Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To increase a height adjusting range of an operation panel, decrease a moving amount of the operation panel in a depth direction, and reduce depth dimensions of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an operation panel, a first support unit, and a second support unit. The operation panel receives a user's operation. The first support unit includes a rotation part that rotates so as to change the height of the operation panel, and supports the operation panel. The second support unit includes a linearly moving part that linearly moves so as to change the height of the operation panel, and supports the first support unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an ultrasound diagnostic device. [Background technology]

[0002] The ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided with a linear or arm-type lifting mechanism as a device for adjusting the height of the operation panel. The linear type lifting mechanism moves in the vertical direction, but does not move in the depth direction of the operation panel. For this reason, the linear type lifting mechanism can eliminate the amount of movement of the operation panel in the depth direction and can reduce the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic device. However, when a linear type lifting mechanism is provided in an ultrasonic diagnostic device with a low height, the adjustment range of the height of the operation panel by the lifting mechanism is small. In contrast, the arm type lifting mechanism can increase the adjustment range of the height of the operation panel by increasing the length of the arm. However, the arm type lifting mechanism increases the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic device in proportion to the length of the arm. In addition, the amount of movement of the operation panel in the depth direction accompanying the vertical movement of the lifting mechanism also increases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-4765 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-133970 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to expand the adjustment range of the height of the operation panel, reduce the amount of movement of the operation panel in the depth direction, and reduce the depth dimension of the ultrasound diagnostic device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an operation panel, a first support unit, and a second support unit. The operation panel receives operations from a user. The first support unit has a rotation unit that rotates to change the height of the operation panel, and supports the operation panel. The second support unit has a linear motion unit that linearly moves to change the height of the operation panel, and supports the first support unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing another operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an operation panel of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an operation panel of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the modified example of the second embodiment following FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a rotation unit and a rotation limiting mechanism of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view showing an example of the arrangement of an operation unit of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a rotation limiting mechanism of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a side view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a side view showing another operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasound diagnostic device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be given only when necessary.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 2A to 3, the X direction is the depth direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 (same below). The Y direction is the width direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 (same below). The Z direction is the height direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 (same below).

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasonic probe 2, an operation panel 3, a display 4, a lifting device 5, and a device main body 6. The ultrasonic probe 2, the operation panel 3, the display 4, and the lifting device 5 are communicably connected to the device main body 6. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 further includes a base 11, a peripheral device 12, a front handle 13, and a rear handle 14. The device main body 6 is installed on the horizontal base 11. The peripheral device 12 is installed on the device main body 6. The peripheral device 12 is, for example, a recording and reproducing device such as a printer and a DVD recorder. The lifting device 5 is provided on the base 11 behind the device main body 6 (X direction). The operation panel 3 is provided on the lifting device 5. The display 4 is provided on the operation panel 3. The front handle 13 is provided at the front end of the operation panel 3. The rear handle 14 is provided at the rear end of the lifting device 5.

[0010] The ultrasonic probe 2 is a device that transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives reflected waves (echoes) of the ultrasonic waves from the subject in order to obtain an ultrasonic image of the subject.

[0011] The ultrasonic probe 2 has a plurality of transducers. The plurality of transducers generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal such as a voltage supplied from the device body 6. The ultrasonic probe 2 also receives reflected waves from the subject and converts them into electrical signals. That is, the ultrasonic probe 2 scans the subject with ultrasonic waves and receives reflected waves from the subject. The transducers are provided with electrodes for supplying drive signals and inputting electrical signals of reflected waves. The transducers may be made of, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate) and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). For example, an acoustic matching layer and an acoustic lens are arranged on the surface of the transducer. For example, a backing material is arranged on the back of the transducer. The acoustic matching layer is also called a λ / 4 layer, and is a layer for efficiently transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves by reducing the impedance difference between the transducer and the living body. The acoustic lens is a structure for reducing friction with the surface of the living body during examination and for converging the ultrasonic beam to improve slice resolution. The backing material is a structure for absorbing backward ultrasonic waves and shortening the pulse width of forward ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic probe 2 is detachably connected to the device body 6 .

[0012] When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 2 to the subject, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are successively reflected by discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the tissues of the subject's body, and are received as reflected wave signals by multiple transducers of the ultrasonic probe 2. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surfaces where the ultrasonic waves are reflected. When the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected by the surface of a moving blood flow, heart wall, etc., the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift due to the Doppler effect depending on the velocity component of the moving object in the ultrasonic transmission direction.

[0013] The ultrasonic probe 2 may be a 1D array probe that scans a subject two-dimensionally, or a three-dimensional probe that scans a subject three-dimensionally, that is, a mechanical 4D probe or a 2D array probe.

[0014] The operation panel 3 accepts various instructions and input operations of information from the user. That is, the operation panel 3 accepts user operations. Specifically, the operation panel 3 converts the input operation accepted from the user into an electric signal and outputs it to the device body 6. For example, the operation panel 3 is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching the operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit. Note that the operation panel 3 is not limited to only those equipped with physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the operation panel 3 also includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electric signal to a control circuit.

[0015] In the example shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the operation panel 3 has 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 to the increasing side or the decreasing side. Specifically, the first switch SW-1 accepts an ON operation to the up (UP) side for finely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the increasing side. The first switch SW-1 also accepts an ON operation to the down (DOWN) side for finely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the decreasing side. The first switch SW-1 also accepts an OFF operation to stop the fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3. The second switch SW-2 accepts an input operation for roughly adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the increasing side or the decreasing side. Specifically, the second switch SW-2 accepts an ON operation to the up (UP) side for coarsely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the increasing side. The second switch SW-2 also accepts an ON operation to the down (DOWN) side for coarsely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the decreasing side. Furthermore, the second switch SW-2 accepts an OFF operation to stop the rough adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3. The amount of adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3 per unit time by the input operation accepted by the first switch SW-1 is smaller than the amount of adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3 per unit time by the input operation accepted by the second switch SW-2. Therefore, by turning on the first switch SW-1 to the upward or downward side, the height of the operation panel 3 can be finely adjusted. Furthermore, by turning on the second switch SW-2 to the upward or downward side, the height of the operation panel 3 can be quickly adjusted.

[0016] The display 4 converts information and image data sent from the device body 6 into electrical signals for display and outputs them. The display 4 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like. The display 4 may also include a speaker. The speaker outputs a predetermined sound, such as a beep, to notify the user of the processing status of the device body 6.

