JP7165527B2 - Ultrasound diagnostic equipment and probe holder - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a probe holder, and more particularly to the structure of the probe holder.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an apparatus main body, an operation panel, a display, and the like. A probe holder is generally attached to the operation panel. The probe holder holds an unused probe (ultrasonic probe). As probes, body surface contact type probes, body cavity insertion type probes, and the like are known. Transvaginal probes, transvaginal probes, and the like are known as body cavity insertion type probes.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of holders that hold a plurality of probes. Each holding part holds a probe having a vertical posture (which can also be called an upward posture, a standing posture, or a vertical posture).

A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2 is detachable from the apparatus body, has a rotating mechanism, and includes a holding section that holds a probe. The rotating mechanism of the holding part can hold the probe in various postures.

JP 2005-287915 A JP 2016-144588 A

In a probe holder of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the probe is generally held in a posture (vertical posture) with its wave transmitting/receiving surface facing upward. On the other hand, in order to reduce psychological resistance, or for other reasons, it is sometimes required to hold the probe in a sideways posture (which can also be called a sideways posture, a sideways posture, or a horizontal posture). For example, an intrabody-cavity-inserted probe has an elongated rod-like shape in its entirety or in its insertion portion, and if the probe is held in a vertical position, a subject who sees it may feel uneasy. easy. There is a demand for holding a vertical probe and a horizontal probe without complicated work such as replacement of a probe holder and attachment of a special member to the probe holder. It should be noted that the configuration disclosed in Patent Literature 1 cannot hold a probe having a lateral posture. Even if the configurations disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 are combined, only a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body and includes a holding portion having a rotating mechanism can be conceived. Assuming this configuration, in order to hold the probe in a horizontal posture, it is necessary to rotate the holding part itself in a direction perpendicular to the apparatus main body (vertical direction).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a probe holder capable of holding a probe in a posture selected from vertical posture and horizontal posture. Another object of the present invention is to provide a probe holder that can easily hold a probe having a lateral posture.

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation panel and a probe holder provided in the operation panel, wherein the probe holder has at least one vertical hole for holding a probe having a vertical posture, and the at least one a depression extending across the top of the two vertical holes for holding a probe having a horizontal orientation.

A probe holder according to the present invention includes a plurality of vertical holes for holding a plurality of probes having a vertical orientation, and a recess provided across the top of the plurality of vertical holes for holding the probes having a horizontal orientation. characterized by

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the probe holder which can hold|maintain a probe in the attitude|position selected from a vertical attitude|position and a horizontal attitude|position can be provided. Alternatively, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a probe holder that can easily hold a probe having a lateral posture.

1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. It is a top view of a frame provided with two probe holders. It is a perspective view showing a probe holder. It is a front view which shows a probe holder. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a holding state of the transvaginal probe having a lateral posture; FIG. 11 is a side view showing a holding state of a transvaginal probe in a horizontal position; It is a figure which shows an example of a change mechanism.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described based on the drawings.

(1) Outline of Embodiment An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an operation panel and a probe holder provided on the operation panel. The probe holder includes at least one vertical hole for holding a probe having a vertical orientation, and a recess extending across the top of the at least one vertical hole for holding a probe having a horizontal orientation. A recess traverses the top of at least one of the wells, and such recess accommodates and retains all or part of a probe having a lateral orientation. Since the recess for holding is formed in the probe holder itself, it is not necessary to attach a special member having a recess to the probe holder. That is, it is possible to easily hold a probe having a lateral posture. In embodiments, the vertical hole is generally a through hole in the vertical direction. It is also conceivable to configure it as a blind hole. A recess is a tray, recess or receptacle with an open top.

In the embodiment, the probe holder has a plurality of vertical holes arranged in the depth direction of the operation panel, and the depression has a shape extending in the depth direction while crossing over the tops of the plurality of vertical holes. This configuration utilizes the space extending in the depth direction on the upper surface side of the probe holder to hold the probe in a sideways posture. In particular, the above configuration functions effectively when the entire probe or its insertion portion has a rod-like shape. The depth direction is the direction from the front side of the operation panel toward the back side of the device, and does not necessarily have to be perpendicular to the left-right direction of the operation panel. The probe holder or recess may be slanted in the depth direction.

