Portable ultrasound system

The present invention provides a portable ultrasound system being superior in operability and design properties, and being allowed to take various storage postures fitting to the volume of a storage place. The keyboard unit 50 provided with an input device such as a keyboard and the display unit 80 incorporating a display part are mounted on the main body unit 30 that incorporates a main part of the ultrasound diagnostic system, respectively about the rotation axes P1 and P2, independently, in such a manner as rotatable, and further the rotation axes P1 and P2 are on a common axis P. The rotation axis part 200 supporting the display unit 80 is supported by the bearing of the main body unit in a part lower than the axis P, allowing the display unit to be rotatable about the rotation axis Q that is orthogonal to the axis P. With this configuration, it is possible to take an operating posture that allows the display unit 80 being upright to swivel, and multiple storage postures in which the posture of the main body unit 50 with respect to the keyboard unit 50 and the display unit 80 are variously changed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable ultrasound system, and more particularly, it relates to a portable ultrasound system superior in convenience upon installation (installability).

BACKGROUND ART

As a conventional ultrasound diagnostic system, a wagon-type system provided with a movable wagon on which various equipment is mounted is the mainstream. Currently, however, a portable ultrasound system superior in portability is coming into a market. By way of example, a portable ultrasound system referred to as a notebook type is provided with a structure allowing a cover-like case incorporating a display device to be folded onto a thin main body unit (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.) A portable ultrasound system referred to as a vertical type, is provided with a display device on the front surface of a main body unit being small in thickness, and a foldable keyboard is provided on the surface of the main body unit below the display device. With this configuration, in the state of using, input operation is performed by extending the keyboard in front of the display device, whereas in the state of nonuse, the keyboard is folded in such a manner as covering the display device. It is also suggested that the display device of this vertical type system is provided with a tilt mechanism so as to enhance visibility of the display device, and this allows the vertical angle to be changeable (Patent Document 3).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

Patent Document 1

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-57674

Patent Document 2

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-162107

Patent Document 3

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-252250

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

In the vertical ultrasound diagnostic system, the main body unit is vertical, and thus an area required for installation is small. Therefore, there is an advantage that when it is stored for nonuse, a keyboard is folded, allowing a wide use of table top. The ultrasound diagnostic system is, however, sometimes required to show a diagnostic image to a patient being examined, and it is necessary that the display device has a swivel function. The vertical type has a structure that the main body unit is equipped with the display device and the keyboard, and there is a problem that it is not easy to have the swivel function.

On the other hand, the Patent Document 2 suggests an ultrasound diagnostic system being a notebook type in which an arm supports a display device in such a manner that the display device is foldable into the main body, as well as the display device is coupled to the arm in such a manner as rotatable about the arm, thereby enhancing usability of an operator. However, in this system, in order to place the display device at the position allowing an operating panel to be operable, where a keyboard and the like are arranged, it is necessary to turn the relatively large display device by 180 degrees, and subsequently the arm is also turned. Therefore, improvement of operability is desired. Typically in the usage state, the notebook type system is used with putting the largest plane of the main body unit on the table top, and therefore, a large installation area is necessary both in the operating state and the installed state (stored condition).

In other words, any of the conventional portable ultrasound systems can be used with placing the keyboard in front of the display device in the usage state, but there are problems in operability or installability.

In view of the situation above, an object of the present invention is to provide a small-sized ultrasound diagnostic system being able to take various storage postures, with favorable usability.

Means to Solve the Problem

In order to solve the problems above, in the portable ultrasound system of the present invention, a keyboard unit provided with an input device such as a keyboard and a display unit incorporating a display device are independently mounted in such a manner as rotatable with respect to a main body unit that incorporates major parts of the ultrasound diagnostic system, and the axes of rotation of respective units are placed on a common axis, and the display unit is set to be rotatable about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Effect of the Invention

According to the portable ultrasound system of the present invention, it is configured such that the keyboard unit and the display unit are independently supported in rotatable manner on the main body unit. This configuration allows various postures, such as an operating posture in which the display unit is made upright in the state where the main body unit and the keyboard unit are in substantially horizontal positions, a vertical storage posture (a first storage posture) in which the keyboard unit and the display unit are substantially vertical with respect to the main body unit, and a flat-type storage posture (a second storage posture) in which the keyboard unit and the display unit are substantially parallel to the main body unit.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The portable ultrasound system of the present invention is provided with a main body unit (30) incorporating an ultrasound measuring part, a display unit (80) coupled to the main body unit (30), having a display part for displaying an image generated by the ultrasound measuring part, and a keyboard unit (50) coupled to the main body unit (30), having an input device for inputting information necessary for the ultrasound measuring part. The portable ultrasound system is further provided with a first rotation axis part (100) axially supporting the keyboard unit (50) in rotatable manner about the first axis (P1) with respect to the main body unit (30), and a second rotation axis part (200) axially supporting the display unit (80) in rotatable manner with respect to the main body unit (3), about the second axis (P2) being on the same axis as the first axis but independent thereof, and a bearing part (202) for supporting the second rotation axis part (200) in rotatable manner about the third axis (Q) being perpendicular to the second axis.

