Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

The following wires are connected to an actuator via a wire relay mechanism: the wire which acts to move a gas spring which restricts a movement of a parallel linkage which performs an up-down movement of the operation panel, the wire which acts to move a first lock pin which restricts a movement of a rotary pole which performs a first rotational movement of the operation panel, the wire which acts to move a second lock pin which restricts a movement of a mounting unit which performs a second rotational movement of the operation panel, and the wire which acts to move a third lock pin which restricts a movement of a slidable plate which performs a front-rear movement of the operation panel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-153564 filed on Sep. 14, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in particular, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including an operation panel which receives instructions input by an operator.

BACKGROUND

A general ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus used for medical purposes includes an apparatus body which performs ultrasonic image forming processes, a main display which displays ultrasonic images and the like, and an operation panel which receives instructions input by an operator such as a doctor. The operation panel includes a switch, a pointing device, and a rotary adjustment knob. The operation panel may also include a sub-display which displays various types of information related to instructions to be input.

There are proposed ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses including an operation panel which is supported by a movable mechanism such that at least either one of the position and orientation of the operation panel is changeable along with movement of the movable mechanism.

For example, JP 2011-245041 A discloses an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which includes an operation panel whose position and orientation can be changed by multiple movable mechanisms, including a lift mechanism which changes the height of the operation panel, a right-left slide mechanism which slides the operation panel to the right and left, a front-rear slide mechanism which slides the operation panel to the front and rear, and a rotation mechanism which horizontally rotates the operation panel.

In general, such a movable mechanism which supports the operation panel while allowing a change in the position and/or orientation includes a lock mechanism which can hold the operation panel to maintain the position and/or orientation of the operation panel. The lock mechanism is generally provided for each of the movable mechanisms. For example, JP 2011-245041 A describes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a lock mechanism which restricts (locks) movement of the right-left slide mechanism and another lock mechanism which restricts movement of the front-rear slide mechanism.

When multiple lock mechanisms are provided, it is desirable that a restriction state of the multiple lock mechanisms can be changed by a single actuator. A change in the restriction state indicates a change between an unrestricted state (unlock state) in which a movement of the movable mechanism is allowed and a restricted state (lock state) in which a movement of the movable mechanism is not allowed.

In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in JP 2011-245041 A, the restriction state of the right-left slide mechanism and the front-rear slide mechanism can be changed by means of a release lever located in front of the operation panel. However, it is further desired to change the restriction state of more lock mechanisms by manipulating a single actuator, in particular, multiple lock mechanisms including a lift mechanism which can change the height of the operation panel. JP 2011-245041 A does not describe that the above release lever of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can change the restriction state of the lift mechanism. As, conventionally, the restriction state of the lift mechanism is changed by a foot pedal, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in JP 2011-245041 A, the restriction state of the lift mechanism can also be assumed to be changed by an actuator such as a foot pedal provided separately from the release lever.

A restriction state of multiple lock mechanisms including the up-down movement mechanism may be changed in accordance with manipulation of a single actuator by using an electric device, such as a motor.

An object of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed in the present specification is to enable changing of the restriction state of multiple lock mechanisms which restrict movement of multiple movable mechanisms in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the up-down movement mechanism which changes the height of the operation panel, by manipulating a single actuator without using an electric device.

SUMMARY

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an operation panel which receives an instruction input from an operator, multiple movement mechanisms which change a position or orientation of the operation panel, multiple lock mechanisms which restrict a movement of the movement mechanisms, an actuator, and multiple wires which connect the actuator and the respective multiple lock mechanisms. The multiple movement mechanisms include an up-down movement mechanism which performs an up-down movement to change the height of the operation panel. When the actuator is manipulated by the operator, a restriction state of the multiple lock mechanisms is changed by an effect of the multiple wires.

