JP2010240072A - Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To expand a display surface or an operation surface, with respect to an ultrasonic diagnostic device which can be carried by hand. <P>SOLUTION: An expansion unit 17 is constituted of: a lower panel 18; an upper panel 20; and an auxiliary member 22. The upper panel 20 is attached to the lower panel 18 via a second hinge 42. The auxiliary member 22 is attached to the upper panel 20 via a third hinge 46. The auxiliary member 22 functions as a stand or eaves. The expansion unit 17 is turned to an expanded state in use and an overlapping state in nonuse by being folded like a winding path. A storage part 36 is formed on the back side of a main frame 16. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly to the structure of a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  A general ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an apparatus main body (cart) including four wheels and an electronic board group, an operation panel, a display unit, and the like. For example, the weight reaches 200 kg. Recently, small ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses that replace such large ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses are becoming widespread. The small-sized ultrasonic diagnostic device mentioned here has a size and weight that can be carried by hand, and is generally a hand carry unit (HCU) type ultrasonic diagnostic device, a portable type ultrasonic diagnostic device, or a notebook type ultrasonic diagnostic device. It is called a sonic diagnostic apparatus. Such a small apparatus is composed of a main unit and a probe unit, and the main unit typically has an outer shape close to that of a notebook personal computer. The probe unit includes a head, a cable, and a connector.

  The small ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as described above generally has a flat panel (display) that can be opened and closed and a flat plate-like body, and when not in use, the flat panel is closed and its entire shape is flat. In use, the flat panel is opened. The flat panel functions as a main display, on which an ultrasonic image and an operation screen are displayed. Large ultrasonic diagnostic devices usually have sub-displays in addition to the main display, but small ultrasonic diagnostic devices (main unit) have a space to install such sub-displays. Usually it is not.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which an operation panel can be folded and stored. Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus similar to a notebook personal computer. Patent Document 3 discloses a cart-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a display unit in which three flat panel displays are connected in the horizontal direction. None of the patent documents describes a structure in which a plurality of panels are connected in the height direction.

JP 2008-253591 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200079 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-216126

  In a small-sized ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the area of the operation panel is relatively small, and the space for installing the operation knobs and buttons tends to be insufficient. In particular, there is a problem that it is difficult to display a large number of icons displayed on the sub-display in the conventional cart-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is possible to display an operation icon on the main display. However, in that case, there arises a problem that an ultrasonic image must be reduced and displayed. In addition, since the main display is not usually configured as a panel having a touch sensor, there is a restriction that it cannot be operated by directly touching the screen with a fingertip.

  It is an object of the present invention to improve operability in a small ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that has a sufficient use area during use and can be folded compactly when not in use.

  An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is a flat plate member having a main operation surface facing upward, a main body having a horizontally expanded form, and a first panel surface having an image display function, A flat plate-shaped member having a first panel that rotates about a first horizontal rotation axis with respect to a main body and a second panel surface having an image display mechanism, the second horizontal rotation axis with respect to the first panel A second panel that rotates around the main panel, and the main operation surface, the first panel surface, and the second panel surface are in an unfolded state facing the user when in use, and are attached to the main body when not in use. On the other hand, the first panel and the second panel are folded into a superposed state.

  According to the above configuration, in use, the first panel and the second panel are separated from the main operation surface and are expanded upward, thereby forming an expanded state, so that the area facing the user side can be increased. The user area such as display area and input operation area can be expanded. For example, it is possible to construct a state in which two displays are expanded vertically, and it is possible to secure another operation surface (input operation area) above the main operation surface. On the other hand, since it is in a polymerized state when not in use, the burden on movement can be reduced, that is, mobility can be improved. The advantage of not taking up much space for storage is also obtained. As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain both advantages of securing a sufficient visual recognition area or operation area during use and compactness when not in use.

