Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

The utility model provides an ultrasonic diagnostic device which expands the height adjusting range of an operation panel, reduces the movement amount of the operation panel in the depth direction and reduces the depth size of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an operation panel, a first support portion, and a second support portion. The operation panel receives an operation by a user. The first support portion has a rotating portion that rotates so as to be able to change the height of the operation panel, and supports the operation panel. The second support part has a linear motion part capable of performing linear motion so as to change the height of the operation panel, and supports the first support part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings relate to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Ultrasonic diagnostic devices are equipped with either a linear motion or arm-type lifting mechanism as a means of adjusting the height of the operating panel. A linear motion lifting mechanism moves vertically but does not move in the depth direction of the operating panel. Therefore, a linear motion lifting mechanism can eliminate the amount of movement of the operating panel in the depth direction and reduce the depth of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. However, when a linear motion lifting mechanism is used in a low-height ultrasonic diagnostic device, the lifting mechanism has a limited range of adjustment for the height of the operating panel. In contrast, an arm-type lifting mechanism can increase the range of adjustment for the height of the operating panel by lengthening the arm. However, with an arm-type lifting mechanism, the depth of the ultrasonic diagnostic device increases in proportion to the length of the arm. Furthermore, the amount of movement of the operating panel in the depth direction associated with the vertical movement of the lifting mechanism also increases.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-004765

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-133970 Utility Model Content

[0007] Problems to be solved by the utility model

[0008] One of the issues addressed by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings is to expand the height adjustment range of the operating panel, reduce the amount of movement of the operating panel in the depth direction, and thus reduce the depth of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. However, the issues addressed by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings are not limited to the aforementioned issues. Other issues may also be identified as issues corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described below.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an operation panel, a first support portion, and a second support portion. The operation panel receives user operations. The first support portion includes a rotating portion that rotates to adjust the height of the operation panel and supports the operation panel. The second support portion includes a linear motion portion that linearly moves to adjust the height of the operation panel and supports the first support portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2A It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2B It is a plan view showing a configuration example of an operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a side view showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a side view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a side view showing another operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a plan view showing a configuration example of an operation panel of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 It is a side view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 It is a plan view showing an operation panel of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the modified example of the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 It means next Figure 12 Flowchart of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the modified example of the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0026] Figure 15A It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 15B It is a plan view showing a configuration example of an operation panel of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 It is a perspective view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 19 It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a rotating unit and a rotation limiting mechanism of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 21 It is an enlarged view showing a configuration example of an operation unit of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 22 It is a diagram showing an operation example of the rotation limiting mechanism of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 23 It is a side view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 24 It is a side view showing another operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 25 It is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0038] Description of Reference Numerals

[0039] 1Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment

[0040] 3 Operation panel

[0041] 6Device body

[0042] 634 restricted functions

[0043] 7First support portion

[0044] 71 rotating part

[0045] 8First drive unit

[0046] 9 Second support portion

[0047] 91 linear motion unit

[0048] 10 Second drive unit

[0049] 16 Rotation limiting mechanism

[0050] 161 gas spring

[0051] 17 Linear motion limiting mechanism

[0052] 18 Operation Department

[0053] 181 Rotation limit release lever

[0054] 182 linear motion limit release rod DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and structure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be given only when necessary.

[0056] (First embodiment)

[0057] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2A It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2B It is a plan view showing a configuration example of the operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A partial enlarged view of . Figure 3 FIG1 is a side view showing a configuration example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figures 2A to 3 In FIG. 1 , the X direction is the depth direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (the same applies hereinafter). The Y direction is the width direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (the same applies hereinafter). The Z direction is the height direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 (the same applies hereinafter).

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 2, an operation panel 3, a display 4, a lifting device 5, and an apparatus body 6. The ultrasonic probe 2, the operation panel 3, the display 4, and the lifting device 5 are connected to the apparatus body 6 in a communicable manner. Figure 2A as well as Figure 3 As shown, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 further includes a base 11, peripheral equipment 12, a front handle 13, and a rear handle 14. The apparatus body 6 is mounted on the horizontal base 11. The peripheral equipment 12 is mounted on the apparatus body 6. Peripheral equipment 12 is, for example, a recording and playback device such as a printer and a DVD recorder. The lifting device 5 is mounted on the base 11 behind the apparatus body 6 (in the X direction). The operation panel 3 is mounted on the lifting device 5. The display 4 is mounted on the operation panel 3. The front handle 13 is mounted at the front end of the operation panel 3. The rear handle 14 is mounted at the rear end of the lifting device 5.

[0059] The ultrasonic probe 2 is a device that transmits ultrasonic waves to the subject and receives reflected waves (echoes) of the ultrasonic waves from the subject in order to acquire an ultrasonic image of the subject.

[0060] The ultrasonic probe 2 has multiple transducers. These transducers generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal, such as a voltage, supplied from the device body 6. Furthermore, the ultrasonic probe 2 receives reflected waves from the subject and converts them into electrical signals. That is, the ultrasonic probe 2 scans the subject using ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves from the subject. The transducers are provided with electrodes for supplying drive signals and inputting electrical signals for reflected waves. The transducers can be made of materials such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). For example, an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens are provided on the surface of the transducer. For example, a backing material is provided on the back of the transducer. The acoustic matching layer, also known as a λ / 4 layer, is a layer used to efficiently transmit and receive ultrasonic waves by reducing the impedance difference between the transducer and the biological body. The acoustic lens is a structure used to reduce friction with the biological surface during examination and to converge the ultrasonic beam, thereby improving slice resolution. The backing material is a structure that absorbs ultrasonic waves traveling backward and shortens the pulse width of ultrasonic waves traveling forward. The ultrasonic probe 2 is detachably connected to the device body 6.

[0061] When ultrasound waves are transmitted from the ultrasound probe 2 toward the subject, they are sequentially reflected by discontinuities in acoustic impedance within the subject's tissues and received as reflected wave signals by the multiple transducers of the ultrasound probe 2. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signals depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuities where the ultrasound waves were reflected. Furthermore, when the transmitted ultrasound pulses are reflected by surfaces such as moving blood flow or the heart wall, the reflected wave signals undergo a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect, depending on the velocity component of the moving object relative to the direction of ultrasound transmission.

[0062] The ultrasonic probe 2 can be a 1D array probe that scans the subject two-dimensionally, or a three-dimensional probe that scans the subject three-dimensionally, that is, a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe.

[0063] The operation panel 3 receives input operations of various instructions and information from the user. That is, the operation panel 3 receives operations from the user. Specifically, the operation panel 3 converts the input operations received from the user into electrical signals and outputs them to the device body 6. For example, the operation panel 3 is implemented by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad for performing input operations by touching the operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touchpad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a sound input circuit. In addition, the operation panel 3 is not limited to having physical operating components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, a processing circuit for an electrical signal that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device that is separate from the device and outputs the electrical signal to a control circuit is also included in the example of the operation panel 3.

