Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of simplifying a mechanism for locking a multi-joint arm and a monitor in an ultrasonic diagnostic device provided with a monitor supported by the multi-joint arm. The lock mechanism has a lock lever (68) which is housed in a first link (42) of the multi-joint arm in general and which is extended and raised when locked. The rotation of the first link (42) relative to the arm base (40) is locked by engaging an arm base engagement pin (80) of the lock lever (68) with an arm base engagement notch (96) of the base support (94). The upper end of the lock lever (68) is engaged with a lever engagement section (74) of the lever accommodation section (70), and a monitor engagement pin (72) is inserted into a monitor engagement hole (78), thereby locking the tilt movement, lifting, and rotation of the monitor (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device, and in particular to a monitor for displaying ultrasonic images and a locking mechanism for locking the movement of a multi-joint arm supporting the monitor. Background Art

[0002] An ultrasonic diagnostic device used in the medical field generally comprises an apparatus body, an ultrasonic probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a patient, and a monitor for displaying ultrasonic images. The monitor is supported by a multi-jointed arm having one end supported by the apparatus body. By being supported by the multi-jointed arm, a doctor or an examination technician, i.e., a user, can set the monitor to a desired position and posture. In the following patent document 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic device (10) having a monitor (16) supported by a multi-jointed arm (arm mechanism 14) is shown. Furthermore, a locking mechanism is shown for limiting the movement of the monitor (16) or the multi-jointed arm (14) when the ultrasonic diagnostic device (10) is moved. In addition, the component names and symbols in the above-mentioned brackets are the component names and symbols used in the following patent document 1, and have nothing to do with the component names and symbols used in the description of the embodiments of the present application.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-148137

[0004] In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a monitor supported by a multi-jointed arm, it is desirable to lock the movement of the multi-jointed arm and the monitor so that the monitor does not move unexpectedly during movement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a locking mechanism with a simple structure for locking the movement of a monitor and a multi-joint arm supporting the monitor.

[0006] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes: a monitor for displaying ultrasonic images; an arm base mounted on the apparatus body; a multi-jointed arm having one end supported by the arm base and the other end supporting the monitor; and a locking mechanism for locking the movement of the monitor and the multi-jointed arm. The multi-jointed arm includes: a monitor base for supporting the monitor so that it can tilt; a first link having one end supported by the arm base so that it can rotate; and a second link having one end supported by the other end of the first link so that it can rotate and the other end supporting the monitor base so that it can rotate and also supporting the monitor base so that it can be raised and lowered. The locking mechanism includes: a locking rod mounted on the first link and rotatable between an extended position and a retracted position; a first engaging mechanism for engaging the locking rod with the arm base to lock the rotation of the first link when the locking rod is in the extended position; and a second engaging mechanism for engaging the locking rod with the monitor when the locking rod is in the extended position to lock the tilting movement of the monitor, the integral rotation and elevation of the monitor and the monitor base, and the rotation of the second link.

[0007] The movement of the multi-jointed arm and the monitor can be locked by a single locking lever, and the locking mechanism can be made into a simple structure.

[0008] The second engaging mechanism may include a rod receiving portion provided at a lower edge of the monitor for receiving one end of the locking rod in the extended position. The locking rod locks the rotation of the monitor and the second link by restricting movement of the rod receiving portion in the lateral direction of the locking rod.

[0009] The second engagement mechanism may further include a monitor engagement pin disposed on one side of the locking lever and the lever accommodating portion; and a monitor engagement recess disposed on the other side of the locking lever and the lever accommodating portion, which accommodates the monitor engagement pin when the locking lever is in the extended position. The monitor engagement pin engages the monitor engagement recess, thereby locking the monitor from being raised or lowered. Furthermore, the monitor engagement pin engages the monitor engagement recess, and the locking lever restricts movement of the lever accommodating portion in the lengthwise direction of the locking lever, thereby locking the monitor from tilting.

[0010] A tapered portion that tapers in the direction in which the locking rod enters the rod accommodating portion may be provided on one side of the rod accommodating portion that accommodates the locking rod. Even if the locking rod is offset from the rod accommodating portion, the locking rod can be guided to a predetermined position.

[0011] The monitor engagement pin and the monitor engagement recess may be configured to engage when the monitor is facing downward. By locking the monitor in the downward position, damage to the display surface of the monitor can be suppressed.

