JP5330096B2 - Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus for inspecting and diagnosing a disease by displaying in real time an ultrasonic diagnostic image representing a tomographic image, movement, blood flow, and the like of a body tissue of a subject. By using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there is almost no invasion to the subject, and the body tissue of the subject can be displayed in real time.

  Such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body (housing), an ultrasonic probe, an operation unit, a display unit, and the like. In general, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with, for example, a caster on the bottom surface, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be moved and used by the caster or the like.

  In addition, referring to an ultrasonic image such as a tomographic image generated by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the subject is placed on a bed in an operating room or examination room when performing diagnosis, treatment, surgery (such as puncture) of the subject. There may be cases where the patient is lying down or in an upright position.

  FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the positional relationship between a conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a bed. As shown in FIG. 10, conventionally, an operator who collects an ultrasound image of a subject lying on the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus irradiates the subject with ultrasound pulses from the side of the bed 305 with the ultrasound probe 303. The inspection was performed by moving the ultrasonic probe 303 to a desired position with reference to the monitor 302 attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 300. Further, while moving the ultrasonic probe 303 in this way, the operation unit 301 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 300 is operated, for example, switching between the B mode and the Doppler mode and changing the display magnification.

  However, in the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as shown in FIG. 10, it is difficult to perform a quick examination, surgery, etc. because the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 300 becomes an obstacle in a place where the examination space is relatively narrow. In addition, it is necessary to secure spaces such as an examination room and an operating room on the assumption that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body 300 is arranged on the side of the bed 305 in this way.

  In this regard, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body becomes an obstacle by housing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body under the bed and integrating the diagnostic system and the examination bed. It is possible to avoid a situation that obstructs smooth examination and surgery.

  Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a monitor (CRT) attached to the front part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body can be tilted or rotated left and right, and is easy to see for an operator (operator). It becomes possible to arrange in. Further, the operation unit (keyboard) described in Patent Document 1 is supported by a support arm, and the support arm rotates around a support column provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, so that the operation unit is also moved within a certain range. be able to.

  Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the operation unit, the display unit, the ultrasonic probe, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be connected while being physically separated so that each unit can be connected. It is possible to transport each. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 2 includes a foldable display unit (monitor).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-121039 JP-A-9-285463

  However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the operation condition (change of display magnification, etc.) is changed by the operation unit (operation panel, etc.) while using the ultrasonic probe on the subject lying on the bed. When performing etc., the surgeon is burdened. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, since the operation unit is arranged at a position deviated from the position of the subject with respect to the operator by a predetermined angle, the operator must twist his / her body, and the operator's elbow, shoulder In addition, there is a risk of burdening the waist and the like, which may cause pain to the operator.

  In addition, although the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is designed to save space in an examination room, a support arm that supports a monitor and a keyboard protrudes from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is difficult to say that portability is taken into consideration, and it is not suitable as a general-purpose ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires a carriage for transportation in order to freely move within the facility of a medical institution, and further assembles each unit at a place where inspection or surgery is performed. Connection work is generated and complicated. In addition, it is difficult to use when a bed is not used, and is not versatile.

  In addition, although the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in Patent Document 2 has excellent portability, when it is used immediately in the same facility, work for combining the physically separated units occurs, which is complicated. There is a risk.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is suitable for use in an operating room, a treatment room, or the like that is restricted by the installation location, and is examined by an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that eliminates the burden on the body of an operator who performs the above and has portability and versatility.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to an apparatus main body that generates an ultrasonic image based on information in a subject, a display unit that displays the ultrasonic image, and at least the apparatus An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an operation means used for operation of a main body, and having an arm supported by the apparatus main body on the other end side with respect to the one end while supporting the display means on one end side And at least a part of the arm to move the apparatus main body and the display means apart from each other and bring them close to each other, and a position substantially opposite to the display means across the apparatus main body. A second moving means that holds the operating means and is movable with respect to the apparatus main body in a direction in which the operating means is separated and approached; a leg portion that supports the apparatus main body; Body The height of the apparatus main body is lowered by lowering the height of the apparatus main body than the bed that supports the subject lying on the side, and the position of the moved leg is restored. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: an adjusting height adjusting means capable of adjusting higher than the bed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the height of the apparatus main body can be adjusted by moving the leg by the height adjusting means. For example, when examining a subject lying on a bed, The apparatus main body can be arranged under the bed. Further, the first moving means can separate the display means from the apparatus main body arranged under the bed, and the second moving means can also separate the operation means from the apparatus main body. Therefore, the display means and the operation means can be arranged at positions facing each other with the subject lying on the bed. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, it can be installed without considering the installation space of the apparatus main body, and is suitable for use in an operating room, a treatment room, or the like that is restricted by the installation location. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the operation means and the display means eliminates the need for the operator to twist the body, and can reduce the burden on the operator's body performing an examination or the like using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In addition, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is moved, it is possible to move the operation means and display means separated from the apparatus main body after bringing them closer to the apparatus main body side. Further, even when an examination other than the subject lying on the bed is performed, the position of the operation means and the display means can be adjusted and used. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention has portability and versatility.

