JP2015205007A - Portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus which is excellent in portability as an integral body with a probe and improves convenience at the time of use while maintaining the compact shape.SOLUTION: A portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises a body housing which stores an electronic component including an ultrasonic transmission part, a probe connection part which is provided on the side surface of the body housing and to which the connector of the probe is connected, and a handle part which is connected to the end in the short direction of the side surface of the body housing and has a surface facing the side surface. The handle part has an L-shaped cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and is rotatable or slidable with respect to the body housing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus that can be easily carried by hand together with an ultrasonic probe (hereinafter referred to as a probe), and is portable with excellent convenience such as storage, carrying, installation and handling at an inspection place. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes, as basic elements, a probe that transmits an ultrasonic beam and receives an ultrasonic echo reflected from an inspection target, a transmission / reception circuit that drives the probe and receives a signal from the probe, and a reception A signal processing circuit that processes signals and generates an ultrasonic image, a display device that displays the ultrasonic image, and an operation unit that inputs imaging conditions and the like are provided.

  In recent years, the substrate on which the transceiver circuit and the signal processing circuit are mounted has been downsized, and the display device such as a liquid crystal display device has been made thinner. Accordingly, a portable ultrasonic imaging device having a simple configuration that can be carried by the operator has been put into practical use. Various types of portable ultrasonic imaging apparatuses have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a device that is miniaturized by directly connecting a connector of an ultrasonic probe to a connector directly attached to an ultrasonic wave transmitting / receiving board inside the main body. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is a relatively thin vertical casing, and is provided with a support plate (stand) for stably instructing the posture, and the angle of the support plate with respect to the main body can be changed.

JP-A-8-252250

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has a shape close to a so-called notebook personal computer, and the apparatus alone is compact and excellent in portability. However, it is necessary to carry the probe together with the apparatus for inspection, and in that case, it cannot be said that the portability is always good. Usually, the probe is connected to a connector for connecting to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus with a relatively thick cord, and is generally heavy and bulky. Therefore, in order to safely move the ultrasonic imaging apparatus and the probe to the inspection place at the time of inspection, a carriage or the like is required, and the convenience of a compact shape cannot be enjoyed.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus that is excellent in portability when being carried integrally with a probe while maintaining a compact shape, and has improved convenience during use.

  The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention that solves the above problems is provided with a handle portion having a plurality of functions so as to surround the probe connection portion behind the side surface of the main body housing where the probe connection portion is formed. It is a thing.

  Specifically, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention is connected to a main body housing for storing an electronic component including an ultrasonic wave transmitting section, and a probe connector provided on a side surface of the main body housing. A probe connecting portion and a handle portion connected to an end portion of the side surface of the main body casing in the short direction and having a surface facing the side surface are provided.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus that can be easily and safely carried with a probe while maintaining a compact, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Further, even when in use, the probe (cord) and display device connected to the main body housing can be held in a state that is easy for the operator to handle.

It is a figure which shows the whole outline | summary of the portable ultrasonic imaging device of 1st embodiment, (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view. Functional block diagram of an ultrasonic imaging device Side view showing a state in which the display housing is tilted A perspective view showing an example of a probe The top view of the state which removed the display housing | casing of the portable ultrasonic imaging device of FIG. The top view which shows the state which connected the probe to the portable ultrasonic imaging device of FIG. The perspective view which looked at the ultrasonic imaging device from the front side, and the figure which shows the state where the lid of a front storage part is closed The perspective view which looked at the ultrasonic imaging device from the front side, and the figure which shows the state where the cover of a front storage part is open (A), (b) is sectional drawing which shows the example of a code holding part, respectively The back view of an ultrasonic imaging device containing a handle part. The rear view of an ultrasonic imaging device containing a handle part. The side view which shows the state which rotated the handle | steering-wheel part. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the state which held the handle | steering-wheel part by hand. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the example of a change of the shape of a handle part, respectively. The figure explaining the motion of the handle part which has a slide mechanism. The side view of the portable ultrasonic imaging device of 2nd embodiment. The perspective view which shows the state which opened the cover of the portable ultrasonic imaging device of FIG. The perspective view which shows the handle | steering-wheel part of the portable ultrasonic imaging device of 3rd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described.

