装置缆线连接的便携型装置而例示的，但也可以是非便携型装置。FIG. 11A is a side view of an ultrasound probe 300 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. The ultrasonic probe 300 has a housing 301 . A probe cable 110″ is installed at one end of the frame body 301, and a vibrator array 120 composed of a plurality of vibrators is disposed at the other end. The probe cable 110″ is connected to the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus so that the probe cable 110″ is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus via the coaxial cable 10″ Electrical signals are sent and received between the processing part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic probe 300. The frame body 301 provides a hand-held part for the operator to hold the ultrasonic probe 300. Referring to other sectional drawings, it can be seen that most of the frame body 301 is covered by the ultrasonic probe 300 outside. The covering is covered by the outer wall 30″. Although the ultrasonic probe 300 is exemplified as a portable device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device with a cable, it may be a non-portable device.
图12A是图11A的B-B剖面图，是超声波探头300的长轴剖面图。像图12A所示的那样，框体301收存电子部件单元92和与电子部件单元92连接的同轴缆线10″。同轴缆线10″设置在探头缆线110″的内部。柔性缆线94″把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。像上述那样，框体301的大部分被超声波探头300的外壁30″所包覆。外壁30″从振子阵列120的后面部分延伸设置到探头缆线110″的侧面部分，以覆盖电子部件单元92的全部。即，振子阵列120安装在外壁的外侧表面上，露出到外部。内侧的覆盖物即内壁40″配置在外壁30″的内侧，设置在外壁30″与电子部件单元92之间。内壁40″沿长轴从振子阵列120的后面部分一侧延伸设置到探头缆线110″的侧面部分。FIG. 12A is a B-B sectional view of FIG. 11A , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 300 . As shown in FIG. 12A, the frame body 301 accommodates the electronic component unit 92 and the coaxial cable 10″ connected to the electronic component unit 92. The coaxial cable 10″ is arranged inside the probe cable 110″. The flexible cable Wire 94 ″ connects electronic component unit 92 to transducer array 120 . As mentioned above, most of the frame body 301 is covered by the outer wall 30 ″ of the ultrasonic probe 300. The outer wall 30 ″ extends from the rear part of the vibrator array 120 to the side part of the probe cable 110 ″ to cover the electronic component unit 92 That is, the vibrator array 120 is installed on the outer surface of the outer wall and exposed to the outside. The inner cover, that is, the inner wall 40 "is arranged on the inner side of the outer wall 30 ", and is arranged between the outer wall 30 " and the electronic component unit 92. The inner wall 40" extends along the long axis from one side of the rear part of the vibrator array 120 to the side part of the probe cable 110".
内壁40″和外壁30″共同地形成空洞即介质流动空间50″。利用上述结构，介质流动空间50″设置在振子阵列120的后面部分一侧。在介质流动空间50″中填充有用来传导从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的热传导流体。为了热传导，任意地使用热传导流体的相变。通常，热经由内壁40″传向外壁30″。内壁40″由具有至少比外壁30″高的热传导特性的物质形成，以便使热容易向规定的热传导流体传导而不向外壁30″的外侧表面传导。例如，内壁40″由塑料、铝、碳/铝、铜、石墨、或其它公知的热传导物质形成，也可以用它们的任意组合形成。介质流动空间50″沿超声波探头300的长轴延伸设置，收存上述热传导流体。因此，来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的大部分，在到达外壁30″之前被热传导流体吸收。例如，热传导流体从吸入口70″经由吸入侧空间50A″向排出侧空间60A″移动，向排出口80″单方向地移动。另外，上述热传导流体的流动方向也可以是不同的方向。The inner wall 40 ″ and the outer wall 30 ″ collectively form a hollow medium flow space 50 ″. With the above structure, the medium flow space 50 ″ is provided on the side of the rear portion of the vibrator array 120 . The medium flow space 50″ is filled with a heat-transfer fluid for conducting heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120. For heat conduction, a phase change of the heat-conduction fluid is used arbitrarily. Usually, heat is transferred to the outer wall 30 via the inner wall 40″ ". The inner wall 40" is formed of a substance having at least higher heat transfer characteristics than the outer wall 30" so that heat is easily transferred to a prescribed heat transfer fluid and not to the outer surface of the outer wall 30". For example, the inner wall 40″ is formed by plastic, aluminum, carbon/aluminum, copper, graphite, or other known heat-conducting substances, and can also be formed by any combination thereof. The medium flow space 50″ extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 300, Store the above heat transfer fluid. Therefore, most of the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is absorbed by the heat transfer fluid before reaching the outer wall 30″. For example, the heat transfer fluid moves from the suction port 70″ to the discharge side space 60A″ via the suction side space 50A″ , to move in one direction toward the discharge port 80″. In addition, the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid may be a different direction.
图11B是根据实施方式3的超声波探头300的俯视图。图11B是围绕长轴把图11A旋转90度得到的图。另外，“上面”和“侧面”是表示相对位置关系的用语，并不意味着是使用时的超声波探头300的方向。沿长轴在框体301的一端安装有探头缆线110″，在另一端安装有振子阵列120。探头缆线110″进一步具有同轴缆线10″、吸入口70A″和排出口80A″。在探头缆线110″的外侧覆盖物与同轴缆线10″之间设置有至少一对管状的吸入口70A″和排出口80A″这二者。框体301收存电子部件单元。FIG. 11B is a plan view of an ultrasonic probe 300 according to Embodiment 3. FIG. Fig. 11B is a diagram obtained by rotating Fig. 11A by 90 degrees around the major axis. In addition, "top" and "side" are terms indicating relative positional relationship, and do not mean the direction of the ultrasonic probe 300 during use. A probe cable 110" is installed at one end of the frame 301 along the long axis, and a vibrator array 120 is installed at the other end. The probe cable 110" further has a coaxial cable 10", a suction port 70A", and a discharge port 80A". Between the outer cover of the probe cable 110 ″ and the coaxial cable 10 ″, at least one pair of tubular suction port 70A″ and discharge port 80A″ are provided. The housing 301 accommodates the electronic component unit.
图12B是图11B的A-A剖面图，是超声波探头300的长轴剖面图。像图12B所示的那样，框体301收存电子部件单元92和同轴缆线10″。同轴缆线10″与电子部件单元92连接。柔性缆线94″把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。另外，图12B未示出用分割壁90A″和90B″把内壁40″和外壁30″分割开来。但是，像在图12A中已经示出的那样，框体301的大部分被外壁30″所包覆，外壁30″从振子阵列120的后面部分延伸设置到探头缆线110″的侧面部分。像上述那样，内壁40″配置在外壁30″的内侧，设置在电子部件单元92与外壁30″之间。内壁40″也从振子阵列120的后面部分延伸设置到探头缆线110″的侧面部分。分割壁90A″和90B″在沿长轴的A-A剖面中在外壁30″与内壁40″之间形成。FIG. 12B is an A-A sectional view of FIG. 11B , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 300 . As shown in FIG. 12B , the housing 301 accommodates the electronic component unit 92 and the coaxial cable 10 ″. The coaxial cable 10 ″ is connected to the electronic component unit 92 . The flexible cable 94" connects the electronic component unit 92 to the vibrator array 120. In addition, Fig. 12B does not show that the inner wall 40" and the outer wall 30" are separated by the partition walls 90A" and 90B". However, as in Fig. 12A As shown, most of the frame body 301 is covered by the outer wall 30 ″, and the outer wall 30 ″ extends from the rear part of the vibrator array 120 to the side part of the probe cable 110 ″. As mentioned above, the inner wall 40″ is disposed inside the outer wall 30″, and is disposed between the electronic component unit 92 and the outer wall 30″. The inner wall 40″ also extends from the rear part of the vibrator array 120 to the side part of the probe cable 110″ The partition walls 90A" and 90B" are formed between the outer wall 30" and the inner wall 40" in the A-A section along the major axis.
分割壁90A″和90B″分别与内壁40″和外壁30″连接。分割壁90A″和90B″分别把介质流动空间50″分成至少两部分。在介质流动空间50″中收存用来传递从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的上述由气体、液体等的物质构成的热传导流体。分割壁90A″和90B″沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110″的侧面部分。关于该结构，在图14A和图14B中进一步说明。由于介质流动空间50″沿超声波探头300的长轴延伸设置，所以分割后的各个介质流动空间50″也沿长轴延伸设置。The partition walls 90A" and 90B" are connected to the inner wall 40" and the outer wall 30", respectively. The partition walls 90A" and 90B" respectively divide the medium flow space 50" into at least two parts. The above-mentioned gas, liquid, etc. for transferring heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 are stored in the medium flow space 50". A heat transfer fluid composed of substances. The partition walls 90A" and 90B" are extended from the vibrator array 120 to the side part of the probe cable 110" along the long axis. This structure is further explained in Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B. Since the medium flow space 50" is along The long axis of the ultrasonic probe 300 is extended, so the divided medium flow spaces 50 ″ are also extended along the long axis.