1 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of the apparatus main body of the ultrasonic diagnosing device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus showing a schematic configuration of a moving mechanism and a drive means for arms and operation means in the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a schematic perspective view which shows the state by which the arm of the ultrasonic diagnosing device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention was extended | stretched. FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the arm of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shortened. It is the schematic which shows the arm moving means in the state by which the arm of the ultrasonic diagnosing device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention was shortened. It is the schematic which shows the arm moving means in the state by which the arm of the ultrasonic diagnosing device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention was extended | stretched. It is the schematic which shows the arm moving means in the state by which the arm of the ultrasonic diagnosing device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention was extended | stretched. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of the use condition of the ultrasonic diagnosing device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the arm and arm accommodation hole in the ultrasound diagnosing device concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows schematic structure of the arm moving means in the ultrasonic diagnosing device concerning the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is drawing which shows the positional relationship of the conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a bed.

  Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described for each embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
(overall structure)
The configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an outline of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a schematic configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes an apparatus main body 101. The apparatus main body 101 includes an ultrasonic probe 101a for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, display means 102 for displaying a generated ultrasonic image, and setting / changing of inspection conditions. There are provided an operation means 103 used for the operation, an arm 104 for holding the display means 102, casters 105 to 108 and the like that can move the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 including the apparatus main body 101. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 101 is configured to process an electrical signal based on in-vivo information of the subject and generate an ultrasonic image based on the electrical signal, a transmission unit 151, and a reception unit 152. A signal processing unit 153 and an image processing unit 154. Hereinafter, an outline of each part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic probe 101 a is connected to the transmission unit 151 and the reception unit 152 of the apparatus main body 101 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100, a pulse voltage is transmitted from the transmission unit 151 to the ultrasonic probe 101a via the connection lead under the control of the main control unit 150. The ultrasonic probe 101a receives the electric pulse voltage, converts it into an ultrasonic pulse, and transmits it to the subject. The ultrasonic probe 101 a receives a reflected wave from the body tissue of the subject, converts it into an electrical signal, and transmits it to the receiving unit 152. When receiving the signal, the receiving unit 152 transmits the signal to the signal processing unit 153, and the signal processing unit 153 performs signal processing. When signal processing is performed, the signal processing unit 153 transmits the processed data to the image processing unit 154, and the image processing unit 154 generates ultrasonic image (for example, tomographic image) data representing the body tissue of the subject.

  When image data is generated in the apparatus main body 101, the main control unit 150 transmits the image data to the display unit 102, and displays an ultrasound image such as a tomographic image of the subject on the image data on the display unit 102. Let As the display means 102, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used.

  The operation unit 103 includes arbitrary operation devices such as a freeze key for performing an operation for displaying a still image (not shown), a zoom key for changing display magnification, a trackball used for various selections, and other focus keys. The The operation means 103 is not limited to the above configuration, and a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like may be used. Further, the operation means 103 in the present embodiment is provided with a sliding portion (not shown) that slides on a slide rail 112a provided on the operation means storage portion 112 described later on the side surface. Further, on the bottom surface of the operation means 103, a projection 103a for pressing a switch 112b provided on the bottom surface inside the operation means storage portion 112 described later is provided. The protrusion 103a and the switch 112b will be described later.

