Waterproofing of portable medical devices

Abstract

To provide a drip-proof structure of portable medical equipment that can maintain drop-proof performance while reducing pressure applied to the structure, and can be actualized at low cost.SOLUTION: A drip-proof structure of portable medical equipment comprises a gasket 40, a gasket holding part 41 and a press projection 51. The portable medical equipment, on the other hand, is so structured as to have a first structure 13 and a second structure 14 attached detachably across the gasket 40. The gasket holding part 41 has an annular groove 42 for housing and retaining the gasket 40, and also has an annular recessed part 45 in a bottom part of the annular groove 42. The press projection 51 bites in almost to a half of the diameter D1 of the gasket 40 to press the gasket 40 toward the bottom part of the annular groove 42. A pair of step parts 46 at an opening edge of the recessed part 45, on the other hand, bites in the gasket 40 to press the gasket 40 toward the press projection 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drip-proof structure for a portable medical device in which a first structure and a second structure are detachably attached via a packing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a demand for providing a waterproof function to portable medical devices such as ultrasound diagnostic imaging devices used to diagnose livestock such as cows and pigs. As a method for providing a waterproof function to portable medical devices, for example, sealing the gap between a pair of structures that are combined with each other with a packing has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 7). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-287768 A (Fig. 1 etc.) [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-30773 A (Figs. 2, 5, 6, etc.) [Patent Document 3] JP 9-18169 A (claims 1 to 4, figures 3 and 4, etc.) [Patent Document 4] JP 2013-8844 A (Figs. 2, 3, etc.) [Patent Document 5] JP 2013-26190 A (paragraphs

[0045] ,

[0046] , Figure 3, etc.) [Patent Document 6] JP 11-25940 A (paragraphs

[0010] ,

[0011] , Figure 3, etc.) [Patent Document 7] JP 2008-288174 A (paragraph

[0031] , Figure 7, etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to maintain the water resistance of portable medical devices, it is necessary to apply a certain amount of pressure to the packing by screwing the structures together, etc. However, if the pressure is too strong, the structure will deform. To prevent deformation of the structure, it is possible to screw the structures together in multiple places, strengthen the structure using metal, or fix the structure using a mechanical locking mechanism, but all of these methods lead to an increase in product costs.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a drip-proof structure for a portable medical device that can be realized at low cost, while maintaining drip-proofness while reducing the pressure applied to the structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 provides a drip-proof structure for a portable medical device in which a first structure having an opening and a second structure covering the opening are detachably attached via a packing, the structure comprising: the packing having a substantially circular cross section when not pressed; a packing holding part having an annular groove in which the packing is housed and held, the packing holding part being formed so as to surround the periphery of the opening; and a packing holder, which is provided on one of the first structure and the second structure on which the packing holding part is not formed, at a position where it can be inserted into the packing holding part. the packing retaining portion has an annular recess at the bottom of the annular groove at a position opposite the tip of the pressing ridge, and a pair of steps at the opening edge of the recess bite into the packing contained in the annular groove, thereby pressing the packing towards the pressing ridge.

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, the pressure ribs penetrate into the packing to about half its diameter, thereby pressing the packing toward the bottom of the annular groove. Furthermore, a pair of steps on the opening edge of the recess penetrate into the packing housed in the annular groove, pressing the packing toward the pressure ribs. This allows the packing to be efficiently compressed from two directions, maintaining the water resistance of the portable medical device without applying strong pressure to the packing or the structure. This eliminates the need for measures to prevent deformation of the structure, allowing the water resistance of the portable medical device to be realized at low cost. Furthermore, the packing has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape when not pressed, making it easy to form. Furthermore, since the annular groove has a recess at its bottom, the packing deforms when pressed toward the pressure ribs, and its outer peripheral surface contacts the inner surfaces of the annular groove and the recess. As a result, the interface between the packing retainer and the packing becomes complex, lengthening the path for water intrusion, thereby reliably blocking water intrusion from outside the portable medical device.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that in claim 1, the pressing ridge is arranged so as to be inclined toward the center of the opening.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, the pressing ridges are arranged at an angle, so that the tips of the pressing ridges bite into the packing at a position offset from the center. This reduces the pressure on the packing compared to when the tips of the pressing ridges bite into the center of the packing, preventing damage to the packing. Furthermore, because the pressing ridges are inclined toward the center of the opening, i.e., toward the inside of the first structure, the packing deforms and escapes to the outside of the first structure (opening) as it is pressed by the pressing ridges, and is pressed more strongly against the outer periphery of the packing retaining portion of the first structure. This makes it possible to block water droplets entering from the outside of the first structure before their intrusion path.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the annular groove is composed of an inner side wall provided on the first structure or the second structure in a state surrounding the opening, and an outer side wall provided on the first structure or the second structure in a state surrounding the inner side wall, and the height of the outer side wall is greater than the height of the inner side wall.

