Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

To inhibit a cable of an ultrasonic probe from being entangled.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which a plurality of ultrasonic probes are connected, including a storage part and a holder. The storage part is provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes, and stores the respective cables of the plurality of ultrasonic probes individually. The holder is provided on the top face of the storage part, and is loaded with head parts of the ultrasonic probes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, a plurality of ultrasonic probes are generally connected to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Medical personnel such as doctors perform an examination using an ultrasonic probe suitable for the examination purpose among the plurality of ultrasonic probes. At this time, the ultrasonic probes not in use are arranged in a holder provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0003] In this way, by connecting a plurality of ultrasonic probes to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, medical personnel do not need to connect the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus every time an examination is performed.

[0004] However, since the holders of the ultrasonic probes are close to each other, the cables of the ultrasonic probes also become dense. Therefore, the cables of the ultrasonic probes may get entangled with each other. When the cables get entangled with each other, the operability of the ultrasonic probe may deteriorate or the cable may be disconnected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to suppress the entanglement of the cables of the ultrasonic probes. 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 Problem

[0007] The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which a plurality of ultrasonic probes are connected, and includes a storage unit and a holder. The storage unit is provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes, and individually stores the cables of the plurality of ultrasonic probes. The holder is provided on the upper surface of the storage unit, and the head portion of the ultrasonic probe is placed thereon.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, portions denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a main body unit 10, an ultrasonic probe set 20, an operation panel 30, a display 40, and a support frame 50.

[0011] In this embodiment, the direction in which the display surface of the display 40 faces is defined as the Z-axis direction. Also, the axial direction that is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and horizontal with respect to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction. Further, the axial direction that is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0012] The main body unit 10 is a part that serves as the main body of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. More specifically, the main body unit 10 generates a drive signal for driving elements such as piezoelectric vibrators included in each head unit 211 of the ultrasonic probe set 20, and has a circuit that generates an ultrasonic image from an electrical signal obtained by converting a reflected wave from the subject received by elements such as piezoelectric vibrators. This circuit may be constituted by a single circuit or by a plurality of circuits.

[0013] Also, the main body unit 10 is connected to a first ultrasonic probe 21a, a second ultrasonic probe 21b, a third ultrasonic probe 21c, and a fourth ultrasonic probe 21d of the ultrasonic probe set 20. The main body unit 10 supplies a drive signal for generating ultrasonic waves to the first ultrasonic probe 21a, the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the third ultrasonic probe 21c, or the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d. Also, an ultrasonic image is generated based on the reflected wave of ultrasonic waves received by the first ultrasonic probe 21a, the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the third ultrasonic probe 21c, or the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d.

[0014] Also, the main body unit 10 has a front cart part 11 on the front side and a rear cart part 12 on the rear side. The front cart part 11 and the rear cart part 12 each have casters. Medical staff can easily move the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 by means of the front cart part 11 and the rear cart part 12.

[0015] The ultrasonic probe set 20 includes a first ultrasonic probe 21a, a second ultrasonic probe 21b, a third ultrasonic probe 21c, and a fourth ultrasonic probe 21d. When not distinguishing between the first ultrasonic probe 21a, the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the third ultrasonic probe 21c, and the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d, it is referred to as the ultrasonic probe 21. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of ultrasonic probes 21 are connected to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1.

[0016] The first ultrasonic probe 21a has a head portion 211a, a storage portion 212a, and a connector 213a. Similarly, the second ultrasonic probe 21b has a head portion 211b, a storage portion 212b, and a connector 213b. Similarly, the third ultrasonic probe 21c has a head portion 211c, a storage portion 212b, and a connector 213c. Similarly, the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d has a head portion 211d, a storage portion 212b, and a connector 213d.

[0017] The operation panel 30 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation panel 30 accepts an operation of selecting an ultrasonic probe 21 to be driven among the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21. The operation panel 30 is an example of an operation unit. Further, the operation panel 30 accepts operations related to ultrasonic diagnosis.

[0018] The operation panel 30 is disposed above the ultrasonic probe set 20. For example, the operation panel 30 has a trackball that rotates according to an operation, a button that accepts various operations, and a display panel that displays settings and the like. When the operation panel 30 accepts an operation, it converts it into an electrical signal and outputs it to the main body unit 10.

[0019] The support frame 50 is a frame that supports the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. The support frame 50 has a first frame 51, a rotating portion 52, a second frame 53, a third frame 54, and a handle portion 55.

[0020] The first frame 51 is a frame that supports and maintains the operation panel 30 and the display 40 at a position higher than the main body 10 in the vertical direction.