(Inside the device body)
Next, the internal structure of the apparatus main body 101 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of the apparatus main body 101 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus showing a schematic configuration of a moving mechanism and a driving means for the arm 104 and the operating means 103 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. . 3, illustration of the arm moving means 111a and arm rotating means 111b of the arm 104 in the arm accommodating hole 111, and the slide rail 112a and the switch 112b in the operating means accommodating portion 112 is omitted. FIG. 3 shows an outline of the extendable portion 104a of the arm 104 in the arm accommodating hole 111. Details of the stretchable portion 104a are shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

(Arm receiving hole)
As shown in FIG. 3, an arm housing hole 111 is formed on a side surface substantially orthogonal to the bottom surface of the apparatus main body 101. As shown in FIG. 3, the arm accommodating hole 111 has a hollow inside, and the length of the hollow is substantially parallel to the bottom surface while being substantially perpendicular to the side surface. As will be described later, the arm receiving hole 111 is expanded and contracted, but is formed to have a size capable of accommodating both the expansion / contraction portion 104a of the arm 104 that holds the display means 102 and the shaft portion 104b that does not expand / contract. Yes. The arm receiving hole 111 has a diameter (or width × height) larger than the outer diameter of the thickest part of the arm 104.

  Further, the arm accommodating hole 111 is provided with a mechanism and a driving means for expanding and contracting and rotating the arm 104. The expansion and contraction is, for example, movement in the L direction and the S direction shown in FIG. 3. The S direction is, for example, the direction (front direction) on the operating means 103 side where the operator is present, and the L direction is the front direction. It is the direction of the back which is the opposite side. In other words, it refers to the length direction of the arm accommodating hole 111 of the apparatus main body 101. Further, the rotation is, for example, rotational movement in the X1 direction and the X2 direction shown in FIG. 3, that is, rotation of the arm 104 and the display unit 102 about the expansion / contraction direction of the arm 104 (LS direction in FIG. 3). Further, an expansion / contraction / rotation mechanism for the arm 104 formed in the arm accommodation hole 111 is provided. The expansion / contraction / rotation mechanism will be described separately with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6A to 6C.

(Operating means storage)
As shown in FIG. 3, the apparatus main body 101 is provided with an operation means storage portion 112 formed on the side opposite to the side where the arm accommodation hole 111 is formed so that the operation means 103 can be accommodated. The operation means storage portion 112 is also hollow inside, and the length direction of the cavity is substantially parallel to the length direction of the arm accommodation hole 111 and is large enough to accommodate the entire operation means 103. Is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a side surface orthogonal to the bottom surface of the operation means storage portion 112 is engaged with a sliding portion (not shown) of the operation means 103, and the operation means 103 is taken in and out of the operation means storage portion 112. A slide rail 112a is provided for sliding in the direction. The slide rail 112a is provided in parallel with the length direction of the operation means storage section 112 and the bottom surface of the operation means storage section 112, and is formed on both side surfaces of the operation means 103, although not shown in FIG. It is provided corresponding to a position corresponding to a pair of sliding portions (not shown). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a switch 112 b is provided on the bottom surface of the operation means storage portion 112, which is pressed by the protrusion 103 a by the slide of the operation means 103 on the back side from the opening of the operation means storage portion 112. . Each time the switch 112b is pressed, the detection means 160 described later detects a signal.

(Caster storage part)
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, storage sections 113 that enable the casters 105 to 108 to be stored substantially vertically toward the top surface of the apparatus main body 101 are provided at four corners on the bottom surface of the apparatus main body 101 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100. To 116 are provided. Each of the storage portions 113 to 116 is formed to have a size capable of storing almost the entire casters 105 to 108. The storage units 113 to 116 also have a switching mechanism (not shown) that switches between the state in which the casters 105 to 108 are discharged from the storage units 113 to 116 and the storage state. The switching mechanism is provided with a lock means (not shown), and the caster 105 to 108 can be switched by releasing the lock means. By storing the casters 105 to 108 in the storage units 113 to 116, the apparatus main body 101 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can be disposed, for example, under a bed in an operating room (see reference numeral 200 in FIG. 7). . That is, for example, when the bed 200 is configured by a rectangular top plate and support legs that support the top plate at predetermined intervals from the floor side surface at the four corners of the top plate, Is lower than the floor side surface (lower surface) under the top plate. Thus, the apparatus main body 101 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can be stored in a storage space surrounded by the top plate, the support legs, and the floor surface in the bed 200. As a result, the installation space for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can be omitted. The casters 105 to 108 according to the present embodiment correspond to an example of “leg portions” in the present invention. The storage state switching mechanism for the casters 105 to 108 according to the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a “height adjusting unit” in the present invention.

