JP3690525B2 - Water bag device for ultrasonic probe in ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

Translated fromJapanese

本発明は超音波を利用した骨粗しょう症を診断する装置に使用する超音波プローブ用水袋装置に関するものである。  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe water bag device used in an apparatus for diagnosing osteoporosis using ultrasonic waves.

本願出願人は、特許第３２７１６４８号の特許権者である。この発明は耐性黄色ぶどう球菌（ＭＲＳＡ）による病院内感染が考えられる機会を可能な限り回避するために、超音波診断装置の探触子の頭部に、水を装填した収納袋を着脱自在に設けて骨粗しょう症診断するに際して、患者の身体に直接接触する部分である水袋装置を一度使えば廃棄し、患者毎に常に新しい水袋装置と取り替えるものである。  The applicant of the present application is the patentee of Japanese Patent No. 3271648. In order to avoid the possibility of hospital infection due to resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as much as possible, the present invention allows a storage bag filled with water to be detachably attached to the head of a probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. When providing and diagnosing osteoporosis, the water bag device that is in direct contact with the patient's body is discarded once used, and a new water bag device is always replaced for each patient.

この装置で、使用されていた超音波プローブ用水袋装置は、図７乃至図９に示すように、水又は水溶液１１を装填した収納袋１２を、横方向に突出部を有するようにして枠体（カセット）１３に固着した後、この枠体（カセット）１３を、超音波探触子１４の頭部１４ａ外周面に、収納袋１２が密着するようにして、機枠１５に着脱自在に取り付けていた。
特許第３２７１６４８号公報As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the ultrasonic probe water bag device used in this apparatus is a frame body in which astorage bag 12 loaded with water or anaqueous solution 11 has a protruding portion in the lateral direction. After being fixed to the (cassette) 13, the frame (cassette) 13 is detachably attached to themachine frame 15 so that thestorage bag 12 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of thehead 14 a of theultrasonic probe 14. It was.
Japanese Patent No. 3271648

ところが、このように水又は水溶液１１を収納した収納袋１２は薄肉ゴム製のため長期に保存した場合、収納している水又は水溶液１１が大気中に気化（蒸発）する事により、収納袋体積が減少する状態、いわゆるしぼみが発生し、被験者の計測部位に対する密着不足となる場合や、製造工程で混入した気泡や水溶液中の溶存気体による気泡発生により超音波が伝播出来なくなり、計測した測定値が不正確となるばかりか測定不能となる場合があった。その為、使用時に収納袋内の気体を抜く事が可能なタイプの超音波プローブ用水袋装置が要望された。また、子供、若年者及び女性の小さめの足と、成人男性のスポーツマンの大きめの足とではその大きさに差がある為、前者では不足した体積を補う量の水又は水溶液が充填可能で、且つ、後者では多すぎる体積の水又は溶液を抜出する事が可能な構成を持つ収納袋が必要であった。  However, since thestorage bag 12 containing the water or theaqueous solution 11 is made of thin rubber, when stored for a long period of time, the stored water or theaqueous solution 11 is vaporized (evaporated) into the atmosphere. Measured measured values when ultrasonic waves cannot propagate due to the occurrence of so-called dents, resulting in insufficient adhesion to the subject's measurement site, or bubbles generated by bubbles mixed in the manufacturing process or dissolved gas in the aqueous solution. May be inaccurate or impossible to measure. For this reason, there has been a demand for a water bag device for an ultrasonic probe that can evacuate the gas in the storage bag during use. In addition, because there is a difference in size between the smaller feet of children, young people and women and the larger feet of adult male sportsmen, the former can be filled with water or aqueous solution in an amount that makes up for the lack of volume. In the latter case, a storage bag having a configuration capable of extracting too much water or solution is required.

