JP6447345B2 - Probe holder and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a probe holder for fixing an ultrasonic probe in a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the probe holder.

  2. Description of the Related Art Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses that transmit ultrasonic waves to a living body to be inspected, receive and process the echo signals, and generate a cross-sectional image or the like of the inspected object are widely used. In such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there are a form called a cart type as shown in FIG. 9 and a portable form in which the main body is miniaturized so that it can be carried. (Sonic probe) is configured to be detachable.

  In cart-type ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, a probe holder for holding the ultrasonic probe is installed on the side of the console, etc., and the ultrasonic probe can be held when it is not used for diagnosis. it can. Further, in the cart-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there is a space sufficient to route a cable connecting the ultrasonic probe and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus at the lower part of the console.

  On the other hand, a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus usually does not include such a probe holder in order to achieve miniaturization. For this reason, when using a portable ultrasound diagnostic device on a desk, the user must prepare an instrument for placing the ultrasound probe in an unstable state on the desk or holding the probe. I was doing.

  Although a retrofit type probe holder in such a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been proposed, in a situation where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is to be used immediately after being transported, an ultrasonic probe is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. It is preferable to carry it as it is. However, in order not to affect the portability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and to prevent the ultrasonic probe from falling on the floor or contacting the wall during transportation, It is desired to be compact and not easily fall off from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body.

Japanese Patent No. 5562528

  Patent Document 1 discloses a probe having a first opening for receiving a connector end and a second opening for receiving a scanning side end of the probe as a retrofit probe holder. A holder is disclosed. In Patent Document 1, the first opening of the probe holder is attached to the connector so as to cover the connector end (opposite the portion connected to the portable ultrasonic device).

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the probe holder and the connector are merely fitted by the first opening of the probe holder that is opened in accordance with the size of the narrow area of the connector. There is no other configuration for fixing the probe holder to the connector. For this reason, a gap is generated between the first opening of the probe holder and the connector end due to, for example, individual differences in the outer dimensions of the connector or dimensional variations during manufacture of the probe holder. May not be securely fixed to the connector. In particular, if the probe holder is loosely fitted into the connector, the probe holder itself may fall off the connector.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a probe holder of an ultrasonic probe that can be easily attached to and detached from a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and can be fixed with high reliability, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having the probe holder.

  The probe holder of the present invention holds an ultrasonic probe having a probe main body having an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit, and a probe connector provided integrally with the probe main body and capable of contacting and leaving a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. A probe holder that holds the probe main body, and a frame body that is connected to the holder part, has a surrounding shape that surrounds the probe connector, and can be fitted to the probe connector; The frame body is sandwiched between the probe connector and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when the probe connector is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a state of being fitted to the probe connector. .

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a probe main body having an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit, and a probe connector provided integrally with the probe main body. And an ultrasonic probe that can contact and separate from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body via the probe connector, and the probe holder.

  According to the present invention, the probe holder that holds the ultrasonic probe can be easily detached from the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and can be fixed with high reliability.

A diagram showing a probe holder, a probe held by the probe holder, and a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the probe is connected The figure for demonstrating the structure of a probe holder, and the shape of each part The figure which shows the state by which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with which the probe holder was mounted | worn was put on the plane The figure which shows the state which divided the holder part of a probe holder, and other composition The figure which showed the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment when being conveyed The figure for demonstrating an example of the shape of a connector The figure which shows the state by which the probe holder was fitted with respect to the connector The top view which shows the state in which the connector fitted with the probe holder was connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus The figure which shows an example of a cart type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 shows a probe holder 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a probe 200 held by the probe holder 100 (corresponding to the probe main body of the present invention), and a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 to which the probe 200 is connected. FIG.

  The probe holder 100 is a holder for holding the probe 200 connected to the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. The probe holder 100 can suitably hold the probe 200 when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is carried or in a use preparation state installed on a plane such as a desk.