[0017] The lifting device 5 is a device that lifts and lowers the operation panel 3. In the first embodiment, the lifting device 5 lifts and lowers the operation panel 3 in accordance with an input operation received by the operation panel 3. The lifting device 5 has a first support unit 7, a first drive unit 8, a second support unit 9, and a second drive unit 10. The first drive unit 8 and the second drive unit 10 are examples of drive units.

[0018] The first support unit 7 has a rotating unit 71 that rotates to change the height of the operation panel 3. The first support unit 7 supports the operation panel 3. The first support unit 7 is located above the peripheral device 12. In the example shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, the rotating unit 71 has an arm shape extending from one end on the second support unit 9 side to the other end on the operation panel 3 side. One end of the rotating unit 71 is rotatably connected to the second support unit 9. That is, the rotating unit 71 is provided at a position where it is connected to the second support unit 9. The other end of the rotating unit 71 is connected to the operation panel 3. The rotating unit 71 rotates around the one end connected to the second support unit 9, thereby moving the operation panel 3 connected to the other end of the rotating unit 71 up and down while rotating. By moving the operation panel 3 up and down while rotating, the height of the operation panel 3 can be finely adjusted while maintaining the orientation (i.e., the tilt) of the operation panel 3. The rotating unit 71 may be provided in pair with a gap in the Y direction.

[0019] The first driving unit 8 generates a driving force to rotate the rotating unit 71 under the control of the device body 6. That is, the first driving unit 8 drives the rotating unit 71 electrically. The first driving unit 8 is composed of, for example, a motor, a driving force transmission member such as a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor to the rotating unit 71, and a driving circuit of the motor. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the first driving unit 8 generates a driving force when a first switch SW-1 for finely adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 is turned on. Therefore, when the first switch SW-1 is turned on, the rotating unit 71 can finely adjust the height of the operation panel 3 by rotating by the driving force of the first driving unit 8. 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.

[0020] The second support portion 9 has a linear motion portion 91 that linearly moves so as to change the height of the operation panel 3. The second support portion 9 supports the first support portion 7. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the second support portion 9 further has a linear motion support portion 92.

[0021] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the linear motion part 91 is a columnar member extending in the vertical direction. The linear motion part 91 is capable of linear motion in the vertical direction. The rotating part 71 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the linear motion part 91. Therefore, when the linear motion part 91 moves linearly upward, the height of the operation panel 3 connected to the linear motion part 91 via the rotating part 71 can be roughly adjusted to the increasing side. On the other hand, when the linear motion part 91 moves linearly downward, the height of the operation panel 3 can be roughly adjusted to the decreasing side.

[0022] The linear motion support part 92 supports the linear motion of the linear motion part 91. The linear motion support part 92 is provided so as to extend upward from the base 11. For example, the linear motion support part 92 is a cylindrical member capable of partially accommodating the linear motion part 91. A rear handle 14 is provided at the rear end part of the linear motion support part 92 so as to extend upward.

[0023] The second drive unit 10 generates a driving force for linearly moving the linear motion unit 91 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 member such as a gear for transmitting the driving force of the motor to the linear motion unit 91, and a drive circuit for the motor. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the second drive unit 10 generates a driving force when a second switch SW-2 for roughly adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 is turned on. Therefore, when the second switch SW-2 is turned on, the linear motion unit 91 can roughly adjust the height of the operation panel 3 by linearly moving due to the driving force of the second drive unit 10. On the other hand, when the second switch SW-2 is turned off, the linear motion unit 91 does not move linearly, thereby prohibiting the rough adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3.

[0024] Moreover, by independently turning on and off the first switch SW-1 and the second switch SW-2, the linear motion portion 91 and the rotating portion 71 can be operated independently.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the device main body 6 includes a transmission / reception circuit 61, a storage circuit 62, and a processing circuit 63.

[0026] The transmission / reception circuit 61 is a circuit that supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2 under the control of the processing circuit 63. The transmission / reception circuit 61 is also a circuit that performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate reflected wave data.

[0027] The transmission / reception circuit 61 has, for example, a pulse generator, a transmission delay unit, and a pulser, etc., in order to supply a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 2. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming a transmission ultrasonic wave at a predetermined rate frequency. The transmission delay unit focuses the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 2 into a beam shape and provides each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator with a delay time for each transducer required to determine the transmission directivity. The pulser applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the ultrasonic probe 2 at a timing based on the rate pulse to which the delay time has been provided. That is, the transmission delay unit arbitrarily adjusts the transmission direction of the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transducer surface by changing the delay time provided to each rate pulse.

[0028] The transmission / reception circuit 61 also includes, for example, a preamplifier, an A / D (Analog / Digital) converter, a reception delay unit, and an adder, in order to perform various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 2 to generate reflected wave data. The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signal for each channel. The A / D converter performs A / D conversion on the amplified reflected wave signal. The reception delay unit provides a delay time required to determine the reception directivity. The adder performs addition processing on the reflected wave signal processed by the reception delay unit to generate reflected wave data. The addition processing by the adder emphasizes the reflected component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity of the reflected wave signal, and a comprehensive beam for ultrasonic transmission and reception is formed by the reception directivity and the transmission directivity. The form of the output signal from the transmission / reception circuit 61 can be selected from various forms, such as a signal containing phase information called an RF (Radio Frequency) signal, and amplitude information after envelope detection processing.

[0029] 1, the transmission / reception circuit 61 is disposed in the device body 6. However, the transmission / reception circuit 61 is not limited to being disposed in the device body 6, and at least a part of the transmission / reception circuit 61 may be disposed in the ultrasound probe 2.

[0030] The memory circuitry 62 is a non-transient storage device that stores various information, and is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical disk, a solid state drive (SSD), an integrated circuit storage device, etc. The memory circuitry 62 stores, for example, a control program that controls the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and various data used for executing the control program. The memory circuitry 62 may be a drive device that reads and writes various information between the memory circuitry 62 and a portable storage medium such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM), etc., other than an HDD or an SSD.

[0031] The processing circuitry 63 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 in response to an electrical signal of an input operation input from the operation panel 3. For example, the processing circuitry 63 includes an ultrasound image generating function 631, a drive control function 632, a position detection function 633, and a limiting function 634. The limiting function 634 is an example of a limiting section.

