Probe sterilization device, probe sterilization method, and ultrasonic imaging system

An ultrasonic imaging system, comprising:

• an ultrasonic probe, configured to send or receive an ultrasonic signal;
• a main computer, electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe;
• and
• a sterilization device, comprising:
• a housing defining a cavity with an opening, wherein the housing comprises a cover plate capable of covering the opening, the cavity being capable of accommodating the ultrasonic probe;
• a cover plate drive, capable of driving, in response to a cover plate drive control signal, the cover plate to move so as to open the opening;
• a support, arranged in the housing and capable of fixing the ultrasonic probe;
• an ultraviolet light source, arranged in the housing, and capable of being turned on in response to a light source control signal;
• and
• a processor, electrically connected to the cover plate drive and capable of sending the cover plate drive control signal to the cover plate drive, and electrically connected to the ultraviolet light source and capable of sending the light source control signal to the ultraviolet light source,
• wherein the sterilization device further comprises a couplant releasing assembly, the couplant releasing assembly comprises a couplant container and a release drive, the couplant container is arranged above and faces the support in the housing and accommodates a couplant, and the release drive acts on the couplant container in response to a release signal so as to release the couplant from the couplant container onto a transducer of the ultrasonic probe while the transducer of the ultrasonic probe faces the couplant releasing assembly and is fixed to the support,
• wherein the couplant container comprises a couplant capsule and a capsule support for accommodating the capsule, and the release drive comprises an electric drive and a needle connected to the electric drive, the needle being driven by the electric drive to pierce the couplant capsule.