  The main operation surface is generally provided with a pointing device such as a track pole, a keyboard, a touch sensor panel, and the like. It is desirable to provide an indicator on both the first panel and the second panel. In this way, the entire screen display area can be expanded. The area where the input operation is performed can be enlarged as necessary. Preferably, in the superposed state, the front surface of the first panel (the user side in the unfolded state) faces the main operation surface, and the front surface of the first panel faces upward (so that the two panels are back to back). They may be folded. The first panel and the second panel basically perform an opening / closing movement in the vertical direction (rising up and falling down), but a turning mechanism that changes the direction of the surfaces in the horizontal direction may be added. It is desirable that the second panel is supported by the first panel. That is, the first panel may be configured as an intermediate panel. However, a configuration in which the second panel is directly connected to the main body without passing through the first panel may be employed. In that case, since a support member for the second panel is required separately, it is desirable to use the first panel also as a support member for the second panel from the viewpoint of reducing the number of parts and reducing the weight. When the first and second panels are back to back in the superposed state and the display surface of the second panel faces upward, it is desirable to separately provide a cover member for protection. However, a swivel mechanism that reverses the front and back of the second panel may be provided in the mechanism that supports the second panel so that the display surface of the second panel faces down in forming the overlapped state. Alternatively, a back display can be provided on one or both of the first panel and the second panel. Such a rear display is for displaying the same or different images to the patient or other doctor. It is desirable to provide a mechanism for locking the closed state of the first panel and the second panel. If necessary, ultrasonic diagnosis may be performed in the polymerization state. In that case, necessary input operation buttons may be displayed on the display of the second panel.

  Preferably, the first horizontal rotation shaft is provided in a first connection mechanism that connects the main body and the lower end of the first panel, and the second horizontal rotation shaft is connected to the upper end of the first panel and the second panel. It is provided in the 2nd connection mechanism which connects the lower end part of a panel. According to this configuration, since the second panel is supported by the first panel, it is not necessary to separately provide a member for supporting the second panel. But you may make it provide the auxiliary member for maintaining or strengthening the attitude | position of a 2nd panel separately. Since two panels are connected, it is possible to arrange two display surfaces side by side in the vertical direction, and it is easy to secure a large display area similar to that of a conventional large-sized ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The panel tends to collide with an adjacent device in the horizontal development, but such a problem is unlikely to occur in the vertical development. That is, the upper empty space can be effectively used. For one or both panels, it is desirable to adopt a configuration in which the static posture (the posture in use) can be varied.

  Preferably, at the time of transition from the unfolded state when used to the non-used polymerization state, the first panel and the second panel are folded with respect to the main body, and in the non-used polymerization state, The first panel surface faces the main scanning surface, and the back surface of the first panel opposite to the first panel surface faces the back surface of the second panel opposite to the second panel surface. And back to back. According to zigzag folding, the uppermost panel is tilted in a predetermined direction, and a downward pressing force is applied to the panel, for example, so that a superposed state can be easily formed with one hand, for example.

  Preferably, a third panel that rotates about a third horizontal rotation axis with respect to the first panel is provided, and the third panel is a second panel surface of the second panel in the non-use overlapping state. Cover. According to this configuration, the third panel can be used as a protective member when not in use. That is, even if the display surface of the second panel is facing upward, it is possible to prevent the external force from being applied directly to the display surface by covering it with the third panel. If a separate cover is used, the cover is likely to be lost, but the above configuration does not cause such a problem. Of course, it is also possible to detachably configure the third panel.

  Preferably, the third panel functions as a stand or a ridge in the unfolded state at the time of use. Since the third panel is desirably located at the top, it is desired to reduce its weight. If it is the 3rd panel as a stand or a cage, the structure does not need to be complicated. The user may select use as a stand or use as a bag. If it is made to function as a stand, a medical record etc. can be put there and the convenience at the time of an ultrasonic diagnosis can be aimed at. If it functions as a gutter, it can prevent lighting and solar radiation from reaching the display surface directly. Usually, in a hospital or the like, ultrasonic diagnosis is performed in a dim room. This is so that the image can be observed as well as possible. On the other hand, such a favorable environment cannot be obtained by ultrasonic diagnosis at a destination such as outdoors. Therefore, it is desirable to configure so that reflection of light from above can be prevented by using a ridge.

