Trolley for ultrasonic diagnostic device and ultrasonic diagnostic unit

Abstract

The invention provides a trolley for an ultrasonic diagnostic device and an ultrasonic diagnostic unit. The present invention prevents a table on a cart for an ultrasonic diagnostic device from rapidly rising in contrary to the intention of a user. The invention discloses a cart with a workbench. The cart is provided with a motion transmission mechanism, and when the user button is pressed, the motion transmission mechanism transmits the pressed motion to the gas spring, releases the locked state of the table, and is in an unlocked state in which the table is urged upward. The motion transmission mechanism comprises a translational motion part which acts as at least a part of motion transmission to the gas spring. The cart is provided with: a device button which is pressed from the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is mounted on the table; and a motion restricting part linked with the device button. The movement restricting portion restricts the movement of the translational motion component in a region interfering with the movement of the translational motion component in a non-depressed state of the device button, and permits the movement of the translational motion component in a region not interfering with the movement of the translational motion component in a depressed state of the device button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cart for an ultrasonic diagnostic device and an ultrasonic diagnostic unit, and more particularly to a technology for adjusting the height of a workbench of the cart. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is used for ultrasonic examinations of living bodies. Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is a medical device that generates and displays ultrasonic images based on received signals obtained by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. A typical example of an ultrasonic image is a tomographic image.

[0003] Use a portable ultrasonic diagnostic device. This device, for example, is a laptop computer that can be handheld and carried by the user. Portable ultrasonic diagnostic devices are also often used on a cart. The laptop computer-type portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is mounted on the cart and moved close to the subject. While the ultrasonic diagnostic device is mounted on the cart, the device is turned on and operated, and the probe is extended toward the subject to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure for a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus trolley in which, when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is placed on a mounting portion, a wire connected to a gas spring is pulled by a lever to activate the gas spring and raise the mounting portion.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-57886

[0006] A cart with a workbench capable of carrying a portable ultrasonic diagnostic device could be equipped with a gas spring and a user button. The gas spring can establish a locked state for the workbench to be raised or lowered, and an unlocked state in which this locked state is released, forcing the workbench upward. Pressing the user button activates the gas spring, shifting the workbench from locked to unlocked. It is believed that in this configuration, when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is not placed on the workbench, the weight of the device is not applied to the workbench. Therefore, pressing the user button would cause the workbench to rise sharply, contrary to the user's intention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent a table from rising suddenly contrary to a user's intention, in relation to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart or an ultrasonic diagnostic unit.

[0008] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart of the present invention has a workbench capable of carrying a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and is characterized in that it comprises: a gas spring capable of forming a locked state for raising and lowering the workbench and a lock-released state for releasing the locked state and applying force to the workbench upward; the gas spring having a gas spring operation receiving portion for receiving switching between the locked state and the lock-released state; the cart having: a user button; and a motion transmission mechanism, when the user button is pressed, the pressed motion is transmitted to the gas spring operation receiving portion, thereby changing the locked state of the workbench to the lock-released state, and the motion transmission mechanism The mechanism includes a translational motion part, which is responsible for at least a part of the motion transmission from the user button to the gas spring operation receiving part by performing translational motion by pressing the user button. The cart has: a device button, which is arranged in a manner protruding from the upper surface of the workbench and is pressed from the device when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is mounted on the workbench; and a motion limiting part, which is linked to the device button, and the motion limiting part is located in an area that interferes with the movement of the translational motion part when the device button is not pressed and limits its movement, and is located in an area that does not interfere with the movement of the translational motion part when the device button is pressed and allows its movement.

[0009] The ultrasonic diagnostic unit according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-mentioned ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart and a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus mounted on a table of the cart.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is not mounted on the table, the movement of the translational motion component caused by pressing the user button is restricted and not transmitted to the gas spring operation receiving portion, thereby preventing the table from rising suddenly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic unit according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing a collapsed state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a side view showing a collapsed state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the extended state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a side view showing the extended state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a workbench.

[0018] Figure 7 This figure shows the structure of the front part of the workbench, illustrating the process of placing the ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the workbench, illustrating the state before and after the user presses the button.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a top view of the interior of the workbench, showing the status before and after the user presses the button.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing an oscillating body.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a front view showing the swing body, showing the state of the device before and after the button is pressed.

