Stethoscope

Abstract

To provide means enabling a user of a stethoscope to appropriately apply the stethoscope to an object to be auscultated.SOLUTION: A stethoscope 1 includes two contact faces 3a, 3b, and two gimbal mechanisms 6A, 6B. The two gimbal mechanisms 6A, 6B can move the two contact faces 3a, 3b respectively independently. The contact faces 3a, 3b are unloaded and in a natural attitude. The gimbal mechanisms 6A, 6B tilt the contact faces 3a, 3b from the natural attitude according to a load to the contact faces 3a, 3b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stethoscope.

Background Art

[0002] Among stethoscopes, there is what is called an electronic stethoscope that electronically collects sounds such as heart sounds by sensors such as microphones, amplifies the collected sounds, and allows a doctor or the like to listen to the amplified sounds (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the body (the object to be auscultated) of the person for whom a stethoscope is used, including the above-described electronic stethoscope, has irregularities, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user of the stethoscope to appropriately apply the stethoscope to the object to be auscultated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a means by which a user of a stethoscope can appropriately apply the stethoscope to the object to be auscultated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The stethoscope according to the first invention is characterized by including a contact surface that contacts the object to be auscultated and a movable part that makes the contact surface movable.

[0007] In this invention, the movable part has a movable contact surface that contacts the object to be auscultated. As a result, when the user of the stethoscope brings the contact surface to the object to be auscultated, the contact surface moves, allowing the user to adjust the contact surface to match the shape of the object to be auscultated. Therefore, according to this invention, the user can properly apply the stethoscope to the object to be auscultated.

[0008] The stethoscope of the second invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of the first invention, it comprises a plurality of contact surfaces and a plurality of movable parts, wherein the plurality of movable parts are capable of independently moving each of the plurality of contact surfaces.

[0009] In this invention, multiple movable parts allow each of the multiple contact surfaces to move independently. This allows the user of the stethoscope to position the contact surfaces to match the shape of the object being auscultated, even when there are multiple contact surfaces.

[0010] The stethoscope of the third invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of the first or second invention, the movable part is capable of rotating the contact surface in two orthogonal axial directions.

[0011] The stethoscope of the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of any of the first to third inventions, the movable part moves the contact surface in response to the load on the contact surface.

[0012] The stethoscope of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of any of the first to fourth inventions, the contact surface is in a first position when unloaded, and the movable part tilts the contact surface from the first position in response to the load on the contact surface.

[0013] The sixth invention is a stethoscope of any of the first to fifth inventions, comprising a sensor for collecting auscultation sounds and a sensor cover covering the sensor, wherein the contact surface is a part of the sensor cover.

[0014] The seventh invention is a stethoscope of any of the first to sixth inventions, characterized in that the movable part is a gimbal mechanism having a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the second axis.

[0015] The stethoscope of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of the seventh invention, the first axis and the second axis are located within a predetermined distance from the contact surface.

[0016] For example, if the axis is farther from the contact surface, it becomes difficult for the contact surface to follow the uneven surface when the stethoscope slides over it. In this invention, the first and second axes constituting the gimbal mechanism are located within a predetermined distance from the contact surface, so that the contact surface can follow the uneven surface even when the stethoscope slides over it.

[0017] The stethoscope of the ninth invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of the seventh or eighth invention, it further comprises a sensor holder on which the sensor is arranged, and the sensor holder is rotatably mounted on the first axis.

[0018] The stethoscope of the 10th invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of the 9th invention, an elastic member having elasticity is provided between the sensor holder and the first shaft.

[0019] In this invention, an elastic member is provided between the sensor holder and the first axis. This makes it possible to obtain vibration damping and vibration isolation effects.

[0020] The stethoscope of the eleventh invention is characterized in that, in the stethoscope of any seventh to tenth invention, it further comprises a housing, and the second shaft is rotatably mounted to the housing.