  The probe 200 transmits an ultrasonic wave, receives an ultrasonic wave (echo signal) reflected by an object, and transmits the received echo signal to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 that has received the echo signal analyzes and images the echo signal. The image is used for doctor's diagnosis and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 to be described later, the probe 200 includes an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit 200A that swells to the left and right, and a gripping unit 200B that allows a user of the probe 200 to grip the probe 200 by hand. The probe holder 100 has a compact holding structure that holds the gripping part 200B by supporting or storing the waist of the gripping part 200B of the probe 200 while exposing the ultrasonic transmission / reception part 200A of the head.

  The probe 200 integrally constitutes the ultrasonic probe of the present invention together with the connector 201 (corresponding to the probe connector of the present invention) and the cable 202, and is electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 by the connector 201 and the cable 202. Physically removably connected. In FIG. 1, most of the cable 202 is not shown. The cable 202 is a cable that connects the connector 201 and the probe 200 connected to a connection terminal provided on, for example, the apparatus main body side surface 302 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 main body.

  As described above, the probe holder 100 of the present embodiment is connected to the connector 201 of such an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 and suitably holds the probe 200. Below, the shape of the probe holder 100 and the connection method to the connector 201 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the probe holder 100 and the shape of each part. As shown in FIG. 2, the probe holder 100 includes a connector fitting portion 1 (corresponding to the frame of the present invention), a holder receiving portion 2, a holder portion 3, and a cable receiving portion 4.

  The connector fitting part 1 is a part for fitting with the connector 201. As shown in FIG. 2, the connector fitting portion 1 has a shape that can surround the connector 201, and the size of the shape is such that at least the connector 201 can be fitted into the connector fitting portion 1. (See FIG. 7B described later).

  A connector abutting portion 11 (corresponding to the extending portion of the present invention) shown in FIG. 1 is formed on one surface of the four surfaces constituting the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1. The connector abutting portion 11 is bent outward in the middle of the surface, or another sheet metal or the like is provided protruding from the connector fitting portion by a fixing method such as welding or adhesion.

  When the probe holder 100 is fitted to the connector 201, the connector abutting portion 11 abuts against the side surface of the connector 201 to enhance the stability of the probe holder 100 and reinforce the fixation to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. It is a member. Further, it is desirable that the connector abutting portion 11 is configured to abut not only the side surface of the connector 201 but also the apparatus main body side surface portion 302. With such a configuration, the connector abutting portion 11 abuts against the connector 201 and the side portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 at the same time, so that the stability of the probe holder 100 and the fixing to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 are further improved. Can be reinforced.

  In addition, it is preferable that elastic members, such as rubber | gum and sponge, are affixed on the inner surface of the connector fitting part 1, for example. Such an elastic member serves as a protective member for protecting the connector 201 so that the connector 201 fitted to the connector fitting portion 1 is not damaged or the like. In addition, it is preferable that the magnitude | size of the connector fitting part 1 mentioned above is determined also considering the thickness of the said elastic member.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the holder receiving portion 2 has a support portion 21 and an inclined portion 22. The support portion 21 is perpendicular to the surface of the surrounding surface of the connector fitting portion 1 (more specifically, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 with the probe holder 100 mounted thereon is placed, from the placement surface. It is a portion that extends in the direction of separation and supports the inclined portion 22 described later. The inclined part 22 is a part for fixing the holder part 3 to be described later, and is configured to be inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to one surface constituting the surrounding shape of the connector fitting part 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state (corresponding to the installation of the present invention) in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 with the probe holder 100 attached is placed on a plane 400. The plane 400 is a surface of a table for installing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 such as a desk, and is substantially a horizontal plane.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the probe holder 100 is fitted to a connector 201 connected near the center of the side surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the holder receiving portion 2 and the holder portion 3 supported thereby are connected to the connector 201. The probe 200 is held at a certain distance from the plane 400 by the probe holder 100. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3, the inclined portion 22 of the probe holder 100 is inclined by a predetermined angle, whereby the probe 200 is inclined by a predetermined angle and held by the probe holder 100. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the cable 202 extending from the tail portion of the probe 200 interferes with the plane 400 or the like and becomes tangled or bent. Note that the predetermined angle is an inclination angle at which the holder portion 3 of the probe holder 100 forms an elevation angle with respect to the horizontal direction during both the installation shown in FIG. 3 and the conveyance shown in FIG. The inclination angle during conveyance will be described in detail later.

