Control device and ultrasonic diagnostic device

Abstract

To enhance cooling performance of a heating component.SOLUTION: A control device according to one embodiment comprises a housing, at least one substrate, at least one heating component, an inflow part, at least one blowing guide part, and a discharge part. The at least one substrate is arranged in the housing. The at least one heating component is mounted on the substrate. The inflow part is provided on a part of the housing, and makes air flow into the inside of the housing. The at least one blowing guide part is arranged to guide air which flows into the inside of the housing through the inflow part and flows in the housing, to the vicinity of the heating component. The discharge part is provided on another part of the housing, and discharges the air guided to the vicinity of the heating component, to the outside of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a control device and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A control device used for ultrasonic inspection controls the operations of an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an inspection mode. Such a control device houses a substrate on which electronic components such as a processing circuit that executes processing are mounted in a housing. The housing of the control device includes an air inlet through which air for cooling electronic components (hereinafter referred to as heat-generating components) that generate heat due to the execution of operations based on the inspection mode passes, and a fan. The air inlet is provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the housing. The fan is provided, for example, above the side surface of the housing. The housing has a partition wall at approximately the center of the housing, and is partitioned by the partition wall into two regions: a rear side region where the fan is provided and a front side region on the opposite side, and has a two-layer structure.

[0003] Here, the air inlet on the front side is farther from the fan than the air inlet on the rear side. Therefore, the air volume of the air flowing into the front side is less than the air volume of the air flowing into the rear side. Further, the air flowing through the front side flows toward the fan provided above the rear side. Therefore, the main flow of the air becomes a flow that moves away from the substrate and approaches the partition wall while following along. As a result, the air volume of the air flowing near the substrate decreases, the heat transfer rate between the heat-generating components on the substrate and the air becomes low, and the heat-generating components cannot be sufficiently cooled. Therefore, it is desirable to increase the air volume of the air flowing near the substrate, increase the heat transfer rate, sufficiently cool the heat-generating components, and improve the cooling performance for the heat-generating components.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the cooling performance for heat-generating components. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be regarded as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The control device according to the embodiment includes a housing, at least one substrate, at least one heat-generating component, an inflow portion, at least one air guiding portion, and an exhaust portion. At least one substrate is disposed inside the housing. At least one heat-generating component is mounted on the substrate. The inflow portion is provided in a part of the housing and allows air to flow into the inside of the housing. At least one air guiding portion is provided to guide the air flowing into the inside of the housing through the inflow portion and flowing inside the housing to the vicinity of the heat-generating component. The exhaust portion is provided in another part of the housing and discharges the air guided to the vicinity of the heat-generating component to the outside of the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the control device and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the control device will be described as a part of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the control device may be a part of another modality device, for example, like a part of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. Specifically, the control device may be any device that houses heat-generating components that generate heat during the execution of control and that air-cools the heat-generating components. In the following description, redundant descriptions will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals to substantially the same parts among different drawings.

[0009] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a control device 10 and an ultrasonic probe 20.

[0010] The control device 10 is connected to the input device 2 and the output device 3. Note that the control device 10 may be connected to an external device via a network. Further, the control device 10 detachably holds the ultrasonic probe 20 via the connector 11.

[0011] The control device 10 corresponds to, for example, a laptop computer. Therefore, the control device 10 may have at least the output device 3 as a display.

[0012] The control device 10 is a device that generates an ultrasonic image based on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20. The control device 10 includes an ultrasonic transmission circuit 101, an ultrasonic reception circuit 102, an internal storage circuit 110, an image memory 120, an input interface 130, an output interface 140, a communication interface 160, and a processing circuit 170. Note that an example of the specific configuration of the housing 180 of the control device 10 will be described later.

[0013] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 101 is a processor that supplies a drive signal to the ultrasonic probe 20. The ultrasonic transmission circuit 101 is realized by, for example, a pulse generator, a transmission delay circuit, and a pulsar circuit. The pulse generator repeatedly generates rate pulses for forming transmission ultrasonic waves at a predetermined repetition frequency (PRF: Pulse Repetition Frequency). The transmission delay circuit gives the delay time for each piezoelectric vibrator necessary for focusing the ultrasonic waves generated from the ultrasonic probe 20 into a beam shape and determining the transmission directivity to each rate pulse generated by the pulse generator. The transmission direction or the transmission delay time for determining the transmission direction is stored in the internal storage circuit 110 and is referred to during transmission. The pulsar circuit applies a drive signal (drive pulse) to a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators provided in the ultrasonic probe 20 at a timing based on the rate pulse. By changing the delay time given to each rate pulse by the transmission delay circuit, the transmission direction from the piezoelectric vibrator surface can be arbitrarily adjusted.

[0014] The ultrasonic transmission circuit 101 has a function that can instantaneously change the transmission frequency, transmission drive voltage, etc. in order to execute a predetermined scan sequence based on an instruction from the processing circuit 170. In particular, the function of changing the transmission drive voltage is realized, for example, by a linear amplifier type transmission circuit that can instantaneously switch its value, or by a mechanism that electrically switches a plurality of power supply units.

[0015] The ultrasonic reception circuit 102 is a processor that performs various processes on the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20 and generates a reception signal. The ultrasonic reception circuit 102 is an example of a reception unit. The ultrasonic reception circuit 102 is realized, for example, by a preamplifier, an A / D converter, a demodulator, and a beamformer.

[0016] The preamplifier amplifies the reflected wave signal received by the ultrasonic probe 20 for each channel and performs gain correction processing. At this time, the preamplifier changes the gain value, for example, according to a predetermined time response. The time response of the gain applied to the reception signal in the preamplifier is stored in the internal storage circuit 110. The A / D converter converts the gain-corrected reflected wave signal into a digital signal. The demodulator demodulates the digital signal to convert the digital signal into an in-phase signal (I signal, I: In-phase) and a quadrature signal (Q signal, Q: Quadrature-phase) in the baseband band. The beamformer gives the delay time necessary to determine the reception directivity to the I signal and the Q signal (hereinafter referred to as the IQ signal). The beamformer adds the IQ signals to which the delay time has been given. Through the processing of the beamformer, a reception signal in which the reflection component from the direction corresponding to the reception directivity is emphasized is generated.

[0017] Note that at least a part of the ultrasonic transmission circuit 101 and the ultrasonic reception circuit 102 may be shared. Also, when performing software beamforming using the reflected wave signal, for example, at least a part of the functions of the ultrasonic reception circuit 102 described above (for example, the functions related to reception beamforming) may be substituted by the processing circuit 170 described later. That is, the processing circuit 170 can also be an example of a reception unit.

[0018] The internal memory circuit 110 has a storage medium readable by a processor, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The internal memory circuit 110 stores a program for realizing ultrasonic transmission and reception, various data, etc. These programs and various data may be stored in the internal memory circuit 110 in advance, for example. Also, the programs and various data may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, distributed, read from the storage medium, and installed in the internal memory circuit 110, for example.

[0019] Also, the internal memory circuit 110 stores the reception signal generated by the ultrasonic reception circuit 102 and various ultrasonic image data generated by the processing circuit 170, etc., according to an operation input via the input interface 130. The internal memory circuit 110 can also transfer the stored data to an external device, etc., via the communication interface 160.

[0020] Note that the internal memory circuit 110 may be a driving device, etc., that reads and writes various information to and from a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, and a flash memory. The internal memory circuit 110 can write the stored data to a portable storage medium and store the data in an external device via the portable storage medium.

[0021] The image memory 120 has a storage medium readable by a processor, such as a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc. The image memory 120 stores image data corresponding to a plurality of frames immediately before a freeze operation input via the input interface 130. The image data stored in the image memory 120 is, for example, continuously displayed (cine display).

[0022] These internal memory circuits 110 and the image memory 120 do not necessarily have to be realized by independent memory devices respectively. The internal memory circuit 110 and the image memory 120 may be realized by a single memory device. Also, each of the internal memory circuit 110 and the image memory 120 may be realized by a plurality of memory devices.

[0023] The input interface 130 receives various instructions from the operator via the input device 2. The input device 2 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a panel switch, a slider switch, a trackball, a rotary encoder, an operation panel, and a touch command screen (TCS). The switch may be called a button as long as it operates in response to a press operation or a click operation regardless of whether it is realized by hardware or software. The input interface 130 is connected to the processing circuit 170 via, for example, a bus, converts the operation instruction input from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 170. Note that the input interface 130 is not limited to being connected to physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, a circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the control device 10 and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 170 is also included in the examples of the input interface 130.

[0024] The output interface 140 is an interface for outputting, for example, an electrical signal from the processing circuit 170 to the output device 3. The output device 3 is any display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or a CRT display. The output device 3 may be a touch panel type display that also serves as the input device 2. The output interface 140 is connected to the processing circuit 170 via, for example, a bus and outputs the electrical signal from the processing circuit 170 to the output device 3.

[0025] The communication interface 160 may be connected to an external device via a network, for example, and perform data communication with the external device.

[0026] The processing circuit 170 is, for example, a processor that controls the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The processing circuit 170 realizes the functions corresponding to the program by executing the program stored in the internal storage circuit 110. The processing circuit 170 has, for example, a B-mode processing function 170a, a Doppler processing function 170b, an image generation function 170c, a display control function 170d, and a system control function 170e.

[0027] In the present embodiment, a case where the B-mode processing function 170a, the Doppler processing function 170b, the image generation function 170c, the display control function 170d, and the system control function 170e are realized by a single processor will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processing circuit 170 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the B-mode processing function 170a, the Doppler processing function 170b, the image generation function 170c, the display control function 170d, and the system control function 170e. Further, dedicated hardware circuits capable of executing each function may be incorporated.

[0028] The B-mode processing function 170a is a function of generating B-mode data based on the reception signal received from the ultrasonic probe 20. The B-mode processing function 170a performs, for example, envelope detection processing, logarithmic compression processing, etc. on the reception signal received from the ultrasonic probe 20, and generates data (B-mode data) in which the signal intensity is expressed by the brightness of the luminance. The generated B-mode data is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as B-mode RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scanning line (raster).

[0029] The Doppler processing function 170b is a function that generates data (Doppler information) by extracting motion information based on the Doppler effect of moving objects within the ROI (Region Of Interest) set in the scan region by performing frequency analysis on the received signal received from the ultrasonic probe 20. The generated Doppler information is stored in a RAW data memory (not shown) as Doppler RAW data on a two-dimensional ultrasonic scan line.

[0030] The image generation function 170c is a function that generates various ultrasonic image data based on the data generated by the B-mode processing function 170a and / or the Doppler processing function 170b. Specifically, for example, the image generation function 170c generates B-mode image data composed of pixels by performing RAW-pixel conversion on the B-mode RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example, coordinate conversion according to the scanning form of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic probe 20.

[0031] Also, the image generation function 170c generates Doppler image data in which blood flow information is visualized by performing RAW-pixel conversion on the Doppler RAW data stored in the RAW data memory, for example. The Doppler image data is average velocity image data, variance image data, power image data, or image data combining these.

[0032] The display control function 170d is a function that causes an image based on the various ultrasonic image data generated by the image generation function 170c to be displayed on the output device 3. Specifically, for example, the display control function 170d controls the display on the output device 3 of an image based on the B-mode image data, Doppler image data, or image data including both generated by the image generation function 170c.

[0033] More specifically, the display control function 170d converts, for example, the scan line signal sequence of ultrasonic scanning into a scan line signal sequence in a video format typified by a television or the like (scan conversion) and generates display image data. Further, the display control function 170d may perform various processes on the display image data, such as dynamic range, brightness, contrast, and γ curve correction, as well as RGB conversion. Further, the display control function 170d may add incidental information such as character information, scales, and body marks of various parameters to the display image data. Further, the display control function 170d may generate a user interface (GUI: Graphical User Interface) for an operator to input various instructions using the input device 2 and display the GUI on the output device 3.

[0034] The system control function 170e is a function that comprehensively controls the operation of the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. For example, the system control function 170e controls the ultrasonic probe 20 based on parameters related to the transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves.