In the embodiment, each of the plurality of vertical holes is provided with an inner member for holding a probe having a vertical posture, and a groove structure for passing the probe having a horizontal posture is provided on the upper portion of each inner member. According to this configuration, since the upper portion of each inner member is provided with a groove structure, the upper portion of each inner member does not become an obstacle when holding the probe in a lateral posture.

In an embodiment, the groove structure of each inner member includes a pair of grooves provided in the upper portion of each inner member, and in a state in which the plurality of recessed portions forming the recesses and the pair of grooves in each inner member are aligned. A probe having a lateral orientation is held. According to this configuration, part or all of the probe having a lateral posture is accommodated in the space formed by the plurality of recessed portions and the plurality of grooves.

In embodiments, at least one inner member of the plurality of inner members sandwiches a probe having a lateral orientation. According to this configuration, the probe can be restrained to prevent or reduce dropping of the probe from the probe holder.

In the embodiment, each inner member includes a pair of walls provided between the pair of grooves in the upper portion of each inner member, and a slit for passing a cable extending from the probe having a vertical posture. A probe having a vertical posture by each inner member in a state in which a slit communicates with one of a pair of grooves of the member, and a plurality of recessed portions forming the recess and a pair of walls of each inner member are aligned in a row. is retained.

According to the above configuration, when the probe having the tip portion enlarged in the electronic scanning direction and the grip portion connected thereto is held in a vertical posture, both end portions of the enlarged tip portion are supported by the pair of walls of each inner member. be.

In the embodiment, a change mechanism is provided for collectively changing the rotation angles of a plurality of inner members, and the change mechanism sets each inner member to the first rotation angle when holding a probe having a vertical posture, and changes the rotation angle to the horizontal posture. This is a mechanism for setting each inner member to a second rotation angle when holding a probe having a posture. According to this configuration, the rotation angles of the plurality of inner members can be collectively set. For example, when each inner member is set to the first rotation angle, a pair of walls formed on the upper portion of each inner member are arranged in the depth direction, and when each inner member is set to the second rotation angle, each inner member A pair of grooves formed in the upper part are arranged in the depth direction.

An ultrasonic diagnostic probe holder according to an embodiment includes a plurality of vertical holes that hold a plurality of probes having a vertical posture, a recess that is provided across the top of the plurality of vertical holes and holds the probes that have a horizontal posture, including. The probe holder is desirably attached to the operation panel as a movable body, but may be attached to other locations (for example, the device main body) in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In a configuration in which probe holders are provided on the right and left sides of the operation panel, respectively, the probe holders with recesses may be arranged on only one of the right side and the left side. The probe holder functions particularly effectively in holding probes having an elongated rod-like shape. Transvaginal probes, transvaginal probes, and the like are known as such probes.

(2) Details of Embodiment An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment is shown on the left side of FIG. The illustrated ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is installed in a medical institution such as a hospital, and forms an ultrasonic image by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a living body (subject). On the right side of FIG. 1, a part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is shown as an enlarged view (see reference numeral 12).

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 is a cart-type ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and has a box-shaped main body 14 . Four casters are provided at the bottom of the main body 14 . A plurality of electronic circuit boards and a power source are provided inside the main body 14 . Four connectors are provided on the front surface of the main body 14 . A probe is connected to each of these connectors. For example, up to four probes can be connected simultaneously to the body 14 . A probe to be actually used is selected from among them. Of course, one probe may be connected to body 14 .

The operation panel 16 is supported by an elevating mechanism (not shown) provided on the main body 14 . An arm mechanism 18 is provided on the back side of the operation panel, and a display 20 is attached to the end of the arm mechanism 18 . The display 20 is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like. The operation panel 16 is an input device having a plurality of switches, a plurality of buttons, a trackball, and the like. Using the operation panel 16, a user (doctor, laboratory technician, etc.) selects an operation mode and sets an operation condition. The operation panel 16, the arm mechanism 18 and the display 20 constitute a movable part.