(arm)
Next, the configuration of the arm 104 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6A to 6C. FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the arm 104 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is extended. FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the arm 104 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shortened. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the arm moving unit 111a in a state in which the arm 104 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shortened. FIG. 6B is a schematic view showing the arm moving unit 111a in a state where the arm 104 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is extended. FIG. 6C is a schematic perspective view showing the arm moving unit 111a in a state where the arm 104 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is extended. As shown in FIG. 4, the arm 104 is expanded and contracted in the length direction of the arm accommodating hole 111 (LS direction in FIG. 4). The arm 104 can be expanded and contracted by the following configuration, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the arm 104 is formed in a substantially L shape, and includes a telescope-type telescopic portion 104a located on the back side in the length direction of the arm housing hole 111, and It has a shaft portion 104b connected to the opening side of the telescopic portion 104a and located on the opening side, and a display means holding portion 104c. As shown in FIG. 5A and FIGS. 6A to 6C, the extendable portion 104 a is formed by a plurality of cylindrical members that gradually increase in inner diameter and outer diameter from the rear side of the arm housing hole 111 toward the opening. Composed. Among these, the cylindrical member having the smallest diameter is held by the arm rotating means 111b provided on the back side of the arm housing hole 111 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The cylindrical member according to the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a “tubular body” according to the present invention. Further, the telescopic portion 104a and the shaft portion 104b according to the present embodiment correspond to an example of “first axis” in the present invention, and the display means holding portion 104c corresponds to an example of “second axis” in the present invention. Applicable.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B, a part of the cylindrical member in the expansion / contraction portion 104a of the arm 104 is accommodated inside the cylindrical member adjacent to the opening side of the arm accommodation hole 111, respectively. Is possible. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 6B, a part of the cylindrical member located on the back side can be discharged with respect to the inside of the cylindrical member adjacent to the opening side. That is, the outer diameter of the cylindrical member adjacent to the rear side is formed to be narrower than the inner diameter of the cylindrical member adjacent to the opening side. However, the cylindrical members in the expansion / contraction portion 104a of the arm 104 are tapered at the end portion on the opening portion side of the arm accommodating hole 111 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, respectively. It is configured not to deviate from each other.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the tapered portion of the cylindrical member of the stretchable portion 104a of the arm 104 has a larger outer diameter than the other portions, and is larger than the inner diameter of the opening of the cylindrical member adjacent to the opening portion side. Is also formed large. Therefore, even if the cylindrical member located closest to the opening in the telescopic portion 104a of the arm 104 is moved toward the opening, the tapered portion abuts the inside of the cylindrical member adjacent to the opening, so that the back side The entire cylindrical member adjacent to the cylindrical member is not discharged from the inside of the cylindrical member adjacent to the opening, and the cylindrical members are not separated from each other.

  The cylindrical member located closest to the opening in the extendable portion 104a of the arm 104 is connected to the shaft portion 104b that does not expand and contract. As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft portion 104 b is formed in a substantially linear shape from the connection portion toward the opening of the arm accommodating hole 111. Further, the arm 104 is provided with a display means holding portion 104c that bends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the shaft portion 104b from an end of the shaft portion 104b of the arm 104 on the opening side. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the display means 102 is held at the end of the display means holding portion 104c in the bending direction, that is, on the side opposite to the end on the shaft portion 104b side.

  The cylindrical member located closest to the opening of the arm 104 is held by the fixing means 111e of the arm moving means 111a described below so as to cover the outer periphery of the cylindrical member. The fixing means 111e releases the cylindrical member when the arm 104 rotates, and clamps and fixes the cylindrical member when the arm 104 does not rotate. Control of switching between release and fixation will be described later.