According to the portable ultrasound system of the present invention, the rotation axis (the first rotation axis) (P1) of the keyboard unit with respect to the main body unit, and the rotation axis (the second rotation axis) (P2) of the display unit with respect to the main body unit are on the same axis. Therefore, it is possible to rotate, with respect to the main body unit, the keyboard unit and the display unit in a state of integrated, for example, being in a locked state, and thus much safer structure can be provided against external force, upon rotating each unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the portable ultrasound system according to the present invention, a bearing surface of the bearing part (202) is located in a lower part of the second axis (P2), when a part on the main body unit side is assumed as the lower part and a part on the display unit side is assumed as an upper part, placing the second axis (P2) therebetween.

According to the portable ultrasound system of the present invention, the rotation axis (a third rotation axis) (Q) for swiveling the display unit is set to be orthogonal to the rotation axis (the second rotation axis) (P2) about which the display unit (80) rotates with respect to the main body unit (30), thereby achieving the swiveling function by a compact device. In particular, the bearing part (202) for swiveling is provided closer to the main body side, than the second rotation axis, thereby locating a robust mechanism at a position less conspicuous in appearance and achieving both strengthening of the mechanism and design enhancement thereof.

In addition, in another preferred aspect of the portable ultrasound system according to the present invention, the keyboard unit (50) has a placement surface where the input device is arranged, and a bent part (55) that is bent with respect to the placement surface, and on this bent part, an arm part constituting the first rotation axis part (100) is formed.

The bent part (55) is provided on the keyboard unit (50), and the first rotation axis part (100) for rotating the keyboard unit is provided on this bent part, thereby allowing the first storage posture and the second storage posture to maintain parallelism between the keyboard unit and the display unit, and further improving safety against external force and enhancing the design thereof.

Other features of the present invention and effects thereof will be explained along with the following embodiments.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the ultrasound diagnostic system according to the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings attached to the present specification, the same elements are represented by the same symbols and tedious explanations will not be made.

FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of the ultrasound diagnostic system according to the present invention as external views;FIG. 1(a)illustrates a usage state (operating posture A),FIG. 1(b)illustrates a vertical storage state (first storage posture B), andFIG. 1(c)illustrates a carrying state or a flat storage state (the second storage posture C).FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a general configuration of the ultrasound diagnostic system.

The portable ultrasound system1as shown inFIG. 1is provided with, as a primary structure, a main body unit30incorporating a device having main functions of this ultrasound diagnostic system, a keyboard unit50having an input operation key section not illustrated, and a display unit80.

The configuration of the portable ultrasound system according to the present invention is the same as the configuration of a typical ultrasound diagnostic system, and as shown inFIG. 2, an ultrasound probe10having a group of ultrasound transducers, an ultrasound transmitter and receiver11for supplying a high-pressure pulse to this ultrasound probe10, a probe connector12for connecting this ultrasound transmitter and receiver11with the ultrasound probe10, a digital scan converter (hereinafter, referred to as “DSC”)13for converting an echo into a digital signal, a memory part14made up of an image memory, a common-use graphics memory, an operator-use graphics memory, and the like, a display part15for displaying an ultrasound image, a GUI, and the like, an input device16having a track ball, a keyboard part, and the like, a controller17for integrally controlling this portable ultrasound system1, an auxiliary device18such as an ECG measuring device, being connected as necessary, and a power unit19for supplying power to each part. Since the configuration and function of each part are the same as those publicly known, they are not explained here.

In the portable ultrasound system ofFIG. 1, among those constitutional elements, the main body unit30incorporates mainly the functions of the ultrasound transmitter and receiver11, the DSC13, the controller17, and the power unit19, the display unit80is provided with the function of the display part15, and the keyboard unit50is provided with the function of the input device16. The main body unit30is further provided with connection terminals for connecting the probe connector12to establish connection with the ultrasound probe10, and the auxiliary device18. The ultrasound transmitter and receiver circuit, DSC, controller, and power unit being incorporated in the main body unit30are connected to the input device16provided in the keyboard unit50and to the display part15provided in the display unit80, via cables not illustrated. Various ultrasound probes may be prepared as the ultrasound probe10, and an ultrasound probe10suitable for measuring purpose is selected therefrom, and it is connected to the probe connector12to use the probe.

The portable ultrasound system of the present invention has features in the structure that the main body unit30, the keyboard unit50, and the display unit80are independent of one another, and the ends of the respective units are linked together, in such a manner as allowing rotating of the keyboard unit50and the display unit80, and swiveling of the display unit80. Specifically, with respect to the main body unit30, the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are respectively supported in rotatable manner about the rotation axes P1and P2being independent of each other on the same axis P, and the display unit80is supported in swiveling manner about the rotation axis Q being orthogonal to the axis P. This structure allows, for example, to take various postures such as the operating posture A as shown inFIG. 1(a), the vertical storage posture B (the second storage posture) as shown inFIG. 1(b), the flat storage posture C as shown inFIG. 1(c)(the second storage posture).

Hereinafter, each part will be explained in detail. Firstly, an explanation will be made as to the three units, being major parts of the portable ultrasound system.