A frame 24 is attached to the operation panel 16 . The operation panel 16 and the frame 24 are integrated, and the frame 24 moves along with the movement of the operation panel 16 . The frame 24 consists of two probe holders provided on the right and left sides of the operation panel 16 and a handle provided on the front side of the operation panel 16 . In FIG. 1, the X direction is the horizontal direction of the main body 14, the Y direction is the depth direction of the main body 14, and the Z direction is the height direction (vertical direction). The operation panel 16 is provided rotatably and vertically with respect to the main body 14 . With the operation panel 16 as a reference, the left-right direction of the operation panel 16 and the depth direction of the operation panel 16 are defined.

The enlarged view shown on the right side of FIG. 1 shows the probe holder 28 on the right side of the frame (see reference numeral 12). The probe holder 28 has three holders 34A, 34B, and 34C aligned in the depth direction. As shown, for example, the holding portion 34A holds the transvaginal probe 38 in a vertical position. Straight probes and the like may be held in a similar manner. When the rod-shaped probe is held in a vertical position, the examinee who sees it tends to feel uneasy or resistant. Therefore, the probe holder 28 is also formed with a recess 36 for holding the probe 38 in a lateral posture.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the operation panel 16 and the frame 24. FIG. The operation panel 16 includes a panel main body 16A and a display with a touch panel 16B. A frame 24 is attached to the operation panel 16 so as to surround the operation panel 16 . The form of the frame 24 is U-shaped. The frame 24 has a frame 26 which consists of a right portion 26R, a middle portion 26F and a left portion 26L which are interconnected. The right portion 26R constitutes the main body 29 of the probe holder 28, and the left portion 26L constitutes the main body 31 of the probe holder 30. As shown in FIG. The intermediate portion 26F functions as a handle. The frame 26 is made of metal or resin, for example. The x direction is the horizontal direction of the operation panel 16 and the y direction is the depth direction of the operation panel 16 .

The probe holder 28 on the right side and the probe holder 30 on the left side basically have the same shape (more precisely, they are symmetrical to each other). However, the right probe holder 28 has a function of holding a bar-shaped probe in a lateral posture, but the left probe holder 30 does not have such a function. It is also possible to provide the function in question in the left probe holder.

Specifically, the probe holder 28 has three holders 34A, 34B, and 34C arranged in the depth direction. They form a holding section row. Each holding portion 34A, 34B, 34C has a cup 46 as an inner member and a vertical hole 42 for accommodating and holding it. A plurality of vertical holes 42 arranged in the depth direction form a vertical hole row. Each cup 46 has a downwardly tapering conical or cylindrical configuration. Each cup 46 is made of an elastic or flexible material (elastomer) and has a slit 48 formed along the vertical direction. The inner end of the slit 48 functions as a cable insertion passage. That is, each cup 46 has a bottom in which a cable passageway is provided.

Each vertical hole 42 is a hole or opening penetrating vertically. They are formed on the left portion 26L of the frame 26. As shown in FIG. In the probe holder 28, a recess 36 is provided across the tops of the plurality of holding portions 34A, 34B, 34C, more specifically, across the tops of the plurality of vertical holes 42. As shown in FIG. The depression 36 has a tray-like or dish-like form, and its bottom surface is curved like a cylindrical surface, but the bottom surface may be a flat surface. However, it is desirable to provide a means for fixing the probe in the recess 36 so that the probe having a lateral posture does not easily drop out of the recess 36 . The recess 36 is divided by three vertical holes 42. Specifically, the recess 36 includes a front portion 36a provided on the front side of the row of vertical holes in the depth direction, and two vertical holes 42 adjacent in the depth direction. It has an intermediate portion 36b , 36c provided between them and a rear portion 36d provided on the rear side of the vertical hole row in the depth direction .