そこで、本発明は上記問題を解決しようとするものであり、請求項１記載の装置は、枠体（カセット）と、この枠体に突出部を有するように固着する水及び水溶液を装填した伸縮可能な収納袋と、この収納袋の環状部内径より僅かに大きい外形を有した丸盆形状のパッキンとを具えた超音波診断装置における超音波プローブ用水袋装置において、前記枠体（カセット）外周部に孔を貫設し、前記伸縮可能な収納袋の環状部を凹型形状とし、この凹型形状の外周面に凸部を環設するとともに、前記丸盆形状のパッキン外周部に孔を貫設し、中空管が貫通できるように前記枠体外周部の孔と前記丸盆形状のパッキン外周部の孔を同心から一直線上の位置に嵌め込んで構成したことを特徴とする超音波診断装置における超音波プローブ用水袋装置である。  Accordingly, the present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the apparatus according toclaim 1 is a telescopic unit loaded with a frame (cassette) and water and an aqueous solution that are fixed to the frame so as to have a protruding portion. In an ultrasonic probe water bag apparatus in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising a possible storage bag and a round tray-shaped packing having an outer shape slightly larger than the inner diameter of the annular portion of the storage bag, the outer periphery of the frame (cassette) A hole is formed in the part, the annular part of the retractable storage bag is formed into a concave shape, a convex part is provided around the outer peripheral surface of the concave shape, and a hole is provided in the outer peripheral part of the round tray shaped packing. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the hole on the outer periphery of the frame body and the hole on the outer periphery of the round packing shape are fitted in a straight line from the concentricity so that the hollow tube can pass therethrough. In water bag device for ultrasonic probe That.

本発明によれば、製造後プローブ内の超音波の透過を妨げる気泡を極細中空管で除去することが可能であって、長期に保存した場合において、収納している水又は水溶液が大気中に気化（蒸発）する事により、収納袋体積が減少する状態、いわゆるしぼみが発生した場合であっても、注射針等の極細中空管を用いて使用前に水又は水溶液を充填する事が可能となる。また、子供、若年者及び女性の小さめの足であれば水又は水溶液を極細中空管を用いて充填し、成人男性のスポーツマンの大きめの足であれば、水又は水溶液を極細中空管を用いて抜出することができ、あらゆる大きさの足に対応する事ができる。  According to the present invention, it is possible to remove bubbles that hinder the transmission of ultrasonic waves in the probe after manufacture with an ultra-thin hollow tube, and when stored for a long time, the stored water or aqueous solution is in the atmosphere. Even when the storage bag volume is reduced by evaporation (evaporation), so-called dents, water or an aqueous solution can be filled with an ultra-fine hollow tube such as a syringe needle before use. It becomes possible. Also, if the legs are small for children, young people, and women, water or an aqueous solution is filled with an ultrafine hollow tube. If the legs are large for an adult male sportsman, the water or aqueous solution is filled with an ultrafine hollow tube. Can be pulled out using the, and can handle feet of any size.

本発明の請求項２記載の超音波プローブ用水袋装置は前記請求項１記載の伸縮可能な収納袋の半球部の膜厚は最大直径が最も厚く、最小直径となる先端に向い序々に薄くなることを特徴とする超音波診断装置における超音波プローブ用水袋装置である。  The ultrasonic probe water bag apparatus according toclaim 2 of the present invention is such that the film thickness of the hemispherical portion of the retractable storage bag according toclaim 1 is the largest in thickness and gradually decreases toward the tip having the smallest diameter. This is a water bag device for an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

本発明によれば、使用時に最も破断しやすい半球部の最大直径部の破断を防止することができる。さらに半球部先端に向って柔らかくなっているので、計測部位への密着度が増加し、その結果、音響インピーダンスが低下し、高感度な測定が可能となり計測精度が向上する。  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent breakage of the maximum diameter portion of the hemispherical portion that is most likely to break during use. Furthermore, since it becomes softer toward the tip of the hemisphere, the degree of adhesion to the measurement site is increased, and as a result, the acoustic impedance is reduced, high-sensitivity measurement is possible, and measurement accuracy is improved.

本発明によれば、製造後プローブ内の超音波の透過を妨げる気泡を極細中空管で除去することが可能であって、長期に保存した場合において、収納している水又は水溶液が大気中に気化（蒸発）する事により、収納袋体積が減少する状態、いわゆるしぼみが発生した場合であっても、注射針等の極細中空管を用いて使用前に水又は溶液を充填する事が可能となる。また、子供、若年者及び女性の小さめの足であれば水又は溶液を極細中空管を用いて充填し、成人男性のスポーツマンの大きめの足であれば、水又は溶液を極細中空管を用いて抜出することができ、あらゆる大きさの足に対応する事ができる。さらに、請求項２記載の発明では、使用時に最も破断しやすい半球部の最大直径部の破断を防止することができ、さらに半球部先端に向って柔らかくなっているので、計測部位への密着度が増加し、その結果、音響インピーダンスが低下し、高感度な測定が可能となり計測精度が向上する。  According to the present invention, it is possible to remove bubbles that hinder the transmission of ultrasonic waves in the probe after manufacture with an ultra-thin hollow tube, and when stored for a long time, the stored water or aqueous solution is in the atmosphere. Even when the volume of the storage bag is reduced due to vaporization (evaporation), that is, when a so-called dent is generated, it is possible to fill with water or a solution before use using an ultrafine hollow tube such as an injection needle. It becomes possible. Also, if the feet are small for children, young people, and women, water or solution is filled with a fine hollow tube, and if the feet are large for an adult male sportsman, water or solution is filled with a fine hollow tube. Can be pulled out using the, and can handle feet of any size. Furthermore, in the invention described inclaim 2, since the maximum diameter portion of the hemispherical portion that is most likely to be broken during use can be prevented and further softened toward the tip of the hemispherical portion, the degree of adhesion to the measurement site As a result, the acoustic impedance is lowered, and high-sensitivity measurement is possible and measurement accuracy is improved.

以下、本発明に係る超音波診断装置における超音波プローブ用水袋装置の実施の形態を図面に従って説明する。  Embodiments of a water bag device for an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

図面に基づいて具体的に説明すると図１乃至図６に示すように超音波プローブ用水袋装置１は収納袋２と枠体３と丸盆形状パッキン４とから構成されている。請求項２記載の収納袋２は図３に示すように半球体２ｄは最大直径部２ｆの膜厚が最も厚く、最小直径部２ｇへとなるに従い序々に薄くなっており、他方の２ｅ部は開口している。環状部２ａの断面は凹型形状であって、外周部には凸部２ｂが環設されている。この凸部２ｂの外径は円筒体３ａの内径よりも僅かに大きく作製されており、円筒４ｂの外径は環状部２ａの内径２ｃよりも僅かに大きく作製されている。収納袋２の材質はシリコンゴムであって、組み付けられた際には凸部２ｂが円筒体３ａの内径に圧接し、円筒４ｂの外径は内径２ｃに圧接している。これらの圧接により水及び水溶液５の外部への漏れを防止している。  If it demonstrates concretely based on drawing, thewater bag apparatus 1 for ultrasonic probes will be comprised from thestorage bag 2, theframe 3, and the round tray shapedpacking 4 as shown in FIG. 1 thru | or FIG. In thestorage bag 2 according toclaim 2, as shown in FIG. 3, thehemisphere 2d has thelargest diameter portion 2f having the largest film thickness and gradually becomes thinner toward the smallest diameter portion 2g, and the other 2e portion is It is open. The cross section of the annular portion 2a has a concave shape, and a convex portion 2b is provided around the outer peripheral portion. The outer diameter of the convex portion 2b is made slightly larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 3a, and the outer diameter of the cylinder 4b is made slightly larger than the inner diameter 2c of the annular portion 2a. The material of thestorage bag 2 is silicon rubber. When assembled, the convex portion 2b is pressed against the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 3a, and the outer diameter of the cylinder 4b is pressed against the inner diameter 2c. These pressure contacts prevent leakage of water and aqueous solution 5 to the outside.

また、前述のように材質がシリコンゴムのため注射針等の極細中空管の抜き差しに耐えて、針の挿入時に形成された孔を抜針後にその柔軟性と弾力性で封止し水及び水溶液５の漏れを防止している。もちろん、材質はシリコンゴムに限られたものではなく、柔軟性と弾力性を具備したものであれば他の分類に属するゴムであっても良い。  In addition, as described above, since the material is silicon rubber, it can withstand the insertion and removal of an ultra-thin hollow tube such as an injection needle, and the hole formed at the time of insertion of the needle is sealed with its flexibility and elasticity after the needle is removed. The leakage of the aqueous solution 5 is prevented. Of course, the material is not limited to silicon rubber, and rubbers belonging to other categories may be used as long as they have flexibility and elasticity.