As shown inFIG. 1(b), the main body unit30has a substantially rectangular shape, being a flat shape; the depth D1is longer than the height H1, and the width W1is longer than the depth D1. In the operating posture A and the first storage posture, a plane determined by the depth and the width is placed on the installation surface. In the second storage posture, a slender plane determined by the height and the width is placed on the installation surface. Therefore, upon housing, it is possible to take either the first storage posture or the second storage posture, depending on the installation area and its volume. The keyboard unit50and the display unit80are mounted on one end32in the depth direction of the main body unit30, each being rotatable with respect to the main body unit30. In the operating posture A as shown inFIG. 1(a), this one end corresponds to the side facing to the operator, and it is referred to as a “front surface”.

The front surface has a shape inclining rearward from the lower end to the upper end, and the first rotation axis part100for axially supporting the keyboard unit50is provided in proximity to the upper end of the front surface. At the center of the horizontal direction of the front surface of the main body unit30, a rotation axis base part31extending forwardly is provided, and the second rotation axis part200is placed on the upper surface of this rotation axis base part31. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis base part31extends out in arc-like manner upon viewed from the upper side, and this extended part is configured to be the size that is accommodated in the projected area of the second rotation axis part200. The structures of the first rotation axis part100and the second rotation axis part200will be described later.

The keyboard unit50has a flat shape with the width W2approximately the same as the width dimension W1of the main body unit30, the depth dimension D2being larger than the depth dimension D1of the main body unit30, and relatively low height H2.

The keyboard unit50is provided with an input operation key layout51on the surface facing to the display unit80in the storage posture, the input operation key layout being equipped with input operation keys, not illustrated, such as a trackball and a keyboard part allowing character inputting. On one end of the depth direction of the input operation key layout51, there is formed a bent part55that is bent obliquely toward the input operation key layout51side, and a first arm part52constituting the first rotation axis part100is formed on this bent part55. The first rotation axis part100enables the keyboard unit50to turn about the rotation axis P1, allowing the keyboard unit50to move from the first storage posture substantially vertical as shown inFIG. 1(b)to the operating posture being horizontal as shown inFIG. 1(a), for instance.

A handle part54is provided on the other end in the depth direction of the keyboard unit50, in other words, the end on the side opposite to the side where the bent part55is formed. As indicated by the bold arrow inFIG. 1, the handle part54is installed in slidable manner in the depth direction of the keyboard unit50, and when the handle part54is not used, it is housed within the outer frame of the keyboard unit50, thereby establishing an appearance being integrated with the keyboard unit50. In the storage postures B and C as shown inFIG. 1(b)andFIG. 1(c), the handle part54is able to be drawn from the keyboard unit50and used as a handle, upon carrying the ultrasound diagnostic system of the present embodiment. In the operating posture as shown inFIG. 1(a), the handle part54may be drawn forwardly from the keyboard unit50to serve as a palm rest upon operating the keyboard part or the trackball, not illustrated, being arranged on the input operation key layout51.

The display unit80has a shape of flat appearance similar to the keyboard unit50, the width dimension W3being approximately the same as those of the main body unit30and the keyboard unit50, and the depth dimension (the height dimension H3in the operating posture ofFIG. 1(a)) is approximately the same as that of the input operation key layout51on the keyboard unit50. The widths W1, W2, and W3, respectively of the three units30,50, and80, are configured to be approximately the same size, thereby creating a sense of unity and continuity for the independent three units, and enhancing the design. In addition, the depth dimension D2of the input operation key layout51on the keyboard unit50is made to substantially coincide with the height dimension H3of the display unit80, thereby achieving easy handling of both units in the storage postures and bringing about a sense of unity therebetween.

As for the display unit80, a display screen part81such as an LCD is formed on the surface (display part installation surface)83that is facing to the keyboard unit50in the storage state as shown inFIG. 1(b)andFIG. 1(c), and on the lower end of the display unit, there is formed an arm part82constituting the second rotation axis part200.

The second rotation axis part200enables the display unit80to turn about the rotation axis P2, and thus it allows moving from the substantially vertical posture as shown inFIG. 1(a)andFIG. 1(b)to the posture being parallel with the main body unit30as shown inFIG. 1(c). Since the rotation axis P2of the second rotation axis part200is independent of the rotation axis P1of the first rotation axis part100, in the state where the storage posture is horizontal as shown inFIG. 1(c), the display unit80by itself is allowed to rotate with respect to the main body unit30, thereby achieving the operating posture as shown inFIG. 1(a).

The second rotation axis part200includes a movable axis part201on which the bearing part202for accepting the arm part82is formed, and the movable axis part201is supported in such a manner as rotatable with respect to the main body unit30, about the rotation axis Q that is orthogonal to the rotation axis P. With this configuration, the display unit80is allowed to swivel about the rotation axis Q in the operating posture A, where movement of the display unit80is not inhibited by the keyboard unit50.

Next, with reference toFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the first rotation axis part100and the second rotation axis part200will be explained in detail.FIG. 3(a)is an exploded perspective view illustrating the joint between the main body unit30and the keyboard unit50, andFIG. 3(b)is a cross sectional view illustrating the joint at the center of the front surface of the main body unit30.