[0035] On the other hand, the ultrasonic probe 20 performs ultrasonic scanning on a scan region within the subject P, which is the subject P, for example, in accordance with control from the control device 10. The ultrasonic probe 20 includes, for example, a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators, a matching layer provided on the piezoelectric vibrators, and a backing material that prevents the propagation of ultrasonic waves rearward from the piezoelectric vibrators. The ultrasonic probe 20 is detachably connected to the control device 10. Buttons may be arranged on the ultrasonic probe 20 for offset processing and freezing of ultrasonic images and the like.

[0036] The ultrasonic probe 20 is, for example, a 1D linear array probe in which a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators are arranged in a predetermined direction, a 2D array probe in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are arranged in a matrix, or a mechanical 4D probe capable of performing ultrasonic scanning while mechanically swinging a piezoelectric vibrator row in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction.

[0037] A plurality of piezoelectric vibrators generate ultrasonic waves based on a drive signal supplied from an ultrasonic transmission circuit 101 included in the control device 10. Thereby, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 to the subject P. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the ultrasonic probe 20 to the subject P, the transmitted ultrasonic waves are successively reflected at discontinuous surfaces of acoustic impedance in the body tissues of the subject P and received by a plurality of piezoelectric elements as reflected wave signals. The amplitude of the received reflected wave signal depends on the difference in acoustic impedance at the discontinuous surface where the ultrasonic wave is reflected. Further, when the transmitted ultrasonic pulse is reflected at the surface of a moving blood flow or a heart wall, etc., the reflected wave signal undergoes a frequency shift depending on the velocity component in the ultrasonic transmission direction of the moving object due to the Doppler effect. The ultrasonic probe 20 receives the reflected wave signal from the subject P and converts it into an electrical signal.

[0038] Note that FIG. 1 only illustrates the connection relationship between the ultrasonic probe 20 used for ultrasonic scanning and the control device 10. However, it is possible to connect a plurality of ultrasonic probes 20 to the control device 10. Which one of the plurality of connected ultrasonic probes 20 is used for ultrasonic scanning can be arbitrarily selected by a switching operation.

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, an example of the specific configuration of the housing 180 will be described. The housing 180 of the control device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is disposed, for example, inside a housing cover 1801 formed to cover the housing 180. In this case, the housing cover 1801 includes a connector 11 to which the ultrasonic probe 20 is connected. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the housing 180 of the control device 10 may have an exposed configuration without being covered by the housing cover 1801.

[0040] The housing 180 is composed of a combination of three regions. Among the three regions, two regions are the front side F, which is the region on the side where the connector 11 is provided, and the rear side R, which is the region opposite to the front side F, in a wide range including the central part from the lower part inside the housing 180, as shown in FIG. 2. Here, the direction from the front side F to the rear side R is defined as the Y direction, the direction orthogonal to the Y direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the X direction, and from the grounding surface to the housing 180 is defined as the Z direction. Note that the front side F may also be referred to as the first region A1. Also, the rear side R may also be referred to as the second region A2. The first region A1 and the second region A2 are partitioned by a partition wall 182. The remaining one region is a region located above inside the housing 180, which is the third region A3 without a partition between the first region A1 and the second region A2.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 180 includes an air inlet 181, a partition wall 182, and a fan 188. In the drawings after FIG. 3, the air flowing into the inside of the housing 180 is indicated by an arrow I, and the air discharged to the outside of the housing 180 is indicated by an arrow E. The air inlet 181 is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 180, and as shown by the arrow I in FIG. 3, it allows air to flow into the housing 180 from the bottom surface of the housing 180. The region inside the housing 180 that does not include the upper third region A3 is partitioned into two regions by a partition wall 182 formed to extend inside the housing 180 from the air inlet 181, and has a two-layer structure. The two regions correspond to the first region A1 on the front side F and the second region A2 on the rear side R, which is the region on the side where the fan 188 is provided. The fan 188 is provided above the side surface of the housing 180, and as shown by the arrow E in FIG. 3, it discharges the air that has passed through the third region A3 above the front side F and the rear side R to the outside of the housing 180. Note that in the following description, upstream and downstream mean the upstream (the side where the arrow I is shown) and downstream (the side where the arrow E is shown) in the air flow. Note that the housing 180 may also be referred to as a unit. Also, the air may also be referred to as cooling air.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 180 cut by a plane parallel to the YZ plane of FIG. 3, showing the internal region of the housing 180. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 180 further includes a heat sink 183, a plurality of substrates 184, heat generating components 185, circuit components 186, and ribs 187 on the front side F.

[0043] The air inlet 181 is provided in a part of the housing 180. The air inlet 181 is provided, for example, on the bottom surface of the housing 180. The air inlet 181 allows air to flow into the interior of the housing 180. The air inlet 181 is partitioned by a partition wall 182 into a front air inlet 1811 and a rear air inlet 1812. Therefore, air flows into the interior of the housing 180 in parallel through the front air inlet 1811 or the rear air inlet 1812, respectively. Note that the air inlet 181 may also be referred to as an opening, an inflow surface, or an inflow opening. Also, the air inlet 181 is an example of an inflow portion.

[0044] The partition wall 182 is formed to extend from the air inlet 181 into the interior of the housing 180, partitioning the interior of the housing 180 into a first region A1 and a second region A2. Specifically, for example, the partition wall 182 is formed to extend from the approximate center of the air inlet 181 into the interior of the housing 180 substantially perpendicular to the air inlet 181, partitioning the interior of the housing 180 into the front side F and the rear side R. Note that the air that has passed through the front side F flows toward the fan 188 by passing through a third region A3 above the rear side R. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the partition wall 182 does not extend to the upper surface of the housing 180 facing the air inlet 181. Also, the partition wall 182 is an example of a wall portion.

[0045] The heat sink 183 is disposed inside the front side F and performs heat exchange between the air around the heat generating components 185 and the air outside the housing 180. The heat sink 183 is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the heat generating component substrate 1841 as needed.

[0046] The substrate 184 is disposed at least one inside the housing 180, and components corresponding to each circuit, memory, each interface, etc. that implement the functional blocks of the control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 are mounted thereon. The substrate 184 is disposed inside the first region A1. The plurality of substrates 184 includes a heat-generating component substrate 1841 on which the heat-generating component 185 is mounted, a circuit component substrate 1842 on which the circuit component 186 is mounted, and another substrate 1843 that electrically connects between the circuit component 186 and the heat-generating component 185. The heat-generating component substrate 1841 is near the heat sink 183 and is disposed so as to face the partition wall 182. The circuit component substrate 1842 is disposed between the heat-generating component 185 and the air outlet 181. The other substrate 1843 electrically connects between the circuit component 186 and the heat-generating component 185. In other words, the other substrate 1843 electrically connects between the circuit component substrate 1842 and the heat-generating component substrate 1841. Note that the heat-generating component substrate 1841, the circuit component substrate 1842, and the other substrate 1843 are not disposed on substantially the same plane. Also, the substrate 184 may be called an electronic substrate.

[0047] The heat-generating component 185 is mounted on at least one of the substrates 184. The heat-generating component 185 generates heat by executing an operation. The heat-generating component 185 is, for example, an electronic component such as the processing circuit 170 and generates heat by executing processing. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the heat-generating component 185 may be a circuit element such as a resistor, and may generate heat by operating with a switch or the like. Supplementary, the term "operation" typically means an active operation such as executing processing, but is not limited thereto, and also includes a passive operation such as consuming electric power supplied from a switch or the like. Also, the heat-generating component 185 may be called a heating element.

[0048] The circuit component 186 is disposed, for example, between the heat-generating component 185 and the air outlet 1811. The circuit component 186 includes, for example, a capacitor, a power supply board, and the like. Note that the circuit component 186 may be called a device.

[0049] At least one rib 187 is provided to guide the air flowing into the interior of the housing 180 through the air inlet 1811 and flowing through the interior of the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185. The rib 187 is provided to protrude from the partition wall 182 into the first region A1. The rib 187 is provided to protrude between the heat generating component 185 and the air inlet 1811. The rib 187 is provided to protrude between the circuit component 186 disposed between the heat generating component 185 and the air inlet 1811 and the heat generating component 185. Specifically, the rib 187 is provided to protrude substantially perpendicularly to the partition wall 182 at a position upstream of the heat generating component 185 on the front side F and downstream of the circuit component 186 so as to guide the air flowing through the interior of the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185. That is, the rib 187 has a structure protruding from the partition wall 182 along the substantially horizontal direction, separating the air flow rising substantially vertically along the partition wall 182 from the partition wall 182, and guiding the air flow on the downstream side of the rib 187 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185. Further, the shortest distance d1 between the partition wall 182 and the tip of the rib 187 is preferably shorter than the shortest distance d2 between the partition wall 182 and the heat generating component 185 (d1 < d2) from the viewpoint of facilitating the formation of an air flow on the surface of the heat generating component 185. Note that the rib 187 is an example of the air guiding portion. Further, the rib 187 may be called a vertical rib.

[0050] The fan 188 is provided in another part of the housing 180. Specifically, the fan 188 is provided, for example, above the side surface on the rear side R. Further, the fan 188 discharges the air guided to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185 to the outside of the housing 180. Further, the fan 188 discharges the air that has passed through the rear side R to the outside of the housing 180. Note that the fan 188 is an example of the discharge portion and may be called an exhaust fan. Further, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which the fan 188 corresponds to the inflow portion and the air inlet 181 corresponds to the discharge portion may be adopted. In this case, the fan 188 corresponding to the inflow portion may be called an intake fan, and the air inlet 181 corresponding to the discharge portion may be called an exhaust port. That is, as long as a configuration is adopted in which an air flow from the inflow portion to the discharge portion is formed in the housing 180, the fan 188 and each of the openings may be provided at arbitrary positions.

[0051] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of the air flow inside the housing 180 configured as described above will be described. In the drawings after FIG. 5, an example of the main flow of the air flowing into the inside of the housing 180 is indicated by a curve C, and the direction of the main flow of the air is indicated by an arrow D shown at the tip of the curve C. As shown by the arrow D, the main flow of the air flows from the lower side (upstream) in FIG. 5 to the upper side (downstream) in FIG. 5. Due to the operation of the fan 188, as shown by the arrow I in FIG. 5, the air inlet 181 allows air to flow into the inside of the housing 180 from the bottom surface of the housing 180. At this time, since the housing 180 has a two-layer structure, the air flows into the inside of the housing 180 through the air inlet 181 including the front air inlet 1811 and the rear air inlet 1812. Hereinafter, mainly, the air flow flowing in through the front air inlet 1811 will be described.

[0052] The air flowing through the inside of the housing 180 through the front air inlet 1811 rises in the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 5. At this time, due to the separation of the flow generated by the circuit component 186, a dead water area z spreads downstream of the circuit component 186. As the dead water area z develops, as shown by the curve C in FIG. 5, the air flowing into the inside of the housing 180 moves away from the circuit component substrate 1842 and rises along the partition wall 182. Here, the rib 187 separates the air flow rising in the substantially vertical direction along the partition wall 182 from the partition wall 182 and guides the air flow on the downstream side of the rib 187 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185. As a result, the main flow of the air is bent so as to be directed toward the heat generating component 185 and is intensively guided to the vicinity of the heat generating component substrate 1841.

[0053] Subsequently, the air guided to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185 passes through the first region A1 on the front side F and then through the third region A3 above the inside of the housing 180, flowing toward the fan 188. The fan 188 discharges the air that has passed through the third region A3 to the outside of the housing 180. Also, the air that has flowed into the inside of the housing 180 through the rear air inlet 1812 passes through the second region A2 on the rear side R and then flows toward the fan 188 through the third region A3. The fan 188 discharges the air that has passed from the second region A2 on the rear side R through the third region A3 to the outside of the housing 180.