<First embodiment>
The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment includes a main body housing that stores an electronic circuit including an ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit, and a handle portion that is connected to and connected to an end portion in a short direction of a side surface of the main body housing. . The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus has a probe connection portion to which a probe connector is connected on the side surface (rear surface) of the main body housing, and the handle portion has a surface facing the side surface on which the probe connection portion is provided. And is arranged so as to surround the probe portion.

  In the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, the handle portion is connected to the main body housing so as to be rotatable and / or slidable. The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment further includes a display housing that houses the display device, and the shapes of the main body housing, the display housing, and the handle portion define the outer shape of the portable ultrasonic imaging device, The outer shape is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Other features of the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Hereinafter, a portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus (hereinafter also simply referred to as an ultrasonic imaging apparatus) according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an outline of an ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100, where FIG. 1A is a side view and FIG. 1B is a top view. As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a thickness H that is smaller than the vertical and horizontal dimensions (W, D) of the upper surface. The vertical and horizontal dimensions are about A4 size, and it is an outer shape that can be placed on top of A4 size documents. The upper surface of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as the upper surface of the apparatus, the lower surface is referred to as the lower surface (back surface), and among the four side surfaces connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, the left side surface 10A in the drawing is the front surface. The right side surface 10B is referred to as the back surface.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 mainly includes a main body housing 10 that houses a substrate on which an electronic circuit is formed, a display housing 20 that includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, and a handle portion 30.

  An example of an electronic circuit stored in the main body housing 10 is shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the entire ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and a part surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 42 to which the probe connection unit 41 is connected, a control unit 43, a memory unit 44, a DSC (digital scan converter) 45, and the like are mounted on a substrate as electronic circuits, and a power supply device 49. At the same time, it is housed in the main housing 10. In addition, an auxiliary device 48 is added as necessary. The display device constituting the display housing 20 also serves as the display unit 46 and the input unit 47 (GUI) in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the display housing 20 is arranged on the upper surface of the main body housing 10 so that the display surface 21 faces upward. In the illustrated example, the display housing 20 is connected to the end of the upper surface so as to be rotatable about the axis P1, and as a result, the angle of the display surface 21 with respect to the upper surface of the main body housing 10 as shown in FIG. Can be changed. The handle portion 30 is made of a plate-like member having an L-shaped cross section, and is connected to the end portion of the lower surface of the main body housing 10 so as to be rotatable about the axis P2.

  The widths W of the main body housing 10, the display housing 20, and the handle portion 30 are substantially the same. However, in the illustrated example, the depth (dimension in the front-rear direction) of the main body housing 10 is greater than the depth of the display housing 20. In the state where the display housing 20 is tilted to the upper surface of the main body housing 10 (FIG. 1A), the handle connected to the rear of the lower surface of the main body housing 10 is behind the lower surface of the display housing 20. A space 101 exists between the unit 30. In the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, this space 101 is a space in which the probe and the connector are accommodated.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of a general probe used in an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. As shown in the figure, a probe 50 has a contact surface with an inspection object, a probe head 51 having a probe array or the like covered with a resin cover, and for connecting the probe head 51 to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus. The connector 53 includes a cord 55 that connects the probe head 51 and the connector 53. The head unit 51 has various shapes depending on the inspection object and purpose. The connector 53 has a terminal structure that engages with the probe connection portion 13 provided in the main body housing 10, and is mounted with the probe 50 and the electronic components housed in the main body housing 10 by being connected to the probe connection portion 13. Connect the board. The cord 55 is not particularly limited, but is generally a relatively thick cord having a length close to several tens of cm to 2 m and incorporating a plurality of connection lines. In the following description, the head 51 constituting the probe 50 is also referred to as the probe 51 in distinction from the connector 53 and the cord 55.