[0021] The stethoscope of the twelfth invention comprises a sensor for collecting auscultation sounds and a sensor holder on which the sensor is arranged, wherein the sensor is attached to the sensor holder by a fastening member.

[0022] For example, when the sensor is attached to the sensor holder with a double-sided tape, concerns arise regarding aging deterioration, variations among individuals, and poor assemblability. In the present invention, since the sensor is attached to the sensor holder by a fastening member, these problems do not exist.

[0023] The stethoscope of the 13th invention is characterized by including a contact surface that contacts the auscultation target, a housing provided with the contact surface, and a groove provided in the housing.

[0024] In the present invention, a groove is provided in the housing. Therefore, the user of the stethoscope can easily hold the stethoscope by means of the groove.

[0025] The stethoscope of the 14th invention is the stethoscope of the 13th invention, wherein the housing has a surface opposite to the contact surface and two side surfaces located on both sides of the contact surface, and the groove is provided in the surface opposite to the contact surface and the two side surfaces.

[0026] The stethoscope of the 15th invention includes a contact surface that contacts the auscultation target and a housing provided with the contact surface, and in the surface of the housing where the contact surface is provided, the portion excluding the contact surface is recessed in the thickness direction of the housing.

[0027] In the present invention, in the surface of the housing where the contact surface is provided, the portion excluding the contact surface is recessed in the thickness direction of the housing. Thereby, when the user applies the stethoscope to the auscultation target, unnecessary portions do not get in the way.

[0028] The stethoscope of the 16th invention includes two contact surfaces that contact the auscultation target and a housing provided with the two contact surfaces, and in the housing, the space between the two contact surfaces is recessed in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the two contact surfaces.

[0029] In this invention, the housing is recessed between two contact surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the two contact surfaces are aligned. This prevents unnecessary parts from getting in the way when the user places the stethoscope on the object to be auscultated.

[0030] The stethoscope of the 17th invention comprises a contact surface that comes into contact with an object to be auscultated, a battery, and a housing on which the contact surface is provided and which houses the battery, wherein the battery is positioned offset from the longitudinal center of the housing.

[0031] The user holds the stethoscope by one of its longitudinal sides. In this invention, the battery is positioned off-center from the longitudinal center of the housing. By positioning the heavy battery where the user's hand rests, the center of gravity is concentrated at the user's hand, improving ease of handling and operability.

[0032] The stethoscope of the 18th invention comprises a contact surface that comes into contact with an object to be auscultated, and a housing on which the contact surface is provided, wherein the surface of the housing opposite to the contact surface is curved, and the curvature of the surface opposite to the contact surface is different on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] In this invention, the curvature of the surface opposite the contact surface differs between one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction. By changing the curvature in this way, the user can determine the front and back of the stethoscope.

[0034] The stethoscope of the 19th invention comprises a sensor for collecting auscultation sounds, a sensor cover covering the sensor, and a main body housing, wherein the end of the sensor cover is sandwiched by the main body housing.

[0035] In this invention, the edges of the sensor cover are sandwiched by the main body housing. Therefore, the design prevents alcohol, other chemicals, and blood from entering the interior. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to the present invention, the user can properly position the stethoscope on the object to be auscultated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a rear view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a left side view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing a stethoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4. [Figure 8] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line BB. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the usage of a stethoscope. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a gimbal mechanism. [Figure 11] (a) is a diagram showing the rotation range of the sensor holder. (b) and (c) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the contact surface and the first and second axes. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the attachment of the gimbal mechanism to the main body housing. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view near the sensor holder. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view near the sensor cover. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the area around the sensor. [Figure 16] Figure 7 shows the battery and circuit board added. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, the sensor cover 3, which will be described later, is depicted as transparent, so that the internal sensor 4, etc., which will be described later, are shown. Figure 3 is a rear view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a front view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a left side view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a top view showing a stethoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 4. Hereinafter, the contact surfaces 3a and 3b that come into contact with the object to be auscultated will be described as the rear, and the side opposite the rear will be described as the front.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9, the user of stethoscope 1 holds stethoscope 1 in their hand and places stethoscope 1 against the object to be auscultated.