[0054] According to the first embodiment as described above, the control device 10 includes a housing 180, at least one substrate 184, at least one heat-generating component 185, an inlet portion (air inlet 181), at least one air guiding portion (rib 187), and an outlet portion (fan 188). The at least one substrate 184 is disposed inside the housing 180. The at least one heat-generating component 185 is mounted on the substrate 184. The air inlet 181 is provided in a part of the housing 180 and allows air to flow into the inside of the housing 180. The at least one rib 187 is provided to guide the air that has flowed into the inside of the housing 180 through the air inlet 181 and flows inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185. The fan 188 is provided in another part of the housing 180 and discharges the air guided to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185 to the outside of the housing 180. Thus, the rib 187 guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185 mounted on the substrate 184, and the fan 188 discharges the guided air. As a result, the main flow of the air is bent so as to be directed toward the heat-generating component 185 and is intensively guided to the vicinity of the heat-generating component substrate 1841. Therefore, the air volume of the air flowing in the vicinity of the heat-generating component substrate 1841 can be increased, the heat transfer rate between the heat-generating component 185 on the substrate 184 and the air can be increased, the heat-generating component 185 can be sufficiently cooled, and the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185 can be improved. Note that since the air flow path around the heat-generating component substrate 1841 is expanded downstream of the rib 187, the pressure around the heat-generating component substrate 1841 is recovered, and the pressure loss in the entire housing 180 is suppressed.

[0055] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, an example of the air flow inside the housing 180 according to the comparative example will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views obtained by cutting the housing 180 with a plane parallel to the YZ plane of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows the region inside the housing 180. FIG. 7 shows a part of the region inside the housing 180, and enlarges the region VI surrounded by the dashed-dotted line in FIG. 6. Note that FIGS. 6 and 7 correspond to FIG. 5, and the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts in FIG. 5, and the overlapping descriptions are omitted, and mainly the different parts will be described. The same applies to the following drawings, and the overlapping descriptions will be omitted. In FIG. 6, the air flowing into the front side is indicated by the arrow IF, and the air flowing into the rear side is indicated by the arrow IR.

[0056] For example, in the case of the housing 180 according to the comparative example as shown in FIG. 6, the air flowing into the inside of the housing 180 flows into the inside of the housing 180 through the front air inlet 1811 or the rear air inlet 1812 as indicated by the arrow IF and the arrow IR. The air flowing into the inside of the housing 180 rises in the direction indicated by the arrow D in FIG. 6. The air that has passed through the first region A1 on the front side F flows toward the fan 188 by passing through the upper third region A3 as indicated by the curve C. Here, the front air inlet 1811 is farther from the fan 188 than the rear air inlet 1812. Therefore, the air volume QF of the air flowing from the front air inlet 1811 to the front side F is smaller than the air volume QR of the air flowing from the rear air inlet 1812 to the rear side R (the arrow IF is shown smaller than the arrow IR). Also, since the air flowing into the inside of the housing 180 through the air inlet 181 flows toward the fan 188, the main flow of the air flowing into the front side F moves away from the heat-generating component substrate 1841 and rises in a substantially vertical direction along the partition wall 182. Thus, due to the decrease in the air volume QF of the air flowing into the front side F and the main flow of the air moving away from the heat-generating component 185 on the substrate 184, the heat transfer rate between the heat-generating component 185 on the substrate 184 and the air decreases, and the heat-generating component 185 cannot be sufficiently cooled.

[0057] Also, for example, in the case of the housing 180 according to the comparative example as shown in FIG. 7, as described above, the circuit component 186 is arranged upstream of the heat generating component 185. At this time, since the main flow of the air flowing into the front side F passes near the circuit component 186, the heat transfer rate between the circuit component 186 and the air is high. However, due to the separation of the flow generated by the circuit component 186, a dead water area z spreads downstream of the circuit component 186. As this dead water area z develops, as shown by the curve C in FIG. 7, the main flow of the air flowing into the front side F moves away from the heat generating component substrate 1841 and becomes a flow that follows while approaching the partition wall 182. As a result, the heat transfer rate between the circuit component 186 and the air is maintained high, while the heat transfer rate between the heat generating component 185 on the substrate 184 and the air becomes low, and the heat generating component 185 cannot be sufficiently cooled.

[0058] Thus, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 180 according to the comparative example does not include a rib 187 that guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185, so the heat generating component 185 cannot be sufficiently cooled, and the effects of the first embodiment cannot be obtained.

[0059] On the other hand, the housing 180 according to the first embodiment has a configuration including a rib 187 that guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185, so the heat generating component 185 can be sufficiently cooled and the cooling performance for the heat generating component 185 can be improved.

[0060] Next, several other comparative examples will be described. In other comparative examples, in order to sufficiently cool the heat-generating component 185 and improve the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185, several countermeasures are taken. However, in other comparative examples, there are respective inconveniences. For example, in other comparative example 1, in order to increase the air volume of the air flowing through the front side F and supply sufficient air volume to the heat-generating component 185, the output of the fan 188 is improved and the total amount of air flowing into the interior of the housing 180 is increased. Specifically, the output of the fan 188 is improved by increasing the rotation speed, increasing the size, increasing the quantity, etc. of the fan 188. However, in the countermeasure of other comparative example 1, by improving the output of the fan 188, inconveniences such as an increase in power consumption, a significant increase in the size of the housing 180, and an increase in the noise of the fan 188 have occurred. Also, in other comparative example 2, in order to secure a heat transfer area for the heat-generating component 185, a countermeasure of further adding a heat sink 183 is taken. However, in the countermeasure of other comparative example 2, by adding the heat sink 183, inconveniences such as a significant increase in the size of the housing 180 have occurred. In other comparative example 3, a countermeasure of correcting the opening area ratio between the front side F and the rear side R is taken by reducing the area of the rear side air outlet 1812. Thereby, other comparative example 3 corrects the distribution of the air volume flowing into the rear side R and the air volume flowing into the front side F, and increases the air volume flowing into the front side F. However, in the countermeasure of other comparative example 3, by correcting the above distribution, the ventilation resistance inside the housing 180 increases, and the total amount of air flowing into the interior of the housing 180 decreases. Thereby, the necessity of improving the output of the fan 188 occurs, and inconveniences due to improving the output of the fan 188 have occurred. Thus, in the countermeasures of other comparative examples 1 to 3, inconveniences such as an increase in power consumption, a significant increase in the size of the housing 180, and an increase in the noise of the fan 188 have occurred, leading to a decrease in the value (merchantability) as a product.

[0061] In contrast, the control device 10 according to the first embodiment has a cooling structure that can improve the cooling performance of the heat-generating component 185 without taking measures such as improving the output of the fan 188, adding a heat sink 183, or correcting the opening area ratio. As a result, it is possible to suppress inconveniences such as an increase in power consumption, a significant increase in the size of the housing 180, and an increase in the noise of the fan 188, and to suppress a decrease in marketability. Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress the addition of heat-radiating components such as the heat sink 183 and to suppress the number or rotation speed of the fan 188, it is possible to reduce the size of the housing 180 and to suppress the noise of the fan 188.

[0062] Also, according to the first embodiment, the control device 10 further includes a partition wall 182 (wall portion) that is formed to extend from the air outlet 181 into the housing 180 and partitions the inside of the housing 180 into a first region A1 and a second region A2. The substrate 184 is disposed inside the first region A1. The rib 187 is provided to protrude from the partition wall 182 into the first region A1. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, the air flow that rises substantially vertically along the partition wall 182 can be separated from the partition wall 182, and the air flow can be guided to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185 and concentratedly led, so that the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185 can be further improved.

[0063] Also, according to the first embodiment, the rib 187 is provided to protrude between the heat-generating component 185 and the air outlet 1811. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, the main air flow can be more concentratedly guided to the vicinity of the substrate 184, and the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185 can be further improved.

[0064] Also, according to the first embodiment, the rib 187 is provided to protrude between the circuit component 186 disposed between the heat-generating component 185 and the air outlet 1811 and the heat-generating component 185. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, even if the circuit component 186 is disposed upstream of the substrate 184, the main air flow can be concentratedly guided to the vicinity of the substrate 184, and the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185 can be improved.

[0065] (Modification of the First Embodiment) The first embodiment may be modified as follows. Also, each modification may be combined with each other, or may be combined with each of the following embodiments.

[0066] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the air flow inside the housing 180 when a plurality of substrates 184 are not arranged on substantially the same plane was described. In a modification of the first embodiment, with reference to FIG. 8, the air flow inside the housing 180 when one substrate 184 is arranged inside the front side F or when a plurality of substrates 184 are arranged on substantially the same plane will be described. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 180 cut by a plane parallel to the YZ plane of FIG. 3, and shows a part different from a part of the region inside the housing 180 shown in FIG. 7.

[0067] The housing 180 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, one substrate 184 on which the upstream heat-generating component 185A and the downstream heat-generating component 185B are mounted. Accordingly, for example, the upstream rib 187A and the downstream rib 187B are provided so as to protrude from the partition wall 182 toward the front side F. The upstream rib 187A is provided so as to protrude between the upstream heat-generating component 185A and the air outlet 181. The downstream rib 187B is provided so as to protrude between the downstream heat-generating component 185B and the upstream heat-generating component 185A. The main flow of air is bent by the upstream rib 187A so as to go toward the upstream heat-generating component 185A without moving away from the substrate 184, as indicated by the curve C, and is intensively guided to the vicinity of the substrate 184. Note that the number of ribs 187 and heat-generating components 185 provided is not limited to two. At least one rib 187 and at least one heat-generating component 185 may be provided. Also, the number of ribs 187 may be the same as or different from the number of heat-generating components 185. In the above description, it was assumed that one substrate 184 is arranged inside the front side F, but the same description applies when a plurality of substrates 184 are arranged on substantially the same plane.

[0068] According to the modification of the first embodiment as described above, the plurality of substrates 184 are arranged on substantially the same plane. Here, the ribs 187A and 187B guide air intensively near the substrate 184, reducing the thickness of the velocity boundary layer L. By reducing the thickness of the velocity boundary layer L, the velocity distribution of the air around the substrate 184 on the front side F becomes such that the flow velocity of the air near the substrate 184 increases even at a position far from the air outlet 181. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, even when the plurality of substrates 184 are arranged on substantially the same plane, the heat transfer coefficient between the heat-generating components 185 on the substrate 184 and the air can be increased, the heat-generating components 185 can be sufficiently cooled, and the cooling performance for the heat-generating components 185 can be improved.

[0069] In the case of the housing 180 according to the comparative example as shown in FIG. 9, since there are no ribs 187A and 187B, the thickness of the velocity boundary layer L increases as the position is farther from the air outlet 181. By increasing the thickness of the velocity boundary layer L, the velocity distribution of the air around the substrate 184 on the front side F becomes such that the flow velocity of the air near the substrate 184 decreases as it is farther from the air outlet 181. As a result, the heat transfer coefficient becomes low and the heat-generating components 185 cannot be sufficiently cooled.

[0070] As described above, the housing 180 according to the comparative example is configured not to include ribs 187A and 187B that guide the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat-generating components 185. For this reason, the heat transfer coefficient becomes low, the heat-generating components 185 cannot be sufficiently cooled, and the effects of the modification of the first embodiment cannot be obtained.

[0071] On the other hand, the housing 180 according to the modification of the first embodiment is configured to include a rib 187 that guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat-generating components 185. For this reason, the heat transfer coefficient can be increased, the heat-generating components 185 can be sufficiently cooled, and the cooling performance for the heat-generating components 185 can be improved.

[0072] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment is a specific example of the first embodiment and includes a configuration in which the rib 187 provided rotatably is rotated according to the necessity of cooling.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 11 to 14 are diagrams for explaining an example of the configuration of the housing. As shown in FIG. 10, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 further includes a detection unit 165 and a drive unit 175 in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. Further, the processing circuit 170 further has a determination function 170f.

[0074] In addition to the above-described configuration, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 generates image data corresponding to an examination mode selected according to an examination performed on the subject P. The examination mode is, for example, a B mode or a Doppler mode. For example, when the examination mode is the B mode, the processing circuit 170 executes processing based on the B mode by the B mode processing function 170a and the image generation function 170c to generate B mode image data. When the examination mode is the Doppler mode, the processing circuit 170 executes processing based on the Doppler mode by the Doppler processing function 170b and the image generation function 170c to generate Doppler image data. Note that the examination mode may be referred to as an operation condition.

[0075] In addition to the above-described configuration, the input interface 130 receives a selection instruction of the examination mode from the operator. The input interface 130 receives a selection cancellation instruction of the examination mode from the operator.