  The holder part 3 is a holding member for holding the probe 200. Since the holder portion 3 is a portion that is in direct contact with the probe 200, the holder portion 3 is preferably formed of a soft member that does not damage the probe 200, such as resin. The holder portion 3 is configured separately from the other configuration of the probe holder 100, that is, the connector fitting portion 1, the holder receiving portion 2, and the cable receiving portion 4, and is fitted into the inclined portion 22 of the holder receiving portion 2. It is preferable that

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the holder portion 3 of the probe holder 100 is separated from other configurations. FIG. 4A shows the holder portion 3 and FIG. 4B shows the other configuration. The holder portion 3 shown in FIG. 4A has a hollow portion 31. The hollow portion 31 is a portion for holding the probe 200. Accordingly, the diameter of the hollow portion 31 is configured to be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the grip portion 200B of the probe 200. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the holder portion 3 has a bowl-shaped extended end portion 32 for supporting the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving portion 200A in which the probe 200 bulges when holding the probe 200. At its upper end. Further, a protrusion for fixing the holder portion 3 to the inclined portion 22 is formed on the back surface of the extended end portion 32 not shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the inclined portion 22 described above has a notch portion 221 for holding the holder portion 3 and a hole 222 for fitting a projection (not shown) of the holder portion 3. By fitting the protrusion of the holder part 3 into the hole 222, the holder part 3 is fixed to the inclined part 22.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the cable receiving portion 4 is extended in the horizontal direction from the upper end portion of the support portion 21 of the holder receiving portion 2 (the end portion opposite to the connector fitting portion 1). It is a member formed in a letter shape. With this U-shape, the cable 202 connecting the probe 200 and the connector 201 can be hooked and held. Note that the cable receiver 4 exhibits its effect when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is held in the user's hand, that is, while the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is being conveyed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 being conveyed. A handle 301 is formed at one end of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300, and the user can carry the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 300 by grasping the handle 301. As shown in FIG. 5, in a state where the handle 301 is held by the user and comes to the upper side of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the cable receiving portion 4 is formed so that the U-shaped concave portion faces upward. ing. With such a shape, the cable receiver 4 can hook and receive the cable 202 during the conveyance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. As a result, problems such as the cable 202 coming into contact with the floor or the like during transportation or being caught by another object are solved.

  In relation to FIG. 3 described above, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is placed on a horizontal plane, that is, at the time of installation, the tilt angle is such that the holder portion 3 makes an elevation angle (that is, faces upward) with respect to the horizontal direction. The tilting was explained. Even during conveyance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, as shown in FIG. 5, the inclined portion 22 is inclined so that the holder portion 3 is at an elevation angle with respect to the horizontal direction (that is, upward). With such a configuration, the probe holder 100 can reliably hold the probe 200 during transportation, and a situation in which the probe 200 falls from the probe holder 100 can be prevented.

  Of the components of the probe holder 100 described above, only the holder portion 3 is formed separately from the other components, and is fitted and integrated later. The connector fitting part 1, the holder receiving part 2, and the cable receiving part 4 other than the holder part 3 may be formed of the same material. Specifically, the connector fitting portion 1, the holder receiving portion 2, and the cable receiving portion 4 may be formed by appropriately cutting and bending a single stainless steel plate, for example. Thus, when forming the holder part 3 and other structures separately, the other structures can be formed of a material that is more rigid and sturdy than the material of the holder part 3. The connector fitting portion 1, the holder receiving portion 2, and the cable receiving portion 4 may be formed by cutting, bending, or welding a single or a plurality of metal plates, or injection molding using a resin or the like. Etc. may be formed.

