Cart for medical instruments

Abstract

The invention provides a medical instrument cart capable of easily ensuring weight balance and improving workability of a user. The cart includes a caster portion, a pillar, a mounting portion, and a connector. The caster part is provided with four casters arranged on the front, back, left and right sides. The lower end of the support column is installed on the caster part, and the support column extends upwards. The pillar is disposed rearward of the center of the caster portion in the front-rear direction. The mounting part is attached to the upper end of the pillar and has an ultrasonic diagnostic device mounted thereon. A battery unit is connected to the connector, supplies power to the ultrasonic diagnostic device, and is disposed in front of the pillar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to a cart for medical equipment. Background Art

[0002] Medical equipment carts carrying medical equipment are used in medical settings. These carts are extremely useful for transporting patients between multiple patients during rounds. For example, a medical equipment cart consists of four casters located in the front, back, left, and right corners; a support column with a lower end attached to the caster column and extending upward; and a carrying portion attached to the upper end of the support column and carrying the medical equipment. Furthermore, the cart is equipped with a battery unit that supplies power to the medical equipment.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a medical equipment cart in which the lower end of a support column is mounted approximately at the center of the caster portion in the front-back, left-right, and right-left directions. The medical equipment cart described in Patent Document 1 includes a battery mounted on the main body of an ultrasonic diagnostic device, serving as the medical device. Furthermore, the main body is positioned on the base of the caster portion, located behind the support column.

[0004] The medical equipment cart described in Patent Document 2 has a battery mounted on a battery box body. This body includes a power converter that converts DC power from the battery into AC power for commercial use, and a power outlet that supplies AC power to the medical equipment. Furthermore, the battery box body is mounted on the base of the caster on the rear side of the support column (see the third embodiment of Patent Document 2).

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-070380

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-086325

[0007] The carrying portion carries medical equipment of a certain weight (e.g., several kilograms). Therefore, considering weight balance, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the preferred mounting position for the support column is approximately in the center of the caster portion in the front-back, left-right, and right-left directions. However, if the support column is located approximately in the center of the caster portion in the front-back, left-right, and right-left directions, the user's legs may collide with the support column, making operation difficult. Therefore, a structure that easily ensures weight balance and improves user operability is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One embodiment of the technology according to the present invention provides a medical equipment cart that can easily ensure weight balance and improve user workability.

[0009] The medical equipment cart of the present invention comprises: a caster portion having a plurality of casters arranged in the front, rear, left and right directions; a support column having a lower end mounted on the caster portion, extending upward, and arranged further rearward than the center of the caster portion in the front-to-back direction; a carrying portion mounted on the upper end of the support column and carrying the medical equipment; and a connector to which a battery unit is connected, the battery unit supplies power to the medical equipment, and is arranged in front of the support column.

[0010] Preferably, the caster portion includes two side beams on which front and rear casters are mounted and which extend in the front-rear direction, and the battery unit is disposed between the two side beams when the battery unit is connected to the connector.

[0011] Preferably, a holding mechanism for detachably holding the battery unit is provided on the side member.

[0012] Preferably, the holding mechanism includes a guide rail that guides the sliding battery unit toward the connector from the front.

[0013] Preferably, when the battery cell is connected to the connector, the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell and the outer peripheral surface of the side member with which the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell contacts form a single smooth surface.

[0014] Preferably, the caster portion further includes a base connecting the two side beams, the base being arranged rearward of the center of the caster portion in the front-rear direction, and the lower end of the support column being attached to the base.

[0015] Preferably, the connector is provided on the base, and when the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit is arranged between the two side beams and the base.

[0016] Preferably, the rear end portion of the chassis is located forward of the rear end portion of the side member.

[0017] Preferably, the cross-sectional shapes of the battery unit and the base perpendicular to the front-rear direction are the same.

[0018] Preferably, when the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit protrudes upward and downward from the side member when viewed from the front.

[0019] Preferably, when the battery unit is connected to the connector, the center of gravity of the battery unit is located below the upper surface of the side member in the vertical direction when viewed from the front.

[0020] Preferably, when the battery unit is connected to the connector, the center of gravity of the battery unit is located between the upper surface and the lower surface of the side member in the vertical direction when viewed from the front.

[0021] Preferably, when the battery unit is connected to the connector, left and right side surfaces of a portion of the battery unit protruding below the side member are inclined toward a side opposite to the caster when viewed from the front.