[0076] The detection unit 165 detects the temperature of the heat-generating component 185. When the inspection mode is selected via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator, the detection unit 165 starts monitoring the temperature of the heat-generating component 185. The detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value. When the detection unit 165 detects that the temperature has changed from below the threshold value to the threshold value, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value to the processing circuit 170. The time when this detection signal is transmitted corresponds to the time when the heat-generating component 185 needs to be cooled. Further, when the detection unit 165 detects that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 has changed from equal to or higher than the threshold value to below the threshold value, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is below the threshold value to the processing circuit 170. The time when this detection signal is transmitted corresponds to the time when the necessity to cool the heat-generating component 185 is lost. When the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is below the threshold value and the inspection mode is canceled via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator, the detection unit 165 ends the monitoring. The detection unit 165 can be implemented, for example, as a configuration including a thermistor and a detection circuit based on the output of the thermistor.

[0077] In addition to the above-described configuration, when receiving a detection signal from the detection unit 165, the system control function 170e transmits a control signal for driving the rib 187 to the drive unit 175 based on the detection signal. Specifically, when receiving a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, the system control function 170e transmits a standing signal, which is a control signal for driving the rib 187 to stand up, to the first drive unit 1751. Further, when receiving a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is below the threshold value, the system control function 170e transmits a falling signal, which is a control signal for driving the rib 187 to fall down, to the first drive unit 1751. The drive unit 175 includes the first drive unit 1751.

[0078] The determination function 170f determines whether the operation of the heat-generating component 185 based on the inspection mode continues. When it is determined by the determination function 170f that the operation does not continue, the processing circuit 170 ends the processing.

[0079] When the drive unit 175 receives a control signal from the system control function 170e, it rotates the rib 187 based on the control signal. When the drive unit 175 receives a standing signal, it rotates the rib 187 from a non-guiding position that maintains the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180 to a guiding position that guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185. Here, the non-guiding position corresponds to the lying position where the rib 187 lies down with respect to the partition wall 182. Also, the guiding position corresponds to the standing position where the rib 187 stands up with respect to the partition wall 182 and protrudes into the first region A1 from the partition wall 182. When the first drive unit 1751 receives a standing signal, it rotates the rib 187 from the lying position to the standing position about the proximal end side of the rib 187. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first drive unit 1751 rotates the rib 187 with the direction (X-axis) orthogonal to the direction (Z-axis) in which the partition wall 182 extends and the direction (Y-axis) orthogonal to the partition wall 182 as the rotation axis Px1. When the first drive unit 1751 receives a standing signal, it rotates the rib 187 at the lying position 187C to the standing position 187D along the rotation direction r1 about the rotation axis Px1 on the proximal end side of the rib 187. Note that the standing position 187D is not limited to the position protruding substantially perpendicular to the partition wall 182. The standing position 187D includes a position inclined with respect to the partition wall 182. That is, the angle between the rib 187 at the standing position 187D and the partition wall 182 is not limited to being substantially perpendicular and can be adjusted as necessary.

[0080] Further, when the drive unit 175 receives the lodging signal, it rotates the rib 187 from the guiding position to the non-guiding position. When the first drive unit 1751 receives the lodging signal, it rotates the rib 187 from the standing position 187D to the lodging position 187C about the base end side of the rib 187. Specifically, for example, when the first drive unit 1751 receives the lodging signal, as shown in FIG. 12, the rib 187 at the standing position 187D is rotated along the rotation direction r2 about the rotation axis Px1 on the base end side of the rib 187 to the lodging position 187C. Note that the first drive unit 1751 is provided on the back side of the cross section of the housing 180, for example, in the cross-sectional area 175A inside the housing 180 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0081] The first drive unit 1751 is, for example, a stepping motor. Here, FIGS. 13 and 14 are cross-sectional views showing a cross-section of the housing 180 cut by a plane parallel to the XY plane of FIG. 3, and are views when looking at the housing 180 from above. Therefore, the front air outlet 1811 and the rear air outlet 1812 are on the back side (floor surface side) of the cross-section of the housing 180. The rib 187 is on the back side of the cross-section and in front of the air outlet, and is provided so as to be able to be tilted in a state of being tilted or standing with respect to the partition wall 182. In FIG. 13, the rib 187 is in a tilted state at the tilted position 187C. In FIG. 14, the rib 187 is in a standing state at the standing position 187D. The first drive unit 1751 is connected to the rotation axis Px1 on the proximal end side of the rib 187 via a connection member 189. The connection member 189 has, for example, a cylindrical shape that is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis Px1 and is formed to extend in the direction of the rotation axis Px1. The first drive unit 1751 is outside the housing 180 and is provided on the side surface of the housing 180 that does not face the partition wall 182 and on the back side of the cross-section of the housing 180. When the first drive unit 1751 receives a standing signal or a tilting signal, as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14, it rotates the connection member 189 along the rotation direction r1 or r2 about the rotation axis Px1. The connection member 189 transmits the rotational force received from the first drive unit 1751 according to the standing signal or the tilting signal to the proximal end of the rib 187. As a result, when receiving the rotational force corresponding to the standing signal, the rib 187 rotates from the tilted position 187C to the standing position 187D about the rotation axis Px1 on the proximal end side. On the other hand, when receiving the rotational force corresponding to the tilting signal, the rib 187 rotates from the standing position 187D to the tilted position 187C about the rotation axis Px1 on the proximal end side. Note that the position where the first drive unit 1751 is provided is not limited to the outside of the housing 180 and may be inside the housing 180.

[0082] Note that the rib 187 and the stepping motor of the first drive unit 1751 may be directly moved. Specifically, the rib 187 may be directly operated by a stepping motor by using a worm reducer that decelerates the rotational force of the stepping motor and directly transmits it to the rib 187.

[0083] In addition to the above-described configuration, when an inspection mode corresponding to the inspection of the subject P is selected via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator, the heat generating component 185 executes an operation based on the inspection mode and generates heat. Thereafter, the temperature of the heat generating component 185 rises. On the other hand, when the inspection mode is canceled via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator, the heat generating component 185 stops the operation based on the inspection mode and does not generate heat. Thereafter, the temperature of the heat generating component 185 drops. Further, when the rib 187 is in the upright position 187D, the temperature of the heat generating component 185 drops because the main flow of air is intensively guided near the heat generating component 185.

[0084] In addition to the above-described configuration, the rib 187 is provided so as to be rotatable between a guiding position for guiding the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185 and a non-guiding position for maintaining the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180 without guiding it. When cooling of the heat generating component 185 is not required, the rib 187 is disposed at the lying position 187C. When cooling of the heat generating component 185 becomes necessary, the rib 187 is rotated from the lying position 187C to the upright position 187D by the first driving unit 1751 about the rotation axis Px1 on the proximal end side of the rib 187 along the rotation direction r1. The rib 187 in the upright position 187D guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185. When cooling of the heat generating component 185 is no longer required, the rib 187 is rotated from the upright position 187D to the lying position 187C by the first driving unit 1751 about the rotation axis Px1 on the proximal end side of the rib 187 along the rotation direction r2.

[0085] Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0086] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15.

[0087] First, in step ST10, an examination mode suited to an examination to be performed on the subject P is selected by an operator via the input interface 130. In response to this, the processing circuitry 170 starts the examination mode. At this time, the rib 187 is placed in the laid-down position 187C.

[0088] After step ST10, heat generating component 185 generates heat as the operation based on the inspection mode is executed. Thereafter, the temperature of heat generating component 185 rises. Here, detection unit 165 starts monitoring the temperature of heat generating component 185. In the following description, the detection unit may detect the temperature of heat generating component 185 at any interval.

[0089] After step ST10, in step ST20, detection unit 165 detects whether or not the temperature of heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value. If the result of detection shows that the temperature is not equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST30.

[0090] In step ST30, the processing circuit 170 controls the drive unit 175 based on the output of the detection unit 165 so as to move the rib 187 to the laid-down position 187C. If the rib 187 is in the laid-down position 187C in step ST20, the position of the rib 187 is maintained in the laid-down position 187C. The case where the rib 187 is in the upright position 187D in step ST20 will be described later.

[0091] After step ST30, in step ST40, the processing circuit 170 determines whether the operation of the heat generating component 185 based on the inspection mode continues. If the result of the determination is that the operation is continuing, the process proceeds to step ST20 after step ST40. While the operation based on the inspection mode continues, if the temperature of the heat generating component 185 is below the threshold value, the processes of steps ST20 to ST40 are repeatedly executed. If the inspection mode is released by the operator and the operation based on the inspection mode does not continue, the detection unit 165 ends the monitoring of the temperature of the heat generating component 185, and ends the process after step ST40. The processing circuit 170 may release the inspection mode at any timing in steps ST10 to ST30 or ST31.

[0092] After step ST40, in step ST20, detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value. If the result of detection shows that the temperature has changed from below the threshold value to equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST31.

[0093] After step ST20, in step ST31, the processing circuit 170 controls the driving unit 175 to move the rib 187 to the standing position 187D based on the output of the detection unit 165. For example, as a result of the detection in step ST20, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than a threshold to the processing circuit 170. When the processing circuit 170 receives the detection signal, it transmits a standing signal for the rib 187 to the first driving unit 1751. When the first driving unit 1751 receives the standing signal, it rotates the rib 187 from the laid-down position 187C to the standing position 187D around the base end side of the rib 187. The rib 187 in the standing position 187D guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 away from the partition wall 182 and toward the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185. As a result, the main flow of air cools the heat-generating component 185, and the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 drops. If the rib 187 is in the standing position 187D in step ST20, the rib 187 is maintained in the standing position 187D.

[0094] After step ST31, in step ST20, the detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold. As a result of the detection, while the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold, the processes of steps ST20 and ST31 are repeatedly executed until the temperature becomes lower than the threshold. On the other hand, when the result of the detection shows that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is lower than the threshold, the process proceeds to step ST30.

[0095] After step ST20, in step ST30, the processing circuit 170 controls the driving unit 175 to move the rib 187 to the collapsed position 187C based on the output of the detection unit 165. For example, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is less than a threshold to the processing circuit 170. When the processing circuit 170 receives the detection signal, it transmits a collapse signal for the rib 187 to the first driving unit 1751. When the first driving unit 1751 receives the collapse signal, it rotates the rib 187 from the standing position 187D to the collapsed position 187C around the base end side of the rib 187. The rib 187 in the collapsed position 187C maintains the flow direction of the air flowing along the partition wall 182 inside the housing 180. After step ST30, the process proceeds to step ST40.

[0096] Thereafter, the processes from step ST40 onwards are executed in the same manner as described above.

[0097] According to the second embodiment as described above, the control device 10 further includes a detection unit 165 and a drive unit 175. The air guide part (rib 187) is rotatably provided between a guide position for guiding the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat generating component 185 and a non-guide position for maintaining the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180 without guiding it. The detection unit 165 detects the temperature of the heat generating component 185. When the temperature of the heat generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the first drive unit 1751 rotates the rib 187 from the non-guide position to the guide position. In this way, when the detection unit 165 detects that the temperature of the heat generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control device 10 has a configuration in which the rib 187 rotates from the non-guide position to the guide position by the drive unit 175. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, when the temperature of the heat generating component 185 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value and cooling of the heat generating component 185 is required, the air guide part in the non-guide position can be rotated to the guide position, and the cooling performance for the heat generating component 185 can be improved.

[0098] Also, according to the second embodiment, the drive unit 175 includes the first drive unit 1751. The first drive unit 1751 rotates the rib 187 around the proximal end side of the rib 187 from the lying position 187C where the rib 187 lies down with respect to the partition wall 182 (wall part) corresponding to the non-guide position to the standing position 187D where the rib 187 stands up and protrudes with respect to the partition wall 182 corresponding to the guide position. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, when the temperature of the heat generating component 185 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold value and cooling of the heat generating component 185 is required, the rib 187 in the lying position 187C can be rotated to the standing position 187D, and the cooling performance for the heat generating component 185 can be improved.