According to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus described in this specification, a restriction state of the multiple lock mechanisms which restrict a movement of the multiple movement mechanisms in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including the up-down movement mechanism which changes the height of the operation panel can be changed by manipulating a single actuator without using any electric devices.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus10includes an apparatus body12, a main display14, and an operation panel16. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus10also includes an ultrasonic probe (not shown) which is connected to the apparatus body12to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from a subject. Throughout the present specification, as shown inFIG.1, a width direction (also referred to as “right-left direction”) of the apparatus body12is shown with an arrow X. The arrow X points to the “right” of the apparatus body12, and the opposite side is “left”. A depth direction of the apparatus body12is shown with an arrow Y. The arrow Y points to the “rear”, and the opposite side is the “front”. A height direction of the apparatus body12is shown with an arrow Z. The arrow Z points to “up”, and the opposite side is “down”.

The apparatus body12transmits outgoing signals to the ultrasonic probe to instruct the ultrasonic probe to send ultrasonic waves to a subject. The apparatus body12also receives incoming signals from the ultrasonic probe to perform an ultrasonic image forming process based on the received signals. The main display14displays ultrasonic images formed by the apparatus body12, and other content.

The operation panel16includes a switch, a pointing device, a rotary adjustment knob, and the like so that the operation panel16can receive instructions input by an operator such as a doctor. In particular, the operation panel16is used by the operator to perform an ultrasonic diagnosis of a subject. In the present embodiment, the operation panel16includes a flat console panel16A on which elements, such as the above mentioned switch, are disposed, and a sub-display16B which displays various types of information related to instructions to be input. The sub-display16B is disposed to extend upward from the rear edge of the console panel16A. The operation panel16is disposed on a mounting unit18, which is a plate-shaped component with an upper surface slightly tilted forward. The console panel16A is disposed on the upper surface of the mounting unit18. In this way, the console panel16A is tilted slightly forward, facilitating the operation of the console panel16A by an operator. Because the operation panel16is disposed on the mounting unit18, positional relationships between the operation panel16and the mounting unit18are fixed. Movement and orientation of the mounting unit18indicate movement and orientation of the operation panel16.

The mounting unit18is supported by a movable support mechanism20. The movable support mechanism20includes multiple movable mechanisms. The mounting unit18is thus movably supported such that at least one of the position and the orientation can be changed. The mounting unit18is supported by the movable support mechanism20such that the orientation of the mounting unit18is changeable, in particular, in a space above the apparatus body12. Further, each of movable mechanisms included in the movable support mechanism20includes a lock mechanism which restricts movement. The restriction state of the lock mechanism (between an unlock state in which movement is allowed and the lock state in which movement is not allowed) can be changed by an operator. The restriction state change of the multiple lock mechanisms of the movable support mechanism20can be performed by an operator by manipulating an actuator22disposed at the front of the mounting unit18around the lateral center. The respective movement mechanisms, the respective lock mechanisms, and the actuator22of the movable support mechanism20are described in detail below.

FIG.2shows a side view of the movable support mechanism20according to the present embodiment.FIG.2shows a partial cross sectional view. The movable support mechanism20mainly includes the above-mentioned mounting unit18, a fixed pole24(refer toFIG.1, not shown inFIG.2) which extends upward from the apparatus body12, a rotary pole26connected to the fixed pole24, a movable base28which rotatably supports the mounting unit18, and a parallel linkage30which connects the rotary pole26and the movable base28.

The fixed pole24has a column shape and extends upward from around the lateral center at the rear of the apparatus body12. The fixed pole24is fixedly attached to the apparatus body12. The fixed pole24is not a movable mechanism and does not move.

The rotary pole26also has a column shape, and extends vertically. The rotary pole26is attached on the upper side of the fixed pole24such that the lower end of the rotary pole26is connected to the upper end of the fixed pole24. The rotary pole26is attached rotatable with respect to the fixed pole24(thus, with respect to the apparatus body12). Specifically, the rotary pole26is attached to be rotatable in a horizontal plane about a rotation axis AX1. The rotation axis AX1is a first vertical axis located away from the mounting unit18(thus, away from the operation panel16).