[0064] exist Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B In the example shown, the operation panel 3 includes a first switch SW-1 and a second switch SW-2. The first switch SW-1 accepts an input operation for finely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 toward the increasing or decreasing side. Specifically, the first switch SW-1 accepts an ON operation on the UP side for finely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 toward the increasing side. Furthermore, the first switch SW-1 accepts an ON operation on the DOWN side for finely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 toward the decreasing side. Furthermore, the first switch SW-1 accepts an OFF operation for stopping fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3. The second switch SW-2 accepts an input operation for coarse adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3 toward the increasing or decreasing side. Specifically, the second switch SW-2 accepts an ON operation on the UP side for coarse adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3 toward the increasing side. Furthermore, the second switch SW-2 accepts an ON operation on the DOWN side for coarse adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3 toward the decreasing side. Furthermore, the second switch SW-2 accepts an OFF operation for stopping coarse adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3. The amount of height adjustment of the operation panel 3 per unit time for input operations accepted by the first switch SW-1 is smaller than the amount of height adjustment of the operation panel 3 per unit time for input operations accepted by the second switch SW-2. Therefore, by turning on the first switch SW-1 in the upward or downward direction, the height of the operation panel 3 can be finely adjusted. Furthermore, by turning on the second switch SW-2 in the upward or downward direction, the height of the operation panel 3 can be quickly adjusted.

[0065] Display 4 converts information and image data sent from device body 6 into electrical signals for display and outputs them. Display 4 is implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, or a touch panel. Display 4 may also include a speaker. The speaker outputs a predetermined sound, such as a buzzer, to inform the user of the processing status of device body 6.

[0066] The lifting device 5 is a device that raises and lowers the operation panel 3. In the first embodiment, the lifting device 5 raises and lowers the operation panel 3 according to the input operation received by the operation panel 3. The lifting device 5 includes a first support portion 7, a first drive portion 8, a second support portion 9, and a second drive portion 10. The first drive portion 8 and the second drive portion 10 are examples of drive portions.

[0067] The first support portion 7 has a rotating portion 71 that rotates so as to change the height of the operation panel 3. The first support portion 7 supports the operation panel 3. The first support portion 7 is located above the peripheral device 12. Figure 2A and Figure 3 In the example shown, the rotating portion 71 has an arm shape extending from one end on the second support portion 9 side to the other end on the operation panel 3 side. One end of the rotating portion 71 is connected to the second support portion 9 in a rotatable manner. That is, the rotating portion 71 is provided at a position connected to the second support portion 9. The other end of the rotating portion 71 is connected to the operation panel 3. The rotating portion 71 rotates around the one end connected to the second support portion 9, thereby rotating and moving the operation panel 3 connected to the other end of the rotating portion 71 up and down. By rotating and moving the operation panel 3 up and down, the height of the operation panel 3 can be fine-tuned while maintaining the orientation (i.e., the inclination) of the operation panel 3. The rotating portion 71 may also be provided in a pair at intervals in the Y direction.

[0068] The first drive unit 8 generates a driving force to rotate the rotating unit 71 under the control of the device body 6. That is, the first drive unit 8 drives the rotating unit 71 electrically. The first drive unit 8 is composed of, for example, a motor, a driving force transmission component such as a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor to the rotating unit 71, and a driving circuit for the motor. Figure 2A In the illustrated example, the first drive unit 8 generates a driving force when the first switch SW-1 for finely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 is turned on. Thus, when the first switch SW-1 is turned on, the driving force of the first drive unit 8 rotates the rotating unit 71, enabling fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3. On the other hand, when the first switch SW-1 is turned off, the rotating unit 71 does not rotate, thereby prohibiting fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3.

[0069] The second support portion 9 includes a linear motion portion 91 that performs linear motion so as to be able to change the height of the operation panel 3. The second support portion 9 supports the first support portion 7. Figure 2A In the example shown, the second support portion 9 further includes a linear motion support portion 92 .

[0070] exist Figure 2A In the example shown, the linear motion portion 91 is a columnar member extending in the vertical direction. The linear motion portion 91 is capable of linear motion in the vertical direction. The rotating portion 71 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the linear motion portion 91. Thus, by linearly moving the linear motion portion 91 upward, the height of the operating panel 3, which is connected to the linear motion portion 91 via the rotating portion 71, can be roughly adjusted toward an upward position. Conversely, by linearly moving the linear motion portion 91 downward, the height of the operating panel 3 can be roughly adjusted toward a downward position.

[0071] The linear motion support portion 92 supports the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91. The linear motion support portion 92 is provided so as to extend upward from the base 11. For example, the linear motion support portion 92 is a cylindrical member capable of partially accommodating the linear motion portion 91. A rear handle 14 is provided at the rear end of the linear motion support portion 92 so as to extend upward.

[0072] The second drive unit 10 generates a driving force to make the linear motion unit 91 move linearly under the control of the device body 6. That is, the second drive unit 10 drives the linear motion unit 91 electrically. The second drive unit 10 is composed of, for example, a motor, a driving force transmission component such as a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor to the linear motion unit 91, and a driving circuit for the motor. Figure 2A In the illustrated example, the second drive unit 10 generates a driving force when the second switch SW-2 for coarsely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 is turned on. Thus, when the second switch SW-2 is turned on, the linear motion unit 91 undergoes linear motion due to the driving force of the second drive unit 10, thereby enabling coarse adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3. On the other hand, when the second switch SW-2 is turned off, the linear motion unit 91 does not undergo linear motion, thereby inhibiting coarse adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3.

[0073] Furthermore, by independently turning on and off the first switch SW- 1 and the second switch SW- 2 , the linear motion portion 91 and the rotation portion 71 can be independently operated.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the device body 6 includes a transceiver circuit 61 , a storage circuit 62 , and a processing circuit 63 .

[0075] The transceiver circuit 61 supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the processing circuit 63. The transceiver circuit 61 also performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate reflected wave data.

[0076] In order to supply a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2, the transceiver circuit 61 includes, for example, a pulse generator, a transmission delay unit, and a pulse generator. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmitted ultrasonic waves at a predetermined rate frequency. In addition, the transmission delay unit assigns a delay time to each transducer required for converging the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 2 into a beam shape and determining the transmission directionality to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. The pulse generator applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 2 at a timing based on the rate pulse assigned the delay time. That is, the transmission delay unit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducer surface by varying the delay time assigned to each rate pulse.

[0077] Furthermore, the transceiver circuit 61 performs various processing on the reflected wave signals received by the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate reflected wave data. For example, it includes a preamplifier, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, a reception delay unit, and an adder. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signals for each channel. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the amplified reflected wave signals. The reception delay unit applies the delay time required to determine the reception directivity. The adder adds the reflected wave signals processed by the reception delay unit to generate reflected wave data. The addition process by the adder enhances the reflection components from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signals, forming a combined beam for ultrasonic transmission and reception based on the reception directivity and transmission directivity. The output signal from the transceiver circuit 61 can be in various forms, including a signal containing phase information, such as an RF (Radio Frequency) signal, or amplitude information after envelope detection.

