Ultrasonic diagnostic device

Abstract

To protect a main body unit when the main body unit is transported by gripping a grip of a handle, and maintain the cleanliness of the grip.SOLUTION: A main body has a hinge mechanism 30. A handle 26 is connected to the hinge mechanism 30. The hinge mechanism 30 has a handle locking mechanism. The handle locking mechanism locks the rotation angle of the handle 26 at a first rotation angle θ0 or a second rotation angle θ2. When the handle 26 is used as a stand, a grip does not come into contact with a placement surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to ultrasound diagnostic devices, and more particularly to ultrasound diagnostic devices having a handle. [Background technology]

[0002] Many medical institutions utilize handheld ultrasonic diagnostic devices. Such portable ultrasonic diagnostic devices are composed of a main unit and an ultrasonic probe. The main unit has a form similar to that of a notebook PC (Personal Computer). In this case, the main unit is composed of a main unit that generates ultrasonic images and a display that displays the ultrasonic images. Portable ultrasonic diagnostic devices are generally used while being placed on a dedicated cart or a general-purpose table. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic device and the cart on which it is placed constitute an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Note that the portable ultrasonic diagnostic device itself is sometimes called an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasound diagnostic device that includes a portable ultrasound diagnostic device and a cart. The body of the ultrasound diagnostic device has a handle. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a mechanism for fixing the handle to the body.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an ultrasound diagnostic device having a handle. The handle functions as a cover that covers the rear of the ultrasound diagnostic device and also functions as a stand for the ultrasound diagnostic device. Paragraph 0045 of Patent Document 2 mentions a mechanism for locking the handle when the handle functions as a cover. Patent Document 2 does not mention locking the handle when the ultrasound diagnostic device is being transported. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-23007 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-205007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When carrying the main unit (main unit and display) while hanging it by grasping the grip on the handle, if the handle's rotation angle is allowed to change freely, the main unit is likely to come into contact with or collide with other objects (other medical devices, the user, etc.). This problem is particularly likely to occur when the main unit is tilted at a large angle relative to the vertical line while hanging (for example, when the main unit's tilt angle exceeds 5 or 10 degrees). It is desirable to prevent the handle's rotation angle from changing freely while keeping the main unit's tilt angle small while hanging.

[0007] When an ultrasound diagnostic device is used by placing it on a general-purpose table, it is desirable to use the handle as a stand to tilt the main unit of the ultrasound diagnostic device. In this case, if the grip on the handle comes into contact with the surface of the table, the grip is likely to get dirty.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to protect the main unit when the main unit is carried by holding the grip of the handle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The ultrasound diagnostic device according to the present disclosure includes a main body unit having a main body for generating ultrasound images and a display for displaying the ultrasound images, a hinge mechanism provided on the main body, and a handle having two arms connected to the hinge mechanism and grips connected to the two arms, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a handle lock mechanism that locks the rotation angle of the handle at a first rotation angle when the grip is gripped to transport the main body unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the main unit can be protected when the main unit is carried by gripping the grip of the handle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a first perspective view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a first perspective view showing a main unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing the main unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cart according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a cart according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an initial state in the process of installing the main body. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing intermediate states in the process of installing the main body. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the knob and the ramp. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows the knob pressed in. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13]10A and 10B are diagrams showing a completed state in the main body installation process. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a plurality of mechanisms provided on the cart. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a handle fixed state and a main body fixed state. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the assembly in a restricted state. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the assembly in an operation restriction release state. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a main body installation process. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of removing the main body. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the rear space and waiting area. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the main unit in use. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the main unit in use. [Figure 23] 1 is a diagram showing a plurality of positions (rotation angles) that the handle can take. FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the main unit in a suspended state. [Figure 25] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a specific example of a hinge mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (1) Overview of the embodiment An ultrasound diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes a main body unit, a hinge mechanism, and a handle. The main body unit includes a main body that generates ultrasound images and a display that displays the ultrasound images. The hinge mechanism is provided on the main body. The handle includes two arms connected to the hinge mechanism and grips connected to the two arms. The hinge mechanism includes a handle lock mechanism that locks the rotation angle of the handle at a first rotation angle when the grips are held to transport the main body unit.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when the main unit is transported while being suspended, the posture of the main unit is stabilized, thereby reducing the possibility of the main unit colliding with other components. Since the hinge mechanism has a handle lock mechanism, the handle can be locked reliably.