[0012] The first engaging mechanism may include an arm base engaging pin provided on one of the locking lever and the arm base, and an arm base engaging recess provided on the other of the locking lever and the arm base, for receiving the arm base engaging pin when the locking lever is in the extended position. The arm base engaging pin engages with the arm base engaging recess, thereby locking the first link from rotating.

[0013] The lock lever can be accommodated in the first link when located at the retracted position, and one end of the lock lever can protrude from the first link and be accommodated in the lever accommodation portion when located at the extended position.

[0014] Effects of the Invention

[0015] The movement of the multi-jointed arm and the monitor can be locked by a single locking lever, and the locking mechanism can be made into a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a side view showing the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a side view showing the multi-jointed arm and monitor.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a top view showing the motion of a multi-jointed arm, particularly the motion about a vertical axis.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the motion of the multi-jointed arm, particularly the motion combining motions around a plurality of vertical axes.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the operation of the multi-jointed arm when the monitor is moved up and down.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the tilt movement of the monitor.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a state where the multi-jointed arm and the monitor are locked.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view showing the mechanism for locking the multi-jointed arm and the monitor.

[0025] Figure 10 This figure shows a state where the monitor is tilted forward to the limit.

[0026] Figure 11 It means along Figure 10 Observe the bottom of the monitor in the direction of arrow A in the diagram.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an assembly of a lock lever and its related parts.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing a state where the multi-jointed arm and the monitor are locked by a locking lever.

[0029] Figure 14 It is an explanatory diagram of the engaging operation of the first engaging mechanism.

[0030] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the engaged state of the second engagement mechanism, and particularly a diagram showing a horizontal cross section.

[0031] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the engaged state of the second engagement mechanism, and particularly a diagram showing a vertical cross-section.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing a state before the lock lever and the lever accommodating portion are engaged.

[0033] Explanation of symbols:

[0034] 10-ultrasonic diagnostic device, 12-device body, 14-multi-jointed arm, 16-monitor, 18-base unit, 20-panel support arm, 22-operation panel base, 36-operation panel, 40-arm base, 42-first connecting rod, 44-second connecting rod, 46-monitor base, 48-first vertical axis, 50-second vertical axis, 52-first horizontal axis, 54-third vertical axis, 56-second horizontal axis, 6 2-monitor handle, 64-handle base, 66-gripping portion, 68-locking rod, 70-rod accommodating portion, 72-monitor engaging pin, 74-rod engaging portion, 76-tapered portion, 78-monitor engaging hole (monitor engaging recess), 80-arm base engaging pin, 84-rod operating handle, 94-base support member, 96-arm base engaging notch (arm base engaging recess), 98-first engaging mechanism, 100-second engaging mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10. Figure 1 It's a stereogram. Figure 2 is a side view. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 , the direction indicated by the arrow FR is the front, the direction indicated by the arrow UP is the upward direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow LH is the left direction.

[0036] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 includes an apparatus body 12 , a multi-joint arm 14 supported by the apparatus body 12 , and a monitor 16 supported by the multi-joint arm 14 for displaying ultrasonic images.

[0037] The device body 12 includes a roughly box-shaped base unit 18, a panel support arm 20 supported by the base unit 18, and an operation panel base 22 supported by the panel support arm 20. The base unit 18 houses an electronic circuit board that houses a power supply circuit (not shown), a signal processing circuit for performing signal processing related to ultrasonic transmission and reception, and an image processing circuit for forming ultrasonic images. A probe connector 26 is provided on the front of the base unit 18 to which an ultrasonic probe 24 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves can be attached and detached. Multiple probe connectors 26 may be provided. A front leg 28 is provided on the lower front portion of the base unit 18, and a rear leg 30 is provided on the lower rear portion. Two casters 32 are provided on each of the front leg 28 and the rear leg 30, with a total of four casters 32 arranged corresponding to the four corners of the base unit 18. A push handle 34 is provided on the rear of the base unit 18 and extends upward.