[0040] Stethoscope 1, when viewed from the front, is roughly hourglass-shaped. Stethoscope 1 comprises a main body housing 2 and a sensor cover 3. The housing of stethoscope 1 is formed by the main body housing 2 and the sensor cover 3. The main body housing 2 is the part shown in dark gray in Figure 1, etc. The sensor cover 3 is the part shown in lighter gray than the main body housing 2 in Figure 1, etc.

[0041] The main housing 2 houses the circuit board, battery, etc. The main housing 2 consists of a bottom housing 21 and a base frame 22. Grooves 21a extending in the longitudinal direction are provided on both sides of the bottom housing 21. The width of the grooves 21a is deepest in the center and narrows towards the tip. Grooves 21b extending in the longitudinal direction are also provided on the back of the bottom housing 21 (the side opposite to the contact surfaces 3a and 3b). The width of the grooves 21b is deepest in the center and narrows towards the tip. Grooves 21a and 21b are provided on the bottom housing 21 (main housing 2) to make it easier for the user to hold the stethoscope 1. As a result, grooves 21a and 21b make it easier for the user to hold the stethoscope 1.

[0042] In the bottom housing 21, the front surface (the surface opposite to the contact surfaces 3a and 3b, the surface that contacts the user's palm) has a curved shape when viewed from the side. The curvature of the front surface differs between one side and the other in the longitudinal direction. By changing the curvature in this way, the user can determine the front and back of the stethoscope 1. The user holds the stethoscope 1 with the side that has a greater curvature (the side with less curvature).

[0043] The sensor cover 3 houses the sensor 4 inside. In this embodiment, the stethoscope 1 is equipped with two (or more) sensors 4A and 4B. Part of the sensor cover 3 are contact surfaces 3a and 3b that come into contact with the object to be auscultated. In this embodiment, since there are two sensors 4, two contact surfaces 3a and 3b are formed. When viewed from the rear, the contact surfaces 3a and 3b are each approximately circular in shape. The material of the sensor cover 3 is a flexible material, such as elastomer or silicone rubber. The inner surfaces of the sensor cover 3 corresponding to the contact surfaces 3a and 3b are in close contact with the sensors 4A and 4B.

[0044] As will be described later, sensors 4A and 4B are capable of movement. As mentioned above, the material of the sensor cover 3 is a flexible material (elastic material), so the contact surfaces 3a and 3b (sensor cover 3) can follow the movement of sensors 4A and 4B. Therefore, the contact surfaces 3a and 3b can also move in accordance with sensors 4A and 4B. Note that the material of the sensor cover 3 only needs to be a flexible material that can follow the movement of sensors 4A and 4B.

[0045] In the sensor cover 3, the portion excluding the contact surfaces 3a and 3b is recessed in the thickness direction. Conversely, the portion of the sensor cover 3 that is not recessed in the thickness direction becomes the contact surfaces 3a and 3b. Furthermore, in the main body housing 2 and sensor cover 3 (housing), the approximate center of the longitudinal direction when viewed from the rear (between the contact surfaces 3a and 3b) is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the direction in which the contact surfaces 3a and 3b are aligned), giving the stethoscope 1 an approximate hourglass shape. In this way, by making the portion of the sensor cover 3 excluding the contact surfaces 3a and 3b recessed in the thickness direction, and by making the approximate center of the longitudinal direction when viewed from the rear of the main body housing 2 and sensor cover 3 (housing) recessed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, unnecessary parts do not get in the way when the user places the stethoscope 1 on the object to be auscultated.