  Next, how the probe holder 100 as described above is fitted to the connector 201 will be described in detail. First, an example of the shape of the connector 201 fitted to the probe holder 100 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the shape of the connector 201.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the connector 201 includes, for example, a holding part 2011, a terminal part 2012, and a cable extension part 2013. The holding unit 2011 is a part for holding the connector 201 when the user inserts the connector 201 into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. It is preferable that the holding part 2011 has a dent, a non-slip convex part, or the like, for example, and is configured to be easily held by the user. The terminal portion 2012 is a portion where terminals for the connector 201 to be electrically connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 are arranged. The terminal part 2012 has a latch part (not shown) for being suitably fixed when inserted into a socket part (not shown) connected to the connector 201 on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 side, for example. It may be. The latch portion meshes with, for example, a claw portion (not shown) provided in a socket portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, and suitably fixes the connector 201 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. The cable extension portion 2013 is a portion where a cable that electrically connects the connector 201 to the probe 200 is extended.

  FIG. 7 is a view showing a state in which the probe holder 100 is fitted to the connector 201. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a state in which the probe holder 100 is fitted to the connector 201 from the terminal portion 2012 side of the connector 201. FIG. 7B is a side view of the state in which the probe holder 100 is fitted to the connector 201 as viewed from the terminal portion 2012 side. FIG. 7C is a plan view of the state in which the probe holder 100 is fitted to the connector 201.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C, the connector fitting portion 1 of the probe holder 100 has a connector fitting portion between the holding portion 2011 and the terminal portion 2012 of the connector 201 and at the base of the cable extension portion 2013. One connector abutting portion 11 is fitted at a position where it abuts. As described above, when the probe holder 100 is fitted to the connector 201, the connector abutting portion 11 necessarily abuts on the base portion of the cable extension portion 2013 of the connector 201. Always a fixed position with respect to 201.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the size of the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1 is determined so that the connector 201 can be fitted inside the frame, and the connector 201 is attached to the inner wall surface of the surrounding shape. It is comprised so that the outer wall surface may contact | abut. Therefore, the size of the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1 is formed to be substantially the same as the outer dimension of the connector 201. Alternatively, the size of the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1 may be set so that the inner wall surface of the connector fitting portion 1 and the outer wall surface of the connector 201 are slightly separated (for example, about 1 to 2 mm). In this way, there is a margin (gap) in fitting the probe holder 100 with the connector 201. For example, when a large load unexpected by the user is applied to the probe holder 100, only the margin is provided. The connector fitting part 1 can move. For this reason, it can avoid that the connector 201 is damaged by the said load.

  FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the connector 201 fitted to the probe holder 100 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. As shown in FIG. 8, when the connector 201 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, one side of the connector fitting portion 1 of the probe holder 100 contacts the surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 on the side connected to the connector 201. It is configured as follows. That is, in FIG. 7C, when the connector 201 exposed from the connector fitting portion 1 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the connector 201 is drawn into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300.

  Thus, when the connector 201 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the probe holder 100 is in a state of being sandwiched between the connector 201 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. Thereby, when the connector 201 is connected to and fixed to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the probe holder 100 sandwiched between them is similarly fixed. Therefore, since the probe holder 100 can be fixed at the same time as the connector 201 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, labor and time required for installing the probe holder 100 can be reduced.

  As described above, the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the probe 200 (probe main body) that accommodates the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit and the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 that is provided integrally with the probe 200 and that is portable. A probe holder 100 that holds a probe 200 having a connector 201 (probe connector) that can be connected to and separated from the holder, and is provided in connection with the holder portion 3 that holds the probe 200 and the holder portion 3. A connector fitting portion 1 (frame body) that has a surrounding shape and can be fitted to the connector 201, and the connector fitting portion 1 is superfitted with the connector 201 in a state of being fitted to the connector 201. When connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, it is sandwiched between the connector 201 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300.

