JP6361247B2 - Linkage mechanism, gantry, and ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system for portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connection mechanism , a gantry, and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system for a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  Conventionally, an ultrasonic probe transmits / receives ultrasonic waves to / from a subject such as a living body, generates ultrasonic image data based on a signal obtained from the received ultrasonic waves, and an ultrasonic image based on the ultrasonic image data There is known an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus that displays the image on an image display apparatus. Ultrasound image diagnosis using such a device is a simple operation in which the ultrasound probe is applied to the body surface of the subject, and the state of heart pulsation, fetal movement, etc. can be obtained in real time and non-invasively. Because of its high safety, it can be repeated.

  In recent years, portable ultrasonic image diagnosis apparatuses that are small and portable have been put into practical use, and diagnosis outside medical facilities such as hospitals has become possible.

  In such a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, for example, the rear end of the first casing on which an operation member that can be operated by the user is arranged and the lower end of the second casing having the display panel are hinged. After the connection is completed and the ultrasound diagnostic imaging is completed, the second housing can be turned to the near side and folded with the hinge as a support shaft, so that it can be finished and portability is improved. ing.

By the way, in order to ensure complete diagnosis in the medical field, the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is provided with noise countermeasures such as a metal case or a metal plate inside the case. This increased the weight of the device.
In addition, the display panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus requires a special liquid crystal panel that can clearly display the density of low-brightness images, and this liquid crystal panel is thicker than that for normal use. Large, heavy ones were used.
As a result, since the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus has a certain weight, it is sometimes used by attaching it to a cart with a dedicated caster in the medical field.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hook member that is provided on a top plate of a cart-type docking station on which an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is placed, and that engages a receiving hole of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. A connection mechanism of a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus including a cam mechanism that releases a stop state by a handle operation is disclosed.
In this coupling mechanism, when the hook member is inserted into the receiving hole of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, the tip of the hook member is temporarily pushed down against the spring pressure, and then returned upward by the spring pressure to be locked. It is locked to the part. Thereby, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is fixed to the docking station. Further, when the handle is operated, the tip of the hook member is pushed down via the cam mechanism, and the hook member can be removed from the receiving hole, and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can be separated from the docking station.

Patent Document 2 discloses a hook member provided in an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and capable of operating a handle, a locking member having a hooked portion of a hook member provided on the cart-type docking station side, and the engagement member. A connection mechanism of a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is disclosed that includes a link mechanism that rotates a stop member toward the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.
In this connection mechanism, when the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is placed at a predetermined position of the docking station, the protrusion provided on the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus presses the lever of the link mechanism, and the pressing force imparts the rotation of the locking member. To do. The locking member enters the inside of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus by turning, and the locking member and the hook member are connected by operating the handle of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is attached to the docking station. Fixed.

  Further, Patent Document 3 uses boss-like protrusions that are provided two each before and after the bottom surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and the two rear protrusions are in contact with the outside of both side edges of the pedestal base. Portable ultrasound imaging that defines the left and right positions, and defines the front and back positions by dropping the two front projections into the receiving holes of the base, and fixes the ultrasound imaging apparatus to the cart-type docking station An apparatus coupling mechanism is disclosed.

JP 2008-89178 A JP 2008-230007 A JP 2010-57674 A

However, since the prior art of Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is fixed to the cart using the hook member, it is locked to the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus side by the hook member. It was necessary to provide a receiving hole. For this reason, the existing portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus cannot be attached to the cart.
Further, the tip of the hook member has to be inserted into a small receiving hole on the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus side, and the heavy portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus cannot be easily attached to the cart.

In addition, the prior art of Patent Document 2 requires that an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus be provided with a hook member that can be operated by a handle, and an existing portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus cannot be attached to a cart.
Further, the locking member must be accurately positioned at a position where the hook member is located, and the heavy portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus cannot be easily attached to the cart.

  Further, the prior art of Patent Document 3 guides the rear two projections so as to define the left and right positions of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, so that the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus can be easily installed on the gantry. Since the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is only fixed in a state of being fitted into the receiving hole from above, there is a problem that the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is easily detached by vibration and is not suitable for moving the gantry.

An object of the present invention is to provide a connection mechanism , a gantry, and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system that can easily hold the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device and can easily hold the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device on the gantry. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
A connection mechanism for connecting a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus to a movable base,
A first holding member having a concave cross section with which a left end and a right end of one of the front end and the rear end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus are fitted;
A second holding member having a concave cross- section into which a left end and a right end of the other of the front end and the rear end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device are fitted;
With
And said second retaining member and the first holding member causes facing the opening side of the concave cross section to one another, the base of the frame as possible moving the first holding member relative to the second holding member Provided,
Characterized in that it comprises a fixing mechanism for fixing in a state of moving the first holding member in a direction approaching against the second holding member.