The first rotation axis part100is a significant structure for supporting the keyboard unit50in rotatable manner that is weighty relative to the main body unit30, and for maintaining the first storage posture and the second storage posture as shown in FIG.1(b) andFIG. 1(c), and therefore, the first rotation axis part is provided with a robust configuration. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 3(a), the first rotation axis part100is made up of a cylindrical fixed axis part101that is fixed on the main body unit30, and the first arm part52formed on the bent part55of the keyboard unit50.

In the embodiment being illustrated, a pair of fixed axis parts101on the left and right sides are provided in fixed manner on the front surface of the main body unit30in proximity to the upper end being inclined rearward. The second rotation axis part200is placed in the space at the center between the pair of the fixed axis parts101on the left and right sides. On the bent part55of the keyboard unit50, there are formed notches57and53, respectively on the two positions left and right in association with the pair of the fixed axis parts101, and on the center position in association with the second rotation axis part200. As remaining parts, there are formed two pairs of the first arm parts52, respectively on the left and right, four in total. These first arm parts52are mounted in rotatable manner on both sides of each pair of the first axis parts101, thereby forming the first rotation axis part100being robust in structure. With this structure, the rotation axis P1is formed along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical fixed axis part101, and this allows the keyboard unit50to rotate about the rotation axis P1.

As illustrated in detail in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3(b), the second rotation axis part200is mainly made up of the second arm part82formed on the lower end of the display unit80, a movable axis part201coupled to the second arm part82, and a rotation axis base part31formed on the front surface of the main body unit30and serving as the bearing of the movable axis part201.

The second arm part82has a cross section of substantially U-shape on the surface being orthogonal to the display screen81of the display unit80, the tip of the U-shape is coupled to the movable axis part201, and the other end is fixed to the display unit80. At the U-shaped tip, there is formed a hole at the position corresponding to the axis P2that passes through the movable axis part201, and the tip is supported on the movable axis part201in a rotatable manner about the rotation axis P2. When the display unit80takes the storage posture, the rotation axis P2is on the axis P that is common to the rotation axis P1of the first rotation axis part100.

The movable axis part201is a member having a substantially cylindrical shape being low in height, made up of a circular upper surface and a bottom surface, and a side surface connecting those upper surface and bottom surface. On this upper surface, the bearing part202is formed for rotatably supporting the aforementioned arm part82of the display unit80. The upper surface is inclined gently toward the front, and approaches the bottom surface. With this shape, it is possible to make the notch53relatively small, which is formed on the bent part55of the keyboard unit50in order to avoid interference with the movable axis part201, thereby preventing degradation in design properties due to the notch53.

The bearing part202formed on the upper surface of the movable axis part201has a rounded bottom, so as not to constitute an obstacle to the rotating action of the arm part82about the rotation axis P2. In addition, a distance in the left-right direction (the direction of the axis P2) between both side walls of the bearing part202is substantially equal to the width of the second arm part82in the direction of the rotation axis P2, and this configuration restricts the movement of the arm part82in the direction of the rotation axis P2. The second rotation axis part200made up of the movable axis part201and the second arm part82on the lower end of the display unit80enables turning (folding) of the display unit80about the rotation axis P2.

In the embodiment as shown inFIG. 3(b), space other than the range of the movement of the second arm part in the bearing part202is used to provide space for an adapter for mounting accessories, and the like. This function will be described later. In this case, in order to prevent degradation of visibility of the display screen part81due to rearward toppling of the display unit80in the operating posture A, a structure as shown inFIG. 6(c)is employed, that is, the bearing part202which rotatably supports the tip of the second arm part82by both sides is provided with a rim203which surrounds the backside of the second arm part82, so as to hold the second arm part82to prevent backward falling. In other words, the rim203is formed in such a manner that both sides and the backside are continuous, except the front side.

On the other hand, there is formed a swiveling axis251that extends downwardly allowing the swiveling of the display unit80, on the bottom surface opposite to the surface where the bearing part202of the movable axis part201is formed, and a ring-like movable contact surface252is formed, constituting the swiveling plane R around the swiveling axis251. The rotation axis Q of the swiveling axis251is orthogonal to the rotation axis P2of the second rotation axis part200. This configuration allows the display unit80to swivel about the rotation axis Q within a minimum range of movement, thereby configuring the overall device to be a compact size.

There is formed a concave portion (rotation axis base part31) fitting to the shape of the aforementioned movable axis part201, on the surface inclined rearward at the front center of the main body unit30. This rotation axis base part31is provided with an upper surface having a shape that is included in the projected area of the movable axis part201being circular in shape. The upper surface of the rotation axis base part31is provided with a bearing part33for supporting the swiveling axis251of the movable axis part201, and a fixed contact surface253formed around the bearing part33to support the ring-like movable contact surface252. Here, the rear part of the fixed contact surface253is formed in such a manner as cutting into the front surface of the main body unit30, the front surface being inclined rearward.

The aforementioned structure of the second rotation axis part200allows the display unit80to rotate about the rotation axis P2with respect to the main body unit30, independently of the keyboard unit50, and also allows the display unit80to swivel about the axis Q in the operating posture A where the display unit80is set apart from the keyboard unit50.

The present embodiment employs a structure that the rotation axis base part31is formed in such a manner as extending forwardly at the lower position between the pair of the fixed axis parts101, in other words, at the lower position of the front center of the main body unit30, and this rotation axis base part31supports the movable axis part201. Therefore, it is possible to configure such that the rotation axis P2of the display unit80coincides with the rotation axis P1of the keyboard unit50on the rotation axis P.