[0015] In this embodiment, a hinge mechanism is provided at the rear of the main body. When the main body unit is in a suspended state, the rear of the main body unit is positioned at the top and the front of the main body unit is positioned at the bottom. The handle is indirectly connected to the main body via the hinge mechanism.

[0016] In one embodiment, the handle lock mechanism locks the rotation angle of the handle at a second rotation angle different from the first rotation angle when the handle is used as a stand. This configuration prevents inadvertent rotation of the handle, i.e., inadvertent changes in the handle's position, when the handle is used as a stand. For example, the handle lock function has one or more cams for locking the first rotation angle and the second rotation angle, respectively.

[0017] In this embodiment, the two arms each have a bent portion. The second rotation angle is the angle at which the two bent portions of the two arms come into contact with the support surface on which the main unit is placed and the grips move away from the support surface. With this configuration, the grips do not come into contact with the support surface, so they can be kept clean.

[0018] In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism is provided at the rear end of the main body. Each of the two arms has a first portion connected to the hinge mechanism, a second portion connected to the grip, and a bent portion between the first and second portions. When the handle is rotated at a first rotation angle, the two first portions of the two arms are in close proximity to or in contact with the rear surface of the main body. This configuration makes it less likely that the two first portions of the handle will get in the way when transporting the main body unit.

[0019] In an embodiment, the handle lock mechanism locks the rotation angle of the handle at a second rotation angle different from the first rotation angle when the handle is used as a stand. When the handle is used as a stand, the grip is positioned forward of the two bent portions of the two arms. This configuration can reduce or eliminate the amount of protrusion of the handle from the space below the main body.

[0020] In this embodiment, when the handle is used as a stand, the two bent portions come into contact with the surface on which the main unit is placed, creating a gap between the grip and the surface, which helps keep the grip clean.

[0021] In the embodiment, the main unit has a center of gravity. When the main unit is hung by grasping the grip, a vertical line passing through the center of gravity passes through the grip. With this configuration, the tilt angle of the main unit is slight when transporting the main unit, reducing the possibility of the main unit colliding with other components.

[0022] In an embodiment, the handle lock mechanism has a knob that is operated by a user when unlocking the rotation angle. This configuration makes it easy to unlock the rotation angle.

[0023] (2) Details of the embodiment (2-1) Ultrasound diagnostic equipment FIG. 1 shows an ultrasound diagnostic device 10 according to an embodiment. The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is a medical device used in performing ultrasound examinations in medical institutions. The ultrasound diagnostic device 10 is composed of an ultrasound diagnoser 12 and a cart 14. The ultrasound diagnoser 12 is composed of a main unit 16 and an ultrasound probe (not shown). The main unit 16 has a form similar to that of a notebook PC. Specifically, the main unit 16 is composed of a main body 18 and a display 20. In FIG. 1, the x direction is the left-right direction (width direction), the y direction is the front-back direction (depth direction), and the z direction is the up-down direction (height direction). Typically, a user is positioned in front of the main unit 16 and operates the main unit 16.

[0024] The cart 14 has a table 22 on which the main unit 16 is placed. The table 22 is a member that supports the main unit 16. The table 22 is slightly inclined with respect to the xy plane. The angle of inclination is, for example, within a range of 8 to 12 degrees. A connector 24 is provided on the right side of the main body 18. A connector of an ultrasonic probe is detachably connected to the connector 24. The ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic waves to a living body and receives reflected waves from the living body.

[0025] The main body 18 has a case. Multiple electronic circuits are provided inside the case. The multiple electronic circuits include a receiving circuit, a transmitting circuit, a processor, etc. The processor functions as a generator that generates an ultrasound image based on a received signal acquired by transmitting and receiving ultrasound. The display 20 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic LED Display), etc. During an ultrasound examination, an ultrasound image is displayed on the display 20 in the open state.

[0026] 2 shows the rear of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 10. A handle 26 is rotatably attached to the rear of the main body 18. Prior to use of the main body 18, the main body 18 is fixed to the cart 14, and the handle 26 is also fixed to the cart 14. In order to fix the handle 26 to the cart 14, a hook member 28 serving as a movable member is provided on the rear of the cart 14.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows the rear of the main unit 16. A1 indicates the horizontal rotation axis of the handle 26. When the main unit 16 is being transported, the rotation angle of the handle 26 is locked at a first rotation angle. As shown in FIG. 3, when the handle 26 is being used as a stand, the rotation angle of the handle 26 is locked at a second rotation angle.