[0011] As the packing is pressed by the pressure ridge inclined toward the center of the opening, it deforms and escapes toward the outer periphery of the first structure or the second structure. Therefore, by making the height of the outer periphery side wall higher than the height of the inner periphery side wall, as in the invention described in claim 3, the packing accommodated in the annular groove can be reliably held.

[0012] The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that the packing is made of a material having closed cells in any one of claims 1 to 3. The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that the packing is made of a material having closed cells in claim 6.

[0013] According to the inventions of claims 4 and 7, the packing has closed cells, which makes it easy to compress, so that the waterproofing of the portable medical device can be maintained without applying strong pressure to the packing. In addition, the cells in the packing are closed cells that do not communicate with other cells, so that water droplets can be prevented from passing through the packing through the cells.

[0014] The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, the packing is pressed by the pressing ridges to come into surface contact and in close contact with the side and bottom surfaces of the annular groove and the side and bottom surfaces of the recessed portion.The invention of claim 8 is characterized in that, in claim 6, the packing is pressed by the pressing ridges to come into surface contact and in close contact with the side and bottom surfaces of the annular groove and the side and bottom surfaces of the recessed portion.

[0015] According to the inventions of claims 5 and 8, the packing is pressed against the pressure ridges, so that no gaps are formed between the outer peripheral surface of the packing and the inner surfaces (side and bottom surfaces) of the annular groove, or between the outer peripheral surface of the packing and the inner surfaces (side and bottom surfaces) of the recess. In this case, the interface between the packing and the packing retaining part, which has the annular groove and recess, becomes complex, which lengthens the path for water droplets to penetrate, improving the sealing and drip-proof properties of the portable medical device.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the second structure is a lid that covers the opening, the pressing protrusion is provided on the opening, and the packing retaining portion is provided on the inner surface of the lid.

[0017] According to the invention of claim 6, the packing housed in the annular groove of the packing retaining part is arranged on the lid body (second structure) side. Therefore, when the packing deteriorates, it can be replaced by simply replacing the lid body, making it easier to replace the packing than when the packing (packing retaining part) is arranged on the first structure side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above in detail, according to the inventions set forth in claims 1 to 8, a structure that can maintain drip-proofness while reducing the pressure applied to the structure can be realized at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a portable medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the packing, the packing holding portion, and the pressing ridges before the lid is closed. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the packing, the packing holding portion, and the pressing ridges before the rear case is attached to the front case. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the packing, the packing holding portion, and the pressing ridge after the rear case is attached to the front case. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the packing, the packing holding portion, and the pressing ridges after the lid body is closed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the packing, the packing holding portion, and the pressing ridge before the lid is closed in another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the packing, the packing holding portion, and the pressing ridge after the lid body is closed in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1 , an ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 (portable medical device) of this embodiment is an animal diagnostic device for diagnosing pregnancy in livestock such as cows and pigs. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 is connected to an ultrasound probe (not shown) via a signal transmission cable. The ultrasound probe is a member held by an operator, and a plurality of ultrasound transducers (not shown) are provided at its tip. A circuit board (not shown) is housed inside the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11, and a controller, a plurality of circuits, and the like are arranged on the circuit board. The controller is a microcomputer including a well-known central processing unit (CPU), and controls the entire ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 also includes a case main body 13 (first structure) having a battery opening 12, and a lid 14 (second structure) that covers the battery opening 12. A battery 21 for supplying power to each circuit can be housed in the battery opening 12.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the lid 14 is configured by integrally forming a main body 15, a front wall 16, a rear wall 17, and a pair of side walls 18. Five protrusions 31 are provided on one end surface 14a of the lid 14 (the outer surface of the rear wall 17) so as to be insertable into holes (not shown) formed in the case body 13. A pair of locking claws 32 are provided on the end (front wall 16) of the lid 14 opposite the side on which the protrusions 31 are provided so as to be engageable with locking holes 19 formed in the case body 13. By inserting the protrusions 31 into the holes and locking the locking claws 32 into the locking holes 19, the lid 14 is removably engaged with the periphery of the battery opening 12 of the case body 13.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a gasket retaining portion 41 having a substantially rectangular ring shape is provided on the inner surface 14b of the lid 14. The gasket retaining portion 41 is formed to surround the periphery of the battery opening 12 and has an annular groove 42 in which the gasket 40 is accommodated and retained. The gasket 40 of this embodiment is made of a silicone resin (so-called silicone sponge) with numerous closed cells and has a hardness of approximately 10 to 20. The hardness described herein is measured using a durometer in accordance with JIS K6253-3. The gasket 40 of this embodiment is a columnar member whose overall length is slightly longer than the overall length of the annular groove 42 and whose cross-sectional shape when not pressed is substantially circular. In this case, if the gasket 40 is inserted into the annular groove 42 with a slight press fit, both ends of the gasket 40 are pressed against each other, eliminating any gaps, thereby maintaining drip-proofing. The gasket 40 may also be a separate member, such as an O-ring.