The movable base28has a substantial rectangular shape. Specifically, the movable base28includes a box body28A which has a rectangular shape, and a slidable plate28B which is horizontally disposed directly above the box body28A. The slidable plate28B is slidably attached to the box body28A such that the slidable plate28B can slide forward and backward with respect to the box body28A.FIG.2shows the slidable plate28B at the rearmost position where the slidable plate28B completely overlaps the upper surface of the box body28A.

The mounting unit18is attached to the slidable plate28B such that the mounting unit18is rotatable in a horizontal plane. Specifically, the mounting unit18is attached to be rotatable in a horizontal plane about a rotation axis AX2. The rotation axis AX2is a second vertical axis which is positioned nearer to the mounting unit18(thus, nearer to the operation panel16) than is the above-mentioned AX1.

The parallel linkage30includes two elongated linkages30A and30B which are disposed in parallel to each other. One end of the parallel linkage30is attached to the rotary pole26, whereas the other end of the parallel linkage30located away in a horizontal direction from the one end is attached at around the lateral center at the rear of the movable base28. Accordingly, the movable base28is supported at a position horizontally away from the rotary pole26. The parallel linkage30is rotatably attached to the rotary pole26such that the parallel linkage30can rotate in a vertical plane within a predetermined degree. Similarly, the parallel linkage30is rotatably attached to the movable base28such that the parallel linkage30can rotate in a vertical plane within a predetermined degree. The movable base28is moved up and down by a rotational movement of the parallel linkage30with respect to the rotary pole26in a vertical plane, such that the height of the movable base28is changed. Along with this movement, the parallel linkage30also rotates in a vertical plane with respect to the movable base28. This maintains the orientation of the movable base28(in particular, the slidable plate28B) to be horizontal when the height of the movable base28is changed.

The above elements of the movable support mechanism20have a multi-stage structure. Specifically, the mounting unit18(thus, the operation panel16) is rotatable with respect to the slidable plate28B about the rotation axis AX2. Because the slidable plate28B itself is movable forward and backward, the mounting unit18is also moved forward and backward along with the forward and backward movement of the slidable plate28B. Further, because the movable base28including the slidable plate28B is moved upward and downward by the rotational movement of the parallel linkage30, not only the slidable plate28B but also the mounting unit18is moved upward and downward along with the rotational movement of the parallel linkage30. Furthermore, because the parallel linkage30is rotatable in a horizontal plane by the rotational movement of the rotary pole26about the rotation axis AX1, the parallel linkage30, the slidable plate28B, and the mounting unit18rotate in a horizontal plane along with the rotational movement of the rotary pole26.

As described above, in the movable support mechanism20according to the present embodiment, the parallel linkage30functions as an up-down movement mechanism which changes the height of the operation panel16. The rotary pole26functions as a first rotational movement mechanism which performs a first rotational movement to rotate the operation panel16in a horizontal plane about the rotation axis AX1. The mounting unit18functions as a second rotational movement mechanism which performs a second rotational movement to rotate the operation panel16in a horizontal plane about the rotation axis AX2. The slidable plate28B functions as a front-rear movement mechanism which performs a forward/backward movement to change the position of the operation panel16in a front-rear direction.

In the movable support mechanism20, because the rotation axis AX1of the rotary pole26is located away from the operation panel16, the first rotational movement changes the location of the operation panel16along a circumference of a relatively large diameter about the rotation axis AX1. Because the rotation axis AX2of the mounting unit18is located nearer to the operation panel16than is the rotation axis AX1(including the case in which the rotation axis AX2passes through the operation panel16), the second rotational movement mainly changes the orientation of the operation panel16.

Details of the respective movement mechanisms and respective lock mechanisms provided for the movement mechanisms are described below.