[0099] Also, according to the second embodiment, the control device 10 further includes a detection unit 165 and a drive unit 175. The rib 187 is provided so as to be rotatable between a guiding position for guiding the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185 and a non-guiding position for maintaining the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180 without guiding. The detection unit 165 detects the temperature of the heat-generating component 185. When the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is less than the threshold value, the drive unit 175 rotates the rib 187 from the guiding position to the non-guiding position. In this way, when the detection unit 165 detects that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is less than the threshold value, the control device 10 is configured such that the drive unit 175 rotates the rib 187 from the guiding position to the non-guiding position. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, when the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 becomes less than the threshold value and cooling of the heat-generating component 185 is unnecessary, the rib 187 in the guiding position can be rotated to the non-guiding position, and the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180 can be maintained.

[0100] Also, according to the second embodiment, the drive unit 175 includes a first drive unit 1751. The first drive unit 1751 rotates the rib 187 about the base end side of the partition wall 182 from an upright position 187D where the partition wall 182 stands and protrudes with respect to the partition wall 182 corresponding to the guiding position to a lying position 187C where the partition wall 182 lies down with respect to the partition wall 182 corresponding to the non-guiding position. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, when the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 becomes less than the threshold value and cooling of the heat-generating component 185 is unnecessary, the partition wall 182 in the lying position 187C can be rotated to the upright position 187D, and the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180 can be maintained.

[0101] Also, according to the second embodiment, the heat-generating component 185 generates heat by performing an operation based on an inspection mode selected according to the inspection of the subject P. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, in the inspection using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1, the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185 that generates heat by performing an operation based on the inspection mode can be improved.

[0102] In addition, if a rib 187 is provided so as to stand up to guide the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185, there is a concern that the airflow around the rib 187 may be disturbed and noise may locally occur around the rib 187. However, according to the second embodiment, the rib 187 is stood up only when cooling of the heat-generating component 185 is necessary, and when cooling of the heat-generating component 185 is unnecessary, the rib 187 is laid down to maintain the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180. Thus, since the rib 187 is rotated according to the necessity of cooling, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the airflow around the rib 187 and the noise that locally occurs around the rib 187.

[0103] (Modification of the Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the connection member 189 has a cylindrical shape that is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis Px1 and is formed to extend in the direction of the rotation axis Px1, but is not limited thereto. The connection member 189 may be a link mechanism 1891 that is an existing technology. Here, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are diagrams for explaining the driving of the rib from the lying position 187C to the standing position 187D by the first driving unit 1751. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the housing 180 cut by a plane parallel to the XY plane in FIG. 3, and is a view of the housing 180 viewed from above. The heat generating component 185 is, for example, disposed closer to the center of the housing 180 than the heat generating component 185 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. Accordingly, the rib 187 is provided, for example, on the back side (floor surface side) of the cross section of the housing 180, and is provided on the central side of the housing 180 of the rib 187 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 so as to be able to fall down in a state of lying down or standing up with respect to the partition wall 182. In FIG. 16, the rib 187 is in a state of lying down at a lying position 187C. In FIG. 17, the rib 187 is in a state of standing up at a standing position 187D. The first driving unit 1751 is connected to the rotation axis Px1 on the base end side of the rib 187 via a link mechanism 1891. The link mechanism 1891 is formed on a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the partition wall 182. The first driving unit 1751 is provided outside the housing 180, on the side surface of the housing 180 facing the partition wall 182, on the back side of the cross section of the housing 180. When the first drive unit 1751 receives a standing signal or a lowering signal, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the first drive unit 1751 rotates in a rotation direction r3 around a rotation axis Px2 that is substantially parallel to the rotation axis Px1. The link mechanism 1891 transmits the rotation force received from the stepping motor, which is the first drive unit 1751, in response to the standing signal or the lowering signal to the base end of the rib 187. When the link mechanism 1891 receives the rotation force corresponding to the standing signal, the rib 187 rotates from the lowered position 187C to the standing position 187D around the base end side rotation axis Px1. Note that the rotation direction r3 of the stepping motor is not limited to the positive direction in which the tip of the rib 187 faces downward when standing, but may be the reverse direction in which the tip of the rib 187 faces upward when standing. On the other hand, when the link mechanism 1891 receives the rotation force corresponding to the lowering signal, the rib 187 rotates from the standing position 187D to the lowered position 187C around the base end side rotation axis Px1.Note that the position where the first drive unit 1751 is provided is not limited to the outside of the housing 180 and may be inside the housing 180.

[0104] Thus, even when the link mechanism 1891 is used as the connection member 189, the first drive unit 1751 (stepping motor) can rotate the rib 187 between the guiding position and the non-guiding position. Thereby, for design reasons, even when it is difficult to linearly move the rib 187 and the stepping motor or to arrange the stepping motor as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the rib 187 can be driven by using the link mechanism 1891.

[0105] (Third Embodiment) The third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment and has a configuration including a plurality of heat-generating components 185 and a plurality of ribs 187 corresponding to each of the plurality of heat-generating components 185. Specifically, the position of the heat-generating component 185 changes according to the change of the inspection mode, and it has a configuration of rotating the rib 187 corresponding to the position of the heat-generating component 185. Here, the inspection mode includes, for example, a first inspection mode, a second inspection mode, and a third inspection mode.

[0106] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the housing 180 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 180 cut by a plane parallel to the XY plane of FIG. 3 and is a view when the housing 180 is viewed from above. The housing 180 shown in FIG. 18 includes three heat-generating components 185 including a first heat-generating component 1851, a second heat-generating component 1852, and a third heat-generating component 1853. Accordingly, it further includes three ribs 187 including a first rib 1871, a second rib 1872, and a third rib 1873. Further, the housing 180 further includes three first drive units 1751 for driving each of the three ribs 187. Further, the housing 180 further includes three connection members 189 for connecting each of the three ribs 187 and each of the three first drive units 1751. Note that the number of the heat-generating components 185 is not limited to three. The number of the heat-generating components 185, the ribs 187, the first drive units 1751, and the connection members 189 corresponding to the heat-generating components 185 may be at least two or more.

[0107] In addition to the above-described configuration, the input interface 130 receives a change instruction for the inspection mode from the operator. The input interface 130 receives an end instruction for the inspection mode from the operator.

[0108] In addition to the above-described configuration, the detection unit 165 detects the temperature of each of a plurality of heat-generating components 185 including the first heat-generating component 1851, the second heat-generating component 1852, and the third heat-generating component 1853. When the inspection mode is changed via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator, the detection unit 165 starts monitoring the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 that executes the operation of the changed inspection mode. When the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 being monitored is less than the threshold value and the inspection mode is canceled via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator, the detection unit 165 ends the monitoring.

[0109] In addition to the above-described configuration, the system control function 170e changes the inspection mode by an operation via the input interface 130 of the operator. Further, the system control function 170e ends the inspection mode by an operation via the input interface 130 of the operator. The system control function 170e changes, for example, from the first inspection mode to the second inspection mode. Further, the system control function 170e changes, for example, from the second inspection mode to the third inspection mode. Note that the system control function 170e may change not only from the second inspection mode to the third inspection mode but also to other inspection modes. Further, the inspection mode may be ended without changing from the second inspection mode to other inspection modes.

[0110] In addition to the above-described configuration, the determination function 170f determines whether the operation of the heat-generating component 185 corresponding to each of the inspection modes including the first inspection mode, the second inspection mode, and the third inspection mode continues. Further, the determination function 170f determines whether the inspection mode is changed to another inspection mode via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator. The determination function 170f determines, for example, whether it is changed from the first inspection mode to the second inspection mode after the first inspection mode is started.

[0111] In addition to the above-described configuration, the drive unit 175 rotates the rib 187 corresponding to the heat-generating component 185 whose detected temperature indicates a value equal to or higher than the threshold value among the plurality of ribs 187 to the guiding position. Further, the drive unit 175 rotates the rib 187 corresponding to the heat-generating component 185 whose detected temperature indicates a value less than the threshold value to the non-guiding position. Specifically, when receiving a control signal from the system control function 170e, the first drive unit 1751, which is an example of the drive unit 175, rotates any one of the first rib 1871, the second rib 1872, or the third rib 1873 based on the control signal. For example, when receiving an upright signal for driving the first rib 1871 to stand up, the first drive unit 1751 rotates the first rib 1871 from the lying position to the upright position.

[0112] In addition to the above-described configuration, the heat-generating component 185 includes a first heat-generating component 1851, a second heat-generating component 1852, and a third heat-generating component 1853. The plurality of heat-generating components 185 are mounted inside the housing 180 between the air outlet 181 and the fan 188, and each generates heat in response to the execution of an operation. Note that since the first heat-generating component 1851, the second heat-generating component 1852, and the third heat-generating component 1853 have substantially the same functional configuration corresponding to the first inspection mode, the second inspection mode, and the third inspection mode, respectively, hereinafter, the first heat-generating component 1851 will be described as an example.

[0113] The first heat-generating component 1851 executes an operation based on the first inspection mode and generates heat. Thereafter, the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 rises. On the other hand, when the mode is changed from the first inspection mode to the second inspection mode, the first heat-generating component 1851 stops operating and does not generate heat. Thereafter, the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 drops.

[0114] In addition to the configuration described above, rib 187 includes a first rib 1871, a second rib 1872, and a third rib 1873. The multiple ribs 187 are provided rotatably between a guide position where the air that has flowed in is guided to each of the multiple heat generating components 185, and a non-guiding position different from the guide position. Note that since first rib 1871, second rib 1872, and third rib 1873 have substantially the same configuration, the following description will be given taking first rib 1871 as an example.

[0115] The first rib 1871 is provided so as to guide the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the first heat generating component 1851. The first rib 1871 has, for example, the same configuration as the above-mentioned rib 187. The first rib 1871 is connected to, for example, the first drive unit 1751 described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14 via a connecting member 189, so that the first rib 1871 rotates about a rotation axis Px1 on the base end side of the rib 187.

[0116] The other configuration is similar to that of the second embodiment.

[0117] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 configured as above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0118] First, the first inspection mode is selected by the operator via the input interface 130. In response to this, the processing circuit 170 starts the first inspection mode. At this time, the first rib 1871 is placed in the laid-down position 187C. Here, step ST50 starts.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 19, in step ST50, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 executes the processes of steps ST10 to ST30 and ST31 as described above. However, in the above description, the "inspection mode" is read as the "first inspection mode". Similarly, the "heating component 185" and the "rib 187" are read as the "first heating component 1851" and the "first rib 1871", respectively. During step ST50, the first inspection mode is executed by the first heating component 1851. In step ST31, the first heating component 1851 is air-cooled by the first rib 1871 at the standing position 187D.

[0120] After step ST50, in step ST60, the processing circuit 170 determines whether the operation of the first heating component 1851 based on the first inspection mode continues. As a result of the determination, if it continues, after step ST60, the process proceeds to step ST50. While the operation based on the first inspection mode continues, if the temperature of the first heating component 1851 is less than the threshold value, the processes of steps ST50 and ST60 are repeatedly executed.

[0121] In step ST60, if the first inspection mode is canceled via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator and the operation based on the first inspection mode does not continue, the detection unit 165 ends the monitoring of the temperature of the first heating component 1851 and proceeds to step ST70.

[0122] After step ST60, in step ST70, the processing circuit 170 determines whether the mode has been changed to another inspection mode via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator. If not, since the operation based on the first inspection mode has ended in step ST60, the processing circuit 170 ends the process.

[0123] On the other hand, if the determination result of step ST70 is that it has been changed, return to step ST50 and repeat the execution of steps ST50 to ST70. However, in the above description, read "the first inspection mode" as the "second inspection mode" or "third inspection mode" of the change destination. Similarly, read "the first heat generating component 1851" as the "second heat generating component 1852" or "third heat generating component 1853" of the change destination. Also similarly, read "the first rib 1871" as "the second rib 1872" or "the third rib 1873". During step ST50, the second inspection mode is executed by the second heat generating component 1852, and the second heat generating component 1852 is air-cooled by the second rib 1872 (step ST31). Also, during step ST50, the third inspection mode is executed by the third heat generating component 1853, and the third heat generating component 1853 is air-cooled by the third rib 1873 (step ST31).

[0124] After that, if the determination result of step ST70 is that it has not been changed, the processing circuit 170 ends the processing.