[0032] Here, for example, the processing functions executed by the ultrasonic image generating function 631, the drive control function 632, the position detection function 633, and the limiting function 634, which are components of the processing circuitry 63 shown in Fig. 1, are recorded in the storage circuitry 62 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 63 is, for example, a processor. The processor constituting the processing circuitry 63 realizes a function corresponding to each program read out by reading out each program from the storage circuitry 62 and executing it. In other words, the processing circuitry 63 in a state in which each program has been read out has each function shown in the processing circuitry 63 in Fig. 1.

[0033] 1 shows a case where the processing functions of the ultrasonic image generating function 631, the drive control function 632, the position detecting function 633, and the limiting function 634 are realized by a single processing circuit 63, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 63 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each processing function. Furthermore, each processing function of the processing circuit 63 may be realized by being appropriately distributed or integrated in a single or a plurality of processing circuits.

[0034] The ultrasound image generating function 631 obtains an ultrasound image of the subject based on the reflected ultrasound from the subject. Specifically, the ultrasound image generating function 631 receives a reflected wave signal from the ultrasound probe 2 via the transmission / reception circuit 61, and generates an ultrasound image based on the received reflected wave signal.

[0035] For example, the ultrasound image generating function 631 receives reflected wave data from the transmission / reception circuit 61, and performs logarithmic amplification, envelope detection processing, etc. to generate data (B-mode data) in which signal intensity is expressed by brightness of luminance. In addition, the ultrasound image generating function 631 performs frequency analysis of velocity information from the reflected wave data received from the transmission / reception circuit 61, extracts blood flow, tissue, and contrast agent echo components due to the Doppler effect, and generates data (Doppler data) in which moving body information such as velocity, dispersion, and power is extracted for multiple points. In addition, the ultrasound image generating function 631 can process both two-dimensional reflected wave data and three-dimensional reflected wave data. That is, the ultrasound image generating function 631 generates two-dimensional B-mode data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional B-mode data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data. In addition, the ultrasound image generating function 631 generates two-dimensional Doppler data from the two-dimensional reflected wave data, and generates three-dimensional Doppler data from the three-dimensional reflected wave data.

[0036] Then, the ultrasonic image generating function 631 generates an ultrasonic image from the generated data. For example, the ultrasonic image generating function 631 generates a two-dimensional B-mode image in which the intensity of the reflected wave is expressed by brightness from the two-dimensional B-mode data. Also, for example, the ultrasonic image generating function 631 generates a two-dimensional Doppler image in which blood flow information is visualized from the two-dimensional Doppler data. The two-dimensional Doppler image is velocity image data representing the average velocity of the blood flow, variance image data representing the variance value of the blood flow, power image data representing the power of the blood flow, or image data combining these. Also, the ultrasonic image generating function 631 generates a color Doppler image in which blood flow information such as the average velocity, variance value, and power of the blood flow is displayed in color as the Doppler image, or generates a Doppler image in which one piece of blood flow information is displayed in grayscale. Also, for example, the ultrasonic image generating function 631 can also generate an M-mode image from time series data of B-mode data on one scanning line. Also, the ultrasonic image generating function 631 can also generate a Doppler waveform in which the velocity information of the blood flow and tissue is plotted along a time series from the Doppler data.

[0037] The drive control function 632 controls the driving of the rotation unit 71 by the first drive unit 8. In addition, the drive control function 632 controls the driving of the linear motion unit 91 by the second drive unit 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, when the first switch SW-1 is turned on, the drive control function 632 outputs an electrical signal to the first drive unit 8 instructing the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation unit 71, thereby causing the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation unit 71. In addition, when the second switch SW-2 is turned on, the drive control function 632 outputs an electrical signal to the second drive unit 10 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.

[0038] The position detection function 633 detects the position of the second support part 9 in the linear direction (i.e., the height direction). That is, the position detection function 633 detects the position of the linear part 91 in the linear direction. The position of the second support part 9 in the linear direction is, for example, the position of a reference point of the second support part 9, such as the upper end of the second support part 9. The position detection function 633 may detect the position of the second support part 9 in the linear direction based on the amount of drive of the linear part 91 by the second drive part 10, such as the amount of rotation of a motor. Alternatively, the position detection function 633 may detect the position of the second support part 9 in the linear direction using a sensor such as an optical sensor.

[0039] The limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 in accordance with the height of the second support part 9 that is linearly moved by the linear moving part 91. In other words, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 in accordance with the position in the linear motion direction of the second support part 9. In the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 electrically limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 based on the position in the linear motion direction of the second support part 9 detected by the position detecting function 633.

[0040] Specifically, when the position of the second support part 9 in the linear motion direction is the first position, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 so that the first support part 7 is horizontal. The first position is a position of the second support part 9 at which it is difficult for the first support part 7 to rotate to a position lower than horizontal (i.e., a position tilted downward from horizontal) without contacting a structure below (e.g., the peripheral device 12). In other words, the first position is a position of the second support part 9 at which, when the first support part 7 is horizontal at this position, the distance between the first support part 7 and the structure below (e.g., the peripheral device 12) is equal to or less than the threshold distance. The first position is, for example, a position of the second support part 9 when the height of the second support part 9 is equal to or less than the threshold height. Note that the first position is not limited to one position, and may be a plurality of positions over a set range. In addition, the structure below the first support part 7 may be a structure other than the peripheral device 12, such as the device main body 6.

[0041] More specifically, when the first switch SW-1 instructs fine adjustment of the panel height to the decreasing side, if the position of the second support part 9 detected by the position detection function 633 is the first position, the limiting function 634 limits the driving of the rotating part 71 by the first driving part 8 so that the position at which the first support part 7 is horizontal becomes the downward movement limit position of the first support part 7 if the position of the second support part 9 detected by the position detection function 633 is the first position.

[0042] Moreover, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 so that the first support part 7 becomes lower than horizontal (i.e., tilts downward from horizontal) when the position of the second support part 9 in the linear motion direction is a second position higher than the first position. The second position is a position of the second support part 9 at which the first support part 7 can rotate to a position lower than horizontal without contacting a structure below (e.g., peripheral device 12). In other words, the second position is a position of the second support part 9 at which the distance between the first support part 7 and the structure below (e.g., peripheral device 12) becomes larger than the threshold distance when the first support part 7 becomes horizontal at this position. The second position is, for example, a position of the second support part 9 when the height of the second support part 9 is larger than the threshold height. The second position is a plurality of positions over a set range.

[0043] More specifically, when the first switch SW-1 instructs fine adjustment of the panel height to the decreasing side, if the position of the second support part 9 detected by the position detection function 633 is in the second position, the limit function 634 limits the driving of the rotation part 71 by the first drive part 8 so that the position at which the first support part 7 becomes lower than horizontal becomes the downward movement limit position of the first support part 7.