[0028] A hinge mechanism 30 is provided on the underside of the rear of the main body 18. The hinge mechanism 30 includes a hinge, a handle lock mechanism, a knob 32, and the like. The hinge includes a bearing. The handle lock mechanism locks the rotation angle of the handle. The knob 32 is a member that is operated to release the handle lock. The hinge mechanism 30 has two openings spaced apart in the left-right direction, specifically, two pin holes 34. When fixing the main unit 16 on the cart, two pins are inserted into the two pin holes 34. In this case, the two pin holes 34 function as first engagement portions, and the two pins function as second engagement portions. The handle 26 is connected to the main body 18 via the hinge mechanism 30.

[0029] A support mechanism 38 is provided between the main body 18 and the display device 20. The support mechanism 38 has the function of rotating the display device 20 around a vertical rotation axis A2 and the function of rotating the display device 20 around a horizontal rotation axis A3. The horizontal rotation axis A3 is provided on the vertical rotation axis A2.

[0030] The rear of the main unit 16 is also shown in Figure 4. The rotation angle of the handle 26 is locked at a first rotation angle. In this state, the main unit 16 can be suspended using the handle 26 and transported. The handle 26 consists of a first arm 40 and a second arm 42 connected to the hinge mechanism 30, and a grip 44 connected to the first arm 40 and the second arm 42. The grip 44 is a rod-shaped portion that is held by the user's hand. Each arm 40, 42 has a bent shape.

[0031] 5 shows the cart 14. The cart 14 has a base 46, and the base 46 is provided with four casters 48. The base 46 supports a support column 50. The support column 50 has an extension function. The support column 50 supports the table 22.

[0032] The table 22 consists of a front portion 22A, a middle portion 22B, and a rear portion 22C. The middle portion 22B is recessed. The main unit is placed on the front portion 22A and the rear portion 22C. The rear portion 22C is integrated with a housing 58, which is a structural body. A cart handle 52 is provided to surround the table 22. The cart handle 52 has two cart grips 56. The cart handle 52 is fixed to the table 22 by multiple connecting members. One of the multiple connecting members is a front block 54.

[0033] 6 shows the top surface of the cart 14. A front block 54 is provided in front of the table 22. A rear surface 54A of the front block 54 is a holding surface. The front part of the main body abuts against the rear surface 54A, and in this state, the front part of the main body is held by the front block 54.

[0034] The housing 58 provided at the rear of the cart 14 has a recess structure 60. The recess structure 60 has a first groove 60A, a second groove 60B, and a recess 60C. The recess 60C has a tray-like shape. The recess 60C is connected to the first groove 60A and the second groove 60B. The housing 58 has a contact portion that comes into contact with the knob, and the contact portion has a slope 62 that presses against the knob.

[0035] The cart 14 has a handle locking mechanism 64, a main body locking mechanism 66, a link mechanism 68, and a safety mechanism 70. All of these mechanisms are provided at the rear of the cart 14. The handle locking mechanism 64 is provided outside the housing 58. The handle locking mechanism 64 has a hook member 28. The main body locking mechanism 66 and the safety mechanism 70 are housed within the housing 58, with the exception of some components. The link mechanism 68 is provided across the inside and outside of the housing 58. The link mechanism 68 may be provided outside or inside the housing 58. The safety mechanism 70 has a button 71 as a movable member. The housing 58 has an opening through which the button 71 moves up and down.

[0036] (2-2) Fixing the main body and handle The process of placing the main unit on the cart will be described below, along with the mechanisms provided on the cart.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows the initial state. The rotation angle of the handle 26 relative to the main body 18 is the first rotation angle. The first rotation angle is 0 degrees. The handle 26 is in a locked state. The user holds the grip 44 and hangs the main unit 16. In this state, the front part 18A of the main body 18 is placed on the front part 22A of the table 22 (see reference numeral 72). The main unit 16 is then tilted over. This causes the main unit 16 to move downward (rotate) (see reference numeral 74).

[0038] Figure 8 shows an intermediate state. The main unit 16 is in an inclined position. The rotation angle of the handle 26 remains locked at a first rotation angle. The handle 26 has a grip 44, a first arm 40, and a second arm 42. As the main unit 16 descends, the first arm 40 is inserted into the first groove 60A, and at the same time, the second arm 42 is inserted into the second groove 60B. An exhaust port 117 is provided on the rear surface of the main body 18. The exhaust port 117 is made up of multiple parts lined up in the left-right direction. The exhaust air (warm or hot air) emitted from the exhaust port 117 flows rearward of the main body 18.