It is to be noted that rotating about the axis P2of the display unit80and swiveling about the axis Q may also be achieved, by fixing the movable axis part201onto the main body unit30and providing a swiveling axis on the arm part82side of the display unit80that is axially supported. In that case, however, a large-sized structure of the rotation axis Q is placed at a higher position of the portable ultrasound system1, so as to reserve a wide swiveling plane R, and this may degrade the design. Particularly in the present embodiment, where the rotation axis P2of the display unit80is made to coincide with the rotation axis P1of the keyboard unit50, if a large-sized structure of the rotation axis Q is exposed in the upper part of the first rotation axis part100that allows the keyboard unit50to be rotatable, this may not only degrade the design properties, but also impair the rotation about the rotation axis P2. On the other hand, the present embodiment employs the structure that the rotation axis Q is provided in the lower part of the rotation axis P2, it is possible to solve the problems that the design may be degraded and rotation of the display unit80about the rotation axis P2is hampered.

Next, an explanation will be made as to the shapes of the front of the main body unit30and the bent part55of the keyboard unit50, being preferable for arranging the first rotation axis part100and the second rotation axis part200as described above.

As already stated, the front surface of the main body unit30is formed on the curved surface that is inclined rearward from the lower end toward the upper end, and that is bowed outwardly from both side edges towards the center. Since the first rotation axis part100is arranged in proximity to the upper edge inclined rearward, it is possible to achieve a compact placement of the first rotation axis part100being a robust structure, without expanding largely from the front surface.

The movable axis part201having a cylindrical shape constituting the second rotation axis part200is placed between the first rotation axis parts100being in pair respectively on the left and right, that is, at the center of the front surface, and the bearing part33of the movable axis part201is formed on the main body unit30. As shown inFIG. 3(b), on the bottom of the bearing part33, there is formed an extended part32that extends in arc-like manner toward the front in the depth direction of the main body unit30, in such a manner as fitting to the bottom of the movable axis part201.

The bottom252of the movable axis part201and the bottom253of the concave portion formed on the front surface of the main body unit30are brought into contact with each other, and constitute the swiveling plane R (the movable contact surface252and the fixed contact surface253) for the swiveling motion of the movable axis part201. Typically in the case of the swiveling mechanism, a large swiveling plane R is necessary for supporting the display unit80(the second arm part82) stably and robustly around the rotation axis Q. In the present embodiment, the movable contact surface and the fixed contact surface are shaped in such a manner as extending from the front side of the main body unit80, thereby reserving a large swiveling plane R and ensuring stable swiveling movement of the display unit80.

There is formed an indentation56(FIG. 1(b)) on the backside surface (opposite surface of the input operation key layout51, in proximity to the bent part55of the keyboard unit50that rotates with respect to the main body unit30, in such a manner as fitting to the arc-like extended part32on the front surface of the aforementioned main body unit30. With this indentation56, though the size of the notch53for the second rotation axis part200, being formed on the bent part55, is restricted to be relatively small, it is possible to avoid collision between the bent part55and the extended part32on the front surface of the main body unit30, when the keyboard unit50is rotated about the rotation axis P1.

With reference toFIG. 4, a structure of the bent part55will be explained in detail.FIG. 4(a)is a side view illustrating the first storage posture of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment, corresponding toFIG. 1(b), and the dotted line indicates the operating posture A in which only the keyboard unit50is open.FIG. 4(b)illustrates the state where the display unit80in the operating posture (indicated by the dotted line) is closed, showing the second storage posture C ofFIG. 1(c).

As already explained, in the present embodiment, the keyboard unit50and the display unit80rotate about the rotation axes P1and P2, respectively, being on the common axis P. Here, if both are shaped linearly from one end supported by the rotation axis to the other end on the opposite side, the keyboard unit50may form a predetermined angle with the display unit80, being defined by a thickness or the like at one end. In other words, they cannot be parallel to each other. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, one end of the keyboard unit50is formed as the bent part55, and on this bent part55, the arm part52constituting the first rotation axis part100is formed, thereby allowing the display unit80to be placed into the space made up of two planes that are defined by the bent part55and the input operation key layout51of the keyboard unit50. Consequently, in the storage state as shown inFIG. 4, it is possible to keep the primary planes Y1and Y2of both substantially parallel with each other, allowing a lock mechanism to be provided easily for locking the coupled state therebetween, and in the storage posture, the input operation key layout51and the display screen81facing to each other may be protected against external forces.

When only the keyboard unit50is rotated about the rotation axis P1, to be brought into the operating posture A indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 4(a), or in the second storage state C as shown inFIG. 4(b), this bent part55abuts against the front surface of the main body unit30, and thereby stabilizing the posture of the keyboard unit50under any of those conditions.