[0044] The limiting function 634 may limit the degree to which the first support 7 is lowered below the horizontal (i.e., the degree to which the first support 7 is tilted downward relative to the horizontal) to a limit that does not allow the first support 7 to come into contact with a structure below. For example, the drive control function 632 may limit the rotation range of the rotation unit 71 so that when the position of the second support 9 is a lower position among a plurality of second positions over a set range, the rotation of the first support 7 stops above the position when the position of the second support 9 is a higher position among the plurality of second positions. On the other hand, the drive control function 632 may relax the limit on the rotation range of the rotation unit 71 so that when the position of the second support 9 is a higher position among the plurality of second positions, the first support 7 rotates to a lower position than the position when the position of the second support 9 is a lower position among the plurality of second positions. Alternatively, the limiting function 634 may limit the degree to which the first support 7 is lowered below the horizontal so that the first support 7 does not come into contact with the operation panel 3. In addition, when the rotating portion 71 is lower than horizontal, the limiting function 634 may limit the driving of the linear motion portion 91 by the second driving portion 10 so that the position of the second support portion 9 does not fall below the threshold height.

[0045] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment configured as above will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the initial state of Fig. 4, it is assumed that the operation panel 3 is raised to a position corresponding to the rotation of the rotating part 71 by the operation of the first switch SW-1 and the linear movement of the linear movement part 91 by the operation of the second switch SW-2.

[0046] Then, starting from the initial state, first, the limiting function 634 judges whether or not fine adjustment of the panel height to the decreasing side is instructed by turning on the first switch SW-1 to the lowering side (step S1).

[0047] When a fine adjustment of the panel height to the decreasing side is instructed (step S1: YES), the limiting function 634 determines whether or not the position of the second support part 9 is the first position based on the position of the second support part 9 detected by the position detecting function 633 (step S2). Here, the limiting function 634 determines that the position of the second support part 9 is the first position when the height of the second support part 9 is equal to or less than a threshold value. On the other hand, the limiting function 634 determines that the position of the second support part 9 is the second position when the height of the second support part 9 is equal to or more than the threshold value.

[0048] If the position of the second support part 9 is the first position (step S2: YES), the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 so that the position where the first support part 7 is horizontal becomes the downward movement limit position of the first support part 7 (step S3).

[0049] 5 is a side view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the limiting function 634 allows the drive control function 632 to control the first drive unit 8 to rotate the rotation unit 71 downward until the rotation unit 71 becomes horizontal. Therefore, until the rotation unit 71 becomes horizontal, the drive control function 632 controls the first drive unit 8 so that the rotation unit 71 rotates downward in response to the operation of the first switch SW-1 (steps S31 and S32). The limiting function 634 may detect that the rotation unit 71 has become horizontal based on the drive amount of the first drive unit 8 acquired in advance. Alternatively, the limiting function 634 may detect that the rotation unit 71 has become horizontal using a sensor such as an optical sensor.

[0050] When the rotating part 71 becomes horizontal, the limiting function 634 stops the control of the first driving unit 8 by the drive control function 632 for rotating the rotating part 71 downward. Therefore, when the rotating part 71 becomes horizontal, the drive control function 632 stops the first driving unit 8 so that the rotating part 71 does not rotate further downward regardless of the operation of the first switch SW-1 (step S33). As a result, the position of the first support part 7 when it becomes horizontal becomes the downward movement limit position of the first support part 7.

[0051] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the position of the second support part 9 is not the first position, i.e., 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 where the first support part 7 is lower than horizontal becomes the downward movement limit position of the first support part 7 (step S4).

[0052] FIG. 6 is a side view showing another operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, even if the rotating unit 71 becomes lower than the horizontal, the limiting function 634 does not stop the control of the first driving unit 8 by the drive control function 632 for rotating the rotating unit 71 downward. Therefore, even if the rotating unit 71 becomes lower than the horizontal, the drive control function 632 controls the first driving unit 8 so that the rotating unit 71 rotates downward in response to the operation of the first switch SW-1 (steps S41, S42, and S43). The limiting function 634 rotates the rotating unit 71 downward from the horizontal to a position where the rotating unit 71 does not contact the peripheral device 12. As a result, the position of the first supporting unit 7 when the first supporting unit 7 becomes lower than the horizontal becomes the downward movement limit position of the first supporting unit 7.

[0053] As described above, in the first embodiment, the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 includes the operation panel 3, the first support unit 7, and the second support unit 9. The operation panel 3 receives operations from a user. The first support unit 7 has a rotation unit 71 that rotates so as to change the height of the operation panel 3, and supports the operation panel 3. The second support unit 9 has a linear motion unit 91 that moves linearly so as to change the height of the operation panel 3, and supports the first support unit 7.

[0054] As a result, the range of height adjustment of the operation panel 3 by the rotating unit 71 can be added to the range of height adjustment of the operation panel 3 by the linear motion unit 91, so that even when the lifting device 5 is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 that is low in height, the range of height adjustment of the operation panel 3 can be increased. Furthermore, by having the linear motion unit 91, the range of height adjustment of the operation panel 3 can be increased without increasing the length of the rotating unit 71, so that the rotating unit 71 can be shortened. By shortening the rotating unit 71, the amount of movement of the operation panel 3 in the depth direction accompanying the rotation of the rotating unit 71 can be reduced. By reducing the amount of movement of the operation panel 3 in the depth direction, the operability of the operation panel 3 can be improved. Furthermore, by shortening the rotating unit 71, the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 can be reduced. Therefore, the range of height adjustment of the operation panel 3 can be expanded, the amount of movement of the operation panel 3 in the depth direction can be reduced, and the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 can be reduced.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71 in accordance with the height of the second support portion 9 that is linearly moved by the linear moving portion 91.

[0056] This makes it possible to 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.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating 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.

[0058] As a result, when the height of the second support part 9 is low, the rotation range of the rotating part 71 can be limited so that the first support part 7 is horizontal, thereby appropriately preventing the first support part 7 from contacting the peripheral device 12 below.

[0059] In addition, in the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotating part 71 so that the first support part 7 is lower than horizontal when the linear position of the second support part 9 is at a second position higher than the first position.

[0060] As a result, 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 horizontal.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the rotating portion 71 of the first support portion 7 is provided at a position where it is connected to the second support portion 9.

[0062] This allows the depth dimension of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 to be reduced, compared to a case in which the rotating section 71 is provided at a position shifted in the depth direction relative to the second support section 9.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91 can operate independently.

