JP2015079620A - Connector, ultrasonic probe, and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector with a simple configuration in which a terminal part is not exposed to the outside at the time of non-mounting.SOLUTION: A connector includes: a terminal part which is formed on an extrusion member and performs electrical connection with the outside; a handle part which is provided on a surface different from the terminal part with the extrusion member held therebetween and can rotate; a locking part which is coupled to the handle part via a shaft, rotates with the rotation of the handle part, and projects to the terminal part side; an extrusion part whose one end is coupled to the handle part and other end projects to the extrusion member side; an inclination part which is interposed between the extrusion part and the extrusion member and whose surface brought into contact with the other end of the extrusion part is inclined with respect to the extrusion member; a lid part which covers the terminal part; and a movement member which connects the lid part and the locking part. When the lid part is moved via the locking part and the movement member in accordance with the rotation of the handle part, the terminal part is exposed and the extrusion part presses the extrusion member to the terminal part side via the inclination part in accordance with the rotation.

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector having an electrical connection structure, an ultrasonic probe having the connector, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  A connector for electrically connecting components in various devices is also used in, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and electrically connects the apparatus main body and an ultrasonic probe. In a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, by attaching a connector cover to the connector part of the apparatus main body for attaching an ultrasonic probe, dust adheres to the connector part or when the connector part is not used, This prevents the terminals such as lands from being damaged.

  An example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which a connector cover is attached to the connector portion is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 19, a connector cover 101 is provided on the connector portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 100. The connector cover 101 is opened and closed by a magnetic sensor. The connector portion of the ultrasonic probe 102 includes a magnet 103, and the connector portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 100 includes a magnetic sensor 104. When the ultrasonic probe 102 is brought close to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 100, the magnetic sensor 104 detects the magnetic force of the magnet 103. In response to the detection, the drive controller 105 controls the opening / closing mechanism 106 to pull the connector cover 101 upward. As a result, the connector part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 100 is exposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-000426 A

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 19 includes the magnetic sensor 104, the drive controller 105, and the opening / closing mechanism 106 in accordance with the provision of the connector cover 101 in the connector portion of the apparatus main body 100, and these components. Since a power source for supplying power is also required, the apparatus main body cannot be downsized.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a connector having a simple configuration in which a terminal portion is not exposed to the outside when not attached, an ultrasonic probe having the connector, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  The present invention includes a terminal portion that is formed on an extrusion member and electrically connected to the outside, a rotatable handle portion provided on a surface different from the terminal portion across the extrusion member, and a shaft. A locking portion protruding toward the terminal portion and rotating at the same time as the handle portion rotates, and an extrusion having one end connected to the handle portion and the other end protruding toward the extrusion member. An inclined portion that is interposed between the pushing portion and the pushing member, and a surface with which the other end of the pushing portion abuts against the pushing member, a lid portion that covers the terminal portion, A moving member that connects the lid portion and the locking portion, and when the lid portion moves through the locking portion and the moving member as the handle portion rotates, the terminal portion is exposed, Along with the rotation, the extruding part moves forward through the inclined part. To provide a connector for pressing the pushing member to the terminal side.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector having a simple configuration in which the connector portion is not exposed to the outside when not mounted, an ultrasonic probe having the connector, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