The angle θ1of the bent part55of the keyboard unit50with respect to the primary plane Y1is not limited, but in the embodiment being illustrated, the angle is set to be 90 degrees or larger, to fit to the inclination of the front surface of the main body unit30. This configuration allows to take the operating posture A (FIG. 1(a)) or the second storage posture C (FIG. 1(c)) in which the keyboard unit50is substantially horizontal or the front side thereof is lowered, and the first storage posture B (FIG. 1(b)) in which the upper end is inclined rearward a little. Further in the present embodiment, the indentation56is formed on the lower end of the keyboard unit50in the first storage posture as shown inFIG. 1(b), configuring a rounded shape, thereby achieving a preferable design.

If the angle of bend θ1is too large, the input operation key layout51may become narrower, or it is necessary to set the depth dimension D2of the keyboard unit50to be a larger value. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the front portion of the upper surface of the main body unit30is viewed from the top, it has an arc-like shape; the center extended forwardly and the outline receding gradually as approaching both sides, the inclination angle θ2on both sides is smaller than the rearward inclination angle at the center. In addition, each angle of bend θ1of the bent parts55on both ends of the keyboard unit50is formed to conform to the inclination angle θ2on both sides of the front surface of the main body unit30. The indentation56is formed at the center part of the bent part55, having the inclination angle being larger relative to both ends, in order to avoid the extended part32on the front surface of the main body unit30. With the structure as described above, an appropriate angle is given to the bent part55without enlarging the depth dimension D2of the keyboard unit50, thereby enhancing the design of the front surface of the main body unit30in the first storage posture as shown inFIG. 1(b).

A basic structure of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment has been explained. Here, it is to be noted that the portable ultrasound system of the present embodiment may be further provided with various additional mechanisms, on the basis of the rotating and swiveling structures and the configuration of each of the aforementioned units30,50, and80. Hereinafter, the examples thereof will be explained.

Firstly, with reference toFIG. 4, a lock mechanism between the keyboard unit50and the display unit80will be explained.

The lock mechanism is provided to maintain the state where the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are closed. In the embodiment as illustrated, the lock mechanism300is made up of an opening for locking302provided on the input operation key layout51of the keyboard unit50, a hook part301provided on the display part installation surface83of the display unit80, and a release button303for releasing the locked state.

The hook part301and the release button303are linked via a link mechanism provided with a spring not illustrated, and those elements are linked in such a manner that the tip of the hook part301is moved by manipulating the release button303. When the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are closed, the hook part301is inserted into the opening for locking302in the keyboard unit50, and with a subtle turning against the urging force of the spring, the hook part is further inserted into the opening302, until the keyboard unit50and the display unit80come into the state completely closed. Under this condition, with the urging force of the spring, the hook part is brought into the condition that it is hooked on the edge of the opening302, thereby locking the link between the keyboard unit50and the display unit80. On the other hand, the release button303is manipulated to move the hook part301a little, from the engaged position on the edge of the opening for locking302, toward the opening part, thereby releasing the locked state between the hook part301and the opening for locking302, and as shown inFIG. 4(a), the keyboard unit50is allowed to rotate about the axis P1by itself.

The keyboard unit50and the display unit80are rotated about the axis P commonly used. Therefore, they are allowed to rotate about the axis P, with respect to the main body unit30, in the state that both are locked. Conversely, the main body unit30is allowed to rotate by itself about the axis P, with respect to the keyboard unit50and the display unit80being joined in the locked state, thereby changing the posture from the vertical storage state as shown inFIG. 1(b)to the flat storage state as shown inFIG. 1(c).

According to the present embodiment as described above, the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are supported respectively by different rotation axes, and those rotation axes P1and P2are placed on the same axis, thereby allowing the keyboard unit50and the display unit80to rotate in the locked state with respect to the main body unit30, and an identical lock mechanism is sufficient for the different storage postures.

If a particular lock means or a means for restricting a range of rotation is not provided, the range of rotation of the keyboard unit50is from the position (the first storage posture inFIG. 4(a)) abutting against the display unit80under the condition that the display unit80is fixed on the back surface of the bearing part202of the second rotation axis part200, to the position (indicated by the dotted line inFIG. 4(a)) where the bent part55of the keyboard unit50abuts against the front inclined part of the main body unit30, after the rotation toward the device installation surface side. Here, it is further possible that the first rotation axis part100of the keyboard unit50is provided with a fixing means that is able to withstand the self-weight of the keyboard unit50, the fixing means being already known as a means for fixing the rotation at a predetermined position or any optional position, or the first rotation axis part100may be provided with a lock means for completing fixing the rotation of the keyboard unit50in the first storage posture and in the second storage posture. With this kind of fixing means being provided for fixing the rotation, it is also possible to change the angle (inclination) of the display unit (display screen)80in the operating posture, with respect to the main body unit30or the keyboard unit50. Upon the rotation of the keyboard unit50and the display unit80independently or in the state of being joined, this fixing means may inhibit abrupt rotation and mitigate the impact along with the rotation, thereby reducing the possibility of breakage. If there is provided a lock means for fixing the storage posture, it is not necessary to install the same type of fixing means in the second rotation axis part200that axially supports the display unit80, thereby enabling the second rotation axis part200to be downsized. In addition, this allows easy carriage by the use of the handle part54, while maintaining either of two storage postures as shown inFIG. 1.

