EP0081033A1 - Ultrasonic scanner - Google Patents

Ultrasonic scanner Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0081033A1
EP0081033A1 EP82106977A EP82106977A EP0081033A1 EP 0081033 A1 EP0081033 A1 EP 0081033A1 EP 82106977 A EP82106977 A EP 82106977A EP 82106977 A EP82106977 A EP 82106977A EP 0081033 A1 EP0081033 A1 EP 0081033A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
applicator
housing
comb
transducer
mhz
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP82106977A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0081033B1 (en
Inventor
Walter Hetz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT82106977T priority Critical patent/ATE13604T1/en
Publication of EP0081033A1 publication Critical patent/EP0081033A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0081033B1 publication Critical patent/EP0081033B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B1/00—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • B06B1/02—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
    • B06B1/06—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
    • B06B1/0607—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements
    • B06B1/0622—Methods or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction using multiple elements on one surface
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/004—Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ultrasound applicator according to the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • Ultrasonic applicators of this type are e.g. from the Siemens brochure "SONOLINE 8000 Dynamically Focused Digital Real-Time Computer Scanner" DATA E 441, order no. M-E 441/1970 previously known.
  • the converter comb runs parallel to the converter housing. Only the length of the individual converter combs varies with the frequency of use. For example, in the case of a 2.5 MHz applicator, the length of the transducer comb corresponds to the total length of the applicator housing. In the case of the 7 MHz applicator, however, the length of the comb element comb is at most 1/3 of the total length of the applicator. Corresponding intermediate dimensions result for the 3.5 MHz and 5 MHz applicators.
  • the object of the invention is to build ultrasonic applicators of the type mentioned, which are even more handy than the applicators described in the prospectus.
  • the applicator housing can therefore be shortened in the longitudinal direction, in all frequency positions (with the appropriate design also in the lowest, e.g. 2.5 MHz or 3.5 MHz locations) to the same extent.
  • the use of applicators of different lengths for higher and lower frequencies is not absolutely necessary.
  • a transducer element comb that runs obliquely with respect to the applicator housing also improves the application in the sense that the applicator as a whole can be handled more flexibly at the application site.
  • the usual stirring or tilting of the applicator at the application site during the examination can be carried out unhindered, because due to the incline of the transducer element comb, the applicator does not hit the application site with the housing edge pointing away from the application surface. Because of the better mobility, the maximum distance of the transducer element comb from the lower edge of the applicator housing can be shortened overall. This alone makes the overall height of the applicator smaller.
  • the inclined position of the transducer element comb is also very advantageous because it results in a much simpler routing of the electrical connecting lines of the individual transducer elements in the transducer element housing.
  • the connecting leads leading from the individual transducer elements of the transducer comb to the individual signal switching elements form an acute angle with the transducer comb.
  • the connecting lines on the transducer comb open approximately vertically. The lines are less crowded at this point and therefore easier to lay, which is in view of the desired, particularly compact construction brings a not inconsiderable advantage in the interior of the applicator housing.
  • a conventional 2.5 MHz ultrasound applicator is designated by 1 in dashed lines. It comprises the applicator housing 2 and a lower part 3, which carries an ultrasonic transducer comb on the application surface 4.
  • the applicator connection cable 5 opens on the right side of the applicator 1.
  • the 2.5 MHz ultrasound applicator 6 according to the invention drawn in full line has a greatly shortened housing 7 with a lower housing part 8, which has an application surface which runs obliquely at an angle ⁇ 1 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the applicator housing 9 includes.
  • a transducer element comb 10 with a plurality of transducer elements 11 extends along this application surface 9, which can be finely divided again.
  • the greatly shortened housing 7 is preferably made of a thermoplastic, such as Makrolon.
  • the lower housing part 8 can also be made of Makrolon with a glass fiber reinforcement.
  • the lower part can preferably also be covered with a rubber cap (not shown) which electrically insulates the transducer element comb and protects it from dirt and moisture from the outside.
  • the ultrasound applicator also includes the applicator connection cable 12. This leads to the surface of the applicator housing 7 in the area of that upper edge of the housing, on the associated lower edge of which the bevel of the application surface 9 runs. This different arrangement of the applicator connection cable compared to conventional ultrasound applicators improves the handling of the ultrasound applicator at the application site.
  • the applicator can be tilted or rotated as desired at the application site without the connecting cable 12 (which may also be held by means of a whip holder) bent too much or otherwise the free movement of the applicator is hindered.
  • FIG. 1 also shows a dash-dotted line a lower part 13 is drawn for a 3.5 MHz ultrasound applicator.
  • the application surface of this lower part is inclined relative to the applicator housing 7 by the angle ⁇ 2 . From the illustration in FIG. 1 it can be seen that the same shortened applicator housing 7 can be used for both the 2.5 MHz and the 3.5 MHz applicator.
  • the applicator 14 of FIG. 2 is a 5 MHz applicator which has a lower part 15 with an application surface 16 which is inclined at an angle ⁇ 3 with respect to the applicator housing 7.
  • the applicator 17 of FIG. 4 is a 7.5 MHz applicator. Its lower part 18 has an application surface 19 which is inclined at an angle 4 relative to the applicator housing 7.
  • the angles of inclination are preferably between approximately 10 to 25 °.
  • the 2.5 MHz array has the largest inclination angle.
  • the other angles of inclination ⁇ 2 , ⁇ 3 and ⁇ 4 are preferably between 10 and 16. At least for the 5 MHz and 7 MHz frequency positions, the same inclination angle can also be used if necessary.
  • inclined application surfaces can be dispensed with, and only applicators with an application surface running parallel to the applicator housing can do this be used.
  • the applicator housings for the lower frequencies would be longer than those for the applicators in the higher frequency ranges. But such a choice would also be advantageous in the sense of the invention, because for a total of four different ultrasound applicators only two in different dimensions of the applicator housing are required for lower and for higher frequency positions.
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the difference between the line routing in an applicator according to the invention and such a conventional type. It can be seen immediately that the connecting lines 21 for the transducer elements of the transducer element comb, which lead from an inclined application surface 19 to the corresponding signal switching elements 20 open perpendicular to the application surface 19. Because of this angular position, the connecting lines 21 in an applicator according to the invention are less crowded in the area of the transducer element comb than the connecting lines 22, which open in conventional ultrasonic transducers on an application surface 23 running parallel to the transducer housing.