  Next, each element constituting the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

<Main body casing>
As shown in FIG. 1A, the main body housing 10 has an upper surface 10C whose height is reduced by a step with respect to the height (thickness) of the front surface 10A that defines the thickness H of the apparatus. A substrate and a power source on which an electronic circuit is mounted are housed in a lower portion of the lower upper surface 10C, which shows most of the substrate 10. A probe connecting portion 13 is provided on the back surface 10 </ b> B of the main body housing 10, and a holding space 101 is formed in the vicinity thereof.

  With reference to FIG.5 and FIG.6, the structure of the back side of the main body housing | casing 10 is demonstrated. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the display housing 20 is removed from the upper surface of the main body housing 10, and FIG. 6 shows a state in which the probe 50 is connected in that state.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the probe connection portion 13 is fixed to the back surface 10 </ b> B of the main body housing 10 at a position that is biased to one side with respect to the center of the back surface. Although not shown, the probe connection unit 13 is provided with a lock mechanism (lock lever) for fixing the connector 53 of the probe 50 connected to the probe connection unit 13. When the connector 53 is connected to the probe connecting portion 13 and the lock lever is operated, the state where the connector 53 is connected to the probe connecting portion 13 is locked. The lock can be released by operating the lock lever in the reverse direction. A known mechanism can be adopted as the lock mechanism, and details thereof are omitted.

  The probe connecting portion 13 has a shape that engages with the connector 53 of the probe. When the connector 53 is connected according to the shape, the connector cord 55 faces downward in FIG. In other words, the engagement shape of the probe connection portion 13 and the connector 53 or the terminal arrangement is asymmetric with respect to the center in the width (W) direction of the apparatus, and when the two are properly connected, the cord 55 of the connector 53 is held in the holding space. It is configured to go to the 101 side.

  Between the back surface 10B of the main body housing 10 and the side surface 10D orthogonal thereto, there is an inclined surface 10E formed by cutting off a part in the height direction. The inclined surface 10E and the lower surface of the main body housing 10 are provided. A triangular space formed by the panel 11 is a holding space 101 that holds the probe continuously with the space behind the rear surface of the display housing 20 described above. That is, the probe holding space 101 includes a side surface continuing from the surface of the main body back surface 10B other than the portion where the probe connecting portion 13 is provided to the inclined surface 10E, a lower surface panel 11 (the upper surface thereof) of the main body housing 10, and will be described later. It is a space surrounded by the handle portion 30 and has a size sufficient to accommodate various probes including a probe having a relatively large head 51.

  A probe holder 40 that holds a probe 50 (head portion 51) accommodated in this space is fixed to the lower surface panel 11 of the main body housing 10 that defines the probe holding space 101. When the probe 51 is housed in the space, the probe holder 40 has a structure for fixing the probe 51 so as not to move in the space and for easily removing the probe 51 from the holding space 101.

  On the upper surface 10C of the main body housing 10 on which the display housing 20 is disposed, a portion that is lower than the height of the upper surface 10C is formed. As a result, a space 102 surrounded by this portion and the lower surface of the display housing 20 is formed. In the illustrated embodiment, the space 102 is open at both ends in the width (W) direction of the apparatus, and can function as a storage space for the cord 55 of the probe 50.

  As already described, in the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the arrangement of the terminals of the probe connection unit 13 is such that the cord 55 of the connector 53 connected to the probe connection unit 13 faces the probe holding space 101 side. Since the cord 55 of the probe 50 that is configured and held by the probe holder 40 faces away from the probe connection portion 13, that is, is oriented in the same direction as the cord 55 of the connector 53. The cord 55 that connects the head portion 51 and the connector 53 can be bundled in a folded state. The two cords 55 that are folded and overlapped are pulled from the side surface of the apparatus 100 and placed in the storage space 102, so that the ultrasound imaging apparatus 100 can be carried without the cord 55 interfering with the cord 55. It can be prevented from being dragged or hooked, and damage to the connecting portion between the cord 55 and the head 51 or the connector 53 can be prevented.

  The use of the space 102 formed on the upper surface 10C of the main body housing 10 as a storage space for the cord 55 of the probe 50 is merely an example of the use of the space 102, and a storage space for other parts, portable items, and the like. It is also possible to use as. In that case, the space 102 may be a closed space by forming a wall at the end of the upper surface 10C instead of making the both ends open.