[0024] Furthermore, the annular groove 42 is constituted by an inner circumferential side wall 43 provided on the lid body 14 in a state surrounding the battery opening 12, and an outer circumferential side wall 44 provided on the lid body 14 in a state surrounding the inner circumferential side wall 43, and has a side surface 42a and a bottom surface 42b. The height of the inner circumferential side wall 43 is equal to the height of the outer circumferential side wall 44.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a pressing ridge 51 for pressing the packing 40 is formed in the structure (case body 13 in this embodiment) on the side of the case body 13 and the lid body 14 where the packing retaining portion 41 is not formed, at a position where it can be inserted into the packing retaining portion 41. The pressing ridge 51 is protruding from the upper surface 13a of the case body 13 in a state where it surrounds the battery opening 12. The width of the pressing ridge 51 is between one-third and two-thirds of the width of the annular groove 42, and the length (height) of the pressing ridge 51 is between one-third and two-thirds of the depth of the annular groove 42. The pressing ridge 51 has a cross-sectional shape with a tapered tip and is arranged so as to be inclined toward the center C1 (see FIG. 2) of the battery opening 12. Therefore, the inclination angle θ1 of the inclined surface 51a on the inner peripheral side (the battery opening 12 side) of the pressing ridge 51 relative to the upper surface 13a of the case body 13 is larger than the inclination angle θ2 of the inclined surface 51b on the outer peripheral side of the pressing ridge 51 relative to the upper surface 13a. The angle θ3 formed by the inclined surfaces 51a and 51b is an acute angle, and is between 30° and 50° in this embodiment. The smaller the angle θ3, the smaller the pressure applied when crushing the packing 40. The tip of the pressing ridge 51 has a rounded cross-sectional shape.

[0026] 4 and 7, the pressing ridges 51 press the packing 40 toward the bottom of the annular groove 42 (upward in FIGS. 4 and 7) by biting into the packing 40 to about half the diameter D1, specifically, to 30% to 70% of the diameter D1 of the packing 40. If the pressing ridges 51 bite into the packing 40 to more than 70% of the diameter D1 of the packing 40, a strong pressure will be applied to the packing 40 to maintain the drip-proofing of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11, which may cause deformation of the case body 13 or the lid 14. Furthermore, the force pressing the lid 14 toward the case body 13 will be too strong, making it difficult to engage the locking claws 32 of the lid 14 with the locking holes 19 of the case body 13. On the other hand, if the biting depth of the pressing ridge 51 is less than 30% of the diameter D1 of the packing 40, the drip-proof performance will be reduced and water droplets will easily enter the battery opening 12.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the packing retaining portion 41 has an annular recess 45 at a position facing the tip of the pressing ridge 51 at the bottom of the annular groove 42, i.e., at the center of the bottom of the annular groove 42. The width of the recess 45 is between one-third and one-half of the width of the pressing ridge 51, and the depth of the recess 45 is between 10% and 30% of the depth of the annular groove 42. The recess 45 also has a side surface 45a and a bottom surface 45b. A pair of steps 46 on the opening edge of the recess 45 bite into the packing 40 accommodated in the annular groove 42, thereby pressing the packing 40 toward the pressing ridge 51. Both steps 46 (i.e., the connection between the side surface 45a of the recess 45 and the bottom surface 42b of the annular groove 42) have a rounded cross-sectional shape.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, linear reinforcement ribs 61, 62 are provided at multiple locations on the inner surface 14b of the lid 14 in a front view. Specifically, the inner surface 14b of the lid 14 is provided with a plurality of first reinforcement ribs 61 extending in the depth direction of the lid 14 (the up-down direction in FIG. 3) and a plurality of second reinforcement ribs 62 arranged perpendicular to the first reinforcement ribs 61 and extending in the width direction of the lid 14 (the left-right direction in FIG. 3). The reinforcement ribs 61, 62 intersect with each other within the inner region A1 surrounded by the packing retaining portion 41, forming a lattice pattern in a front view. The distance between adjacent first reinforcement ribs 61 in the inner region A1 is smaller than the distance between adjacent first reinforcement ribs 61 in the outer region A2 of the packing retaining portion 41. Similarly, the spacing between adjacent second reinforcing ribs 62 in the inner region A1 is smaller than the spacing between adjacent second reinforcing ribs 62 in the outer region A2. That is, the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 in the inner region A1 are arranged more densely than the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 in the outer region A2. Both ends of the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 in the inner region A1 are connected to the inner circumferential sidewall 43 that constitutes the annular groove 42. Meanwhile, one end of each of the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 in the outer region A2 (the end toward the center of the lid 14) is connected to the outer circumferential sidewall 44 that constitutes the annular groove 42. Furthermore, most of the other ends of the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 in the outer region A2 (the end toward the outer periphery of the lid 14) are connected to the front wall 16, rear wall 17, and sidewall 18 of the lid 14.