[0046] As described above, in this embodiment, the stethoscope 1 is equipped with two sensors 4A and 4B. Sensor 4 is for collecting auscultation sounds. Sensor 4 is a piezoelectric sensor composed of, for example, a piezoelectric element. Sensor 4 has a flat, roughly circular shape. Corresponding to this shape, the contact surface 3 of the sensor cover 3 is roughly circular when viewed from the rear. Sensor 4 is placed in the sensor holder 5.

[0047] The sensor holder 5 is roughly frustoconical in shape. Sensors 4A and 4B are positioned in the two sensor holders 5A and 5B, respectively. The sensor holder 5 is attached to the main body housing 2 (base frame 22) by a gimbal mechanism 6 (movable part). Sensor holder 5A is attached to the main body housing 2 (base frame 22) by a gimbal mechanism 6A, and sensor holder 5B is attached to the main body housing 2 (base frame 22) by a gimbal mechanism 6B.

[0048] Figure 10 shows the gimbal mechanism 6. The gimbal mechanism 6 has a first axis 61, a second axis 62, and a base 63. The base 63 is a roughly ring-shaped part that forms the base of the gimbal mechanism 6. The first axis 61 and the second axis 62 are supported by the base 63. The first axis 61 and the second axis 62 are orthogonal to each other. The first axis 61 is inserted through a bearing provided in the sensor holder 5. The sensor holder 5 is rotatably mounted on the first axis 61 (gimbal mechanism 6) by the bearing being inserted through the first axis 61. This allows the sensor holder 5 to rotate around the first axis 61 (dash-dotted line ii). The second axis 62 is rotatably mounted on the main body housing 2 (base frame 22). This allows the gimbal mechanism 6 to rotate around the second axis 62 (dash-dotted line ii-ii).

[0049] Thus, the sensor holder 5 is rotatable around the first axis 61 (dash-dotted line ii) of the gimbal mechanism 6. Furthermore, the gimbal mechanism 6 to which the sensor holder 5 is attached is rotatable around the second axis 62 (dash-dotted line ii-ii) of the gimbal mechanism 6. Therefore, the sensor holder 5 is rotatable in two directions: the first axis 61 (dash-dotted line ii) and the second axis 62 (dash-dotted line ii-ii), which is perpendicular to the first axis 61. Similarly, the sensor 4 located in the sensor holder 5 is also rotatable in two directions: the first axis 61 (dash-dotted line ii) and the second axis 62 (dash-dotted line ii-ii).

[0050] Similarly, the contact surfaces 3a and 3b, which follow the movement of sensors 4A and 4B, are also rotatable in two axial directions: the first axis 61 (dotted line ii) and the second axis 62 (dotted line ii-ii). In other words, the gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B (movable parts) have movable contact surfaces 3a and 3b, respectively. As a result, when the user of the stethoscope 1 brings the contact surfaces 3a and 3b that come into contact with the object to be auscultated, the contact surfaces 3a and 3b move, allowing the user to adjust the contact surfaces 3a and 3b to match the shape of the object to be auscultated. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user can properly apply the stethoscope 1 to the object to be auscultated.

[0051] The two gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B are provided in accordance with the sensor holders 5A and 5B, respectively, allowing the two contact surfaces 3a and 3b to move independently. As a result, even when there are two (or more) contact surfaces 3a and 3b, as in this embodiment, the user of the stethoscope 1 can bring the contact surfaces 3a and 3b into contact with the object being auscultated according to its shape. The two gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B allow the two contact surfaces 3a and 3b to rotate in two orthogonal axes (the direction of the first axis 61 and the direction of the second axis).

[0052] The contact surfaces 3a and 3b are in their natural position (first position) as shown in Figures 1 to 6, when no load is applied to them, i.e., unloaded. When the stethoscope 1 is placed against the object to be auscultated, a load is applied to the contact surfaces 3a and 3b. Due to the load on the contact surfaces 3a and 3b, the contact surfaces 3a and 3b are moved by the gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B. In other words, the gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B move the contact surfaces 3a and 3b in response to the load on them. To put it another way, the gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B tilt the contact surfaces 3a and 3b from their natural position (first position) in response to the load on them.