  Preferably, the first connection mechanism has a function of maintaining an opening angle of the first panel with respect to the main body during the use, and the second connection mechanism is configured with the second panel with respect to the first panel during the use. It has a function of maintaining the opening angle. According to this configuration, the first panel can be maintained at an arbitrary angle, and the second panel can also be maintained at an arbitrary angle. Therefore, visibility can be improved and the posture and height of each panel can be adjusted to the height of the user's head.

  Preferably, the first panel surface has a sub-display with a touch sensor, and the second panel surface has a main display. According to this configuration, the same operability as that of the conventional large ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be obtained. Although it is possible to configure the second panel surface as a touch panel, the second panel is touched from the viewpoint of a large change in the posture of the second panel during operation and from the viewpoint of reducing the load on the first panel. It is desirable to configure as a normal display without sensors.

  Preferably, the lateral width of the first panel is smaller than the lateral width of the main body, and the lateral width of the second panel is larger than the lateral width of the first panel. According to this configuration, in the standing state of the first panel, a passage that opens the back side is formed on the right side, the left side, or both. You may make it take out the member in the back | inner side using the channel | path.

  Preferably, the main operation surface includes a flat first portion and a second portion having a convex portion, and the first panel does not face the second portion in a collapsed state of the first panel. Facing the first part. According to this configuration, it is possible to make the first panel as close as possible to the main body while preventing the first panel from colliding with the convex portion (trackball, knob, etc.) on the main operation surface. That is, the thickness of the polymerized state can be reduced somewhat. The first portion is a flat portion when viewed relative to the second portion, and the second portion is a portion having at least one portion protruding upward when viewed relative to the first portion. .

  Preferably, the main body has a storage capable of accommodating at least one of an acoustic matching agent bottle and a probe. As for the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, mobility can be pointed out as an advantage, but there is a problem that it is not easy to carry the accessory with the apparatus and it is difficult to manage the accessory. According to the above configuration, such a problem can be dealt with.

  Preferably, the main body is provided with a main body connector to which a probe side connector is attached, and when the probe cable extended from the probe side connector attached to the main body side connector is guided to the storage, A cable guide structure to be used is provided. According to this configuration, the cable does not get in the way when the probe is accommodated and can be protected.

  Preferably, the storage has a door that opens and closes, the first horizontal rotation shaft is set at a position corresponding to the middle of the depth direction on the upper surface of the main body, and the storage is more than the first horizontal rotation shaft. Provided on the back side. Assuming that there is not much space on the back side of the apparatus, it is better not to be the rear end of the main body in the depth direction when attaching the first panel. This is because a sufficient space is required behind the apparatus to raise the first panel (and the second panel) obliquely therefrom. Therefore, it is desirable to shift the mounting position of the first panel toward the front side of the apparatus. Specifically, it is desirable to set the mounting position of the first panel in the middle of the depth direction. In that case, since the back side of the apparatus is vacant, it is desirable to use that portion as the accommodating portion.

  According to the present invention, operability can be improved in a small ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Or according to this invention, it has the advantage that it has a sufficient use area at the time of use, and can be folded compactly at the time of non-use.

1 is a first perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. It is a 2nd perspective view which shows suitable embodiment of the ultrasonic diagnosing device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is a 1st perspective view which shows the superposition | polymerization state at the time of non-use. It is a 2nd perspective view which shows the superposition | polymerization state at the time of non-use.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is a small apparatus that can be carried by hand. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a living body, and an ultrasonic image based on echo data obtained thereby. Is a device for forming

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a main unit 12 and a probe unit 14. First, the probe unit 14 will be described. The probe unit 14 includes a head 14A, a cable 14B, and a connector 14C. The head 14A has a 1D array transducer in this embodiment. An ultrasonic beam is formed by the 1D array transducer, and the ultrasonic beam is electronically scanned. As electronic scanning methods, electronic sector scanning, electronic linear scanning, and the like are known. A 2D array transducer may be provided on the head 14A. The connector 14C is detachably connected to a main body side connector provided in the main body unit 12 described below. In FIG. 1, the main body side connector is provided on the side surface of the main frame 16, but such a connector may be provided on the rear surface or the like of the main frame 16.