[0078] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the transceiver circuit 61 is disposed in the device body 6 . However, the transceiver circuit 61 is not limited to being disposed in the device body 6 , and at least a portion of the transceiver circuit 61 may be disposed in the ultrasonic probe 2 .

[0079] The storage circuit 62 is a non-transitory storage device that stores various types of information, and may be, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an optical disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit memory device. The storage circuit 62 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and various data used in executing the control program. Besides HDDs and SSDs, the storage circuit 62 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various types of information to and from removable storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and flash memory, or semiconductor memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0080] The processing circuit 63 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 based on electrical signals indicating input operations from the operation panel 3. For example, the processing circuit 63 includes an ultrasonic image generation function 631, a drive control function 632, a position detection function 633, and a restriction function 634. The restriction function 634 is an example of a restriction unit.

[0081] Here, for example, Figure 1 The components of the processing circuit 63 shown, namely, the ultrasonic image generation function 631, the drive control function 632, the position detection function 633, and the limitation function 634, are stored in the storage circuit 62 in the form of programs that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 63 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the processing circuit 63 reads out each program from the storage circuit 62 and executes it, thereby realizing the function corresponding to each program read out. In other words, the processing circuit 63 that has read out the status of each program has Figure 1 The functions shown within the processing circuit 63.

[0082] In addition, Figure 1 6, the ultrasonic image generation function 631, the drive control function 632, the position detection function 633, and the limitation function 634 are shown as being implemented by a single processing circuit 63, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the processing circuit 63 may be composed of a combination of multiple independent processors, with each processor executing a program to implement each processing function. Furthermore, the processing functions of the processing circuit 63 may be implemented by being appropriately distributed or integrated within a single or multiple processing circuits.

[0083] The ultrasonic image generation function 631 acquires an ultrasonic image of the subject based on the reflected ultrasonic wave from the subject. Specifically, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 receives the reflected wave signal from the ultrasonic probe 2 via the transceiver circuit 61 and generates an ultrasonic image based on the received reflected wave signal.

[0084] For example, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 receives reflected wave data from the transceiver circuit 61 and performs logarithmic amplification and envelope detection on it, generating data (B-mode data) that represents signal intensity in terms of brightness. Furthermore, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 performs frequency analysis on velocity information based on the reflected wave data received from the transceiver circuit 61, extracting echo components of blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent based on the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) that extracts moving body information such as velocity, variance, and power at multiple points. Furthermore, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 can process both two-dimensional and three-dimensional reflected wave data. Specifically, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 generates two-dimensional B-mode data from two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional B-mode data from three-dimensional reflected wave data. Furthermore, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 generates two-dimensional Doppler data from two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional Doppler data from three-dimensional reflected wave data.

[0085] The ultrasonic image generation function 631 then generates an ultrasonic image based on the generated data. For example, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 generates a two-dimensional B-mode image, which uses brightness to represent the intensity of reflected waves, based on two-dimensional B-mode data. Furthermore, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 generates a two-dimensional Doppler image that visualizes blood flow information based on two-dimensional Doppler data. A two-dimensional Doppler image can be velocity image data representing the mean velocity of blood flow, variance image data representing the variance of blood flow, power image data representing blood flow, or a combination of these. Furthermore, as a Doppler image, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 generates a color Doppler image that displays blood flow information such as the mean velocity, variance, and power in color, or a Doppler image that displays a single piece of blood flow information in grayscale. Furthermore, for example, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 can also generate an M-mode image based on time-series data from B-mode data on a single scan line. Furthermore, the ultrasonic image generation function 631 can also generate a Doppler waveform that plots blood flow and tissue velocity information along a time series based on the Doppler data.

[0086] The drive control function 632 controls the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotating unit 71. In addition, the drive control function 632 controls the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91. Figure 2AIn the illustrated example, when the first switch SW-1 is turned on, the drive control function 632 outputs an electrical signal instructing the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotating unit 71, thereby causing the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotating unit 71. Furthermore, when the second switch SW-2 is turned on, the drive control function 632 outputs an electrical signal instructing the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91, thereby causing the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91.

[0087] The position detection function 633 detects the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction (i.e., the height direction). That is, the position detection function 633 detects the position of the linear motion portion 91 in the linear motion direction. The position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction is, for example, the position of a reference point of the second support portion 9, such as the upper end of the second support portion 9. The position detection function 633 may also detect the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction based on the amount of drive of the linear motion portion 91 by the second drive portion 10, such as the amount of motor rotation. Alternatively, the position detection function 633 may use a sensor such as an optical sensor to detect the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction.

[0088] The limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 based on the height of the second support portion 9, which is linearly moved by the linear motion portion 91. In other words, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 based on the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction. In the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 electrically limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 based on the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction detected by the position detection function 633.

[0089] Specifically, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 so that the first supporting part 7 becomes horizontal when the position of the second supporting part 9 in the linear motion direction is the first position. The so-called first position refers to the position of the second supporting part 9 at which it is difficult for the first supporting part to rotate to a position lower than the horizontal (i.e., a position tilted downward relative to the horizontal) so as not to contact the structure below (such as the peripheral device 12). In other words, the first position refers to the position of the second supporting part 9 when the first supporting part 7 reaches the horizontal position at this position so that the interval between the first supporting part 7 and the structure below (such as the peripheral device 12) is below the threshold interval. The first position is, for example, the position of the second supporting part 9 when the height of the second supporting part 9 is below the threshold height. In addition, the first position is not limited to one position, but can also be multiple positions throughout the set range. In addition, the structure below the first supporting part 7 can also be a structure other than the peripheral device 12 such as the device body 6.

[0090] More specifically, when the first switch SW-1 indicates that the panel height should be fine-tuned toward the reduction side, and when the position of the second support portion 9 detected by the position detection function 633 is the first position, the limiting function 634 limits the driving of the rotating portion 71 by the first driving portion 8 so that the first support portion 7 reaches a horizontal position, which becomes the downward limit position of the first support portion 7.

[0091] In addition, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 when the position of the second support part 9 in the linear motion direction is a second position higher than the first position, so that the first support part 7 is lower than the horizontal (that is, tilted downward relative to the horizontal). The so-called second position refers to the position of the second support part 9 at which the first support part 7 can rotate to a position lower than the horizontal without contacting the structure below (such as the peripheral device 12). In other words, the second position refers to the position of the second support part 9 when the first support part 7 reaches the horizontal at this position so that the interval between the first support part 7 and the structure below (such as the peripheral device 12) is greater than the threshold interval. The second position is, for example, the position of the second support part 9 when the height of the second support part 9 is greater than the threshold height. The second position is a plurality of positions throughout the set range.