(A)-(c) is a figure which shows the state in which the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe of Embodiment 1 is UNLOCK. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the state in which the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe of Embodiment 1 is LOCK. (A), (b) is the figure which shows the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe of Embodiment 1 which changed to the LOCK state from the UNLOCK state. (A), (b) is a figure which shows an example of the moving member 41 in the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe of Embodiment 1 which changed to the LOCK state from the UNLOCK state. Sectional view taken along the line V-V shown in FIG. 1A of the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment during the transition from the UNLOCK state to the LOCK state. (A) is the figure which looked at the inclination part 55 from the handle 4 side in the axial direction of the shaft, (b) is the perspective view of the inclination part 55 (A) is a figure which shows the location where the edge part of the extrusion rod 51 contacts the inclined surface of the inclination part 55 in the UNLOCK state, (b) is an inclination surface of the inclination part 55 in the edge part of the extrusion bar 51 in the LOCK state. Showing the point of contact (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the other example of the moving member 41 in the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe of Embodiment 1 which changed to the LOCK state from the UNLOCK state. The figure which shows the connector part 62 in the apparatus main body 61 of the ultrasonic diagnosing device of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of only the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body 61 as viewed from the front, and shows a state in which the lid 72 of the connector portion 62 is closed. FIG. 5 is a plan view of only the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body 61 as viewed from the front, and shows a state in which the lid 72 of the connector portion 62 is opened. The figure which shows the other state which the cover 72 of the connector part 62 of the apparatus main body 61 opened. The figure which shows a mode that the lid | cover 72 opened and closed by a double door opening is pushed by the connection pin 21 of the connector part 1 and opened. The figure which shows a mode that the lid | cover 72 which one side opens and closes is pushed by the connection pin 21 of the connector part 1, and opens. The figure which shows the state by which the cleaning member 141 was provided in the back side of the lid | cover 2 of the connector part 1 of an ultrasonic probe. The figure which shows the state by which the cleaning member 141 was provided in the back side of the cover 72 of the connector part 62 of an apparatus main body. Sectional drawing which shows a mode that the connection pin 21 protrudes in the connector part 1a of the ultrasonic probe of Embodiment 2 in transition from the UNLOCK state to the LOCK state Sectional drawing which shows a mode when the connector part 1a of an ultrasonic probe is mounted | worn with the connector part 62 of an apparatus main body. Block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  Note that the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus main body”) and the ultrasonic probe attached to the main body of the apparatus each include a connector portion for making an electrical connection with each other. In addition, the connector part of the ultrasonic probe is provided with a handle for the user to operate locking with the connector part of the apparatus main body. In the following description, regardless of the connection state of the connector part, if the handle of the connector part of the ultrasonic probe is connected to the connector part of the ultrasonic probe and the connector part of the main body of the ultrasonic probe, The state where the connector part of the touch panel and the connector part of the apparatus main body are in the locked state is referred to as a “LOCK” state, and the state where the connector part is not locked is referred to as the “UNLOCK” state.

(Embodiment 1)
FIGS. 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a state in which the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is in the UNLOCK state. FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams showing a state where the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment is in the LOCK state. FIGS. 3A and 3B are views showing the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment that has changed from the UNLOCK state to the LOCK state. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of the moving member 41 in the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment that has changed from the UNLOCK state to the LOCK state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V shown in FIG. 1A of the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment which is transitioning from the UNLOCK state to the LOCK state. 1 (a), 2 (a), 3 (a) and 4 (a) are front views of the connector portion 1, and FIG. 1 (b), FIG. 2 (b), FIG. FIGS. 1B and 4B are side views of the connector portion 1, and FIGS. 1C and 2C are perspective views of the connector portion 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1C and FIG. 2C, the connector unit 1 includes a plurality of connection pins 21 that are electrically connected to the outside, a lid 2 that covers the connection pins 21, and connection pins 21. Includes a rotatable handle 4 projecting on different surfaces, and a locking portion 5 coupled to the handle 4 via a shaft indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 1B and projecting to the connection pin 21 side. Further, the connector portion 1 has a substrate fixing member 6 as a cover on the surface side where the connection pins 21 are exposed. The substrate fixing member 6 is provided with a GND pin hole 3 serving as a guide when the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe and the connector portion of the apparatus main body are connected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, inside the connector portion 1, a connection pin substrate 53 in which a plurality of connection pins 21 are formed, a plate-like extrusion member 52 parallel to the connection pin substrate 53, and an extrusion member 52. Are provided on the opposite side of the pushing member 51 of the pushing member 52 and the pushing bar 51, one end of which is connected to the handle 4, and the pushing bar 51. An inclined portion 55 is provided in contact with the end portion of the first portion. Moreover, as shown to Fig.4 (a), the moving member 41 which connects the lid | cover 2 and the latching | locking part 5 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, in the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe in the UNLOCK state, the connection pins 21 of the connector portion 1 are covered with a lid 2. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 4B, when the user turns the handle 4 clockwise, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 4A in conjunction with the rotation. The locking part 5 also rotates. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the locking portion 5 has an elliptical shape when viewed from the rotation direction, and each end of the locking portion 5 in the major axis direction is composed of a wire-like member. One ends of the moved moving members 41 are connected to each other. The other end of each moving member 41 is connected to the lid 2. For this reason, with the rotation of the locking portion 5 due to the rotation of the handle 4, the lid 2 is pulled by the moving member 41 and slides in the rotation direction of the handle 4. Thus, in the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe in the UNLOCK state, the connection pins 21 of the connector part 1 are exposed.