图13是图11A的K-K剖面图，是超声波探头300的横剖面图。分割壁90A″和90B″分别设在外壁30″和内壁40″之间，分割壁90A″和90B″分别与外壁30″和内壁40″这二者连接。这样，分割壁90A″和90B″把介质流动空间50″分割成吸入侧空间50″A和排出侧空间60A″。FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K in FIG. 11A , and is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 300 . Partition walls 90A" and 90B" are respectively provided between the outer wall 30" and the inner wall 40", and the partition walls 90A" and 90B" are connected to both the outer wall 30" and the inner wall 40", respectively. Thus, the partition walls 90A" and 90B" partition the medium flow space 50" into the suction side space 50"A and the discharge side space 60A".
图14A是图12A的部分区域J的放大剖面图，是示出介质流动空间50″的细节的图。像部分区域J所示的那样，内壁40″和外壁30″共同地形成介质流动空间50″，设置成从同轴缆线10″的侧面部分延伸设置到振子阵列120的后面部分，以覆盖电子部件单元92的全部。在此，把介质流动空间50′中的振子阵列120的后面部分一侧的空间称为共用连通空间96D。换言之，振子阵列120设置在共用连通空间96D的前方。振子阵列120的后面经由柔性缆线94″连接到电子部件单元92。FIG. 14A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial region J of FIG. 12A, and is a diagram showing details of a medium flow space 50″. As shown in a partial region J, the inner wall 40″ and the outer wall 30″ jointly form a medium flow space 50 ", set to extend from the side part of the coaxial cable 10" to the rear part of the vibrator array 120, so as to cover the whole of the electronic component unit 92. Here, the rear part of the vibrator array 120 in the medium flow space 50' The space on one side is called the common communication space 96D. In other words, the transducer array 120 is arranged in front of the common communication space 96D. The rear of the transducer array 120 is connected to the electronic component unit 92 via the flexible cable 94″.
图14B是图12B的部分区域M的放大剖面图，是示出分割壁90A″和90B″的细节的图。图14B与图14A正交。因此，在图14B中，分割壁90A″和90B″分别把介质流动空间50″分割。同样地，柔性缆线94″在图14B中用长方形示出，在图14A中用线示出，由此可知，具有条带状结构。FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial region M of FIG. 12B , and is a view showing details of partition walls 90A" and 90B". Figure 14B is orthogonal to Figure 14A. Therefore, in Fig. 14B, the partition walls 90A" and 90B" divide the medium flow space 50" respectively. Similarly, the flexible cable 94" is shown as a rectangle in FIG. 14B and as a line in FIG. 14A. This shows that it has a strip-like structure.
像图14A和图14B所示的那样，分割壁90A″和90B″从介质流动空间50″内的同轴缆线10′的侧面附近延伸设置到振子阵列120的柔性缆线94″的侧面附近。利用该结构，在分割壁90A″与柔性缆线94″之间、分割壁90B″与柔性缆线94″之间形成共用连通空间96D。共用连通空间96D用作用来使热传导流体在吸入侧空间50A″和排出侧空间60A″之间流通的连络流路。被连通的吸入侧空间50A″和排出侧空间60A″共同地形成可循环热传导流体的连络流路，以由上述的热传导流体吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。该连络流路中的流动无须是单方向。而且，共用连通空间96D的数目、尺寸和配置可以根据需要适当变更。连络流路可以对外部开放，也可以对外部密闭。As shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B , partition walls 90A″ and 90B″ extend from the vicinity of the side of the coaxial cable 10 ′ in the medium flow space 50 ″ to the vicinity of the side of the flexible cable 94 ″ of the vibrator array 120 . With this structure, a common communication space 96D is formed between the partition wall 90A" and the flexible cable 94", and between the partition wall 90B" and the flexible cable 94". The common communication space 96D serves as a communication flow path for communicating the heat transfer fluid between the suction side space 50A" and the discharge side space 60A". The connected suction-side space 50A″ and discharge-side space 60A″ together form a communication flow path through which a heat transfer fluid can circulate, so that heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 can be absorbed by the heat transfer fluid. The flow in the connecting flow path need not be unidirectional. Moreover, the number, size and configuration of the shared communication spaces 96D can be appropriately changed as required. The connecting channel may be open to the outside or may be closed to the outside.
吸入口70A″和排出口80A″经由热传导流体的流路与循环装置(未图示)连接。循环装置促进连络流路中的热传导流体的循环，提高来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的冷却效率。The suction port 70A'' and the discharge port 80A'' are connected to a circulation device (not shown) via a heat transfer fluid flow path. The circulation device promotes the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the communication flow path, and improves the cooling efficiency of heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 .
下面参照图15说明共用连通空间96D的细节。图15是图11A或图14A的D-D剖面图，是超声波探头300的横剖面图。在图15中，共用连通空间96D设置在振子阵列120的附近，具有圆环形状。换言之，连络流路至少包含吸入侧空间50″A、共用连通空间96D和排出侧空间60A″。吸入侧空间50″A、共用连通空间96D和排出侧空间60A″相互连接，可循环地收存热传导流体以吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。连络流路中的热传导流体的流动不限于是单方向，也可以是任意方向。Details of the common communication space 96D will be described below with reference to FIG. 15 . FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 11A or FIG. 14A , and is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 300 . In FIG. 15 , the common communication space 96D is provided near the vibrator array 120 and has a ring shape. In other words, the communication flow path includes at least the suction-side space 50″A, the common communication space 96D, and the discharge-side space 60A″. The suction-side space 50 ″A, the common communication space 96D and the discharge-side space 60A″ are connected to each other, and can cyclically store heat transfer fluid to absorb heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 . The flow of the heat transfer fluid in the communication channel is not limited to one direction, but may be in any direction.
像上述说明的那样，超声波探头300具有热产生源92和120、外壁30″以及内壁40″。外壁30″设置在作为热产生源的电子部件单元92的周围。内壁40″设置在外壁30″与电子部件单元92之间。更详细地说，外壁30″设置成覆盖电子部件单元92的全部且振子阵列120露出到外部。换言之，外壁30″的表面与振子阵列120的后面接触。在由外壁30″和内壁40″围成的流动空间中，收存用来传导从热产生源92和120产生的热的热传导流体。这样，由于热传导流体分布在热产生源92和120的周围，所以可以高效地吸收从热产生源92和120产生的热。另外，由于流动空间(共用连通空间96D)通到温度上升快的振子阵列120的后面部分一侧，所以超声波探头300可以高效地吸收从振子阵列120产生的热。另外，由于在振子阵列120的前面部分一侧不存在外壁30″和内壁40″，所以可以维持从振子阵列120发送的超声波脉冲、振子阵列120所接收的超声波回波的良好传播。As described above, the ultrasonic probe 300 has the heat generating sources 92 and 120, the outer wall 30", and the inner wall 40". The outer wall 30 ″ is provided around the electronic part unit 92 as a heat generation source. The inner wall 40 ″ is provided between the outer wall 30 ″ and the electronic part unit 92. In more detail, the outer wall 30 ″ is provided so as to cover the entirety of the electronic part unit 92 And the vibrator array 120 is exposed to the outside. In other words, the surface of the outer wall 30″ is in contact with the rear of the vibrator array 120. In the flow space enclosed by the outer wall 30″ and the inner wall 40″, a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat generated from the heat generation sources 92 and 120 is housed. In this way, since the heat transfer fluid is distributed around the heat generation sources 92 and 120, the heat generated from the heat generation sources 92 and 120 can be efficiently absorbed. In addition, since the flow space (common communication space 96D) is connected to the vibrator whose temperature rises rapidly side of the back part of the array 120, so the ultrasonic probe 300 can efficiently absorb the heat generated from the vibrator array 120. In addition, since there are no outer walls 30" and inner walls 40" on the side of the front part of the vibrator array 120, it is possible to maintain the heat generated from the vibrator array 120. Good propagation of ultrasonic pulses sent by the vibrator array 120 and ultrasonic echoes received by the vibrator array 120 .