  Next, the main unit 12 will be described in detail. In FIG. 1, when viewed from the user (user) as a reference, the side closer to the user is the front side, and the side farther from the user is the back side. Another horizontal direction orthogonal to such a depth direction is the left-right direction. The direction perpendicular to the two horizontal directions is the up-down direction, that is, the vertical direction. The main unit 12 includes a main frame 16 and a deployment unit 17. The main frame 16 constitutes a main body portion, and an electronic circuit board group for performing transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves and image formation is accommodated therein. A battery or the like is also housed inside the main frame 16. The main frame 16 has a flat plate shape extending in the horizontal direction as a whole. A main operation surface 24 is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the main frame 16. The main operation surface 24 constitutes an operation panel. In this embodiment, the main operation surface 24 is divided into a flat section 26A having a flat shape and a protrusion section 26B having several protrusions. . The flat section 26A is on the left side when viewed from the user, and the protruding section 26B is on the right side when viewed from the user. The protruding section 26B has a trackball, a plurality of knobs, a plurality of switches, and the like. The flat section 26A is configured by a keyboard or a touch sensor panel. A handle 16 </ b> A is provided on the front side of the main frame 16.

  In the present embodiment, a housing portion 36 is provided on the back side of the main frame 16. This will be described in detail later. A guide groove 34 is formed on the side surface (rear surface) of the rear end portion 32 adjacent to the housing portion 36. The guide groove 34 has a structure for guiding and holding the cable 14B in a state where the main part of the probe unit 14 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 36.

  FIG. 1 shows a developed state when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is used. That is, the deployment unit 17 is in a deployed state. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is not used, it is in a superposed state, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the present embodiment, the deployment unit 17 includes a lower panel 18 as a first panel, an upper panel 20 as a second panel, and an auxiliary member 22 as a third panel. Each will be described in detail below.

  The lower panel 18 has a display surface 40, and the display surface 40 is configured as a display panel with a touch sensor in the present embodiment. That is, an ultrasonic image can be displayed on the display surface 40, and on the other hand, a plurality of icons can be displayed on the display surface 40, and any one of the icons can be touched with a finger. The icon can be selected by. The horizontal width of the lower panel 18 is smaller than the horizontal width of the main frame 16 as shown in the figure, and smaller than the horizontal width of the upper panel 20 described later. Thus, a passage 38 that opens the depth portion is formed on the right side of the lower panel 18. It is possible to take out a bottle or the like to be described later by inserting a hand into the back side through the passage 38.

  The width of the lower panel 18 corresponds to the width of the flat section 26A described above, and both are substantially the same. That is, when the lower panel 18 is caused to fall down and overlap and face the main operation surface 24, the front surface of the lower panel 18 is in close contact with or close to the flat section 26A. Thus, the lower panel 18 is not covered. That is, various projections included in the projection section 26B are effectively prevented from coming into contact with the lower panel 18, particularly the display surface 40.

  The lower panel 18 is connected to the main frame 16 at a lower end portion thereof. Specifically, the lower panel 18 is attached to the main frame 16 so as to be capable of opening and closing by a first hinge 30 having a first horizontal rotation shaft. Yes. However, when the lower panel 18 is moved up and moved and tilted at a certain angle exceeding 90 degrees, the back surface of the lower panel 18 hits the stopper structure 31 formed on the main frame 16, and thereafter The downward movement of the lower panel 18 is prevented. That is, the inclined state of the lower panel 18 can be stably held by the contact between the stopper structure 31 and the back side of the lower panel 18. However, the inclination angle of the lower panel 18 may be maintained at the first hinge 30.