As an additional function, an explanation will be made as to an attaching/detaching mechanism of the adapter for mounting accessories. In general, as for the ultrasound diagnostic system, there are needs for using more than one ultrasound probe10, depending on the portion to be diagnosed. In the present embodiment, there is provided a mechanism for installing the adapter in detachable manner, in order to reserve a space for placing more than one ultrasound probe10, without degrading portability being a feature of the portable type device.

Figures fromFIG. 5toFIG. 7illustrate an example of the mechanism for attaching/detaching the adapter.FIG. 5illustrates a structure of the adapter for mounting accessories of the portable ultrasound system relating to the present embodiment,FIG. 5(a)is a perspective view of the adapter for mounting accessories,FIG. 5(b)andFIG. 5(c)are, respectively, a plan view and a front view of the adapter in the state where accessories are mounted.FIG. 6illustrates a structure for installing the adapter for mounting accessories of the portable ultrasound system relating to the present embodiment;FIG. 6(a)illustrates installation of the adapter for mounting accessories,FIG. 6(b)is a vertical cross-sectional view of the movable axis part in the state where the adapter for mounting accessories is fixed, andFIG. 6(c)is a perspective view of the movable axis part.FIG. 7is a perspective view of the portable ultrasound system in the state that the adapter for mounting accessories is installed.

Firstly, with reference toFIG. 5, a structure of the adapter for mounting accessories (hereinafter, simply referred to as “adapter”) will be explained. As shown inFIG. 5(a), the adapter400is made up of a table top420having a deformed track shape with rounded circumference, a lateral supporter411for supporting the table top420, extending in substantially the same direction as the plane direction of the table top420, a primary supporter410coupled to the other end of the lateral supporter411, an installation leg401provided on the lower end of the primary supporter410, and a reinforcing supporter412linking the end of the lateral supporter411on the table top side, with the lower end of the primary supporter410.

There are provided on the table top420, multiple apertures421for placing the ultrasound probe10, and the like. Those apertures421are notched in the outer peripheral direction, and the code of the ultrasound probe10is made to pass through the notch422, thereby allowing the ultrasound probe10to be placed in the aperture421. The aperture421of the table top420may be equipped with an aperture cover423made of a flexible resin material, in order to place the ultrasound probe10stably without any scratching. On this occasion, this aperture cover423has an appearance of C-shape, obtained by notching a ring-like shape, and this provides a structure enabling a code to pass through.FIG. 5(b)andFIG. 5(c)illustrate that two types of ultrasound probes10are put on this C-shaped cover423.

In the present embodiment, a configuration for installing the adapter400with the aforementioned structure is provided on the second rotation axis part200for supporting the display unit80. As already explained, the second rotation axis part200is provided with the movable axis part201that is supported at its lower part by the main body unit30in such a manner as allowing a swiveling motion, and the upper part of the movable axis part201is coupled to the display unit80(not illustrated) allowing a folding motion. On the upper surface of the movable axis part201, there is formed a concave part (the bearing part202) to accept the second arm part82of the display unit80.

The second arm part82of the display unit80being coupled to the bearing part202of the movable axis part201may be moved as shown inFIG. 6(a), from the horizontal posture (the second storage posture C) in which the display installation surface83faces to the downside, to the posture (the operating posture A) as shown inFIG. 6(b)in which the display installation surface83is upright and looking forward. In this situation, a mount450is provided for installing the adapter in the space of the rear side of the bearing part202which determines the range of movement of the second arm part82.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 6(c), a concave-like mount450being notched forwardly is formed in the front section of the rearward rim204of the bearing part202, and on the bottom of the mount450, there is provided an fitting hole205into which the installation leg401of the adapter400is fitted. In order to fit to the shape of the mount450, the installation leg401of the adapter400has a shape wider in the lower part and narrower in the upper part, and a projection402is provided on the bottom.

The adapter400is allowed to be installed easily on the concave-like mount450formed on the bearing part202, according to the following procedure. Firstly, as shown inFIG. 6(a), the display unit80is tilted forward and the mount450is exposed. The installation leg401of the adapter400is inserted into the mount450being exposed, and the projection402on the bottom is fitted into the fitting hole205of the mount450, thereby installing the adapter400. Under this condition, the adapter400is held only unstably in the meantime. Next, as shown inFIG. 6(b), by resuming the posture in which the display unit80stands, the installation leg401is stably held between the rearward rim204and the second arm part82.

With this structure, in the state ofFIG. 6(b), the adapter400is fixedly supported in the rear of the display unit80. In addition, since the adapter400is installed on the movable axis part201together with the display unit80, as shown inFIG. 7, the adapter turns in an interlocked manner with the swivel of the display unit80, and therefore there is no collision with the display unit80. In addition, if the display unit80is tilted forward, it is possible to remove the adapter400easily.

It is to be noted that the adapter400relating to the present embodiment employs the table top420as the accessories holder, but the adapter is not limited to this shape. By way of example, a rod-like member available for hooking the code of the ultrasound probe10, or any other shape having the same function is applicable.

According to the portable ultrasound system of the present embodiment, in the operating posture A, it is possible to easily place an accessory such as the ultrasound probe10at the position that does not constituting an obstacle to operability of various switches not illustrated, being arranged on the input operation key layout51, nor hamper the visibility of the display screen part81of the display unit80upon swiveling. In addition, the adapter400for mounting accessories is fixed on the main unit in the operating posture A or in the first storage posture B, and the fixing is released and easily removed in the second storage posture C.