The above parallel linkage30used as the up-down movement mechanism includes a gas spring32which assists the rotational movement in a vertical plane.FIG.3shows a side view of the gas spring32which includes a sealed cylinder32A filled with compressed gas, and a rod32B inserted in the cylinder32A. The parallel linkage30provides the spring function using a force applied by a reaction force of the compressed gas in the cylinder32A to the rod32B in a direction away from the cylinder32A. The spring function assists the rotational movement of the parallel linkage30, in particular, the rotational movement to lift the movable base28.

The gas spring32includes a lock32C which locks the retraction and extension of the rod32B with respect to the cylinder32A. When the lock32C restricts the movement of the rod32B, the rotational movement of the parallel linkage30is restricted. In other words, the gas spring32functions as an up-down lock mechanism.

A wire Wa is connected to the gas spring32. Although detailed description is provided further below, the wire Wa extends to the actuator22(refer toFIG.1or2). When the wire Wa is pulled (inFIG.3, in a lower right direction), the locking action by the lock32C is released and the restriction of the movement of the rod32B is thus released. Accordingly, the restriction of rotational movement of the parallel linkage30is released. The lock32C includes a mechanism which applies an urging force by a spring or other device to urge the lock32C in an upper left direction inFIG.3. When no pulling force is applied to the wire Wa, the urging force actuates the locking function of the lock32C to restrict the movement of the rod32B such that the rotational movement of the parallel linkage30is restricted. Because the lock32C is configured with a two-fulcrum lever, the required force to pull the wire Wa in order to release the lock can be reduced by changing the leverage of the two-fulcrum lever.

FIG.4shows a bottom view of a joint portion of the fixed pole24and the rotary pole26used as the first rotational movement mechanism.FIG.4shows only a portion of the fixed pole24.

A cylindrical stator24A is disposed around an upper lateral surface of the fixed pole24such that the stator24A extends upward therefrom. A cylindrical rotor26A is disposed around a lower lateral surface of the rotary pole26such that the rotor26A extends downward therefrom. The inner diameter of the rotor26A is slightly larger than that of the stator24A. The rotary pole26is rotatably coupled to the fixed pole24such that the rotary pole26is rotatable about the rotation axis AX1(the circle-center line of the stator24A and the rotor26A). Accordingly, when the rotary pole26rotates, the rotor26A rotates on the outer side of the stator24A.

Multiple first-set lock holes26Aa are disposed in the lateral surface of the rotor26A along a circumferential direction.

A first lock pin34is provided on a lateral side of the rotor26A, specifically at the rear (on the left inFIG.4) in the present embodiment. The first lock pin34has an elongated shape extending in a direction along a radial direction of the rotor26A. The first lock pin34is movable along the radial direction of the rotor26A. Accordingly, the tip of the first lock pin34is engageable in one of the first-set lock holes26Aa located in the lateral surface of the rotor26A.FIG.4shows the first lock pin34engaged in one of the first-set lock holes26Aa. The engagement of the first lock pin34in the first-set lock hole26Aa restricts the rotational movement of the rotor26A (thus, that of the rotary pole26). The first-set lock holes26Aa and the first lock pin34function as the first rotation lock mechanism. Because multiple first-set lock holes26Aa are provided in the lateral surface of the rotor26A along the circumference, the position to lock the rotary pole26is selectable from multiple rotational positions (in other words, orientations).

The proximal end (opposite to the rotor26A) of the first lock pin34is connected to a pin connector36A of a first relay member36. In the present embodiment, the pin connector36A is provided at one end of the first relay member36. The first relay member36has an elongated shape extending along a horizontal direction and is rotatably attached to the fixed pole24such that the first relay member36is rotatable in a horizontal plane about a vertical rotation axis AX3. A wire Wb is connected to a wire connector36B of the first relay member36. In the present embodiment, the wire connector36B is located at the opposite side of the first relay member36from the pin connector36A. Similarly to the wire Wa, the wire Wb extends to the actuator22. The wire Wb extends to the actuator22through the rotary pole26via a central through-hole of the stator24A (and a central through-hole of the rotor26A).