  The upper panel 20 is configured as a large flat panel display, and reference numeral 44 represents a main display surface. That is, an ultrasonic image formed by ultrasonic transmission / reception is displayed on the main display surface 44. Although it is possible to provide a touch sensor panel on the main display surface 44, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper panel 20 is supported by the lower panel 18, and the upper panel 20 can swing back and forth. For this reason, it is desirable not to make direct finger contact with the upper panel 20, and in this embodiment, the upper panel 20 is configured as a normal display. The horizontal width of the upper panel 20 substantially matches the horizontal width of the main frame 16 described above. Although the vertical height of the upper panel 20 is larger than the vertical height of the first panel 18, such a configuration is not necessary.

  A second hinge 42 is formed across the lower end portion of the upper panel 20 and the upper end portion of the lower panel 18. The second hinge 42 forms a coupling mechanism, and is a mechanism for rotating the upper panel 20 around the second horizontal rotation axis. In the present embodiment, after the inclination angle of the lower panel 18 is set, the inclination angle of the upper panel 20 is adjusted by the user. In addition, the inclination angle of the auxiliary member 22 described later is adjusted as necessary. In FIG. 1, the upper panel 20 is in a substantially vertical posture. In any case, it is desirable that the postures are determined so that the display surface 40 of the lower panel 18 and the main display surface 44 of the upper panel 20 are as easy to see as possible from the user. Of course, it is desirable to appropriately determine the orientation of each panel according to the height of the user's head and the situation at the site where ultrasonic diagnosis is performed.

  The auxiliary member 22 is a member that functions as a stand in the present embodiment. The auxiliary member 22 is formed of a flat plate-like member, and is connected to the upper end portion of the upper panel 20 at the lower end portion thereof. A third hinge 46 is provided at the connecting portion. The third hinge 46 is a mechanism for rotating the auxiliary member 22 around the third horizontal rotation axis. However, the lower end portion of the auxiliary member 22 is curved in a J shape as will be described later, and when the auxiliary member 22 is tilted backward by a predetermined angle or more with respect to the upper panel 20, the outer surface of the J-shaped end portion is changed. It collides with the back side of the upper panel 20, thereby forming a state in which the auxiliary member 22 does not fall further into the back side. Of course, the auxiliary member 22 may be restrained at an arbitrary angle by the action of the third hinge 46. This is also true for the second hinge 42. The lateral width of the auxiliary member 22 is substantially the same as the lateral width of the upper panel 20, that is, substantially the same as the lateral width of the main frame 16. When the auxiliary member 22 is used as a stand, since the lower end portion is folded as described above, it is possible to use the chart to lean against it. Further, if the auxiliary member 22 is tilted forward, it can function as a bag, that is, light from the upper part can be prevented from being directly inserted into the main display surface 44 or the display surface 40. In particular, when performing ultrasound diagnosis at the destination, it is often impossible to secure a dark room, or in the field of ultrasound diagnosis, observation of the image is considerably difficult due to sunlight. The practical value is high. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary member 22 on a simple flat plate is used. However, in order to further enhance the function as a bag, a box in which auxiliary hooks are attached to the left and right ends to wrap around the display. It may be possible to construct a ridge-like ridge structure.