[0039] The housing 58 has a flat surface 120. The flat surface 120 extends in the left-right and front-rear directions and functions as an exhaust guide. As will be described later, a rear space is defined behind the main body 18 with the exhaust port 117 as a reference. The flat surface 120 extends along the lower surface of the rear space while approaching the lower surface. The flat surface 120 is composed of an intermediate portion 120A located between the first groove 60A and the second groove 60B, a first end portion 120B located outside the first groove 60A in the left-right direction, and a second end portion 120C located outside the second groove 60B in the left-right direction. The left-right direction is the direction in which the first groove 60A and the second groove 60B are aligned.

[0040] Figure 9 shows the intermediate state from a different angle. The hinge mechanism provided on the main body has a knob 32. The housing has a slope 62 that contacts the knob. The first arm 40 of the handle 26 has a bent portion, and a pad 43 is provided at the bent portion. The second arm also has a bent portion, and a pad is also provided at the bent portion. Each pad is made of a material with anti-slip properties. The handle 26 is a hard, solid member. Each pad is made of a softer material than the handle 26.

[0041] Figure 10 shows the intermediate state from another angle. Figure 10 corresponds to a front view. In Figure 10, the main body 18 is represented by a dashed line. The handle 26 is connected to the hinge mechanism 30. The hinge mechanism 30 has a knob 32. A slope 62 is provided in front of the first groove 60A. During the downward movement to install the main body unit on the cart, the knob 32 hits the slope 62, and a pressing force is applied to the knob 32 from the slope 62. This pushes the knob 32 toward the handle 26.

[0042] 11 shows the state in which the knob 32 is pushed in by the slope 62 (see reference numeral 80). By pushing the knob 32, the handle lock is automatically released, allowing the handle 26 to rotate freely. In this state, the user pushes the handle 26 toward the rear (see reference numeral 82), and part of the handle 26 enters the recess structure 60 formed in the housing 58.

[0043] 12 shows the second groove 60B in an intermediate state. The safety mechanism 70 has a button 71. The button 71 moves up and down through an opening formed in the bottom surface of the housing (in front of the second groove 60B). Specifically, the button 71 moves up and down between a first height and a second height. The hinge mechanism 30 has two pin holes 34 that function as first engagement portions.

[0044] Figure 13 shows the completed state. The rotation angle of the handle 26 is set to an angle for locking the handle, which is greater than the first rotation angle and less than the second rotation angle. The handle lock mechanism in the hinge mechanism is not activated and is in an unlocked state. However, the two arms are in contact with the bottom surfaces of the two grooves, restricting further downward movement of the handle 26. A portion of the grip 44 is recessed into the recess structure 60 without contacting it.

[0045] In Figure 13, the handle locking mechanism 64 is in an activated state. Specifically, the hook member 28 of the handle locking mechanism 64 is in an upright position, and the end (hook) 28A of the hook member 28 is hooked onto the upper surface of the grip 44. This restrains the handle 26, that is, the handle 26 is fixed to the cart. When the hook member 28 is in an activated state, a hook lock mechanism (not shown) provided inside the hook member 28 functions to lock the rotation angle of the hook member 28, that is, a hook locked state is created. The hook locked state is released when the user operates the release button 83.

[0046] As the handle locking mechanism 64 operates, the main body locking mechanism 66 operates via the link mechanism 68. Prior to the operation of the main body locking mechanism 66, the safety mechanism 70 operates, as will be described in detail below.

[0047] FIG. 14 shows a schematic diagram of several mechanisms provided on the cart. The handle 26 has been rotated to a rotation angle for locking the handle (see reference numeral 92). The housing 58 has a lateral groove 60D that accommodates the hinge mechanism 30. An opening is formed in the bottom surface of the lateral groove 60D, and the button moves up and down through the opening. A handle locking mechanism 64 is provided on the outside of the housing 58, and the handle locking mechanism 64 has a hook member 28. The hook member 28 rotates around a specific rotation axis.

[0048] A main body fixing mechanism 66 and a safety mechanism 70 are provided inside the housing 58. A link mechanism 68 is provided between the handle fixing mechanism 64 and the main body fixing mechanism 66. The safety mechanism 70 has a button that is pressed by the underside of the hinge mechanism, and a stopper 90 that moves out of the way when the button moves downward (see reference numerals 94 and 96).