  With this configuration, when the connector 201 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the connector fitting portion 1 that surrounds the connector 201 and is sandwiched between the connector 201 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is The connector 201 cannot be extracted in the insertion / removal direction of the connector 201, nor can it be extracted in a direction other than the insertion / removal direction of the connector 201. Therefore, once the connector 201 of the probe 200 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the probe holder 100 is not detached unless the connector 201 is removed from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. Therefore, the probe holder 100 can be reliably attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. Further, with such a configuration, the connector 201 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, that is, the probe 200 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 via the cable 202, and is handled when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is transported. However, since the probe 200 can be reliably held by the probe holder 100 in a difficult state, the usability of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 and the probe 200 is improved. In addition, since the probe 200 can be easily transported while being connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 can be used immediately after the transport, improving usability.

  Further, the connector fitting portion 1 has a surrounding shape that surrounds the connector 201. For this reason, after the probe holder 100 is first fixed to the connector 201 by the connector fitting portion 1, the connector 201 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 so that the probe holder 100 is sandwiched between the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 and the connector 201. Fixed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the user when fixing the probe holder 100 to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, and it is easy to use. In addition, the surrounding shape of the connector fitting part 1 does not necessarily need to be a shape in which all four sides are closed, and may be a shape having a gap in part, for example. That is, the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1 may be a shape that prevents the connector fitting portion 1 from being detached when the connector 201 is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300.

  In the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1 is slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the connector 201. Thereby, for example, in a state where the probe holder 100 is fixed, a slight gap is generated between the inner wall surface of the connector fitting portion 1 and the outer wall surface of the connector 201.

  Even if a large load unintended by the user is applied to the probe holder 100 due to the gap, the load is not directly transmitted to the connector 201. Therefore, even if the probe holder 100 is subjected to a large weight that is not intended by the user, the connector 201 is damaged, or the weight is transmitted to the connector 201, and a terminal that is a connection portion with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is provided. The situation where it is damaged or destroyed can be avoided.

  Further, in the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the connector fitting portion 1 has a connector abutting portion 11 (extending portion) extending or connected to the outside thereof, and the connector abutting portion 11 When the connector fitting portion 1 is sandwiched between the connector 201 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, the connector 201 and the apparatus main body side surface portion 302 simultaneously abut. At this time, the connector abutting portion 11 abuts against the apparatus main body side surface portion 302 by the connector 201, so that the connector fitting portion 1 is more firmly fixed.

  With such a configuration, even if the probe holder 100 is subjected to a large load unintended by the user, the probe holder 100 is not greatly moved from the initial fixed position. Further, according to the above configuration, this weight is released to the apparatus main body side surface 302 via the connector abutting portion 11, and the load is distributed to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 main body without being applied only to the connector 201. Can do. From the above, even if a large load unintended by the user is applied to the probe holder 100, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the probe holder 100 moves greatly and the probe 200 falls.

  Further, the margin (gap) of the size of the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1 has been described. However, when the gap is somewhat large, the probe holder 100 can be easily attached to the connector 201, while the probe holder 100 is connected to the connector 201. Will be weakened. However, in the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the connector abutting portion 11 is abutted so as to be pressed against the connector 201 and the apparatus main body side surface portion 302. It is possible to achieve both easy attachment / detachment to / from the connector 201 and improvement in reliability at the time of attachment.

  Further, in the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the holder unit 3 is arranged in the horizontal direction when the probe holder 100 is fixed to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 and when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is transported and set. The connector fitting portion 1 is connected at an inclination angle forming an elevation angle.

  Thus, since the inclined portion 22 that supports the holder portion 3 is inclined by a predetermined angle, the probe 200 is held by the probe holder 100 while being inclined by a predetermined angle. For this reason, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a desk, for example, it is possible to avoid a situation where the cable 202 extending from the tail portion of the probe 200 interferes with the flat surface and is tangled or bent. In addition, the probe 200 can be firmly held by the holder unit 3 when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is transported, and a situation where the probe 200 falls can be avoided.