[0064] This improves the degree of freedom in adjusting the height of the operation panel 3.

[0065] In the first embodiment, the limiting function 634 electrically limits the rotation range of the rotating portion 71.

[0066] Thereby, by electrically limiting the rotation range of the rotating portion 71, the operational burden on the user can be reduced.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the first driving unit 8 electrically drives the rotating unit 71. The second driving unit 10 electrically drives the linear motion unit 91.

[0068] As a result, by electrically driving the rotating portion 71 and the linear motion portion 91, the operational burden on the user can be reduced.

[0069] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment in which a rotating unit 71 and a linear motion unit 91 are interlocked will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0070] 7, the processing circuitry 63 of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment has an interlocking function 635 instead of the limiting function 634 of the first embodiment. The interlocking function 635 controls the first driving unit 8 and the second driving unit 10 so that the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91 are interlocked. In addition, the interlocking function 635 controls the first driving unit 8 and the second driving unit 10 so that when one of the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91 reaches its movement limit, the other is driven.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the operation panel 3 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the operation panel 3 has a common switch SW for interlocking the rotating unit 71 and the linear motion unit 91. The switch SW accepts an input operation for adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the increasing side or decreasing side. Specifically, the switch SW accepts an ON operation to the up (UP) side for adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the increasing side, an ON operation to the down (DOWN) side for adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 to the decreasing side, and an OFF operation for stopping the adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3. The switch SW is a common switch for coarse adjustment and fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3.

[0072] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment configured as above will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a side view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the second embodiment. Note that in the initial state of Fig. 9, the operation panel 3 is not raised, and the linear motion unit 91 and the rotating unit 71 are each positioned at their respective downward movement limit positions.

[0073] Then, from the initial state, first, the drive control function 632 determines whether or not an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 by turning on the switch SW to the raising side has been issued (step S11).

[0074] If an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 is given (step S11: YES), the drive control function 632 raises the operation panel 3 by causing the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion unit 91 (step S12). On the other hand, if an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 is not given (step S11: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 is given (step S11).

[0075] After the operation panel 3 is raised, the interlocking function 635 determines whether or not the linear motion part 91 has reached the upward movement limit position (step S13). For example, the interlocking function 635 may determine whether or not the linear motion part 91 has reached the upward movement limit position based on the driving amount of the second driving part 10. Alternatively, the interlocking function 635 may determine whether or not the linear motion part 91 has reached the upward movement limit position using a sensor such as an optical sensor.

[0076] When the linear motion part 91 reaches the upper movement limit position (step S13: YES), the interlocking function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch the control target from driving the linear motion part 91 to driving the rotation part 71. Then, the drive control function 632 causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation part 71 in response to the continued ON operation of the switch SW to the upward side, thereby further raising the operation panel 3 (step S14). On the other hand, when the linear motion part 91 has not reached the upper movement limit position (step S13: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 has been issued (step S11).

[0077] 10, in the second embodiment, the operation panel 3 rises due to the linear movement of the linear movement part 91 in response to the ON operation of the switch SW to the upward movement side until the linear movement part 91 reaches the upward movement limit position. Then, after the linear movement part 91 reaches the upward movement limit position, the operation panel 3 further rises due to the rotation of the rotating part 71 in response to the continued ON operation of the switch SW to the upward movement side.

[0078] After the lifting of the operation panel 3 by the linear movement of the linear movement part 91 and the rotation of the rotation part 71 is completed, as shown in FIG. 9, the drive control function 632 determines whether or not a command has been issued to lower the operation panel 3 by turning on the switch SW to the lowering side (step S15).

[0079] If an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 is given (step S15: YES), the drive control function 632 causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation unit 71 to lower the operation panel 3 (step S16). On the other hand, if an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 is not given (step S15: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 is given (step S15).

[0080] After the operation panel 3 is lowered, the interlocking function 635 determines whether or not the rotating unit 71 has reached the downward movement limit position (step S17). For example, the interlocking function 635 may determine whether or not the rotating unit 71 has reached the downward movement limit position based on the driving amount of the first driving unit 8. Alternatively, the interlocking function 635 may determine whether or not the rotating unit 71 has reached the downward movement limit position using a sensor such as an optical sensor.

[0081] When the rotating part 71 reaches the downward movement limit position (step S17: YES), the interlocking function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch the control target from driving the rotating part 71 to driving the linear motion part 91. Then, the drive control function 632 causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion part 91 in response to the continued ON operation of the switch SW to the lowering side, thereby further lowering the operation panel 3 (step S18). On the other hand, when the rotating part 71 has not reached the downward movement limit position (step S17: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not the lowering of the operation panel 3 has been instructed (step S15).

[0082] 10, the operation panel 3 is lowered by the rotation of the rotation part 71 in response to the on-operation of the switch SW to the lowering side until the rotation part 71 reaches the downward movement limit position. Then, after the rotation part 71 reaches the downward movement limit position, the operation panel 3 is further lowered by the linear movement of the linear movement part 91 in response to the continued on-operation of the switch SW to the lowering side.

[0083] As described above, in the second embodiment, the first driving unit 8 drives the rotating unit 71 when the linear motion unit 91 reaches its movement limit (i.e., the upper movement limit position). Also, the second driving unit 10 drives the linear motion unit 91 when the rotating unit 71 reaches its movement limit (i.e., the lower movement limit position).

[0084] This allows the rotating portion 71 and the linear portion 91 to be linked in response to a single input operation (i.e., turning on the switch SW) to raise or lower the operation panel 3, thereby reducing the operational burden on the user to adjust the height of the operation panel 3.

[0085] (Modification of the second embodiment) Next, a modified example of the second embodiment in which the priority of driving the rotating unit 71 and the linear moving unit 91 can be specified will be described, focusing on the difference from the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation panel 3 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 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 is driven before the linear moving unit 91, and a second designation switch SW-L for designating that the linear moving unit 91 is driven before the rotating unit 71. The first designation switch SW-R and the second designation switch SW-L are an example of a third operation unit for performing an operation to designate which of the rotating unit 71 and the linear moving unit 91 is driven first. The drive control function 632 controls the drive units 8 and 10 so as to preferentially drive one of the rotating unit 71 and the linear moving unit 91 designated by the designation switches SW-R and SW-L.

