JP2004049588A - Probe cable stowing device for ultrasonograph - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a probe cable stowing device for an ultrasonograph which hardly exposes a probe cable when it is not necessary. <P>SOLUTION: When a probe is used for a diagnosis, an operator therefor pulls the probe cable 16 toward the outside of a stowing chamber 34. A weight pulley 46 is pulled upward due to the movements of the probe cable 16 and is fixed to an upper position by the magnetic force between an iron piece 66 and a magnet 48. The operator depresses an operation switch 36 when finishing the diagnosis. This causes a separator 50 to be pressed downward, and the magnetic force between the magnet 48 and the iron piece 66 is interrupted. The weight pulley 46 moves downward because of the gravitational force applied to a weight 68, and the middle part of the probe cable 16 is displaced downward. As a result, the probe cable is pulled into the stowing chamber 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a probe cable storage device of an ultrasonic diagnostic device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An ultrasonic diagnostic device is a device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from living tissue using a probe composed of a plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements, and processes and displays the echo signals. Used for
[0003]
The probe is extended from the apparatus main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using a probe cable so that the probe can be used in contact with the surface of the body to be diagnosed or inserted into a body cavity. Therefore, the probe cable has a probe at the tip and is connected to the apparatus main body via a connector on the other side, and has a built-in transmission / reception signal line between the plurality of ultrasonic vibration elements and the apparatus main body. . The length depends on the distance to the object to be diagnosed, but is, for example, about 1.5 to 2 m. The number of built-in signal lines is several hundred, and the thickness is, for example, about 20 mm.
[0004]
When the diagnosis is not performed, the probe is placed on a probe holder provided on the side of the operation panel of the apparatus main body. Then, the probe cable itself is placed between the connector of the apparatus main body and the probe holder in a preformed manner, and a part of the probe cable often contacts the floor.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the probe cable is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body, and a part of the probe cable is placed in contact with the floor even when the diagnosis is not performed. It is. Therefore, there is a danger that the probe cable will be damaged by an external force applied from the outside. For example, when the probe cable is stepped on by an operator's foot or the like while being placed on the floor, or when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is moved, there is a risk of being hit by the caster or the like. Since the probe cable has several hundred signal lines inside, if the signal lines are damaged by external force from the outside, diagnosis will not be possible, and replacement of the probe cable itself or the probe 12 will be necessary. Become.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the related art and to provide a probe cable storage device of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that does not expose a probe cable to the outside when it is not necessary.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a probe cable storage device of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage chamber for storing a probe cable having one end connected to an ultrasonic device main body and having an ultrasonic probe at the other end, and A weight provided in the room, a pull-in mechanism for transmitting gravity applied to the weight as the pull-in force of the probe cable and pulling the probe cable into the storage chamber, and a pull-in lock mechanism for locking the pull-in of the probe cable And a lock release mechanism for releasing the lock.
[0008]
With this configuration, the probe cable can be drawn into the storage chamber using the gravity applied to the weight, and the probe cable can not be exposed to the outside when the probe is not used for diagnosis.
[0009]
Further, the retracting mechanism transmits the gravity applied to the weight to the middle part of the probe cable to displace the middle part of the probe cable, thereby increasing the length of the probe cable housed in the housing room. Preferably, it is a mechanism.
[0010]
Further, it is preferable that the lock mechanism is a mechanism that holds the weight on a movement path along which the weight moves in the storage chamber and stops the generation of the pulling force.
[0011]
Further, it is preferable that the lock mechanism is a mechanism that holds the weight using a magnetic force, and the lock release mechanism is a mechanism that interrupts the action of the magnetic force holding the weight.
[0012]
Further, the probe cable storage device of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage room for storing a probe cable having one end connected to the ultrasonic device main body and having an ultrasonic probe at the other end, and the storage room for storing the probe cable. A pull-in force generating mechanism for generating a pull-in force, guide means for guiding the pull-in of the probe cable into the storage chamber, fixing means for fixing the pull-out amount of the probe cable, and releasing the fixing of the pull-out amount. And release means for performing the operation.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a relationship between an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 to which the present invention is applied and a probe cable storage device 32. In the figure, the probe cable storage device 32, the probe 12, and the probe cable 16 are indicated by solid lines, and other components in the apparatus main body 14 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 are indicated by dashed lines.