  Further, the arrangement of the probe connecting portion 13 and the probe holding space 101 in FIG. 5 may be reversed up and down (left and right as viewed from the front) in the figure.

  Next, the side surface shape and the front surface shape of the main body housing 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front surface side of the main body housing 10 is higher than the upper surface 10 </ b> C on which the display housing 20 is placed. In the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the front storage portion 103 (dotted line) is formed using the portion having the height.

  7 and 8 are perspective views of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 viewed from the front side. 7 and 8, the probe and the probe holder that are arranged on the back surface of the main body housing 10 are not shown. As shown in the figure, a lid 17 is provided on the front surface 10 </ b> A of the main body housing 10, and the storage portion 103 is covered with the lid 17. The lid 17 has an L-shaped cross section, one end of which is pivotally supported by the lower surface panel 11 of the main body housing 10 and rotates around the axis so as to cover the storage portion 103 shown in FIG. It can rotate to the position where the storage part 103 shown in FIG. The storage unit 103 can use almost the entire volume of the portion with a high height of the main body housing 10 as a storage unit, and a part of the cord 55 routed from the probe 50 or a jelly used for inspection. A container (not shown) and other parts can be stored.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the structure in which the lid 17 is connected to the lower surface panel 11 is shown. However, an arbitrary structure such as a structure that slides in the left-right direction or a structure that can be detached from the main body housing 10 is adopted. be able to.

  A cord holding portion 105 that holds the cord 55 of the probe 50 is formed on the side surface of the main body housing 10. The cord holding portion 105 is configured by a groove-like recess 105 formed from the side surface 10D of the main housing 10 to the side surface 10F facing it, except for the storage portion 103 provided on the front surface 10A of the main body housing 10. ing.

  The recess 105 extends from the intersection of the inclined surface 10E and the side surface 10D of the main body housing 10 where the probe holding space 101 ends to the end where the storage portion 103 of the front surface 10A starts and the end where the storage portion 103 of the front surface 10A ends. To the side surface 10F (side surface facing the side surface 10D). Although the groove-like recess 105 does not exist in the front storage portion 103, the cord 55 is accommodated in the storage portion 103 and does not protrude outward by closing the storage portion 103 with the lid 17. That is, the storage unit 103 functions as a cord storage unit in this portion.

  The shape of the groove may be a concave shape in which two semicircles are arranged as shown in FIG. 9 (a), or may be a circle or a rectangle as shown in FIG. 9 (b). FIG. 7 shows an example in which the shape of FIG. The diameter of the semicircle is almost the same as the diameter of the cord 55 of the probe 50, so that the two cords 55 can be fixed along the shape of the groove by folding back. In the case of the shape as shown in FIG. 9B, the degree of freedom with respect to the number and thickness of the cords 55 increases. In any case, in order to prevent the cord 55 from being easily removed from the restraint in order to be accommodated in the concave portion (cord holding portion) 105, it is preferable to provide a projection portion 15 for preventing the drop. The protrusion 15 can be formed integrally with the side surface of the main body housing 10 when the concave portion 105 is formed by molding with a material constituting the main body housing 10, such as plastic.

  In the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, as already described, the cord 55 of the connector 53 connected to the probe connecting portion 13 and the cord 55 of the probe 50 placed on the probe holder 40 are aligned in the same direction, It can be handled in a folded state. By providing a concave portion (cord holding portion) 105 for storing the folded cord 55 on the side surface of the main body housing 10, the folded cord 55 can be stored around the apparatus, and can be carried around or in the apparatus. It is possible to prevent the cord 55 from getting in the way or being caught by the cord 55 during storage.

  7 and 8, the main body housing 10 provided with the front housing portion 103 is assumed. However, when the front housing portion 103 is not provided, the panel of the main body housing 10 constituting the front surface The concave portion 105 can be provided continuously to the side surface 10D and the side surface 10F.

  As mentioned above, although the shape of the main body casing of the present embodiment has been mainly described, any or all of the upper surface storage portion 102, the front surface storage portion 103, and the cord holding portion 105 can be omitted, and those shapes can be omitted. The size, position, structure and the like can be changed as appropriate.