[0029] 1, 2, and 5, the case main body 13 includes a front case 72 (first structure) having a case opening 71, and a rear case 73 (second structure) covering the case opening 71. The front case 72 is a rectangular box with a bottom, with the case opening 71 at its rear end (top end in FIG. 5), and is configured to have a concave cross section by integrally forming a bottom (not shown) and four side walls 74. The front end (bottom end in FIG. 5) of the rear case 73 is fitted into the interior of the front case 72. The rear case 73 is a rectangular box with a bottom that opens at its front end (bottom end in FIG. 5), and is configured to have a concave cross section by integrally forming a ceiling 75 and four side walls 76.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5 , a substantially rectangular, annular packing retaining portion 81 is provided at the rear end (upper end in FIG. 5 ) of the side wall 74 of the front case 72. The packing retaining portion 81 is formed to surround the periphery of the case-side opening 71 and has an annular groove 82 in which the packing 80 is housed and retained. The packing 80 of this embodiment is made of the same material as the packing 40 (a silicone resin containing numerous closed cells). The packing 80 of this embodiment is a columnar member whose overall length is slightly longer than the overall length of the annular groove 82 and whose cross-sectional shape when not pressed is substantially circular. In this case, if the packing 80 is inserted into the annular groove 82 with a slight press fit, both ends of the packing 80 are pressed against each other, eliminating any gaps, thereby maintaining drip-proofing. The packing 80 may be a separate member, such as an O-ring.