Abstract

1. An ultrasonic scanner comprising a scanner housing (7) with a base (8; 13; 15; 18) which on the scanning surface (7; 16; 19) possesses a transducer element comb (10) consisting of a plurality of transducer elements (11), whose electrical connection lines (21) extend inside the scanner housing (7), characterised in that the transducer element comb (10) extends at an acute angle (alpha 1 ; alpha 2 ; alpha 3 ; alpha 4 ) to the longitudinal axis of the scanner housing (7), so that a sloping scanning surface (9; 16; 19) is formed.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Ultraschall-Applikator gemäß den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to an ultrasound applicator according to the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

Ultraschall-Applikatoren dieser Art sind z.B. aus dem Siemens-Prospekt"SONOLINE 8000 Dynamisch fokussierter digitaler Real-time-Computer-Scanner" DATA E 441, Bestell-Nr. M-E 441/1970 vorbekannt. Bei den auf der Seite 2 des Prospektes abgebildeten Applikatoren verläuft der Wandlerkamm parallel zum Wandlergehäuse. Lediglich die Länge der einzelnen Wandlerkämme variiert mit der Anwendungsfrequenz. So entspricht beispielsweise bei einem 2,5 MHz-Applikator die Länge des Wandlerkammes der Gesamtlänge des Applikatorgehäuses. Im Falle des 7 MHz-Applikators beträgt hingegen die Länge des Wandlerelementkammes höchstens 1/3 der Gesamtlänge des Applikators. Bei den 3,5 MHz- sowie 5 MHz-Applikatoren ergeben sich entsprechende Zwischenabmessungen.Ultrasonic applicators of this type are e.g. from the Siemens brochure "SONOLINE 8000 Dynamically Focused Digital Real-Time Computer Scanner" DATA E 441, order no. M-E 441/1970 previously known. In the applicators shown on page 2 of the brochure, the converter comb runs parallel to the converter housing. Only the length of the individual converter combs varies with the frequency of use. For example, in the case of a 2.5 MHz applicator, the length of the transducer comb corresponds to the total length of the applicator housing. In the case of the 7 MHz applicator, however, the length of the comb element comb is at most 1/3 of the total length of the applicator. Corresponding intermediate dimensions result for the 3.5 MHz and 5 MHz applicators.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, Ultraschall-Applikatoren der eingangs genannten Art aufzubauen, die noch handlicher sind als die im Prospekt beschriebenen Applikatoren.The object of the invention is to build ultrasonic applicators of the type mentioned, which are even more handy than the applicators described in the prospectus.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