[0022] Preferably, the outline of the mounting portion is accommodated within the outline of the caster portion when viewed from above.

[0023] Preferably, the battery unit is for additional use.

[0024] Preferably, the connector can be connected to multiple types of battery cells with different capacities and sizes.

[0025] Preferably, the medical device is an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the technology of the present invention, it is possible to provide a medical equipment cart that can easily ensure weight balance and improve user workability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the ultrasonic diagnostic system showing a state in which a battery unit is mounted on a cart for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the ultrasonic diagnostic system showing a state in which the battery unit is removed from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart.

[0030] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic system.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a top view of the caster part.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a front view of a cart for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a top view of a cart for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment.

[0034] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing that multiple types of battery cells can be connected to the connector.

[0035] Explanation of symbols

[0036] 10-Ultrasonic diagnostic system, 11-Ultrasonic diagnostic device, 12-Ultrasonic diagnostic device cart (cart), 15-Castor, 16-Pillar, 17-Carrying part, 18-Castor, 19-Lower end of pillar, 20-Upper end of pillar, 21-Handle, 25-Display, 26-Operation part, 27, 34-Battery, 30-Side beam, 31-Base, 32-Connector, 33, 33A, 33B, 33C-Battery unit, 35-Space, 40-Holding mechanism, 41-Guide rail, 42-Flange, 43-Lid, 45, 46-Left and right sides of battery unit, 47-Side Upper surface of the beam, 48-boundary, 50-rear end portion of the base, 51-rear end portion of the side beam, 55-portion of the battery unit extending toward the upper side of the side beam, 56-portion of the battery unit extending toward the lower side of the side beam (lower portion), 57-lower surface of the side beam, 58, 59-left and right side surfaces of the lower portion, 65-outline of the carrying portion, 66-outline of the caster portion, C1-center of the caster portion in the front-to-back direction, C2-center of the base in the front-to-back, left-to-right and left-right directions, CG-center of gravity of the battery unit, L1-line consistent with the upper surface of the side beam, L2-line consistent with the lower surface of the side beam, U-user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] [First embodiment]

[0038] As an example, Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasound diagnostic system 10 comprises an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 11 and an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus cart (hereinafter referred to as a cart) 12. As the name suggests, the cart 12 is a cart dedicated to the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 11 and includes casters 15, a support column 16, and a carrying portion 17. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 11 is an example of a "medical device" within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the cart 12 is an example of a "medical device cart" within the scope of the present invention.

[0039] The caster unit 15 is located on the lower side (ground side). The caster unit 15 has four casters 18, located front, back, left, and right. The casters 18 are located at the four vertices of a rectangle formed by two long sides parallel to the front-back direction and two short sides parallel to the left-right direction. The casters 18 rotate 360 ​​degrees around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. These casters 18 enable the cart 12 to be moved within the medical facility. Here, "front" or "front" refers to the side that the user U approaches when operating the ultrasound diagnostic device 11. "Rear" or "rear" refers to the side opposite to the side that the user U approaches when operating the ultrasound diagnostic device 11. "Left and right" refers to left and right when viewed from the "front" or "front." Furthermore, "upper and lower," "above," or "lower" refers to up and down in the vertical direction. Furthermore, "parallel" as used herein refers not only to completely parallel but also to parallelism, including a degree of error that is generally tolerated in the technical field to which the technology of this invention pertains and does not deviate from the technical spirit of this invention.

[0040] The support column 16 is substantially quadrangular in shape, with its lower end 19 attached to the caster portion 15. The support column 16 extends upward from the lower end 19, and its upper end 20 is attached to the mounting portion 17. The support column 16 and the mounting portion 17 can be raised or lowered according to the height of the user U. Furthermore, the support column 16 is not limited to a substantially quadrangular shape and may also be substantially hexagonal or cylindrical.

[0041] The carrying portion 17 is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped table on which the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11 is detachably mounted. The carrying portion 17 is tilted downward from the rear to the front, making it easier for the user U to operate the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11. Furthermore, a handle 21 is attached to the carrying portion 17 in a manner surrounding the carrying portion 17. The handle 21 is gripped by the user U when moving the cart 12. Alternatively, the handle 21 may be attached to a portion of the carrying portion 17, such as at the front or rear. Furthermore, the handle 21 may be omitted.