枠体３は図４に示すように円筒体３ａの外縁に鍔が配設されたフランジ形状をしており、プラスチック製である。その円筒体３ａには、注射針等の極細中空管が貫通する孔３ｂが貫設されている。丸盆状パッキン４は図５に示すようにシリコンゴム製の膜４ａとナイロン樹脂製の円筒４ｂとシリコンゴムが充填された孔４ｃが一体成形されて形成されている。４ｃは注射針等の極細中空管が貫通する孔である。この孔４ｃにシリコンゴムを充填する事により、シリコンゴム厚を厚くした状態と同じ封止効果が生じ、注射針等の極細中空管を挿入・抜針した後の水及び水溶液５の漏れ防止効果を高めている。  As shown in FIG. 4, theframe 3 has a flange shape in which a flange is disposed on the outer edge of the cylindrical body 3a, and is made of plastic. The cylindrical body 3a is provided with ahole 3b through which an ultrafine hollow tube such as an injection needle passes. As shown in FIG. 5, the round bonnet-shaped packing 4 is formed by integrally molding a silicon rubber film 4a, a nylon resin cylinder 4b, and a hole 4c filled with silicon rubber. 4c is a hole through which an ultrafine hollow tube such as an injection needle passes. Filling the hole 4c with silicone rubber produces the same sealing effect as when the thickness of the silicon rubber is increased, and prevents leakage of water and the aqueous solution 5 after inserting or withdrawing a micro hollow tube such as an injection needle. Increases the effect.

さらに、図３に示すように、凸部２ｂと孔３ｂの位置を一致させる事により、凸部２ｂ部分を注射針等の極細中空管が挿入時に穿通する事となる。凸部２ｂは組み付けられた際に円筒体３ａの内径に合致するように圧接して変形しているが、この圧接により水及び水溶液５の外部への漏れを防止している。さらに注射針等の極細中空管の抜針後は、この変形圧力が挿入時に形成された針孔を塞いで、水及び水溶液５の漏れ防止効果を完全なものとしている。つまり、凸部２ｂは円筒体３ａの内径と環状部２ａの外径との隙間からの漏れ防止及び、針孔からの漏れ防止効果の双方に作用している。また、一例として円筒４ｂの材質はナイロン樹脂を記載したが、シリコンゴムより硬度が高く、ヤング率が大きい不錆材質であれば、他の樹脂やアルミニウム等の金属であってもよい。  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, by aligning the positions of the convex portions 2b and theholes 3b, the convex portions 2b are penetrated when an ultra-fine hollow tube such as an injection needle is inserted. When the convex portion 2b is assembled, it is pressed and deformed so as to match the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 3a, but this pressure contact prevents leakage of water and the aqueous solution 5 to the outside. Further, after the extraction of the ultra-thin hollow tube such as an injection needle, the deformation pressure closes the needle hole formed at the time of insertion, and the effect of preventing leakage of water and the aqueous solution 5 is perfected. That is, the convex part 2b acts on both the leakage prevention effect from the gap between the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 3a and the outer diameter of the annular part 2a and the leakage prevention effect from the needle hole. Further, as an example, the material of the cylinder 4b is nylon resin, but other resin or metal such as aluminum may be used as long as it is a non-rusting material having higher hardness and higher Young's modulus than silicon rubber.

前記丸盆状パッキン４は、孔４ｃが枠体３の孔３ｂと注射針等の極細パイプが貫通できるように一直線上の位置に収納袋２を間に挟み、嵌め込まれて構成されている。収納袋２の凸部２ｂの外径は枠体３の円筒体３ａの内径よりも大径に形成されており、丸盆状パッキン４とともに枠体３に組み付けられた際には、凸部２ｂが円筒体３ａの内径に合致するように変形して圧接し、また円筒４ｂの外径が環状部２ａの凹型形状の内径部に圧接して水及び水溶液５の外部への漏洩を防止している。  The round bonnet-shaped packing 4 is configured such that thestorage bag 2 is sandwiched and fitted in a straight line so that the hole 4c can penetrate thehole 3b of theframe 3 and the ultrafine pipe such as an injection needle. The outer diameter of the convex portion 2 b of thestorage bag 2 is formed to be larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 3 a of theframe body 3, and when assembled to theframe body 3 together with the round tray-shaped packing 4, the convex portion 2 b Is deformed and pressed so as to match the inner diameter of the cylindrical body 3a, and the outer diameter of the cylinder 4b is pressed against the concave inner diameter portion of the annular portion 2a to prevent leakage of water and the aqueous solution 5 to the outside. Yes.