<Handle part>
Next, the shape of the handle 30 which is a feature of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, FIG. 11 is a view of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus viewed from the back (back view), and FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the handle portion 30 is rotated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the handle portion 30 is a member having the same length as the size of the main body housing 10 in the width direction and an L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the L-shaped member is described as being divided into two parts (plate members 31 and 32), but these two parts can be configured as an integral single member.

  Since the handle portion 30 has an L shape, one plate member 31 constituting the L shape is positioned on the back surface of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus as shown in FIG. It has a function of protecting the probe 50 connected to the probe connecting portion 13 of 10B and the probe 50 housed in the holding space 101 in the vicinity thereof. As shown in FIG. 11, the other plate member 32 is connected to the lower surface panel 11 of the main body housing 10, and becomes a flat bottom portion of the probe holding space 101 together with the lower surface panel 11.

  The plate members 31 and 32 of the handle portion 30 are formed with openings 35 and 37 through which an operator's hand can be put. An operator can insert his / her hand into the opening 35 to have an end portion of the plate member 31 or a connection portion between the plate member 31 and the plate member 32 having an L shape.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the plate member 32 has a portion (a portion where the notch portion 33 is formed) having a reduced diameter with respect to a portion that is continuous with the plate member 31 and has the same diameter as the plate member 31. The narrow portion is connected to the lower surface panel 11 of the main body housing 10. The plate member 32 is connected to the lower panel 11 so as to be rotatable about the axis P2 (FIG. 1). By rotating the plate member 32, the handle portion 30 changes from the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 to the position shown in FIG. It is preferable to provide a lock mechanism (detent) for fixing / releasing the handle portion 30 at the position shown in FIG. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the handle portion 30 from rotating carelessly and the probe 50 housed in the holding space 101 from popping out or the connector 53 from being exposed.

  The function of such a handle part 30 will be described. One function of the handle portion 30 is that a connector 53 is connected to the probe connection portion 13 between the plate member 31 of the handle portion 30 disposed opposite to the back surface 10B of the main body housing 10 and the back surface 10B. And a space for storing the probe 51 placed in the vicinity thereof, thereby protecting the probe 51 and the connector 53. Further, the handle portion 30 is rotated at the connecting portion with the lower surface panel 11 about the axis P <b> 2, so that the operation of connecting or removing the connector 53 to or from the probe connecting portion 13 can be facilitated.

  Another function of the handle part 30 is a function as a handle, and the handle part 30 can be held by passing a hand (finger) through the openings 35 and 37 formed in the plate members 31 and 32. When the portion 30 is lifted, the handle portion 30 rotates with respect to the main body housing 10 and can be held with one hand while the ultrasonic imaging apparatus is hung. This makes it easy to carry and handle the ultrasonic imaging apparatus. An example of use with the handle 30 is shown in FIG.

  Still another function of the handle portion 30 is a function as a winding portion of the cord 55 of the probe 50, and this function is a portion (narrow portion) in which the diameter of the handle portion 30 (plate member 32) is reduced, That is, it is realized by using the notch portions 33 on both sides. As already described, in the preferred aspect of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, as the space for storing the cord 55, the storage space 102 (FIG. 1) on the upper surface of the main body housing 10 or the side surface of the main body housing 10. There is a cord storage portion 105 (FIG. 7) formed in 10D and 10F. By forming a winding portion (notch portion 33) in the handle portion 30, the cord is temporarily used when the probe is used or carried. 55 may be wound around the handle portion 30. As a result, the heavy and long cord 55 does not get in the way, and the handleability of the apparatus is improved. Various methods for storing the code 55 are also provided.

  Still another function of the handle portion 30 is a function as a support portion when the apparatus is used. At the time of inspection, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus is used in a horizontal state (sideways) by adjusting the angle of the display housing 20 described later. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the handle portion 30 can function as a stand by rotating the handle portion 30 about the axis P <b> 2 with respect to the main body housing 10.

  As described above, the handle portion 30 of the present embodiment has a plurality of functions, can improve the handleability of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, and can protect an expensive probe.