(实施方式4)(Embodiment 4)
其次，在根据实施方式1的超声波探头中，设为在框体的内侧设置一层介质流动空间。在根据实施方式4的超声波探头中，在框体的内侧设置有多层介质流动空间。下面说明根据实施方式4的超声波探头。另外，在以下的说明中，对于具有与实施方式1大致相同功能的构成要素，赋予相同的附图标记，仅在必要时进行重复说明。Next, in the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 1, it is assumed that one layer of medium flow space is provided inside the housing. In the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 4, a multi-layer medium flow space is provided inside the housing. An ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 4 will be described below. In addition, in the following description, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component which has substantially the same function as Embodiment 1, and description is repeated only when necessary.
图16是根据实施方式4的超声波探头400的侧视图。超声波探头400具有框体401。在框体401的一端安装有探头缆线110″′，在另一端配置有振子阵列120。探头缆线110″′与超声波诊断装置的处理部连接，以便经由同轴缆线10″′在超声波诊断装置的处理部与超声波探头400之间收发电气信号。框体401向操作者提供用来手持超声波探头400的手持部。参照其它剖面图可知，框体401的大部分被超声波探头400外侧的覆盖物即外壁30″′所包覆。虽然超声波探头400是作为与超声波诊断装置缆线连接的便携型装置而例示的，但也可以是非便携型装置。FIG. 16 is a side view of an ultrasound probe 400 according to Embodiment 4. FIG. The ultrasonic probe 400 has a housing 401 . A probe cable 110"' is installed at one end of the frame body 401, and a vibrator array 120 is arranged at the other end. The probe cable 110"' is connected to the processing part of the ultrasonic diagnostic device so that the ultrasound can be performed via the coaxial cable 10"'. Electrical signals are sent and received between the processing part of the diagnostic device and the ultrasonic probe 400. The frame body 401 provides the hand-held part for the operator to hold the ultrasonic probe 400. Referring to other cross-sectional views, it can be seen that most of the frame body 401 is covered by the outer side of the ultrasonic probe 400. The covering is covered by the outer wall 30'''. Although the ultrasonic probe 400 is exemplified as a portable device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device with a cable, it may be a non-portable device.
图17是图16所示的超声波探头400的探头缆线110″′的放大立体图。像图17所示的那样，在超声波探头400的后面部分安装有吸入口70A-1″′、排出口80A-1″′、吸入口70A-2″′和排出口80A-2″′。吸入口70A-1″′与排出口80A-1″′连通，吸入口70A-2″′与排出口80A-2″′连通。吸入口70A-1″′、排出口80A-1″′、吸入口70A-2″′和排出口80A-2″′围着同轴缆线10″′设置。吸入口70A-1″′和排出口80A-1″′设置在比吸入口70A-2″′和排出口80A-2″′离同轴缆线10″′更远的位置上。其理由在后面描述。17 is an enlarged perspective view of the probe cable 110 "' of the ultrasonic probe 400 shown in FIG. -1"', suction port 70A-2"' and discharge port 80A-2"'. 2"' communicates. The suction port 70A-1"', the discharge port 80A-1"', the suction port 70A-2"' and the discharge port 80A-2"' are arranged around the coaxial cable 10"'. The suction port 70A-1"' and the discharge port 80A-1"' are located farther from the coaxial cable 10"' than the suction port 70A-2"' and the discharge port 80A-2"'. The reason for this is Described later.
图18是示出超声波探头400的前面部分的图。像图18所示的那样，超声波探头400的前面部分具有四个同心圆区域。四个同心圆区域具有：设置在最内侧的具有圆形形状的声音透镜130、包围声音透镜130的环形状区域401A、第一倾斜区域401B以及第二倾斜区域401C。环形状区域401A、第一倾斜区域401B以及第二倾斜区域401C构成框体401的一部分，形成外壁30″′的一部分。FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the front portion of the ultrasonic probe 400 . As shown in FIG. 18, the front portion of the ultrasonic probe 400 has four concentric circle regions. The four concentric circular areas have: the acoustic lens 130 having a circular shape disposed on the innermost side, a ring-shaped area 401A surrounding the acoustic lens 130 , a first inclined area 401B, and a second inclined area 401C. The ring-shaped area 401A, the first inclined area 401B, and the second inclined area 401C constitute a part of the frame body 401 and form a part of the outer wall 30'''.
图19是图18的N-N剖面图，是超声波探头400的长轴剖面图。像图19所示的那样，框体401收存电子部件单元92和与电子部件单元92连接的同轴缆线10″′。同轴缆线10″′设置在探头缆线110″′的内部。柔性缆线94″′把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。像上述那样，框体401的大部分被超声波探头400的外壁30″′所包覆。外壁30″′从振子阵列120的前面侧的侧面部分延伸设置到覆盖电子部件单元92的全部的探头缆线110″′的侧面部分。内侧的第一覆盖物即第一内壁40-1″′配置在外壁30″′的内侧，设置在外壁30″′与电子部件单元92之间。第一内壁40-1″′从振子阵列120的前面侧的侧面部分延伸设置到覆盖电子部件单元92的全部的探头缆线110″′的侧面部分。第二内壁40-2″′配置在外壁30″′的内侧，设置在电子部件单元92与第一内壁40-1″′之间。第二内壁40-2″′从振子阵列120的后面侧的侧面部分延伸设置到覆盖电子部件单元92的全部的探头缆线110″′的侧面部分。FIG. 19 is an N-N sectional view of FIG. 18 , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 400 . As shown in Figure 19, the frame body 401 stores the electronic component unit 92 and the coaxial cable 10"' connected to the electronic component unit 92. The coaxial cable 10"' is arranged inside the probe cable 110"' A flexible cable 94″′ connects the electronics unit 92 to the transducer array 120. As described above, most of the housing 401 is covered by the outer wall 30"' of the ultrasonic probe 400. The outer wall 30"' extends from the side surface on the front side of the transducer array 120 to cover the entire probe cable of the electronic component unit 92. The side part of the line 110"'. The inner first cover, that is, the first inner wall 40-1"' is arranged on the inner side of the outer wall 30"', and is disposed between the outer wall 30"' and the electronic component unit 92. The first inner wall 40 - 1 ″ is extended from the side surface on the front side of the vibrator array 120 to the side surface of the probe cable 110 ″ that covers the entire electronic component unit 92 . The second inner wall 40-2"' is arranged on the inner side of the outer wall 30"', and is arranged between the electronic component unit 92 and the first inner wall 40-1"'. The side portion of the probe cable 110 ″′ that extends to cover the entirety of the electronics unit 92.
第一内壁40-1″′和外壁30″′共同地形成第一空洞即第一介质流动空间50-1″′。即，由第一内壁40-1″′和外壁30″′围成的空间构成第一介质流动空间50-1″′。第一介质流动空间50-1″′不与振子阵列120的侧面接触，在振子阵列120的前面侧的侧面附近尖细。即，在振子阵列120的前面部分，第一内壁40-1″′和外壁30″′接触。在第一介质流动空间50-1″′中填充有用来传导从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的热传导流体。同样地，第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′共同地形成第二空洞即第二介质流动空间。即，由第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′围成的空间构成第二介质流动空间。另外，在图19中，未用在第二介质流动空间中设置的分割壁90A″′示出第二介质流动空间。第二介质流动空间设置成与振子阵列120的侧面接触。在第二介质流动空间中也填充有用来传导从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的热传导流体。这样，在超声波探头400中用第一介质流动空间50-1″′和第二介质流动空间实现两层介质流动空间。The first inner wall 40-1"' and the outer wall 30"' jointly form the first cavity, that is, the first medium flow space 50-1"'. That is, the space surrounded by the first inner wall 40-1"' and the outer wall 30"' The space constitutes the first medium flow space 50-1"'. The first medium flow space 50-1"' is not in contact with the side of the vibrator array 120, and is tapered near the side of the front side of the vibrator array 120. That is, at the front part of the vibrator array 120, the first inner wall 40-1"' It is in contact with the outer wall 30"'. The first medium flow space 50-1"' is filled with a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120. Likewise, the first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2"' jointly form a second cavity, that is, a second medium flow space. That is, the space surrounded by the first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2"' constitutes a second medium flow space. In addition, in FIG. 19, the second medium flow space is not shown by the partition wall 90A"' provided in the second medium flow space. The second medium flow space is provided to be in contact with the side of the vibrator array 120. In the second medium The flow space is also filled with a heat conduction fluid used to conduct heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120. In this way, in the ultrasonic probe 400, the first medium flow space 50-1"' and the second medium flow space are used to realize two layer medium flow space.