[0038] The panel support arm 20 can support the operation panel base 22 so that it can be raised and lowered, and can also support it so that it can rotate about a vertical axis. An operation panel 36 and a sub-monitor 38 are arranged on the operation panel base 22. The operation panel 36 includes operating devices such as multiple switches and a pointing device such as a trackball for operating the ultrasonic diagnostic device 10. The sub-monitor 38 can be a liquid crystal monitor, for example, to display the set diagnostic conditions. The sub-monitor 38 can be a touch panel monitor. An arm base 40 is provided at the rear end of the operation panel base 22 to support the multi-jointed arm 14.

[0039] Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 in which the operator is located in front of the base unit 18 on which the probe connector 26 is disposed, and the operation panel 36 and the monitor 16 are facing the operator. Figure 1 、 2 The position and posture of the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 shown are marked as the "reference position". In the reference position, the multi-jointed arm 14 is folded and extended in the front-to-back direction, and the monitor 16 faces forward. In the following description, the terms representing the positional relationship and direction such as front, back, left, right, up, down, etc. are all the same unless otherwise specified. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 Positional relationship and direction in the state shown.

[0040] Figure 3This is an enlarged side view of the multi-jointed arm 14 and monitor 16 in their reference positions. The multi-jointed arm 14 includes a first link 42, one end of which is supported by the arm base 40; a second link 44, one end of which is supported by the other end of the first link 42; and a monitor base 46, which is supported by the other end of the second link 44. The monitor base 46 supports the monitor 16. Along the path of the multi-jointed arm 14, which is sequentially connected to the first link 42, the second link 44, and the monitor base 46, the end of each component constituting the multi-jointed arm 14 on the side closest to the arm base 40 is labeled as the proximal end, and the end on the opposite side is labeled as the distal end.

[0041] The first link 42 is configured such that the proximal end 42a is supported by the arm base 40 and is tilted in a manner extending toward the distal end 42b located at a higher position. The first link 42 is capable of rotating around a first vertical axis 48 defined as passing through the arm base 40 in the vertical direction, that is, it is capable of rotating within a horizontal plane. In the following description, the rotation around the axis extending in the vertical direction is labeled as "rotation". The proximal end 44a of the second link 44 is supported by the distal end 42b of the first link 42 and is capable of rotating around a second vertical axis 50 defined as passing through the distal end 42b in the vertical direction. Therefore, when viewed from above, the multi-joint arm 14 bends and extends at the portion where the first link 42 and the second link 44 are connected. When the multi-joint arm 14 is in the reference position, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the second link 44 is arranged parallel to the first link 42. The second link 44 is rotatable about a first horizontal axis 52, which is defined so that its proximal end 44a extends horizontally and passes through the second link 44 in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction. This rotation causes the distal end 44b of the second link 44 to move vertically in an arc. The monitor base 46 is supported by the distal end 44b of the second link 44 and is rotatable about a third vertical axis 54 defined to extend vertically through the distal end 44b. The monitor 16 changes its orientation in the left-right direction as the monitor base 46 rotates. Furthermore, the monitor 16 tilts about a second horizontal axis 56, which extends horizontally and passes through the monitor base 46 in a direction parallel to the monitor 16. This tilting movement allows the monitor 16 to be oriented downward or upward.

[0042] The monitor 16 has a display unit 58 such as a liquid crystal panel (see Figure 1) and a monitor housing 60, which houses the display unit 58 in a manner that exposes the display surface of the display unit 58 and covers the back surface. A monitor handle 62 is attached to the lower edge of the center in the left-right direction of the monitor housing 60. The monitor handle 62 includes a handle base 64 fixed to the monitor housing 60 and a grip portion 66 extending forward from the handle base 64 over the front of the display unit 58. The grip portion 66 has a U-shape when viewed from above (refer to FIG. Figure 4 ), the operator holds the portion equivalent to the vertical line of the U-shape to move the monitor 16, thereby adjusting the position and orientation of the monitor 16.

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a state in which the elements of the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 are rotating. The multi-jointed arm 14-1 and the monitor 16-1 located at the reference position are indicated by a dashed line.

[0044] exist Figure 4 (a) shows a state where the multi-jointed arm 14 is rotated about the first vertical axis 48 from the reference position, thereby orienting the monitor 16 obliquely to the left. In this state, the positional relationship between the various components of the multi-jointed arm 14-2 (the first link 42, the second link 44, and the monitor base 46) and the positional relationship between the multi-jointed arm 14-2 and the monitor 16-2 are the same as when they are in the reference position. The multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 are integrally formed and rotate about the first vertical axis 48.