しかしながら、製造工程で混入したり水中に溶け込んでいる溶存気体によって発生する気泡がある。また、水又は水溶液５を充填した超音波プローブ用水袋装置１の収納袋２はゴム製のため、長期に保存した場合、水の分子が収納袋２の分子間から大気中に気化（蒸発）し、収納袋２の体積が減少するしぼみ状態が発生する。このような場合、図６に示すように、超音波ブローブ装置１に水又は水溶液を注射器等によって補充したり、或いは抜出したり、又は、気泡を抜いたりすることができる。  However, there are bubbles generated by dissolved gas mixed in the manufacturing process or dissolved in water. Thestorage bag 2 of the ultrasonic probewater bag device 1 filled with water or an aqueous solution 5 is made of rubber, so that when stored for a long period of time, water molecules are vaporized (evaporated) from between the molecules of thestorage bag 2 into the atmosphere. Then, a squeezed state in which the volume of thestorage bag 2 is reduced occurs. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 6, theultrasonic probe apparatus 1 can be replenished with water or an aqueous solution by a syringe or the like, extracted, or air bubbles can be extracted.

本発明の実施の形態における超音波プローブ用水袋装置の立体斜視図である。It is a three-dimensional perspective view of a water bag device for an ultrasonic probe in an embodiment of the present invention.本発明の実施の形態における超音波プローブ用水袋装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the water bag apparatus for ultrasonic probes in embodiment of this invention.本発明の実施の形態における収納袋の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the storage bag in embodiment of this invention.本発明の実施の形態における枠体の正面図及び断面図である。It is the front view and sectional drawing of the frame in embodiment of this invention.本発明の実施の形態における丸盆状パッキンの正面図及び断面図である。It is the front view and sectional drawing of the round tray shaped packing in embodiment of this invention.本発明の実施の形態における超音波プローブ用水袋装置に注射器で水又は水溶液を補充している図である。It is the figure which replenishes the water bag apparatus for ultrasonic probes in embodiment of this invention with water or aqueous solution with the syringe.従来例の超音波プローブ用水袋装置に超音波探触子がセットされた断面図である。It is sectional drawing by which the ultrasonic probe was set to the water bag apparatus for ultrasonic probes of the prior art example.従来例の超音波プローブ用水袋装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the water bag apparatus for ultrasonic probes of a prior art example.従来例の収納袋の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the storage bag of a prior art example.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１ 超音波プローブ用水袋装置
２ 収納袋
３ 枠体
４ 丸盆状パッキン
５ 水又は水溶液1 Ultrasonic probewater bag device 2Storage bag 3Frame 4 Round tray packing 5 Water or aqueous solution

Claims (2)

Translated fromJapanese

枠体（カセット）と、この枠体に突出部を有するように固着する水及び水溶液を装填した伸縮可能な収納袋と、この収納袋の環状部内径より僅かに大きい外径を有した丸盆形状のパッキンとを具えた超音波診断装置における超音波プローブ用水袋装置において、前記枠体（カセット）外周部に孔を貫設し、前記伸縮可能な収納袋の環状部を凹型形状とし、この凹型形状の外周面に凸部を環設するとともに、前記丸盆形状のパッキン外周部に孔を貫設し、中空管が収納袋へ内挿できるように前記枠体外周部の孔と前記丸盆形状のパッキン外周部の孔を直線上の位置に嵌め込んで構成したことを特徴とする超音波診断装置における超音波プローブ用水袋装置。A frame (cassette), a stretchable storage bag loaded with water and an aqueous solution that is fixed to the frame so as to have a protruding portion, and a round tray having an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the annular portion of the storage bag In the ultrasonic probe water bag device in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the shape packing, a hole is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the frame (cassette), and the annular portion of the extendable storage bag has a concave shape. A convex portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the concave shape, and a hole is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the round tray-shaped packing so that the hollow tube can be inserted into the storage bag. A water bag device for an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that a hole on the outer periphery of a circular tray-shaped packing is fitted into a straight line. 伸縮可能な収納袋の半球部の膜厚は最大直径部が最も厚く、最小直径となる先端に向い序々に薄くなることを特徴とする請求項１記載の超音波診断装置における超音波プローブ用水袋装置。  2. The water bag for an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the film thickness of the hemispherical portion of the extendable storage bag is the largest in the maximum diameter portion and gradually decreases toward the tip having the minimum diameter. apparatus.

Images