The invention according to claim 2 is the connecting mechanism according to claim 1,
Wherein the opening of the concave cross section of the second holding member has an arc shape.
The invention according to claim 3 is the connecting mechanism according to claim 1 or 2,
The first or second holding member includes a connection terminal for being electrically connected to a connection terminal provided at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. And

The invention according to claim 4
A connection mechanism for connecting a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus having an end portion and an other end portion, and having an arc portion having a cross-sectional arc shape protruding outward at the other end portion to a movable base. ,
A first holding member having a concave cross section into which one end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
A second holding member having a concave cross section into which the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
With
And said second retaining member and the first holding member causes facing the opening side of the concave cross section to one another, the base of the frame as possible moving the first holding member relative to the second holding member Provided,
Includes a fixing mechanism for fixing in a state of moving the first holding member in a direction approaching against the second holding member,
Wherein the opening of the concave cross section of the second holding member has an arc shape.
The invention according to claim 5 is the connecting mechanism according to claim 4,
Said 1st or 2nd holding member is provided with the connection terminal for electrically connecting to the connection terminal provided in the one end part or other end part of the said portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. .
The invention according to claim 7 is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system,
A portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device;
A mobile platform,
A connection mechanism for connecting the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus to the mount;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system comprising:
The coupling mechanism is
A first holding member having a concave cross section into which one end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
A second holding member having a concave cross section into which the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
With
The first holding member and the second holding member are opposed to each other on the opening side having a concave cross section, and the first holding member is movable toward and away from the second holding member. On the pedestal,
A fixing mechanism for fixing the first holding member in a state of being moved to the second holding member;
The first or second holding member is an upper surface of one end or the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in a state where one end or the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is fitted. And an upper surface portion arranged in the same plane.

The invention according to claim 8 is the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system according to claim 6 ,
Said 1st or 2nd holding member is provided with the connection terminal electrically connected to the said one end part of the said portable ultrasonic imaging diagnostic apparatus or the connection terminal provided in the above .
Moreover, the invention according to claim 6 is a mobile gantry,
It has the connection mechanism as described in any one of Claim 1 to 5 , It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
The invention according to claim 9 is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system,
The connection mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A mobile platform,
A portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device ;
have.
The invention according to claim 10 is the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system according to claim 9,
The upper surface portion of the coupling mechanism is in a state where the front end portion or the rear end portion of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is engaged with the first or second holding member, and the front end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus It is characterized by being arranged in the same plane as the upper surface of the part or rear end part.
The invention according to claim 11 is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system,
A portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device;
A mobile platform,
A coupling mechanism according to claim 4;
It is characterized by having.
The invention according to claim 12 is the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system according to claim 11,
The upper surface portion of the coupling mechanism has one end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in a state where one end or the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is engaged with the first or second holding member. It is characterized by being arranged in the same plane as the upper surface of the part or the other end.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the connection mechanism which attaches a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus easily to a mount frame, and hold | maintains a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus appropriately can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the state which connected the portable ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus to the mount frame by the connection mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus. It is the elements on larger scale of a hinge. It is a perspective view of a base and a connection mechanism in case a 1st holding member exists in a last retracted position. It is sectional drawing along the WW line of FIG. It is a perspective view of a base and a connection mechanism in case a 1st holding member exists in the most advanced position. It is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a connection mechanism when the first holding member is in the last retracted position. It is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a connection mechanism when the first holding member is in the most advanced position. It is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, a base, and a connection mechanism when the first holding member is in the last retracted position. It is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, a base, and a connection mechanism when the first holding member is at the most advanced position. It is sectional drawing of the fixing mechanism along the VV line of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which showed the attachment procedure of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus with respect to the base by a connection mechanism in order of FIG. 12 (A)-FIG.12 (C). It is explanatory drawing which showed the attachment procedure of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus different from FIG. 12 in order of FIG. 13 (A)-FIG. 13 (B). FIG. 14A is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example in which a connection terminal is provided between the front end of the apparatus main body and the first holding member, and FIG. 14B shows the rear end of the apparatus main body and the second end. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the example which provided the connecting terminal between these holding members.

[Outline of Embodiment of the Invention]
Hereinafter, a connection mechanism between a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus and a gantry according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 shows a state in which the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is connected to the gantry 30 by the connecting mechanism 40. First, a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as “ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10”) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Portable ultrasound imaging system]
The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 includes a box-shaped apparatus main body 12 as a first casing and a lid 14 as a second casing having a display panel 16 on the front surface. The device body 12 and the lid body 14 are made of, for example, a magnesium alloy, and an electronic circuit board on which electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) are mounted is housed in the device body 12. The lid body 14 is formed in a size that aligns with the apparatus main body 12 in a plan view when folded. The display panel 16 is a touch panel having a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electronic Luminescence) display and a position input device configured on the display screen of the display device. The position input device is, for example, a pressure-sensitive type (resistance film thickness type) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern on the display screen, and detects the XY coordinates of the force point pressed on the screen with a finger as a voltage value. The detected position signal is output as an operation signal. Note that the position input device is not limited to a pressure-sensitive device, and an appropriate device can be applied from various methods such as a capacitance method. Further, the display panel 16 is not limited to a touch panel, and may be a display device having only a display function.
In the description of the present embodiment, left and right and up and down mean left and right and up and down as viewed from the user's side when the user of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 looks at the display panel 16 standing vertically. It shall be. Also, the term “front and back” refers to the front side as viewed from the user, and the direction away from the user as the rear.