[0125] According to the third embodiment as described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a housing 180, an inflow portion (air inlet 181), an exhaust portion (fan 188), a plurality of heat-generating components 185, a plurality of air guiding portions (ribs 187), a detection unit 165, and a driving unit 175 (first driving unit 1751). The air inlet 181 allows air to flow into the interior of the housing 180. The fan 188 discharges the air inside the housing 180. The plurality of heat-generating components 185 are mounted inside the housing 180 between the air inlet 181 and the fan 188, and each generates heat in accordance with the execution of its operation. The plurality of ribs 187 are provided so as to be rotatable between a guiding position for guiding the inflowing air to each of the plurality of heat-generating components 185 and a non-guiding position different from the guiding position. The detection unit 165 detects the temperature of each of the plurality of heat-generating components 185. The driving unit 175 rotates the rib 187 corresponding to the heat-generating component 185 whose detected temperature indicates a value equal to or higher than the threshold to the guiding position among the plurality of ribs 187. Thus, for example, when the system control function 170e changes from the first inspection mode to the second inspection mode, instead of the first heat-generating component 1851, the second heat-generating component 1852 starts to generate heat, so the position of the heat-generating component 185 having a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold changes (alternates). Also, for example, when changing from the first inspection mode to the second inspection mode, if the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 is equal to or higher than the threshold, the position of the heat-generating component 185 having a temperature equal to or higher than the threshold changes (adds) due to the start of heat generation of the second heat-generating component 1852. According to the output of the detection unit 165, in response to the change in the position of the heat-generating component 185, the driving unit 175 rotates the rib 187 corresponding to the heat-generating component 185 to the guiding position. Thereby, for example, after the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 becomes lower than the threshold and the first rib 1871 falls down, the temperature of the second heat-generating component 1852 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold and only the second rib 1872 stands up alone. Also, for example, when both the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 and the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 are equal to or higher than the threshold, the first rib 1871 and the second rib 1872 are in a standing state respectively. In any case, the rib 187 at the guiding position guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185 that is generating heat, and the fan 188 discharges the guided air.Therefore, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, even when the position of the heat-generating component 185 changes with the change of the inspection mode, the main flow of air can be intensively guided to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185 that executes the inspection mode, so that the heat-generating component 185 during heat generation can be cooled.

[0126] Further, according to the third embodiment, the drive unit 175 rotates the rib 187 corresponding to the heat-generating component 185 whose detected temperature indicates less than the threshold value to the non-guiding position. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, by the configuration of rotating the rib 187 of the heat-generating component 185 whose temperature is less than the threshold value to the non-guiding position, air can be guided only to the heat-generating components that require cooling.

[0127] (Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, and among the plurality of heat-generating components 185, in order to guide air to the heat-generating component 185 that generates heat according to the inspection mode, it has a configuration including a rib 187 that is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the partition wall 182. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, when the positions of the heat-generating components 185 that generate heat alternate according to the change of the inspection mode, a horizontal rib 1874 that rotates about an axis perpendicular to the partition wall 182 is provided so as to correspond to the alternation of the positions of the heat-generating components 185.

[0128] Figures 20 to 22 are views when the partition wall 182 is viewed from the front side F. The housing 180 includes, for example, a first heat-generating component 1851, a second heat-generating component 1852, and two horizontal ribs 1874 that guide air to the vicinity of each heat-generating component 185. In FIG. 20, the horizontal rib 1874 is in a non-guiding position that maintains the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180. In FIG. 21, the horizontal rib 1874 is in a first guiding position that guides air to the vicinity of the first heat-generating component 1851. In FIG. 22, the horizontal rib 1874 is in a second guiding position that guides air to the vicinity of the second heat-generating component 1852. Note that the first guiding position and the second guiding position are examples of guiding positions corresponding to positions where the rib 187 is provided to guide air to the vicinity of the heat-generating component 185. Since Figures 20 to 22 are views when the partition wall 182 is viewed from the front side F, the first heat-generating component 1851 and the second heat-generating component 1852 are mounted on the front side (front side F) closer to the viewer than the cut cross-section. Note that the number of the horizontal ribs 1874 is not limited to two. The number of the horizontal ribs 1874 may be at least one, and may be any number of three or more.

[0129] In addition to the above-described configuration, when the system control function 170e receives a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the system control function 170e transmits a guiding signal for driving the horizontal rib 1874 to rotate from the non-guiding position to the guiding position to the second driving unit 1752. Note that, among the guiding signals, the guiding signal for rotating the horizontal rib 1874 to the first guiding position is referred to as the first guiding signal. Also, among the guiding signals, the guiding signal for rotating the horizontal rib 1874 to the second guiding position is referred to as the second guiding signal. Further, the system control function 170e changes from the first inspection mode to the second inspection mode. At this time, in order to drive the horizontal rib 1874 from the first guiding position to the second guiding position, the system control function 170e transmits the second guiding signal to the second driving unit 1752. When the system control function 170e receives a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the heat-generating component 185 is lower than the threshold value, the system control function 170e transmits a non-guiding signal for driving the horizontal rib 1874 to rotate from the guiding position to the non-guiding position to the second driving unit 1752.

[0130] In addition to the above-described configuration, the drive unit 175 includes a second drive unit 1752. When the second drive unit 1752 receives the first guide signal, it rotates the horizontal rib 1874 from the non-guide position to the guide position about an axis of rotation in a direction (Y-axis) perpendicular to the partition wall 182. As shown in FIG. 20, the horizontal rib 1874 is provided substantially parallel to the direction (Z-axis, i.e., the vertical direction) in which the partition wall 182 extends when it is in the non-guide position 1874A. For example, when the second drive unit 1752 receives the first guide signal, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, it rotates the horizontal rib 1874 in the non-guide position 1874A to the first guide position 1874B along the rotation direction r4 about an axis of rotation Py in a direction perpendicular to the partition wall 182. Also, for example, when the second drive unit 1752 receives the first guide signal as shown in FIGS. 22 and 21 when the horizontal rib 1874 is in the second guide position 1874C, it may rotate the horizontal rib 1874 from the second guide position 1874C to the first guide position 1874B. Further, the operation of the horizontal rib 1874 by the drive unit 175 is not limited to rotation and may be rotation. Also, the rotation direction r4 of the horizontal rib 1874 is not limited to the clockwise direction shown in the drawing and may be the counterclockwise direction.

[0131] When the first heat-generating component 1851 is not operating and the second heat-generating component 1852 is operating, the second drive unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 arranged at the first guide position 1874B from the non-guide position 1874A to the second guide position 1874C. For example, when the second drive unit 1752 receives the first guide signal, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, it rotates the horizontal rib 1874 at the first guide position 1874B to the second guide position 1874C along the rotation direction r4 about an axis of rotation Py in a direction perpendicular to the partition wall 182.

[0132] When the second drive unit 1752 receives a non-guidance signal, it rotates the horizontal rib 1874 from the guidance position to the non-guidance position with the direction orthogonal to the partition wall 182 as the rotation axis. For example, when the second drive unit 1752 receives a non-guidance signal, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 20, the horizontal rib 1874 at the second guidance position 1874C is rotated along the rotation direction r4 to the non-guidance position 1874A with the direction orthogonal to the partition wall 182 as the rotation axis Py. Further, when the second drive unit 1752 receives a non-guidance signal when the horizontal rib 1874 is at the first guidance position 1874B, the horizontal rib 1874 at the first guidance position 1874B may be rotated to the non-guidance position 1874A. Note that the second drive unit 1752 is provided, for example, outside the housing 180 on the front side of the paper surface in the region 175B surrounding the horizontal rib 1874 in FIGS. 20 to 22.

[0133] The second drive unit 1752 is, for example, a stepping motor. Here, FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the position where the second drive unit 1752 is arranged. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the housing 180 cut by a plane parallel to the YZ plane of FIG. 3. The horizontal rib 1874 is upstream of the heat-generating component 185 and is rotatably provided on the partition wall 182. The second drive unit 1752 is connected to the rotation axis Py of the horizontal rib 1874 via a connection member 189. The connection member 189 has, for example, a cylindrical shape that is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis Py, and is formed to extend from the horizontal rib 1874 to the front side F in the direction of the rotation axis Py. The second drive unit 1752 is outside the housing 180 and is provided on the side surface of the housing 180 facing the partition wall 182. The second drive unit 1752 rotates along the rotation direction r4 about the rotation axis Py as shown in FIG. 23 by the output of the system control function 170e. The connection member 189 transmits the rotational force of the stepping motor, which is the second drive unit 1752, to the rotation axis Py of the horizontal rib 1874. Thereby, the horizontal rib 1874 rotates between the guidance position and the non-guidance position about the rotation axis Py.

[0134] The heat generating component 185 includes a first heat generating component 1851 and a second heat generating component 1852, similar to the configuration described above. Note that the number of heat generating components 185 is not limited to two, and may be any number of three or more.

[0135] The horizontal rib 1874 is provided on the partition wall 182 in the first region A1 on the front side F, and is formed to extend from a part of the partition wall 182 to another part of the partition wall 182. The horizontal rib 1874 is rotatably provided between a guide position and a non-guide position about an axis of rotation Py perpendicular to the partition wall 182. Since the axis of rotation Py of the horizontal rib 1874 is perpendicular to the partition wall 182, the horizontal rib 1874 does not fall on the partition wall 182 even when rotated, and is always in a state of standing upright from the partition wall 182. When the horizontal rib 1874 is in the non-guide position 1874A, it is provided substantially parallel to the direction in which the partition wall 182 extends. Specifically, the horizontal rib 1874 is rotated by the second drive unit 1752 and is arranged at the non-guide position 1874A, the first guide position 1874B, or the second guide position 1874C. The horizontal rib 1874 in the non-guide position 1874A maintains the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180, as shown by the curve C in FIG. 20. The horizontal rib 1874 in the first guide position 1874B guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the first heat generating component 1851, as shown by the curve C in FIG. 21. The horizontal rib 1874 in the second guide position 1874C guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the second heat generating component 1852, as shown by the curve C in FIG. 22. Note that the horizontal rib 1874 may also be referred to as a lateral rib and is an example of an air guiding portion.

[0136] Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0137] Next, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24.

[0138] First, in step ST10, the first inspection mode is selected via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator. Accordingly, the processing circuit 170 starts the first inspection mode. At this time, the horizontal rib 1874 is arranged at the non-guide position 1874A.

[0139] After step ST110, the first heat-generating component 1851 generates heat by performing an operation based on the first inspection mode. Thereafter, the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 rises. Here, the detection unit 165 starts monitoring the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851.

[0140] After step ST110, in step ST120, the detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 is equal to or higher than a threshold value. As a result of the detection, if it is detected that the temperature is not equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST130.

[0141] In step ST130, based on the output of the detection unit 165, the processing circuit 170 controls the second drive unit 1752 to move the horizontal rib 1874 to the non-guiding position 1874A. If the horizontal rib 1874 is in the non-guiding position 1874A at the time of step ST120, the position of the horizontal rib 1874 is maintained at the non-guiding position 1874A. If the horizontal rib 1874 is in the first guiding position 1874B at the time of step ST120, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the heat-generating component 185 has a temperature lower than the threshold value to the processing circuit 170. When receiving the detection signal, the processing circuit 170 transmits a non-guiding signal of the horizontal rib 1874 to the second drive unit 1752. When receiving the non-guiding signal, the second drive unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 in the first guiding position to the non-guiding position. The horizontal rib 1874 arranged in the non-guiding position maintains the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180.

[0142] After step ST130, in step ST141, the processing circuit 170 determines whether the second inspection mode has been changed via the input interface 130 by an operation of the operator. If it has not been changed, after step ST141, the process proceeds to step ST120. The case where it has been changed will be described later.

[0143] After step ST141, in step ST120, the detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 is equal to or higher than a threshold value. When the detection unit 165 detects that the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 has changed from less than the threshold value to equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST131.