[0023] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a workbench according to another embodiment, and the structure of a movable body is shown in a dialog box.

[0024] Explanation of symbols

[0025] 10-Ultrasonic diagnostic unit, 12-Portable ultrasonic diagnostic device, 14-Main body, 16-Display, 18-Connector, 20-Cart, 22-Workbench, 22A-Front, 22B-Middle, 22C-Rear, 23-Pin, 24-Pillar, 24a-Upper pillar, 24b-Lower pillar, 26-Support body, 30-Castor, 32-Constraint operation part, 34-Handle, 34F-Front handle, 36-Front block, 36A-Rear surface, 38-Casing, 40-Top plate, 41-Opening, 45-Holding part, 45a, 45b-Side panels, 45c-Top plate, 50-User button, 52-Operation Motion transmission mechanism, 54-translational motion parts, 58-protrusion, 60-front end portion, 62-holding portion, 64-swinging body for gas spring button (motion direction changing mechanism), 66-support shaft, 70-gas spring, 72-one end, 74-gas spring button (gas spring operation receiving portion), 80-swinging body, 82-device button, 84-motion limiting portion, 86-spring hook portion, 87-support shaft, 88-torsion spring (force applying component), 88a-one end, 120-cart, 122-workbench, 180-moving body, 183-notch, 184-motion limiting portion, 188-compression coil spring (force applying component). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following describes the embodiments based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In all the drawings, the same symbols are marked on the same elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, Figure 1 The directions indicated by the arrows X, Y, and Z are respectively designated as "front," "right," and "up," and the opposite directions are designated as "back," "left," and "down." The direction along the arrow Z coincides with the direction of gravity, i.e., the vertical direction.

[0027] (1) Overview of Implementation

[0028] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to the embodiment includes a workbench capable of carrying a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a gas spring. The gas spring is capable of forming a locked state for raising and lowering the workbench and a lock-released state for releasing the locked state and applying force to the workbench upward. The gas spring includes a gas spring operation receiving portion for receiving switching between the locked state and the lock-released state. The cart includes a user button and a motion transmission mechanism. When the user button is pressed, the motion transmission mechanism transmits the pressed motion to the gas spring operation receiving portion, thereby changing the locked state of the workbench to the lock-released state. The motion transmission mechanism includes a translational motion part that performs translational motion when the user button is pressed, thereby taking charge of at least a portion of the motion transmission from the user button to the gas spring operation receiving portion. The cart includes a device button and a motion limiting portion. The device button is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the workbench, and is pressed from the device when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is mounted on the workbench. The motion limiting portion is linked to the device button. Specifically, the movement restriction portion is located in a region interfering with the movement of the translational motion component and restricting its movement when the device button is not pressed, and is located in a region not interfering with the movement of the translational motion component and allowing its movement when the device button is pressed.

[0029] According to the above configuration, when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is not placed on the workbench, the device button is in an unpressed state. In this state, the movement of the translational motion component caused by pressing the user button is restricted by the motion restriction portion and is not transmitted to the gas spring operation receiving portion. Therefore, when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is not placed on the workbench, the user button operation is rendered ineffective, thereby preventing the workbench from rapidly rising contrary to the user's intention.

[0030] Furthermore, the motion transmission mechanism may include one or more mechanical elements, and may also cause the motion generated by pressing a device button to change direction one or more times and transmit it to the gas spring operation receiving portion. The one or more mechanical elements may include, for example, a rod, a bell crank, a rack and pinion, a gear, a cam, a wire, etc. The motion transmission mechanism may include a mechanism that converts linear motion into rotational motion, a mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion, etc. Furthermore, the gas spring operation receiving portion may be, for example, a button used in conventional gas springs, but its form is not limited thereto.

[0031] In an embodiment, the user button is arranged on the front of the work surface.

[0032] According to the above structure, the user (eg, operator) is usually located in front of the workbench and can therefore easily access the user buttons.

[0033] In the embodiment, a front handle is provided that is connected to the workbench and is located in front of the workbench. The user button is arranged below the center of the front handle in the left-right direction.