  In the present embodiment, the upper surface 12a of the apparatus main body 12 and the lid body are covered with a hinge 60 (see FIG. 3) covered with the cover body 14a at a position ahead (near side) of the center of the upper surface 12a of the apparatus main body 12. 14 is connected to the lower end. The hinge 60 is a so-called biaxial hinge, and in FIG. 2, the lid body 14 can be rotated with respect to the apparatus main body 12 by a horizontal axis H and a vertical axis V, respectively. Therefore, for example, when the lid body 14 is tilted to the rear side (back side) as it is from the state shown in FIG. 2 with the horizontal axis H as a support shaft, the back surface of the lid body 14 and the upper surface 12a of the apparatus main body 12 face each other. As described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 can be folded with the lid body 14 and the apparatus main body 12 superimposed on each other. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is folded so that the display panel 16 is exposed upward. Further, the lid body 14 is rotated by 180 ° from the state shown in FIG. 2 so that the display panel 16 faces the rear side with the vertical axis V as the support axis (that is, the back surface of the lid body 14 faces the front side). After that, when tilted rearward with the horizontal axis H as a support shaft, the lid body 14 and the apparatus main body 12 are superimposed so that the display panel 16 and the upper surface 12a of the apparatus main body 12 face each other. The device 10 can be folded.

  Here, a specific configuration of the hinge 60 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the hinge 60 as viewed from the front side, and shows the apparatus main body 12 in cross section. Actually, the hinge 60 is covered with the cover body 14a, so that it cannot be visually recognized from the appearance.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the hinge 60 includes, for example, a rotation shaft 64, a horizontal arm 63, a torque limiter 62, and a mounting plate 61, and is attached to the mounting hole 24 of the apparatus main body 12. It has been.

The rotating shaft 64 is a cylinder penetrating vertically, and a wiring C that electrically connects the electronic circuit board accommodated in the apparatus main body 12 and the display panel 16 is inserted therethrough. The wiring C is constituted by, for example, a flexible substrate (FPC).
The rotary shaft 64 is fixedly equipped with a flange 26 on the outer peripheral surface at the lower end portion thereof, and the flange 26 is fitted into a mounting hole 24 which is a stepped circular hole formed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 12. ing. The rotation shaft 64 can rotate about the vertical axis V while the outer peripheral surface of the flange 26 is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the mounting hole 24.
Further, a torque limiter (not shown) is interposed between the flange 26 and the mounting hole 24, and is configured to rotate with respect to the apparatus main body 12 when a rotational force of a predetermined torque is applied to the rotation shaft 64. Has been.

A horizontal arm 63 extending along a direction orthogonal to the vertical axis V is fixed to the upper end portion of the rotation shaft 64. The horizontal arm 63 can rotate about the vertical axis V together with the rotation shaft 64. In addition, when the horizontal arm 63 is in a state along the left-right direction, the display panel 16 of the lid 14 is in a state of facing frontward or rearward.
Disc-shaped flanges 63 a extending upward are integrally formed at both ends of the horizontal arm 63. A cylindrical torque limiter 62 that is aligned with the outer surface of the flange 63a is fixed to the outer surface of the flange 63a.

  The horizontal arm 63 supports the mounting plate 61 via a torque limiter 62 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis H. The torque limiter 62 allows the mounting plate 61 to rotate when a torque of a predetermined torque is applied to the mounting plate 61.

The attachment plate 61 has an arm 61b attached to the torque limiter 62, and a flat plate-like attachment portion 61a integrally formed at the tip of the arm 61b. The attachment portion 61 a has a plurality of screw holes and is configured to be screwed to the lid body 14.
In this embodiment, since it is configured as described above, the lid body 14 can be supported in its posture by a torque limiter provided in each part after being rotated about the vertical axis V and the horizontal axis H. It is like that.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the biaxial hinge is applied as the hinge 60. However, a uniaxial hinge that can rotate only the horizontal axis H may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a terminal (not shown) is provided on the right side surface of the apparatus main body 12, and the connector CN of the ultrasonic probe P is configured to be connectable. As a result, the ultrasonic probe P transmits ultrasonic waves (transmitted ultrasonic waves) to a subject such as a living body (not shown), and also reflects reflected waves (reflected ultrasonic waves: echoes) reflected by the subject. ) Can be received. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 transmits an ultrasonic signal to the subject by transmitting a drive signal of an electrical signal to the ultrasonic probe P, and transmits the ultrasonic wave to the subject. Based on the received signal, which is an electrical signal generated by the ultrasound probe P in response to the reflected ultrasound wave from the subject received by the probe P, the internal state in the subject is imaged as an ultrasound image. can do.