Within each well 42 each cup 46 is rotatable, and in FIG. 1 they are at a first angle of rotation. A pair of grooves as a groove structure are formed in the upper portion of each cup 46, and a pair of walls are formed therebetween. When the cups 46 are at the first rotation angle, the slits 48 of each cup 46 and the longitudinal grooves 44 of the longitudinal holes 42 are aligned. In that state, the direction in which the pair of walls are arranged matches the depth direction (y direction). In each holder 34A, 34B, 34C, a probe having a tip enlarged in the electronic scanning direction can be held in a vertical posture. In that case, the tip portion is supported by a pair of walls of each of the holding portions 34A, 34B, 34C. In that case, the orientation of the probe is adjusted so that the electronic scanning direction is the depth direction. On the other hand, if the rod-shaped probe is held by the recess 36, each cup 46 is rotated 90 degrees and their rotation angle is the second rotation angle. In that case, the direction in which the pair of grooves in each cup 46 are aligned coincides with the depth direction. This state will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 3 and subsequent drawings. A vertical hole 50 is provided in the deep end of the probe holder 28 . For example, if a jelly former is provided, it is placed in the vertical hole 50 .

The left probe holder 30 also has three holders 40A, 40B, and 40C aligned in the depth direction. Each holding portion 40A, 40B, 40C has a cup and a vertical hole accommodating it. However, in FIG. 2, the three cups provided in the three holding portions 40A, 40B, and 40C are omitted from illustration. Although the probe holder 30 is not provided with a recess along the depth direction, it may be provided. The probe holder 30 has a body 31 which is constituted by the left part 26L of the frame 26. As shown in FIG. A vertical hole in which a jelly warmer or the like is installed is also provided at the deep end of the probe holder 30 .

FIG. 3 shows a state in which a rod-shaped probe can be held in a lateral posture. Elements that have already been described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted. This also applies to other drawings.

The rotation angle of each cup 46 is the second rotation angle. Specifically, the top of each cup 46 is provided with a pair of grooves 52, 54 with a pair of walls 56, 58 therebetween, as previously described. The direction in which the pair of grooves 52 and 54 are arranged coincides with the depth direction. The recess 36 has a front portion 36a, an intermediate portion 36b, an intermediate portion 36c and a rear portion 36d, all of which have arcuately curved bottom surfaces. A pair of cutouts are formed in the upper part of the longitudinal groove of each holding portion 34A, 34B, 34C. These cutouts are connected to respective portions 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d forming the recess 36. As shown in FIG. The portions 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d and the plurality of grooves 52, 54 are aligned in the depth direction, thereby forming a large recess 100 capable of receiving a rod-shaped probe in a horizontal position. FIG. 4 shows the recess 100 viewed from the front. A bottom surface 100A of the recess 100 is arcuate.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show how the transvaginal probe 38 is held using the recess 100. FIG. In FIG. 6, the transvaginal probe 38 has a head 38a as a wave transmitting/receiving part, an insertion tube 38b connected thereto, and a grip 38c connected thereto. A cable is pulled out from the grip 38c. The rotation angle of the three cups 46A, 46B, 46C is the second rotation angle, and the direction in which the pair of grooves in the cups 46A, 46B, 46C are aligned is the depth direction.

A transvaginal probe is clamped at positions indicated at 62 and 64 in FIGS. Specifically, the grip 38c of the transvaginal probe 38 is fitted into a pair of grooves of the cup 46A (FIG. 6) on the frontmost side, in other words, the grip 38c is elastically held by the cup 46A. ing. In this state, the head 38a and the insertion tube 38b are not in contact with the recess 100, although the lower portions of the head 38a and the insertion tube 38b are accommodated in the recess 100. FIG. As indicated by reference numeral 66 in FIG. 6, the head 38a is floating above the bottom surface of the recess 100 with a certain gap therebetween. Conversely, the configuration of the recess 100 and the configuration of the cups 46A, 46B, 46C are determined such that such a state is configured. Incidentally, the cups 46A, 46B, 46C have the same shape. Other means for securing the three transvaginal probes 38 may be used.