[0045] exist Figure 4 (b) shows a state where the second link 44 is rotated about the second vertical axis 50 from the reference position, thereby orienting the monitor 16 to the left. In this state, the first link 42 of the multi-jointed arm 14-3 is in the reference position, and the first link 42 and the second link 44 are positioned at an angle when viewed from above. Furthermore, the relationship between the second link 44 and the monitor 16-3 in this state is the same as in the reference position.

[0046] exist Figure 4 (c) shows a state where the monitor base 46 is rotated about the third vertical axis 54 from the reference position, thereby orienting the monitor 16 to the left. In this state, the first link 42 and the second link 44 of the multi-jointed arm 14-4 are located at the reference position. When viewed from above, the first link 42 and the second link 44 are positioned at an angle to the monitor base 46. As a result, the positional relationship between the second link 44 and the monitor 16-4 changes from the reference position.

[0047] Figure 4The multi-joint arm 14 and the monitor 16 shown in (a), (b), and (c) are states realized by the rotation of the multi-joint arm 14 about only one vertical axis. Figure 5 The diagram shows the states of the multi-jointed arm 14 achieved through movement relative to multiple vertical axes. By moving relative to multiple vertical axes, the monitor 16 located at the reference position can be moved parallel to a position, with monitor 16-5 shown moving parallel to the left and monitor 16-6 moving parallel to the front.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the movement of the multi-jointed arm 14 when the monitor 16 is moved up and down. When the monitor 16-1 located at the reference position moves upward, the second link 44 of the multi-jointed arm 14 rotates around the first horizontal axis 52. The second link 44 has a parallel link structure, so even if the second link 44 rotates, the monitor base 46 moves up and down while maintaining its posture. The monitor 16 supported by the monitor base 46 also moves up and down while maintaining its orientation. Figure 6 In FIG, the monitor 16-7 is shown moving parallel to the upper side.

[0049] Figure 7 16 is a diagram for explaining the tilting movement of the monitor 16. The monitor 16 tilts around the second horizontal axis 56. Figure 7 , monitor 16-8 is tilted forward and downward from monitor 16-1 facing horizontally forward, and monitor 16-9 is tilted backward and upward. Monitor 16-8 is shown at a depression angle of 10 degrees, and monitor 16-9 is shown at an elevation angle of 30 degrees.

[0050] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a state where the movement of the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 is locked. Figure 8 It is a side view. Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the locking mechanism involved in the locking process. Hereinafter, the locked positions of the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 are referred to as "locked positions". When locked, the locking rod 68, which is normally housed in the first link 42, is raised, and the raised locking rod 68 is housed in the rod housing 70 provided on the monitor 16. Figure 8 In the figure, the dotted line indicates the lock lever 68 housed in the first link 42, and the solid line indicates the raised lock lever 68. A lever accommodating portion 70 is provided in the handle base 64 of the monitor handle 62 fixed to the monitor housing 60. In the locked position, the monitor 16 is tilted forward to the limit restricted by the stopper, and the lever accommodating portion 70 provided at the bottom of the monitor 16 is opposed to the upper end of the raised lock lever 68 in the substantially front-to-back direction.

[0051] Figure 10 1 is a diagram showing the monitor 16 and the state of the multi-jointed arm 14 in a state before being locked and tilted forward to the limit position. Figure 11 In the figure, it is shown that Figure 10 The bottom of the monitor 16 is viewed in the direction of arrow A. Figure 10 In FIG, the entire upper end of the raised locking lever 68 is shown. The locking lever 68 has a monitor engaging pin 72 at the upper end extending toward the bottom of the monitor 16 in the locked position. The lever receiving portion 70 is groove-shaped. Figure 11 The upper portion of the lever engaging portion 74 is provided to engage with the upper end of the lock lever 68, and the lower portion of the lever engaging portion 76 is provided to expand downward in the left-right direction. A monitor engaging hole 78, or an engaging recessed portion for accommodating the monitor engaging pin 72, is formed on the bottom surface of the groove of the lever engaging portion 74.