  In addition, the shape and form of the handle part 30 are not limited to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, and various changes can be made. An example of the shape change is shown in FIGS. In FIG. 14A, the shape of the plate member 31 facing the back surface of the main body housing 10 is changed, and an opening 39 through which a person can put a hand is formed between the plate member 31 and the plate member 32. Is. (B) changes the shape of the board member 32 connected with the main body housing | casing 10, and is comprised with the board member narrower than the board member 31. FIG. The plate member 32 having a narrower width than the plate member 31 can be used as a cord winding portion corresponding to the notch portion 33 of the handle portion 30 in FIG.

  Further, the handle portion 30 may be a slidable connection instead of a rotatable connection to the main body housing 10. In this case, for example, a mechanism (rail and guide member) that slidably supports the plate member 32 is provided on the lower surface panel 11 so that the plate member 31 of the handle portion 30 can be pulled out to the rear of the main body housing 10.

  In the case of the slide mechanism, as shown in FIG. 15, the connector 53 of the probe 50 can be connected to or removed from the probe connecting portion 13 with the handle portion 30 pulled out. In the state where the handle portion 30 is pulled out, it becomes easy to put the hand into the opening 35 of the plate member 31 and lift the handle portion 30, and when the device is hung by holding the handle portion 30, the verticality of the device is improved. Can keep. FIG. 13B shows a usage example of the sliding handle.

<Display housing>
Next, the display housing 20 will be described.
Although omitted in FIG. 1, the display housing 20 of the present embodiment is supported by a receiving member 60 provided in the main body housing 10 as shown in FIG. 7, and is detachable from the receiving member 60. It is. That is, the display housing 20 can be separated from the main body housing 10 and function as an independent display device. As shown in FIG. 2, the display housing 20 stores a display device (display unit 46) connected to the control unit 43, DSC 45, and the like housed in the main body housing 10 in a wired or wireless manner. The ultrasonic image created based on the ultrasonic echo received by the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 100 can be displayed. Note that in the case of exchanging signals wirelessly, wireless signal transmission / reception circuits are provided on both the main body housing 10 side and the display housing 20 side.

  When the display housing 20 is connected to the electronic circuit on the main body housing 10 side by a cord (wired), the receiving member 60 is provided with a connector portion to which the connection terminal (electrical) of the display device is connected. Is also possible. In that case, you may comprise so that it may fix to the receiving member 60 and may not attach or detach.

  The display device of the present embodiment is a touch-panel display device that also functions as an input unit 44 that displays a GUI. The operator operates the screen 21 of the display device so that the operation of the ultrasonic imaging device 100 can be performed. Necessary commands and condition settings can be entered. However, an input device may be connected to the main body housing 10 side separately from the display device. The specific configuration of the display device is the same as that of a known touch panel display device, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display housing 20 is rotated at an arbitrary angle with respect to the upper surface as shown in FIG. 3 from the position overlapping the upper surface of the main body housing 10 as the receiving member 60 rotates. It can be in an inclined state. Further, when a mechanism that enables rotation (turning) around the joint, such as a ball joint, is adopted, only the turning (opening / closing operation) of the display housing 20 is performed by increasing the height of the receiving member 60. In addition, the display housing 20 can be turned in a state of being perpendicular to the upper surface of the main body housing 10.

  When the display device is detachable from the receiving member 60, the position of the display surface 21 with respect to the main body housing 10 is changed by sliding the display housing 20 in the longitudinal direction of the receiving member 60 with respect to the receiving member 60. It is also possible to shift in the width direction of the device.

  The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment improves the portability of the apparatus while protecting the probe connection part by providing the handle part so as to surround the probe connection part 13 on the back surface of the main body housing. be able to. In addition, while having the handle portion, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus as a whole can be kept in a compact shape, and is excellent in convenience such as storage at a storage location, carrying, and installation / handling at an inspection location.

Moreover, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment can facilitate the connection and removal operations of the connector to and from the probe connection portion by having a mechanism for rotating or sliding the handle portion. Further, when the handle portion rotates, it can function as a stand.
In addition, the handle part has a structure (notch or winding part) around which the probe cord is wound, so that the heavy and long cord can be fixed to the main body side without dragging. Are better.

  As described above, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment has been described with reference to the drawings. As described in the description of each unit, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a main body housing, a display housing, The embodiment includes an embodiment in which each element can be changed or replaced with the handle portion as a basic element. What combined these changeable / replaceable elements as appropriate is also included in the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the probe connection portion is provided on the side surface serving as the back surface among the four side surfaces of the main body casing and the handle portion is provided facing the probe connection portion has been described. It can also be provided on the side, in which case the handle is coupled to the side on which the probe connection is provided.

<Second embodiment>
Although the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the first embodiment includes a display casing, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment includes a display casing as a separate element from the main body casing. Not. The display device uses a display device of another module. As another module, for example, any module that can exchange data by wire or wireless, such as a display of another ultrasonic imaging device or a display device of a portable electronic device, can be adopted.

  Hereinafter, the portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus 110 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. In the figure, the same elements as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment includes a main body housing 10, a handle portion 30 connected to the main body housing 10, and a cover 70 that covers the upper surface of the main body housing 10. ing.

  The main body housing 10 accommodates a board on which electronic components such as the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 42 as shown in FIG. 2 are mounted. Further, the probe connecting portion 13 is provided on the back surface 10B as in the first embodiment, and the handle portion 30 is coupled to the lower end of the back surface 10B so as to surround the connector 53 of the probe connected to the probe connecting portion 13. .

  The shape of the handle portion 30 and the movement with respect to the main body housing 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and can be changed in the same manner as the modification example described in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, as an alternative to the display housing 20, a cover 70 made of a thin plate is provided on the upper surface of the main body housing 10. The cover 70 is rotatably attached to the front surface side of the main body housing 10 and can be moved from the closed state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 16 to the open state indicated by the dotted line.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the size of the cover 70 (the area of the plate surface) is such that when the cover 70 is closed, the connector 53 and the probe head portion 51 fixed to the upper surface and the side surface of the main body housing 10 are used. It is the size to cover. Further, a side plate 71 is formed on the cover 70 on the back side so as to be orthogonal to the plate surface. The side plate 71 is formed over one side of the back side of the cover and a part of two sides adjacent thereto. Thus, in the closed state, the device side surface portion (side plate formed on a part of the two sides) covers the side surface of the main body housing 10, and the device back side portion is the plate member 31 of the handle portion 30. The opening 35 formed in is covered. In this state, the probe holding space 101 is covered with the cover 70 and the lower surface panel 11 of the main body housing 10 and becomes a substantially closed space, so that the probe and its connector 53 can be reliably protected.

  In this state, the outer shape of the device defined by the main body housing 10, the handle portion 30, and the cover 70 is a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a small thickness, and a compact shape is maintained. Therefore, at the time of storage, it can be stacked vertically or horizontally like, for example, a notebook computer or a book.

  At the time of inspection, as shown in FIG. 17, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus 110 can be used by opening the cover 70 and taking out the probe (head portion 51) 50 held by the probe holder 40.

  16 and 17 show an example in which the cover 70 is rotatably attached along the front surface of the main body housing 10, but the attachment position and the attachment mechanism of the cover 70 with respect to the main body housing 10 are the examples described above. Various modifications are possible without being limited to the above. For example, the cover 70 may be rotatably attached to the end of the side surface of the main body housing 10. Further, a mechanism for sliding as well as rotating may be added. Further, the cover may be removable.

  In the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, by providing a cover that opens and closes with respect to the main body housing, the protection function of the probe and the dirt adhesion prevention function can be enhanced even in an apparatus in which the display device is a separate module.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a cover is provided instead of the display housing, but the other is the same as the first embodiment, and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment. It is possible to configure the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment by appropriately combining the changeable or replaceable embodiments for the constituent elements.

<Third embodiment>
In 1st and 2nd embodiment, the handle | steering-wheel part was comprised with the plate member, and the opening part formed between the opening part formed in the board member or two board members showed the structure used as a handle. However, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment is characterized in that a handle (handle) is provided outside the plate member parallel to the side surface of the main body housing.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the handle portion 30 provided with the handle 301. The shape of the plate members 31 and 32 constituting the handle portion 30 is the same as the handle portion shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 or the handle portion shown in FIG. 14B, except that no opening is formed in the center. It is the same.