  An operation region 18 in which one or more operation members such as a trackball, a dial, and a button that can be operated by a user are arranged on the front side of the upper surface 12a of the apparatus main body 12 with respect to the hinge 60 is formed. In addition, a substantially rectangular gripping hole 20 is formed in the approximate center of the operation area 18 so that the user's hand can be inserted. That is, the operation region 18 is configured such that an operation member is disposed around the gripping hole 20. The user can grip the grip portion 22 formed in front of the grip hole 20 with the hand inserted through the grip hole 20. With this configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 can be easily carried with one hand.

[Stand]
As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 30 includes a base 31 provided with moving wheels 311, a support column 32 erected at the center of the upper surface of the support base 31, and a pedestal fixedly mounted on the upper end of the support column 32. 33 (see FIG. 4).
The base 31 has a shape in which five arms extend radially from the center to the outside, and a moving wheel 311 is attached to the lower surface of the tip of each arm. Each moving wheel 311 is provided with a lock mechanism capable of switching between a movable state and a movement restricted state.

The support column 32 includes a cylindrical main body portion and a support rod (not shown) inserted inside thereof, and the lower end portion of the main body portion is fixedly supported by the base 31, and the support rod is a pedestal 33 at the upper end portion thereof. Is fixedly supported.
The support rod of the support column 32 is pressed upward by a spring (not shown) against the main body, but is held so as not to move upward by a known holding mechanism built in the main body. When the height adjustment pedal 312 provided on the base 31 is stepped on, the holding mechanism is released, the support bar is moved upward by the spring, and when the height adjustment pedal 312 is returned, the holding state is restored. Thereby, the height of the pedestal 33 can be arbitrarily adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pedestal 33 is a flat plate made of metal, for example, an aluminum alloy, and is supported horizontally by the support column 32.
The pedestal 33 is substantially rectangular in plan view, and the left and right side edges are cut out in a trapezoidal shape, and a rectangular opening 331 is formed in the vicinity of the front end. And the upper end part of the support bar of the support | pillar 32 is connected with the volt | bolt which is not illustrated from the lower surface side in the center position.
The pedestal 33 is set so that its outer dimension is substantially equal to the dimension in plan view of the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, and is placed in a state facing substantially the entire lower surface of the apparatus main body 12. It has become.

[Coupling mechanism]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the coupling mechanism 40 includes a first holding member 41 having a concave cross section and a front end (one end) of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10. The second holding members 42 and 43 having a concave cross section with which the rear end portions (the other end portions) are fitted, and the first holding member 41 is fixed in a state of being moved to the second holding members 42 and 43 side. The mechanism 50 is mainly provided.

[Second holding member]
The second holding member 42 is provided on the left end side of the rear end portion of the pedestal 33, and the second holding member 43 is provided on the right end side of the rear end portion of the pedestal 33, both of which are fixed by screwing. ing. The second holding members 42 and 43 are made of a resin having sufficient rigidity.
These second holding members 42, 43 are provided with support walls 421, 431 raised upward from the upper surface of the pedestal 33 at the rear end of the pedestal 33. The support walls 421 and 431 have a concave shape in which the cross-sectional shape along the front-rear direction and the vertical direction is an arc, and the concave opening side faces forward. That is, the support walls 421 and 431 are provided with a circumferential surface that is continuous with the upper surface of the rear end of the base 33 on the inner side (front side).

On the other hand, the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 has a semicircular shape in which the shape of the cross section along the front-rear direction and the vertical direction of the rear end portion is convex backward. Further, the rear end portion of the apparatus main body 12 has a uniform cross-sectional shape over the entire width in the left-right direction, and the rear end portion has a semicircular circumferential surface.
The radius of the inner peripheral surface of the support walls 421 and 431 and the radius of the peripheral surface of the rear end portion of the apparatus main body 12 are substantially the same, and the apparatus main body 12 from the front side of the second holding members 42 and 43. It is possible to fit the rear end of the.
The support walls 421 and 431 are inclined so that the angular range of the peripheral surface is somewhat smaller than 180 degrees (for example, about 130 to 170 degrees), and the rear end side of the apparatus main body 12 is lowered. In this state, the rear end portion of the apparatus main body 12 can be fitted to the second holding members 42, 43 while pressing the rear end portion against the support walls 421, 431, and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 for the pedestal 33. Is easy to perform (see FIG. 5).

  Further, the second holding member 42 is formed with a ridge portion 422 projecting from the upper surface of the pedestal 33 and the peripheral surface of the support wall 421 at the left edge thereof. Similarly, the second holding member 43 is formed with a ridge 432 protruding from the upper surface of the pedestal 33 and the peripheral surface of the support wall 431 at the right edge. These ridges 422, 432 come into contact with the left and right side edges of the apparatus main body 12 when the rear end of the apparatus main body 12 is fitted to the second holding members 42, 43. The position of the rear end in the left-right direction can be positioned so as not to cause a deviation.