[0092] More specifically, when the first switch SW-1 indicates that the panel height should be fine-tuned toward the reduction side, and when the position of the second support portion 9 detected by the position detection function 633 is the second position, the limiting function 634 limits the driving of the rotating portion 71 by the first driving portion 8 so that the first support portion 7 reaches a position lower than the horizontal position, which becomes the downward limit position of the first support portion 7.

[0093] The restriction function 634 may also limit the extent to which the first support portion 7 is lowered below horizontal (i.e., the extent to which the first support portion 7 is tilted downward relative to the horizontal) to prevent the first support portion 7 from contacting a structure below. For example, the drive control function 632 may limit the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 by stopping the rotation of the first support portion 7 at a position higher than when the second support portion 9 is at a higher position among the second positions, when the second support portion 9 is at a higher position among the second positions. Alternatively, the drive control function 632 may relax the restriction on the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 by rotating the first support portion 7 to a position lower than when the second support portion 9 is at a lower position among the second positions, when the second support portion 9 is at a higher position among the second positions. Alternatively, the restriction function 634 may limit the extent to which the first support portion 7 is lowered below horizontal to prevent the first support portion 7 from contacting the operation panel 3. Furthermore, the limiting function 634 may limit the driving of the linear motion portion 91 by the second driving portion 10 when the rotating portion 71 is lower than the horizontal level so that the position of the second support portion 9 does not fall below the threshold height.

[0094] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. Figure 4 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 In the initial state, the operation panel 3 rises to a position corresponding to the rotation of the rotating portion 71 achieved by operating the first switch SW-1 and the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91 achieved by operating the second switch SW-2.

[0095] Then, from the initial state, first, the limit function 634 determines whether fine adjustment of the panel height toward the decreasing side is instructed by the on-operation toward the decreasing side of the first switch SW- 1 (step S1 ).

[0096] If a fine adjustment of the panel height toward a lower position is instructed (step S1: YES), the limiting function 634 determines whether the position of the second support portion 9 is the first position based on the position of the second support portion 9 detected by the position detection function 633 (step S2). Here, the limiting function 634 determines that the position of the second support portion 9 is the first position when the height of the second support portion 9 is below a threshold value. On the other hand, the limiting function 634 determines that the position of the second support portion 9 is the second position when the height of the second support portion 9 is above the threshold value.

[0097] When the second support portion 9 is at the first position (step S2 : YES), the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 so that the first support portion 7 reaches a horizontal position as the lower limit position of the first support portion 7 (step S3 ).

[0098] Figure 5 : is a side view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the limiting function 634 allows the drive control function 632 for rotating the rotating portion 71 downward to control the first drive portion 8 until the rotating portion 71 reaches the horizontal level. Therefore, the drive control function 632 controls the first drive portion 8 to rotate the rotating portion 71 downward according to the operation of the first switch SW-1 until the rotating portion 71 reaches the horizontal level (step S31, step S32). The limiting function 634 can also sense that the rotating portion 71 has reached the horizontal level based on the drive amount of the first drive portion 8 obtained in advance. Alternatively, the limiting function 634 can also use a sensor such as a light sensor to sense that the rotating portion 71 has reached the horizontal level.

[0099] When the rotating portion 71 reaches horizontal position, the limiting function 634 stops the drive control function 632 from controlling the first drive unit 8, which is used to rotate the rotating portion 71 downward. Therefore, when the rotating portion 71 reaches horizontal position, the drive control function 632 stops the first drive unit 8, preventing the rotating portion 71 from further downward rotation, regardless of whether the first switch SW-1 is operated (step S33). As a result, the position of the first support portion 7 when the first support portion 7 reaches horizontal position becomes the downward limit position of the first support portion 7.

[0100] On the other hand, Figure 4 As shown, when the position of the second support part 9 is not the first position, that is, when the position of the second support part 9 is the second position (step S2: No), the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 so that the position of the first support part 7 lower than the horizontal becomes the downward limit position of the first support part 7 (step S4).

[0101] Figure 6: This is a side view showing another example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, even if the rotating portion 71 is below the horizontal, the limiting function 634 does not stop the control of the first driving portion 8 by the drive control function 632 for rotating the rotating portion 71 downward. Therefore, even if the rotating portion 71 is below the horizontal, the drive control function 632 controls the first driving portion 8 to rotate the rotating portion 71 downward according to the operation of the first switch SW-1 (steps S41, S42, and S43). The limiting function 634 causes the rotating portion 71 to rotate downward to a position where the rotating portion 71 does not contact the peripheral device 12. Thus, the position of the first support portion 7 when the first support portion 7 is below the horizontal becomes the downward movement limit position of the first support portion 7.

[0102] As described above, in the first embodiment, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 3, a first support portion 7, and a second support portion 9. The operation panel 3 receives user operations. The first support portion 7 includes a rotating portion 71 that rotates to adjust the height of the operation panel 3 and supports the operation panel 3. The second support portion 9 includes a linear motion portion 91 that linearly moves to adjust the height of the operation panel 3 and supports the first support portion 7.

[0103] Thus, since the height adjustment range of the operation panel 3 can be added to the height adjustment range of the rotation unit 71 in addition to the height adjustment range of the linear motion unit 91, the height adjustment range of the operation panel 3 can be increased even when the lifting device 5 is installed in a low-height ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Furthermore, the linear motion unit 91 increases the height adjustment range of the operation panel 3 without increasing the length of the rotation unit 71, thereby shortening the rotation unit 71. By shortening the rotation unit 71, the amount of depth movement of the operation panel 3 associated with the rotation of the rotation unit 71 can be reduced. By reducing the depth movement of the operation panel 3, the operability of the operation panel 3 can be improved. Furthermore, by shortening the rotation unit 71, the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the height adjustment range of the operation panel 3 can be expanded, the depth movement of the operation panel 3 can be reduced, and the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be reduced.

[0104] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 according to the height of the second support portion 9 that is linearly moved by the linear motion portion 91 .

[0105] This can prevent the first support portion 7 from coming into contact with the peripheral device 12 below due to the rotation of the rotating portion 71 .

[0106] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the restriction function 634 restricts the rotation range of the rotation portion 71 so that the first support portion is horizontal when the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction is the first position.

[0107] Thus, when the height of the second support portion 9 is low, the first support portion 7 can be appropriately prevented from contacting the peripheral device 12 below by limiting the rotation range of the rotation portion 71 so as to level the first support portion 7 .

[0108] In the first embodiment, the restriction function 634 restricts the rotation range of the rotation portion 71 so that the first support portion 7 is lower than the horizontal when the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction is the second position higher than the first position.

[0109] Thus, when the height of the second support portion 9 is high, the adjustment range of the operation panel 3 can be expanded by limiting the rotation range of the rotation portion 71 so that the first support portion 7 is lower than the horizontal level.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rotating portion 71 of the first support portion 7 is provided at a position connected to the second support portion 9 .