  Both ends of the handle 301 are fixed to the outer surface of the plate member 31. The handle 301 may be formed of a rigid material and may have a structure that does not change in shape and position, or a movable or flexible member is disposed between a part held by the operator and both ends, and when not in use. It is good also as a structure accommodated in the recessed part 31A provided in the plate member 31. FIG.

  In the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of this embodiment, since the opening is not formed in the plate member constituting the handle portion, the protection of the probe connector and the probe housed between the handle portion and the main body housing is more robust. Become. Further, it is possible to easily wipe off dirt such as jelly attached to the probe. Furthermore, since there is a handle on the outside of the handle portion, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus can be easily taken out from a storage place or the like without pulling out or rotating the handle portion.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first to third embodiments, the probe connecting portion is provided on the side surface that is the back surface of the display surface among the four side surfaces of the main body housing, and the probe storage space is provided on the side surface (back surface). However, it is also possible to provide the probe connection portion on the side surface intersecting with the back surface, that is, on the left or right side surface of the apparatus. In that case, the handle portion is arranged such that at least one plate material constituting the handle portion is parallel to the side surface on which the probe connection portion is provided (fourth embodiment).

  Although not shown in the drawings, in the present embodiment, the handle portion may have an opening provided in the plate member as a handle, or may have a handle provided outside the plate member. The handle portion can be slidably or rotatably attached to the main body housing.

  Also in this embodiment, as in the other embodiments, effects such as protection of the probe connecting portion and the probe connected to the probe connecting portion and use as a winding portion and a stand can be obtained.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the compact portable ultrasonic imaging device excellent in the handleability at the time of carrying, use, and storage is provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Main body housing, 10A ... Front, 10B ... Back, 10C ... Top, 10D ... Side, 10E ... Inclined surface, 10F ... Side, 10G ... Step , 11 ... lower panel, 13 ... probe connection, 15 ... projection, 17 ... lid, 20 ... display housing, 20A ... display surface, 30 ... handle , 31... Plate member, 32... Plate member, 33... Cable notch, 35, 37... Opening for handle, 40. ..Probe, 51... Head, 53 .. connector, 55 .. cord, 60... Display housing receiving member, 70 .. cover, 101. ..Top storage part (storage space), 103 ... Front storage part (storage space), 105 ... side Code holding unit, 301 ... handle.

Claims (12)

  A main body housing containing an electronic component including an ultrasonic wave transmitting portion, a probe connecting portion provided on a side surface of the main body housing to which a probe connector is connected, and a short direction of the side surface of the main body housing A portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising: a handle portion connected to an end portion of the handle portion and having a surface facing the side surface. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1,
The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, wherein the handle portion has an L-shaped cross section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, wherein the handle portion is connected to the main body casing so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the side surface of the main body casing. The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, wherein the handle portion is connected to the main body casing so as to be movable in a direction away from the side surface of the main body casing. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1,
A portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus having a holding space for storing the probe between the side surface on which the probe connecting portion is formed and the handle portion. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1,
The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, wherein the handle portion has a cutout portion for winding the cord at an end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1,
A portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, wherein an opening for a handle is formed in a portion of the handle portion having a surface parallel to a side surface of the main body casing. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 2,
2. The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an opening for a handle is formed in each of the two plate-like portions constituting the L-shaped shape. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1,
The portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, wherein the handle portion includes a plate member parallel to a side surface of the main body housing and a handle portion fixed to the outside of the plate member. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1,
The shape of the main body housing and the handle portion defines the outer shape of the portable ultrasonic imaging device, and the outer shape is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 1,
A portable ultrasonic imaging apparatus, further comprising a display casing for storing a display device so as to be rotatable and / or slidable with respect to the main body casing. The portable ultrasonic imaging device according to claim 11,
The shape of the main body housing, the display housing, and the handle portion defines an outer shape of the portable ultrasonic imaging device, and the outer shape is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped.

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