[First holding member]
As shown in FIG. 4, the first holding member 41 is provided at the front end portion of the base 33 so as to be movable along the front-rear direction. The first holding member 41 is made of a sufficiently rigid resin.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line WW in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the first holding member 41 has a predetermined concave shape in a cross section along the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and the concave opening side faces rearward. The concave shape of the cross section of the first holding member 41 corresponds to the shape of the front end portion of the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, and the apparatus main body 12 from the rear with respect to the first holding member 41. The front end of each can be fitted.

  The first holding member 41 has side wall portions 411 and 411 formed at both left and right end portions. These side wall portions 411 and 411 contact the left and right side edges of the device main body 12 when the front end portion of the device main body 12 is fitted to the first holding member 41, and the left and right directions of the front end portion of the device main body 12. Can be positioned so that no deviation occurs.

Further, when the upper surface portion 413 of the first holding member 41 is engaged with the front end portion of the apparatus main body 12, the upper surface of the front end portion of the apparatus main body 12 and the upper surface portion 413 of the first holding member 41 are Are arranged on the same plane.
As described above, the operation region 18 in which a plurality of operation members that can be operated by the user is arranged is formed on the upper surface of the front end portion of the apparatus main body 12, and the upper surface portion 413 of the first holding member 41 is Since it becomes the same plane as this operation area | region 18, the extension plane by the upper surface part 413 of the 1st holding member 41 can be formed in the front side of the said operation area | region 18, and the 1st holding member 41 can be operated by the operation member. It becomes possible to function as a hand rest (or palm rest).

The first holding member 41 includes a pair of flat sliding portions 412 and 412 extending rearward. The lower surfaces of the sliding portions 412 and 412 are formed along the horizontal direction, and are in sliding contact with the upper surface of the base 33 to guide the sliding movement of the first holding member 41 along the front-rear direction.
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, elongated holes 332 and 332 extending in the front-rear direction are formed in the pedestal 33 on both the left and right sides of the opening 331, and the left and right slides are inserted through the elongated holes 332 and 332. The parts 412 and 412 are connected to rectangular slide plates 44 and 44 disposed below the pedestal 33 by screws. In addition, circular spacers 45 and 45 having a thickness slightly smaller than the pedestal 33 are interposed between the sliding portions 412 and 412 and the slide plates 44 and 44, and the sliding portions 412 and 412 and the slide plate 44 are interposed. , 44 are connected to each other by screws so that no clamping pressure is applied to the pedestal 33.

  As a result, the first holding member 41 can move back and forth with respect to the pedestal 33 while the spacers 45, 45 arranged in the front and rear directions define a moving range within the range of the long holes 332 and 332 of the pedestal 33. It is possible. The last retracted position of the first holding member 41 defined by the spacers 45, 45 is the first holding member 41 and the second holding members 42, 43 as shown in FIGS. This is a position where the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is held so as not to be separated from the pedestal 33 by fitting from the front and rear. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 10, the most advanced position of the first holding member 41 defined by the spacers 45, 45 is the first holding member 41 and the second holding members 42, 43. This is a position where the interval before and after is longer than the longitudinal length of the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 and has a sufficient margin for removal.

[Fixing mechanism]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing mechanism 50 taken along the line VV in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the fixing mechanism 50 is provided near the front left end of the lower surface of the pedestal 33.
The fixing mechanism 50 can be reciprocated along the center line of the cylindrical member 52 fixedly supported by a support wall 51 formed integrally with the pedestal 33 on the lower surface of the pedestal 33, along the center line of the cylindrical member 52. An engaging pin 53 provided on the operating pin 54, an operating lever 54 formed integrally with the engaging pin 53, and a locking body 55 fixed to the left slide plate 44 of the first holding member 41. It has.

The support wall 51 hangs downward from the lower surface of the pedestal 33 on the left side of the left slide plate 44 and has a plate shape along the front-rear direction.
The cylindrical member 52 is supported by the support wall 51 in a state of penetrating the center portion in the left-right direction. That is, the cylindrical member 52 is provided on the support wall 51 with its center line extending in the left-right direction.
The right end portion (end portion on the side of the locking body 55) of the cylindrical member 52 is closed, and a pin tip portion 531 of an engagement pin 53 provided inside can be inserted into the center of the closed portion. An insertion hole 521 is formed.
Further, the left end portion of the cylindrical member 52 is opened, and a cam surface 522 that is a spiral slope displaced in the center line direction of the cylindrical member 52 is formed in a range of 180 degrees in the lower half of the opening end surface. . The cam surface 522 is for moving the pin tip portion 531 forward and backward along the left-right direction by rotating the engagement pin 53.