As discussed so far, with reference to figures fromFIG. 1toFIG. 7, the structure and functions of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment have been explained, and its main features and effects are as the following.

The first feature of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment is that the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are independently supported rotatably on the main body unit30. With this feature, it is possible to achieve various postures as the following; the operating posture in which the main body unit30and the keyboard unit50are set to be substantially horizontal, and only the display unit80is made to stand up, the first storage posture in which the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are made to stand up with respect to the main body unit30, and the second storage posture in which the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are set to be parallel with respect to the main body unit30. Advantages of this embodiment are obvious relative to a conventional note-type or vertical-type portable ultrasound system. In other words, in a conventional portable ultrasound system, it is possible to take the operating posture, but in the note-type system, only the display unit is movable. Therefore, a storage posture being flat with respect to the installation area (the second storage posture) may be taken, but a wide installation area is necessary. On the other hand, a vertical-type system has a structure to fold the keyboard unit, it is possible to take the storage posture with less installation area (the first posture), but it is unavoidable to take the storage posture being voluminous, rising up massively on the installation surface. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to take various storage postures in response to the installation area and volume.

The second feature of the present embodiment is that the rotation axis P1of the first rotation axis part100for rotating the keyboard unit50, and the rotation axis P2of the second rotation axis part200for rotating the display unit80are placed on the same axis P, under the condition that the display unit80takes a basic posture (no swiveling state). With this feature, in the state where the relation between the keyboard unit50and the display unit80is fixed, for example, both are locked, they are allowed to simultaneously rotate with respect to the main body unit30. In other words, if the rotation axis P1and the rotation axis P2are parallel to each other and placed on different axes, respectively, and the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are rotated respectively with respect to the main body unit, displacement occurs therebetween, and this may cause a scratch because they come into contact with each other. In the case where the lock mechanism is provided, it is necessary to provide separate lock mechanisms respectively for the first storage posture as shown inFIG. 1(b)and for the second storage posture as shown inFIG. 1(c). On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the rotation axis P1and the rotation axis P2are provided on the same axis, such problem as described above may not occur, and it is possible to achieve locking between the keyboard unit50and the display unit80, and this locking allows protection of the display screen, and the like.

The third and fourth features of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment are as the following; the second rotation axis part200for rotating the display unit80is configured as also rotatable with respect to the axis Q being perpendicular to the rotation axis P1, and the plane for swiveling of the second rotation axis part200is provided on the main body side, relative to the rotation axis P1. In other words, in the present embodiment, the movable axis part of the second rotation axis part200is coupled to the main body unit via the rotation axis Q. With those features above, even though the structure of the second rotation axis part200is strengthened, it is possible to achieve rotation about the rotation axis P1and rotation about the axis Q, in the structure being compact without degrading the design.

The fifth feature of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment is that the bent part is formed on the keyboard unit50, and the first rotation axis part is provided on the bent part. With this feature, in the first storage posture and the second storage posture in which the keyboard unit50and the display unit80are joined, it is possible to maintain the primary plane of the keyboard unit50to be substantially parallel to the primary plane of the display unit80, achieving a device structurally stable against external forces and actions, and allowing a publicly known lock mechanism to be installed between the keyboard unit and the display unit.

The sixth feature of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment is that the shape of the front surface of the main body unit30is formed in such a manner as meeting the demands in shapes and structures of the first rotation axis part100and the second rotation axis part200. For example, by forming the shape of the front surface to be inclined rearward from the lower end toward the upper end, thereby allowing compact installation of the rotation axis part100having a robust structure. The shape of the front surface is an arc-like shape extending from both edges toward the center, thereby providing a wide plane R for swiveling to the second rotation axis part200, strengthening the support structure for swiveling, and enabling a stable swiveling operation. The rearward inclination angle θ2of both edges of the main body front surface is made to coincide with the inclination angle θ1of the bent part55of the keyboard unit50constituting the first rotation axis part100, whereby it is possible to enhance the design of the front surface of the main body unit30in the first storage posture, without enlarging the depth of the input operation key layout51on the keyboard unit50.

Other features and effects produced therefrom of the portable ultrasound system according to the present embodiment, are clarified by the drawings, and the explanations in association therewith.

The portable ultrasound system of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, but various modifications are possible.

By way of example, in the figures, an example is illustrated that the first rotation axis part100is made up of a pair of the fixed axis parts and the arm parts placed on both ends of the fixed axis part, but the number of arm parts and their arrangements are not limited to those as illustrated. It is further possible to configure such that three arm parts support one fixed axis part. In addition, an example has been illustrated that the second rotation axis part200is placed at the center of the main body unit30. However, it is alternatively possible to configure such that the second rotation axis part is positioned, being displaced from the center of the main body unit30, and the first rotation axis parts100are arranged on both sides thereof or it may be arranged on one side thereof.

Each size (height, depth, and width) being indicated as to the main body unit30, the keyboard unit50, and the display unit80is just an example, and the size, and the like, may be modified, as far as the structure and functions being the features of the portable ultrasound system of the present invention are not degraded.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a portable ultrasound system superior in operability, storage properties, and design.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES