KR101089744B1 - Ultrasonic diagnosis device - Google Patents

Abstract

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes an ultrasonic probe for performing ultrasonic diagnosis, a display unit on which information obtained by the ultrasonic probe is displayed, and a keyboard panel provided with a plurality of buttons for operating the ultrasonic probe. Device body; And a foot switch detachably fixed to the apparatus main body and selectively performing at least some of the functions of the plurality of buttons provided on the keyboard panel by the foot operation of the use place. According to the present invention, a foot switch can be fixedly coupled to the device body so that the foot switch can be used directly without a separate installation process, thereby eliminating the process of coupling and detaching the foot switch to the device body. have.

Ultrasonic diagnostic device, keyboard panel, footswitch, insert, fixed

Description

Ultrasonic diagnostic device {ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSIS DEVICE}

The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to a foot switch (foot switch) can be fixedly coupled to the apparatus main body and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that can use the foot switch directly without a separate installation process.

In general, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus for imaging an internal tissue of a subject by using sound waves (2 to 20 MHz), that is, ultrasonic signals that are reflected on an inspected object at a frequency that cannot be heard by a human. Ultrasound may be capable of such imaging because the reflectance at the boundary between two different materials is different.

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, after the ultrasonic probe sends an ultrasonic signal to the inside of the subject, the ultrasonic probe receives a response signal reflected back from each tissue in the subject, and reconstructs the response signal received by the ultrasonic probe A cross-sectional view of the inspection site irradiated with the ultrasonic signal can be made. This cross-sectional image is output to the monitor of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and by examining the cross-sectional image of the monitor, it is possible to visually check the internal organization of the inspected object. Therefore, in the medical field, an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus may be used to determine a disease state of a patient.

1 is a view schematically showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a conventional embodiment.

As shown in the drawing, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of ultrasound probes 20 for performing ultrasound diagnosis, a display unit 30, a keyboard panel 40, and the like. The main body 10 includes a foot switch 50 connected to the apparatus main body 10 by a cable 11 to perform an auxiliary function of the keyboard panel 40.

As illustrated, the keyboard panel 40 is equipped with a plurality of buttons 41. These buttons 41 may perform a freeze function for temporarily stopping an image and an update function for updating information when diagnosing a subject under test using the ultrasound probe 20. .

On the other hand, the foot switch 50 is provided to be pushed to perform the function of the buttons 41 provided in the keyboard panel 40 to assist. For example, it may be difficult for the operator to manipulate the buttons 41 of the keyboard panel 40 by hand when diagnosing the subject with the ultrasonic probe 20 held, in which case the foot switch 50 is operated by foot. Thus, the operator can easily perform the desired function.

However, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the conventional embodiment, in order to use the foot switch 50, the operator before using the cable 11 connected to the foot switch 50 to the apparatus main body 10 There is a hassle to be connected, and after use, the foot switch 50 is inconvenient to be stored separately from the device body 10.

In addition, since the cable 11 of the foot switch 50 is disposed outside the device body 10, a person or an object may be caught while moving, which may cause damage to the cable 11, thereby properly performing electrical transmission and reception. A problem that does not come up can occur.

Accordingly, there is a need for the development of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a new structure that can solve these problems.

An object of the present invention, the foot switch (foot switch) can be fixedly coupled to the device body can be used directly the foot switch without a separate installation process, thereby eliminating the process of coupling and detaching the foot switch to the device body It is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device that can be.

In addition, another object of the present invention, by preventing the exposure of the cable that electrically connects the foot switch and the device body to the outside, it is possible to prevent the user or an object caught on the cable, thereby damaging the cable It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of preventing occurrence of a failure in transmission and reception.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasound probe for performing an ultrasound diagnosis, a display unit on which information obtained by the ultrasound probe is displayed, and a keyboard panel including a plurality of buttons for operating the ultrasound probe. an apparatus body having a keyboard panel; And a foot switch detachably fixed to the apparatus body and selectively performing at least some of the functions of the plurality of buttons provided on the keyboard panel by foot operation of a user's workplace. With this configuration, the foot switch can be fixedly coupled to the device body so that the foot switch can be used directly without a separate installation process, thereby eliminating the process of combining and disconnecting the switch to the device body. .