[0034] According to the above structure, for example, a user (e.g., an operator) can place his or her hands on the left or right side of the front handle and press the user button with his or her thumb to unlock the workbench. Alternatively, for example, a user can place his or her hands on the left or right side of the front handle and press the user button with his or her thumb to unlock the workbench.

[0035] In an embodiment, the translational motion part includes a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting with its motion direction. The cart has a swinging body that can swing around a support shaft. The swinging body has a device button on one side relative to the support shaft, and a motion limiting portion on the side opposite to the support shaft. The swinging body forms an unpressed state of the device button by applying a force in a constant rotation direction centered on the support shaft by a force-applying member. In the unpressed state of the device button, the device button protrudes from the upper surface of the workbench, and the motion limiting portion is located in an area that interferes with the movement of the protrusion of the translational motion part and limits its movement. When the swinging body swings by pressing the device button, the motion limiting portion is located in an area that does not interfere with the movement of the protrusion of the translational motion part and allows its movement.

[0036] According to the above configuration, since the device button and the movement restriction portion can be realized by the swinging body, the configuration can be simplified.

[0037] In an embodiment, the translational motion component includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction intersecting its direction of motion. The cart includes a movable body capable of moving in an up-and-down direction. The movable body is connected to the device button and has a motion-restricting portion. The movable body is forced upward by a force-applying member to position the device button in an unpressed state. In the unpressed state, the device button protrudes from the upper surface of the workbench, and the motion-restricting portion is located in an area that interferes with the movement of the protrusion of the translational motion component, thereby restricting its movement. When the movable body is lowered by pressing the device button, the motion-restricting portion is located in an area that does not interfere with the movement of the protrusion of the translational motion component, thereby allowing its movement.

[0038] According to the above configuration, the device button and the movement restriction portion can be realized in a narrow space extending in the vertical direction.

[0039] In one embodiment, a user button is positioned in front of a workbench. A motion transmission mechanism and a gas spring operation receiving portion are positioned within the workbench's interior space. The gas spring operation receiving portion is a gas spring button that protrudes upward. The motion transmission mechanism includes a motion direction changing mechanism that converts the forward motion of the translational motion component caused by pressing the user button into downward motion and transmits it to the gas spring button.

[0040] According to the above configuration, the motion transmission from the user button to the gas spring button can be realized with a simple structure.

[0041] In one embodiment, a support column is provided for supporting a workbench in a manner that allows it to be raised or lowered. A gas spring is disposed within the support column. The support column includes an upper support column connected to the workbench and a lower support column disposed below the upper support column. The support column is configured to extend and retract by inserting one of the upper and lower support columns into the other. One end of the gas spring is secured to the workbench, while the other end is secured to the lower support column or a support member disposed thereunder. One end of the gas spring includes a gas spring button disposed within the interior space of the workbench.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the table can be extended and retracted with a simple structure.

[0043] An ultrasonic diagnostic unit according to an embodiment includes the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart described above and a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus mounted on a table of the cart.

[0044] (2) Detailed description of implementation methods

[0045] exist Figure 1: The ultrasonic diagnostic unit 10 involved in the embodiment is shown in the figure. The ultrasonic diagnostic unit 10 is a medical unit used when performing ultrasonic examinations in medical institutions. The ultrasonic diagnostic unit 10 is composed of a portable ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 and a cart 20. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 (hereinafter referred to as the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12) is detachably mounted on the workbench 22 of the cart 20. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 is used by connecting an ultrasonic probe not shown in the figure. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 has a shape like a notebook PC. Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 is composed of a main body 14 and a display 16. The main body 14 and the display 16 are connected to each other by a hinge. Usually, the user is located in front of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 and operates the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12.

[0046] The cart 20 has a table 22 on which the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 is mounted. The table 22 supports the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12. The table 22 is slightly tilted relative to the XY plane. The tilt angle is, for example, in the range of 8 to 12 degrees. A connector 18 is provided on the right side of the main body 14. The connector of the ultrasonic probe is detachably connected to the connector 18. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves to a living organism and receives reflected waves from the living organism.