[0042] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 11 has a structure similar to that of a notebook personal computer, integrating a display 25, an operating unit 26, a battery 27, and a computer (not shown). The display 25 displays menu screens and ultrasonic image display screens, among other things. The operating unit 26 is composed of a touch panel, a trackball, and various switches, and is operated by the user U. The display 25 and the operating unit 26 are connected by a hinge, allowing them to be opened for use as shown in the figure, or folded and carried. An ultrasonic probe (not shown) and other devices are connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11. The term "computer" refers to a computer in which a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), the processor's working memory, and storage devices such as a hard disk are interconnected via a bus.

[0043] The battery 27 is rechargeable and is built into the operation unit 26. The battery 27 supplies power to each unit of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11. The operating time of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 using the battery 27 is, for example, 1 to 2 hours.

[0044] The caster unit 15 includes the caster 18, a side beam 30, and a base 31. The side beams 30 are two rods that are mounted with the front and rear casters 18 and extend in the front-to-back direction. The base 31 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped block connecting the two side beams 30. The base 31 is arranged at a position slightly larger than the center C1 in the front-to-back direction of the caster unit 15 (see also FIG. 1 ). Figure 4 ) is further to the rear side. And, the center is aligned with the center C2 of the front, rear, left, and right directions of the base 31 (also refer to Figure 4 ) is mounted so as to be aligned with the lower end 19 of the support column 16. Therefore, the support column 16 is arranged further rearward than the center C1 in the front-rear direction of the caster portion 15. In addition, the center C1 is also the center of the caster portion 15 in the left-right direction.

[0045] The base 31 is provided with a connector 32 (refer to Figure 3 The connector 32 is electrically and mechanically connected to a battery unit 33. The battery unit 33 has a built-in rechargeable battery 34 (refer to Figure 1 ) and a power conversion unit (not shown) that converts DC power from the battery 34 into AC power for commercial power. The battery unit 33 supplies power from the battery 34 to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11 mounted on the mounting portion 17 via the connector 32. The battery unit 33 is a supplementary device used to supplement power in the battery 27 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11. The operating time of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11 using this battery unit 33 is, for example, 8 to 12 hours.

[0046] When the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the battery unit 33 is arranged in front of the pillar 16. More specifically, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the battery unit 33 is arranged between the two side beams 30. More specifically, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the battery unit 33 is arranged between the two side beams 30 and the base 31. In other words, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the battery unit 33 is arranged in the space 35 on the front side of the pillar 16 surrounded by the two side beams 30 and the base 31 (see FIG. 35 ). Figure 4 )Inside.

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a holding mechanism 40 for detachably holding the battery unit 33 is provided on the side beam 30. The holding mechanism 40 includes a guide rail 41 (see also Figure 4 The flanges 42 mounted on both left and right ends of the battery unit 33 are placed on the guide rails 41 (see Figure 3 To install the battery unit 33, after removing the cover 43 from the front surface of the base 31, the flange 42 is placed on the guide rail 41, slightly spaced from the base 31 in the front-to-back direction. The battery unit 33 is then slid along the guide rail 41 from front to back until it connects to the connector 32. Finally, the guide rail 41 and flange 42 are secured with several screws. The battery unit 33 is installed by service personnel of the manufacturer of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10, in response to the request of the user U who purchased the battery unit 33 as an additional system.

[0048] When viewed from the front, the battery cell 33 has a curved shape without corners on the outer peripheral surface (see FIG. Figure 5 ). And, if Figure 1 As shown, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the left and right side surfaces 45 and 46 of the battery unit 33 and the upper surface 47 of the side beam 30 contacted by the side surfaces 45 and 46 form a smooth surface (see also Figure 5 ). In other words, the battery cell 33 and the side member 30 are smoothly connected by a continuous surface. Furthermore, in other words, there is no protrusion at the boundary 48 between the side surfaces 45 and 46 of the battery cell 33 and the upper surface 47 of the side member 30. However, a slight gap may exist between the components of the side member 30 and the battery cell 33 at the boundary 48. The side surfaces 45 and 46 are examples of the "outer peripheral surface of the battery cell" involved in the technology of the present invention. Furthermore, the upper surface 47 is an example of the "outer peripheral surface of the side member" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, the cross-sectional shapes of the base 31 and the battery cell 33 perpendicular to the front-to-back direction are identical. Here, the cross-sectional shapes of the battery cell 33 and the base 31 perpendicular to the front-to-back direction are exemplified as being substantially hexagonal. The term "identical" as used herein refers not only to being completely identical but also to being identical in the sense of including a degree of error that is generally permitted in the technical field to which the technology of the present invention pertains and does not deviate from the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 1 Indicates the state where the battery unit 33 is installed. Figure 2 Indicates the state where the battery unit 33 is removed. And, Figure 3 FIG1 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic diagnostic system 10 (ie, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11, the cart 12, and the battery unit 33). Figure 1 In the state of , the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 is operated by the power from the battery unit 33. Figure 2 In the state, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 is operated by the power from its own battery 27. Figure 1 In the state, a cover 43 is installed on the front surface of the battery unit 33. Figure 2 In the state, a cover 43 is installed on the front surface of the base 31. That is, the cover 43 is shared by the battery unit 33 and the base 31. Figure 1 In the state of the battery unit 33, the cover 43 is provided with an indicator to inform the user U of the remaining amount of the battery 34.