  As the handle 4 rotates, the other end portion of the push rod 51 whose one end is connected to the handle 4 presses the push member 52 toward the substrate fixing member 6 via the inclined portion 55 as shown in FIG. To do. For this reason, the inclined portion 55 has an inclined surface in which the shaft connecting the handle 4 and the locking portion 5 passes through the center and the surface with which the other end portion of the push rod 51 abuts is inclined with respect to the push member 52. That is, the cross section of the inclined portion 55 in the shaft direction is a triangle. FIG. 6A is a view of the inclined portion 55 as viewed from the handle 4 side in the axial direction of the shaft. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the inclined portion 55. Regardless of the rotation of the handle 4, the end of the push bar 51 always contacts the inclined surface of the inclined portion 55. The bottom portion of the inclined portion 55 is joined to the pushing member 52.

  In the UNLOCK state shown in FIG. 5, when the end portion of the push bar 51 comes into contact with the lower end portion of the inclined surface of the inclined portion 55 (location close to the push member 52) and the handle 4 is turned to enter the UNLOCK state, the push rod 51. The end of the contact portion is in contact with the upper end portion of the inclined surface of the inclined portion 55 (location away from the pushing member 52). FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a location where the end of the push bar 51 contacts the inclined surface of the inclined portion 55 in the UNLOCK state. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a location where the end of the push bar 51 contacts the inclined surface of the inclined portion 55 in the LOCK state. The pushing member 52 is tensioned to the handle 4 side by the force of the spring 54, but when the handle 4 is turned, the end of the pushing bar 51 moves to the upper end of the inclined surface of the inclined portion 55. As a result, the pushing member 52 is pressed toward the substrate fixing member 6 side. Accordingly, the connection pin substrate 53 is entirely pushed out to the substrate fixing member 6 side. At this time, since the lid 2 slides as described above, the plurality of connection pins 21 formed on the connection pin substrate 53 protrude from the inside of the connector portion 1.

  In addition, if the protrusion degree of the connection pin 21 changes with places, it will cause a poor contact. For this reason, in this embodiment, the pushing member 52 is joined to the entire surface of the connection pin substrate 53 so that all the connection pins 21 formed on the connection pin substrate 53 protrude evenly.

  Further, the lid 2 is not limited to covering each connection pin, but may cover a plurality of connection pins or the entire connection pins. FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams showing another example of the moving member 41 in the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe according to the first embodiment that has changed from the UNLOCK state to the LOCK state. The example shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C shows a form in which the lid 2 a covers the plurality of connection pins 21. 8A shows a state in which the lid 2a covers the plurality of connection pins 21, and FIG. 8B shows the state in which the lid 2 is moved by the moving member 41a along with the rotation of the locking portion 5 due to the rotation of the handle 4. FIG. It shows a state where the connection pin 21 is exposed by being pulled up and shifted in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the connector unit 62 in the apparatus main body 61 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. 10 and 11 are plan views of only the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body 61 as viewed from the front. 10 shows a state in which the lid 72 of the connector part 62 is closed, and FIG. 11 shows a state in which the lid 72 is opened.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the connector section 62 includes a land 81 that contacts the connection pin 21 of the connector section 1 of the ultrasonic probe, a lid 72 that covers the land 81, and a GND pin 71. When the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe is connected to the connector part 62, the GND pin 71 is connected to the GND pin hole of the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe before the contact between the connection pin 21 and the land 81. 3 is inserted. When the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe and the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body are connected, the lid 72 is opened by being pushed by the connection pin 21 of the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe. At the same time that the connection pin 21 is retracted into the connector portion 1, the lid 72 returns to the original closed state. The method of opening the lid 72 in the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body may be a double door or a structure in which one lid opens to one side. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the lid 72 that opens and closes with the double door opening is pushed by the connection pin 21 of the connector unit 1 to open. The lid 72 opened by being pushed by the connection pin 21 serves to fix the connection pin 21 from both sides. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the lid 72 that opens and closes on one side is pushed and opened by the connection pin 21 of the connector unit 1. The lid 72 opened by being pushed by the connection pin 21 serves to fix the connection pin 21 from one side.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the connector part 62 connects the engaging part 73, the engaging part 73 and the lid 72, which are engaged with the engaging part 5 of the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe. In addition, similarly to the moving member 41 of the connector unit 1, a moving member 83 that functions to open and close the lid 72 may be further provided. When the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe is assigned to the connector portion 62 having the engaging portion 73 and the moving member 83, and the handle 4 of the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe is rotated, the rotation is linked. Then, the engaging portion 73 also rotates. As the engaging portion 73 rotates, the lid 72 may be opened by being pulled by the moving member 83 and sliding in the rotation direction of the handle 4.