分割壁90A″′和90B″′与第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′连接。分割壁90A″′和90B″′把第二介质流动空间分成至少两部分。分割壁90A″′和90B″′沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110″′的侧面部分。关于该结构，在图20中进一步说明。由于第二介质流动空间沿超声波探头400的长轴延伸设置，所以分割后的各个第二介质流动空间也沿长轴延伸设置。The partition walls 90A"' and 90B"' are connected to the first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2"'. The partition walls 90A"' and 90B"' divide the second medium flow space into at least two parts. The partition walls 90A"' and 90B"' are extended along the long axis from the vicinity of the vibrator array 120 to the side part of the probe cable 110"'. The structure is further described in FIG. 20. Since the second medium flow space is along the The long axis of the ultrasonic probe 400 is extended, so each divided second medium flow space is also extended along the long axis.
图20是图19的部分区域Q的放大剖面图。像图20所示的那样，第一内壁40-1″′和外壁30″′共同地形成第一介质流动空间50-1″′。框体401的前面部分形成为与振子阵列120的前面部分大致平行，具有平坦形状。振子阵列120的前面被声音透镜130覆盖。振子阵列120的后面经由柔性缆线94″′连接到电子部件单元92。FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area Q in FIG. 19 . As shown in FIG. 20, the first inner wall 40-1"' and the outer wall 30"' jointly form the first medium flow space 50-1"'. The front part of the frame body 401 is formed to be the same as the front part of the vibrator array 120 They are approximately parallel and have a flat shape. The front of the transducer array 120 is covered by the acoustic lens 130. The rear of the transducer array 120 is connected to the electronic component unit 92 via a flexible cable 94″′.
分割壁90A″′和90B″′连接第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′，以把第二介质流动空间50-2″′分割成第二吸入侧空间50A-2″′和第二排出侧空间60A-2″′。第二吸入侧空间50A-2″′与吸入口70A-2″′连通，第二排出侧空间60A-2″′与排出口80A-2″′连通。分割壁90A″′和90B″′从同轴缆线10″′侧环绕包围电子部件单元92，延伸设置直到振子阵列120的上端面和下端面的附近。换言之，分割壁90A″′和90B″′不接触振子阵列120的上端面和下端面。利用该结构，在分割壁90A″′与振子阵列120的上端面之间形成开口96A″′，在分割壁90B″′与振子阵列120的下端面之间形成开口96B″′。开口96A″′和96B″′设置在第二介质流动空间50-2″′中的第二吸入侧空间50A-2″′和第二排出侧空间60A-2″′之间。用该开口96A″′和96B″′把第二吸入侧空间50A-2″′和第二排出侧空间60A-2″′连通起来。被连通起来的第二吸入侧空间50A-2″′和第二排出侧空间60A-2″′形成用来流通热传导流体的第二连络流路。第二连络流路可循环地收存热传导流体，以吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。例如，热传导介质从第二吸入侧空间50A-2″′经由第二吸入口70A-2″′向第二排出侧空间60A-2″′移动，向第二排出口80A-2″′单方向地移动。第二连络流路中的热传导流体的流动不限于是单方向，也可以是任意方向。而且，开口96A″′和96B″′的数目、尺寸和配置可以根据需要适当变更。第二连络流路可以对外部开放，也可以对外部密闭。The partition walls 90A"' and 90B"' connect the first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2"' to divide the second medium flow space 50-2"' into the second suction side space 50A-2 "' and the second discharge side space 60A-2"'. The second suction side space 50A-2"' communicates with the suction port 70A-2"', and the second discharge side space 60A-2"' communicates with the discharge port 80A-2 "' communicates. The partition walls 90A"' and 90B"' surround the electronic component unit 92 from the side of the coaxial cable 10"' and extend to the vicinity of the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the vibrator array 120. In other words, the partition walls 90A"' and 90B"' do not contact the upper end surface and the lower end surface of the vibrator array 120 . With this structure, opening 96A"' is formed between partition wall 90A"' and the upper end surface of transducer array 120, and opening 96B"' is formed between partition wall 90B"' and the lower end surface of transducer array 120. The openings 96A"' and 96B"' are provided between the second suction side space 50A-2"' and the second discharge side space 60A-2"' in the second medium flow space 50-2"'. With the opening 96A "' and 96B"' communicate the second suction side space 50A-2"' with the second discharge side space 60A-2"'. The communicated second suction side space 50A-2"' and the second discharge side The space 60A-2"' forms a second communication flow path for circulating a heat transfer fluid. The second communication flow path can cyclically store the heat transfer fluid to absorb heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120. For example, The heat transfer medium moves from the second suction side space 50A-2"' to the second discharge side space 60A-2"' via the second suction port 70A-2"', and moves unidirectionally to the second discharge port 80A-2"' The flow of the heat transfer fluid in the second connection flow path is not limited to a single direction, and may be in any direction. Moreover, the number, size and configuration of the openings 96A"' and 96B"' can be appropriately changed as required. The second connection The network flow path may be open to the outside or may be closed to the outside.
吸入口70A-2″′和排出口80A-2″′经由热传导流体的流路与循环装置(未图示)连接。循环装置促进第二连络流路中的热传导流体的循环，提高来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的冷却效率。The suction port 70A-2''' and the discharge port 80A-2''' are connected to a circulation device (not shown) via a heat transfer fluid flow path. The circulation device promotes the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the second communication flow path, and improves the cooling efficiency of heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 .
图21是图18的E-E剖面图。像图21所示的那样，框体401收存电子部件单元92和与电子部件单元92连接的同轴缆线10″′。外壁30″′从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110″′的侧面部分。第一内壁40-1″′配置在外壁30″′的内侧，设置在外壁30″′与电子部件单元92之间。第二内壁40-2″′配置在外壁30″′的内侧，设置在电子部件单元92与第一内壁40-1″′之间。第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110″′的侧面部分。Fig. 21 is a sectional view along line E-E of Fig. 18 . As shown in Figure 21, the frame body 401 stores the electronic component unit 92 and the coaxial cable 10"' connected to the electronic component unit 92. The outer wall 30"' is extended from the vibrator array 120 to the probe cable 110"' side portion. The first inner wall 40-1"' is disposed on the inner side of the outer wall 30"', and is disposed between the outer wall 30"' and the electronic component unit 92. The second inner wall 40-2"' is arranged on the inner side of the outer wall 30"', and is arranged between the electronic component unit 92 and the first inner wall 40-1"'. The first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2 ″′ extends along the long axis from a nearby point of the vibrator array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110″′.
第一内壁40-1″′和外壁30″′形成第一介质流动空间50-1″′。在第一介质流动空间50-1″′中填充有热传导流体。另外，在图21中，未用在第一介质流动空间中设置的分割壁90C″′和90D″′示出第一介质流动空间。The first inner wall 40-1"' and the outer wall 30"' form a first medium flow space 50-1"'. A heat transfer fluid is filled in the first medium flow space 50-1"'. In addition, in FIG. 21 , the first medium flow space is not shown with the partition walls 90C"' and 90D"' provided in the first medium flow space.
分割壁90C″′和90D″′与外壁30″′和第一内壁40-1″′连接。分割壁90C″′和90D″′把第一介质流动空间50-1″′分成至少两部分。分割壁90C″′和90D″′沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110″′的侧面部分。由于第一介质流动空间50-1″′沿超声波探头400的长轴延伸设置，所以分割后的各个第一介质流动空间也沿长轴延伸设置。The partition walls 90C"' and 90D"' are connected to the outer wall 30"' and the first inner wall 40-1"'. The partition walls 90C"' and 90D"' divide the first medium flow space 50-1"' into at least two parts. The partition walls 90C"' and 90D"' extend along the long axis from the vibrator array 120 to the probe cable 110"' side sections. Since the first medium flow space 50-1"' extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 400, each divided first medium flow space also extends along the long axis.
图22是图21的部分区域T的放大剖面图。像图22所示的那样，第一内壁40-1″′和外壁30″′共同地形成第一介质流动空间50-1″′，延伸设置成越过电子部件单元92。FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial area T in FIG. 21 . As shown in FIG. 22 , the first inner wall 40 - 1 ″' and the outer wall 30 ″ together form a first medium flow space 50 - 1 ″' extending beyond the electronic component unit 92 .