The lower end of the apparatus main body is provided with a mounting groove that is formed to be recessed to correspond to the shape of the foot switch so that the foot switch is inserted and mounted, which causes the cable that electrically connects the foot switch and the apparatus main body to the outside By preventing exposure, the user or object can be prevented from being caught in the cable, thereby preventing the cable from being damaged and thus preventing electrical transmission and reception.

In the mounting groove, the foot switch is supported and is equipped with a sliding support which is slidably moved forward of the apparatus body, thereby allowing the foot switch mounted on the sliding support to enter and exit from the mounting groove.

The front and rear ends of the sliding support are formed with a support protrusion for supporting the foot switch protruding from the surface, thereby enhancing the fixing force of the foot switch to the sliding support.

The foot switch may be electrically connected to a cable exposed through the inside of the device body to the mounting groove, and the cable may be provided in the device body to be drawn out from the mounting groove or to be drawn into the inside.

The device body is equipped with a pull button to be performed by the pressing operation of the cable, it is possible to perform the cable entry process smoothly.

The foot switch includes a pair of left and right switch members that can be pressed, and a preset function may be performed in a setup process among the functions of the plurality of buttons according to a pressing operation of the switch member.

According to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, a foot switch can be fixedly coupled to the apparatus main body so that the foot switch can be used directly without a separate installation process. The binding and separation process can be ruled out.

In addition, another object of the present invention, by preventing the exposure of the cable that electrically connects the foot switch and the device body to the outside, it is possible to prevent the user or an object caught on the cable, thereby damaging the cable It is possible to prevent a failure in transmission and reception.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail with respect to the configuration and operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. The following description is one of several aspects of the patentable invention and the following description forms part of the detailed description of the invention.

In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a view showing a state in which the foot switch shown in Figure 2 is mounted in the mounting groove formed in the lower end of the device body, Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a state in which the foot switch shown in FIG. 3 slides forward from the mounting groove, and FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a state in which the foot switch shown in FIG. 3 is separated from the apparatus main body.

As shown in these figures, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the device body 110 is mounted with a plurality of configurations, the device is inserted into the lower end of the device body 110 is fixed It includes a foot switch (150, foot switch) to perform a secondary function of the keyboard panel 140 provided in the main body 110.

First, as shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 110 includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes 120 for performing an ultrasonic diagnosis, and a display unit 130 for displaying information obtained by the ultrasonic probes 120 and the like. And a keyboard panel 140 provided with a plurality of buttons 141 for manipulating the ultrasonic probe 120.

Referring to each configuration, the plurality of ultrasonic probes 120, as shown in Figure 2, is connected to the device main body 110 by each cable 121, the shape and thickness of the test subject to be diagnosed Or an appropriate one is selected according to the density and the like.

The information obtained as a result of the diagnosis of the ultrasound probe 120 is displayed on the display 130 after a predetermined process. That is, the information captured by the ultrasound probe 120 is displayed on the display 130 in real time, so that the operator can check the state of the subject.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the keyboard panel 140 includes a plurality of buttons 141, and the plurality of buttons 141 may implement various other functions.

In this regard, the buttons 141 of the keyboard panel 140 may freeze a function to temporarily freeze an image and update information when diagnosing a subject under examination using the ultrasound probe 120. An update function, a record function for recording information, a print function for printing information, or a store function for storing information may be performed.

However, as described above, it may be difficult for the operator to manipulate the buttons 141 of the keyboard panel 140 by hand when diagnosing the subject under the state of holding the ultrasound probe 120. In order to solve the problem, the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 100 of the present exemplary embodiment further includes a foot switch 150 that performs the above function auxiliary.

2 and 4, the foot switch 150 of the present embodiment is electrically connected to a cable 111 embedded in the apparatus main body 110, and recessed from an outer surface of the apparatus main body 110. It may be inserted and fixed in the formed mounting groove 160.