When the wire Wb is pulled forward (to the right inFIG.4), the first relay member36rotates counterclockwise inFIG.4; in other words, the pin connector36A moves rearward. As a result, the first lock pin34moves rearward; that is, in the direction away from the center of the rotor26A such that the engagement of the first lock pin34in the first-set lock hole26Aa is released and the restriction of the rotational movement of the rotary pole26is released. The first lock pin34is urged toward the center of the rotor26A by a spring (not shown). Accordingly, when no pulling force is applied to the wire Wb, the urging force of the spring moves the first lock pin34toward the center of the rotor26A such that the first lock pin34engages in the first-set lock hole26Aa to restrict the rotational movement of the rotary pole26.

A lateral wall of each of the first-set lock holes26Aa may include a tilted portion such that the diameter of the hole becomes gradually larger toward the opening of the hole. Correspondingly, the lateral surface of the tip of the first lock pin34may include a tapered portion34A whose diameter becomes gradually smaller from the proximal end toward the distal end. In engagement, the tapered portion34A of the first lock pin34opposes the lateral wall tilted portion of the first-set lock hole26Aa. This reduces possible friction between the lateral surface of the first lock pin34and the lateral wall of the first-set lock hole26Aa when the tip of the first lock pin34pulls out of the first-set lock hole26Aa. As a result, the required force to pull the wire Wb to release the lock of the first rotational movement is reduced. Furthermore, the lateral-wall tilted portion of the first-set lock hole26Aa and the tapered portion34A of the first lock pin34are also advantageous in reducing instability of the rotary pole26with respect to the fixed pole24when locked. This further reduces instability of the operation panel16, improving operability of the operation panel16.

When the first lock pin34includes the tapered portion34A and a first-set lock hole26Aa includes the lateral-wall tilted portion, the first lock pin34may come into contact with the lateral-wall tilted portion while the first lock pin34is moved forward into the first-set lock hole26Aa. If the rotary pole26is rotated by an operator at this timing, the lateral-wall tilted portion may push the tapered portion34A, applying a force to the first lock pin34in a direction to pull the first lock pin34out from the first-set lock hole26Aa. In order to avoid this situation, as shown inFIG.5, the lateral wall of each first-set lock hole26Aa may also include lateral-wall non-tilted portions in front of and behind the lateral-wall tilted portion. The lateral-wall non-tilted portions may extend along a hole depth direction to define a constant hole diameter. Correspondingly, the lateral surface of the first lock pin34may include straight portions34B on the proximal and distal sides of the tapered portion34A such that, in engagement, the straight portions34B oppose the lateral-wall non-tilted portions. In other words, the first lock pin34may include, at the tip, a straight tip portion34C whose lateral surface is the straight portion34B having a constant diameter. Because such a structure can reduce a force which may be applied to the first lock pin34by the first-set lock hole26Aa in a direction to pull the first lock pin34out from the first-set lock hole26Aa, the risk of the first lock pin34being pulled out can be reduced.

In order to reduce the pulling force required to release the lock of the first rotational movement, in the first relay member36, the distance between the wire connector36B and the rotation axis AX3may be made longer than the distance between the pin connector36A and the rotation axis AX3. In this way, the pulling force required to release the lock of the first rotational movement (to move the first lock pin34) can be reduced based on the lever principle.

FIG.6is a perspective diagram showing the movable base28and a part of the mounting unit18. The front (the lower left) and the rear (the upper right) inFIG.6are actually the rear and the front, respectively, as shown with the arrows X, Y, and Z.