[0047] The main body 14 has a housing. Multiple electronic circuits are housed within the housing. These circuits include a receiving circuit, a transmitting circuit, and a processor. The processor functions as a generator that generates ultrasonic images based on received signals acquired through ultrasonic transmission and reception. The display 16 is comprised of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic LED Display), or the like. During an ultrasonic examination, the ultrasonic image is displayed on the display 16 when it is turned on.

[0048] Figures 2 to 5 2 is a diagram showing a cart 20. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 Indicates the shortened state of the support 24, Figure 4 、 Figure 5 The support 24 is shown in its extended state. The cart 20 includes a support body 26 and the support 24. Four casters 30 are provided on the support body 26. The support body 26 supports the support 24. The support 24 has a telescopic function. The support 24 supports the workbench 22.

[0049] like Figure 2As shown, the workbench 22 includes a front portion 22A, a middle portion 22B and a rear portion 22C. The middle portion 22B is recessed. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 is mounted on the front portion 22A and the rear portion 22C. The handle 34 is arranged so as to surround the workbench 22. The handle 34 is fixed to the workbench 22 by a plurality of connecting parts. One of the plurality of connecting parts is a front block 36. The handle 34 has a front handle 34F. The front handle 34F is connected to the workbench 22 via the front block 36. The front handle 34F is located in front of the workbench 22 and extends in the left-right direction.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, a front block 36 is provided at the front of the workbench 22. Figure 7 As shown, the rear surface 36A of the front block 36 serves as a holding surface. The front portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 abuts against the rear surface 36A, and in this state, the front portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is held by the front block 36.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the cart 20 has a restraint operating unit 32 at the rear for restraining the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus on the workbench 22. The restraint operating unit 32 is a generally rectangular member when viewed from the rear, and has a rotation axis extending horizontally at its lower portion. The restraint operating unit 32 rotates about its rotation axis, taking either an unrestrained state, with its upper portion facing away from the back of the workbench 22, or a restrained state, with its upper portion facing toward the back of the workbench 22.

[0052] When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is mounted on the workbench 22, first, the restraint operating unit 32 is placed in a non-restrained state. Figure 7 As shown in the figure above, the front of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is tilted downward so that the front is aligned with the predetermined position of the front of the workbench 22, and the rear of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is placed on the workbench 22 (refer to Figure 7 Then, the restraint operation part 32 is changed from the non-restraint state to the restraint state. When the restraint operation part 32 is changed from the non-restraint state to the restraint state, the two pins 23 (refer to Figure 6 ) protrudes forward from the rear of the table 22, and the two pins 23 are inserted into two holes provided on the back of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12. Thus, the rear of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is restrained by the table 22.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, support column 24 supports table 22 in a liftable manner. Support column 24 includes an upper support column 24a connected to table 22 and a lower support column 24b positioned below upper support column 24a. Upper support column 24a is smaller in both horizontal width and front-to-back thickness than lower support column 24b. Support column 24 shortens when upper support column 24a enters lower support column 24b and lengthens when upper support column 24a extends from lower support column 24b.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the cart 20 is provided with user buttons 50 for operating the raising and lowering of the work platform 22 . Figure 8 2 are cross-sectional views showing the interior of the workbench 22 . The upper view shows a state where the user button 50 is not pressed, and the lower view shows a state where the user button 50 is pressed. Figure 9 1 and 2 are plan views showing the interior of the workbench 22 . The left diagram shows a non-pressed state of the user button 50 , and the right diagram shows a pressed state of the user button 50 .

[0055] like Figure 8 As shown, the cart 20 includes a gas spring 70 disposed inside the support 24. One end 72 of the gas spring 70 is fixed to the workbench 22, and the other end of the gas spring 70 is fixed to the lower support 24b (refer to FIG. Figure 5 ) or on the support body 26 located therebelow. One end 72 of the gas spring 70 (reference Figure 8 ) includes a gas spring button 74 as a gas spring operation receiving portion arranged in the internal space of the workbench 22. The gas spring button 74 protrudes upward and applies force upward.

[0056] The gas spring 70 can be locked to allow the work table 22 to be raised or lowered (extending or retracting the support column 24), and unlocked to release the locked state, applying force to the work table 22 upward (extending the support column 24). The gas spring button 74 switches between the locked and unlocked states. Specifically, when the gas spring button 74 is not pressed, the work table 22 is locked, and when it is pressed, the work table 22 is unlocked.