As shown in FIG. 2, the foot switch 150 includes a pair of left and right switch members 151. Accordingly, by selectively pressing the pair of switch members 151, the functions of the above-described buttons 141 may be performed auxiliary.

That is, in the set-up process, if the pressing operation of the foot switch 150 is set to replace the freeze function by the button 141, the foot switch is not pressed but the button 141 of the keyboard panel 140. By pressing the switch member 151 of the 150 can perform the freeze function.

As shown in FIG. 3, the foot switch 150 may be manufactured to correspond to the shape of the mounting groove 160 and inserted into the mounting groove 160 to be fixed.

Due to this coupling structure, the foot switch 150 can be firmly maintained without moving arbitrarily when coupled to the device body 110. In addition, it is inserted and fixed inside the mounting groove 160 so that it is not exposed to external interference so that the user or an object may not be caught while moving, and the mounting state can be maintained as it is. A separate process of disassembly can be ruled out.

On the other hand, the foot switch 150 of the present embodiment is detachably coupled to the sliding support 170 provided in the mounting groove 160, not only can be disposed inside the mounting groove 160 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the mounting groove 160 may be disposed in a state in which the predetermined portion emerges forward. Accordingly, the user can appropriately adjust the position of the foot switch 150 according to his convenience.

That is, when the foot switch 150 is not used, the foot switch 150 may be adjusted to be positioned inside the mounting groove 160 to prevent interference with the foot switch 150. In the case of using the foot switch 150, the ease of use can be improved by operating the sliding support 170 to use the foot switch 150 in a state in which the foot switch 150 is pulled out from the mounting groove 160.

The sliding support 170 for adjusting the position of the foot switch 150 may be operated by any one of the buttons 141 of the keyboard panel 140. That is, the user can control the entrance and exit of the sliding support 170 to the mounting groove 160 by pressing the corresponding button, thereby adjusting the position of the foot switch 150 supported by the sliding support 170. .

On the other hand, when supporting the foot switch 150 to the sliding support 170, in order to strengthen the mutual support, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the front and rear ends of the sliding support 170 is supported. The protrusion 171 may protrude. The support protrusions 171 support the front and rear ends of the foot switch 150, and thus, when the foot switch 150 is loaded on the sliding support 170, the fixing force may be maintained.

However, the supporting structure of the foot switch 150 with respect to the sliding support 170 is not limited thereto, and may be provided in other structures as well.

In addition, referring to FIG. 5, if desired by the user, the foot switch 150 may be disposed in an outer region of the apparatus body 110. In other words, the user may separate the foot switch 150 from the sliding support 170 and then use the foot switch 150 by placing the foot switch 150 in a convenient place.

At this time, when the cable 111 is pulled together with the foot switch 150, the cable 111 may come out to a desired length to the outside.

Then, after use, the foot switch 150 should be introduced into the mounting groove 160 again. For this purpose, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 100 of the present embodiment has a structure capable of pulling the cable 111 inwards. A pull button (not shown) for executing such an operation may be further provided.

In detail, when the foot switch 150 is drawn out of the device body 110, the user may pull out the cable 111, but on the contrary, the foot switch 150 may be inserted into the mounting groove of the device body 110. In the case of drawing inside, the operation may be performed by pressing a pull button.

For example, in order to pull the exposed cable in the main body into the main body, when the button is pushed inward, the cable is automatically pulled inward. When the pull button of the present embodiment is pressed, the cable 111 and the foot connected thereto are pressed. The switch 150 may be pulled into the mounting groove 160 to couple the foot switch 150 to the sliding support 170 provided in the mounting groove 160. At this time, the pulling length of the cable 111 may be adjusted according to the time when the pull button is pressed.

Although not shown, protrusions (not shown) protruding elastically from the surface are mounted on both side walls of the inner wall constituting the mounting groove 160, and protrusion protrusions on the outer surface of the foot switch 150 corresponding thereto. The locking groove (not shown) that can be locked is formed in a depression.

