electronic machinery

Abstract

To provide a means to prevent the intrusion of hum noise with a simple structure. [Solution] The stethoscope 1 comprises a base plate 10, an earth plate 5 having an arm 5b extending substantially parallel to the direction in which the base plate 10 extends, and a screw 11 connecting the base plate 10 and the arm 5b of the earth plate 5. The earth plate 5 has a base 5a extending in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the arm 5b extends. The earth plate 5 is provided on the housing 2, and the base 5a is exposed to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] Among stethoscopes, there is a type called what is commonly known as an electronic stethoscope, which electronically collects sounds such as heart sounds using a sensor such as a microphone, amplifies the collected sounds, and allows a doctor or the like to listen to the amplified sounds (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There are also electrocardiographs for measuring electrocardiograms. Electronic stethoscopes are brought close to the human body to acquire body sounds (auscultation sounds), and electrocardiographs are brought close to the human body to acquire electrocardiograms. Since these electronic devices (electronic stethoscopes, electrocardiographs) include electronic circuits, when the electronic circuits are located close to the human body, noise from the surrounding environment such as power line hum noise may become a problem. The causes of this are (1) electromagnetic coupling between the electronic circuit and fluctuations in surrounding potential, and (2) when a sensor is included, the input circuit of the sensor is a high-impedance input circuit, among other factors.

[0003] In an electronic stethoscope that acquires body sounds through measurement in contact with the human body, for example, a piezo element is used, and noise is particularly prominent in circuits including a high-impedance piezo element.

[0004] For devices that measure the potential of the human body itself, such as electrocardiographs, grounding is performed using individual clips, or a GND plate is provided (paragraph 0018 of Patent Document 2 describes that a GND electrode is provided). Here, electronic stethoscopes that do not directly measure the potential of the human body are not provided with a GND plate. However, mixing of hum noise caused by bringing a high-impedance input amplifier close to the human body is unavoidable.

[0005] To prevent the aforementioned hum noise from being introduced, the applicant has filed a patent application, Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-129826 (see Patent Document 3). Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a stethoscope of the invention related to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-129826 (hereinafter referred to as the "prior invention"). The stethoscope 201 comprises a housing 202 and an earth plate 203 provided on the housing 202 and exposed to the outside. In the stethoscope 201 of the prior invention, the earth plate 203 is provided on the housing 202 and exposed to the outside. When a user of the stethoscope 201 tries to bring the stethoscope 201 close to their body, they grasp the housing 202 with their hand and bring the stethoscope 201 close to their body, so their hand inevitably comes into contact with the earth plate 203. This prevents the introduction of hum noise.

[0006] In conventional inventions, the wiring to the earth plate is connected by soldering the wires to the inside of a sheet metal member and then connecting the wires to an internal circuit board. With this structure, when assembling the stethoscope, the wires may break or get pinched, potentially impairing the ease of assembly. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-242849 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-078596 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-027219 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As mentioned above, conventional inventions have various problems because their structure for preventing hum noise is complex.

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a means that can prevent the intrusion of hum noise with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The electronic device of the first invention is characterized by comprising a substrate, an earth plate having an arm extending substantially parallel to the direction in which the substrate extends, and a fastening member connecting the substrate and the arm of the earth plate.

[0011] In this invention, the substrate and the ground plate are fastened together by a fastening member. Unlike conventional inventions, the substrate and the ground plate are not connected by wiring, so grounding can be achieved with a simple structure, and the intrusion of hum noise can be prevented.

[0012] Here, "earth plate" refers to a plate used for "earthing," but the concept also includes "ground (GND) plate" used for "grounding (GND)."

[0013] The electronic device of the second invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device of the first invention, it further comprises a housing for housing the substrate, and the earth plate is provided in the housing and exposed to the outside.

[0014] The electronic device of the third invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device of the first invention, the earth plate has a base that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the arm extends.

[0015] The electronic device of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device of the third invention, it further comprises a housing for housing the substrate, the earth plate is provided in the housing, and the base is exposed to the outside.

[0016] The electronic device of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device of the first invention, the earth plate is provided on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0017] In the present invention, the ground plates are respectively provided on both sides orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing. Since a user of the electronic device holds and uses the electronic device by gripping both sides orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the user's hands easily come into contact with the ground plates.

[0018] The electronic device according to a sixth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the first invention, both sides orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing are recessed inward.

[0019] In the present invention, both sides orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing are recessed inward. Therefore, a user of the electronic device can easily hold and use the electronic device by gripping the recessed portions of the side walls.