  The lid 72 is not limited to covering each land, and may cover a plurality of lands or the entire lands.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe is provided with the lid 2 that covers the connection pin 21 when not attached (UNLOCK state), and the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body is not yet connected. A lid 72 is provided to cover the land 81 when mounted. For this reason, the connection pin 21 and the land 81 are protected from damage due to dust adhesion or erroneous contact. As a result, the damage or failure of the connector parts 1 and 62 is reduced, leading to a reduction in the number of failures or repairs of the ultrasonic probe and the device main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In addition, since the connector parts 1 and 62 do not use electric parts for opening and closing the lids 2 and 72, the configuration can be simplified. As a result, the connector parts 1 and 62 can be reduced in size.

  The lids 2 and 72 may slide in the opposite direction to the handle 4 of the connector unit 1.

  In the present embodiment, the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe has the connection pin 21 and the connector part 62 of the apparatus main body has the land 81. However, the connector part 1 of the ultrasonic probe has the land and the apparatus main body. The same effect can be expected even if the connector portion 62 has a connection pin.

  Further, a cleaning member 141 such as a brush for the connection pin 21 may be attached to the back side of the lid 2 of the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe and the back side of the lid 72 of the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the cleaning member 141 is provided on the back side of the lid 2 of the connector portion 1 of the ultrasonic probe. FIG. 16 is a view showing a state in which the cleaning member 141 is provided on the back side of the lid 72 of the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body. According to the said structure, whenever the connection pin 21 of the connector part 1 protrudes, the dust etc. which were attached to the connection pin 21 are removed by the cleaning member 141. FIG. Further, the cleaning member 141 prevents the foreign matter and the like from being mixed when the lids 2 and 72 are opened. Therefore, the reliability at the time of connection of each connector part increases.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connection pin 21 protrudes in the connector portion 1a of the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment which is transitioning from the UNLOCK state to the LOCK state. In FIG. 17, the same reference numerals are given to components common to FIG. 5. In the connector portion 1a of the ultrasonic probe of the present embodiment, when the peripheral member 121 formed around the connection pin 21 is pressed, the connection pin 21 covered by the peripheral member 121 protrudes. The peripheral member 121 has a lid that is opened when it is pressed at a portion where the connection pin 21 protrudes. When the pressing force on the peripheral member 121 disappears, the peripheral member 121 returns to the original position by the restoring force of the spring 122, and the connection pin 21 is covered with the peripheral member 121.

  FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the connector portion 1a of the ultrasonic probe is attached to the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body. As shown in FIG. 18, when the connector part 1a of the ultrasonic probe is pressed against the connector part 62 of the apparatus main body, the peripheral member 121 of the connector part 1a is pushed and the connection pin 21 protrudes, and the engagement of the connector part 1a. The stop portion 5 is fitted into the engagement portion 73 of the connector portion 62. At this time, the lid 72 of the connector portion 62 is pushed open by the protruding connection pin 21, and the connection pin 21 comes into contact with the land 81. When the handle 4 of the connector portion 1a is rotated in this state, the engaging portion 5 rotates while being fitted with the engaging portion 73 of the connector portion 62, and the connector portion 1a and the connector portion 62 are fixed. Match.