分割壁90C″′和90D″′连接外壁30″′和第一内壁40-1″′，以把第一介质流动空间50-1″′分割成第一吸入侧空间50A-1″′和第一排出侧空间60A-1″′。第一吸入侧空间50A-1″′与吸入口70A-1″′连通，第一排出侧空间60A-1″′与排出口80A-1″′连通。分割壁90C″′和90D″′从同轴缆线10″′侧环绕包围电子部件单元92，延伸设置直到振子阵列120的左端面和右端面的附近。换言之，分割壁90C″′和90D″′不接触振子阵列120的左端面和右端面。利用该结构，在分割壁90C″′与振子阵列120的左端面之间形成开口96C″′，在分割壁90D″′与振子阵列120的右端面之间形成开口96D″′。开口96C″′和96D″′设置在第一介质流动空间50-1″′中的第一吸入侧空间50A-1″′和第一排出侧空间60A-1″′之间。用该开口96C″′和96D″′把第一吸入侧空间50A-1″′和第一排出侧空间60A-1″′连通起来。被连通起来的第一吸入侧空间50A-1″′和第一排出侧空间60A-1″′形成用来流通热传导流体的第一连络流路。第一连络流路可循环地收存热传导流体，以吸收来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热。例如，热传导介质从第一吸入侧空间50A-1″′经由第一吸入口70A-1″′向第一排出侧空间60A-1″′移动，向第一排出口80A-1″′单方向地移动。第一连络流路中的热传导流体的流动不限于是单方向，也可以是任意方向。而且，开口96C″′和96D″′的数目、尺寸和配置可以根据需要适当变更。第一连络流路可以对外部开放，也可以对外部密闭。The partition walls 90C"' and 90D"' connect the outer wall 30"' and the first inner wall 40-1"' to divide the first medium flow space 50-1"' into the first suction side space 50A-1"' and the second A discharge side space 60A-1"'. The first suction side space 50A-1"' communicates with the suction port 70A-1"', and the first discharge side space 60A-1"' communicates with the discharge port 80A-1"'. The partition walls 90C"' and 90D"' surround the electronic component unit 92 from the side of the coaxial cable 10"', and extend to the vicinities of the left end surface and the right end surface of the transducer array 120. In other words, the partition walls 90C″′ and 90D″′ do not contact the left end surface and the right end surface of the vibrator array 120 . With this structure, opening 96C"' is formed between partition wall 90C"' and the left end surface of transducer array 120, and opening 96D"' is formed between partition wall 90D"' and the right end surface of transducer array 120. The openings 96C"' and 96D"' are provided between the first suction side space 50A-1"' and the first discharge side space 60A-1"' in the first medium flow space 50-1"'. With the opening 96C "' and 96D"' connect the first suction side space 50A-1"' with the first discharge side space 60A-1"'. The connected first suction side space 50A-1"' and the first discharge side The space 60A-1"' forms a first communication flow path for circulating a heat transfer fluid. The first communication flow path can cyclically store the heat transfer fluid to absorb heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120. For example, The heat transfer medium moves from the first suction side space 50A-1"' to the first discharge side space 60A-1"' via the first suction port 70A-1"', and moves in one direction to the first discharge port 80A-1"' .The flow of the heat transfer fluid in the first communication flow path is not limited to a single direction, but also can be in any direction. Moreover, the number, size and configuration of the openings 96C"' and 96D"' can be appropriately changed as required. The first connection The network flow path may be open to the outside or may be closed to the outside.
吸入口70A-1″′和排出口80A-1″′经由热传导流体的流路与循环装置(未图示)连接。循环装置促进第一连络流路中的热传导流体的循环，提高来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的冷却效率。The suction port 70A-1''' and the discharge port 80A-1''' are connected to a circulation device (not shown) via a heat transfer fluid flow path. The circulation device promotes the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the first communication flow path, and improves the cooling efficiency of heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 .
像图19、20、21和22所示的那样，来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热经由第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′传向外壁30″′。第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′由具有至少比外壁30″′高的热传导特性的物质形成，以便使热容易向热传导流体传导而不向外壁30″′的外侧表面传导。另外，外壁30″′具有隔热性。例如，第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′由塑料、铝、碳/铝、铜、石墨、或其它公知的热传导物质形成，也可以用它们的任意组合形成。第一内壁40-1″′和第二内壁40-2″′可以用相同种类的物质形成，也可以用不同种类的物质形成。另外，在第一介质流动空间50-1″′和60-1″′中流动的热传导流体与在第二介质流动空间50-2″′和60-2″′中流动的热传导流体可以用相同种类的物质形成，也可以用不同种类的物质形成。As shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 21 and 22, the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is transferred to the outer wall 30"' through the first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2"'. The first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2"' are formed of a substance having at least higher heat transfer characteristics than the outer wall 30"' so that heat is easily conducted to the heat transfer fluid and not to the outside of the outer wall 30"' The surface is conductive. In addition, the outer wall 30"' has thermal insulation. For example, the first inner wall 40-1"' and the second inner wall 40-2"' are formed of plastic, aluminum, carbon/aluminum, copper, graphite, or other known heat-conducting materials, or any combination thereof. The first inner wall 40-1''' and the second inner wall 40-2''' may be formed of the same type of material, or may be formed of different types of material. In addition, the heat transfer fluid flowing in the first medium flow spaces 50-1"' and 60-1"' and the heat transfer fluid flowing in the second medium flow spaces 50-2"' and 60-2"' may use the same Formed from one kind of substance, it can also be formed from a different kind of substance.
像图19、20、21和22所示的那样，收存热传导流体的第一介质流动空间50-1″′和第二介质流动空间50-2″′设置成包围电子部件单元92、振子阵列120。因此，从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热在到达外壁30″′之前被在第一介质流动空间50-1″′中流动的热传导流体和在第二介质流动空间50-2″′中流动的热传导流体吸收。As shown in Figures 19, 20, 21 and 22, the first medium flow space 50-1"' and the second medium flow space 50-2"' for storing the heat transfer fluid are arranged to surround the electronic component unit 92, the vibrator array 120. Therefore, the heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is absorbed by the heat transfer fluid flowing in the first medium flow space 50-1"' and in the second medium flow space 50-2"' before reaching the outer wall 30"'. Absorbed by the heat transfer fluid flowing in it.
在图19、20、21和22中，设为在超声波探头400中设置有两层流动空间50，即第一介质流动空间50-1″′和60-1″′以及第二介质流动空间50-2″′和60-2″′。但是，在超声波探头400中设置的介质流动空间的数目不限于两个，也可以是3个以上。这样的多层介质流动空间形成多个独立的连络流路。或者，多层介质流动空间也可以统合成一个连络流路。而且，也可以是，这多层连络流路中的几个连络流路形成多个独立的连络流路，而多层连络流路中的剩余的连络流路统合成一个连络流路。In FIGS. 19, 20, 21 and 22, it is assumed that two layers of flow spaces 50 are provided in the ultrasonic probe 400, that is, the first medium flow spaces 50-1"' and 60-1"' and the second medium flow space 50. -2"' and 60-2"'. However, the number of medium flow spaces provided in the ultrasonic probe 400 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. Such a multi-layer medium flow space forms a plurality of independent connecting flow paths. Alternatively, the multi-layer medium flow space can also be integrated into a connecting flow path. Moreover, it may also be that several connecting flow paths in the multi-layer connecting flow paths form multiple independent connecting flow paths, and the remaining connecting flow paths in the multi-layer connecting flow paths are integrated into one connecting flow path. network flow path.
像上述说明的那样，超声波探头400具有热产生源92和120、外壁30″′以及多个内壁40″′。外壁30″′设置在热产生源92和120的周围。多个内壁40″′，设置在外壁30″′与热产生源92和120之间，形成可以收存用来传导从热产生源92和120产生的热的热传导流体的多个流动空间。这样，由于在多个流动空间的每一个中收存的热传导流体分布在热产生源92和120的周围，所以可以高效地吸收从热产生源92和120产生的热。另外，通过设置多层流动空间，与设置单层流动空间时相比，可以更高效地使来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热冷却。As described above, the ultrasonic probe 400 has the heat generating sources 92 and 120, the outer wall 30"', and a plurality of inner walls 40"'. The outer wall 30"' is disposed around the heat generating sources 92 and 120. A plurality of inner walls 40"' are disposed between the outer wall 30"' and the heat generating sources 92 and 120, forming a structure that can be received for conduction from the heat generating source 92. and a plurality of flow spaces of the hot heat transfer fluid generated by 120. Like this, since the heat transfer fluid stored in each of the plurality of flow spaces is distributed around the heat generation source 92 and 120, it can efficiently absorb heat generated from Heat generated from sources 92 and 120. In addition, by providing a multi-layer flow space, heat from electronic component unit 92 and vibrator array 120 can be cooled more efficiently than when a single-layer flow space is provided.