The slidable plate28B includes a U-shaped cutout28Ba at the lateral center on the rear side. In the cutout28Ba, a stator28Bb is provided with a hole which extends vertically and has a circular shape in a plan view. A rotor18A which has a substantial cylindrical shape is provided on the bottom surface of the mounting unit18; specifically, near the rear edge of mounting unit18around the lateral center. The inner diameter of the hole of the stator28Bb is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rotor18A. By engaging the rotor18A in the hole of the stator28Bb, the mounting unit18can be rotatably attached to the slidable plate28B about the rotation axis AX2(the circle-center line of the hole of the stator28Bb and the cylindrical rotor18A). Specifically, when the mounting unit18rotates, the rotor18A disposed in the hole of the stator28Bb also rotates.

The rotor18A includes, at the upper end, a flange18Aa which extends to a lateral side of the rotor18A. The flange18Aa includes an arch-shaped extended portion about the rotation axis AX2along the outer circumference. Multiple second-set lock holes18Ab may be provided in the arch-shaped extended portion of the flange18Aa around a circumference about the rotation axis AX2

FIG.7shows a cross-sectional view of a connection between the rotor18A and the stator28Bb; that is, a connection between the mounting unit18and the slidable plate28B. A second lock pin38is provided below the flange18Aa. The second lock pin38has a vertically-elongated shape and is vertically movable. The tip of the second lock pin38is engageable in one of the second-set lock holes18Ab in the flange18Aa.FIG.7shows the second lock pin38engaged in one of the second-set lock holes18Ab. The engagement of the second lock pin38in the second-set lock hole18Ab restricts the rotational movement of the rotor18A (thus, that of the mounting unit18). Accordingly, the second-set lock holes18Ab and the second lock pin38function as the second rotation lock mechanism. Because multiple second-set lock holes18Ab are provided, the position to lock the mounting unit18is selectable from multiple positions (in other words, orientations).

The proximal end (the end opposite to the flange18Aa) of the second lock pin38is connected to a pin connector40A of a second relay member40. In the present embodiment, the pin connector40A is provided at one end of the second relay member40. The second relay member40has an elongated shape extending in a vertical plane (XY plane) and is rotatably attached to the stator28Bb such that the second relay member40is rotatable in a vertical plane about a horizontal rotation axis AX4(extending along the X axis; in other words, in a right-left direction). The second lock pin38and the second relay member40move forward and rearward along with the forward/rearward movement of the slidable plate28B (and the mounting unit18). A wire Wc is connected to a wire connector40B of the second relay member40. In the present embodiment, the wire connector40B is provided at the opposite side of the second relay member40from the pin connector40A. Similarly to the wires Wa and Wb, the wire Wc extends to the actuator22. The wire Wc passes through a central through-hole of the rotor18A (and the hole of the stator28Bb) to the actuator22on the mounting unit18.

When the wire Wc is pulled upward, the second relay member40rotates clockwise inFIG.7; in other words, the pin connector40A moves downward. As a result, the second lock pin38moves downward; that is, in the direction away from the flange18Aa such that the engagement of the second lock pin38in the second-set lock hole18Ab is released and the restriction of the rotational movement of the rotor18A (thus, that of the mounting unit18) is released. The second lock pin38is urged upward toward the flange18Aa by a spring42. Accordingly, when no pulling force is applied to the wire Wc, the urging force of the spring42moves the second lock pin38upward such that the second lock pin38engages in one of the second-set lock holes18Ab to lock the rotational movement of the mounting unit18.

A lateral wall of each second-set lock hole18Ab may include a tilted portion such that the diameter of the hole becomes gradually larger toward the bottom opening. Correspondingly, the lateral surface of the tip of the second lock pin38may include a tapered portion38A whose diameter becomes gradually smaller from the proximal end toward the distal end. In engagement, the tapered portion38A of the second lock pin38opposes the lateral-wall tilted portion of the second-set lock hole18Ab. This reduces possible friction between the lateral surface of the second lock pin38and the lateral-wall tilted portion of the second-set lock holes18Ab when the tip of the second lock pin38pulls out of the second-set lock hole18Ab. As a result, the required force to pull the wire Wc to release the lock of the second rotational movement is reduced. Furthermore, the lateral-wall tilted portion of the second-set lock holes18Ab and the tapered portion38A of the second lock pin38are also advantageous in reducing instability of the mounting unit18with respect to the slidable plate28B when locked. This further reduces instability of the operation panel16, improving operability of the operation panel16.