[0049] When the stopper 90 is in an activated state (see symbol 90A), operation of the main body fixing mechanism 66 is prohibited. Specifically, when the main body unit is not installed on the cart and the button is in a raised state, i.e., the button is located at a first height, the stopper 90 is in an activated state (see symbol 90A). On the other hand, when the main body unit is installed on the cart and the button is in a sunken state, i.e., the button is located at a second height, the stopper 90 is in an inactivated state.

[0050] The main body fixing mechanism 66 has a slider 84. The slider 84 has a frame 86 that performs sliding movement. Two pins 88 serving as two protrusions are fixed to the frame 86. The two pins 88 correspond to the second movable member and also to the second engagement portion.

[0051] A hinge mechanism 30 is provided on the underside 18C of the rear of the main body 18. The hinge mechanism 30 has two pin holes 34 as two openings. The two pin holes 34 correspond to first engagement portions. When two pins 88 are inserted into the two pin holes 34, that is, when the second engagement portions engage with the first engagement portions, the main body 18 is fixed to the cart. The main body cannot be removed from the cart unless the fixed state is released.

[0052] 14, when the main body 18 is installed on the cart, the safety mechanism 70 allows the slider 84 to move forward. In this state, the hook member 28 is rotated to hook the hook member 28 onto the grip 44 (see reference numeral 98), thereby establishing a fixed state for the handle 26. The movement of the hook member 28 at this time is transmitted to the main body fixing mechanism 66 via the link mechanism 68. This causes the slider 84 to move forward (see reference numeral 102), and the two pins 88 are inserted into the two pin holes 34. This establishes a fixed state for the main body.

[0053] 15 shows the main body fixed state and the handle fixed state. End 28A of hook member 28 in handle fixing mechanism 64 presses down on grip 44 in handle 26, and pressing force 106 is exerted from end 28A to grip 44. Due to the action of link mechanism 68, movement of hook member 28 causes sliding movement of the slider in main body fixing mechanism 66. Stopper 90 in safety mechanism 70 is in a retracted state. Two pins 88 in main body fixing mechanism 66 are inserted into two pin holes 34 in hinge mechanism 30.

[0054] 16 shows an assembly provided on a cart. The assembly corresponds to a specific example of a handle locking mechanism 64, a main body locking mechanism 66, a link mechanism 68, and a safety mechanism 70. The safety mechanism 70 limits the operation of the main body locking mechanism 66.

[0055] The handle fixing mechanism 64 has a hook member 28 that rotates around a horizontal rotation axis A4. A member 114 that protrudes forward is provided on the front side of the hook member 28, and the member 114 functions as a link mechanism 68.

[0056] The main body fixing mechanism 66 has a slider 84, and the slider 84 has a frame 86. The frame 86 has a plate 86A and a plate 86B. A pressing force from the link mechanism 68 acts on the plate 86B. Two pins 88 are fixed to the plate 86A. The frame 86 has a protrusion 104.

[0057] The safety mechanism 70 has a button 71 that moves up and down and a base 108 equipped with the button 71. The base 108 rotates (seesaws) around a rotation axis 110. The end of the base 108 is a stopper 90. The stopper 90 is located in front of the protrusion 104, and prevents the slider 84 from moving forward. In FIG. 16, the Y direction is the sliding direction of the slider 84. The X direction is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0058] In FIG. 17, the safety mechanism 70 allows the body fixing mechanism 66 to operate. Specifically, the button 71 is depressed and the base 108 is tilted. The stopper 90 provided on the base 108 is retracted upward. In this state, even if the protrusion 104 moves forward, the protrusion 104 will not collide with the stopper 90. In other words, the forward movement of the slider 84 is allowed. Note that a retracting force is applied to the slider 84 by a spring (not shown). Therefore, the slider 84 will not move forward on its own.

[0059] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the main body installation process. In S10, the front of the main body is placed on the cart. The safety mechanism creates a slide-restricted state, and the handle lock mechanism creates a handle-locked state. The handle-locked state is a state in which the handle is locked relative to the main body, and is different from a state in which the handle is fixed relative to the cart.

[0060] In S12, the body starts to move downward. In S14, the knob is pushed in as it abuts against the slope. This releases the handle lock in S16. Meanwhile, in S18, the bottom surface of the hinge mechanism pushes in the button. This releases the slide restriction by the safety mechanism in S20. In other words, the body fixing mechanism becomes operable.