Aufgrund der Schräglage des Wandlerelementkammes verkürzt sich die Projektion des Kammes auf das Applikatorgehäuse. Das Applikatorgehäuse kann also in Längsrichtung verkürzt werden,und zwar in allen Frequenzlagen (bei entsprechender Gestaltung auch in den tiefsten, z.B. 2,5 MHz bzw. 3,5 MHz-Lagen) in gleichem Maße. Die Verwendung unterschiedlich langer Applikatoren für höhere und tiefere Frequenzen ist nicht unbedingt notwendig. Ein gegenüber dem Applikatorgehäuse schräg verlaufender Wandlerelementkamm verbessert außerdem die Applikation in dem Sinne, daß der Applikator insgesamt am Applikationsort beweglicher gehandhabt werden kann. Das übliche Rühren oder Kippen des Applikators am Applikationsort während der Untersuchung kann unbehindert erfolgen, da wegen der Schräge des Wandlerelementkammes der Applikator nicht so leicht wie bisher mit der von der Applikationsfläche wegweisenden Gehäusekante am Applikationsort anstößt. Wegen der besseren Beweglichkeit kann aber auch der maximale Abstand des Wandlerelementkammes von der unteren Kante des Applikatorgehäuses insgesamt verkürzt werden. Schon dadurch wird auch die Gesamthöhe des Applikators kleiner. Die Schräglage des Wandlerelementkammes ist aber auch deshalb sehr vorteilhaft, weil sich eine sehr viel einfachere Führung der elektrischen Anschlußleitungen der einzelnen Wandlerelemente im Wandlerelementgehäuse ergibt. Bei den Applikatoren des Prospektes, bei denen also der Wandlerelementkamm parallel zu den Längskanten des Applikatorgehäuses verläuft, bilden die von den einzelnen Wandlerelementen des Wandlerkammes zu den einzelnen Signalschaltgliedern führenden Anschlußleitungen mit dem Wandlerkamm einen spitzen Winkel. Die Folge ist, daß bei der großen Anzahl von Anschlußleitungen diese im Bereich des Wandlerkammes stark zusammengedrängt liegen. Bei gemäß der Erfindung schräg verlaufendem Wandlerelementkamm münden hingegen die Anschlußleitungen am Wandlerkamm in etwa senkrecht. Die Leitungen sind damit an dieser Stelle weniger gedrängt und damit auch einfacher zu verlegen, was im Hinblick auf die erwünschte, besonders kompakte Bauanordnung im Innenraum des Applikatorgehäuses einen nicht unerheblichen Vorteil bringt.Due to the inclined position of the transducer element comb, the projection of the comb onto the applicator housing is shortened. The applicator housing can therefore be shortened in the longitudinal direction, in all frequency positions (with the appropriate design also in the lowest, e.g. 2.5 MHz or 3.5 MHz locations) to the same extent. The use of applicators of different lengths for higher and lower frequencies is not absolutely necessary. A transducer element comb that runs obliquely with respect to the applicator housing also improves the application in the sense that the applicator as a whole can be handled more flexibly at the application site. The usual stirring or tilting of the applicator at the application site during the examination can be carried out unhindered, because due to the incline of the transducer element comb, the applicator does not hit the application site with the housing edge pointing away from the application surface. Because of the better mobility, the maximum distance of the transducer element comb from the lower edge of the applicator housing can be shortened overall. This alone makes the overall height of the applicator smaller. The inclined position of the transducer element comb is also very advantageous because it results in a much simpler routing of the electrical connecting lines of the individual transducer elements in the transducer element housing. In the applicators of the brochure, in which the transducer element comb runs parallel to the longitudinal edges of the applicator housing, the connecting leads leading from the individual transducer elements of the transducer comb to the individual signal switching elements form an acute angle with the transducer comb. The consequence is that with the large number of connecting lines, these are strongly crowded in the area of the converter comb. In the case of a transducer element comb which runs obliquely according to the invention, however, the connecting lines on the transducer comb open approximately vertically. The lines are less crowded at this point and therefore easier to lay, which is in view of the desired, particularly compact construction brings a not inconsiderable advantage in the interior of the applicator housing.

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand der Zeichnung und in Verbindung mit den Unteransprüchen.Further advantages and details of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing and in connection with the subclaims.

Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1 zwei Ultraschall-Applikatoren gemäß der Erfindung für z.B. die Frequenzen 2,5 MHz und 3,5 MHz im Vergleich mit einem herkömmlichen Ultraschall-Applikator,
  • Figur 2 einen dritten Ultraschall-Applikator gemäß der Erfindung, der beispielsweise mit der Frequenz 5 MHz arbeitet,
  • Figur 3 eine Vorderansicht des Ultraschall-Applikators der Figur 2,
  • Figur 4 einen vierten Ultraschall-Applikator gemäß der Erfindung, der z.B. mit 7 MHz arbeitet,
  • Figur 5 in schematischer Darstellung den Unterschied zwischen den Leitungsführungen bei einem Applikator gemäß der Erfindung und einem solchen herkömmlicher Art.
Show it:
  • 1 shows two ultrasound applicators according to the invention for, for example, the frequencies 2.5 MHz and 3.5 MHz in comparison with a conventional ultrasound applicator,
  • FIG. 2 shows a third ultrasound applicator according to the invention, which operates for example at the 5 MHz frequency,
  • FIG. 3 shows a front view of the ultrasound applicator from FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 shows a fourth ultrasound applicator according to the invention, which operates, for example, at 7 MHz,
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the difference between the line routing in an applicator according to the invention and such a conventional type.

In der Figur 1 ist ein herkömmlicher 2,5 MHz-Ultraschall-Applikator in gestrichelter Darstellung mit 1 bezeichnet. Er umfaßt das Applikatorgehäuse 2 und ein Unterteil 3, das an der Applikationsfläche 4 einen Ultraschall-Wandlerkamm trägt. Das Applikator-Anschlußkabel 5 mündet auf der rechten Seite des Applikators 1. Demgegenüber weist der im Vollstrich gezeichnete erfindungsgemäße 2,5 MHz-Ultraschall-Applikator 6 ein stark verkürztes Gehäuse 7 mit einem Gehäuseunterteil 8 auf, das eine gegenüber der Längsrichtung des Applikatorgehäuses schräg unter einem Winkel α1 verlaufende Applikationsfläche 9 umfaßt. Entlang dieser Applikationsfläche 9 erstreckt sich ein Wandlerelementkamm 10 mit einer Vielzahl von Wandlerelementen 11, die in sich wieder feingeteilt sein können. Das stark verkürzte Gehäuse 7 ist vorzugsweise aus einem thermoplastischen Kunststoff, z.B. Makrolon, gefertigt. Das Gehäuseunterteil 8 kann ebenfalls aus Makrolon mit einer Glasfaserverstärkung gefertigt sein. Das Unterteil ist vorzugsweise auch noch mit einer (nicht dargestellten) Gummikappe überziehbar, welche den Wandlerelementkamm elektrisch isoliert und gegen Schmutz sowie Feuchtigkeit von außen schützt. Der Ultraschall-Applikator umfaßt auch noch das Applikator-Anschlußkabel 12. Dieses mündet auf der Oberfläche des Applikatorgehäuses 7 im Bereich jener Gehäuseoberkante, an deren zugehörigen Gehäuseunterkante die Schräge der Applikationsfläche 9 anläuft. Diese gegenüber herkömmlichen Ultraschall-Applikatoren unterschiedliche Anordnung des Applikator-Anschlußkabels verbessert die Handhabung des Ultraschall-Applikatbrs am Applikationsort. Wird nämlich der freie, vom Anschlußkabel 12 wegweisende Teil des Applikatorgehäuses 7 mit der Hand umgriffen, so läßt sich am Applikationsort der Applikator beliebig kippen oder drehen, ohne daß das Anschlußkabel 12 (das gegebenenfalls auch noch mittels Peitschenhalterung gehaltert werden kann) allzu stark geknickt oder sonstwie die freie Beweglichkeit des Applikators behindert wird.In FIG. 1, a conventional 2.5 MHz ultrasound applicator is designated by 1 in dashed lines. It comprises the applicator housing 2 and a lower part 3, which carries an ultrasonic transducer comb on the application surface 4. The applicator connection cable 5 opens on the right side of the applicator 1. In contrast, the 2.5 MHz ultrasound applicator 6 according to the invention drawn in full line has a greatly shortened housing 7 with a lower housing part 8, which has an application surface which runs obliquely at an angle α 1 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the applicator housing 9 includes. A transducer element comb 10 with a plurality of transducer elements 11 extends along this application surface 9, which can be finely divided again. The greatly shortened housing 7 is preferably made of a thermoplastic, such as Makrolon. The lower housing part 8 can also be made of Makrolon with a glass fiber reinforcement. The lower part can preferably also be covered with a rubber cap (not shown) which electrically insulates the transducer element comb and protects it from dirt and moisture from the outside. The ultrasound applicator also includes the applicator connection cable 12. This leads to the surface of the applicator housing 7 in the area of that upper edge of the housing, on the associated lower edge of which the bevel of the application surface 9 runs. This different arrangement of the applicator connection cable compared to conventional ultrasound applicators improves the handling of the ultrasound applicator at the application site. If the free part of the applicator housing 7 pointing away from the connecting cable 12 is gripped by hand, the applicator can be tilted or rotated as desired at the application site without the connecting cable 12 (which may also be held by means of a whip holder) bent too much or otherwise the free movement of the applicator is hindered.