Therefore, when the foot switch 150 is inserted, the protrusions on the mounting groove 160 can be held in the locking groove of the foot switch 150, and thus the foot switch 150 in the mounting groove 160. ) Position can be maintained firmly.

However, at this time, when removing the foot switch 150 from the mounting groove 160, a separate button for pulling the protrusions to the inside of both side walls of the mounting groove 160, so that the locking groove can be easily separated from the protrusions (not shown) ) May be provided, or it may be easy to disengage the foot switch 150 to the device body 110 by the curved portion of the protrusion and the engaging groove.

Hereinafter, a method of using the foot switch 150 of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus 100 having such a configuration will be described.

First, in order to use the foot switch 150 built in the mounting groove 160 of the apparatus main body 110, by pressing the button for driving the sliding support 170, the foot switch 150 together with the sliding support 170 Slide forward.

Then, through the set-up process, the application function of the foot switch 150 is selected. For example, when the function of the foot switch 150 is set to perform a function as a storage button 141 for storing information obtained by the ultrasonic probe 120, the operation of the foot switch 150 is performed. By the ultrasound probe 120 may perform the information obtained as a result of the diagnosis.

When the use of the foot switch 150 is completed, the sliding support 170 is operated again to introduce the foot switch 150 into the mounting groove 160.

As such, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the foot switch 150 can be fixedly coupled to the device body 110, so that the foot switch 150 can be used directly without a separate installation process, and thus the device body ( There is an advantage that can exclude the process of coupling and disconnecting the foot switch 150 to 110.

In addition, the cable 111 that electrically connects the foot switch 150 and the device body 110 may be prevented from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing the user or an object from being caught by the cable 111. Accordingly, there is an effect that can be prevented in advance that the cable 111 is damaged to prevent the transmission and reception of electrical.

In addition, if the user wants, the foot switch 150 can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 110 to be used, thereby providing convenience for the user.

As described above, the present invention has been described by specific embodiments such as specific components and the like. For those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, various modifications and variations are possible. Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described, and all of the equivalents or equivalents of the claims, as well as the following claims, belong to the scope of the present invention .

1 is a view schematically showing the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a conventional embodiment.

2 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a view showing a state in which the foot switch shown in Figure 2 is mounted in the mounting groove formed in the lower end of the device body.

4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the foot switch shown in FIG. 3 slides forward from the mounting groove.

5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the foot switch shown in FIG. 3 is separated from the apparatus main body.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 110: apparatus body

120: ultrasonic probe 130: display unit

140: keyboard panel 150: foot switch

160: mounting groove 170: sliding support

Claims (7)

An apparatus body having an ultrasonic probe for performing an ultrasonic diagnosis, a display unit on which information obtained by the ultrasonic probe is displayed, and a keyboard panel including a plurality of buttons for operating the ultrasonic probe; And A foot switch detachably fixed to the apparatus body and selectively performing at least some of the functions of the plurality of buttons provided on the keyboard panel by a user's foot operation; Including, Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided in the lower end of the device body is provided with a mounting groove so that the foot switch is inserted. The method of claim 1, And the mounting groove is recessed to correspond to the shape of the foot switch. 3. The method of claim 2, The foot groove is supported by the mounting groove, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is equipped with a sliding support which is slidable forward of the device body. The method of claim 3, Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is formed in the front end and the rear end of the sliding support of the support protrusion for supporting the foot switch protruding from the surface. 3. The method of claim 2, The foot switch is electrically connected to the cable exposed through the interior of the device body to the mounting groove, The cable is provided in the device body so that the cable can be drawn out from the mounting groove to the outside or the inside. The method of claim 5, The apparatus main body is equipped with a pull button which is carried out by pressing the pull-in operation of the cable. The method of claim 1, The foot switch includes a left and right pair of switch members that can be pressed, According to a selective pressing operation of the pair of switch members, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is performed in the set-up process of the function of the plurality of buttons is performed in advance.

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