[0021] The rotating part 52 is a component that rotates around a rotation axis substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. More specifically, the rotating part 52 is disposed at the upper end of the first frame 51. Also, the rotating part 52 is disposed at the end of the second frame 53. And the rotating part 52 connects the first frame 51 and the second frame 53.

[0022] With such a configuration, the rotating part 52 can rotate the second frame 53 around the rotation axis by rotating around the rotation axis. That is, the rotating part 52 can also rotate the operation panel 30 and the display 40 attached to the second frame 53 around the rotation axis. Thereby, medical staff can move the operation panel 30 and the display 40 to an arbitrary position.

[0023] The second frame 53 is a frame substantially parallel to the floor surface. The second frame 53 is connected to the rotating part 52. Also, the second frame 53 supports the operation panel 30 and the display 40.

[0024] The third frame 54 is a frame erected substantially vertically on the second frame 53. The third frame 54 is a frame that supports and maintains the display 40 at a position higher than the operation panel 30 in the Y-axis direction.

[0025] The handle part 55 is a handle that is grasped by medical staff when moving the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Medical staff move the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 by pushing the handle part 55.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ultrasonic probe set 20 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasonic probe set 20 includes a first ultrasonic probe 21a, a second ultrasonic probe 21b, a third ultrasonic probe 21c, and a fourth ultrasonic probe 21d. The first ultrasonic probe 21a, the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the third ultrasonic probe 21c, and the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d are selectively used according to the inspection purpose.

[0027] The first ultrasonic probe 21a will be described as a representative of the four ultrasonic probes 21. Since the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the third ultrasonic probe 21c, and the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d have substantially the same configuration as the first ultrasonic probe 21a, their descriptions will be omitted. When not distinguishing the head portion 211a, the head portion 211b, the head portion 211c, and the head portion 211d, they are collectively referred to as the head portion 211. When not distinguishing the storage portion 212a, the storage portion 212b, the storage portion 212c, and the storage portion 212d, they are collectively referred to as the storage portion 212. When not distinguishing the connector 213a, the connector 213b, the connector 213c, and the connector 213d, they are collectively referred to as the connector 213. When not distinguishing the holder 215a, the holder 215b, the holder 215c, and the holder 215d, they are collectively referred to as the holder 215.

[0028] The ultrasonic probe 21 includes a head portion 211, a storage portion 212, and a connector 213. The head portion 211 includes various members including a piezoelectric vibrator, a matching layer provided on the piezoelectric vibrator, and a backing material that prevents the propagation of ultrasonic waves rearward from the piezoelectric vibrator.

[0029] The head portion 211 generates ultrasonic waves in the piezoelectric vibrator based on a drive signal supplied from the main body portion 10 via the cable 216. Further, the head portion 211 receives a reflected wave from the subject and converts it into an electrical signal. Then, the head portion 211 transmits it to the main body portion 10 via the cable 216.

[0030] The storage unit 212 is provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21 and individually stores the respective cables 216 of the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21. More specifically, the storage unit 212 is a container that stores the cable 216 connecting the head unit 211 and the connector 213. For example, the storage unit 212 is a container formed in a rectangular shape. The storage unit 212 is disposed on the front side of the main body unit 10 and below the operation panel 30.

[0031] For example, the storage unit 212 is attached to the main body unit 10. More specifically, the storage units 212 are individually attached to the main body unit 10. Here, the storage unit 212 may be attached to the main body unit 10 by any method. For example, the storage unit 212 may be attached to the main body unit 10 by being fitted into a groove provided in the main body unit 10, may be attached to the main body unit 10 by a magnet, or may be attached to the main body unit 10 by a member such as a screw.

[0032] Note that the storage unit 212 may be formed as a part of the main body unit 10. That is, the storage unit 212 may be a part of the main body unit 10 having a circuit that generates a drive signal for driving an element provided in the head unit 211 and generates an ultrasonic image from an electrical signal obtained by converting the ultrasonic wave received by the element. In this case, the storage unit 212 has, for example, a notch through which the cable 216 passes. A medical staff member stores the cable 216 through the notch in the storage unit 212 and connects the connector 213 to the main body unit 10.

[0033] Also, the first ultrasonic probe 21a has a holder 215a on the upper surface 214a of the storage unit 212a. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the holder 215 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the approximate center of the holder 215 is cut in a cross-section substantially parallel to the front surface of the storage unit 212.