Zusätzlich zum 2,5 MHz-Ultraschall-Applikator ist in der Figur 1 auch noch in strichpunktierter Darstellung ein Unterteil 13 für einen 3,5 MHz-Ultraschall-Applikator eingezeichnet. Die Applikationsfläche dieses Unterteiles ist gegenüber dem Applikatorgehäuse 7 um den Winkel α2 geneigt. Aus der Darstellung der Figur 1 sieht man also, daß sowohl für den 2,5 MHz- als auch für den 3,5 MHz-Applikator dasselbe verkürzte Applikatorgehäuse 7 eingesetzt werden kann.In addition to the 2.5 MHz ultrasound applicator, FIG. 1 also shows a dash-dotted line a lower part 13 is drawn for a 3.5 MHz ultrasound applicator. The application surface of this lower part is inclined relative to the applicator housing 7 by the angle α 2 . From the illustration in FIG. 1 it can be seen that the same shortened applicator housing 7 can be used for both the 2.5 MHz and the 3.5 MHz applicator.

Dies gilt im Prinzip auch für die Applikatoren der Figuren 2 bis 4. Der Applikator 14 der Figur 2 ist ein 5 MHz-Applikator, der ein Unterteil 15 mit einer Applikationsfläche 16 aufweist, die unter einem Winkel α3 gegenüber dem Applikatorgehäuse 7 geneigt ist. Der Applikator 17 der Figur 4 ist ein 7,5 MHz-Applikator. Sein Unterteil 18 hat eine Applikationsfläche 19, die unter dem WinkeloC 4 gegenüber dem Applikatorgehäuse 7 geneigt ist.In principle, this also applies to the applicators of FIGS. 2 to 4. The applicator 14 of FIG. 2 is a 5 MHz applicator which has a lower part 15 with an application surface 16 which is inclined at an angle α 3 with respect to the applicator housing 7. The applicator 17 of FIG. 4 is a 7.5 MHz applicator. Its lower part 18 has an application surface 19 which is inclined at an angle 4 relative to the applicator housing 7.

In den Ausführungsbeispielen der Figuren 1 bis 4 liegen die Neigungswinkel vorzugsweise zwischen etwa 10 bis 25°. Den größten Neigungswinkel hat das 2,5 MHz-Array. Die übrigen Neigungswinkel α2, α3 und α4 liegen vorzugsweise zwischen 10 und 16 . Zumindest für die Frequenzlagen 5 MHz und 7 MHz kann bedarfsweise auch der gleiche Neigungswinkel verwendet werden. Ersatzweise kann bei den Applikatoren der tieferen Frequenzlagen 2,5 MHz und 3,5 MHz (oder auch nur der tiefsten Lage von 2,5 MHz) mit den größten Neigungswinkeln auf schräge Applikationsflächen verzichtet und es können dafür nur Applikatoren mit parallel zum Applikatorgehäuse verlaufender Applikationsfläche eingesetzt werden. In einem solchen Falle wären allerdings die Applikatorgehäuse für die niedrigeren Frequenzen länger bemessen als jene für die Applikatoren der höheren Frequenzlagen. Aber auch eine solche Wahl wäre im Sinne der Erfindung noch vorteilhaft, weil für insgesamt vier unterschiedliche Ultraschall-Applikatoren nur zwei in den Abmessungen unterschiedliche Applikatorgehäuse für tiefere und für höhere Frequenzlagen benötigt werden.In the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 1 to 4, the angles of inclination are preferably between approximately 10 to 25 °. The 2.5 MHz array has the largest inclination angle. The other angles of inclination α 2 , α 3 and α 4 are preferably between 10 and 16. At least for the 5 MHz and 7 MHz frequency positions, the same inclination angle can also be used if necessary. Alternatively, with the applicators of the lower frequency ranges 2.5 MHz and 3.5 MHz (or even the lowest position of 2.5 MHz) with the largest angles of inclination, inclined application surfaces can be dispensed with, and only applicators with an application surface running parallel to the applicator housing can do this be used. In such a case, however, the applicator housings for the lower frequencies would be longer than those for the applicators in the higher frequency ranges. But such a choice would also be advantageous in the sense of the invention, because for a total of four different ultrasound applicators only two in different dimensions of the applicator housing are required for lower and for higher frequency positions.

Die Figur 5 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung den Unterschied zwischen den Leitungsführungen bei einem Applikator gemäß der Erfindung und einem solchen herkömmlicher Art. Man erkennt sofort, daß die von einer geschrägten Applikationsfläche 19 zu den entsprechenden Signalschaltgliedern 20 führenden Anschlußleitungen 21 für die Wandlerelemente des Wandlerelementkammes in etwa senkrecht zur Applikationsfläche 19 münden. Aufgrund dieser Winkellage liegen also die Anschlußleitungen 21 bei einem Applikator gemäß der Erfindung im Bereich des Wandlerelementkammes weniger gedrängt als die Anschlußleitungen 22, die bei herkömmlichen Ultraschall-Wandlern an einer parallel zum Wandlergehäuse verlaufenden Applikationsfläche 23 münden.FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the difference between the line routing in an applicator according to the invention and such a conventional type. It can be seen immediately that the connecting lines 21 for the transducer elements of the transducer element comb, which lead from an inclined application surface 19 to the corresponding signal switching elements 20 open perpendicular to the application surface 19. Because of this angular position, the connecting lines 21 in an applicator according to the invention are less crowded in the area of the transducer element comb than the connecting lines 22, which open in conventional ultrasonic transducers on an application surface 23 running parallel to the transducer housing.

Claims (5)

1. Ultraschall-Applikator, bestehend aus einem Applikatorgehäuse, das als Applikationsfläche einen Wandlerelementkamm aus einer Vielzahl von Wandlerelementen umfaßt, deren elektrische Anschlußleitungen im Innern des Applikatorgehäuses verlaufen, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß der Wandlerelementkamm (10) unter einem vorgebbaren spitzen Winkel (α1;α2; c( 3; α 4) schräg zum Applikatorgehäuse (7) verläuft, so daß sich eine geneigte Applikationsfläche (9; 16; 19) ergibt.1. Ultrasonic applicator, consisting of an applicator housing which comprises a transducer element comb as the application surface from a plurality of transducer elements, the electrical connection lines of which run inside the applicator housing, characterized in that the transducer element comb (10) at a predeterminable acute angle (α 1 ; α 2 ; c ( 3 ; α 4 ) extends obliquely to the applicator housing (7), so that there is an inclined application surface (9; 16; 19). 2. Ultraschall-Applikator nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß der Wandlerkamm unter dem vorgebbaren spitzen Winkel gegenüber der Längsrichtung des Applikatorgehäuses (7) geneigt ist.2. Ultrasonic applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the transducer comb is inclined at the predeterminable acute angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the applicator housing (7). 3. Ultraschall-Applikator nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß der Neigungswinkel so gewählt ist, daß die elektrischen Anschlußleitungen (21) der Wandlerelemente (11) des Wandlerelementkammes (10) im Innern des Applikatorgehäuses (7) in etwa senkrecht am Wandlerelementkamm münden.3. Ultrasonic applicator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the angle of inclination is selected so that the electrical connecting lines (21) of the transducer elements (11) of the transducer element comb (10) inside the applicator housing (7) approximately perpendicular to the transducer element comb flow out. 4. Ultraschall-Applikator nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß der Neigungswinkel für unterschiedliche Betriebsfrequenzen bei etwa 10° bis 250, vorzugsweise bei höheren Frequenzen zwischen 10° und 16°, liegt.4. Ultrasonic applicator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the angle of inclination for different operating frequencies is about 10 ° to 25 0 , preferably at higher frequencies between 10 ° and 16 °. 5. Ultraschall-Applikator nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet , daß das Applikator-Anschlußkabel (12)auf der Oberfläche des Applikatorgehäuses (7) im Bereich jener Gehäuseoberkante mündet, an deren zugehörigen Gehäuseunterkante die Schräge der Applikationsfläche (9; 16; 19) anläuft.5. Ultrasonic applicator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the applicator connection cable (12) on the surface of the Applicator housing (7) opens in the area of the upper edge of the housing, on the associated lower edge of which the bevel of the application surface (9; 16; 19) runs.
EP82106977A 1981-12-04 1982-08-02 Ultrasonic scanner Expired EP0081033B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT82106977T ATE13604T1 (en) 1981-12-04 1982-08-02 ULTRASOUND APPLICATOR.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19813148094 DE3148094A1 (en) 1981-12-04 1981-12-04 ULTRASONIC APPLICATOR
DE3148094 1981-12-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0081033A1 true EP0081033A1 (en) 1983-06-15
EP0081033B1 EP0081033B1 (en) 1985-05-29