[0014]
The probe cable storage device 32 is arranged at a space position in front of the lower part of the operation panel 20 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, and a storage chamber 34 and an operation switch 36 are shown in the figure. As shown by the solid line, the probe cable 16 in a state where the diagnosis is not performed is drawn into the storage chamber 34 except for a very short portion near the probe 12 bridged by the probe holder 22. When a diagnosis is performed, a length necessary to move the probe 12 to the living body to be diagnosed is drawn out from the storage chamber 34 as shown by a two-dot chain line.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is an internal structure diagram of the probe cable storage device 32. The probe cable storage device 32 is a device provided with a mechanism for pulling the probe cable 16 into the inside of a rectangular parallelepiped storage chamber 34 using gravity applied to the weight. One end of the probe cable 16 is connected to the connector 18 via the receptacle, and the other end of the probe cable is outside the storage chamber 34.
[0016]
The probe cable storage device 32 includes two guide pulleys 40 and 42 for guiding the probe cable 16, a guide sleeve 44, a weight pulley 46 provided in the middle of the probe cable 16, a magnet 48 for stopping the movement of the weight pulley 46, and a magnet. There is provided a separator 50 for separating between the weight 48 and the weight pulley 46, and a cushion 52 provided immediately below the weight pulley 46.
[0017]
The two guide pulleys 40 and 42 are pulleys having a fixed rotation center having a function as guide means for guiding the probe cable 16. The guide pulleys 40 and 42 are obtained by, for example, passing the rotation shaft 62 through the center hole of the cylinder 60, supporting both ends of the rotation shaft with the hanging metal fittings 64, and fixing the hanging metal fittings 64 to the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 34. Can be. The probe cable 16 is movably guided while sliding at the height of the guide pulleys 40 and 42 by sliding the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 60.
[0018]
The guide sleeve 44 is a member having a guide hole through which the probe cable 16 passes, and having a function as a guide unit when the probe cable 16 is pulled out from the storage chamber 34 to the outside. The guide sleeve 44 is attached to the inner wall surface of the storage room 34. The guide sleeve 44 may be a cylindrical guide bush or a friction guide having a friction material adhered inside. In addition, a friction pinch mechanism that can be changed between a state in which the probe cable 16 is pinched and a state in which the probe cable 16 is free, and a ratchet mechanism that controls the friction pinch mechanism are built in. Usually, the ratchet mechanism operates and the friction pinch mechanism moves the probe cable 16. May be fixed by friction, and the probe cable 16 may be pulled toward the outside of the storage chamber 34 by an appropriate amount to release the ratchet mechanism, release the friction clamping mechanism, and make the movement of the probe cable 16 free.
[0019]
The weight pulley 46 is a member provided at an intermediate portion of the probe cable 16 guided at the height of the two guide pulleys 40 and 42 and having a function of transmitting gravity applied to the weight to the probe cable 16. The weight pulley 46 has a cylinder 60 similar to the guide pulley and a rotating shaft 62, and both ends of the rotating shaft are supported by a connection fitting 64. Further, the leg portions of the connection fitting 64 extend from the support portion of the rotation shaft to support the weight 68. Further, an iron piece 66 is provided on the opposite side of the connection fitting 64. The probe cable 16 is guided while sliding between the outer periphery of the cylinder 60 and the weight 68, is displaced in the direction of the movement path in which the weight pulley 46 moves due to the gravity applied to the weight 68, and is stored inside the storage chamber 34. Increase the length of the part.
[0020]
When the magnet 48 fixed to the inner wall surface of the storage chamber 34 and the iron piece 66 move up the moving path of the weight pulley 46 and approach the magnet 48, the weight pulley is generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 48 and the iron piece 66. It has a lock function for holding the lock 46.