Similar to the first-set lock holes26Aa, the second-set lock holes18Ab may include lateral-wall non-tilted portions in front of and behind the lateral-wall tilted portion. The lateral-wall non-tilted portions may extend along a hole depth direction to define a constant hole diameter. Similar to the first lock pin34, the lateral surface of the second lock pin38may include straight portions on the proximal and distal sides of the tapered portion38A (refer toFIG.5).

In order to reduce the required force to pull the wire Wc in order to release the lock of the second rotational movement, in the second relay member40, the distance between the wire connector40B and the rotation axis AX4may be made longer than the distance between the pin connector40A and the rotation axis AX4. In this way, the required force to pull the wire Wc in order to release the second rotational movement (in other words, to move the second lock pin38) can be reduced based on the lever principle.

FIG.8is a plan view of the movable base28. InFIG.8, the lower side is the rear and the upper side is the front. The slidable plate28B is omitted inFIG.8. Thus,FIG.8is a plan view of the box body28A, in which two rails28C, each extending in a front-rear direction, are provided respectively on the right and left. Two corresponding grooves (not shown) which extend in a front-rear direction and engage with the rails28C are provided respectively on the right and left of the bottom surface of the slidable plate28B. With the grooves of the slidable plate28B engaged with the rails28C, the slidable plate28B is slidably attached to the box body28A such that the slidable plate28B can be moved in the front-rear direction with respect to the box body28A.

FIG.9is a perspective view of a front-rear lock mechanism which locks the front-rear movement of the slidable plate28B. Multiple third-set lock holes28Ca are aligned along the front-rear direction in the inner side surface (the left side surface, which is on the right inFIG.8) of the right rail28C (on the left inFIG.8) in the box body28A.

A third lock pin44is provided on the side of the right rail28C which includes the third-set lock holes28Ca. The third lock pin44has an elongated shape which extends along a right-left direction such that the third lock pin44is movable along the right-left direction. The tip of the third lock pin44is thus engageable with one of the third-set lock holes28Ca on the side surface of the rail28C. The engagement of the third lock pin44in the third-set lock hole28Ca restricts the front-rear movement of the slidable plate28B. The third-set lock holes28Ca and the third lock pin44function as a front-rear lock mechanism.

The third lock pin44is attached to a base48via a third relay member46described in detail below. The base48is attached to the slidable plate28B. Accordingly, the third lock pin44, the third relay member46, and the base48move unitedly with the slidable plate28B. Because multiple third-set lock holes28Ca are provided in the front-rear direction on the side surface of the rail28C which extends in the front-rear direction, the position to lock the slidable plate28B is selectable from the multiple positions.

The proximal end (the end opposite to the rail28C) of the third lock pin44is connected to a pin connector46A of the third relay member46. The third relay member46has an elongated shape along a horizontal direction and is rotatably attached to the base48such that the third relay member46is rotatable in a horizontal plane about a vertical rotation axis AX5. A wire Wd is connected to a wire connector46B of the third relay member46. In the present embodiment, the rotation axis AX5is disposed at one end of the third relay member46, while the wire connector46B is disposed at the other end of the third relay member46. The pin connector46A is disposed between the rotation axis AX5and the wire connector46B.

Similarly to the wires Wa to Wc, the wire Wd extends to the actuator22. Similarly to the wire Wc, the wire Wd passes through the central through-hole of the rotor18A of the mounting unit18to the actuator22of the mounting unit18(and the hole of the stator28Bb of the slidable plate28B) (refer toFIG.6).