  According to the configuration of the arm 104 described above, the casters 105 to 108 are accommodated in the accommodating portions 113 to 116, and even when the apparatus main body 101 is disposed under the bed 200 (accommodating space) as shown in FIG. It is possible to browse the display means 102 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100.

(Arm moving means)
As shown in FIG. 4, the arm moving means 111 a is provided on the bottom surface of the arm housing hole 111 along the length direction of the arm housing hole 111. As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the arm moving unit 111a holds the cylindrical member located on the most opening side of the arm accommodating hole 111 in the expansion / contraction portion 104a of the arm 104, and opens the cylindrical portion. It moves reciprocally between the part side and the back side of the arm housing hole 111 (LS direction in FIGS. 3 and 4). As the cylindrical portion reciprocates as described above, the stretchable portion 104a of the arm 104 is extended or shortened, and the shaft portion 104b of the arm 104 is discharged or accommodated from the opening.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the arm moving means 111 a that expands and contracts the extendable portion 104 a includes a pinion gear 111 c on the bottom surface of the arm accommodating hole 111, holds the expandable portion 104 a, and also the pinion gear. It is possible to use a rack and pinion using a rack gear 111d that meshes with 111c. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the rack gear 111 d is provided with a fixing means 111 e that holds a cylindrical member on the opening side of the extendable portion 104 a of the arm 104. As shown in FIG. 6C, an axial shaft 111f connected in a direction orthogonal to the pinion gear 111c is provided at the center of the pinion gear 111c meshing with the rack gear 111d. The pinion gear 111c is rotated by rotating the shaft 111f.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, the end of the shaft 111f opposite to the pinion gear 111c is connected to the motor 111g. The motor 111g is provided in the apparatus main body 101 and serves as a driving source for rotating the shaft. The shaft 111f is rotated in the forward and reverse directions by the motor 111g. That is, when the motor 111g is driven, the shaft 111f is rotated, and the pinion gear 111c fixed to the other end of the motor 111g is rotated in the forward and reverse directions around the shaft 111f as a rotation axis. When the pinion gear 111c is rotated, the rack gear 111d meshed with the pinion gear 111c is translated in the direction in which the pinion gear 111c rotates. That is, the rack gear 111d moves to the opening side or the back side (L direction or S direction in FIGS. 3 and 4) of the arm housing hole 111. As the rack gear 111d is moved, the fixing means 111e is moved, so that the cylindrical member positioned closest to the opening of the arm accommodation hole 111 is held by the fixing means 111e, and the arm housing hole 111 is similarly opened. Or it is moved to the back side (L direction or S direction in FIGS. 3 and 4). The arm 104 and the arm moving unit 111a according to the present embodiment correspond to an example of the “first moving unit” in the present invention.

  In this way, the arm moving means 111 a expands and contracts the expandable portion 104 a of the arm 104, and the shaft portion 104 b of the arm 104 is ejected or accommodated from the arm accommodating hole 111 of the apparatus main body 101. As a result, the display means 102 held by the arm 104 moves together with the arm 104 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B and moves away from or close to the apparatus main body 101 as shown in FIG. Moved to. Therefore, even when the operator places the apparatus main body 101 in the storage space under the top plate of the bed 200 as shown in FIG. 4, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 displays the display means 102 under the top plate of the bed 200. Therefore, the medical image displayed on the display means 102 can be browsed through the subject lying on the bed 200.

(Switch and arm movement / rotation control)
Next, the switch 112b and the arm movement control in the operation means storage unit 112 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4, a switch 112 b is provided on the bottom surface of the operation means storage portion 112 in the apparatus main body 101. Further, the operating means 103 is provided with a protrusion 103 a that protrudes in a direction facing the bottom surface of the operating means storage part 112. As shown in FIG. 4, when the operation means 103 is stored and guided by the slide rail 112 a, the protrusion 103 a comes into contact with the switch 112 b on the bottom surface of the operation means storage section 112. When the operation means 103 is further pulled out to the opening side of the operation means storage section 112 in a state where the protrusion 103a is in contact with the switch 112b, the protrusion 103a presses the switch 112b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the switch 112 b is connected to the detection unit 160 of the apparatus main body 101. Each time this switch 112b is pressed, the detection means 160 of the apparatus main body 101 detects a signal. The main control unit 150 receives a signal corresponding to the depression of the switch 112b from the detection unit 160, and drives the motor 111g of the arm moving unit 111a corresponding to the signal. For example, every time the switch 112b is pressed, the main control unit 150 receives a signal from the detection unit 160 and controls the motor 111g to rotate the pinion gear 111c in the direction opposite to the previous rotation direction. The switch 112b, the detection unit 160, the main control unit 150, and the arm moving unit 111a according to the present embodiment correspond to an example of “interlocking unit” in the present invention.