[0111] Thus, the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be reduced compared to a case where the rotating portion 71 is provided at a position offset in the depth direction with respect to the second supporting portion 9 .

[0112] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91 can operate independently.

[0113] This increases the degree of freedom in adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 .

[0114] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 electrically.

[0115] Thus, by electrically limiting the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 , the operational burden on the user can be reduced.

[0116] In the first embodiment, the first drive unit 8 electrically drives the rotating unit 71. In addition, the second drive unit 10 electrically drives the linear motion unit 91.

[0117] Thus, by electrically driving the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91 , the operational burden on the user can be reduced.

[0118] (Second embodiment)

[0119] Next, a second embodiment in which the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91 are linked together will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0120] like Figure 7 As shown, the processing circuit 63 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment includes a linkage function 635 in place of the limiting function 634 of the first embodiment. The linkage function 635 controls the first drive unit 8 and the second drive unit 10 to cause the rotation unit 71 to be linked to the linear motion unit 91. Furthermore, the linkage function 635 controls the first drive unit 8 and the second drive unit 10 to drive the rotation unit 71 or the linear motion unit 91 when one of the rotation unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91 reaches its limit of movement.

[0121] Figure 8 FIG2 is a top view showing a configuration example of the operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the operation panel 3 includes a common switch SW for interlocking the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91. The switch SW accepts input operations for adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 toward an increasing or decreasing position. Specifically, the switch SW accepts an ON operation in the UP direction for increasing the height of the operation panel 3, an ON operation in the DOWN direction for decreasing the height of the operation panel 3, and an OFF operation for stopping the height adjustment of the operation panel 3. The switch SW is used for both coarse and fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3.

[0122] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 1 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 In the initial state, the operation panel 3 has not risen, and the linear motion portion 91 and the rotation portion 71 are located at their respective lower limit positions.

[0123] Then, from the initial state, first, the drive control function 632 determines whether or not the raising of the operation panel 3 has been instructed by turning on the switch SW to the raising side (step S11 ).

[0124] If the raising of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S11: YES), the drive control function 632 causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91 to raise the operation panel 3 (step S12). On the other hand, if the raising of the operation panel 3 is not instructed (step S11: NO), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the raising of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S11).

[0125] After the operating panel 3 is raised, the linkage function 635 determines whether the linear motion unit 91 has reached its upper limit (step S13). For example, the linkage function 635 may determine whether the linear motion unit 91 has reached its upper limit based on the amount of drive of the second drive unit 10. Alternatively, the linkage function 635 may use a sensor such as an optical sensor to determine whether the linear motion unit 91 has reached its upper limit.

[0126] If the linear motion unit 91 has reached its upper limit (step S13: Yes), the linkage function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch control from driving the linear motion unit 91 to driving the rotation unit 71. The drive control function 632 then causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation unit 71 in response to continued operation of the switch SW to the upper side, thereby further raising the operation panel 3 (step S14). On the other hand, if the linear motion unit 91 has not reached its upper limit (step S13: No), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the upward movement of the operation panel 3 has been instructed (step S11).

[0127] Thus, in the second embodiment, if Figure 10 As shown, when the switch SW is turned on in the upward direction, the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91 causes the operating panel 3 to rise until the linear motion portion 91 reaches the upper limit position. Furthermore, after the linear motion portion 91 reaches the upper limit position, when the switch SW is further turned on in the upward direction, the operating panel 3 is further raised by the rotation of the rotating portion 71.

[0128] After the operation panel 3 is raised by the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91 and the rotation of the rotation portion 71, Figure 9 As shown, the drive control function 632 determines whether or not the lowering of the operation panel 3 has been instructed by turning on the switch SW toward the lowering side (step S15 ).

[0129] If the lowering of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S15: Yes), the drive control function 632 causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotating unit 71 to lower the operation panel 3 (step S16). On the other hand, if the lowering of the operation panel 3 is not instructed (step S15: No), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the lowering of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S15).

[0130] After the operation panel 3 is lowered, the linkage function 635 determines whether the rotating portion 71 has reached the lower limit position (step S17). For example, the linkage function 635 may determine whether the rotating portion 71 has reached the lower limit position based on the drive amount of the first drive unit 8. Alternatively, the linkage function 635 may use a sensor such as an optical sensor to determine whether the rotating portion 71 has reached the lower limit position.

[0131] If the rotating unit 71 has reached its lower limit (step S17: Yes), the linkage function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch control from driving the rotating unit 71 to driving the linear motion unit 91. The drive control function 632 then causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91 in response to continued operation of the switch SW toward the lowering side, thereby further lowering the operation panel 3 (step S18). On the other hand, if the rotating unit 71 has not reached its lower limit (step S17: No), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the lowering instruction for the operation panel 3 has been issued (step S15).

[0132] Thus, in the second embodiment, if Figure 10 As shown, in response to the switch SW being turned on toward the lowering side, the operating panel 3 is lowered by the rotation of the rotating portion 71 until the rotating portion 71 reaches the lowering limit position. Furthermore, after the rotating portion 71 reaches the lowering limit position, in response to the switch SW being turned on toward the lowering side, the operating panel 3 is further lowered by the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91.

[0133] As described above, in the second embodiment, the first drive unit 8 drives the rotating unit 71 when the linear motion unit 91 reaches its limit of movement (i.e., the upper limit position). Furthermore, the second drive unit 10 drives the linear motion unit 91 when the rotating unit 71 reaches its limit of movement (i.e., the lower limit position).

[0134] Thus, the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91 can be linked together by a single input operation (ie, turning on the switch SW) for raising or lowering the operation panel 3 , thereby reducing the user's operational burden for adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 .

[0135] (Modification of the Second Embodiment)

[0136] Next, a modification of the second embodiment in which the priority of driving the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91 can be designated will be described, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a top view of the operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 11As shown, the operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment further includes a first designation switch SW-R for designating that the rotating unit 71 be driven prior to the linear motion unit 91, and a second designation switch SW-L for designating that the linear motion unit 91 be driven prior to the rotating unit 71. The first designation switch SW-R and the second designation switch SW-L are examples of a third operating unit for designating which of the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91 is to be driven first. The drive control function 632 controls the drive units 8 and 10 so that the one designated by the designation switches SW-R or SW-L is driven first.

[0137] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment configured as described above will be described. Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 13 It means next Figure 12 Flowchart of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 12 In the initial state, the operation panel 3 has not risen, and the linear motion portion 91 and the rotation portion 71 are located at their respective lower limit positions.

[0138] Then, from the initial state, first, the drive control function 632 determines whether or not the priority drive of the linear motion portion 91 is designated by the on-operation of the second designation switch SW-L (step S19 ).