  According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 described above, since the two displays are connected in the vertical direction, the area facing the user can be enlarged, and the advantages that the display area and the operation area can be increased as compared with the related art can be obtained. In particular, since a touch screen type sub-display as seen in a conventional large-sized ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be mounted, there is an advantage that an operation feeling similar to that of a large-sized ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be obtained. Since the lower end of the lower panel 18 is attached to the middle of the main frame 16 in the depth direction, specifically to the center, even if there is not much space on the back side of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, It is easy to deploy the deployment unit 17. Moreover, since it is an upward development, there is an advantage that an upper space that has not been used until now can be utilized. Further, it is possible to add a laterally expanded structure, but generally there are many other devices and other members on the left and right sides, so the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is adopted. Is desirable. Further, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, when not in use, the deployment unit 17 is folded and the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is in a superposed state (laminated state). Can be carried more smoothly. In addition, there is an advantage that the space for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 can be reduced when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is stored and transported.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from behind. As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes the main body unit 12 and the probe unit 14, and the main body unit 12 includes the main frame 16 and the deployment unit 17. The deployment unit 17 includes a lower panel 18, an upper panel 20, and an auxiliary member 22 from the lower side. The main frame 16 has a rear portion that is slightly larger than the front portion, and a housing portion 36 is formed there. The accommodating part 36 is comprised by the door 50 for opening and closing the accommodating chamber 48 and its upper opening. In the storage chamber 48, a bottle 52 containing jelly as an acoustic matching agent can be stored. Further, it is possible to store the probe head and the probe cable in the probe unit by using, for example, the space indicated by reference numeral 54 together with the bottle 52. In that case, the cable 14 </ b> B extending from the accommodation chamber 48 is held by the guide groove 34. Of course, you may make it accommodate another accessory in the accommodating part 36. FIG. According to such a configuration, since the accessory can be transported together with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there is an advantage that the convenience of the transportation can be improved and the ultrasonic diagnosis can be started immediately at the moving destination. It can also deal with problems such as loss of accessories.

  FIG. 3 shows a side view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. A first hinge 30 is set at the center of the main frame 16 in the depth direction, so that the lower panel 18 falls down and can move up. The back side of the lower panel 18 is in contact with the stopper structure 31 </ b> A, so that the inclined posture of the lower panel 18 is stably maintained. In FIG. 3, B represents the maximum inclination angle of the lower panel 18 in the back side direction, and A represents the direction when the lower panel 18 is tilted and moved. By such a tilting motion, the front surface of the lower panel 18 faces or comes into contact with the main operation surface 24.

  The upper panel 20 is attached to the lower panel 18 by a second hinge 42. That is, the upper panel 20 rotates in the front-rear direction around the second horizontal rotation axis of the second hinge 42. The forward falling motion is represented by the symbol C, and the backward falling motion is represented by D. When the expansion unit 17 is folded by zigzag folding, the upper panel 20 is tilted in the D direction. In the state shown in FIG. 3, the inclination angle of the upper panel 12 is smaller than the inclination angle of the lower panel 18, so that each panel surface faces the user's viewpoint.

  The auxiliary member 22 is attached to the upper panel 20 by a third hinge 46 so as to be rotatable. The lower end portion of the auxiliary member 22 has a J-shape as shown in the drawing, and the lower end portion 22A hits the back surface 20A of the upper panel 20, whereby the maximum inclination angle of the auxiliary member 22 is defined. The maximum inclination angle is represented by F. On the other hand, E represents the direction in which the auxiliary member 22 falls. When the zigzag folding is performed, the auxiliary member 22 is tilted in the direction E. On the contrary, the upper panel 20 is tilted in the direction D. Further, conversely, the lower panel 18 is tilted in the direction of A.

  FIG. 4 shows the polymerization state when not in use. That is, the expansion unit 17 is in a folded state. When viewed from the main frame 16 side, the bottom is the upper panel 20, the next is the lower panel 18, and the top is the auxiliary member 22. Incidentally, the rear side of the main frame 16 is slightly larger on the rear side than the front side, and thus a step 56 is generated. Due to the step 56 and the upper panel 20 being cut off at the right end, various projections provided on the main frame 16 are effectively prevented from contacting the upper panel 20 and the lower panel 18. Has been. Incidentally, it is desirable to provide a mechanism for locking the polymerization state as shown in FIG. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a problem that the deployment unit 17 opens carelessly during transportation. In FIG. 4, the guide groove 34 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is not shown. This also applies to FIG. 5 shown below.