  In this manner, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the switch 112b is pressed each time the operation unit 103 is pulled out or stored from the operation unit storage unit 112, and the arm 104 is expanded and contracted by the main control unit 150. Is done. Accordingly, the arm 104 is expanded and contracted in conjunction with the pulling out and storing of the operation means 103, and the positional relationship between the display means 102 and the apparatus main body 101 can be switched. Therefore, when the apparatus main body 101 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is stored under the bed 200, one operation means 103 is pulled out to the side of the top plate of the bed 200, so that the other display means 102 becomes the apparatus main body. Since it is extended from 101 to the side opposite to the top plate of the bed 200, the operation means 103 and the display means 102 are arranged to face each other with the bed 200 interposed therebetween as shown in FIG. 7. Note that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the arm 104 is expanded and contracted in conjunction with the pulling out and storing of the operation unit 103 by detecting the pressing of the switch 112b, but the ultrasonic diagnosis according to the present invention. The apparatus is not limited to this. For example, the switch 112b, the detection unit 160, the protrusion 103a of the operation unit 103, and the arm moving unit 111a may be excluded, and the display unit 102 may be manually pulled out.

  In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an arm rotation unit 111 b that rotates the arm 104 while holding the arm 104 on the back side in the length direction of the arm housing hole 111. When an operator or the like performs a rotation operation of the arm 104 via the operation unit 103, the main control unit 150 receives the operation of the operation unit 103 and controls the rotation drive of the arm rotation unit 111b. The arm rotation means 111b includes a motor, and rotates the arm 104 while holding the arm 104 according to the control of the main control unit 150 (X1 direction or X2 direction in FIGS. 3 and 4). The arm rotating unit 111b according to the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a “rotating mechanism” in the present invention.

  As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, when the display unit 102 is not used, for example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is transported, the display unit 102 is rotated and moved to a position where it does not protrude from the apparatus main body 101. The field of view of the carrier can be prevented from being obstructed when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is transported. That is, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the conveyance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is hindered. As a result, the portability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 can be improved. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is placed under the bed 200, the operation can be simplified by rotating the display unit 102 to a position where it does not protrude from the apparatus main body 101.

(Use state)
Next, a procedure for placing the apparatus main body 101 under the bed 200 when performing the examination of the subject lying on the bed 200 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, A state of an inspection or the like using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 disposed under the bed 200 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a usage state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

(Step 1)
First, when transporting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 to an operating room or the like, the user rotates the display means 102 to a position where the display means 102 does not protrude from the apparatus main body 101 by the operation means 103. That is, when the operation unit 103 rotates the arm 104, the main control unit 150 drives the arm rotation unit 111b and rotates the arm 104 according to the operation. When the arm 104 is rotated, the display means 102 held by the arm 104 is rotated.

(Step 2)
When the display unit 102 is rotated and moved to a position where the display unit 102 does not protrude from the apparatus main body 101 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is transported to the operating room or the like, the user then stores the casters 105 to 108 in the storage units 113 to 116. The height of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is lowered. When the height of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is lowered, the user then places (accommodates) the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 in the storage space below the top plate of the bed 200.

(Step 3)
When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 is placed in the storage space under the top plate of the bed 200 by the user, the user then pulls out the operation means 103 stored in the operation means storage section 112 of the apparatus main body 101. When the operation means 103 is pulled out, the protrusion 103a of the operation means 103 presses the switch 112b on the bottom surface of the operation means storage section 112. When the switch 112b is pressed, the detection unit 160 detects it, and the main control unit 150 receives the signal indicating the detection from the detection unit 160 and drives the arm moving unit 111a. When the arm moving unit 111a is driven, the arm 104 shown in FIG. 6A shifts from the shortened state to the extended state of the arm 104 shown in FIG. 6B. As a result, the shaft portion 104b of the arm 104 is ejected from the arm housing hole 111, and the display means 102 held in the display means holding portion 104c of the arm 104 is separated from the apparatus main body 101 as shown in FIG.