[0057] The workbench 22 includes a housing 38 and a top plate 40 mounted on the housing 38. The workbench 22 has an internal space between the housing 38 and the top plate 40. A mechanism for raising and lowering the workbench 22 is disposed within the internal space of the workbench 22. Specifically, the cart 20 includes a motion transmission mechanism 52 disposed within the internal space of the workbench 22. When the user button 50 is pressed, the motion transmission mechanism 52 transmits the pressed motion to the gas spring button 74, thereby changing the locked state of the workbench 22 to the unlocked state.

[0058] The motion transmission mechanism 52 includes a translational motion component 54, a front end portion 60, and a swinging member 64 for a gas spring button 74. The translational motion component 54 extends in the front-to-back direction. The user button 50 is connected to one end of the translational motion component 54. The user button 50 protrudes forward from an opening provided in the housing 38. The front end portion 60 is connected to the other end of the translational motion component 54.

[0059] The cart 20 includes a holding portion 62 fixed to the housing 38. A swinging member 64 is held by the holding portion 62 so as to be swingable about a support shaft 66. The swinging member 64 is a motion direction changing mechanism that converts the forward motion of the translational motion component 54 caused by pressing the user button 50 into downward motion and transmits it to the gas spring button 74.

[0060] like Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the swing body 64 is lifted up by the gas spring button 74 at the initial position and becomes a forward tilted posture. When the user button 50 is pressed, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in the figure below, the translational motion component 54 advances, and the front end 60 pushes against the front wall of the swinging member 64. This causes the swinging member 64 to swing, and the bottom wall of the swinging member 64 pushes against the gas spring button 74, activating the gas spring 70. This unlocks the workbench 22.

[0061] When the user button 50 is not pressed (the user releases his hand from the user button 50), Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the upward force of the gas spring button 74 lifts the bottom wall of the swing member 64, and the front wall of the swing member 64 pushes the front end portion 60 rearward. This causes the translational motion component 54 to retract, and the user button 50 returns to its initial position. The gas spring 70 is deactivated, and the worktable 22 is locked.

[0062] Thus, when the user button 50 is pressed, the gas spring button 74 is moved, changing the locked state of the work platform 22 to the unlocked state. When the user button 50 is pressed, the work platform 22 is forced upward due to the unlocked state. Therefore, the user can raise the work platform 22 simply by pressing the user button 50, or by simply lifting the work platform 22. Furthermore, by pressing the user button 50, the user pushes the work platform 22 downward against the upward force applied by the gas spring 70, thereby lowering the work platform 22.

[0063] like Figure 6As shown, the user button 50 is located in front of the workbench 22. Specifically, the user button 50 is located below the center of the front handle 34F in the left-right direction. Therefore, the user can adjust the height of the workbench 22 by pressing the user button 50 with their thumb while placing their hand on the left or right side of the front handle 34F.

[0064] Here, if Figure 6 As shown, the cart 20 is provided with a device button 82. The device button 82 is provided in a manner protruding from the upper surface of the workbench 22. The device button 82 is provided at the front portion 22A of the workbench 22 and protrudes from the opening 41 formed in the top plate 40. Figure 7 As shown, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is mounted on the table 22 , the apparatus button 82 is pressed from the apparatus.

[0065] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the swinging body 80 arranged inside the workbench, and only the portion of the translational motion component 54 located near the swinging body 80 is shown. Figure 11 The figure shows the swinging body 80 and the front view of the swinging body 80 positioned inside the workbench 22 side by side. The upper figure shows the position of the swinging body 80 before the device button 82 is pressed, and the lower figure shows the position of the swinging body 80 after the device button 82 is pressed. The swinging body 80 is capable of swinging about the support shaft 87. The swinging body 80 has the device button 82 on one side of the support shaft 87. The swinging body 80 also has a motion restricting portion 84 on the side opposite to the support shaft 87.

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, the cart 20 includes a holding portion 45 that swingably holds the swinging body 80. The holding portion 45 is fixed to the housing 38 of the table 22. The holding portion 45 is provided so as to straddle the translational motion component 54. The holding portion 45 includes two side plates 45a and 45b that face each other, and a top plate 45c that connects the upper portions of the two side plates 45a and 45b.