[0086] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment configured as above will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the modified example of the second embodiment subsequent to Fig. 12. Note that in the initial state of Fig. 12, the operation panel 3 is not raised, and the linear motion unit 91 and the rotating unit 71 are each positioned at their respective downward movement limit positions.

[0087] Then, from the initial state, first, the drive control function 632 determines whether or not preferential driving of the linear motion portion 91 has been designated by turning on the second designation switch SW-L (step S19).

[0088] Here, first, a description will be given of the operation when priority driving of the linear motion part 91 is specified. After priority driving of the linear motion part 91 is specified (step S19: YES), the drive control function 632 and the interlocking function 635 execute steps S11 to S15, similar to Fig. 9. Then, in step S15, when an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 is given (step S15: YES), the drive control function 632 causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion part 91 to lower the operation panel 3 (step S111).

[0089] After the operation panel 3 is lowered, the interlocking function 635 determines whether or not the linear motion part 91 has reached the downward movement limit position (step S112).

[0090] When the linear motion part 91 reaches the downward movement limit position (step S112: YES), the interlocking function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch the control target from driving the linear motion part 91 to driving the rotation part 71. Then, the drive control function 632 causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation part 71 in response to the operation of the switch SW, thereby further lowering the operation panel 3 (step S113). On the other hand, when the linear motion part 91 has not reached the downward movement limit position (step S112: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 has been issued (step S15).

[0091] Next, the operation when the priority drive of the linear moving part 91 is not specified will be described. When the priority drive of the linear moving part 91 is not specified (step S19: NO), the drive control function 632 judges whether or not the priority drive of the rotating part 71 is specified by turning on the first designation switch SW-R (step S110). When the priority drive of the rotating part 71 is specified (step S110: YES), as shown in FIG. 13, the drive control function 632 judges whether or not the lift of the operation panel 3 is instructed by turning on the switch SW to the lift side (step S21). On the other hand, when the priority drive of the rotating part 71 is not specified (step S110: NO), the drive control function 632 repeats the judgment of whether or not the priority drive of the linear moving part 91 is specified (step S19), as shown in FIG. 12.

[0092] If an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 is given (step S21: YES), the drive control function 632 raises the operation panel 3 by causing the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation unit 71 (step S22). On the other hand, if an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 is not given (step S21: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 is given (step S21).

[0093] After the operation panel 3 is raised, the interlocking function 635 determines whether or not the rotating part 71 has reached the upper movement limit position (step S23).

[0094] If the rotating part 71 has reached the upper movement limit position (step S23: YES), the interlocking function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch the control target from driving the rotating part 71 to driving the linear motion part 91. Then, the drive control function 632 causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion part 91 in response to the continued ON operation of the switch SW to the upward side, thereby further raising the operation panel 3 (step S24). On the other hand, if the rotating part 71 has not reached the upper movement limit position (step S23: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not an instruction to raise the operation panel 3 has been issued (step S21).

[0095] After the lifting of the operation panel 3 by the priority driving of the rotating part 71 is completed, the drive control function 632 determines whether or not a command has been issued to lower the operation panel 3 by turning on the switch SW to the lowering side (step S25).

[0096] If an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 is given (step S25: YES), the drive control function 632 causes the first drive unit 8 to drive the rotation unit 71 to lower the operation panel 3 (step S26). On the other hand, if an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 is not given (step S25: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not an instruction to lower the operation panel 3 is given (step S25).

[0097] After the operation panel 3 is lowered, the interlocking function 635 determines whether or not the rotating part 71 has reached the downward movement limit position (step S27).

[0098] If the rotating part 71 has reached the downward movement limit position (step S27: YES), the interlocking function 635 causes the drive control function 632 to switch the control target from driving the rotating part 71 to driving the linear motion part 91. Then, the drive control function 632 causes the second drive unit 10 to drive the linear motion part 91 in response to the continued on-operation of the switch SW to the lowering side, thereby further lowering the operation panel 3 (step S28). On the other hand, if the rotating part 71 has not reached the downward movement limit position (step S27: NO), the drive control function 632 repeatedly determines whether or not a command to lower the operation panel 3 has been issued (step S25).

[0099] As described above, in the modified example of the second embodiment, the driving units 8 and 10 preferentially drive one of the rotating unit 71 and the linear moving unit 91, which is designated by turning on the designation switches SW-R and SW-L. Then, when the one of the rotating unit 71 and the linear moving unit 91 that is preferentially driven reaches its movement limit, the driving units 8 and 10 drive the other of the rotating unit 71 and the linear moving unit 91.

[0100] This improves the degree of freedom in adjusting the height of the operation panel 3.

[0101] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment in which the second support part 9 is rotated will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 15A is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 15B is a plan view showing a configuration example of an operation panel of the ultrasonic diagnostic device according to the third embodiment.

[0102] In the third embodiment, the second support part 9 is rotatable around a rotation axis along the linear motion direction of the linear motion part 91. As shown in FIG. 14, the lifting device 5 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a third drive part 15 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. The third drive part 15 rotates and drives the second support part 9 around a rotation axis along the linear motion direction of the linear motion part 91. The third drive part 15 is composed of, for example, a motor, a drive force transmission member such as a gear that transmits the drive force of the motor to the linear motion support part 92 of the second support part 9, and a drive circuit of the motor. In the third embodiment, the position detection function 633 detects the position of the second support part 9 in the rotation direction in addition to detecting the position of the second support part 9 in the linear motion direction (i.e., the height direction) as in the first and second embodiments. The position of the second support part 9 in the rotational direction may be detected using the amount of drive of the second support part 9 by the third drive part 15, such as the amount of rotation of a motor, or a sensor, such as an optical sensor, in the same manner as the position of the second support part 9 in the linear motion direction. The detection result of the position of the second support part 9 in the rotational direction by the position detection function 633 is used to limit the rotation range of the rotation part 71 by the limiting function 634.

[0103] 15A and 15B, the operation panel 3 of the ultrasound diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment further includes a third switch SW3 for instructing rotation of the second support unit 9 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 15A, the third drive unit 15 generates a drive force when the third switch SW3 is turned on. By rotating the second support unit 9, the operation panel 3 can be shifted in the horizontal direction relative to the device body 6.

[0104] The operation panel 3 is displaced in the horizontal direction relative to the device body 6 by the rotation of the second support portion 9, and can then be moved below the upper end of the device body 6 by the rotation of the rotating portion 71.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the third embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, even if the position of the second support part 9 is the first position, when it is determined that the operation panel 3 is rotated by the third drive part 15 based on the detection result of the position of the second support part 9 in the rotation direction by the position detection function 633 (step S5: YES), the limiting function 634 limits the rotation range of the rotation part 71 so that the first support part 7 is lower than the horizontal at the downward movement limit position (step S4). As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the operation panel 3 can be lower than the upper end of the device body 6 at the downward movement limit position.