[0052] Figure 12 : is a diagram showing the detailed structure of the locking lever 68 and its surrounding parts. Figure 12 (a) shows the lock lever 68 housed in the first link 42, and (b) shows the lock lever 68 extending from the first link 42 and locking the monitor 16, etc. (c) shows the detailed structure in an enlarged manner. Figure 12 , the locking lever 68 and its surrounding parts are shown when the multi-jointed arm 14 is in the reference position. In the state in which the locking lever 68 is raised, i.e., in the state shown in (b), the upper end is labeled as the upper end, and the lower end is labeled as the lower end.

[0053] The lock lever 68 has a generally cylindrical shape. A monitor engagement pin 72 is provided at the upper end of the lock lever 68 so as to be able to advance and retract, and an arm base engagement pin 80 is provided at the lower end so as to be able to advance and retract. The monitor engagement pin 72 can advance and retract in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lock lever 68, while the arm base engagement pin 80 can advance and retract generally along the longitudinal direction of the lock lever 68. The monitor engagement pin 72 and the arm base engagement pin 80 are biased toward extension by a spring, particularly a coil spring.

[0054] The rod shaft 82 passes through the lower end of the locking rod 68. The locking rod 68 and the rod shaft 82 are integrated and rotate around the central axis of the rod shaft 82, but are connected in a manner that allows relative movement in the longitudinal direction of the rod shaft 82, that is, along the central axis. The rod operating handle 84 is fixed to one end of the locking rod 68. The rod operating handle 84 is arranged on the side of the first connecting rod 42 (refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 9The rod shaft 82 is rotatably supported by the first link 42, specifically by a rod base 86 fixed to a frame member within the first link 42. This allows movement of the rod shaft 82 along its central axis within a predetermined range. Meanwhile, the movement of the lock lever 68 along the central axis of the rod shaft 82 is restricted by the rod base 86. Furthermore, a coil spring 88 is coaxially arranged with the rod shaft 82. The coil spring 88 biases the lever operating handle 84 and the rod shaft 82 in the left direction (LH).

[0055] A rod limiting pin 90 is provided at the end of the rod shaft 82 on the opposite side to the end on which the rod operating handle 84 is provided. The rod limiting pin 90 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rod shaft 82 and rotates integrally with the rod shaft 82 around the central axis of the rod shaft 82. A limiting pin holder 92 that engages with the rod limiting pin 90 is provided on the rod base 86. Pin receiving portions 92a and 92b for receiving the rod limiting pin 90 are formed at two locations of the limiting pin holder 92. When the rod limiting pin 90 is received in the first pin receiving portion 92a, the locking rod 68 is positioned in the retracted position housed in the first connecting rod 42 and maintained in this position (refer to (a)). Furthermore, when the rod limiting pin 90 is received in the second pin receiving portion 92b, the locking rod 68 is positioned in the upright extended position and maintained in this position (refer to (b)).

[0056] To raise the locking lever 68 from the stowed position, first, the lever operating handle 84 is pressed against the force of the coil spring 88, and the rod shaft 82 is moved in the direction of arrow B. This movement of the rod shaft 82 disengages the rod limiting pin 90 from the first pin accommodating portion 92a of the limiting pin accommodating portion 92, thereby allowing the rod shaft 82 to rotate about its central axis. Next, when the lever operating handle 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow C, the movement of the lever operating handle 84 causes the rod shaft 82 and the locking lever 68 to rotate. When the locking lever 68 is raised, the force pressing the lever operating handle 84 is released. This causes the rod limiting pin 90 to engage with the second pin accommodating portion 92b, positioning the locking lever 68 in the extended position. Similarly, to move the locking lever 68 from the extended position to the retracted position, the lever operating handle 84 is pressed, rotated in the direction opposite to arrow C, and then released.

[0057] Figure 13It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 are locked by the locking rod 68. The arm base 40 includes a base support 94 extending upward. The base support 94 is cylindrical in shape, and the first connecting rod 42 is supported by the base support 94 via a bearing so as to be rotatable. Therefore, the center axis of the base support 94 is the first vertical axis 48. A notch 96 is formed at a point on the circumference of the annular top surface 94a of the base support 94. When the locking rod 68 is in the extended position, the arm base engaging pin 80 extends from the lower end of the locking rod 68 by the action of the spring and engages with the notch 96, thereby locking the rotation of the first connecting rod 42 around the first vertical axis 48. The notch 96 is a recessed portion that accommodates the arm base engaging pin 80 when the locking rod 68 is in the extended position. Hereinafter, the notch 96 will be referred to as the arm base engaging notch 96. The arm base engagement pin 80 and the arm base engagement notch 96 constitute an engagement mechanism for engaging the lock lever 68 with the arm base 40 to lock the rotation of the first link 42. This engagement mechanism is referred to as a first engagement mechanism 98.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a diagram for explaining a process of locking the rotation of the first link 42 from a state where the arm base engagement pin 80 and the arm base engagement notch 96 are positionally offset in the circumferential direction. Figure 14 In FIG. 1 , (a) shows a state before the lock lever 68 reaches the extended position, and (b) and (c) show states after the lock lever 68 reaches the extended position.

[0059] When the first link 42 is at a position offset from the reference position by rotation (for example, Figure 4 In (a), when the locking lever 68 is raised, the arm base engaging pin 80 abuts against the base support 94 at a position offset from the arm base engaging notch 96. The state at this time is shown in (a). The arm base engaging pin 80 is pressed against the top surface 94a of the base support 94 as the locking lever 68 rotates, and retreats against the force of the spring and rides on the top surface 94a. The state at this time is shown in (b) and (c). In order to make it easier for the arm base engaging pin 80 to ride on the top surface 94a of the base support, a chamfer can be provided on the edge of the outer peripheral side of the top surface 94a of the base support. In addition, the end face of the arm base engaging pin 80 can be provided as a curved surface such as a spherical surface. In the state in which the arm base engaging pin 80 rides on the top surface 94a of the base support, the first connecting rod 42 is rotated around the first vertical axis 48 toward the reference position. As a result, the arm base engaging pin 80 moves circumferentially on the top surface 94a of the base support. When the arm base engaging pin 80 moves to the position of the arm base engaging notch 96 , it extends into the arm base engaging notch 96 due to the urging force of the spring and engages therewith.

[0060] In order to release the lock of the first link 42, the locking lever 68 is rotated and positioned at the retreat position. By the rotation of the locking lever 68, the arm base engaging pin 80 moves radially outwardly of the base support 94, and comes out of the arm base engaging notch 96 and releases engagement therewith.

[0061] Return to Figure 13 , the engagement of the monitor 16 and the locking rod 68 will be described. The upper end of the locking rod 68 in the extended position engages with the bottom of the monitor 16, more specifically, with the rod engaging portion 74 of the rod accommodating portion 70 provided on the monitor handle 62. Furthermore, the monitor engaging pin 72 is urged by a spring to enter the monitor engaging hole 78. By engaging the monitor engaging pin 72 with the monitor engaging hole 78, the movement of the monitor 16 in the up and down directions and the left and right directions relative to the locking rod 68 is restricted. That is, the rotation of the monitor 16 around the second vertical axis 50, the rotation around the third vertical axis 54, and the rotation around the first horizontal axis 52 of the second connecting rod 44 are locked. Furthermore, as Figure 15 As shown in the horizontal cross-section of FIG, the left and right side surfaces 74a and 74b of the rod engaging portion 74 formed on the handle base 64 abut the left and right side surfaces of the upper end of the lock lever 68, thereby restricting the left and right movement of the rod accommodating portion 70, that is, movement in a direction transverse to the lock lever 68. Consequently, the left and right movement of the monitor 16 is restricted. Specifically, the monitor 16 is locked from rotating about the second vertical axis 50 and the third vertical axis 54. Furthermore, since the lock lever 68 is provided on the first link 42, the monitor 16 is locked from moving up, down, left, and right relative to the first link 42. The second link 44 is also locked from rotating about the second vertical axis 50 and the first horizontal axis 52 relative to the first link 42. Moreover, as long as the rotation of the first link 42 is locked by the first engaging mechanism 98, the lifting and rotation of the monitor 16 relative to the device body 12 are locked, and the rotation of the second link 44 around the vertical axis and the rotation around the horizontal axis relative to the device body 12 are locked.

[0062] The upward tilt movement of the monitor 16 tilted forward to the lower limit is locked by the locking lever 68 and the engagement of the monitor engagement pin 72 with the lever receiving portion 70, especially with the lever engagement portion 74. Figure 16 As shown, when the monitor 16 attempts to tilt upward as indicated by arrow D, the lower portion of the monitor engagement hole 78 abuts against the monitor engagement pin 72, and the upper side surface 74c of the lever engagement portion 74 abuts against the upper end surface 68a of the lock lever 68. As a result, the tilting movement of the monitor 16 is locked.