[0051] As an example, Figure 4 As shown, the rear end 50 of the base 31 is located further forward than the rear end 51 of the side member 30. Therefore, strictly speaking, the caster portion 15 is not U-shaped, but rather H-shaped with the horizontal bar significantly offset to one side. Furthermore, the base 31 and support column 16 are located further forward than the two rear casters 18.

[0052] As an example, Figure 5 As shown, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the battery unit 33 protrudes vertically from the side member 30 when viewed from the front. The portion 55 of the battery unit 33 protruding toward the upper side of the side member 30 and the portion 56 of the battery unit 33 protruding toward the lower side of the side member 30 (hereinafter referred to as the lower portion) have substantially the same width (height) in the vertical direction.

[0053] When the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the center of gravity CG of the battery unit is located below the upper surface 47 of the side member 30 in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. Specifically, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the center of gravity CG of the battery unit 33 is located between the upper surface 47 and the lower surface 57 of the side member 30 in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. Reference numeral L1 denotes a line aligned with the upper surface 47 of the side member 30, and reference numeral L2 denotes a line aligned with the lower surface 57 of the side member 30.

[0054] The left and right side surfaces 58 and 59 of the lower portion 56 face the caster 18. When viewed from the front, the side surfaces 58 and 59 are inclined toward the side opposite to the caster 18. In other words, when viewed from the front, the lower portion 56 has a shape that tapers downward.

[0055] When viewing the cart 12 from above Figure 6 In the embodiment, the outline 65 of the mounting portion 17 is contained within the outline 66 of the caster portion 15. Here, the outline 65 of the mounting portion 17 is a rectangle that surrounds the outermost perimeter of the substantially rectangular plate-shaped platform that constitutes the mounting portion 17, excluding the handle 21. Furthermore, the outline 66 of the caster portion 15 is a rectangle that surrounds the outermost perimeter of the caster 18 and the side member 30.

[0056] As an example, Figure 7 As shown, three types of battery cells 33A, 33B and 33C can be connected to the connector 32. Battery cell 33A is Figure 1In the battery unit 33 shown in FIG. 1 , the battery 34 has the largest capacity and size among the battery units 33A to 33C. The battery 34 in the battery unit 33B has a smaller capacity and size than the battery unit 33A and a larger capacity and size than the battery unit 33C. The battery 34 in the battery unit 33C has the smallest capacity and size among the battery units 33A to 33C.

[0057] As described above, the cart 12 includes a caster unit 15, a support column 16, a carrying portion 17, and a connector 32. The caster unit 15 has four casters 18 disposed in the front, rear, and left and right positions. The support column 16 has a lower end 19 mounted on the caster unit 15 and extends upward. The support column 16 is positioned further rearward than the center C1 of the caster unit 15 in the front-to-back direction. The carrying portion 17 is mounted on the upper end 20 of the support column 16 and carries the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11. The connector 32 is connected to a battery unit 33, which supplies power to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 11 and is positioned in front of the support column 16.