  The probe holder of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that has existed conventionally, for example, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is installed on a flat surface, prevents the cable extending from the tail of the probe from interfering with the flat surface or the like. It was often installed at a high position in the vertical direction from the ground. In such a configuration, the probe holder protrudes vertically from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the height of the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus becomes very high when the probe holder is attached, making it difficult to carry the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Could happen. However, in the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the height of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is not so large even if the probe holder 100 is attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300. In addition, no trouble occurs in the conveyance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300.

  In addition, since the conventional probe holder is usually fixed by screwing or the like in order to ensure the attachment strength to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, there are many cases where it cannot be easily removed. However, in the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the probe holder can be easily removed by removing the probe, and the reliability at the time of attachment by being sandwiched between the probe connector and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. It is possible to achieve both improvement in performance.

  In addition, the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a cable receiving portion 4 for hooking a cable 202 that connects the connector 201 and the probe 200 when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is conveyed.

  With such a configuration, the cable 202 can be hooked on the cable receiving portion 4 when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300 is transported, so that problems such as the cable 202 coming into contact with the floor or other objects are eliminated. Is done.

  In the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, an elastic member is disposed on the inner surface of the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1. With such a configuration, the connector 201 is protected so that the connector 201 fitted to the connector fitting portion 1 is not damaged. In addition, the size of the surrounding shape of the connector fitting portion 1 described above is preferably determined in consideration of the thickness of the elastic member.

  In addition, in the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, various equipments such as a cooling fan ventilation hole, various switches, and various interface connectors are mounted so as to be close to each other for miniaturization. Since the probe holder 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to the connector 201 of the probe 200, even if various equipments are mounted around the connection terminal with the connector 201 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 300, they interfere with them. Can be installed without

  The present invention is suitable for a probe holder for fixing a probe in a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Probe holder 1 Connector fitting part 2 Holder receiving part 3 Holder part 4 Cable receiving part 11 Connector contact part 21 Support part 22 Inclination part 221 Notch part 222 Hole 31 Hollow part 32 Extension end part 200 Probe 200A Ultrasonic transmission / reception part 200B Gripping part 201 Connector 202 Cable 2011 Holding part 2012 Terminal part 2013 Cable extension part 300 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 301 Handle 302 Equipment body side face part 400 Plane

Claims (8)

A probe holder for holding an ultrasonic probe, comprising: a probe main body having an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit; and a probe connector provided integrally with the probe main body and detachable from a portable ultrasonic diagnostic device,
A holder portion for holding the probe body;
A frame body that is provided in connection with the holder part, has a surrounding shape surrounding the probe connector, and can be fitted to the probe connector;
Have
The frame is sandwiched between the probe connector and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus when the probe connector is connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in a state of being fitted to the probe connector.
Probe holder. The surrounding shape of the frame is larger than the outer dimensions of the probe connector,
The probe holder according to claim 1. The frame body has an extending part extending to the outside thereof,
The extension portion contacts the probe connector when the frame is sandwiched between the probe connector and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The probe holder according to claim 2. The extension portion simultaneously contacts the probe connector and a side surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which the probe connector is connected when the frame is sandwiched between the probe connector and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The probe holder according to claim 3. When the probe holder is fixed to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the holder unit is coupled to the frame body at an inclination angle that makes an elevation angle with respect to the horizontal direction when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is being transported or installed. ing,
The probe holder according to claim 1. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is transported, it further has a cable receiving part for hanging a cable connecting the probe connector and the probe main body,
The probe holder according to claim 1. An elastic member is disposed on the inner surface of the frame.
The probe holder according to claim 1. A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body,
An ultrasonic probe having an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit; a probe connector provided integrally with the probe main body; and an ultrasonic probe capable of contacting and separating from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body via the probe connector;
A probe holder according to claim 1;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

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