The engagement pin 53 includes a pin tip portion 531 having the smallest diameter at the left end portion, and the right end portion is a main body portion 532 having a larger outer diameter than the pin tip portion 531. Further, a flange portion 533 having the largest outer diameter is formed at the boundary between the pin tip portion 531 and the main body portion 532.
On the other hand, the inner diameter on the left side of the cylindrical member 52 is set to be somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the main body portion 532 of the engaging pin 53 and smaller than the flange portion 533, and the inner diameter on the right side of the cylindrical member 52 is the flange portion 533. It is set somewhat larger than the outer diameter. The boundary between the left part and the right part of the cylindrical member 52 is a step part 523.
Further, inside the cylindrical member 52, a compressed coil spring 56 is inserted between the step portion 523 and the flange portion 533 of the engagement pin 53, and the engagement pin 53 is moved to the right side via the flange portion 533. It is pressed. That is, the engagement pin 53 is always in a state of being pressurized in the direction in which the pin tip portion 531 protrudes from the insertion hole 521.

The operating lever 54 extends outward in the radial direction around the engaging pin 53 at the left end portion of the engaging pin 53, and rotates the engaging pin 53 about its center line. Can do.
When the operation lever 54 is rotated, the right edge portion of the operation lever 54 engages with the engaging pin while slidingly contacting the sloped cam surface 522 formed at the left end portion of the cylindrical member 52 described above. 53 is moved in the left-right direction. For example, when the operation lever 54 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the left side shown in FIG. 11, the operation lever 54 slides down the cam surface 522 according to the spring pressure of the coil spring 56, and the engagement pin 53 moves to the right side. The tip portion 531 protrudes rightward from the insertion hole 521.
When the operation lever 54 is rotated counterclockwise, the operation lever 54 rises up the cam surface 522 against the spring pressure of the coil spring 56, the engagement pin 53 moves to the left side, and the pin tip 531 is inserted. It is immersed in the hole 521.
Further, a stopper groove 524 for dropping the operation lever 54 to the right side is formed at the leftmost end of the cam surface 522. As described above, when the operation lever 54 is rotated counterclockwise and the operation lever 54 climbs the cam surface 522 against the coil spring 56 and drops into the stopper groove 524, the operation lever 54 is pressed by the spring pressure of the coil spring 56. 54 is pressed against the bottom of the stopper groove 524, and the operation lever 54 is held so as not to accidentally rotate. In order to rotate the operation lever 54 in this state, the operation lever 54 may be pulled leftward and pulled out from the stopper groove 524.

The locking body 55 is fixedly mounted on the left slide plate 44 and has a receiving hole 551 into which a pin tip 531 protruding from the insertion hole 521 of the cylindrical member 52 can be inserted. The receiving hole 551 is provided so as to face the pin tip 531 when the first holding member 41 described above is in the last retracted position (position where the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is held).
Therefore, when the pin tip portion 531 protruding from the cylindrical member 52 is inserted into the receiving hole 551 of the locking body 55, the first holding member 41 can be fixed at the last retracted position.

[Attachment operation of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment by connecting mechanism]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of attaching the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 to the gantry 30 by the coupling mechanism 40. The mounting operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 12, the configuration of the gantry 30 other than the pedestal 33 and the fixing mechanism 50 are not shown.
First, the operation lever 54 of the fixing mechanism 50 is rotated to the stopper groove 524, the pin tip 531 is retracted, and the first holding member 41 is moved to the most advanced position.
Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, the rear end portion of the apparatus main body 12 is tilted so that the rear end portion of the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is lowered. , 43 are fitted to the respective support walls 421, 431.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the entire apparatus main body 12 is lowered onto the upper surface of the pedestal 33.
Further, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first holding member 41 is moved to the last retracted position, and the apparatus main body 12 is moved from the front and rear by the first holding member 41 and the second holding members 42 and 43. Hold. Then, the operation lever 54 of the fixing mechanism 50 is pulled out from the stopper groove 524 and rotated to advance the pin tip 531 and inserted into the receiving hole 551 of the locking body 55, and the first holding member 41 does not move forward. To fix. Thereby, the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is fixed to the first holding member 41 and the second holding members 42 and 43 so as to be sandwiched between the recesses, and the connecting operation is completed.

  When the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is removed from the gantry 30, the operation lever 54 of the fixing mechanism 50 is rotated to the stopper groove 524 to retract the pin tip 531, and the first holding member 41 is moved forward most. Move to position. Then, the front end portion of the apparatus main body 12 is lifted and the rear end portion is lifted while being separated from the second holding members 42, 43, and can be separated from the gantry 30.

[Technical effects of coupling mechanism]
The technical effect of the coupling mechanism of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described.
The coupling mechanism 40 causes the first holding member 41 and the second holding members 42 and 43 to face each other on the opening side having a concave cross section, and the first holding member 41 with respect to the second holding members 42 and 43. The fixing mechanism 50 is provided on the base 33 of the gantry 30 so as to be movable toward and away from the base 30 and fixes the first holding member 41 in a state where the first holding member 41 is moved to the second holding members 42 and 43 side.
For this reason, by using the first and second holding members 41 to 43 that match the shape of the end of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is attached to the gantry without remodeling. It becomes possible.
Further, since the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 can be held by a simple operation of moving the first holding member 41 toward the second holding members 42 and 43, the weight of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is large. Even in this case, the connecting work can be easily performed.
Further, since the coupling mechanism 40 includes the fixing mechanism 50, the first holding member 41 can be fixed at a position where the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is held, and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 can be removed from the gantry 30. It can be effectively prevented. In particular, even when the gantry 30 is susceptible to external vibrations such as a movable type, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of dropping of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 from the gantry 30.