[0106] As described above, in the third embodiment, the second support part 9 is rotatable about a rotation axis along the linear motion direction. Furthermore, the operation panel 3 is displaced in the horizontal direction relative to the device body 6 by the rotation of the second support part 9, and then can be moved below the upper end of the device body 6 by the rotation of the rotating part 71.

[0107] This improves the degree of freedom in adjusting the height of the operation panel 3.

[0108] (Fourth embodiment) 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. Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0109] So far, an example has been described in which the height of the operation panel 3 is electrically adjusted. In contrast, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment is configured so that the height of the operation panel 3 is manually adjusted.

[0110] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the lifting device 5 in the fourth embodiment does not have a first drive unit 8 and a 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 performed manually by the user. Furthermore, the lifting device 5 in the fourth embodiment has a rotation limiting mechanism 16, a linear motion limiting mechanism 17, and an operation unit 18. The rotation limiting mechanism 16 is an example of a second limiting unit. The linear motion limiting mechanism 17 is an example of a third limiting unit.

[0111] The rotation limiting mechanism 16 limits the rotation of the rotating part 71. The linear motion limiting mechanism 17 limits the linear motion of the linear motion part 91. The operation part 18 is provided on a front handle 13 provided on the operation panel 3. The front handle 13 is an example of a grip part. The operation part 18 performs an operation to release either the restriction on the rotation of the rotating part 71 by the rotation limiting mechanism 16 or the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion part 91 by the linear motion limiting mechanism 17, depending on the grip position of the front handle 13.

[0112] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 19, the operation unit 18 has a rotation restriction release lever 181 and a linear motion restriction release lever 182. The rotation restriction release lever 181 is provided in the center of the front handle 13. The rotation restriction release lever 181 is operated when the user grips the center of the front handle 13, and releases the restriction on the rotation of the rotating unit 71 by the rotation restriction mechanism 16. The linear motion restriction release lever 182 is provided in the side of the front handle 13. The linear motion restriction release lever 182 is operated when the user grips the side of the front handle 13, and releases the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion unit 91 by the linear motion restriction mechanism 17. The linear motion restriction release lever 182 may be provided on both sides (i.e., both sides) of the front handle 13.

[0113] 20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a rotation unit 71 and a rotation limiting mechanism 16 of an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the rotation unit 71 has a parallel link 711, a rotation support unit 712, and a panel connection unit 713. The parallel link 711 extends from one end on the second support unit 9 side to the other end on the operation panel 3 side, and is rotatable about the one end on the second support unit 9 side. The rotation support unit 712 rotatably supports one end of the parallel link 711. The panel connection unit 713 connects the parallel link 711 to the operation panel 3.

[0114] More specifically, the parallel link 711 has an upper link 711a and a lower link 711b that are arranged parallel to each other with a vertical gap. The upper link 711a and the lower link 711b each extend from one end on the second support portion 9 side to the other end on the operation panel 3 side. One end of the upper link 711a is rotatably supported by a first fulcrum of the rotation support portion 712. One end of the lower link 711b is rotatably supported by a 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.

[0115] Fig. 21 is an enlarged view showing a configuration example of the operation unit 18 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 20 and Fig. 21, the rotation limiting mechanism 16 has a gas spring 161. The gas spring 161 has a cylindrical cylinder 161a, a disk-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.

[0116] The gas spring 161 is fixed to the rotating part 71 so that its length changes according to the amount of rotation of the rotating part 71. A part of the piston rod 161b is exposed from the cylinder 161a. As the parallel link 711 is deformed according to the rotation of the rotating part 71, the length of the piston rod 161b exposed from the cylinder 161a changes. The inside of the gas spring 161 is filled with gas and oil. The area inside the gas spring 161 filled with oil is divided 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 pressed, the orifice is closed by the valve. Closing the orifice stops the flow of oil between the areas divided by the piston, and the movement of the piston is stopped. Stopping the movement of the piston fixes the length of the gas spring 161. Fixing the length of the gas spring 161 prohibits the parallel link 711 from rotating. Rotation of the parallel link 711 is prohibited, thereby prohibiting rotation of the rotating portion 71. That is, when the push rod 161c is not pushed in, the rotating portion 71 is in a locked state in which rotation is prohibited.

[0117] On the other hand, when the push rod 161c is pushed in, the orifice is opened by the valve. By opening the orifice, the oil in the area separated by the piston can pass through the orifice, 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 permitted. By allowing the rotation of the parallel link 711, the rotation of the rotating part 71 is permitted. In other words, when the push rod 161c is pushed in, the rotating part 71 enters a release state in which the prohibition of rotation is released. In the release state, the rotating part 71 can move the operation panel 3 up and down in response to manual operation by the user.

[0118] 21, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 further includes an unlocking mechanism 19 that unlocks the rotation of the rotating part 71 in cooperation with the rotation restriction release lever 181. The unlocking mechanism 19 includes an unlocking plate 191, a release plate fulcrum 192, and a wire 193.

[0119] The unlocking plate 191 is disposed so as to come into contact with the push rod 161c. The unlocking plate 191 is pressed in a direction away from the push rod 161c by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring. One end of the unlocking 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 unlocking 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.

[0120] Next, an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment configured as above will be described. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an operation example of the rotation limiting mechanism 16 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 23 is a side view showing an operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 24 is a side view showing another operation example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0121] When the user grips the center of the front handle 13, the rotation restriction release lever 181 is operated. By operating the rotation restriction release lever 181, the wire 193 is pulled toward the rotation restriction release lever 181. By pulling the wire 193 toward the rotation restriction release lever 181, the lock release plate 191 fixed to the wire 193 rotates in a direction to push the push rod 161c. By rotating the lock release plate 191 in a direction to push the push rod 161c, the push rod 161c is pushed. By pushing the push rod 161c, the length of the gas spring 161 becomes variable, and the rotation of the rotating part 71 is permitted. Therefore, by gripping the center of the front handle 13, the rotating part 71 can be switched from a locked state to an unlocked state as shown in FIG. 22, and the rotating part 71 can be rotated by manual operation. As a result, the height of the operating panel 3 can be finely adjusted by moving the operating panel 3 up and down while rotating it as shown in FIG. 23.