[0020] The electronic device according to a seventh invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the sixth invention, the ground plates are provided in the recessed portions on both sides orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

[0021] The electronic device according to an eighth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the first invention, a circuit is mounted on the substrate.

[0022] The electronic device according to a ninth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the first invention, the electronic device further comprises a piezo element.

[0023] Since a piezo element has high impedance, hum noise is likely to be mixed into signals. In the present invention, although the electronic device comprises a piezo element, the ground plate can prevent hum noise from being mixed in.

[0024] The electronic device according to a tenth invention is characterized in that, in the electronic device according to the first invention, the circuit comprises an amplifier.

[0025] Since an amplifier has high impedance, hum noise is likely to be mixed into signals. In the present invention, although the electronic device comprises an amplifier, the ground plate can prevent hum noise from being mixed in.

[0026] The electronic device of the 11th invention is characterized by comprising a substrate, a piezoelectric element, and a two-core shielded wire connecting the ground on the substrate and the piezoelectric element.

[0027] In this invention, the ground on the circuit board and the piezoelectric element are connected by a two-core shielded wire. This prevents the intrusion of hum noise.

[0028] The electronic device of the twelfth invention is characterized in that it is a stethoscope in the electronic device of the first or eleventh invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of hum noise with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a rear view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a bottom view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a right side view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a left side view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the main part. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the earth plate. [Figure 12]This is a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of the main part. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing a stethoscope with a transparent interior. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing a piezoelectric element and a circuit board connected by a two-core shielded wire. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the difference in sensitivity due to differences in the size of the piezoelectric element. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view showing a conventional stethoscope. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing a conventional stethoscope. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a stethoscope 1 (electronic device) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a front view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a rear view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a bottom view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a right side view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a left side view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Stethoscope 1 is used to collect heart sounds, lung sounds, etc. for auscultation. The user of stethoscope 1 holds it with their hand from the flat side and places the bottom side of stethoscope 1 against the object to be auscultated. A piezoelectric element 4 is provided inside stethoscope 1 on its bottom side.

[0033] The stethoscope 1 comprises a housing 2, a holder 3, a piezoelectric element 4, an earth plate 5, etc. The housing 2 (stethoscope 1) is roughly rectangular in plan view, with chamfered corners, and both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 are recessed inward. The housing 2 houses a circuit board 10, etc. The housing 2 is composed of an upper housing 2a and a lower housing 2b. The upper housing 2a and the lower housing 2b are fastened together by four screws 9. The screws 9 are inserted from the bottom side of the lower housing 2b to the upper housing 2a side, fastening the upper housing 2a and the lower housing 2b together. In the lower housing 2b, an opening is provided on the bottom side for the holder 3 to be installed. The holder 3 is exposed from the opening in the housing 2. The housing 2 has a taper from the opening toward one side (front) and the other side (rear) in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. In other words, the housing 2 is tapered from the opening towards the front and tapered from the opening towards the rear.

[0034] On the flat side of the stethoscope 1, there is a battery meter 6 that indicates the remaining battery level and a level meter 7 that indicates the level of the sound collected. On the back side of the stethoscope 1, there is a USB port 13 and an earphone jack 14.

[0035] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope 1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the main part in Figure 9. The holder 3 is for holding the piezoelectric element 4. The holder 3 is made of, for example, elastic rubber. In plan view, the holder 3 is circular. The holder 3 has a base 3a, a holding part 3b, and an engaging claw 3c. The base 3a is a circular part having a predetermined thickness. The holding part 3b is the part that holds the piezoelectric element 4. The holding part 3b is bent inward from the outer circumference. There is a space between the base 3a and the holding part 3b. The piezoelectric element 4 is fitted into the holding part 3b, so the outer circumference of the piezoelectric element 4 is held by the holding part 3b. That is, the holder 3 holds the outer circumference of the piezoelectric element 4 by sandwiching it, with the outer circumference of the piezoelectric element 4 fitted into the space between the base 3a and the holding part 3b. The engaging claws 3c are for engaging the holder 3 with the lower housing 2b (housing 2). The engaging claws 3c engage with the open end of housing 2. The holder 3 is attached to the lower housing 2b by the engaging claws 3c. In plan view, the engaging claws 3b are provided at six equally spaced locations in the circumferential direction on the circular holder 3.