[0063] The lever accommodating portion 70 having the monitor engagement hole 78 and the lever engagement portion 74, and the upper end portion of the lock lever 68 having the monitor engagement pin 72 constitute an engagement mechanism for locking the tilting movement of the monitor 16, the rotation and lifting of the monitor 16, and the rotation and pivoting of the second link 44. This engagement mechanism is denoted as a second engagement mechanism 100.

[0064] In order to set the second engagement mechanism 100 to the locked state, first, Figure 10 As shown, the monitor 16 is tilted forward to the limit at a position higher than the locking position. Then, the monitor 16 is lowered downward.

[0065] Figure 17 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the rod accommodating portion 70 is close to the locking rod 68 during the process of lowering the monitor 16. Figure 17 The rod receiving portion 70 has a rod engaging portion 74 located above and a tapered portion 76 located below. The rod receiving portion 70 is a groove formed on the bottom surface of the handle base 64. Figure 17 The upper end of the groove is closed and the lower end is open. When the side surfaces 74a and 74b of the rod engaging portion 74 engage the upper end of the locking rod 68, they prevent the locking rod 68 from moving in the relative left and right directions. The tapered portion 76 is defined by the left and right side walls of the groove, i.e., the side surfaces 76a and 76b, and the bottom surface 76c that forms the bottom of the groove. The spacing between the side surfaces 76a and 76b of the tapered portion 76 is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top. The side surfaces 76a and 76b of the tapered portion 76 are connected at the upper end to the lower ends of the side surfaces 74a and 74b of the rod engaging portion, respectively. The bottom surface 76c of the tapered portion 76 is also connected at the upper end to the lower end of the bottom surface of the rod engaging portion.

[0066] When the monitor 16, tilted forward, descends, the locking rod 68 enters the rod accommodating portion 70 from below. As the locking rod 68 enters the rod accommodating portion 70, the front end of the monitor engagement pin 72 abuts against the bottom surface 76c of the tapered portion of the rod accommodating portion 70, pressing the rod accommodating portion. As the monitor 16 descends, the monitor engagement pin 72 then moves toward the retracted position. As the monitor 16 descends further and the monitor engagement pin 72 aligns with the monitor engagement hole 78, the spring forces the monitor engagement pin 72 into the monitor engagement hole 78, engaging the monitor engagement pin 72. If the locking rod 68 and rod accommodating portion 70 are displaced in the left-right direction, the upper end of the monitor engagement pin 72 or the locking rod 68 abuts against the side surfaces 76a and 76b of the tapered portion of the rod accommodating portion 70. Furthermore, as the monitor 16 descends, the locking rod 68 is guided to the rod engagement portion 74 by the side surfaces 76a and 76b.

[0067] The upper end of the lock lever 68 engages with the lever engaging portion 74 of the lever accommodating portion 70, and the monitor engaging pin 72 engages with the monitor engaging hole 78 formed on the bottom surface of the lever engaging portion 74, thereby engaging the second engaging mechanism 100. As a result, the tilting movement of the monitor 16 is locked, and the integral rotation and elevation of the monitor 16 and the monitor base 46 are locked. Furthermore, the rotation of the second link 44 relative to the first link 42 is locked.

[0068] To lock the multi-jointed arm 14 and monitor 16 from the use state of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10, the lever operating handle 84 is first rotated to raise the locking lever 68 to the extended position. With the arm base engaging pin 80 and the arm base engaging notch 96 circumferentially offset, the first link 42 is rotated about the first vertical axis 48 to align the arm base engaging pin 80 with the arm base engaging notch 96 and engage them. This locks the first link 42 via the first engaging mechanism 98.