(Step 4)
When the display means 102 is released from the apparatus main body 101 by the user, the user then rotates the display means 102 to a position where the display means 102 protrudes from the apparatus main body 101 by the operation means 103. The rotation operation of the arm 104 is the same as in Step 1.

(Action / Effect)
The operation and effect of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described above will be described.

  The position where the operation unit 103 and the display unit 102 are extended after the height of the apparatus main body 101 is lowered by the user and stored in the storage space below the bed 200, and the display unit 102 protrudes from the apparatus main body 101. When the object is rotated, the subject can be inspected as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 102 is arranged on the opposite side (back side) with the subject lying on the bed 200 with respect to the operator on the operation unit 103 side (front side). Therefore, the user can refer to the ultrasonic image while placing the ultrasonic probe 101a (see FIG. 1) on the subject or operating the operation means 103. As a result, since it is not necessary for the surgeon to twist the body in the direction of the display means 102 for viewing the ultrasonic image, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the inspection by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and perform the inspection. It is possible to reduce the burden on the operator's body.

[Second Embodiment]
(Constitution)
A configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the arm 104 and the arm accommodating hole 111 in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the configurations of the arm 104 and the arm housing hole 111 are different from those of the first embodiment. Other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment. Only these different configurations will be described below.

(arm)
As shown in FIG. 8, the arm 104 according to the second embodiment is uniform without an expansion / contraction part, and the arm 104 and the arm moving means 111 a are configured as a lead screw. That is, a thread is formed on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the arm 104 located on the back side of the arm housing hole 111, for example, a portion corresponding to the stretchable portion 104a in the first embodiment. The arm moving means 111 a is formed as a nut, and the inner peripheral surface is screwed with a screw of the arm 104. Further, the arm accommodation hole 111 according to the second embodiment is formed longer than the first embodiment so as to accommodate the length of the arm 104 discharged from the arm accommodation hole 111. .

  In the second embodiment, the arm moving means 111a includes a nut rotation driving unit (not shown). Similar to the first embodiment, the rotation drive unit is controlled by the main control unit 150 in response to a pressing operation of the switch 112b, and is rotated in the forward and reverse directions.

  Also in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment described above, the display unit 102 can be disposed on the opposite side of the operation unit 103 with the subject lying on the bed 200 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the user can refer to the ultrasonic image while placing the ultrasonic probe 101 a on the subject or operating the operation means 103. As a result, since it is not necessary for the surgeon to twist the body in the direction of the display means 102 for viewing the ultrasonic image, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the inspection by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and perform the inspection. It is possible to reduce the burden on the operator's body.

  In addition, the configuration of the arm rotation unit 111b and the storage units 113 to 116 can improve portability, and when examining a subject that is not lying down, by switching the position of the display unit 102, for example, It is possible to deal with a subject in a standing state, and the versatility of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be ensured.

[Modification]
Next, modifications of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the above-described embodiment will be described below.

  The arm 104 according to the first embodiment described above is configured such that the telescopic portion 104a is a telescope type telescopic mechanism, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and has the following configuration, for example. May be.

  That is, the structure may be such that a plurality of cylindrical members in the stretchable portion 104a have the same diameter, and the cylindrical members are connected to each other via shaft members having both ends tapered. It is assumed that the diameter of the tapered portion of the shaft member is at least slightly larger than the inner diameter of the cylindrical member. In this way, it is possible to configure so that adjacent cylindrical members are not separated from each other.

  In this case, according to this modification in which the extension / contraction length is shorter than that of the arm 104 in the first embodiment, the strength of the arm 104 can be improved.

  In addition, the arm 104 according to the above-described embodiment is accommodated in the apparatus main body 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may be configured as follows, for example. That is, the arm 104 may not be substantially L-shaped but may be substantially straight, and the display unit 102 may be spaced apart or close to the top (upward when the bottom surface of the apparatus is downward). .