[0058] By positioning the support column 16 further rearward than the center C1 of the caster portion 15 in the front-to-back direction, the risk of the user U's legs hitting the support column 16 during work can be reduced. Furthermore, by positioning the battery unit 33 in front of the support column 16, the loss of weight balance caused by shifting the support column 16's mounting position further rearward than the center C1 can be corrected. Therefore, the cart 12 facilitates maintaining weight balance and improves the workability of the user U.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, etc., the caster unit 15 includes two side beams 30 extending in the front-to-rear direction, to which front and rear casters 18 are mounted. Furthermore, when a battery unit 33 is connected to a connector 32, the battery unit 33 is positioned between the two side beams 30. Placing the battery unit 33 between the two side beams 30 positions the center of gravity of the cart 12 further downward, thereby achieving a more stable weight balance. Furthermore, since the battery unit 33 is sandwiched between the two side beams 30, it is protected from the user's legs, the walls of the medical facility, and the like.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the side member 30 is provided with a holding mechanism 40 that detachably holds the battery unit 33. The side member 30 not only holds the caster 18 but also holds the battery unit 33, and thus can be made compact.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the holding mechanism 40 includes a guide rail 41 for guiding the battery unit 33 to slide from the front toward the connector 32. Therefore, the workability when attaching the battery unit 33 can be improved.

[0062] like Figure 1As shown in the figures, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the side surfaces 45 and 46 of the battery unit 33 and the upper surface 47 of the side member 30 with which the side surfaces 45 and 46 contact form a single smooth surface. Therefore, when the battery unit 33 is installed, the appearance is clean, thereby improving the design of the cart 12. Furthermore, dust and other dirt adhering to the boundary 48 between the side surfaces 45 and 46 and the upper surface 47 are not caught when wiping with a cloth, making cleaning easy.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the caster unit 15 further includes a base 31 connecting the two side beams 30. The base 31 is located further rearward than the center C1 in the front-rear direction of the caster unit 15, and the lower end 19 of the support column 16 is attached to the base 31. Therefore, the support column 16 can be stably held.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the connector 32 is provided on the base 31. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, it is positioned between the two side beams 30 and the base 31. By positioning the battery unit 33 between the two side beams 30 and the base 31, the center of gravity of the cart 12 is positioned further downward, thereby achieving a more stable weight balance. Furthermore, since the battery unit 33 is surrounded by the two side beams 30 and the base 31, it is protected from the user's legs, the walls of the medical facility, and the like.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the rear end portion 50 of the base 31 is located further forward than the rear end portion 51 of the side member 30. Therefore, the weight balance can be stabilized compared to a case where the rear end portion 50 of the base 31 is located at the same position as the rear end portion 51 of the side member 30 and the center of gravity of the cart 12 is shifted further rearward.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the battery unit 33 and the base 31, perpendicular to the front-back direction, is identical. Therefore, when the battery unit 33 is installed, the appearance of the cart 12 is unified, thereby enhancing the design of the cart 12. Furthermore, the shape of the base 31 can indicate to service personnel the installation position of the battery unit 33, allowing service personnel to install the battery unit 33 without hesitation. Furthermore, components such as the cover 43 can be shared between the base 31 and the battery unit 33, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0067] like Figure 5As shown, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, it extends upward and downward from the side member 30 when viewed from the front. Therefore, compared to a case where the battery unit 33 extends entirely above the side member 30, more space is secured above the side member 30, allowing for installation of, for example, a tray for disposal instruments within the secured space. Furthermore, compared to a case where the battery unit 33 extends entirely below the side member 30, the frequency of friction between the battery unit 33 and protruding surfaces of the floor can be reduced.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, when the battery unit 33 is connected to the connector 32, the center of gravity CG of the battery unit 33 is located below the upper surface 47 of the side member 30 in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. More specifically, the center of gravity CG of the battery unit 33 is located between the upper surface 47 and the lower surface 57 of the side member 30 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the weight balance can be further stabilized.

[0069] And, as Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the front, the left and right side surfaces 58 and 59 of the lower portion 56 of the battery unit 33 are inclined toward the side opposite to the caster 18. Therefore, the risk of the caster 18 hitting the lower portion 56 and hindering the movement of the cart 12 can be reduced.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from above, the outline 65 of the mounting portion 17 is accommodated within the outline 66 of the caster portion 15. Therefore, compared to a case where the outline 65 of the mounting portion 17 is not accommodated within the outline 66 of the caster portion 15, the weight balance can be stabilized regardless of whether the battery unit 33 is installed.

[0071] The battery unit 33 is provided for additional use. Therefore, the operating time of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 can be extended compared to the case where only the built-in battery 27 is used.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the connector 32 can connect to multiple types of battery cells 33 with different capacities and sizes. Therefore, the user U can select a type of battery cell 33 that suits their needs. Furthermore, the battery cell 33 can be added as a spare when the cart 12 is purchased, rather than as an additional accessory.