  FIG. 5 also shows the polymerization state. As described above, the unfolding unit 17 folded in a zigzag manner exists on the main body frame 16. An accommodation portion 36 exists on the back side of the deployment unit 17, and the door 50 is closed in FIG. 5. In such a state, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is transported and stored. In the polymerized state, the entire ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10 has a flat plate shape, so that its transportation and storage are extremely easy. Moreover, since the handle is formed, it is also possible to carry it with the handle.

  In the above-described embodiment, each panel is inclined only in the front-rear direction. However, a mechanism for allowing a turning motion may be further provided in each panel. In the present embodiment, the upper panel 20 is supported by the lower panel 18, but the upper panel 20 may be supported by another member instead of the lower panel 18. In any case, by positioning the upper panel 20 above the lower panel 18, it is possible to obtain the advantage of expanding the display area and the operation area. According to the present embodiment, since the upper panel 20 is connected to the lower panel 18, there is an advantage that a polymerization state can be easily formed by the above-described zigzag folding, and it is necessary to provide a separate member for holding the upper panel 20. Therefore, the advantages of reducing the number of parts and reducing the weight can be obtained. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, since the auxiliary member 22 functions as a stand, it is possible to place a medical chart or the like using such a stand, and convenience for ultrasonic diagnosis can be achieved. Furthermore, since the stand also functions as a bag, if necessary, the auxiliary member 22 can be tilted forward to block the light from above, and it is possible to make the image observation convenient.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 12 Main body unit, 14 Probe unit, 16 Main frame, 17 Deployment unit, 18 Lower panel, 20 Upper panel, 22 Auxiliary member, 30 1st hinge, 42 2nd hinge, 46 3rd hinge

Claims (12)

A main body having a main operation surface facing upward and having a horizontally spread form;
A flat panel member having a first panel surface having an image display function, the first panel rotating about a first horizontal rotation axis with respect to the main body;
A plate-shaped member having a second panel surface having an image display mechanism, the second panel rotating about a second horizontal rotation axis with respect to the first panel;
Have
The main operation surface, the first panel surface, and the second panel surface are in an unfolded state facing the user when in use, and the first panel and the second panel are folded with respect to the main body when not in use. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by being in a superposed state. The apparatus of claim 1.
The first horizontal rotation shaft is provided in a first connection mechanism that connects the main body and a lower end of the first panel;
The second horizontal rotation shaft is provided in a second connection mechanism that connects an upper end portion of the first panel and a lower end portion of the second panel,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus of claim 2.
At the time of transition from the unfolded state during use to the superposed state when not in use, the first panel and the second panel are folded with respect to the main body,
In the superposed state when not in use, the first panel surface faces the main scanning surface, and the back surface of the first panel opposite to the first panel surface is the second panel surface of the second panel. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized in that it faces the back surface opposite to the panel surface and is back to back. The apparatus of claim 3.
A third panel that rotates about a third horizontal rotation axis with respect to the first panel is provided;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the third panel covers the second panel surface of the second panel in the non-use polymerization state. The apparatus of claim 4.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third panel functions as a stand or a heel in the deployed state during use. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The first connecting mechanism has a function of maintaining an opening angle of the first panel with respect to the main body during the use,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the second connecting mechanism has a function of maintaining an opening angle of the second panel with respect to the first panel during the use. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The first panel surface has a sub-display with a touch sensor,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the second panel surface has a main display. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The width of the first panel is smaller than the width of the main body,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a width of the second panel is larger than a width of the first panel. The apparatus of claim 8.
The main operation surface has a flat first portion and a second portion having a convex portion,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first panel faces the first portion without facing the second portion when the first panel is in a collapsed state. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein the main body has a storage that can store at least one of an acoustic matching agent bottle and a probe. The apparatus of claim 10.
The main body is provided with a main body side connector to which a probe side connector is attached,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is provided with a cable guide structure used when a probe cable extended from a probe-side connector attached to the main-body side connector is guided to the storage. The apparatus of claim 10.
The storage has a door that opens and closes;
The first horizontal rotation axis is set at a position corresponding to the middle of the depth direction on the upper surface of the main body,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage is provided on a deeper side than the first horizontal rotation shaft.

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