[0036] The piezoelectric element 4 is a flat, roughly disc-shaped element. The piezoelectric element 4 has a predetermined thickness. The piezoelectric element 4 is attached to the holder 3. In this embodiment, the holder 4 is the contact surface that comes into contact with the human body (object). The piezoelectric element 4 converts sound (vibration) from the body into voltage via the holder 3.

[0037] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the ground plate 5. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the stethoscope 1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the main part in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the stethoscope 1 in a state where the interior is visible. The ground plate 5 is provided in two places on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 (stethoscope 1). The ground plate 5 is provided in recessed parts on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. The ground plate 5 is exposed to the outside from the housing 2. In plan view, the ground plate 5 is approximately pentagonal in shape. The ground plate 5 has a base 5a and two arms 5b. The protruding part 5b protrudes perpendicularly from the extending direction of the base 5a. Screw holes 5c are provided at the tips of the arms 5b. The arms 5b extend approximately parallel to the direction in which the substrate 10 extends. That is, the arms 5b and the substrate 10 are in an approximately parallel relationship. The earth plate 5 is fixed to the base plate 10 by screws 11 inserted through screw holes 5c. In other words, the arm 5b and the base plate 10, which are in a substantially parallel relationship, are fastened together by screws 11 (fastening members) that extend in a direction perpendicular to the arm 5b and the base plate 10.

[0038] Furthermore, the piezoelectric element 4 is connected to the earth (ground) on the substrate 10 by a two-core shielded wire, as schematically shown in Figure 15.

[0039] The circuit board 10 is equipped with a circuit including an amplifier for amplifying the sound collected by the piezoelectric element 4.

[0040] Figure 16 illustrates the difference in sensitivity due to differences in the size of the piezoelectric element. (a) shows the level of a 41 mm diameter piezoelectric element, and (b) shows the level of a 27 mm diameter piezoelectric element. Here, a weight is placed on top of the piezoelectric element placed on the ground, and the vibration of the ground is measured by the piezoelectric element. As shown in the figure, the level of the 41 mm diameter piezoelectric element is higher than that of the 27 mm diameter piezoelectric element. From this, it can be seen that larger diameter piezoelectric elements have higher sensitivity than smaller ones.

[0041] Conventionally, as shown in Figure 17, the piezoelectric element 102 was mechanically fixed to the holder 103 by a screw 104, requiring space for the screw 104 on the outer circumference of the piezoelectric element 102. Furthermore, the use of the screw 104 created irregularities around the piezoelectric element 102, as did the cover enclosing the piezoelectric element 102. Additionally, fixing with a screw 104 required controlling the tightening strength of the screw 104, making assembly management difficult.

[0042] As described above, the holder 4 has a holding portion 4b that bends inward from the outer circumference of the base 4a. The outer circumference of the piezoelectric element 3 is held by this holding portion 4b, and the bottom surface of the piezoelectric element 3 is covered by the holder 4, preventing it from falling off the stethoscope 1. In this embodiment, no screws are used to attach the piezoelectric element 3 to the holder 4, eliminating the need for this space and thus saving space. This allows the use of a highly sensitive, large-diameter piezoelectric element. Furthermore, because there are no irregularities around the piezoelectric element 3, there are no irregularities on the surface of the holder 4 that covers the piezoelectric element 3, allowing for good sound collection when the stethoscope 1 is brought into contact with the body being auscultated. In addition, since no screws are used, there is no need to control the tightening strength of screws, improving ease of assembly.

[0043] Furthermore, the holder 4 has engaging claws 4c that protrude from the outer circumference of the base 4a. These engaging claws 6c engage with the open end of the housing 2 (lower housing 2b), thereby attaching the piezoelectric element 3 held in the holder 4 to the housing 2 (lower housing 2b). In addition, for sound collection, it is important for the piezoelectric element 3 (holder 5) to be in contact with the body being auscultated. Due to the space-saving design, the holder 4 (piezoelectric element 3) can be easily conformed to the contours of the body being auscultated, and can be made to fit snugly against the body. In addition, since no screws are used to attach the holder 4 to the housing 2, the number of parts is reduced, improving the ease of assembly of the stethoscope 1.

[0044] Conventionally, as shown in Figure 18, the stethoscope 201 had an earth plate 203 that was exposed from the housing 202. The wiring to the earth plate was connected by soldering the wires to the inside of a sheet metal component and then connecting the wires to an internal circuit board. With this structure, when assembling the stethoscope, the wires may break or get pinched, which can impair the ease of assembly. In addition, the use of sheet metal limits the design options.