  In addition, not only the connector part 1a of an ultrasonic probe but the structure which the land 81 is extruded from the inside and exposed when the connector part 62 of an apparatus main body is pushed may be sufficient. In the second embodiment, the same effect can be expected even if the relationship between the connector pin 1a of the ultrasonic probe and the connection pin 21 of the connector portion 62 of the apparatus main body and the land 81 is reversed.

  As described above, the connector portion 1a of the ultrasonic probe according to the second embodiment has a structure in which the connection pin 21 protrudes when the peripheral member 121 is pressed. For this reason, the connection pin 21 is protected from damage due to dust adhesion or erroneous contact. As a result, the damage or failure of the connector portion 1a is reduced, leading to a reduction in the number of failures or repairs of the ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Moreover, since the connector part 1a does not use an electric component for opening and closing the lids 2 and 72, the configuration can be simplified. As a result, the connector portion 1a can be reduced in size.

  In addition, the lid | cover which the surrounding member 121 of the connector part 1a of an ultrasonic probe has is not restricted to covering each connection pin, but may cover a plurality of connection pins or the entire connection pins. Further, even if the peripheral member 121 does not have a lid, the same effect can be expected.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is an ultrasonic that can protect connection pins or lands from dust, dust, miscontact, etc. by attaching lids to both connector parts of the ultrasonic probe and the apparatus main body. It is useful as a diagnostic device.

1, 1a Ultrasonic probe connector portion 2, 2a Lid 3 GND pin hole 4 Handle 5 Locking portion 6 Substrate fixing member 21 Connection pin 41, 41a Moving member 51 Extrusion rod 52 Extrusion member 53 Connection pin substrate 54 Spring 55 Inclined portion 61 Device main body 62 Connector portion 71 of device main body GND pin 72 Lid 73 Engaging portion 81 Land 83 Moving member 121 Surrounding member 122 Spring 141 Cleaning member

Claims (9)

A terminal portion formed on the extruded member and electrically connected to the outside;
A rotatable handle portion provided on a surface different from the terminal portion across the push member,
A locking portion that is connected to the handle portion via a shaft and rotates with the rotation of the handle portion and protrudes toward the terminal portion;
One end is connected to the handle part, and the other end protrudes toward the push member,
An inclined portion that is interposed between the push-out portion and the push-out member, and a surface with which the other end of the push-out portion abuts with respect to the push-out member;
A lid portion covering the terminal portion;
A moving member that connects the lid portion and the locking portion;
When the lid portion moves through the locking portion and the moving member with the rotation of the handle portion, the terminal portion is exposed, and the push-out portion is pushed through the inclined portion with the rotation. A connector that presses a member toward the terminal portion. The terminal portion includes a plurality of terminals,
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the lid covers at least two of the terminals. The terminal portion includes a plurality of terminals,
The connector according to claim 1, wherein the lid includes a plurality of lids that cover one terminal.   The connector of any one of Claims 1-3 provided with the cleaning member which removes the dust attached to the said terminal part whenever the said terminal part is exposed to the back side of the said cover part.   An ultrasonic probe having the connector according to claim 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the ultrasonic probe according to claim 5 and an apparatus main body connected to the ultrasonic probe,
The apparatus main body is
A terminal part for electrical connection with a terminal part provided in the connector of the ultrasonic probe;
An engaging portion that fits with a locking portion included in the connector of the ultrasonic probe, and
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is fixed while the engaging part and the engaging part are fitted together with rotation of a handle part included in the connector of the ultrasonic probe. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the first terminal portion of the ultrasonic probe is electrically connected to the second terminal portion of the apparatus body,
The ultrasonic probe is
A first peripheral member that covers a side surface of the first terminal portion and exposes the first terminal portion by being pressed;
An elastic body that holds the first peripheral member,
The apparatus main body is
A lid that covers the surface of the second terminal portion and exposes the second terminal portion by being pressed;
A second peripheral member covering the periphery of the lid,
When connecting the first terminal portion to the second terminal portion, the second peripheral member presses the first peripheral member to expose the first terminal portion, and the first terminal An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are in contact with each other by pressing the lid portion to expose the second terminal portion. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of terminals,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lid portion covers at least two of the terminals of the second terminal portion. The second terminal portion includes a plurality of terminals,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the lid portion includes a plurality of lids that cover one of the terminals of the second terminal portion.

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