另外，超声波探头400具有多个分割壁90″′。多个分割壁的每一个设置在外壁30″′与多个内壁40″′中的最靠近的内壁40″′之间，与外壁30″′和最靠近的内壁40″′这两者连接，以便在多个流动空间中的至少一个流动空间中形成热传导流体用的至少一个流路。由此，可以在各流动空间中使热传导流体发生流动，可以更高效地使来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热冷却。In addition, the ultrasonic probe 400 has a plurality of partition walls 90"'. Each of the plurality of partition walls is provided between the outer wall 30"' and the closest inner wall 40"' among the plurality of inner walls 40"', and is separated from the outer wall 30". ' and the closest inner wall 40'' are connected to form at least one flow path for a heat transfer fluid in at least one of the plurality of flow spaces. Thereby, the heat transfer fluid can be made to flow in each flow space, and the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 can be cooled more efficiently.
(实施方式5)(Embodiment 5)
在根据实施方式5的超声波探头中，在介质流动空间内设置用来提高冷却效率的结构物。下面说明根据实施方式5的超声波探头。另外，在以下的说明中，对于具有与实施方式1大致相同功能的构成要素，赋予相同的附图标记，仅在必要时进行重复说明。In the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 5, a structure for improving cooling efficiency is provided in the medium flow space. An ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 5 will be described below. In addition, in the following description, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component which has substantially the same function as Embodiment 1, and description is repeated only when necessary.
图23是根据实施方式5的超声波探头500的侧视图。像图23所示的那样，超声波探头500具有框体501。在框体501的一端安装有探头缆线110″″，在另一端配置有振子阵列120。探头缆线110″″与超声波诊断装置的处理部连接，经由同轴缆线10″″在超声波诊断装置的处理部与超声波探头500之间收发电气信号。框体501向操作者提供用来手持超声波探头500的手持部。参照其它剖面图可知，框体501的大部分被超声波探头500外侧的覆盖物即外壁30″″所包覆。虽然超声波探头500是作为与超声波诊断装置缆线连接的便携型装置而例示的，但也可以是非便携型装置。FIG. 23 is a side view of an ultrasonic probe 500 according to Embodiment 5. FIG. As shown in FIG. 23 , the ultrasonic probe 500 has a housing 501 . The probe cable 110"" is installed at one end of the frame body 501, and the vibrator array 120 is arranged at the other end. The probe cable 110 ″″ is connected to the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and electrical signals are transmitted and received between the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic probe 500 via the coaxial cable 10 ″″. The housing 501 provides a handle for the operator to hold the ultrasonic probe 500 . Referring to other sectional views, it can be seen that most of the frame body 501 is covered by the outer wall 30 ″″ which is the outer covering of the ultrasonic probe 500 . Although the ultrasonic probe 500 is exemplified as a portable device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device with a cable, it may be a non-portable device.
图24是图23的C-C剖面图，是超声波探头500的横剖面图。像图24所示的那样，外壁30″″和内壁40″″在框体501内设置成包围作为热产生源的电子部件单元92。分割壁90A″″和90B″″分别设在外壁30″″和内壁40″″之间。另外，分割壁90A″″和90B″″分别与外壁30″″和内壁40″″这二者连接。这样，分割壁90A″″和90B″″把介质流动空间50″″分割成吸入侧空间50A″″和排出侧空间60A″″。在吸入侧空间50A″″和排出侧空间60A″″的内部设置多个散热片98。例如，内壁40″″由塑料、铝、碳/铝、铜、石墨、或其它公知的热传导物质形成，也可以用它们的任意组合形成。FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 23 , and is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 500 . As shown in FIG. 24, the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"" are provided in the housing 501 so as to surround the electronic component unit 92 as a heat generating source. Partition walls 90A"" and 90B"" are provided between the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"", respectively. In addition, the partition walls 90A"" and 90B"" are connected to both the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"", respectively. Thus, the partition walls 90A"" and 90B"" partition the medium flow space 50"" into the suction side space 50A"" and the discharge side space 60A"". A plurality of cooling fins 98 are provided inside the suction side space 50A"" and the discharge side space 60A"". For example, inner wall 40"" is formed of plastic, aluminum, carbon/aluminum, copper, graphite, or other known thermally conductive substances, or any combination thereof.
图25是图24的部分区域E中的超声波探头500的放大剖面图。像图25所示的那样，在外壁30″″和内壁40″″之间，将多个散热片98朝着外壁30″″安装到内壁40″″上。多个散热片98增加内壁40″″的表面积，以提高冷却效率。例如，在内壁40″″用塑料形成时，可以通过喷射模制在内壁40″″上形成多个散热片98。而在内壁40″″用金属或其它材料形成时，可以通过车削(skiving)、喷射模制、丝线EDM工艺等形成多个散热片98。FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 500 in a partial area E of FIG. 24 . As shown in FIG. 25, between the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"", a plurality of cooling fins 98 are mounted on the inner wall 40"" toward the outer wall 30"". Multiple fins 98 increase the surface area of the inner wall 40"" to increase cooling efficiency. For example, when the inner wall 40"" is formed of plastic, a plurality of cooling fins 98 may be formed on the inner wall 40"" by injection molding. While the inner wall 40"" is formed of metal or other materials, the plurality of cooling fins 98 may be formed by skiving, injection molding, wire EDM process, or the like.
图26是图23的G-G剖面图，是超声波探头500的斜切剖面图。像图26所示的那样，外壁30″″和内壁40″″在框体501内设置成包围作为热产生源的电子部件单元92。分割壁90A″″和90B″″分别设在外壁30″″和内壁40″″之间。另外，分割壁90A″″和90B″″分别与外壁30″″和内壁40″″这二者连接。这样，分割壁90A″″和90B″″把介质流动空间50″″分割成吸入侧空间50A″″和排出侧空间60A″″。在吸入侧空间50A″″和排出侧空间60A″″的内部设置有多个散热片98。FIG. 26 is a G-G sectional view of FIG. 23 , and is an oblique sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 500 . As shown in FIG. 26, the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"" are provided in the housing 501 so as to surround the electronic component unit 92 as a heat generation source. Partition walls 90A"" and 90B"" are provided between the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"", respectively. In addition, the partition walls 90A"" and 90B"" are connected to both the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"", respectively. Thus, the partition walls 90A"" and 90B"" partition the medium flow space 50"" into the suction side space 50A"" and the discharge side space 60A"". A plurality of cooling fins 98 are provided inside the suction side space 50A"" and the discharge side space 60A"".
图27是图26的部分区域J中的超声波探头500的放大剖面图。像图27所示的那样，多个散热片98在外壁30″″和内壁40″″之间，朝着外壁30″″安装到内壁40″″上。多个散热片98增加内壁40″″的表面积，以提高冷却效率。像图27所示的那样，散热片98具有“U”形状。散热片98的数目、形状和尺寸不限于上述的例子，无论什么样的数目、形状和尺寸都可以。FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 500 in a partial region J of FIG. 26 . As shown in FIG. 27, a plurality of cooling fins 98 are mounted to the inner wall 40"" between the outer wall 30"" and the inner wall 40"" towards the outer wall 30"". Multiple fins 98 increase the surface area of the inner wall 40"" to increase cooling efficiency. As shown in FIG. 27, the fins 98 have a "U" shape. The number, shape and size of the cooling fins 98 are not limited to the above examples, and any number, shape and size are possible.
像上述那样，不仅在实施方式5中，在根据实施方式1、2、3或4的超声波探头中也可以设置多个散热片98。而且，在实施方式4可以对每个内壁都设置多个散热片98。As described above, not only in Embodiment 5, but also in the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 1, 2, 3, or 4, a plurality of cooling fins 98 may be provided. Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, a plurality of cooling fins 98 may be provided for each inner wall.