[0069] Next, the monitor 16 and the second link 44 are locked by the second engaging mechanism 100. First, the monitor 16 is tilted forward to its limit. At this time, the grip portion 66 of the monitor handle 62 is positioned higher than the upper end of the locking rod 68, which is in the extended position. When the forward-tilted monitor 16 is lowered, the upper end of the locking rod 68 and the monitor engaging pin 72 are guided by the tapered portion 76 of the rod accommodating portion 70, and the locking rod 68 reaches the rod engaging portion 74. Furthermore, the monitor engaging pin 72 is pushed back by the bottom surface 76c of the tapered portion 76 and, when it reaches a position directly opposite the monitor engaging hole 78, extends into the monitor engaging hole 78. Thus, the monitor 16 and the second link 44 are locked by the second engaging mechanism 100. Furthermore, the second link 44 and the first link 42 are also locked. As a result, the movement of the multi-jointed arm 14 itself and the relative movement with the monitor 16 are locked, and the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 become one. By locking by the first engagement mechanism 98 and the second engagement mechanism 100, the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 are fixed to the device body.

[0070] When locking is performed by the first engaging mechanism 98, the locking sequence by the second engaging mechanism 100 may be reversed. That is, the monitor 16 is tilted forward and lowered so that the monitor 16 and the second link 44 are locked. Then, the multi-jointed arm 14 and the monitor 16 are rotated integrally so that the arm base engaging pin 80 engages with the arm base engaging notch 96, thereby securing the integrated multi-jointed arm 14 and monitor 16 to the device body.

[0071] In the first engaging mechanism 98, the arrangement of the arm base engaging pin 80 and the arm base engaging notch 96 can be interchanged. Specifically, a base support member having a notch can be configured to rotate integrally with the first link 42, and an engaging pin that advances and retracts relative to the notch can be provided on the arm base 40. In the second engaging mechanism 100, the arrangement of the monitor engaging pin 72 and the monitor engaging hole 78 can be interchanged. Specifically, an engaging pin for advancement and retraction can be provided on the bottom surface of the rod accommodating portion 70, while an engaging hole that engages with the engaging pin can be provided on the upper end of the lock lever.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a monitor, which displays ultrasound images; and an arm base, disposed on the device body; a multi-jointed arm, one end of which is supported by the arm base and the other end of which supports the monitor; and A locking mechanism for locking the movement of the monitor and the movement of the multi-jointed arm, The multi-jointed arm has: A monitor base, supporting the monitor so as to be tiltable and movable; a first link having one end rotatably supported by the arm base; and a second link having one end rotatably supported by the other end of the first link and the other end rotatably supporting the monitor base and supporting the monitor base so as to be movable upward and downward; and The locking mechanism has: a locking lever mounted on the first link and rotatable between an extended position and a retracted position; a first engaging mechanism for engaging the locking lever with the arm base to lock the rotation of the first link when the locking lever is in the extended position; and The second engagement mechanism engages the lock lever with the monitor when the lock lever is in the extended position to lock the tilting movement of the monitor, the integral rotation and lifting of the monitor and the monitor base, and the rotation of the second link.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The second engaging mechanism includes a rod receiving portion provided at a lower edge portion of the monitor for receiving one end of the lock rod located at the extended position. The lock lever restricts movement of the lever accommodating portion in a lateral direction of the lock lever, thereby locking the rotation of the monitor and the rotation of the second link.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The second engaging mechanism comprises: a monitor engaging pin provided on one of the locking lever and the lever accommodating portion; and a monitor engaging recess provided on the other of the locking lever and the lever accommodating portion and accommodating the monitor engaging pin when the locking lever is in the extended position. The monitor is locked in position by engaging the monitor engaging pin with the monitor engaging recess. The monitor engagement pin is engaged with the monitor engagement recess, and the lock lever restricts movement of the lever accommodating portion in the length direction of the lock lever, thereby locking the tilting movement of the monitor.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: A tapered portion tapering in a direction in which the lock lever enters the lever accommodation portion is provided on a side of the lever accommodation portion where the lock lever is accommodated.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The monitor engagement pin and the monitor engagement recess are arranged so as to be engageable when the monitor faces downward.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The first engaging mechanism comprises: an arm base engaging pin provided on one of the locking lever and the arm base; and an arm base engaging recess provided on the other of the locking lever and the arm base and accommodating the arm base engaging pin when the locking lever is in the extended position. The arm base engagement pin is engaged with the arm base engagement recess, thereby locking the first link from rotating.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The lock lever is accommodated in the first link when in the retracted position, and one end of the lock lever protrudes from the first link and is accommodated in the lever accommodation portion when in the extended position.

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