[0034] The holder 215 is a member provided on the upper surface of the storage portion 212 and on which the head portion 211 is placed. Here, the storage portion 212 is disposed on the front side of the main body portion 10 and below the operation panel 30. Therefore, the holder 215 is disposed below the bottom surface of the operation panel 30.

[0035] The holder 215a of the first ultrasonic probe 21a is formed in a concave shape that holds and surrounds substantially the lower half of the head portion 211a. Further, the holder 215a has a hole 2152a that penetrates to the inside of the storage portion 212a on the bottom surface 2151a of the concave shape. And the cable 216a of the first ultrasonic probe 21a passes through the hole 2152a. Therefore, a medical staff member can pull out the cable 216a from the storage portion 212a by lifting the head portion 211a. Further, the medical staff member can store the cable 216a in the storage portion 212a by placing the head portion 211a on the holder 215a.

[0036] Also, the holder 215b of the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the holder 215c of the third ultrasonic probe 21c, and the holder 215d of the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d have the same configuration as the holder 215a of the first ultrasonic probe 21a.

[0037] Also, the holder 215a has a fixing portion 2153a that fixes the head portion 211a to the holder 215a. For example, the fixing portion 2153a is realized by a plurality of solenoids. More specifically, the fixing portion 2153a fixes the head portion 211a to the holder 215a by sandwiching a portion of the head portion 211a that is thinner than other portions with a plurality of solenoids. Similarly, the second ultrasonic probe 21b has a head portion 211b provided with a fixing portion 2153b. Similarly, the third ultrasonic probe 21c has a head portion 211c provided with a fixing portion 2153c. Similarly, the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d has a head portion 211d provided with a fixing portion 2153d. When not distinguishing between the fixing portion 2153a, the fixing portion 2153b, the fixing portion 2153c, and the fixing portion 2153d, they are referred to as the fixing portion 2153.

[0038] Further, in the initial state, the fixing part 2153 fixes the head part 211 to the holder 215. Then, when the ultrasonic probe 21 is selected as the object to be used, the fixing part 2153 releases the fixing.

[0039] Here, the medical staff selects the ultrasonic probe 21 to be used from among the first ultrasonic probe 21a, the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the third ultrasonic probe 21c, and the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d according to the inspection purpose. In other words, the medical staff does not use a plurality of ultrasonic probes 21 simultaneously.

[0040] Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 releases the fixing of the head part 211 of the ultrasonic probe 21 to be used among the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21. In other words, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 maintains the fixing of the head part 211 of the ultrasonic probe 21 that is not used among the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21.

[0041] For example, the operation panel 30 receives an operation for selecting the ultrasonic probe 21 to be driven from among the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21. The operation panel 30 transmits a signal indicating the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to the main body part 10. The main body part 10 causes the fixing part 2153 of the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to release the fixing of the head part 211. For example, the main body part 10 causes the fixing to be released by notifying the fixing part 2153 via the connector 213. Alternatively, the main body part 10 causes the fixing to be released by notifying the fixing part 2153 via another connection part. Then, the fixing part 2153 that fixes the head part 211 of the ultrasonic probe 21 selected by the operation panel 30 releases the fixing of the head part 211.

[0042] The connector 213 is an interface that connects the ultrasonic probe 21 and the main body part 10. That is, the connector 213 relays a drive signal for generating ultrasonic waves in the head part 211 and an electrical signal obtained by converting the ultrasonic waves received by the head part 211.

[0043] As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of ultrasonic probes 21 are connected. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a storage unit 212 provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21 and configured to individually store the respective cables 216a of the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21, and a holder 215 provided on the upper surface of the storage unit 212 and on which the head portion 211 of the ultrasonic probe 21 is placed. With such a configuration, since the chance of the cables 216a coming into contact with each other is reduced, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can suppress the cables 216a of the ultrasonic probe 21 from getting entangled.

[0044] (Modification 1) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the ultrasonic probe set 21_1 according to Modification 1. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the approximate center of the holders 215a_1, 215b_1, 215c_1, 215d_1 is cut by a cross-section substantially parallel to the front surface of the storage unit 212.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing portion 2153a_1 of the first ultrasonic probe 21a_1 fixes the head portion 211 to the holder 215a_1 by sandwiching the cable 216. For example, the fixing portion 2153a_1 sandwiches the cable 216 with a plurality of solenoids to fix the head portion 211a to the holder 215a_1. Similarly, the second ultrasonic probe 21b_2 has a cable 216 provided with a fixing portion 2153b_1. Similarly, the third ultrasonic probe 21c_1 has a cable 216 provided with a fixing portion 2153c_1. Similarly, the fourth ultrasonic probe 21a_4 has a cable 216 provided with a fixing portion 2153d_1.