[0122] On the other hand, when the center portion of the front handle 13 is not gripped by the user, the rotation restriction release lever 181 is not operated and the wire 193 is not pulled. When the wire 193 is not pulled, the lock release plate 191 is not rotated and the push rod 161c is not pushed in. Therefore, when the center portion of the front handle 13 is not gripped, the rotating portion 71 is in a locked state and fine adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3 is prohibited.

[0123] Like the rotation limiting mechanism 16, the linear motion limiting mechanism 17 may have a gas spring. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 may further have an unlocking mechanism (i.e., an unlocking plate, an unlocking plate fulcrum, and a wire) that is linked to the linear motion limiting release lever 182. The cylinder of the gas spring may be fixed to the linear motion support part 92, and the piston rod of the gas spring may be fixed to the linear motion part 91. In this configuration, when the user grips the side of the front handle 13, the linear motion limiting release lever 182 is operated. By operating the linear motion limiting release lever 182, a wire having one end fixed to the linear motion limiting release lever 182 is pulled toward the linear motion limiting release lever 182. By pulling the wire toward the linear motion limiting release lever 182, the unlocking plate fixed to the other end of the wire rotates around the unlocking plate fulcrum in a direction that pushes the push rod. The unlocking plate rotates in a direction that pushes the push rod, so that the push rod is pushed in. By pushing in the push rod, the length of the gas spring becomes variable, allowing the linear motion of the linear motion part 91. Therefore, by gripping the side part of the front handle 13, the linear motion part 91 is switched from the locked state to the released state, and the linear motion part 91 can be linearly moved by manual operation. This allows the linear motion part 91 to be moved up and down to roughly adjust the height of the operation panel 3, as shown in FIG. 24. On the other hand, if the side part 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 part of the front handle 13 is not gripped, the linear motion part 91 is in the locked state, and rough adjustment of the height of the operation panel 3 is prohibited.

[0124] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the rotation limiting mechanism 16 limits the rotation of the rotating part 71. Furthermore, the linear motion limiting mechanism 17 limits the linear motion of the linear motion part 91. Furthermore, the operating part 18 provided on the front handle 13 performs an operation to release either the restriction on the rotation of the rotating part 71 by the rotation limiting mechanism 16 or the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion of the linear motion part 91 by the linear motion limiting mechanism 17, depending on the grip position of the front handle 13.

[0125] As a result, no power is required to adjust the height of the operation unit 18, and the power consumption of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 can be reduced.

[0126] (Modification of the fourth embodiment) Next, a modified example in which the lock of the linear motion part 91 is released in response to gripping of the rear handle 14 will be described. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, the linear motion restriction release lever 182 may be provided on the rear handle 14 instead of the front handle 13. The rear handle 14 is an example of a second grip part. The linear motion restriction mechanism 17 is an example of a second operation part. According to the example shown in FIG. 25, the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion part 91 by the linear motion restriction mechanism 17 can be released by the user gripping the rear handle 14. Therefore, the user can roughly adjust the height of the operation panel 3 while gripping the rear handle 14. Such a configuration is suitable for a case in which, for example, the panel height is finely adjusted by the rotating part 71 during normal use, and the panel height is roughly adjusted by the linear motion part 91 at limited times such as when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 1 is installed or moved. Furthermore, according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment, it is no longer necessary to release the restriction on the linear motion section 91 using the linear motion restriction release lever 182 provided on the front handle 13 shown in FIG. 19 to lower the height of the linear motion section 91, and then go around to the rear of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 and move the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 by holding the rear handle 14, thereby improving the ease of moving the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0127] In addition, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the operation panel 3 by manual operation described in the fourth embodiment (i.e., the rotation limiting mechanism 16, the linear motion limiting mechanism 17, the operation unit 18, and the lock release mechanism 19) can also be applied in place of the drive units 8, 10, and 15 to realize the operation examples of the lifting device 5 described in the first to third embodiments.

[0128] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. Instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program in the circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit. The processor is not limited to being configured as a single processor circuit, and may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, the multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0129] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to expand the adjustment range of the height of the operation panel, reduce the amount of movement of the operation panel in the depth direction, and reduce the depth dimension of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.

[0130] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel device and method described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the device and method described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Ultrasound diagnostic equipment 3 Operation Panel 6. Device body 634 Restricted Function 7 First support part 71 Rotating section 8 First Drive Unit 9 Second support part 91 Linear motion section 10 Second drive unit 16 Rotation limiting mechanism 161 Gas Spring 17 Linear motion limiting mechanism 18 Control section 181 Rotation limit release lever 182 Linear motion limit release lever

Claims

1. an operation panel that accepts user operations; a first support portion that supports the operation panel and has a rotation portion that rotates to change the height of the operation panel; a second support portion having a linear motion portion that linearly moves so as to change the height of the operation panel and that supports the first support portion, Ultrasound diagnostic equipment.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a limiting unit that limits a rotation range of the rotating unit in accordance with a height of the second support unit that is linearly moved by the linear moving unit.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the limiting unit limits a rotation range of the rotating unit so that the first supporting unit is horizontal when the second supporting unit is positioned at a first position in the linear motion direction.

4. 4. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the limiting unit limits a rotation range of the rotating unit so that the first support unit is lower than horizontal when a position of the second support unit in the linear motion direction is a second position that is 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 where it is connected to the second support portion.

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

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating unit and the linear motion unit are capable of moving in conjunction with each other.

8. 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the second support part is rotatable about a rotation axis along a linear motion direction, and the operation panel is displaced horizontally relative to the device body by the rotation of the second support part, and then is movable downward below an upper end of the device body by the rotation of the rotating part.

9. A second limiting portion that limits rotation of the rotating portion; A third limiting portion that limits the linear motion of the linear motion portion; A grip portion provided on the operation panel; 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an operation unit provided to the gripping unit and configured to perform an operation to release either the restriction on rotation of the rotating unit by the second limiting unit or the restriction on linear movement of the linear movement unit by the third limiting unit, depending on a gripping position of the gripping unit.

10. A fourth limiting portion that limits the linear motion of the linear motion portion; A second gripping portion provided on the second support portion; 2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second operation unit provided to the second gripping unit and configured to perform an operation to release the restriction on the linear motion of the linear motion unit by the fourth limiting unit in response to gripping of the second gripping unit.

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

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

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

14. The rotating part and the linear moving part are interlocking with each other, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 13 , further comprising a third operation unit for performing an operation to specify whether the rotating unit or the linear motion unit is to be driven first.

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

Images