[0021]
The separator 50 is a separation mechanism that cuts off the action of the magnetic force between the magnet 48 and the iron piece 66, and has a release function of releasing the lock of the weight pulley 46 in combination with the operation switch 36. For example, one side of a substantially rectangular frame made of a non-magnetic material is arranged between the magnet 48 and the iron piece 66, and the frame is moved to increase the distance between the magnet 48 and the iron piece 66, thereby blocking the action of the magnetic force. A mechanism can be used. Further, the movement of the frame body is performed by, for example, using a movement guide mechanism and a restoring force mechanism such as a spring, pressing down the operation switch 36 attached above the frame body, and interlockingly pushing down the frame body. Can be. Separation may be performed by using another separation mechanism, for example, an electromagnet as the magnet and cutting off the exciting current. Alternatively, the frame may be moved by an electric plunger mechanism.
[0022]
The cushion 52 is a member having a function of reducing an impact when the weight pulley 46 moves downward and comes into contact with the floor surface of the storage chamber 34.
[0023]
The operation of the storage device having the structure shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When a diagnosis is not performed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a probe (not shown) is placed in the probe holder 22 outside the storage chamber 34. At this time, the weight pulley 46 is stationary at a position below the movement path that moves due to gravity applied to the weight 68, for example, at a position stopped by the cushion 52. Therefore, the probe cable 16 is held at the height position of the guide pulley 40 starting from the connector 18, then descends down to the rest position of the weight pulley 46, is lifted again to the height position of the guide pulley 42, and is returned to the guide sleeve. It goes out of the storage room 34 via 44. For example, when the difference between the height positions of the guide pulleys 40 and 42 and the rest position of the weight pulley 46 is 75 cm, the probe cable 16 having a length of about 1.5 m is stored in the storage chamber 34. .
[0024]
Next, when using the probe for diagnosis, the operator pulls the probe or the probe cable 16 toward the outside of the storage chamber 34. As a result, the probe cable 16 pulls the weight pulley 46 upward through the guide sleeve 44 and the guide pulley 42. When the weight pulley 46 is pulled up to the magnetic force range of the magnet 48, the weight pulley 46 is fixed at an upper position by the magnetic force between the iron piece 66 and the magnet 48. At this time, the generation of the pull-in force of the probe cable due to the gravity applied to the weight 68 is stopped, and even if the operator releases the probe or the probe cable 16, the probe cable 16 does not return to the storage chamber, and the probe is freely routed. Can be used for diagnosis.
[0025]
When the diagnosis is completed, the operator places the probe 12 on the probe holder 22 and then depresses the operation switch 36 on the operation panel. As a result, the separator 50 is pushed downward, interrupting the magnetic force between the magnet 48 and the iron piece 66, and the weight pulley 46 moves downward due to the gravity applied to the weight 68. Due to the downward movement of the weight pulley 46, the probe cable 16 is guided at the height of the guide pulleys 42 and 40, and the position of the part in contact with the weight pulley 46 is displaced downward. Thus, the weight pulley 46 stops at, for example, the position of the cushion 52, and the probe cable is drawn into the storage chamber 34 by a length of about 1.5 m.
[0026]
As described above, the guide sleeve 44 may be provided with an appropriate friction holding function or ratchet function, and the probe cable 16 may be held with an arbitrary drawn length.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is an internal structure diagram of a probe cable storage device 80 according to another embodiment. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The probe cable housing device 80 of this embodiment includes a drum 82 for winding the probe cable 16, a motor 84 for rotating the drum 82, a controller 86 for controlling the operation of the motor, and an operation signal line connected to the controller 86. 88 and an operation switch 90.
[0028]
The drum 82 is a cable winding drum having a spiral groove 83 adapted to the outer diameter of the probe cable 16, as shown in a side view in FIG. The diameter of the spiral circle of the spiral groove 83 provided on the drum 82 and the pitch of the spiral groove 83 are preferably made as large as possible in consideration of the stress applied to the probe cable 16. For example, assuming that the outer diameter of the probe cable 16 is about 20 mm, the diameter of the spiral circle is preferably about 20 cm.
[0029]
The motor 84 is a drive source that has a function as a unit that is directly connected to the drum 82 or rotates the drum 82 using a transmission mechanism such as a belt to generate a pulling force of the probe cable 16. The controller 86 is an electronic circuit that controls the operation of the motor 84, and has a function of fixing the amount of pull-out of the probe cable or releasing the fixing.