[0067] The swinging member 80 is disposed between the two side plates 45a and 45b. The support shaft 87 of the swinging member 80 is held by the two side plates 45a and 45b so that the swinging member 80 can swing. A torsion spring 88 serving as a biasing member is disposed on the outer periphery of the support shaft 87 between the two side plates 45a and 45b. One end 88a of the torsion spring 88 abuts against the lower surface of the top plate 45c. The other end of the torsion spring 88 is hooked on the spring hook portion 86 (see FIG. 1 ) of the swinging member 80. Figure 11 The swing body 80 is biased by the torsion spring 88 in a constant rotational direction about the support shaft 87 so that the device button 82 is not pressed.

[0068] like Figure 10As shown, the translational motion part 54 has a direction corresponding to its motion direction (reference Figure 10 The protrusion 58 protrudes in a direction intersecting the thick arrow (indicated by the bold arrow). In this embodiment, the protrusion 58 protrudes outward from the main body of the translational motion component 54. Alternatively, the protrusion 58 may protrude inward from the main body of the translational motion component 54 or upward from the main body of the translational motion component 54.

[0069] In the unpressed state of the device button 82, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in the figure above, the device button 82 protrudes from the upper surface of the table 22, and the movement restriction portion 84 is located in the area that interferes with the movement of the protrusion 58 of the translational motion part to restrict its movement. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 is mounted on the table 22 and the device button 82 is pressed by the device, as shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown in the figure below, the swing body 80 swings against the force of the torsion spring 88, and the movement restriction portion 84 is located in an area that does not interfere with the movement of the protrusion 58 of the translational motion part, allowing its movement. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is removed from the workbench 22, the swing body 80 returns to its original position ( Figure 11 In this way, the movement restriction part 84 is linked with the device button 82 through the seesaw structure. Figures 7 to 9 The positions of the swinging body 80 and the protrusion 58 are also shown in FIG. 1 , so please refer to it.

[0070] According to this structure, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is not placed on the work table 22, the device button 82 is not pressed, and the movement of the translational motion component 54 is restricted by the motion restricting portion 84. Therefore, even if the user button 50 is pressed, the pressed motion is not transmitted to the gas spring button 74. Therefore, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is not placed on the work table 22, the operation of the user button 50 is rendered ineffective, thereby preventing the work table 22 from rising suddenly against the user's intention. Furthermore, since the device button 82 and the motion restricting portion 84 are implemented by the swinging member 80, the structure can be simplified.

[0071] In addition, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is not on the table 22 , the user can press the user button 50 while pressing the apparatus button 82 to move the table 22 up or down.

[0072] Figure 12 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of a workbench 122 according to another embodiment, and a dialog box is used to show the structure of a moving body 180. This embodiment uses a moving body 180 instead of the above-mentioned swinging body 80. Figure 12 The dialog box schematically shows the back view ( Figure 12The moving body 180 is observed in the direction of the hollow arrow).

[0073] The cart 120 includes a movable body 180. The movable body 180 is held vertically and movably by a retaining member (not shown) fixed to the interior of the workbench 122. The movable body 180 is a plate-like member having a vertically elongated rectangular shape when viewed from behind. The movable body 180 has a notch 183 through which the protrusion 58 of the translational motion component 54 passes. The movable body 180 is connected to the device button 82. The portion of the movable body 180 below the notch 183 functions as a motion restricting portion 184.

[0074] A compression coil spring 188 is provided as a biasing member on the lower side of the movable body 180. The compression coil spring 188 biases the movable body 180 upward, thereby maintaining the unpressed state of the device button 82. Alternatively, a tension coil spring may be provided on the upper side of the movable body 180 to bias it upward.

[0075] In the unpressed state of the device button 82, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown in the left figure in the dialog box of , the device button 82 protrudes from the upper surface of the workbench 122, and the movement restriction portion 184 is located in the area that interferes with the movement of the protrusion 58 of the translational motion part 54, thereby restricting its movement. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is mounted on the workbench 122 and the device button 82 is pressed by the apparatus, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown in the right figure in the dialog box, the movable body 180 is lowered against the force of the compression coil spring 188, and the movement restriction portion 184 is located in an area that does not interfere with the movement of the protrusion 58 of the translational motion part 54, allowing its movement. In other words, the protrusion 58 can move through the notch 183 of the movable body 180. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is removed from the workbench 122, the movable body 180 returns to its original state ( Figure 12 In this way, the movement restriction portion 184 is linked to the device button 82 via the sliding structure.