[0139] Here, first, the operation when the priority driving of the linear motion part 91 is specified will be described. After the priority driving of the linear motion part 91 is specified (step S19: Yes), the drive control function 632 and the linkage function 635 are connected with the linear motion part 91. Figure 9 Then, in step S15 , if the lowering of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S15 : Yes), the drive control function 632 causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91 to lower the operation panel 3 (step S111 ).

[0140] After the operation panel 3 is lowered, the interlocking function 635 determines whether the linear motion portion 91 has reached the lower limit position (step S112 ).

[0141] If the linear motion unit 91 has reached its lower limit (step S112: Yes), the linkage function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch control from driving the linear motion unit 91 to driving the rotating unit 71. The drive control function 632 then causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotating unit 71 in response to the operation of the switch SW, thereby further lowering the operation panel 3 (step S113). On the other hand, if the linear motion unit 91 has not reached its lower limit (step S112: No), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether a command to lower the operation panel 3 has been issued (step S15).

[0142] Next, the operation in the case where the priority driving of the linear motion part 91 is not specified will be described. In the case where the priority driving of the linear motion part 91 is not specified (step S19: No), the drive control function 632 determines whether the priority driving of the rotating part 71 is specified by turning on the first specifying switch SW-R (step S110). In the case where the priority driving of the rotating part 71 is specified (step S110: Yes), Figure 13 As shown, the drive control function 632 determines whether the upward movement of the operation panel 3 is instructed by turning on the switch SW to the upward side (step S21). On the other hand, if the priority drive of the rotating part 71 is not specified (step S110: No), as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown, the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not the priority drive of the linear motion portion 91 is designated (step S19).

[0143] If the raising of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S21: Yes), the drive control function 632 causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotating unit 71 to raise the operation panel 3 (step S22). On the other hand, if the raising of the operation panel 3 is not instructed (step S21: No), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the raising of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S21).

[0144] After the operation panel 3 is raised, the interlocking function 635 determines whether the rotating portion 71 has reached the upper limit position (step S23 ).

[0145] If the rotating unit 71 has reached its upper limit (step S23: Yes), the linkage function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch control from driving the rotating unit 71 to driving the linear motion unit 91. The drive control function 632 then causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91 in response to continued operation of the switch SW to the upper side, thereby further raising the operation panel 3 (step S24). On the other hand, if the rotating unit 71 has not reached its upper limit (step S23: No), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the upward movement of the operation panel 3 has been instructed (step S21).

[0146] After the operation panel 3 is completely raised by the preferential driving of the rotating portion 71 , the drive control function 632 determines whether the lowering of the operation panel 3 is instructed by turning on the switch SW to the lowering side (step S25 ).

[0147] If the lowering of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S25: Yes), the drive control function 632 causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotating unit 71 to lower the operation panel 3 (step S26). On the other hand, if the lowering of the operation panel 3 is not instructed (step S25: No), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the lowering of the operation panel 3 is instructed (step S25).

[0148] After the operation panel 3 is lowered, the interlocking function 635 determines whether the rotating portion 71 has reached the lower limit position (step S27 ).

[0149] If the rotating unit 71 has reached its lower limit (step S27: Yes), the linkage function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch control from driving the rotating unit 71 to driving the linear motion unit 91. The drive control function 632 then causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91 in response to continued operation of the switch SW to the lower side, thereby further lowering the operation panel 3 (step S28). On the other hand, if the rotating unit 71 has not reached its lower limit (step S27: No), the drive control function 632 repeats the determination of whether the lowering instruction for the operation panel 3 has been issued (step S25).

[0150] As described above, in the modified example of the second embodiment, the drive units 8 and 10 preferentially drive the one designated by turning on the designation switches SW-R and SW-L, respectively, between the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91. Furthermore, when the preferentially driven one of the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91 reaches its limit of movement, the drive units 8 and 10 drive the other of the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91.

[0151] This increases the degree of freedom in adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 .

[0152] (Third embodiment)

[0153] Next, a third embodiment in which the second support portion 9 is rotated will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 14 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 15A It is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment. Figure 15B It is a plan view showing a configuration example of an operation panel of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0154] In the third embodiment, the second support portion 9 is rotatable about a rotation axis along the linear motion direction of the linear motion portion 91. Figure 14 As shown, the lifting device 5 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, in addition to the components of the first embodiment, further includes a third drive unit 15. The third drive unit 15 drives the second support portion 9 to rotate about a rotation axis along the linear motion direction of the linear motion portion 91. The third drive unit 15 is composed of, for example, a motor, a drive force transmission component such as a gear that transmits the motor's driving force to the linear motion support portion 92 of the second support portion 9, and a motor drive circuit. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the position detection function 633 detects the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction (i.e., height direction) in addition to detecting the position of the second support portion 9 in the linear motion direction (i.e., height direction) as in the first and second embodiments. Similar to the linear motion position of the second support portion 9, the rotational position of the second support portion 9 can also be detected using the amount of motor rotation, such as the amount of drive applied to the second support portion 9 by the third drive unit 15, or a sensor such as an optical sensor. The detection result of the rotational position of the second support portion 9 by the position detection function 633 is used to limit the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 by the limiting function 634.

[0155] like Figure 15A as well as Figure 15B As shown in FIG, the operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 of the third embodiment has a third switch SW3 for instructing the rotation of the second support portion 9 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. Figure 15A In the example shown, the third drive unit 15 generates a driving force when the third switch SW3 is turned on. By rotating the second support unit 9, the operation panel 3 can be displaced in the horizontal direction relative to the device body 6.

[0156] The operation panel 3 is horizontally offset relative to the device body 6 by the rotation of the second support portion 9 , and then can be moved to a position below the upper end of the device body 6 by the rotation of the rotating portion 71 .

[0157] Figure 16 This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 17 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 16 As shown, as for the limiting function 634, even when the second support portion 9 is at the first position, if it is determined that the operation panel 3 is being rotated by the third drive portion 15 based on the detection result of the position detection function 633 on the position of the second support portion 9 in the rotation direction (step S5: yes), the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 is limited so that the first support portion 7 becomes lower than the horizontal level at the lower limit position (step S4). Figure 17 As shown, at the lower limit position, the operation panel 3 can be lower than the upper end of the device body 6.

[0158] As described above, in the third embodiment, the second support portion 9 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the direction of linear motion. Furthermore, after the operation panel 3 is horizontally offset relative to the device body 6 by the rotation of the second support portion 9, it can be moved to a position below the upper end of the device body 6 by the rotation of the rotation portion 71.

[0159] This increases the degree of freedom in adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 .

[0160] (Fourth embodiment)

[0161] Next, a fourth embodiment in which the height of the operation panel 3 is manually adjusted will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Figure 18 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0162] While the above description has been given of an example in which the height of the operation panel 3 is electrically adjusted, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment is configured so that the height of the operation panel 3 is manually adjusted.