[0061] In S22, installation of the main body on the cart is completed. In S24, the user tilts the handle toward the rear. In S26, the user operates the hook member, causing the hook portion to be hooked onto the grip. That is, in S28, a handle fixed state is created. The movement of the hook member is transmitted to the main body fixing mechanism, causing the main body fixing mechanism to operate. Two pins on the main body fixing mechanism are inserted into two pin holes on the main body side. This creates a main body fixed state in S28. Thereafter, in S30, an ultrasound examination of the subject is performed using the ultrasound diagnostic device. In S30, the main body unit may be transported using a cart.

[0062] With the above configuration, in addition to fixing the main body to the cart, the handle is also fixed to the cart, which further strengthens the fixation of the main body. Since the handle is prohibited from moving freely while the main body unit is in use, problems such as the handle colliding with other components or overload caused by lifting the handle do not occur.

[0063] Furthermore, with the above configuration, the handle lock and slide lock are automatically released during the process of tilting the main unit, so there is no burden on the user when releasing them. The safety mechanism prohibits the operation of the main unit fixing mechanism when the main unit is not installed on the cart, so the two pins do not accidentally protrude. Therefore, the main unit does not collide with the two pins.

[0064] 19 is a flowchart showing the process of removing the main unit from the cart. In S32, use of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus ends. The main unit may be removed from the cart for other reasons.

[0065] In S34, the hook member is tilted backward by operating the unlock button. In S36, the handle is released, and at the same time, the main body is released. In S38, the user grasps the grip on the handle and pulls the grip upward. This causes the main body unit to rotate.

[0066] In S40, the knob comes off the slope, causing it to protrude, and in S42, the handlebars are locked. The minimum handlebar rotation angle is the first rotation angle, or 0 degrees, at which the handlebars are locked. From that point on, the handlebars remain locked unless the knob is operated.

[0067] Meanwhile, in S44, the button rises as the main unit is pulled up, specifically, the button rises from the second height to the first height. This inhibits the operation of the main unit fixing mechanism in S46, i.e., inhibits the slider from sliding. In S48, the main unit is removed from the cart. The slide restriction state is maintained, and the handle lock state is also maintained.

[0068] (2-3) Relationship between rear space and waiting area FIG. 20 shows the rear of the main body 18 and the rear of the cart. The x direction is horizontal, which is the front-to-back direction of the ultrasound diagnostic device. The z direction is vertical, which is the up-and-down direction of the ultrasound diagnostic device. The main body 18 is tilted on the cart. The y' direction and z' direction are directions defined based on the tilted main body 18. The y' direction is parallel to the central axis of the main body 18, which is the depth direction of the main body 18. The z' direction is perpendicular to the central axis of the main body 18, which is the height direction of the main body 18. The central axis of the main body 18 is an imaginary axis that passes through the center of the front and the center of the rear of the main body 18.

[0069] The main body 18 has a rear surface 18B facing rearward. In the illustrated example, the rear surface 18B is a surface that is perpendicular to the central axis of the main body 18. An exhaust port 117 is provided on the rear surface 18B. The exhaust port 117 is made up of multiple parts lined up in the left-right direction. A fan unit 116 is provided on the rear of the main body 18. The fan unit 116 is made up of multiple fans lined up in the left-right direction.

[0070] A rear space 118 is defined by virtually translating the exhaust port 117 rearward (in the y' direction). The rear space 118 is a three-dimensional space, and specifically, is made up of a plurality of cubic spaces corresponding to the plurality of portions that make up the exhaust port 117. The space below the rear space 118 is a lower space 123.

[0071] The housing 58 supports the rear of the main body 18. The housing 58 has a flat surface 120 that functions as an exhaust guide. The flat surface 120 is close to the lower surface of the rear space 118 and extends two-dimensionally along the lower surface. The flat surface 120 is located close to the exhaust port 117, and the front edge 120a of the flat surface 120 is close to the lower edge of the rear surface 18B (the lower edge of the exhaust port 117). A slope 122 extends diagonally downward from the rear edge 120b of the flat surface 120. The slope 122 is the bottom surface of the recess 60C in the recess structure 60. The recess 60C has a tray-like shape.

[0072] The handle has two arms. The first arm 40 has a first portion 40A connected to a hinge mechanism and a second portion 40B connected to the grip 44, and further has a bent portion 40C between the first portion 40A and the second portion 40B. The second arm has a similar configuration to the first arm 40.

[0073] The first portion 40A and the bent portion 40C extend into the lower portion of the rear space 118. Most of the second portion 40B belongs to the lower space 123. When viewed rearward from the exhaust port 117 (to be precise, in the y' direction), the first portion 40A and the second portion 40B overlap, or in other words, the second portion 40B is hidden behind the first portion 40A and the bent portion 40C. The same is true for the second arm.