[0031] Furthermore, the annular groove 82 is constituted by an inner peripheral side wall 83 provided on the front case 72 in a state surrounding the case-side opening 71, and an outer peripheral side wall 84 provided on the front case 72 in a state surrounding the inner peripheral side wall 83, and has a side surface 82a and a bottom surface 82b. The height of the outer peripheral side wall 84 is greater than the height of the inner peripheral side wall 83.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5 , a pressing ridge 91 for pressing the packing 80 is formed in the structure (in this embodiment, the rear case 73) on the side where the packing retaining portion 81 is not formed, of the front case 72 and the rear case 73. The pressing ridge 91 is protruding from the front end surface 76a (the lower end surface in FIG. 5 ) of the side wall 76 of the rear case 73, surrounding the case-side opening 71. The width of the pressing ridge 91 is between one-third and two-thirds of the width of the annular groove 82, and the length (height) of the pressing ridge 91 is between one-third and two-thirds of the depth of the annular groove 82. The pressing ridge 91 has a cross-sectional shape that tapers toward the tip (the lower end in FIG. 5 ) and is disposed so as to be inclined toward the center of the case-side opening 71. Therefore, the inclination angle θ4 of the inclined surface 91a on the outer periphery of the pressing ridge 91 relative to the front end surface 76a of the side wall 76 is smaller than the inclination angle θ5 of the inclined surface 91b on the inner periphery (toward the case-side opening 71) of the pressing ridge 91 relative to the front end surface 76a. The angle θ6 formed by the inclined surface 91a and the inclined surface 91b is an acute angle, and is between 30° and 50° in this embodiment. The smaller the angle θ6, the smaller the pressure applied when crushing the packing 80. The tip end (the lower end in FIG. 5) of the pressing ridge 91 has a rounded cross-sectional shape.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pressing ridges 91 press the packing 80 toward the bottom of the annular groove 82 (downward in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) by biting into the packing 80 to about half the diameter D2, specifically, 30% to 70% of the diameter D2 of the packing 80. If the pressing ridges 91 penetrate more than 70% of the diameter D2 of the packing 80, a strong force will be applied to the packing 80 to maintain the drip-proofing of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11, which may cause deformation of the front case 72 or the rear case 73. Furthermore, the force pressing the rear case 73 toward the front case 72 will be too strong, making it difficult to screw the rear case 73 to the front case 72. On the other hand, if the pressing ridges 91 penetrate less than 30% of the diameter D2 of the packing 80, the drip-proofing performance will be reduced and water droplets will be more likely to enter the case body 13.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5 , the packing retaining portion 81 has an annular recess 85 at a position facing the tip of the pressing ridge 91 at the bottom of the annular groove 82. In this embodiment, the recess 85 is located at a position offset toward the inner periphery of the bottom of the annular groove 82. The recess 85 has a side surface 85a and a bottom surface 85b. The width of the recess 85 is slightly smaller than the width of the pressing ridge 91, and the depth of the recess 85 is 10% to 30% of the depth of the annular groove 82 (i.e., the height from the bottom surface 85b to the upper end surface of the outer periphery side wall 84). A pair of steps 86 on the opening edge of the recess 85 bite into the packing 80 accommodated in the annular groove 82, thereby pressing the packing 80 toward the pressing ridge 91. The outer periphery-side step 86 (i.e., the connection portion between the outer periphery-side side surface 85a of the recess 85 and the bottom surface 82b of the annular groove 82) has a rounded cross-sectional shape. Meanwhile, the inner peripheral side surface 82a of the annular groove 82 is an inclined surface that is inclined relative to the bottom surface 82b of the annular groove 82, and the area of ​​the bottom surface 82b on the inner peripheral side of the recess 85 is much smaller than the area of ​​the bottom surface 82b on the outer peripheral side of the recess 85. Furthermore, the inner peripheral step 86 (i.e., the connection portion between the inner peripheral side surface 85a of the recess 85 and the bottom surface 82b) has a non-rounded cross-sectional shape. The connection portion between the side surface 85a of the recess 85 and the bottom surface 85b also has a rounded cross-sectional shape.

[0035] Next, we will explain an examination method using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11. Note that an examination using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 starts when a gel is applied to the examination site of the livestock (the abdomen in the case of a pregnancy test), and then the power switch is operated with the ultrasound probe in contact with the examination site.

[0036] First, the controller starts transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves by the ultrasound probe. Specifically, it vibrates each ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound probe, and irradiates the ultrasound waves generated therein toward the examination area. Then, a portion of the ultrasound waves is reflected within the examination area, propagates toward the ultrasound probe, and is input (received) by the ultrasound transducer. Then, the ultrasound waves (reflected waves) received by the ultrasound transducer are converted into electrical signals (reflected wave signals). Furthermore, image display data of an ultrasound image is generated based on the converted reflected wave signals. Then, the controller transfers the image display data to a display device (not shown) of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11, and causes the display device to display the ultrasound image.

[0037] Next, a method for assembling the ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device 11 will be described.

[0038] First, a front case 72 having a case-side opening 71, a rear case 73 covering the case-side opening 71, and a lid 14 covering the battery opening 12 of the case body 13 (rear case 73) are prepared. Next, a packing 40 is press-fitted into the annular groove 42 of a packing holder 41 provided in the lid 14. A packing 80 is also press-fitted into the annular groove 82 of a packing holder 81 provided in the front case 72.

[0039] Next, the rear case 73 is attached to the front case 72 by screwing them together at multiple locations, thereby forming the case body 13. At this time, the tip of the pressing ridge 91 bites into a position shifted from the center O2 of the packing 80 toward the inside of the case body 13 (to the left in FIGS. 5 and 6), thereby pressing the packing 80 toward the bottom of the annular groove 82 (downward in FIGS. 5 and 6). As a result, the gap between the packing 80 and the pressing ridge 91 is closed. In addition, a pair of steps 86 on the opening edge of the recess 85 bite into the packing 80, thereby pressing the packing 80 toward the pressing ridge 91 (upward in FIGS. 5 and 6). As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the packing 80 comes into surface contact with the side surface 82a and bottom surface 82b of the annular groove 82 and the side surface 85a and bottom surface 85b of the recessed portion 85 (see FIG. 6), thereby closing the gap between the packing 80 and the annular groove 82 and the gap between the packing 80 and the recessed portion 85. This allows the packing 80 to block water droplets from entering the case main body 13 through the gap between the front case 72 and the rear case 73.