[0073] The medical device is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11. Since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11 is heavier than other medical devices such as a sphygmomanometer or an electrocardiograph, it is more important to ensure weight balance than other medical devices. Therefore, the effect of ensuring weight balance can be greatly exerted.

[0074] The medical device is not limited to the exemplified ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 11. The medical device may be the above-mentioned blood pressure monitor, electrocardiograph, etc., or may be, for example, a radiation generator, a processor of an electronic endoscope, etc.

[0075] The casters 18 are not limited to the four shown in the example. There may be six casters in total, with one between the front and rear casters. There may also be three casters, with one in the center of the front and two on the left and right sides of the rear, or vice versa, with two on the left and right sides of the front and one in the center of the rear.

[0076] In order to reduce the weight of the mounting portion 17 located above and stabilize the weight balance, a groove, a slit, and / or a hole may be formed in the mounting portion 17 .

[0077] The holding mechanism for detachably holding the battery unit 33 is not limited to the holding mechanism 40 including the guide rail 41 as exemplified. For example, the holding mechanism may be formed by grooves parallel to the front-rear direction formed on the left and right side surfaces of the side member 30, and protrusions formed on the left and right side portions of the battery unit 33 that fit into the grooves on the left and right side surfaces of the side member 30.

[0078] The connector 32 may be provided on the side member 30 instead of the base 31. Furthermore, the caster portion 15 may be formed into a U-shape by positioning the rear end portion 50 of the base 31 at the same position as the rear end portion 51 of the side member 30.

[0079] The types of battery cells 33 are not limited to the three shown in the example, but may be two or four or more.

[0080] Based on the above description, the techniques described in the following supplementary notes can be mastered.

[0081] [Supplementary Note 1]

[0082] A medical equipment cart comprising:

[0083] A caster portion having a plurality of casters arranged at the front, back, left and right sides;

[0084] a support column having a lower end mounted on the caster portion, extending upward, and arranged rearward of a center in the front-rear direction of the caster portion;

[0085] a carrying portion, mounted on the upper end of the support column and carrying a medical device; and

[0086] The connector is connected to a battery unit that supplies power to the medical device and is disposed in front of the support.

[0087] [Supplementary Note 2]

[0088] The medical device cart according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0089] The caster portion has two side beams on which the front and rear casters are mounted and which extend in the front-rear direction.

[0090] When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit is arranged between the two side members.

[0091] [Supplementary Note 3]

[0092] The medical device cart according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein:

[0093] The side beam is provided with a holding mechanism for detachably holding the battery unit.

[0094] [Supplementary Note 4]

[0095] The medical device cart according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein:

[0096] The holding mechanism includes a guide rail that guides the battery unit to slide toward the connector from the front.

[0097] [Supplementary Note 5]

[0098] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 4, wherein:

[0099] When the battery cell is connected to the connector, the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell and the outer peripheral surface of the side member with which the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell contacts form a single smooth surface.

[0100] [Supplementary Note 6]

[0101] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 5, wherein:

[0102] The caster part also has a base connecting the two side beams.

[0103] The base is arranged on the rear side relative to the center of the caster portion in the front-rear direction.

[0104] The lower end of the support column is mounted on the base.

[0105] [Supplementary Note 7]

[0106] The medical device cart according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein:

[0107] The connector is arranged on the base,

[0108] When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit is arranged between the two side beams and the base.

[0109] [Supplementary Note 8]

[0110] The medical device cart according to Supplementary Note 6 or 7, wherein:

[0111] The rear end portion of the base is located forward of the rear end portion of the side member.

[0112] [Supplementary Note 9]

[0113] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8, wherein:

[0114] The battery unit and the base have the same cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0115] [Supplementary Note 10]

[0116] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 9, wherein:

[0117] When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit protrudes upward and downward from the side member when viewed from the front.

[0118] [Supplementary Note 11]

[0119] The medical device cart according to Supplementary Item 10, wherein:

[0120] When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the center of gravity of the battery unit is located below the upper surface of the side member in the vertical direction when viewed from the front.

[0121] [Supplementary Note 12]

[0122] The medical device cart according to Supplementary item 10 or 11, wherein:

[0123] When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the center of gravity of the battery unit is located between the upper surface and the lower surface of the side member in the vertical direction when viewed from the front.