[0074] The cart has a waiting area 44X provided below the rear space 118. The waiting area 44X is where the grip 44 is located when the handle is fixed. The waiting area 44X belongs to the lower space 123 and is close to the slope 122. When the grip 44 is located in the waiting area 44X, the grip 44 is not in contact with the housing 58. There is a gap between the grip 44 and the slope 122 large enough for a fingertip to fit in. Note that the first arm and the second arm are in contact with the bottom surfaces of the first groove and the second groove, and the lifting force of the button is acting on the second arm, so further rotation of the handle in the clockwise direction in FIG. 20 is restricted.

[0075] The exhaust air coming out of the exhaust port 117 is guided by the flat surface 120 and heads generally rearward while diffusing to some extent (see symbol 118a). It is thought that some of the exhaust air travels diagonally downward along the slope 122, but the amount of this portion is small. Moreover, this portion travels while diffusing. Only a small amount of exhaust air reaches the grip 44. In other words, the amount of heat imparted from the exhaust air to the grip 44 is small. The slope 122 and the grip 44 are in a non-contact relationship, and no direct heat conduction occurs between them. The hook member 28 contacts the grip 44, but because the hook member 28 is the innermost member of the cart, heat conduction from the hook member 28 to the grip 44 can be practically ignored.

[0076] When focusing on the first arm 40, the exhaust air coming out of the exhaust port 171 hits the first portion 40A and the bent portion 40C, causing a temperature rise in those portions. Heat conduction from the bent portion 40C to the second portion 40B can occur. However, the amount of exhaust air hitting the second portion 40B is small, and heat dissipation to the outside is expected from the second portion 40B. Therefore, the temperature of the second portion 40B decreases as it approaches the grip 44. Ultimately, the amount of heat transferred from the second portion 40B to the grip 44 is small. The same can be said for the second arm.

[0077] Therefore, even when exhaust air is released from the exhaust port, the temperature rise of the grip 44 is small. Conversely, the waiting area 44X is set so that the grip 44 does not become too hot. Even if the user holds the grip 44 when removing the main unit from the cart after an ultrasound examination, the user will not feel any heat or discomfort.

[0078] (2-4) Steering wheel and steering wheel lock Figure 21 shows the ultrasonic diagnostic device 12 placed on a general-purpose table. The ultrasonic probe is not shown. The main unit 16 is composed of a main body 18 that generates ultrasonic images and a display 20 that displays the ultrasonic images. The display 20 is in an open state. The main body 18 has an operation panel 130 and a touch screen panel 132. The main body 18 has a connector 24 to which the ultrasonic probe is connected.

[0079] A handle 26 is rotatably attached to the rear of the main body 18. In Figure 21, the rotation angle of the handle 26 is locked at a second rotation angle, and the handle 26 is used as a stand.

[0080] 22 shows a side view of the main unit 16. The table surface 134 is flat, and the main unit is placed on the table surface 134. Specifically, the front part of the main body 18 contacts the table surface 134 (see reference numeral 136), and two bent portions of the handle 26 also contact the table surface 134 (see reference numeral 138).

[0081] FIG. 23 shows the handle 26 in the stand position. The rotation angle of the handle 26 is at a second rotation angle θ2. FIG. 23 shows the second arm 42 of the handle 26. The second arm 42 has a first portion 42A connected to the hinge mechanism 30, a second portion 42B connected to the grip, and a bent portion 42C between the first portion 42A and the second portion 42B. The underside of the bent portion 42C (specifically, the pad) is in contact with the table surface. The same is true for the first arm.

[0082] When the handle 26 is used as a stand, the grip does not come into contact with the table surface. A gap 140 exists between the grip and the table surface. A second portion of each arm extends forward from the bent portion, and the two arms are entirely housed in the space below the main body.

[0083] Reference numeral 26A indicates the handle during transportation. The first rotation angle θ0 is 0 degrees. Reference numeral 26B indicates the handle when fixed. The intermediate rotation angle θ1 is, for example, in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. The second rotation angle θ2 is, for example, 180 degrees. The maximum rotation angle θ3 is, for example, 230 degrees. Reference numeral 26C indicates the handle rotated to the maximum rotation angle θ3. The handle lock mechanism locks the rotation of the handle at the first rotation angle θ0 and the second rotation angle θ2. When the rotation angle of the handle 26 is at the first rotation angle θ0 and the handle 26 is locked, the two first portions of the handle are close to the rear surface. Note that each of the two first portions has a bent shape.