[0040] Next, the battery 21 is placed in the battery opening 12 of the case body 13. Furthermore, the lid 14 is attached to the case body 13. Specifically, first, the five protrusions 31 provided on the rear wall 17 of the lid 14 are inserted into the holes provided in the case body 13. Next, the front wall 16 side of the lid 14 is rotated around the rear wall 17 side so as to approach the case body 13, and then the pair of locking claws 32 provided on the front wall 16 are locked into the locking holes 19 provided in the case body 13. As a result, the lid 14 is engaged with the case body 13 and the battery opening 12 is covered by the lid 14, preventing the battery 21 placed in the battery opening 12 from falling out.

[0041] Furthermore, when the lid 14 is attached to the case 13, the tip of the pressing ridge 51 bites into a position shifted from the center O1 of the packing 40 toward the inside of the battery opening 12 (to the right in FIGS. 4 and 7), thereby pressing the packing 40 toward the bottom of the annular groove 42 (upward in FIGS. 4 and 7). As a result, the gap between the packing 40 and the pressing ridge 51 is closed. Furthermore, a pair of steps 46 on the opening edge of the recess 45 bite into the packing 40, thereby pressing the packing 40 toward the pressing ridge 51 (downward in FIGS. 4 and 7). As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the packing 40 comes into surface contact with the side surface 42 a and the bottom surface 42 b of the annular groove 42 and the side surface 45 a and the bottom surface 45 b of the recess 45, thereby tightly adhering to them (see FIG. 7), thereby closing the gap between the packing 40 and the annular groove 42 and the gap between the packing 40 and the recess 45. This allows the packing 40 to block water droplets from entering the battery opening 12 through the gap between the case body 13 and the lid 14.

[0042] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0043] (1) In the ultrasound imaging diagnostic device 11 of this embodiment, the pressing ridges 51 bite into the packing 40 to a depth of 30% to 70% of the diameter D1, thereby pressing the packing 40 toward the bottom of the annular groove 42 (upward in FIGS. 4 and 7). In addition, a pair of steps 46 on the opening edge of the recess 45 bite into the packing 40 housed in the annular groove 42, thereby pressing the packing 40 toward the pressing ridges 51 (downward in FIGS. 4 and 7). This allows the packing 40 to be efficiently compressed from two directions, so that the drip-proof properties of the ultrasound imaging diagnostic device 11 can be maintained without applying strong pressure to the packing 40 or the structure (the case body 13 and the lid 14).

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing ridges 91 bite into the packing 80 to a depth of 30% to 70% of the diameter D2, thereby pressing the packing 80 toward the bottom of the annular groove 82 (downward in FIGS. 5 and 6). Furthermore, a pair of steps 86 on the opening edge of the recess 85 bite into the packing 80 housed in the annular groove 82, thereby pressing the packing 80 toward the pressing ridges 91 (upward in FIGS. 5 and 6). This allows the packing 80 to be efficiently compressed from two directions, so that the drip-proof properties of the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 can be maintained without applying strong pressure to the packing 80 or the structure (the front case 72 and the rear case 73).

[0045] For these reasons, it is not necessary to take measures to prevent deformation of the case body 13 (front case 72 and rear case 73) or the lid 14. Furthermore, because strong pressure is not applied to the case body 13 or the lid 14, a simple locking mechanism using the locking claws 32 can be used for the lid 14. Therefore, a drip-proof structure for the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 can be achieved at low cost. Furthermore, the use of a simple locking mechanism makes it easier to open and close the lid 14, improving usability.

[0046] (2) The packings 40, 80 of this embodiment have closed cells and are easily deformed by a small force, so that when compressed, they firmly fit into the recesses 45, 85. Therefore, the ultrasound imaging diagnostic device 11 can obtain high sealing performance.

[0047] (3) In this embodiment, the tip of the pressing ridge 51, 91 has a rounded cross-sectional shape. Moreover, in this embodiment, one of the pair of step portions 46 on the opening edge of the recess 45 and one of the pair of step portions 86 on the opening edge of the recess 85 also have a rounded cross-sectional shape. This reduces the pressure applied to the packing 40, 80 when the packing 40, 80 bites into the pressing ridge 51, 91 or the step portion 46, 86, thereby preventing damage to the packing 40, 80.