[0124] [Supplementary Note 13]

[0125] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 12, wherein:

[0126] When the battery unit is connected to the connector, both left and right side surfaces of the portion of the battery unit protruding below the side member are inclined toward a side opposite to the caster when viewed from the front.

[0127] [Supplementary Note 14]

[0128] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, wherein:

[0129] When viewed from above, the outline of the mounting portion is accommodated within the outline of the caster portion.

[0130] [Supplementary Note 15]

[0131] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 14, wherein:

[0132] The battery unit is for additional use.

[0133] [Supplementary Note 16]

[0134] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 15, wherein:

[0135] The connector can be connected to multiple types of battery cells with different capacities and sizes.

[0136] [Supplementary Note 17]

[0137] The medical device cart according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 16, wherein:

[0138] The medical device is an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0139] The technology of the present invention can also be appropriately combined with the various embodiments and / or various modifications described above. Furthermore, it is of course not limited to the embodiments described above, and various structures can be adopted within the scope of the present invention.

[0140] The records and diagrams shown above are detailed descriptions of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, and are only an example of the technology of the present invention. For example, the description of the above-mentioned structure, function, action and effect is a description of an example of the structure, function, action and effect of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention. Therefore, of course, unnecessary parts can be deleted, new elements can be added or replaced in the records and diagrams shown above without departing from the main purpose of the technology of the present invention. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, descriptions of technical common sense that does not need to be specifically explained when implementing the technology of the present invention have been omitted in the records and diagrams shown above.

[0141] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B." That is, "A and / or B" can mean only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, when three or more items are linked using "and / or," the same concept as "A and / or B" applies.

[0142] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each document, patent application, or technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A medical device cart comprising: A caster portion having a plurality of casters arranged at the front, back, left and right sides; a support column having a lower end mounted on the caster portion, extending upward, and arranged rearward of a center in the front-rear direction of the caster portion; a carrying portion, mounted on the upper end of the support column and carrying a medical device; and The connector is connected to a battery unit that supplies power to the medical device and is disposed in front of the support.

2. The medical equipment cart according to claim 1, wherein: The caster portion has two side beams on which the front and rear casters are mounted and which extend in the front-rear direction. When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit is arranged between the two side members.

3. The medical equipment cart according to claim 2, wherein: The side beam is provided with a holding mechanism for detachably holding the battery unit.

4. The medical equipment cart according to claim 3, wherein: The holding mechanism includes a guide rail that guides the battery unit to slide toward the connector from the front.

5. The medical equipment cart according to claim 2, wherein: When the battery cell is connected to the connector, the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell and the outer peripheral surface of the side member with which the outer peripheral surface of the battery cell contacts form a single smooth surface.

6. The medical equipment cart according to claim 2, wherein: The caster part also has a base connecting the two side beams. The base is arranged on the rear side relative to the center of the caster portion in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the support column is mounted on the base.

7. The medical equipment cart according to claim 6, wherein: The connector is arranged on the base, When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit is arranged between the two side beams and the base.

8. The medical equipment cart according to claim 6, wherein: The rear end portion of the base is located forward of the rear end portion of the side member.

9. The medical equipment cart according to claim 6, wherein: The battery unit and the base have the same cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

10. The medical equipment cart according to claim 2, wherein: When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the battery unit protrudes upward and downward from the side member when viewed from the front.

11. The medical equipment cart according to claim 10, wherein: When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the center of gravity of the battery unit is located below the upper surface of the side member in the vertical direction when viewed from the front.

12. The medical equipment cart according to claim 10, wherein: When the battery unit is connected to the connector, the center of gravity of the battery unit is located between the upper surface and the lower surface of the side member in the vertical direction when viewed from the front.

13. The medical equipment cart according to claim 10, wherein: When the battery unit is connected to the connector, both left and right side surfaces of the portion of the battery unit protruding below the side member are inclined toward a side opposite to the caster when viewed from the front.

14. The medical equipment cart according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed from above, the outline of the mounting portion is accommodated within the outline of the caster portion.

15. The medical equipment cart according to claim 1, wherein: The battery unit is for additional use.

16. The medical equipment cart according to claim 1, wherein: The connector can be connected to multiple types of battery cells with different capacities and sizes.

17. The medical equipment cart according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: The medical device is an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

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