[0030]
The operation switch 90 is a switch for controlling the operation of the motor 84 by an operator. For example, the operation switch 90 includes a storage instruction button and a feed instruction button, and the controller 86 can control the operation of the motor 84 according to the operation of the button. For example, while the storage instruction button is pressed, the motor 84 is rotated in a direction to store the probe cable 16 in the storage chamber 34, and while the extension instruction button is pressed, the probe cable 16 is drawn out of the storage chamber 34 to the outside. The motor 84 can be rotated at a time, and the motor 84 can be stopped when none of the buttons is pressed.
[0031]
The operation of the storage device having the structure shown in FIG. 3 will be described. When the diagnosis is not performed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the probe (not shown) is placed in the probe holder 22 outside the storage chamber 34, and the extra probe cable 16 extends along the spiral groove 83 of the drum 82. It is wound up. Next, when using the probe for diagnosis, the operator operates the operation switch 90 to give an instruction to extend the probe cable 16. For example, the probe or the probe cable 16 is pulled out while pressing the feed-out instruction button, and the pressing of the feed-out instruction button is stopped when an appropriate length of the probe or probe cable 16 is fed out of the storage chamber. In this way, the probe cable 16 can be extended for a length necessary for diagnosis.
[0032]
When the diagnosis is completed, the operator places the probe 12 on the probe holder 22 and then operates the operation switch 90 on the operation panel to instruct the probe cable 16 to be stored. For example, watching the state of the probe cable 16 being pulled in while pressing the storage instruction button, the user stops pressing the storage instruction button at an appropriate place. In this manner, the probe cable 16 can be stored inside the storage chamber 34.
[0033]
In the above description, the motor is rotated while the button is pressed. However, another method, for example, using a timer, may be such that a predetermined amount of the probe cable is extended or stored by pressing the switch once. . Further, the rotation of the motor may be automatically stopped by detecting the limit of the extension or the storage using the end sensor or the like. Further, the rotation resistance at the time of stopping the motor may be reduced, and the driving of the motor may be used only in the winding direction of the probe cable, and the operator may manually pull out the probe or the probe cable by an arbitrary amount.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
According to the probe cable storage device of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, the probe cable can be prevented from being exposed to the outside when it is not necessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a positional relationship of a probe cable storage device in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an internal structure diagram of the probe cable storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an internal structure diagram of a probe cable storage device according to another embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a drum for winding a probe cable.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 12 probes (ultrasonic probe), 14 apparatus main body (ultrasonic apparatus main body), 16 probe cable, 18 connector, 20 operation panel, 32,80 probe cable storage device, 34 storage room, 36,90 Operation switch, 40, 42 guide pulley, 44 guide sleeve (guide means), 46 weight pulley, 48 magnet, 50 separator, 66 iron piece, 68 weight, 82 drum, 84 motor (drawing force generating mechanism), 86 controller.

Claims (5)

A storage chamber for storing a probe cable having an ultrasonic probe at one end connected to the ultrasonic device main body at the other end,
A weight provided in the storage chamber,
Transmitting the gravity applied to the weight as a pulling force of the probe cable,
A retracting mechanism for retracting the probe cable into the storage chamber,
A retraction lock mechanism for locking the retraction of the probe cable,
An unlocking mechanism for releasing the lock,
A probe cable storage device for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: The storage device according to claim 1,
The retraction mechanism,
A mechanism for transmitting the gravity applied to the weight to a mid-portion of the probe cable to displace the mid-portion of the probe cable, thereby increasing a length of the probe cable stored in the storage chamber. Probe cable storage device for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment. The storage device according to claim 1,
The lock mechanism,
A probe cable storage device for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising a mechanism for holding a weight on a movement path on which the weight moves in the storage chamber and stopping generation of the pull-in force. The storage device according to claim 3,
The probe of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the lock mechanism is a mechanism for holding the weight using a magnetic force, and the unlocking mechanism is a mechanism for interrupting the action of the magnetic force holding the weight. Cable storage device. A storage chamber for storing a probe cable having an ultrasonic probe at one end connected to the ultrasonic device main body at the other end,
A retraction force generating mechanism for generating a retraction force for pulling the probe cable into the storage chamber;
Guide means for guiding the pull-in of the probe cable into the storage chamber,
Fixing means for fixing the amount of pull-out of the probe cable,
Releasing means for releasing the fixation of the withdrawal amount,
A probe cable storage device for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising:

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