According to the configuration of the embodiment, since the movement of the transvaginal probe can be restricted, it is possible to prevent or reduce the falling-off of the transvaginal probe. In addition, since existing members can be used for fixing, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case of arranging dedicated members for fixing. Furthermore, since the transvaginal probe is held with the head or the like floating, it is possible to prevent that part from being damaged, which is advantageous in terms of hygiene. Note that the head and the insertion section are generally covered with a cover during actual ultrasonic diagnosis.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the changing mechanism 68. As shown in FIG. The change mechanism 68 is a mechanism that collectively sets the orientations of the three cups 46A, 46B, and 46C. The changing mechanism 68 has three annular pinions 70A, 70B, 70C attached to the three cups 46A, 46B, 46C, a linearly moving slider 72, and a rack (linear gear) 74 provided on the slider 72. Three annular pinions 70A, 70B, 70C are meshed with the rack 74. As shown in FIG. In the state shown in FIG. 7, the rotation angles of the three cups 46A, 46B, 46C are at the second rotation angle. In this state, when the knob 76 provided on the slider 72 is operated to move the slider 72 in the -y direction, the three cups 46A, 46B, and 46C rotate counterclockwise by 90 degrees, and their rotation angles is the first rotation angle. Thereafter, when the knob 76 is operated to move the slider 72 in the +y direction, the three cups 46A, 46B, and 46C rotate clockwise by 90 degrees, and their rotation angle becomes the second rotation angle.

According to such a change mechanism 68, it is possible to collectively set the rotation angles of the three cups only by the operation of the knob. The burden can be greatly reduced. Mechanisms other than those shown in FIG. 7 may be used. Alternatively, a drive source may be provided to electrically rotate the cup. If the probe holder is provided on the operation panel, operability will be improved. However, it is also conceivable to provide the probe holder on a member (apparatus main body, stand, etc.) other than the operation panel.

10 ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, 16 operation panel, 24 frame, 28 probe holder, 34A, 34B, 34C holding portion, 36, 100 recess, 42 vertical hole, 46 cup.

Claims (8)

an operation panel;
a probe holder provided on the operation panel;
including
The probe holder is
a vertical hole row composed of a plurality of vertical holes arranged in the depth direction of the operation panel;
a recess extending in the depth direction that traverses the upper portion of the vertical hole row and holds a probe having a horizontal orientation;
including
Each vertical hole is for holding a probe having a vertical posture,
The recess is
an intermediate recess portion provided between every two adjacent vertical holes in the vertical hole row;
a front recessed portion provided on the front side of the row of vertical holes in the depth direction;
a rear recessed portion provided on the rear side of the row of vertical holes in the depth direction;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1,
each of the intermediate recessed portion, the front recessed portion, and the rear recessed portion has a bottom surface curved in a cylindrical surface,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2,
Each of the plurality of vertical holes is provided with an inner member for holding the probe having the vertical posture,
A groove structure is provided in the upper part of each inner member for allowing the probe having the lateral posture to pass through,
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3,
the groove structure of each inner member includes a pair of grooves provided in the upper portion of each inner member;
The probe having the lateral posture is held in a state in which the pair of grooves in the intermediate recessed portion, the front recessed portion, the rear recessed portion, and the inner members are aligned in a row.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3,
at least one inner member among the plurality of inner members sandwiches the probe having the lateral posture;
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4,
Each inner member is
a pair of walls provided between the pair of grooves in the upper part of each inner member;
a slit through which a cable extending from the probe having the vertical posture passes;
including
The slit communicates with one of the pair of grooves of each inner member,
The probe having the vertical posture is held by each of the inner members in a state in which the plurality of recessed portions forming the recess and the pair of walls of each of the inner members are aligned in a row.
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3,
A changing mechanism is provided for collectively changing the rotation angles of the plurality of inner members,
The change mechanism rotates each inner member to a first rotation angle when holding the probe having the vertical posture, and rotates each inner member to a second rotation angle when holding the probe having the horizontal posture. is a mechanism to
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus characterized by: a vertical hole row consisting of a plurality of vertical holes arranged in the depth direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus;
a recess extending in the depth direction that traverses the upper portion of the vertical hole row and holds a probe having a horizontal orientation;
including
Each vertical hole is for holding a probe having a vertical posture,
The recess is
an intermediate hollow portion provided between every two adjacent vertical holes in the vertical hole row;
a front recessed portion provided on the front side of the row of vertical holes in the depth direction;
a rear recessed portion provided on the rear side of the row of vertical holes in the depth direction;
including,
An ultrasonic diagnostic probe holder characterized by:

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