[0053] The first axis 61 and the second axis 62 of the gimbal mechanism 6 are located within a predetermined distance from the contact surfaces 3a and 3b. In Figures 11(b) and (c), the frustoconical sensor holder 5 and the first axis 61 are schematically shown. As shown in Figure 11(c), if the first axis 61 is far from the contact surfaces 3a and 3b of the sensor holder 5, it becomes difficult for the contact surfaces 3a and 3b to follow the unevenness when the stethoscope 1 moves (slides) over an uneven surface to be auscultated. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11(b), if the first axis 61 is close to the contact surfaces 3a and 3b of the sensor holder 5, it becomes easier for the contact surfaces 3a and 3b to follow the unevenness when the stethoscope 1 moves (slides) over an uneven surface to be auscultated. However, as shown in Figure 11(a), the rotation range (rotation angle) of the sensor holder 5 around the first axis 61 is determined by the distance between the contact surfaces 3a and 3b of the sensor holder 5 and the first axis 61. A longer distance results in a wider rotation range, while a shorter distance results in a narrower rotation range. Therefore, the distance between the contact surfaces 3a and 3b of the sensor holder 5 and the first axis 61 should be set while also considering the rotation range of the sensor holder 5. The same applies to the second axis 62.

[0054] As shown in Figure 12, the gimbal mechanism 6 to which the sensor holder 5 is attached is mounted to the main body housing 2 (base frame 22) by inserting the second shaft 62 into one bearing 7 from diagonally above, then rotating the gimbal mechanism 6 clockwise, and inserting the second shaft 62 into the other bearing 7. Conversely, when the gimbal mechanism 6 is removed from the main body housing 2 (base frame 22), the second shaft 62 is pushed in through the opening of the other bearing 7, and after the second shaft 62 is removed from the other bearing 7, the gimbal mechanism 6 is rotated counterclockwise, and the second shaft 62 is removed from one bearing 7, thereby removing the gimbal mechanism 6 from the main body housing 2 (base frame 22). When the gimbal mechanism 6 is mounted to the main body housing 2 (base frame 22), the second shaft 62 is engaged with the other bearing 7 by, for example, 0.5 to 1.0 mm.

[0055] When contact surfaces 3a and 3b come into contact with the object to be auscultated, a load is applied to the sensor holder 5 in the direction of arrow C. As shown in Figure 12, the direction in which the load is applied to the sensor holder 5 is not the same as the direction in which the sensor holder 5 is attached and detached, so a firm support can be provided on the receiving side. Therefore, the load can be firmly supported in the direction of the load (direction of arrow C), making it easy to attach and detach the gimbal mechanism 6.

[0056] An elastic member is provided between the sensor holder 5 and the first shaft 61. For example, as shown in Figure 13(a), the sensor holder 5 itself may be the elastic member. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13(b), an elastic member may be provided near the contact area between the sensor holder 5 and the first shaft 61. In Figure 13(b), the elastic member is substantially bracket-shaped. As described above, since an elastic member is provided between the sensor holder 5 and the first shaft 61, vibration damping and isolation effects can be obtained.

[0057] In both gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B, the first axis 61 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the stethoscope 1, and the second axis 62 is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the stethoscope 1. However, the relative positions of the first axis 61 and the second axis 61 may be reversed. Also, the axis arrangement is the same in both gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B. However, the relative positions of the axes may be 90 degrees different in both gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B. Furthermore, the first axis 61 may be tilted at a 45-degree angle from the longitudinal direction, and the second axis 62 may be arranged perpendicular to the first axis 61.

[0058] In this embodiment, gimbal mechanisms 6A and 6B are used as movable parts that move the contact surfaces 3a and 3b. However, the invention is not limited to this, and other mechanisms, such as a spring mechanism, may be used as the movable parts that move the contact surfaces 3a and 3b.