  Further, in the coupling mechanism 40, since the openings having convex cross sections of the support walls 421 and 431 of the second holding members 42 and 43 are formed in an arc shape, the rear end side of the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is outside. 12, the rear end portion of the apparatus body 12 is brought into contact with the support walls 421 and 431 of the second holding members 42 and 43 obliquely from above as in the procedure shown in FIG. Thereafter, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 can be easily guided to an appropriate position on the pedestal 33 by lowering the front end portion by the turning operation, and the workability at the time of connection can be improved. .

In addition, the first holding member 41 includes an upper surface portion 413 aligned with the upper surface of the front end portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 in a state where the front end section of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is fitted. For example, when the operation region 18 is provided on the upper surface on the front end side of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, an extension plane is formed on the front side, and the first holding member 41 is moved to the handrest (or palm rest). ).
Accordingly, the operability of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 can be further enhanced by the first holding member 41 after the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is attached to the gantry 30.

[Another example of mounting operation of ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus]
In addition, the procedure of the attachment operation | movement with respect to the mount frame 30 of the ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus 10 is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the operation lever 54 of the fixing mechanism 50 is rotated to the stopper groove 524 to retract the pin tip 531 and move the first holding member 41 to the most advanced position.
Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is placed on the upper surface of the pedestal 33, and the front end portion of the apparatus main body 12 is fitted to the first holding member 41.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the first holding member 41 and the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 are moved to the last retracted position of the first holding member 41. Accordingly, the rear end portion of the apparatus main body 12 is fitted to the support walls 421 and 431 of the second holding members 42 and 43. Then, the first holding member 41 is fixed by rotating the operation lever 54 of the fixing mechanism 50 to advance the pin tip 531, and the first holding member 41 and the second holding members 42, 43 The apparatus main body 12 is fixed and the connecting operation is completed.

[Example of a coupling mechanism equipped with a connection terminal]
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, when the front end of the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 includes a connection terminal 442 for external connection, the first holding member 41 has the front end of the apparatus main body 12. A connection terminal 441 that is electrically connected to the connection terminal 442 may be provided on the first holding member 41 in accordance with a movement operation for fitting the portions.
Thereby, by connecting the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 to the pedestal 33 of the gantry 30 by the coupling mechanism 40, the operation of connecting the connection terminal 442 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 to the outside can be performed simultaneously. Thus, it is possible to improve workability and efficiency.
As the connection terminal 442 for external connection of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, for example, a connection terminal for receiving external power supply, a connection terminal for connecting to a communication line of an external network, and an image to an external display device , A connection terminal for outputting video, a connection terminal for data communication for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external processing device or an external storage device, a connection terminal for connecting the ultrasonic probe P, or a connection terminal for expansion thereof Is mentioned.
Corresponding to the above, on the gantry 30 side, a power supply circuit for supplying power to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, a communication device of an external network, the external display device itself may be mounted, or an external display device is connected. For example, the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 and the external display device may be connected via the gantry 30.
Further, the pedestal 30 may be equipped with an external processing device or an external storage device itself, or provided with a connection terminal for connecting the external processing device or the external storage device. 10 may be connected to an external processing device or an external storage device.
Further, the gantry 30 may include a plurality of connection terminals for connecting the ultrasound probe P, and the plurality of ultrasound probes P may be selectively connected to the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 through the gantry 30. .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 14B, when the connection terminal 444 for external connection is provided at the rear end portion of the apparatus body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10, the second holding member 43 (42 may be used). A connection terminal 443 that is electrically connected to the connection terminal 444 may be provided in the second holding member 43 in accordance with a moving operation for fitting the rear end portion of the apparatus main body 12 to the second holding member 43.
Also in this case, the operation of connecting the connection terminal 444 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 to the outside can be performed at the same time by coupling the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 to the base 33 of the gantry 30 by the coupling mechanism 40. It is possible to improve workability and efficiency.
However, when the connection terminal 443 is provided on the second holding member 43 side, as shown in FIG. 12, when the apparatus main body 12 is fitted to the second holding members 42 and 43 while being inclined, Since the orientation of 444 does not match and connection is difficult, as shown in FIG. 13, the rear end portion is fitted to the second holding members 42 and 43 while the apparatus main body 12 is moved horizontally along the base 33. It is desirable to perform the operation.