[0084] Reference numeral 146 denotes a horizontal line, and reference numeral 144 denotes the central axis of the main body. The inclination angle θa of the central axis 144 relative to the horizontal line 146 is, for example, within a range of 8 to 12 degrees. The inclination angle θa of the main body when the handle 26 is used as a stand is the same as the inclination angle of the main body on the cart.

[0085] When the handle 26 is used as a stand, the rotation angle of the handle 26 is locked at the second rotation angle θ2, stabilizing the posture of the main unit. Also, as described above, the grip does not come into contact with the table surface, making it hygienic. Furthermore, because the handle does not protrude from the rear of the main unit, it has the advantage of not getting in the way.

[0086] Figure 24 shows the state of the main unit 16 during transportation. The main unit 16 has a center of gravity 148. Reference numeral 152 denotes a vertical line passing through the center of gravity 148. The vertical line 152 passes through the center 150 of the grip. Reference numeral 153 denotes a line (unit center line) that is parallel to the central axis of the main body and passes through the center of gravity 148. The vertical line 152 passes within the width 150 of the grip. The inclination angle of the unit center line 153 with respect to the vertical line 152 is very small, for example, less than 2 or 4 degrees.

[0087] The main unit 16 is transported while being suspended. At this time, the rotation angle of the handle 26 is locked at the first rotation angle, and the tilt angle θb of the main unit 16 with respect to the vertical line 152 is very small, so that the risk of the main unit 16 coming into contact with or colliding with other objects (including the user) can be reduced.

[0088] FIG. 25 shows a portion of the hinge mechanism 30. The hinge mechanism 30 has a hinge 161, a handle lock mechanism 162, a knob 32, etc. The hinge 161 has a bearing. The handle lock mechanism 162 has multiple cam plates. The knob 32 is subjected to an elastic force in the protruding direction. When the knob 32 is pressed in, the handle lock is temporarily released. Reference numeral 166 denotes the connecting portion of the arm. Various mechanisms can be used for the hinge mechanism 30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10 Ultrasound diagnostic device, 12 Ultrasound diagnostic device, 14 Cart, 16 Main unit, 18 Main body, 20 Display, 22 Table, 26 Handle, 28 Hook member, 30 Hinge mechanism, 44 Grip, 44X Waiting area, 58 Housing, 60 Recess structure, 64 Handle fixing mechanism, 66 Main body fixing mechanism, 68 Link mechanism, 70 Safety mechanism, 117 Exhaust port, 118 Rear space.

Claims

1. a main unit having a main body for generating an ultrasound image and a display for displaying the ultrasound image; a hinge mechanism provided on the main body; a handle having two arms connected to the hinge mechanism and a grip connected to the two arms; Including, the hinge mechanism includes a handle lock mechanism that locks the rotation angle of the handle at a first rotation angle when the main unit is transported by gripping the grip. An ultrasonic diagnostic device comprising:

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, the handle lock mechanism locks the rotation angle of the handle at a second rotation angle different from the first rotation angle when the handle is used as a stand. An ultrasound diagnostic device characterized by:

3. 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, The two arms each have a bent portion; the second rotation angle is an angle at which two bent portions of the two arms come into contact with a placement surface on which the main unit is placed and the grips move away from the placement surface; An ultrasound diagnostic device characterized by:

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, the hinge mechanism is provided at the rear end of the main body, The two arms each have: a first portion coupled to the hinge mechanism; a second portion connected to the grip; a bent portion between the first portion and the second portion; and When the rotation angle of the handle is the first rotation angle, the two first portions of the two arms are close to or in contact with the rear surface of the main body. An ultrasound diagnostic device characterized by:

5. 5. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, the handle lock mechanism locks a rotation angle of the handle at a second rotation angle different from the first rotation angle when the handle is used as a stand; When the handle is used as the stand, the grip is located forward of the two bent portions of the two arms. An ultrasound diagnostic device characterized by:

6. 6. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 5, When the handle is used as the stand, the two bent portions come into contact with a surface on which the main unit is placed, and a gap is formed between the grip and the surface. An ultrasound diagnostic device characterized by:

7. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, The main unit has a center of gravity, When the main unit is hung by gripping the grip, a vertical line passing through the center of gravity passes through the grip. An ultrasound diagnostic device characterized by:

8. The ultrasonic diagnostic device according to claim 1, The handle lock mechanism has a knob that is operated by a user to unlock the rotation angle. An ultrasound diagnostic device characterized by:

Images