[0048] (4) In this embodiment, the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 extending vertically and horizontally are provided on the inner surface 14b of the lid 14 to prevent deformation of the lid 14. As a result, lifting of the lid 14 due to deformation of the lid 14 is prevented, and gaps are less likely to form between the case body 13 and the lid 14. This allows the gasket 40 to reliably block water droplets that enter the battery opening 12 from between the case body 13 and the lid 14. Furthermore, the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 in the inner region A1 of the gasket holding portion 41 are arranged more densely than the reinforcing ribs 61, 62 in the outer region A2 of the gasket holding portion 41. This reinforces the inner region A1 directly above the battery 21, preventing a decrease in strength of the inner region A1 due to heat generation by the battery 21 and preventing deformation and lifting of the lid 14 due to the decrease in strength.

[0049] (5) The lid 14 of this embodiment is attached to the case body 13 by inserting the protrusion 31 into the hole in the case body 13, rotating it around the rear wall 17 (protrusion 31), and then engaging the locking claw 32 with the locking hole 19 in the case body 13. In this way, the lid 14 can be rotated to approach the case body 13 and the packing 40 can be compressed at the same time, making it easy to attach the lid 14.

[0050] (6) Inspections using the ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 of this embodiment are performed with gel applied to the area of ​​the livestock being examined. However, because gel is relatively expensive, vegetable oil may be used instead of gel, although this is not recommended. However, if the packing were made of rubber, there is a risk that the oil would cause the packing to deteriorate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the packings 40, 80 are made of a silicone resin that is resistant to chemicals. Therefore, even if vegetable oil adheres to the packings 40, 80, deterioration of the packings 40, 80 can be prevented.

[0051] The above embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the packing retaining portion 41 is formed on the lid 14 (second structure) so as to surround the periphery of the battery opening 12, and the pressing ridge 51 is formed on the case main body 13 (first structure) at a position where it can be inserted into the packing retaining portion 41 (see FIG. 4). However, the packing retaining portion 41 may be formed on the case main body 13, and the pressing ridge 51 may be formed on the lid 14 at a position where it can be inserted into the packing retaining portion 41.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the packing retaining portion 81 is formed on the front case 72 (first structure) so as to surround the periphery of the case-side opening 71, and the pressing ridge 91 is formed on the rear case 73 (second structure) at a position where it can be inserted into the packing retaining portion 81 (see FIG. 5). However, it is also possible to form the packing retaining portion 81 on the rear case 73, and to form the pressing ridge 91 on the front case 72 at a position where it can be inserted into the packing retaining portion 81.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the pressing ridge 51 is arranged so as to be inclined toward the center C1 (see FIG. 2) of the battery opening 12, and the pressing ridge 91 is arranged so as to be inclined toward the center of the case-side opening 71. However, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pressing ridge 101 may be arranged so as not to be inclined, and the tip of the pressing ridge 101 arranged so as not to be inclined may be made to bite into the center O3 of the packing 102.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the height of the outer peripheral side wall 84 of the annular groove 82 is greater than the height of the inner peripheral side wall 83 (see FIG. 5). However, the height of the outer peripheral side wall 84 of the annular groove 82 may be less than the height of the inner peripheral side wall 83, or the height of the outer peripheral side wall 84 may be equal to the height of the inner peripheral side wall 83.

[0056] In the annular groove 42 of the above embodiment, the height of the outer peripheral side wall 44 is equal to the height of the inner peripheral side wall 43 (see FIG. 4). However, in the annular groove 42, the height of the outer peripheral side wall 44 may be higher than the height of the inner peripheral side wall 43, or the height of the outer peripheral side wall 44 may be lower than the height of the inner peripheral side wall 43.

[0057] In the above embodiment, of the pair of steps 86 at the opening edge of the recess 85, only the step 86 on the outer circumferential side (the right side in FIG. 5) has a rounded cross-sectional shape. However, the step 86 on the inner circumferential side (the left side in FIG. 5) may also have a rounded cross-sectional shape. Also, in the above embodiment, the connection portion between the side surface 85a of the recess 85 and the bottom surface 85b of the recess 85 has a rounded cross-sectional shape (see FIG. 5), but the connection portion between the side surface 45a of the recess 45 and the bottom surface 45b of the recess 45 (see FIG. 4) may also have a rounded cross-sectional shape.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the recess 45, 85 has a generally rectangular cross section and is made up of a bottom surface 45b, 82b and a pair of side surfaces 45a, 82a extending perpendicularly to the bottom surface 45b, 82b. However, the recess may have another cross section, such as a generally trapezoidal cross section, a generally V-shaped cross section, or a generally semicircular cross section. Furthermore, the heights of the pair of side surfaces of the recess may be different from each other.