[Others]
Although the case where two second holding members 42 and 43 are provided has been illustrated, the second holding member may be constituted by one holding member that holds the entire width of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10.
Further, when an operation member is arranged on the rear end side of the apparatus main body 12 as in the operation region 18, the operation on the rear end side of the apparatus main body 12 is performed when the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 is held. You may provide the upper surface part lined up in the same plane as a field. Accordingly, the second holding member can also function as a hand rest (or palm rest) in the operation area on the rear end side of the apparatus main body 12.

Further, in the coupling mechanism 40, the first holding member 41 and the second holding members 42 and 43 hold the front and rear ends of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 from the front and rear with respect to the apparatus main body 12. Although the configuration is exemplified, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, two holding members may be held from both the left and right sides of the apparatus main body 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10.
In this case, it is desirable that the left and right holding members are formed on the upper surface of the pedestal 33 so that the recesses are formed in a shape matching the cross-sectional shapes of the left end and the right end of the apparatus main body 12 and the openings of the respective recesses face each other. Also, the left and right holding members may be configured to move in the direction in which they are close to each other to hold the apparatus main body 12 from both the left and right sides, or only one of the left and right holding members moves to the other holding member side. The apparatus main body 12 may be configured to be held from both the left and right sides. The fixing mechanism for fixing the holding member may be provided alongside the holding member on one side when only one holding member moves. It is necessary to install a fixing mechanism separately.

  Further, the gantry 30 may be provided with a rack on which other peripheral devices or the like can be placed or stored. That is, other functions related to the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 may be provided as long as the handling and movement of the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus 10 are not hindered.

10 Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment (portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging equipment)
12 apparatus main body 18 operation area 30 base 33 pedestal 40 connection mechanism 41 first holding member 42, 43 second holding member 50 fixing mechanism 311 moving wheel 411, 411 side wall part 412, 412 sliding part 413 upper surface part 421 support Walls 421 and 431 Support walls 441 to 444 Connection terminals

Claims (12)

A connection mechanism for connecting a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus to a movable base,
A first holding member having a concave cross section with which a left end and a right end of one of the front end and the rear end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus are fitted;
A second holding member having a concave cross- section into which a left end and a right end of the other of the front end and the rear end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device are fitted;
With
And said second retaining member and the first holding member causes facing the opening side of the concave cross section to one another, the base of the frame as possible moving the first holding member relative to the second holding member Provided,
Coupling mechanism, characterized in that it comprises a fixing mechanism for fixing in a state of moving the first holding member in a direction approaching against the second holding member. The connection mechanism according to claim 1, wherein an opening having a concave cross section of the second holding member is formed in an arc shape.   The first or second holding member includes a connection terminal for being electrically connected to a connection terminal provided at the front end portion and the rear end portion of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. The coupling mechanism according to claim 1 or 2. A connection mechanism for connecting a portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus having an end portion and an other end portion, and having an arc portion having a cross-sectional arc shape protruding outward at the other end portion to a movable base. ,
A first holding member having a concave cross section into which one end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
A second holding member having a concave cross section into which the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
With
And said second retaining member and the first holding member causes facing the opening side of the concave cross section to one another, the base of the frame as possible moving the first holding member relative to the second holding member Provided,
Includes a fixing mechanism for fixing in a state of moving the first holding member in a direction approaching against the second holding member,
Coupling mechanism, characterized in that the opening of the concave cross section of the second holding member has an arc shape. Said 1st or 2nd holding member is provided with the connection terminal for electrically connecting to the connection terminal provided in the one end part or other end part of the said portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus. The coupling mechanism according to claim 4 . Mobile cradle, characterized in that it comprises a connecting mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device;
A mobile platform,
A connecting mechanism for connecting the portable ultrasound system to said frame,
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system comprising :
The coupling mechanism is
A first holding member having a concave cross section into which one end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
A second holding member having a concave cross section into which the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device is fitted;
With
The first holding member and the second holding member are opposed to each other on the opening side having a concave cross section, and the first holding member is movable toward and away from the second holding member. On the pedestal,
A fixing mechanism for fixing the first holding member in a state of being moved to the second holding member;
The first or second holding member is an upper surface of one end or the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in a state where one end or the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is fitted. An ultrasound diagnostic imaging system comprising an upper surface portion arranged in the same plane as the first embodiment . The first or second holding member is characterized by comprising a first end and a connection terminal electrically connected to the connection terminal provided on the other end of the portable ultrasound system The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system according to claim 7 .   A portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device;
  A mobile platform,
  A coupling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system comprising:   The upper surface portion of the coupling mechanism is in a state where the front end portion or the rear end portion of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is engaged with the first or second holding member, and the front end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system according to claim 9, wherein the diagnostic imaging system is arranged in the same plane as the upper surface of the front or rear end.   A portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device;
  A mobile platform,
  A coupling mechanism according to claim 4;
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system comprising:   The upper surface portion of the coupling mechanism has one end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus in a state where one end or the other end of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus is engaged with the first or second holding member. The ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system according to claim 11, wherein the diagnostic imaging system is arranged on the same plane as the upper surface of the first or second end.

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