像上述说明的那样，超声波探头500在介质流动空间50″″内具有多个散热片98。多个散热片98安装在内壁40″″的面向介质流动空间50″″的表面上。即，多个散热片98增大了内壁40″″的表面积。利用该结构，增大在介质流动空间50″″中流动的热传导流体与内壁40″″的接触面，增大热传导流体对来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的吸收量。因此，超声波探头500可以高效地使来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热冷却。As explained above, the ultrasonic probe 500 has a plurality of cooling fins 98 in the medium flow space 50 ″″. A plurality of cooling fins 98 are installed on the surface of the inner wall 40"" facing the medium flow space 50"". That is, the plurality of fins 98 increases the surface area of the inner wall 40"". With this structure, the contact surface between the heat transfer fluid flowing in the medium flow space 50 ″″ and the inner wall 40 ″″ is increased, and the amount of heat absorbed by the heat transfer fluid from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is increased. Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 500 can efficiently cool the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 .
(实施方式6)(Embodiment 6)
在根据实施方式6的超声波探头中，在外壁上设置用来提高冷却效率的排放口(缺口部)。下面说明根据实施方式6的超声波探头。另外，在以下的说明中，对于具有与实施方式1大致相同功能的构成要素赋予相同的附图标记，仅在必要时进行重复说明。In the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 6, a discharge opening (notch portion) for improving cooling efficiency is provided on the outer wall. An ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 6 will be described below. In addition, in the following description, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the component which has substantially the same function as Embodiment 1, and description is repeated only when necessary.
图28是根据实施方式6的超声波探头600的立体图。像图28所示的那样，超声波探头600具有框体601。在框体601的一端安装有探头缆线110″″′，在另一端配置有振子阵列120。探头缆线110″″′与超声波诊断装置的处理部连接，经由同轴缆线10″″′在超声波诊断装置的处理部与超声波探头600之间收发电气信号。另外，框体601向操作者提供用来手持超声波探头600的手持部。参照其它剖面图可知，框体601的大部分被超声波探头600外侧的覆盖物即外壁30″″′所包覆。虽然超声波探头600是作为与超声波诊断装置缆线连接的便携型装置而例示的，但可以是非便携型装置。FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an ultrasound probe 600 according to Embodiment 6. FIG. As shown in FIG. 28 , the ultrasonic probe 600 has a housing 601 . The probe cable 110""' is installed at one end of the frame body 601, and the vibrator array 120 is arranged at the other end. The probe cable 110""' is connected to the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and electrical signals are transmitted and received between the processing unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the ultrasonic probe 600 via the coaxial cable 10""'. In addition, the housing 601 provides a handle for the operator to hold the ultrasonic probe 600 . Referring to other sectional views, it can be seen that most of the frame body 601 is covered by the outer wall 30 ″″′ which is the outer covering of the ultrasonic probe 600 . Although the ultrasonic probe 600 is exemplified as a portable device connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic device with a cable, it may be a non-portable device.
图29是示出根据实施方式6的超声波探头600的前面部分的图。像图29所示的那样，超声波探头600的前面部分具有四个同心圆区域。四个同心圆区域具有：设置在最内侧的与声音透镜130″″′一致的最内区域、包围声音透镜130″″′的第一环形状区域601A、排放口97以及第二环形状区域601B。排放口97是为了提高超声波探头600的冷却效率而设置的。更详细地说，第一环形状区域601A和第二环形状区域601B构成框体601的一部分，形成外壁30″″′的一部分。FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a front portion of an ultrasound probe 600 according to Embodiment 6. Referring to FIG. As shown in FIG. 29, the front portion of the ultrasonic probe 600 has four concentric circle regions. The four concentric circular areas have: an innermost area disposed on the innermost side to coincide with the acoustic lens 130""', a first ring-shaped area 601A surrounding the acoustic lens 130""', a discharge port 97, and a second ring-shaped area 601B . The exhaust port 97 is provided to improve the cooling efficiency of the ultrasonic probe 600 . More specifically, the first ring-shaped region 601A and the second ring-shaped region 601B constitute a part of the frame body 601 and form a part of the outer wall 30""'.
图30是图29的F-F剖面图，是超声波探头600的长轴剖面图。像图30所示的那样，框体601收存电子部件单元92和与电子部件单元92连接的同轴缆线10″″′。同轴缆线10″″′设置在探头缆线110″″′的内部。柔性缆线94″″′把电子部件单元92连接到振子阵列120。外壁30″″′从远离振子阵列120的部分延伸设置到探头缆线110″″′的侧面部分。即，外壁30″″′不接触振子阵列120。内侧的覆盖物即内壁40″″′配置在外壁30″″′的内侧，设置在外壁30″″′与电子部件单元92之间。内壁40″″′沿长轴从振子阵列120的后面部分延伸设置到探头缆线110″″′的侧面部分。FIG. 30 is a sectional view taken along line F-F of FIG. 29 , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 600 . As shown in FIG. 30 , the housing 601 accommodates the electronic component unit 92 and the coaxial cable 10 ""' connected to the electronic component unit 92 . The coaxial cable 10""' is disposed inside the probe cable 110""'. The flexible cable 94 ″″′ connects the electronics unit 92 to the transducer array 120 . The outer wall 30""' extends from a portion away from the vibrator array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110""'. That is, the outer wall 30 ″″′ does not contact the vibrator array 120 . The inner cover, that is, the inner wall 40 ″″′ is disposed on the inner side of the outer wall 30 ″″′, and is disposed between the outer wall 30 ″″′ and the electronic component unit 92 . The inner wall 40""' extends along the long axis from the rear portion of the transducer array 120 to the side portion of the probe cable 110""'.
内壁40″″′和外壁30″″′共同地形成空洞即介质流动空间50″″′。即，由内壁40″″′和外壁30″″′围成的空间构成介质流动空间50″″′。像上述那样，由于外壁30″″′远离振子阵列120，所以介质流动空间50″″′不接触振子阵列120。这样，超声波探头600在介质流动空间50″″′与振子阵列120之间具有排放口97。The inner wall 40""' and the outer wall 30""' jointly form a cavity, namely a medium flow space 50""'. That is, the space enclosed by the inner wall 40""' and the outer wall 30""' constitutes a medium flow space 50""'. As mentioned above, since the outer wall 30 ""' is away from the vibrator array 120 , the medium flow space 50 ""' does not contact the vibrator array 120 . In this way, the ultrasonic probe 600 has a discharge port 97 between the medium flow space 50 ″″′ and the vibrator array 120 .
在介质流动空间50″″′中填充有用来传导从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热的热传导流体。为了热传导，任意地使用热传导流体的相变。通常，从电子部件单元92、振子阵列120产生的热，经由内壁40″″′传向外壁30″″′。内壁40″″′由具有至少比外壁30″″′高的热传导特性的物质形成，以便使热容易向热传导流体传导而不向外壁30″″′的外侧表面传导。例如，内壁40″″′由塑料、铝、碳/铝、铜、石墨、或其它公知的热传导物质形成，也可以用它们的任意组合形成。介质流动空间50″″′沿超声波探头600的长轴延伸设置，收存上述热传导流体。因此，来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热的大部分在到达外壁30″″′之前被热传导流体吸收。在超声波探头600中，热传导流体从吸入/排出口72向吸入/排出侧空间52单方向地移动，被吸收的热经由排放口97向外部释放。另外，上述热传导流体的流动方向也可以是不同的方向。The medium flow space 50 ""' is filled with a heat transfer fluid for transferring heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 . For heat transfer, a phase change of the heat transfer fluid is optionally used. Normally, the heat generated from the electronic component unit 92 and the vibrator array 120 is transferred to the outer wall 30 ""' via the inner wall 40""'. The inner wall 40""' is formed of a substance having at least higher heat transfer properties than the outer wall 30""' so as to facilitate heat conduction to the heat transfer fluid and not to the outer surface of the outer wall 30""'. For example, inner wall 40""' is formed of plastic, aluminum, carbon/aluminum, copper, graphite, or other known thermally conductive substances, or any combination thereof. The medium flow space 50""' extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 600, and stores the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid. Therefore, most of the heat from the electronic component unit 92, the vibrator array 120 is absorbed by the heat transfer fluid before reaching the outer wall 30""'. In the ultrasonic probe 600 , the heat transfer fluid moves unidirectionally from the suction/discharge port 72 to the suction/discharge side space 52 , and the absorbed heat is released to the outside through the discharge port 97 . In addition, the flow direction of the above-mentioned heat transfer fluid may be a different direction.