[0059] Figures 14(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the area around the sensor cover 3. As shown in Figure 14(a), the cross-sectional length of the sensor cover 3 is not less than the length connecting the inclined end of the sensor holder 5 and the holding portion of the sensor cover 3, so that the sensor cover 3 does not become taut even when the sensor holder 5 is inclined. Also, as shown in Figure 13(b), when the sensor holder 5 is inclined outward, the internal structure of the sensor cover 3 does not exceed the extension line of the upper surface of the sensor holder 5, so that even when the sensor holder 5 is inclined, it can be positioned closely to the object being auscultated (body). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14(b), a rib is provided on the outermost circumference of the base frame 22, and the sensor cover 3 (the end portion extending inward from the sensor cover 3) is compressed and sandwiched between it and the bottom housing 21, so that alcohol, other chemicals, and blood cannot enter the interior. As mentioned above, the sensor cover 3 (contact surfaces 3a and 3b) follows the movement (tilting) of the sensor holder 5, but Figure 14 does not show the sensor cover 3 following the movement.

[0060] Figure 15 shows the area around sensor 4. Sensor 4 is attached to sensor holder 5 by screws (fastening members) not shown. For example, if sensor 4 were attached to sensor holder 5 by double-sided tape, there would be concerns about deterioration over time, variations between individual units, and poor assembly. In this embodiment, since sensor 4 is attached to sensor holder 5 by screws (fastening members), these problems are not present. The attachment of sensor 4 to sensor holder 5 by screws also serves to position sensor 4. A diaphragm may be provided between sensor 4 and sensor holder 5.

[0061] Figure 16 is a diagram of Figure 7 with the battery 8 and circuit board 9 added. The user holds the stethoscope 1 in one hand along either of its longitudinal sides when using it. The battery 8 is positioned off-center from the longitudinal center of the main body housing 2 (housing). By positioning the heavy battery 8 where the user's hand is located in this way, the center of gravity is concentrated at the user's hand, improving ease of handling and operability.

[0062] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to those described above, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention, as illustrated below.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, there are two sensors 4, and correspondingly there are also two sensor holders 5 and two contact surfaces 3a and 3b. However, the embodiment is not limited to this; there may be one or three or more sensors, and the number of corresponding sensor holders and contact surfaces will be the same as the number of sensors. [Industrial applicability]

[0064] The present invention can be suitably adopted in a stethoscope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1. Stethoscope 2 Main unit 21 Bottom Cabinet 21a, 21b groove 22 Base Frame 3 Sensor cover 3a, 3b contact surface 4 (4A, 4B) sensors 5 (5A, 5B) Sensor Holder 6 (6A, 6B) Gimbal mechanism 7 Bearings 8 batteries 9 circuit boards

Claims

1. Piezo sensor and A sensor holder on which the aforementioned piezo sensor is placed, A housing for the piezo sensor has a facing surface that faces the piezo sensor, and a contact surface that is opposite to the facing surface and comes into contact with the object to be auscultated, A movable part moves the piezoelectric sensor due to the load on the piezoelectric sensor via the contact surface and the opposing surface, Equipped with, The contact surface, upon contact with the opposing surface of the piezoelectric sensor, follows the movement of the piezoelectric sensor. The movable part comprises a base, a first axis supported by the base and extending inward from the base, and a second axis supported by the base and extending outward from the base, with a shorter distance from the base than the first axis and perpendicular to the first axis. The sensor holder is rotatably mounted on the first axis. The stethoscope is characterized in that the second axis is rotatably mounted to the housing.

2. The stethoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing surface and the contact surface are part of the sensor cover.

3. The stethoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contact surface and the opposing surface are formed from a flexible material.

4. The stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the opposing surface is in close contact with the piezo sensor.

5. The stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first axis and the second axis are located within a predetermined distance from the contact surface.

6. The stethoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an elastic member having elasticity is provided between the sensor holder and the first shaft.

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