[0046] Similar to the first embodiment, the fixing portion 2153a_1 fixes the head portion 211 to the holder 215a_1 in the initial state. Then, the fixing portion 2153a_1 releases the fixation when an operation of selecting the ultrasonic probe 21 to be used is received by the operation panel 30.

[0047] (Modification 2) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the ultrasonic probe set 20_2 according to Modification 2 as viewed from above. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the ultrasonic probe set 20_2 according to Modification 2 as viewed from above. Further, FIG. 6 shows a state in which the upper surface of the storage unit 212 is removed.

[0048] In Modification 2, the first ultrasonic probe 21a will be described as a representative of the four ultrasonic probes 21. Since the second ultrasonic probe 21b, the third ultrasonic probe 21c, and the fourth ultrasonic probe 21d have substantially the same configuration as the first ultrasonic probe 21a, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The storage unit 212 has a sterilization unit 217a that performs a sterilization process to reduce the number of viruses, bacteria, etc. on the stored cable 216. For example, two sterilization units 217a are arranged on the inner side surface of the storage unit 21a_2.

[0050] Sterilization means reducing the number of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Also, sterilization shall be interchangeable with sterilization, disinfection, decontamination, or disinfection. Note that disinfection means killing (inactivating) bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms present in the object. And the sterilization unit 217a performs a sterilization process to sterilize the cable 216 stored by the storage unit 212.

[0051] For example, the sterilization unit 217a is a light source that irradiates ultraviolet rays. That is, the sterilization unit 217a performs a sterilization process of irradiating the cable 216 with ultraviolet rays. Thereby, the sterilization unit 217a reduces the number of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms attached to the cable 216.

[0052] Also, the sterilization unit 217a may perform a sterilization process using a sterilization gas. For example, the sterilization unit 217a releases a sterilizable sterilization gas such as ethylene oxide sterilization gas. And when a specified time has elapsed after the sterilization unit 217a releases the sterilization gas, the sterilization gas in the storage unit 212a_2 is discharged. Thereby, the sterilization unit 217a reduces the number of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms attached to the cable 216.

[0053] Further, the sterilization unit 217a may perform sterilization treatment with a liquid. For example, the sterilization unit 217a discharges a sterilizable liquid such as alcohol, disinfectant, or cleaning liquid. And when the cable 216a is wetted with the liquid, the sterilization unit 217a discharges the liquid in the storage unit 212a_2. Thereby, the sterilization unit 217a reduces the number of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms attached to the cable 216a.

[0054] Note that the storage unit 212a_2 shown in FIG. 6 has two sterilization units 217a on the inner side surface of the storage unit 212a_2. However, the storage unit 212a_2 is not limited to two, and may have one sterilization unit 217a or may have three or more sterilization units 217a. Further, the sterilization unit 217a is not limited to the inner side surface of the storage unit 212a_2, and may be arranged on the inner bottom surface or the upper surface of the storage unit 212a_2.

[0055] The storage unit 212a_2 has a cooling unit 218a for cooling the inside of the storage unit 212a_2. For example, one cooling unit 218a is arranged on the front surface of the storage unit 212a_2.

[0056] For example, the cooling unit 218a is a fan that discharges the air inside the storage unit 212a_2. The cooling unit 218a cools the inside of the storage unit 212a_2 by discharging the air inside the storage unit 212a_2. Thereby, the cooling unit 218a cools the cable 216a and the head unit 211a stored inside the storage unit 212a_2. The cooling unit 218a can suppress the deterioration of characteristics due to temperature rise by cooling the cable 216a and the head unit 211a.

[0057] Note that the storage unit 212a_2 shown in FIG. 6 has one cooling unit 218a on the front of the storage unit 212a_2. However, the storage unit 212a_2 may have two or more cooling units 218a. Furthermore, the sterilization unit 217a may be arranged not only on the front of the storage unit 212a_2 but also on the bottom surface, the upper surface, the side surface of the storage unit 212a_2, or at other positions.

[0058] (Modification Example 3) The storage unit 212 emits light when storing the cable 216 of the ultrasonic probe 21 selected by the operation panel 30 among the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21.

[0059] The light emitting unit is realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light emitting unit may be arranged inside the storage unit 212, on the upper surface 214a of the storage unit 212, on the front of the storage unit 212, or at other positions.