[0163] Specifically, if Figure 18 As shown, the lifting device 5 in the fourth embodiment does not include the first drive unit 8 and the second drive unit 10. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the rotation of the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion of the linear motion unit 91 are manually controlled by the user. Furthermore, the lifting device 5 in the fourth embodiment includes a rotation restriction mechanism 16, a linear motion restriction mechanism 17, and an operating unit 18. The rotation restriction mechanism 16 is an example of a second restriction mechanism. The linear motion restriction mechanism 17 is an example of a third restriction mechanism.

[0164] The rotation limiting mechanism 16 limits the rotation of the rotating portion 71. The linear motion limiting mechanism 17 limits the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91. The operating portion 18 is provided on the front handle 13 provided on the operation panel 3. The front handle 13 is an example of a grip. Depending on the grip position of the front handle 13, the operating portion 18 performs an operation to either release the rotation restriction of the rotating portion 71 by the rotation limiting mechanism 16 or release the linear motion restriction of the linear motion portion 91 by the linear motion limiting mechanism 17.

[0165] Figure 19 : is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 19 In the example shown, the operating portion 18 has a rotation restriction release lever 181 and a linear motion restriction release lever 182. The rotation restriction release lever 181 is provided at the center portion of the front handle 13. The rotation restriction release lever 181 is operated when the user grips the center portion of the front handle 13, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the rotating portion 71 by the rotation restriction mechanism 16. The linear motion restriction release lever 182 is provided at the side portion of the front handle 13. The linear motion restriction release lever 182 is operated when the user grips the side portion of the front handle 13, thereby releasing the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91 by the linear motion restriction mechanism 17. The linear motion restriction release lever 182 may also be provided at both side portions (i.e., both sides) of the front handle 13.

[0166] Figure 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the rotating unit 71 and the rotation limiting mechanism 16 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 20 In the illustrated example, the rotating portion 71 includes a parallel link 711, a rotation support portion 712, and a panel connection portion 713. The parallel link 711 extends from one end on the second support portion 9 side toward the other end on the operation panel 3 side and is rotatable about the one end on the second support portion 9 side. The rotation support portion 712 rotatably supports one end of the parallel link 711. The panel connection portion 713 connects the parallel link 711 to the operation panel 3.

[0167] More specifically, the parallel link 711 includes an upper link 711a and a lower link 711b, which are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in between. The upper link 711a and the lower link 711b each extend from one end on the second support portion 9 side toward the other end on the operation panel 3 side. One end of the upper link 711a is rotatably supported by the first fulcrum of the rotation support portion 712. One end of the lower link 711b is rotatably supported by the second fulcrum of the rotation support portion 712. The other end of the upper link 711a is rotatably connected to the panel connection portion 713. The other end of the lower link 711b is also rotatably connected to the panel connection portion 713. The operation panel 3 is connected to the panel connection portion 713.

[0168] Figure 21 1 is an enlarged view showing an example of the configuration of the operation unit 18 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 In the example shown, the rotation restricting mechanism 16 includes a gas spring 161. The gas spring 161 includes a cylindrical cylinder 161a, a disc-shaped piston (not shown) inserted into the cylinder 161a, a rod-shaped piston rod 161b connected to the piston, and a push rod 161c protruding from the piston rod 161b.

[0169] The gas spring 161 is fixed to the rotating portion 71 in such a manner that its length changes according to the amount of rotation of the rotating portion 71. A portion of the piston rod 161b is exposed from the cylinder body 161a. As the parallel link 711 deforms according to the rotation of the rotating portion 71, the length of the piston rod 161b exposed from the cylinder body 161a changes. The interior of the gas spring 161 is filled with gas and oil. The oil-filled area within the gas spring 161 is separated by a piston having an orifice (i.e., a hole through which oil passes). The push rod 161c is connected to a valve that opens and closes the orifice. When the push rod 161c is not pushed in, the orifice is closed by the valve. By closing the orifice, the flow of oil between the areas separated by the piston stops, and the movement of the piston stops. By stopping the movement of the piston, the length of the gas spring 161 is fixed. By fixing the length of the gas spring 161, the rotation of the parallel link 711 is prohibited. By prohibiting the rotation of the parallel link 711, the rotation of the rotating portion 71 is prohibited. That is, when the push rod 161 c is not pushed in, the rotating portion 71 is in a locked state in which rotation is prohibited.

[0170] On the other hand, when the push rod 161c is pushed in, the throttle hole is opened by the valve. By opening the throttle hole, the oil in the area separated by the piston can pass through the throttle hole, and the piston becomes movable. By making the piston movable, the length of the gas spring 161 becomes variable. By making the length of the gas spring 161 variable, the rotation of the parallel link 711 is allowed. By allowing the rotation of the parallel link 711, the rotation of the rotating part 71 is allowed. That is, when the push rod 161c is pushed in, the rotating part 71 enters a released state in which the rotation prohibition is released. In the released state, the rotating part 71 can move the operation panel 3 up and down according to the user's manual operation.

[0171] In addition, Figure 21 In the illustrated example, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 further includes a lock release mechanism 19 for releasing the rotation restriction of the rotating portion 71 in conjunction with the rotation restriction release lever 181. The lock release mechanism 19 includes a lock release plate 191, a release plate fulcrum 192, and a wire 193.

[0172] The lock release plate 191 is positioned so as to contact the push rod 161c. It is urged away from the push rod 161c by an elastic member (not shown), such as a spring. One end of the lock release plate 191 is rotatably supported by a release plate fulcrum 192. One end of a wire 193 is fixed to the other end of the lock release plate 191 (i.e., the end opposite the release plate fulcrum 192). The other end of the wire 193 is fixed to the rotation restriction release lever 181.

[0173] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the modification of the fourth embodiment configured as described above will be described. Figure 22 It is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the rotation restricting mechanism 16 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 23 It is a side view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 24 It is a side view showing another operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0174] If the user grasps the center portion of the front handle 13, the rotation limit release lever 181 is operated. By operating the rotation limit release lever 181, the wire 193 is pulled toward the rotation limit release lever 181. By pulling the wire 193 toward the rotation limit release lever 181, the lock release plate 191 fixed to the wire 193 is rotated in the direction of pushing the push rod 161c. By rotating the lock release plate 191 in the direction of pushing the push rod 161c, the push rod 161c is pushed in. By pushing the push rod 161c, the length of the gas spring 161 becomes variable, allowing the rotation of the rotating portion 71. Therefore, by grasping the center portion of the front handle 13, as Figure 22 As shown, the rotating portion 71 can be switched from the locked state to the released state, and the rotating portion 71 can be rotated by manual operation. Figure 23 As shown, the height of the operation panel 3 can be finely adjusted by moving the operation panel 3 up and down while rotating.

[0175] On the other hand, if the user does not grip the center of the front handle 13, the rotation restriction release lever 181 is not operated, and the wire 193 is not pulled. Without pulling the wire 193, the lock release plate 191 does not rotate, and the push rod 161c is not pushed in. Therefore, when the user does not grip the center of the front handle 13, the rotation unit 71 enters a locked state, prohibiting fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3.