[0059] The packings 40, 80 in the above embodiments are made of silicone resin with closed cells. However, the packings 40, 80 may be made of other resin materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyacetal (POM), or rubber materials such as nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), fluororubber (FKM), silicone rubber (VMQ), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), or urethane rubber (U).

[0060] In the above embodiment, the veterinary ultrasound diagnostic imaging device 11 was used as the portable medical device, but a human ultrasound diagnostic imaging device may also be used as the portable medical device. Also, a thermometer, a blood pressure monitor, a pulse oximeter, a portable oxygen concentrator, a pacemaker, an AED (automated external defibrillator), etc. may also be used as the portable medical device.

[0061] Next, in addition to the technical ideas set forth in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the above-described embodiments will be listed below.

[0062] (1) A drip-proof structure for a portable medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressing ridges are inserted into the packing to a depth of 30% to 70% of the diameter of the packing.

[0063] (2) The waterproof structure for a portable medical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the portable medical device is an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging device for animals.

[0064] (3) A drip-proof structure for a portable medical device according to claim 6, characterized in that a reinforcing rib is provided on the inner surface of the lid body.

[0065] (4) In the technical idea (3), the distance between adjacent reinforcing ribs in the inner region of the packing holding portion is smaller than the distance between adjacent reinforcing ribs in the outer region of the packing holding portion.

[0066] (5) In the technical idea (3), the reinforcing ribs are composed of a plurality of first reinforcing ribs extending in the depth direction of the lid body and a plurality of second reinforcing ribs arranged perpendicular to the first reinforcing ribs and extending in the width direction of the lid body, and the first reinforcing ribs and the second reinforcing ribs intersect with each other within the inner area of ​​the packing holding portion, forming a lattice pattern. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 11...Ultrasound imaging diagnostic equipment as portable medical equipment 12... Battery opening as opening 13...Case body as the first structure 14... Lid as the second structure 14b...Inner surface of the lid 40, 80, 102...Packing 41, 81...Packing retainer 42, 82...Annular groove 42a, 82a...side surface of annular groove 42b, 82b...Bottom surface of annular groove 45,85...recess 45a, 85a...side of recess 45b, 85b...Bottom of recess 46,86...Double part 51, 91, 101...Pressed ridges 71...Case side opening as an opening 72...Front case as the first structure 73...Rear case as the second structure 83...Inner side wall 84...Outer wall C1: Center of the opening D1, D2...diameter of packing

Claims

1. A drip-proof structure for a portable medical device, in which a first structure having an opening and a second structure covering the opening are detachably attached via a packing, The packing has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape when not pressed; a packing retaining portion having an annular groove in which the packing is accommodated and retained, the packing retaining portion being formed so as to surround the periphery of the opening; a pressing protrusion formed in one of the first structure and the second structure on which the packing holding portion is not formed, at a position where the protrusion can be inserted into the packing holding portion and presses the packing; Equipped with the pressing protrusion has a cross-sectional shape tapered at a tip, and presses the packing toward the bottom of the annular groove by biting into the packing to about half its diameter, the packing retaining portion has an annular recess at a position facing the tip of the pressing ridge at the bottom of the annular groove, A pair of steps on the opening edge of the recess bite into the packing housed in the annular groove, thereby pressing the packing toward the pressing ridge. A drip-proof structure for a portable medical device.

2. 2. The drip-proof structure for a portable medical device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure ridge is disposed so as to be inclined toward the center of the opening.

3. the annular groove is configured by an inner circumferential side wall provided on the first structure or the second structure in a state surrounding the opening, and an outer circumferential side wall provided on the first structure or the second structure in a state surrounding the inner circumferential side wall, The height of the outer peripheral side wall is greater than the height of the inner peripheral side wall. The waterproof structure for a portable medical device according to claim 2.

4. 4. The waterproof structure for a portable medical device according to claim 1, wherein the packing is made of a material having closed cells.

5. The drip-proof structure of a portable medical device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gasket is pressed by the pressure ridge to come into surface contact and adhere to the side and bottom surfaces of the annular groove and the side and bottom surfaces of the recess.

6. the second structure is a lid that covers the opening, The pressure protrusion is provided at the opening, and the packing retaining portion is provided on the inner surface of the lid.

3. The waterproof structure of the portable medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. 7. The waterproof structure for a portable medical device according to claim 6, wherein the packing is made of a material having closed cells.

8. The drip-proof structure for a portable medical device as described in claim 6, characterized in that the gasket is pressed by the pressure ridge to come into surface contact with and adhere to the side and bottom surfaces of the annular groove and the side and bottom surfaces of the recess.

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