[0060] Here, the operation panel 30 receives an operation for selecting the ultrasonic probe 21 to be used among the plurality of ultrasonic probes 21. The operation panel 30 transmits a signal indicating the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to the main body unit 10. The main body unit 10 causes the light emitting unit included in the storage unit 212 of the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to emit light. For example, the main body unit 10 causes the light emitting unit to emit light by notifying it via the connector 213. Alternatively, the main body unit 10 causes the light emitting unit to emit light by notifying it via another connection part. Thereby, the light emitting unit emits light when storing the cable 216 of the ultrasonic probe 21 selected as the drive target by the operation panel 30. Then, medical staff can easily identify which ultrasonic probe 21 is being used based on the light emission by the light emitting unit.

[0061] (Modification Example 4) The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may move the position of the head unit 211.

[0062] Here, the head unit 211 is placed on a holder 215 provided on the upper surface of the storage unit 212. The holder 215 is disposed below the bottom surface of the operation panel 30. Therefore, it is difficult for medical staff to pick up the head unit 211 compared to the case where the head unit 211 is disposed on the side of the operation panel 30. Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 moves the position of the head unit 211.

[0063] Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 has a moving unit that moves the position of the holder 215 from the initial position. Here, the initial position is the position before the operation of selecting the ultrasonic probe 21 by the operation panel 30 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0064] For example, the moving unit includes a first moving unit and a second moving unit. More specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 has a first moving unit such as a slide rail between the main body unit 10 and the storage unit 212. The first moving unit moves the storage unit 212 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the first moving unit moves the storage unit 212 to the front side.

[0065] Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 has a second moving unit such as a slide rail between the storage unit 212 and the holder 215. The second moving unit moves the holder 215 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the second moving unit moves the holder 215 upward.

[0066] Thereby, the medical staff can move the storage unit 212 to the front side and move the holder 215 upward. In addition, the medical staff can move the operation panel 30 to an arbitrary position by rotating the operation panel 30 about the rotation axis of the rotating unit 52. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can move the head unit 211 to a position that is easy for the medical staff to pick up.

[0067] Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may have a first driving unit such as a motor that supplies power to move the storage unit 212 to the first moving unit. Also, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 may have a second driving unit such as a motor that supplies power to move the holder 215 to the first moving unit.

[0068] For example, the operation panel 30 receives an operation for selecting the ultrasonic probe 21 to be used from among a plurality of ultrasonic probes 21. The operation panel 30 transmits a signal indicating the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to the main body unit 10. The main body unit 10 moves the storage unit 212 of the selected ultrasonic probe 21 by causing the first drive unit corresponding to the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to be powered. Further, the main body unit 10 moves the head unit 211 of the selected ultrasonic probe 21 by causing the second drive unit corresponding to the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to be powered.

[0069] Thereby, the main body unit 10 can move the head unit 211 of the selected ultrasonic probe 21 to a position where it is easy for a medical staff member to pick up.

[0070] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to suppress the cable 216 of the ultrasonic probe 21 from getting entangled.

[0071] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations of the embodiments 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, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 1 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 10 Main body unit 20, 21_1, 20_2 Ultrasonic probe sets 30 Operation panel 40 Display 50 Support frame 21 Ultrasonic probe 211 Head unit 212 Storage section 213 Connector 215 Holder 216 Cable 2153 Fixing section 217a Sterilization section 218a Cooling section

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus to which a plurality of ultrasonic probes are connected, a storage unit provided for each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes and individually storing the respective cables of the plurality of ultrasonic probes; a holder provided on the upper surface of the storage unit and on which the head portion of the ultrasonic probe is placed; An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:

2. comprising a fixing unit for fixing the head portion to the holder, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. comprising an operation unit that receives an operation for selecting the ultrasonic probe to be driven among the plurality of ultrasonic probes, The fixing unit that fixes the head portion of the ultrasonic probe selected by the operation unit releases the fixing of the head portion, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The storage unit includes a light emitting unit that emits light when storing the cable of the ultrasonic probe selected by the operation unit, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The storage unit is a part of a main body unit that generates a drive signal for driving an element provided in the head portion and generates an ultrasonic image from an electrical signal obtained by converting ultrasonic waves received by the element, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

6. comprising a main body unit that generates a drive signal for driving an element provided in the head portion and generates an ultrasonic image from an electrical signal obtained by converting ultrasonic waves received by the element, The storage unit is attached to the main body unit, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The storage unit has a sterilization unit that sterilizes the stored cable, The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The storage unit has a cooling unit that cools the inside of the storage unit. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

9. It includes a moving unit that moves the holder from the initial position. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

10. It includes an operation panel that accepts operations related to ultrasonic diagnosis. The holder is disposed below the bottom surface of the operation panel. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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