  Also in this modified example, the display means 102 is disposed on the opposite side (back side) with the subject lying on the bed 200 for the operator on the operation means 103 side (front side). Therefore, the user can refer to the ultrasonic image while placing the ultrasonic probe 101a (see FIG. 1) on the subject or operating the operation means 103. As a result, since it is not necessary for the surgeon to twist the body in the direction of the display means 102 for viewing the ultrasonic image, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the inspection by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and perform the inspection. It is possible to reduce the burden on the operator's body.

  Further, the arm moving unit 111a according to the above-described embodiment is accommodated in the apparatus main body 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may be configured as shown in FIG. 9, for example. . That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the arm moving means 111a can be configured by a pair of pulleys and a timing belt, not by the rack and pinion. In this configuration, the fixing means 111e is provided on the timing belt. The shaft 111f rotates at least one of the pair of pulleys.

  Also in this modified example, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the examination by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and to reduce the burden on the body of the operator who conducts the examination.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 Apparatus main body 101a Ultrasonic probe 102 Display means 103 Operation means 103a Protrusion part 104 Arm 104a Expansion-contraction part 104b Shaft part 104c Display means holding | maintenance part 105-108 Caster 111 Arm accommodation hole 111a Arm moving means 111b Arm rotation means 111c Pinion gear 111d Rack gear 111e Fixing means 111f Shaft 111g Motor 112 Operation means storage part 112a Slide rail 112b Switch 113-116 Storage part 150 Main control part 151 Transmission part 152 Reception part 153 Signal processing part 154 Image processing part 160 Detection means 200 Bed

Claims (13)

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having an apparatus main body that generates an ultrasonic image based on information in a subject, a display unit that displays the ultrasonic image, and an operation unit that is used to operate at least the apparatus main body. There,
The display means is supported on one end side, and has an arm supported on the apparatus main body on the other end side with respect to the one end, and the apparatus main body and the display are moved by moving at least a part of the arm. First moving means for separating and approaching the means;
A second moving means for holding the operating means at a position substantially opposite to the display means across the apparatus main body and allowing the operating means to move in a direction to separate and approach the apparatus main body;
Legs for supporting the apparatus body;
By moving the leg in the direction of the apparatus main body, the height of the apparatus main body is made lower than the bed supporting the subject lying on its side, and the position of the moved leg is restored. A height adjusting means capable of adjusting the height of the apparatus main body higher than the bed,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above. The height of the apparatus main body lowered by the height adjusting means is a height that allows the apparatus main body to be stored in a storage space under the bed;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The apparatus main body is stored in the storage space, the display means is separated from the apparatus main body by the first moving means, and the operation means is separated from the apparatus main body by the second moving means. The display means and the operation means are disposed at positions facing each other across the bed;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. The arm of the first moving means is at least partially extensible and stretched to separate the apparatus main body from the display means, and is shortened to shorten the apparatus main body and the display. Close to the means,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The apparatus main body is provided with a housing portion for housing the first moving means, and the housing portion supports the first moving means inside,
The first moving means has a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder is configured to be movable to the one end side or the other end side in the adjacent cylinders, and the cylinders are adjacent to the adjacent cylinders. The length of the first moving means is shortened by being accommodated with respect to the length of the first moving means, and the length of the first moving means is extended by being discharged from an adjacent cylinder.
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. Expansion and contraction of the arm of the first moving means is performed by a telescope type expansion and contraction mechanism;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. The arm in the first moving means has a first axis having a length direction in a direction substantially the same as the direction from the operating means to the display means, and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. Formed in a substantially L-shape configured as
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The display means is held on the other end side of the second shaft,
The arm of the first moving means is configured such that at least one of the first shaft and the second shaft is expanded and contracted;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7. A rotation mechanism provided on the apparatus main body and configured to rotate the arm of the first moving unit about the first axis as a rotation axis;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7. Provided with interlocking means that is provided in the apparatus main body and that drives the first moving means in conjunction with the movement of the second moving means;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. The storage space under the bed is a space surrounded by support legs and a top plate in the bed,
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. The height adjusting means is capable of adjusting the height of the apparatus main body to be lower than the lower surface of the top plate of the bed having the top plate and support legs;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2. The first moving means separates and brings the apparatus main body and the display means apart in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction from the operation means toward the display means;
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.