[0144] After step ST120, in step ST131, based on the output of the detection unit 165, the processing circuit 170 controls the second drive unit 1752 to move the horizontal rib 1874 to the first guide position 1874B. For example, when the horizontal rib 1874 is in the non-guide position 1874A during step ST120, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 is equal to or higher than the threshold value to the processing circuit 170. When receiving the detection signal, the processing circuit 170 transmits the first guide signal of the horizontal rib 1874 to the second drive unit 1752. Upon receiving the first guide signal, the second drive unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 in the non-guide position 1874A to the first guide position 1874B. The horizontal rib 1874 disposed at the first guide position 1874B guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the first heat-generating component 1851. As a result, the main flow of the air is intensively guided to the vicinity of the first heat-generating component 1851, and thus the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851 decreases. When the horizontal rib 1874 is in the first guide position 1874B during step ST120, the position of the horizontal rib 1874 is maintained at the first guide position 1874B.

[0145] After step ST131, in step ST141, the processing circuit 170 determines whether the input interface 130 has been changed to the second inspection mode by the operation of the operator. If not, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 proceeds to step ST120 after step ST141 and executes the same processing as described above. If it has been changed, the detection unit 165 terminates the monitoring of the temperature of the first heat-generating component 1851. Note that at any timing from step ST110 to step ST130 or ST131, the second inspection mode is selected via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator instead of the first inspection mode. Accordingly, the processing circuit 170 releases the first inspection mode and starts the second inspection mode. At this time, the lateral rib 1874 is at the non-guiding position 1874A or the first guiding position 1874B. Here, the process proceeds to step ST150.

[0146] After step ST141, in step ST150, the second heat-generating component 1852 generates heat by executing an operation based on the second inspection mode. Thereafter, the temperature of the second heat-generating component 1852 rises. Here, the detection unit 165 starts monitoring the temperature of the second heat-generating component 1852.

[0147] After step ST150, in step ST160, the detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the second heat-generating component 1852 is equal to or higher than a threshold value. As a result of the detection, if it is detected that the temperature is not equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST170.

[0148] After step ST160, in step ST170, the processing circuit 170 controls the second drive unit 1752 to move the lateral rib 1874 to the non-guiding position 1874A based on the output of the detection unit 165. If the lateral rib 1874 is at the non-guiding position 1874A at the time of step ST160, the position of the lateral rib 1874 is maintained at the non-guiding position 1874A. The case where the lateral rib 1874 is arranged at the first guiding position 1874B or the second guiding position 1874C at the time of step ST160 will be described later.

[0149] After step ST170, in step ST180, the processing circuit 170 determines whether the operation of the second heat-generating component 1852 based on the second inspection mode continues. If it continues, after step ST180, the process proceeds to step ST160. While the operation based on the second inspection mode continues, if the temperature of the second heat-generating component 1852 is less than the threshold value, the process repeatedly shifts from step ST160 to step ST180 via step ST170. When the second inspection mode is canceled by an operator's operation via the input interface 130 and the operation based on the inspection mode does not continue, the detection unit 165 ends the monitoring of the temperature of the second heat-generating component 1852. After step ST180, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 ends the process. Note that the processing circuit 170 may cancel the second inspection mode at any timing in steps ST150 to ST170 or ST171.

[0150] In step ST160 shifted from step ST180, the detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the second heat-generating component 1852 is equal to or higher than the threshold value. As a result of the detection, if the temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST171.

[0151] In step ST171, the processing circuit 170 controls the second driving unit 1752 to move the horizontal rib 1874 to the second guiding position 1874C based on the output of the detection unit 165. For example, when the horizontal rib 1874 is in the non-guiding position 1874A or the first guiding position 1874B during step ST160, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the second heat generating component 1852 is equal to or higher than the threshold value to the processing circuit 170. When receiving the detection signal, the processing circuit 170 transmits the second guiding signal of the horizontal rib 1874 to the second driving unit 1752. When receiving the second guiding signal, the second driving unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 in the non-guiding position 1874A or the first guiding position 1874B to the second guiding position 1874C. The horizontal rib 1874 arranged at the second guiding position 1874C guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the second heat generating component 1852. As a result, since the main flow of the air is intensively guided to the vicinity of the second heat generating component 1852, the temperature of the second heat generating component 1852 decreases. When the horizontal rib 1874 is in the second guiding position 1874C during step ST160, the position of the horizontal rib 1874 is maintained at the second guiding position 1874C.

[0152] After step ST171, in step ST160, the detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the second heat generating component 1852 is equal to or higher than the threshold value. As a result of the detection, while the temperature of the second heat generating component 1852 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the processes of step ST160 and step ST171 are repeatedly executed until the temperature becomes lower than the threshold value. On the contrary, as a result of the detection, when the temperature of the second heat generating component 1852 is lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST170.

[0153] In step ST170, the processing circuit 170 controls the second driving unit 1752 to move the horizontal rib 1874 to the non-guiding position 1874A based on the output of the detection unit 165. For example, when the horizontal rib 1874 is at the first guiding position 1874B or the second guiding position 1874C during step ST160, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the heat-generating component 185 is at a temperature below the threshold value to the processing circuit 170. When receiving the detection signal, the processing circuit 170 transmits a non-guiding signal to the second driving unit 1752. When receiving the non-guiding signal, the second driving unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 at the first guiding position 1874B or the second guiding position 1874C to the non-guiding position 1874A. After step ST170, the process proceeds to step ST180.

[0154] After step ST180, the processing is executed in the same manner as described above.

[0155] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the control device 10 further includes a wall portion (partition wall 182) that is formed to extend from the inflow portion (air inlet 181) into the housing 180 and partitions the interior of the housing 180 into a first region A1 on the front side F and a second region A2 on the rear side R. The substrate 184 is disposed inside the first region A1 on the front side F. The air guiding portion (horizontal rib 1874) is provided on the partition wall 182 in the first region A1 and is formed to extend from one part of the partition wall 182 to another part of the partition wall 182. Thus, in the partition wall 182, a configuration is provided in which the horizontal rib 1874 that guides air to the heat-generating component 185 mounted in the first region A1 is provided. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the third embodiment, the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185 can be further improved.

[0156] Also, according to the fourth embodiment, when the horizontal rib 1874 is in the non-guiding position 1874A, it is provided substantially parallel to the direction in which the partition wall 182 extends. The drive unit 175 includes a second drive unit 1752. The second drive unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 from the non-guiding position 1874A to the guiding position with the direction orthogonal to the partition wall 182 as the rotation axis Py. Thus, a configuration is provided in which the horizontally rotatable horizontal rib 1874 is provided to guide air to the heat-generating component 185 that generates heat according to the inspection mode. Therefore, in addition to the above-described effects, when there is a need to cool the heat-generating component 185, by rotating the horizontal rib 1874 to the guiding position with the direction orthogonal to the partition wall 182 as the rotation axis Py, the cooling performance for the heat-generating component 185 can be improved.

[0157] Also, according to the fourth embodiment, the heat-generating component 185 includes a first heat-generating component 1851 and a second heat-generating component 1852. The guiding position includes a first guiding position 1874B that guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the first heat-generating component 1851, and a second guiding position 1874C that guides the air flowing inside the housing 180 to the vicinity of the second heat-generating component 1852. When the first heat-generating component 1851 is not operating and the second heat-generating component 1852 is operating, the second drive unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 disposed at the first guiding position 1874B to the second guiding position 1874C. Therefore, even when the position of the heat-generating component 185 that generates heat by executing an operation changes, the horizontal rib 1874 can be rotated to different guiding positions according to the position of the heat-generating component 185, and the heat-generating component 185 can be cooled.

[0158] Also, according to the fourth embodiment, when the horizontal rib 1874 is in the non-guiding position 1874A, it is provided substantially parallel to the direction in which the partition wall 182 extends. The drive unit 175 includes a second drive unit 1752. The second drive unit 1752 rotates the horizontal rib 1874 from the guiding position to the non-guiding position 1874A with the direction orthogonal to the partition wall 182 as the rotation axis Py. Therefore, in addition to the above-described configuration, when cooling of the heat-generating component 185 is not required, the horizontal rib 1874 arranged in the guiding position is rotated to the non-guiding position 1874A with the direction orthogonal to the partition wall 182 as the rotation axis, and the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing 180 can be maintained.

[0159] (Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment, and is provided with an openable and closable door for adjusting the inflow of air into the housing 180 at the air outlet 181, and has a configuration for opening or closing the door according to the position of the heat-generating component 185.

[0160] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the housing 180 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, the housing 180 further includes a door drive unit 1753 and a door. The door includes a first door 190 and a second door 191. In the drawings after FIG. 25, the air flowing into the front side F is indicated by an arrow IF, and the air flowing into the rear side R is indicated by an arrow IR. Also, the air flowing through the front side F is indicated by an arrow DF, and the air flowing through the rear side R is indicated by an arrow DR. Although not shown, the housing 180 may include an air guide part such as the rib 187 described above.

[0161] In addition to the above-described configuration, when the temperature of the front-side heat-generating component 185F mounted on the front side F is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the system control function 170e transmits a first door opening signal for driving the door drive unit 1753 to open the first door 190. Specifically, for example, when the system control function 170e receives a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the front-side heat-generating component 185F is equal to or higher than the threshold value from the output of the detection unit 165, the system control function 170e transmits the first door opening signal to the door drive unit 1753.

[0162] When the door drive unit 1753 receives a control signal from the system control function 170e, it opens or closes the door based on the control signal. When the temperature of the heat-generating component 185F on the front side is equal to or higher than the threshold value, that is, when the first door release signal is received, the door drive unit 1753 opens the first door 190 and closes the second door 191. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, the door drive unit 1753 rotates the door along the rotation direction r5 with the rotation axis Px3 in the direction (X axis) orthogonal to the direction (Z axis) in which the partition wall 182 extends and the direction (Y axis) orthogonal to the partition wall 182. When the door drive unit 1753 receives the first door release signal, it rotates the first door 190 provided at the closed position 1901 that closes the housing 180 and blocks the inflow of air into the housing 180 to the open position 1902 that opens the housing 180 and allows air to flow in. The closed position 1901 is, for example, the position where the door is provided in a substantially horizontal direction at the air outlet 181. The open position 1902 is, for example, the position where the door is provided in a substantially vertical direction at the air outlet 181. Note that the operation of the door by the door drive unit 1753 is not limited to rotation and may be rotation. Also, the rotation direction r5 of the door is not limited to the clockwise direction shown in the figure and may be the counterclockwise direction. Further, the rotation axis Px3 of the door is not limited to the substantially center of the door and may be provided at one end of the door or at a desired position between the substantially center and one end of the door. Also, the direction of the rotation axis of the door is not limited to the X axis and may be the direction (Y axis) orthogonal to the partition wall 182.

[0163] The door drive unit 1753 is, for example, a stepping motor. The door drive unit 1753 is provided on the back side of the cross section, for example, in the region 175C of the cross section inside the housing 180 shown in FIG. 25. The door drive unit 1753 is arranged in the same manner as shown in FIG. 14, for example, and drives the door.

[0164] The first door 190 is provided to be openable and closable at the inflow portion (rib 187) to adjust the inflow of air into the first region A1. Specifically, the first door 190 is provided to be openable and closable at the front-side air outlet 1811 to adjust the inflow of air into the front side F. When the first door 190 is in the closed position, it closes the housing 180 to prevent the inflow of air into the interior of the housing 180. Further, when the first door 190 is in the open position, as indicated by the arrow IF in FIG. 25, it opens the housing 180 to allow air to flow in. At this time, as indicated by the arrow DF in FIG. 25, air flows on the front side F. The first door 190 rotates from the closed position 1901 to the open position 1902 by the drive of the door drive unit 1753 when the temperature of the front-side heat-generating component 185F is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and opens the front side F.

[0165] The second door 191 is provided to be openable and closable at the rib 187 to adjust the inflow of air into the second region A2. Specifically, the second door 191 is provided to be openable and closable at the rear-side air outlet 1812 to adjust the inflow of air into the rear side R. The second door 191 is arranged at the closed position on the front side F regardless of the temperature of the front-side heat-generating component 185F. Therefore, air does not flow on the rear side R. Note that the first door 190 and the second door 191 may be referred to as inflow doors.

[0166] Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0167] Next, with reference to FIG. 26, an example of the operation of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the control device 10 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0168] First, a test mode selected according to the test of the subject is selected via the input interface 130 by the operation of the operator. Accordingly, the processing circuit 170 mounted on the front side F starts the test mode. At this time, the first door 190 and the second door 191 are provided at the closed position 1901. Here, step ST210 is started.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 26, in step ST210, the front heat-generating component 185F, which is the implemented processing circuit 170, generates heat by executing an operation based on the inspection mode. Thereafter, the temperature of the front heat-generating component 185F rises. Here, the detection unit 165 starts monitoring the temperature of the front heat-generating component 185F.