[0045] In this embodiment, the ground plate 5 is in direct contact with the substrate 10 by the arm 5b and is securely fixed to the substrate 10 by the screw 11, thus ensuring reliable grounding. Furthermore, since the ground plate 5 is provided on both sides of the housing 2 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in the recessed portions on the inside, the user's hand naturally comes into contact with the ground plate 5 when using the stethoscope 1, ensuring reliable grounding. In addition, the recessed portion is easy for the user to hold.

[0046] Furthermore, conventional wiring of piezoelectric elements required careful consideration of the wiring path, as it could easily pick up noise due to its loop-like shape, similar to an antenna. Additionally, because the wiring has high impedance, exposed wiring could lead to superimposed noise due to electrical coupling.

[0047] In this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 4 is connected to the earth (ground) on the substrate 10 by a two-core shielded wire. This prevents the intrusion of external noise.

[0048] As described above, in this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 4 is held by being sandwiched between the holder 3. This allows the piezoelectric element 4 to be attached to the stethoscope 1 with a simple structure without the need for screws or the like.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holder 3 that holds the piezoelectric element 4 has an engaging claw 3c that engages with the housing 2. As a result, the holder 3 that holds the piezoelectric element 4 is attached to the housing 2 of the stethoscope 1 by the engaging claw 3c, and the piezoelectric element 4 can be attached to the stethoscope 1 with a simple structure without using screws or the like.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holder 3 that holds the piezoelectric element 4 has a holding portion 3b that is bent inward from the outer circumference of the base 3a. Therefore, the piezoelectric element 4 is held in the holder 3 by being fitted into the space between the holding portion 3b and the base 3a. The holder 3 also has an engaging claw 3c that protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the base 3a. Therefore, the holder 3 that holds the piezoelectric element 4 is attached to the housing 2 by the engaging claw 3c. As a result, in this embodiment, the piezoelectric element 4 can be attached to the stethoscope 1 with a simple structure without using screws or the like.

[0051] The holder 3, exposed through the opening of the housing, becomes the contact surface with the object from which sound is being collected by the piezoelectric element 4. In this embodiment, the housing 2 has a taper extending from the opening to one side (front) and the other side (rear) in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2. Therefore, when using the stethoscope 1, even if the object from which sound is being collected has irregularities, the contact surface can easily be brought into contact with the object.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the circuit board 10 and the ground plate 5 are fastened together by screws 11. Unlike the conventional invention, the circuit board and the ground plate are not connected by wiring, so grounding can be achieved with a simple structure, and the intrusion of hum noise can be prevented. Note that "ground plate" refers to a plate for "grounding," but the concept also includes "ground (GND) plate" for "ground (GND)."

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing are recessed inward. This makes it easier for users of the electronic device to grasp and use the recessed parts of the side walls.

[0054] Because piezoelectric elements have high impedance, they are prone to hum noise interference. In this embodiment, the stethoscope 1 is equipped with a piezoelectric element 4, but the ground plate 5 can prevent hum noise interference.

[0055] Because amplifiers have high impedance, they are prone to hum noise. In this embodiment, the stethoscope 1 is equipped with an amplifier, but the ground plate 5 can prevent hum noise from being introduced.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ground on the circuit board and the piezoelectric element are connected by a two-core shielded wire. This prevents the intrusion of hum noise.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the applicable forms of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0058] This invention can be suitably adopted in electronic devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1. Stethoscope (electronic device) 2 cabinets 2a Upper enclosure 2b Lower enclosure 3 holders 3a Bass 3b Holding part 3c Engagement claw 4 Piezo elements 5. Earth Plate 5a Base 5b Arm 5c screw hole 10 circuit boards 11. Screws (fastening components)

Claims

1. circuit board and An earth plate having an arm extending substantially parallel to the direction in which the substrate extends, A fastening member connecting the substrate and the arm of the earth plate, An electronic device characterized by having the following features.

2. The enclosure further comprises a housing for the aforementioned circuit board, The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the earth plate is provided in the housing and exposed to the outside.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ground plate has a base that extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the arm extends.

4. The enclosure further comprises a housing for the aforementioned circuit board, The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that the earth plate is provided in the housing and the base is exposed to the outside.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ground plate is provided on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing are recessed inward.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that the ground plate is provided in recessed portions on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that a circuit is mounted on the substrate.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a piezoelectric element.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the circuit includes an amplifier.

11. circuit board and Piezoelectric element and A two-core shielded wire connecting the ground on the substrate and the piezoelectric element, An electronic device characterized by having the following features.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 11, characterized in that it is a stethoscope.

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