Family

ID=6147924

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP82106977A Expired EP0081033B1 (en) 1981-12-04 1982-08-02 Ultrasonic scanner

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0081033B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE13604T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3148094A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2913602A (en) * 1955-11-03 1959-11-17 Ivan L Joy Method and means for transmitting elastic waves
GB2009563A (en) * 1977-11-24 1979-06-13 Emi Ltd Ultrasonic probes
EP0025214A2 (en) * 1979-09-07 1981-03-18 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device for puncturing internal body organs, vessels and other body regions

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2913602A (en) * 1955-11-03 1959-11-17 Ivan L Joy Method and means for transmitting elastic waves
GB2009563A (en) * 1977-11-24 1979-06-13 Emi Ltd Ultrasonic probes
EP0025214A2 (en) * 1979-09-07 1981-03-18 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device for puncturing internal body organs, vessels and other body regions

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3148094A1 (en) 1983-06-09
ATE13604T1 (en) 1985-06-15
DE3263895D1 (en) 1985-07-04
EP0081033B1 (en) 1985-05-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE19525605B4 (en) X-ray detector assembly with reduced effective distance
EP0150364B1 (en) X-ray diagnostic installation with an x-ray tube
DE60132967T2 (en) Cost-effective multilayer X-ray tomography detector with a variety of operating modes
DE2556012A1 (en) PROCEDURE AND ARRANGEMENT FOR DETERMINING THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF RADIATION IN ONE PLANE OF A BODY
DE2641744C2 (en) Color jet recording device
DE2915073A1 (en) BACK SCATTERED ELECTRON DETECTOR, FOR USE WITH AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE
DE1910156B2 (en) Encoder for converting pressure waves into digital electrical signals
EP0222276A2 (en) Ultrasonic measuring head
EP0081033B1 (en) Ultrasonic scanner
DE1264819B (en) Piezoelectric pressure transducer
AT405884B (en) DETECTOR FOR MEASURING ELECTROLYTIC CONDUCTIVITY
EP0257377A2 (en) Surface wave resonator structure comprising reflective finger metallization strips divided into parts
DE19844602A1 (en) Method and device for measuring the angular distribution of a liquid jet
DE2828240A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE ELECTRON DENSITY IN A PARTIAL VOLUME
DE3320546C2 (en) Capacitive transducer for measuring the amount of liquid in a container
EP1059671A2 (en) X-ray image sensor
DE3200762A1 (en) ULTRASONIC PROBE
EP0086531A1 (en) Apparatus for ultrasonic investigation
DE3222451A1 (en) ULTRASONIC IMAGE GENERATOR
EP1075014A2 (en) Gas chamber detector with gas electron multiplier
DE3718972C2 (en)
DE102018100333A1 (en) Method for the position detection of a position sensor arranged on a touch-sensitive input surface
DE687205C (en) Image splitting tube in which a bundle of electrons corresponding to the brightness values of the image is drawn over a scanning opening by deflection fields
DE2619268A1 (en) Character reader low loss raster scanner - uses honeycomb light guide of photocell matrix with rear wall detector feeding amplified output signals to recognition circuit
DE874177C (en) Switch tubes

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB LI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19830712

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT CH DE FR GB LI

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 13604

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19850615

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3263895

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19850704

ET Fr: translation filed
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 19850731

Year of fee payment: 4

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19860802

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19860831

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19860831

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19870430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19870501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19881122