[0170] After step ST210, in step ST220, the detection unit 165 detects whether the temperature of the front heat-generating component 185F is equal to or higher than a threshold value. As a result of the detection, if the temperature is lower than the threshold value, the monitoring continues. On the other hand, as a result of the detection, if the temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step ST230.

[0171] In step ST230, the processing circuit 170 controls the door driving unit 1753 to move the first door 190 to the open position 1902 based on the output of the detection unit 165. For example, the detection unit 165 transmits a detection signal indicating that the temperature of the front heat-generating component 185F is equal to or higher than the threshold value to the processing circuit 170. When receiving the detection signal, the processing circuit 170 transmits a first door opening signal to the door driving unit 1753. When receiving the first door opening signal, the door driving unit 1753 rotates the first door 190 in the closed position 1901 to the open position 1902. Further, the door driving unit 1753 maintains the closing of the second door 191. When the first door 190 moves to the open position 1902, air flows into the interior of the housing 180.

[0172] According to the fifth embodiment as described above, the control device 10 further includes a first door 190, a second door 191, a detection unit 165, and a door drive unit 1753. The first door 190 is provided to be openable and closable at the inflow portion (air inlet 181) and adjusts the inflow of air into the first region A1 on the front side F. The second door 191 is provided to be openable and closable at the air inlet 181 and adjusts the inflow of air into the second region A2 on the rear side R. The detection unit 165 detects the temperature of the front heat-generating component 185F. When the temperature of the front heat-generating component 185F is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the door drive unit 1753 opens the first door 190 and closes the second door 191. In this way, when the temperature of the front heat-generating component 185F mounted on the substrate 184 disposed in the first region A1 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the first door 190 is opened, the second door 191 is closed, and the configuration is such that air can flow only into the first region A1. Therefore, since the air volume flowing into the first region A1 can be increased, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the cooling performance of the heat-generating component 185F mounted on the substrate 184 disposed in the first region A1 can be further improved.

[0173] In addition, in the other comparative example 3 described above, a measure is taken to correct the opening area ratio between the front side F and the rear side R by reducing the area of the rear air inlet 1812. As a result, the other comparative example 3 corrects the distribution of the air volume flowing into the rear side R and the air volume flowing into the front side F, and increases the air volume flowing into the front side F. However, in the measure of the other comparative example 3, by correcting the above distribution, the ventilation resistance inside the housing 180 increases, and the total amount of air flowing into the housing 180 decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the output of the fan 188. As a result, inconveniences such as an increase in power consumption, a significant increase in the size of the housing 180, and an increase in the noise of the fan 188 have occurred.

[0174] On the other hand, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment has a cooling structure that can improve the cooling performance of the heat-generating component 185F without performing measures such as correction of the opening area ratio. As a result, it is possible to suppress inconveniences such as an increase in power consumption and an increase in the noise of the fan 188 while maintaining the size of the housing 180.

[0175] (Modification Example of the Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment may be modified as follows. Also, each modification example may be combined with each other, or may be combined with the following respective embodiments.

[0176] According to the fifth embodiment, when the temperature of the front-side heat-generating component 185F mounted on the front side F is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the first door 190 is opened and the second door 191 is closed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 27, the detection unit 165 may detect, for example, the temperature of the rear-side heat-generating component 185R mounted in the second region A2 on the rear side R. For example, when the temperature of the rear-side heat-generating component 185R is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the door drive unit 1753 may close the first door 190 and open the second door 191. Note that the first door 190 is provided to be openable and closable at the inflow portion (air inlet 181) as described above, and adjusts the inflow of air into the first region A1. Also, the second door 191 is provided to be openable and closable at the air inlet 181 as described above, and adjusts the inflow of air into the second region A2. Since the first door 190 is in the closed position, it blocks the inflow of air to the front side F. Also, since the second door is in the open position, as shown by the arrow IF in FIG. 27, the rear side R is opened to allow air to flow in. As a result, as shown by the arrow DR in FIG. 27, air flows on the rear side R. In this way, when the temperature of the rear-side heat-generating component 185R is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the first door 190 is closed, the second door 191 is opened, and the configuration can be adjusted so that air flows only into the second region A2. Therefore, since the air volume flowing into the second region A2 can be increased, in addition to the above-described effects, the cooling performance of the rear-side heat-generating component 185R can be improved.

[0177] Note that, without being limited thereto, as shown in FIG. 28, a configuration may be adopted in which the first door 190 and the second door 191 are opened simultaneously as needed. At this time, since the first door and the second door are in the open position, as shown by the arrows IF and IR in FIG. 28, the front side F and the rear side R are opened to allow air to flow in. As a result, as shown by the arrows DF and DR in FIG. 28, air flows on the front side F and the rear side R.

[0178] According to at least one embodiment described above, the cooling performance for heat-generating components can be improved.

[0179] In the above description, the term "processor" means, for example, a CPU, a GPU, 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), etc.). When the processor is, for example, a CPU, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory. On the other hand, when the processor is, for example, an ASIC, instead of the program being stored in the memory, the function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit in the circuit of the processor. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to form one processor to realize its function. Further, a plurality of components in FIGS. 1 and 10 may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

[0180] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0181] 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 Input device 3 Output device 10 Control device 11 Connector 20 Ultrasonic probe 101 Ultrasonic transmission circuit 102 Ultrasonic reception circuit 110 Internal memory circuit 120 Image memory 130 Input interface 140 Output interface 160 Communication interface 165 Detection unit 170 Processing circuit 170a B-mode processing function 170b Doppler processing function 170c Image generation function 170d Display control function 170e System control function 170f Judgment function 175 Driving unit 175A, 175B, 175C Areas 180 Housing 181, 1811, 1812 Air vents 182 Partition wall 183 Heat sink 184 Substrate 185, 185A, 185B, 185F, 185R Heat-generating components 186 Circuit components 187, 187A, 187B Ribs 187C Laying position 187D Standing position 188 Fan 189 Connecting member 190 First door 191 Second door 1751 First drive unit 1752 Second drive unit 1753 Door drive unit 1801 Housing cover 1841 Heat-generating component substrate 1842 Circuit component substrate 1843 Other substrate 1851 First heat-generating component 1852 Second heat-generating component 1853 Third heat-generating component 1871 First rib 1872 Second rib 1873 Third rib 1874 Horizontal rib 1874A Non-guiding position 1874B First guiding position 1874C Second guiding position 1891 Link mechanism 1901 Closed position 1902 Open position A1 First region A2 Second region A3 Third region C Curve D, DF, DR, E, I, IF, IR Arrows F Front side L Velocity boundary layer P Specimen Px1~Px3, Py Rotation axis QF, QR Air volume R Rear side z Dead water area d1, d2 Shortest distance r1~r5 Rotation direction

Claims

1. A housing, at least one substrate disposed inside the housing, at least one heat-generating component mounted on the substrate, an inflow portion provided in a part of the housing for allowing air to flow into the inside of the housing, at least one air guide portion provided to guide the air flowing into the inside of the housing through the inflow portion and flowing through the inside of the housing to the vicinity of the heat-generating component, a discharge portion provided in another part of the housing for discharging the guided air to the outside of the housing, and a control device comprising the above.

2. further comprising a wall portion formed to extend from the inflow portion into the inside of the housing and partitioning the inside of the housing into a first region and a second region, wherein the substrate is disposed inside the first region, and the air guide portion is provided to protrude from the wall portion into the first region, The control device according to claim 1.

3. The air guide portion is provided to protrude between the heat-generating component and the inflow portion, The control device according to claim 2.

4. The air guide portion is provided to protrude between a circuit component disposed between the heat-generating component and the inflow portion and the heat-generating component, The control device according to claim 3.

5. The plurality of substrates are arranged on substantially the same plane, The control device according to claim 3.

6. further comprising a wall portion formed to extend from the inflow portion into the inside of the housing and partitioning the inside of the housing into a first region and a second region, wherein the substrate is disposed inside the first region, and the air guide portion is provided on the wall portion in the first region and is formed to extend from one part of the wall portion to another part of the wall portion, The control device according to claim 1.

7. The air guide portion is provided to be rotatable between a guiding position for guiding and a non-guiding position for maintaining the flow direction of the air flowing through the inside of the housing without guiding, a detection portion for detecting the temperature of the heat-generating component, and a driving portion for rotating the air guide portion from the non-guiding position to the guiding position when the temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value, further comprising the above, The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The driving portion includes a first driving portion, The first driving part rotates the air guiding part around the proximal end side of the air guiding part from the fallen position where the air guiding part lies down with respect to the wall part corresponding to the non-guiding position to the standing position where the air guiding part stands up and protrudes with respect to the wall part corresponding to the guiding position. The control device according to claim 7 that directly or indirectly quotes claim 2.

9. When the air guiding part is in the non-guiding position, it is provided substantially parallel to the direction in which the wall part extends. The driving part includes a second driving part. The second driving part rotates the air guiding part around an axis of rotation in a direction perpendicular to the wall part. The control device according to claim 7 that directly quotes claim 6.

10. The heat generating component includes a first heat generating component and a second heat generating component. The guiding position includes a first guiding position for guiding the air to the vicinity of the first heat generating component and a second guiding position for guiding the air to the vicinity of the second heat generating component. When the first heat generating component is not operating and the second heat generating component is operating, the second driving part rotates the air guiding part arranged at the first guiding position by rotation to the second guiding position. The control device according to claim 9.

11. The air guiding part is provided rotatably between the guiding position for guiding and the non-guiding position for maintaining the flow direction of the air flowing inside the housing without guiding. A detecting part for detecting the temperature of the heat generating component. When the temperature is less than the threshold value, a driving part for rotating the air guiding part from the guiding position to the non-guiding position. Further comprising. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The driving part includes a first driving part. The first driving part rotates the air guiding part around the proximal end side of the air guiding part from the standing position where the air guiding part stands up and protrudes with respect to the wall part corresponding to the guiding position to the fallen position where the air guiding part lies down with respect to the wall part corresponding to the non-guiding position. The control device according to claim 11 that directly or indirectly quotes claim 2.

13. When the air guiding part is in the non-guiding position, it is provided substantially parallel to the direction in which the wall part extends. The driving part includes a second driving part. The second driving part rotates the air guiding part around an axis of rotation in a direction perpendicular to the wall part. The control device according to claim 11 that directly cites claim 6.

14. A first door provided in the inflow portion and capable of opening and closing to adjust the inflow of air into the first region; A second door provided in the inflow portion and capable of opening and closing to adjust the inflow of air into the second region; A detection unit that detects the temperature of the heat-generating component; A door drive unit that opens the first door and closes the second door when the temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value; The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising the above.

15. A first door provided in the inflow portion and capable of opening and closing to adjust the inflow of air into the first region; A second door provided in the inflow portion and capable of opening and closing to adjust the inflow of air into the second region; A detection unit that detects the temperature of the heat-generating component mounted in the second region; A door drive unit that closes the first door and opens the second door when the temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value; The control device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising the above.

16. The heat-generating component generates heat by executing an operation based on an inspection mode selected according to the inspection of the subject. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the control device according to claim 7.

17. A housing; An inflow portion for allowing air to flow into the interior of the housing; An exhaust portion for exhausting the air inside the housing; A plurality of heat-generating components mounted inside the housing between the inflow portion and the exhaust portion and generating heat according to the execution of operations respectively; A plurality of air supply guides rotatably provided between a guide position for guiding the inflowing air to each of the plurality of heat-generating components and a non-guide position different from the guide position; A detection unit that detects the temperature of each of the plurality of heat-generating components; A drive unit that rotates the air supply guide corresponding to the heat-generating component whose detected temperature indicates a value equal to or higher than a threshold value among the plurality of air supply guides to the guide position; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising the above.

18. The drive unit rotates the air supply guide corresponding to the heat-generating component whose detected temperature indicates a value less than the threshold value to the non-guide position. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 17.

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