[0076] In this configuration, even when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 12 is not placed on the workbench 122, operation of the user button 50 becomes ineffective, thereby preventing the workbench 122 from rising suddenly against the user's intention. Furthermore, the apparatus button 82 and the movement restricting portion 184 can be implemented in a narrow space extending in the vertical direction.

Claims

1. A cart for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a workbench capable of carrying a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the cart comprising: A gas spring capable of forming a locked state for lifting the workbench and a locked state for releasing the locked state to bias the workbench upward; The gas spring includes a gas spring operation receiving portion for receiving switching between the locked state and the unlocked state; The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart includes: User buttons; and A motion transmission mechanism transmits the pressing motion to the gas spring operation receiving portion when the user button is pressed, thereby changing the locked state of the workbench to the unlocked state. The motion transmission mechanism includes a translational motion component that performs translational motion when the user button is pressed, thereby transmitting at least a portion of the motion from the user button to the gas spring operation receiving portion. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart includes: a device button provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the workbench and pressed from the device when the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is mounted on the workbench; and The motion limiting part is linked with the device button, The movement restriction portion is located in a region interfering with movement of the translational motion component to restrict movement when the device button is not pressed, and is located in a region not interfering with movement of the translational motion component to allow movement when the device button is pressed.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to claim 1, wherein: The user button is arranged in front of the workbench.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to claim 1, wherein: have: A front handle connected to the workbench and located in front of it, The user button is arranged below the center of the front handle in the left-right direction.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to claim 1, wherein: The translational motion part includes a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting with its motion direction, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart includes a swinging body that can swing around a support shaft. The swing body has the device button on one side relative to the support shaft and has the movement restricting portion on the side opposite to the one side of the support shaft, The swing body is biased by a biasing member in a constant rotational direction around the support shaft so as to form a non-pressed state of the device button. In a non-pressed state of the device button, the device button protrudes from the upper surface of the workbench, and the movement restriction portion is located in a region interfering with the movement of the protruding portion of the translational motion part to restrict its movement. When the swing body is swung by pressing the device button, the movement restricting portion is located in a region that does not interfere with the movement of the protruding portion of the translational motion part to allow the movement thereof.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to claim 1, wherein: The translational motion part includes a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting with its motion direction, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart includes a movable body capable of moving in an up-down direction. The moving body is connected to the device button and has the movement restriction portion, The movable body is forced upward by the force applying member so as to form the device button in the unpressed state. In a non-pressed state of the device button, the device button protrudes from the upper surface of the workbench, and the movement restriction portion is located in a region where the protruding portion of the translational motion part moves to restrict the movement thereof. When the moving body is lowered by pressing the device button, the movement restricting portion is located in a region that does not interfere with the movement of the protruding portion of the translational motion part to allow the movement thereof.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to claim 1, wherein: The user button is arranged in front of the workbench, The motion transmission mechanism and the gas spring operation receiving portion are arranged in the internal space of the workbench. The gas spring operation receiving portion is a gas spring button protruding upward. The motion transmission mechanism includes a motion direction changing mechanism that converts the forward motion of the translational motion part caused by pressing the user button into a downward motion and transmits the motion to the gas spring button.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to claim 6, wherein: have: a support column, supporting the workbench in a liftable manner, The gas spring is arranged inside the support column. The support includes an upper support connected to the workbench and a lower support arranged below the upper support. The support is a structure that is extended and retracted by inserting one of the upper support and the lower support into the other. One end of the gas spring is fixed to the workbench, and the other end of the gas spring is fixed to the lower support or the support body located below it. One end of the gas spring includes the gas spring button configured in the inner space of the workbench.

8. An ultrasonic diagnostic unit, characterized in that have: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cart according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and A portable ultrasonic diagnostic device is mounted on the workbench of the ultrasonic diagnostic device cart.

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