[0176] Similar to the rotation limiting mechanism 16, the linear motion limiting mechanism 17 may also include a gas spring. Furthermore, it may also include a lock release mechanism (i.e., a lock release plate, a release plate fulcrum, and a wire) that is linked to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 and the linear motion limiting release rod 182. Alternatively, the cylinder of the gas spring may be fixed to the linear motion support portion 92, and the piston rod of the gas spring may be fixed to the linear motion portion 91. In such a structure, when the user grasps the side of the front handle 13, the linear motion limiting release rod 182 is operated. By operating the linear motion limiting release rod 182, the wire, one end of which is fixed to the linear motion limiting release rod 182, is pulled toward the linear motion limiting release rod 182. By pulling the wire toward the linear motion limiting release rod 182, the lock release plate, which is fixed to the other end of the wire, rotates about the release plate fulcrum in the direction of pushing the push rod. By rotating the lock release plate in the direction of pushing the push rod, the push rod is pushed in. By pushing the push rod in, the length of the gas spring becomes variable, allowing linear motion of the linear motion portion 91. Therefore, by gripping the side of the front handle 13, the linear motion portion 91 is switched from the locked state to the released state, and the linear motion portion 91 can be manually operated to perform linear motion. Figure 24 As shown, the linear motion portion 91 can be moved up and down to coarsely adjust the height of the operation panel 3. On the other hand, if the side of the front handle 13 is not gripped, the linear motion restriction release lever 182 is not operated and the push rod is not pushed in. Therefore, when the side of the front handle 13 is not gripped, the linear motion portion 91 is locked, prohibiting coarse adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3.

[0177] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the rotation restricting mechanism 16 restricts the rotation of the rotating portion 71. Furthermore, the linear motion restricting mechanism 17 restricts the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91. Furthermore, the operating portion 18 provided on the front handle 13 performs an operation to either release the restriction on the rotation of the rotating portion 71 by the rotation restricting mechanism 16 or release the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion portion 91 by the linear motion restricting mechanism 17, depending on the gripping position of the front handle 13.

[0178] Thus, no electric power is required to adjust the height of the operating unit 18 , and thus the power consumption of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be reduced.

[0179] (Modification of the Fourth Embodiment)

[0180] Next, a modification example in which the lock of the linear motion portion 91 is released by gripping the rear handle 14 will be described. Figure 25 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. Figure 25 As shown, the linear motion restriction release lever 182 (ie, the second operating portion) may be provided on the rear handle 14 instead of being provided on the front handle 13. The rear handle 14 is an example of a second gripping portion. Figure 25 In the example shown, the user can release the restriction of the linear motion restriction mechanism 17 (i.e., the fourth restriction portion) on the linear motion portion 91 by holding the rear handle 14. Therefore, the user can roughly adjust the height of the operation panel 3 while holding the rear handle 14. Such a structure is suitable for, for example, fine-tuning the panel height using the rotating portion 71 during normal use, and coarse-adjusting the panel height using the linear motion portion 91 when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is installed or moved. In addition, according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment, since it is not necessary to use the rear handle 14, the height of the operation panel 3 can be adjusted. Figure 19 The linear motion restriction release lever 182 shown in the front handle 13 releases the restriction of the linear motion part 91 and lowers the height of the linear motion part 91, and then goes around the rear side of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 and moves the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 by holding the rear handle 14, thereby improving the ease of movement of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1.

[0181] In addition, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the operating panel 3 by manual operation described in the fourth embodiment (i.e., the rotation limiting mechanism 16, the linear motion limiting mechanism 17, the operating unit 18, and the lock release mechanism 19) can also be used instead of the drive units 8, 10, and 15 to realize the operation example of the lifting device 5 described in the first to third embodiments.

[0182] In addition, the term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor implements its functions by reading out and executing programs stored in a storage circuit. In addition, it can also be configured to directly load the program into the circuit of the processor instead of storing the program in the storage circuit. In this case, the processor implements its functions by reading out and executing the program loaded into the circuit. In addition, the processor is not limited to being configured as a single processor circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits can also be combined to form a processor to implement its functions. Moreover, it can also be configured as a processor. Figure 1 Multiple components in a processor are combined into one to realize its functions.

[0183] According to at least one embodiment described above, the height adjustment range of the operation panel can be expanded, the amount of movement of the operation panel in the depth direction can be reduced, and the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be reduced.

[0184] Several embodiments have been described above, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the utility model. The new devices and methods described in this specification can be implemented in various other ways. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the devices and methods described in this specification without departing from the scope of the utility model. The attached claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications as are within the scope and scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device, characterized in that have: Operation panel, accepting user operations; a first support portion having a rotating portion that rotates to change the height of the operation panel and supports the operation panel; as well as The second support portion includes a linear motion portion that performs linear motion so as to be able to change the height of the operation panel, and supports the first support portion.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a restriction portion that restricts a rotation range of the rotating portion according to a height of the second support portion linearly moved by the linear motion portion.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The restriction portion restricts the rotation range of the rotation portion so that the first support portion becomes horizontal when the position of the second support portion in the linear motion direction is the first position.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The restriction portion restricts the rotation range of the rotation portion so that the first support portion is lower than horizontal when the position of the second support portion in the linear motion direction is a second position higher than the first position.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The rotating portion of the first support portion is provided at a position connected to the second support portion.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The rotating portion and the linear motion portion are capable of operating independently.

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The rotating portion and the linear motion portion can be linked together.

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The second support portion is rotatable about a rotation axis along a linear motion direction. After the operation panel is horizontally offset relative to the device body by the rotation of the second support portion, it is movable to a position below an upper end of the device body by the rotation of the rotation portion.

9. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Also features: a second limiting portion, for limiting the rotation of the rotating portion; a third limiting portion, for limiting the linear motion of the linear motion portion; A grip portion, provided on the operation panel; as well as The operating portion is provided on the grip portion and performs an operation to release either the restriction on the rotation of the rotating portion by the second restricting portion or the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion portion by the third restricting portion according to a gripping position of the grip portion.

10. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Also features: a fourth limiting portion, configured to limit the linear motion of the linear motion portion; a second gripping portion, disposed on the second supporting portion; as well as The second operating portion is provided on the second gripping portion, and is used to perform an operation of releasing the restriction of the linear motion of the linear motion portion by the fourth restricting portion by gripping the second gripping portion.

11. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The limiting portion electrically limits the rotation range of the rotating portion.

12. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a driving unit that electrically drives the rotating unit and the linear motion unit.

13. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The driving unit drives the other of the rotating unit and the linear motion unit when one of the rotating unit and the linear motion unit reaches a movement limit.

14. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein The rotating part and the linear motion part can be linked together. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes a third operating unit configured to perform an operation for designating which of the rotating unit and the linear motion unit is to be driven first.

15. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The third operating portion is provided on the operating panel.

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