图31是图29的B-B剖面图，是超声波探头600的长轴剖面图。另外，图31中未示出用分割壁90A″″′和90B″″′把内壁40″″′和外壁30″″′分割开来。FIG. 31 is a B-B sectional view of FIG. 29 , and is a long-axis sectional view of the ultrasonic probe 600 . In addition, it is not shown in FIG. 31 that the inner wall 40""' and the outer wall 30""' are divided by the dividing walls 90A""' and 90B""'.
分割壁90A″″′和90B″″′与内壁40″″′和外壁30″″′这二者连接。分割壁90A″″′和90B″″′把介质流动空间50″″′分成至少两部分。分割壁90A″″′和90B″″′沿长轴从振子阵列120的附近点延伸设置到探头缆线110的侧面部分。由于介质流动空间50″″′沿超声波探头600的长轴延伸设置，所以分割后的各个介质流动空间50″″′也沿长轴延伸设置。The partition walls 90A""' and 90B""' are connected to both the inner wall 40""' and the outer wall 30""'. The partition walls 90A""' and 90B""' divide the medium flow space 50""' into at least two parts. The partition walls 90A""' and 90B""' are provided extending from a nearby point of the vibrator array 120 to a side portion of the probe cable 110 along the major axis. Since the medium flow space 50""' extends along the long axis of the ultrasonic probe 600, each divided medium flow space 50""' also extends along the long axis.
像图31所示的那样，分割壁90A″″′和90B″″′从同轴缆线10″″′的侧面部分延伸设置到介质流动空间50″″′的前面部分.利用分割壁90A″″′和90B″″′把介质流动空间50″″′分割成吸入侧空间50A″″′和排出侧空间60A″″′。吸入侧空间50A″″′中的热传导流体与排出侧空间60A″″′中的热传导流体之间的热传导经由排放口97进行。换言之，由热传导流体吸收的热经由排放口97向外部释放。As shown in FIG. 31, partition walls 90A""' and 90B""' extend from the side portion of the coaxial cable 10""' to the front portion of the medium flow space 50""'. Using the partition wall 90A" "' and 90B""' divide the medium flow space 50""' into a suction side space 50A""' and a discharge side space 60A""'. Heat conduction between the heat transfer fluid in the suction side space 50A""' and the heat transfer fluid in the discharge side space 60A""' is performed via the discharge port 97. In other words, the heat absorbed by the heat transfer fluid is released to the outside via the discharge port 97 .
排放口97可以根据需要以任意的形状形成。例如，排放口97可以对外部开放，也可以对外部密闭。在热传导流体是空气时，排放口97可以像上述那样对外部开放。而热传导流体是空气以外的气体、液体或其它混合材料时，排放口97可以对外部密闭以把热传导流体收存在超声波探头600内。或者，该密闭的排放口也可以是在不与被检测体、使用者接触的外壁部分上设置的导热体区域或散热片。外壁上的被闭锁的排放口进一步用作散热机构。而且，排放口97的尺寸、形状和位置可以任意地设置。The discharge port 97 may be formed in any shape as necessary. For example, the discharge port 97 may be opened to the outside, or may be sealed to the outside. When the heat transfer fluid is air, the discharge port 97 may be opened to the outside as described above. When the heat transfer fluid is gas, liquid or other mixed materials other than air, the discharge port 97 can be sealed to the outside to store the heat transfer fluid in the ultrasonic probe 600 . Alternatively, the airtight discharge port can also be a thermal conductor region or a heat sink provided on the outer wall portion that is not in contact with the detected body or the user. A latched drain on the outer wall further serves as a heat dissipation mechanism. Also, the size, shape and position of the discharge port 97 can be set arbitrarily.
上述排放口97也可以适用于根据实施方式1、2、3、4和5的超声波探头中的任一个中。象根据实施方式4的超声波探头那样搭载多层冷却结构时，可以例如仅在外壁上设置排放口97。另外，在根据实施方式4的超声波探头的情况下，也可以例如在多个内壁上设置排放口97。当然，在根据实施方式4的超声波探头中，也可以在外壁和内壁上都设置排放口97。The discharge port 97 described above can also be applied to any of the ultrasonic probes according to Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. When a multi-layered cooling structure is mounted as in the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 4, the discharge port 97 may be provided only on the outer wall, for example. In addition, in the case of the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 4, for example, discharge ports 97 may be provided on a plurality of inner walls. Of course, in the ultrasonic probe according to Embodiment 4, the discharge port 97 may also be provided on both the outer wall and the inner wall.
像上述说明的那样，超声波探头600在外壁30″″′上具有排放口97。排放口97可以对外部开放，也可以对外部密闭。介质流动空间50″″′内的热传导流体吸收的热经由排放口97向外部释放。因此，超声波探头600可以高效地使来自电子部件单元92、振子阵列120的热冷却。As described above, the ultrasonic probe 600 has the discharge port 97 on the outer wall 30""'. The discharge port 97 may be opened to the outside, or may be sealed to the outside. The heat absorbed by the heat transfer fluid in the medium flow space 50 ″″ is released to the outside through the discharge port 97 . Therefore, the ultrasonic probe 600 can efficiently cool the heat from the electronic component unit 92 and the transducer array 120 .
(变形例)(Modification)
上述的根据实施方式1、2、3、4、5和6的超声波探头，设为通过流过包围热产生源周围的介质流动空间的热传导流体，使来自电子部件单元、振子阵列的热冷却。根据变形例的超声波探头，通过其它机构使来自电子部件单元、振子阵列的热冷却。The above-described ultrasonic probes according to Embodiments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are configured to cool heat from the electronic component unit and the transducer array by the heat transfer fluid flowing through the medium flow space surrounding the heat generating source. According to the ultrasonic probe of the modified example, the heat from the electronic component unit and the vibrator array is cooled by another mechanism.
像根据实施方式1～6的超声波探头那样，由于电子部件单元、振子阵列之类的热产生源在框体内被间隙包围，所以为了提高超声波探头中的冷却效率，也可以设置包含在该间隙中的热耦合结构。热耦合结构也可以是热管、TEC(热电冷却器)、与热化合物直接接触、热扩散物质(例如，铜或铝、碳/铝、相变物质、热传导性液体)的组合。当然，把热产生源浸入热传导性液体时，电气上独立地设置热产生源。例如，像图2B和图4B所示的那样，在位于电子部件单元的周围的间隙92A、92B、92C或在振子阵列120的后部侧设置的间隙中，设置有热耦合结构。同样地，在图7B、9B、12B、14、19、20、24和30中，用对应的附图标记表示间隙。Like the ultrasonic probes according to Embodiments 1 to 6, since heat generating sources such as electronic component units and vibrator arrays are surrounded by gaps in the housing, in order to improve the cooling efficiency in the ultrasonic probes, it is also possible to place and include them in the gaps. thermal coupling structure. Thermally coupled structures can also be combinations of heat pipes, TECs (Thermoelectric Coolers), direct contact with thermal compounds, thermal diffusion substances (eg, copper or aluminum, carbon/aluminum, phase change substances, thermally conductive liquids). Of course, when the heat generation source is immersed in the thermally conductive liquid, the heat generation source is installed independently electrically. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 4B , thermal coupling structures are provided in gaps 92A, 92B, and 92C located around the electronic component unit or gaps provided on the rear side of transducer array 120 . Likewise, in Figures 7B, 9B, 12B, 14, 19, 20, 24 and 30, gaps are indicated with corresponding reference numerals.
由此，根据本实施方式的超声波探头可以使从热源产生的热高效地冷却。Thus, the ultrasonic probe according to this embodiment can efficiently cool the heat generated from the heat source.
虽然说明了几个实施方式，但这些实施方式仅是作为例子提出的，并非用来限定本发明的范围。事实上，这些新的方法和系统可以以其它的各种形式实施，而且，在不脱离发明的主要构思的范围内，可以进行各种省略、替换、变更。这些形式及其变形都包含在发明的范围和主要构思内，且包含在权利要求书记载的发明及其等同的范围内。Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In fact, these new methods and systems can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made within the scope of not departing from the main concept of the invention. These forms and modifications thereof are included in the scope and main idea of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the scope of equivalents thereof.
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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| US12/878,567 | 2010-09-09 | ||
| US12/878,567US8544330B2 (en) | 2010-09-09 | 2010-09-09 | Method and system for cooling an ultrasound probe |
| JP2011-177906 | 2011-08-16 | ||
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