When the wire Wd is pulled to the left (to the lower right inFIG.9), the third relay member46rotates clockwise inFIG.9, and thus, the pin connector46A moves leftward (rightward inFIG.9). Because the third lock pin44moves to the left; that is, in the direction away from the rail28C, the engagement of the third lock pin44in the third-set lock holes28Ca is released and the restriction of the front-rear movement of the slidable plate28B is released. The third lock pin44is urged toward the rail28C by a spring (not shown). Accordingly, when no pulling force is applied to the wire Wd, the urging force of the spring moves the third lock pin44toward the rail28C such that the third lock pin44engages in one of the third-set lock holes28Ca to restrict the front-rear movement of the slidable plate28B.

A lateral wall of each third-set lock hole28Ca may include a lateral-wall tilted portion such that the diameter of the hole becomes gradually larger toward the opening. Correspondingly, the lateral surface of the tip of the third lock pin44may include a tapered portion44A whose diameter becomes gradually smaller from the proximal end toward the distal end. In engagement, the tapered portion44A of the third lock pin44opposes the lateral-wall tilted portion of the third-set lock hole28Ca. This reduces friction between the lateral surface of the third lock pin44and the lateral wall of the third-set lock hole28Ca when the tip of the third lock pin44pulls out of the third-set lock hole28Ca. As a result, the required force to pull the wire Wd in order to release the lock of the front-rear movement is reduced. Furthermore, the lateral-wall tilted portion of the third-set lock holes28Ca and the tapered portion38A of the third lock pin44are also advantageous in reducing instability of the slidable plate28B with respect to the box body28A when locked. This further reduces instability of the operation panel16, improving operability of the operation panel16.

Similarly to the first-set lock holes26Aa, the lateral wall of each third-set lock hole28Ca may include lateral-wall non-tilted portions in front of and behind the lateral-wall tilted portion. The lateral-wall non-tilted portions may extend along a hole depth direction to define a constant hole diameter. Correspondingly, the lateral surface of the third lock pin44may include straight portions on the proximal and distal sides of the tapered portion44A, similarly to the first lock pin34(refer toFIG.5).

In the present embodiment, because the distance from the pin connector46B to the rotation axis AX5is longer than the distance from the wire connector46A to the rotation axis AX5, the required force to pull the wire Wd in order to release the lock of the front-rear movement (in other words, to move the third lock pin44) can be reduced based on the lever principle.

The respective movement mechanisms of the movable support mechanism20and the lock mechanisms of these movement mechanisms are described above.FIG.10shows the paths of the wires Wa to Wd which extend from the respective lock mechanisms to the actuator22of the mounting unit18.

InFIG.10, the wire Wa which extends from the lock32C of the gas spring32used as the up-down lock mechanism is shown with a solid line. The wire Wa extends from the lock32C into the box body28A of the movable base28through the parallel linkage30, and from the box body28A to the mounting unit18through the central through-hole of the rotor18A of the mounting unit18.

The wire Wb which extends from the first relay member36to which the first lock pin34used as the first rotation lock mechanism is connected is shown with a broken line inFIG.10. The wire Wb extends from the first relay member36into the parallel linkage30through the central through-hole of the stator24A of the fixed pole24, and passes through the parallel linkage30to the box body28A of the movable base28and then into the mounting unit18through the central through-hole of the rotor18A of the mounting unit18.

The wire Wc which extends from the second relay member40to which the second lock pin38used as the second rotation lock mechanism is connected is shown with a one-dot chain line inFIG.10. The wire Wc extends from the second relay member40into the mounting unit18through the central through-hole of the rotor18A of the mounting unit18.

The wire Wd which extends from the third relay member46to which the third lock pin44used as the front-rear lock mechanism is connected is shown with a two-dot chain line inFIG.10. The wire Wd extends from the third relay member46into the mounting unit18through the central through-hole of the rotor18A of the mounting unit18.

As described above, the wires Wa to Wd extend inside the movable support mechanism20such that, almost entirely, the wires Wa to Wd are not exposed outside.

As shown inFIG.8, a wire duct28D is disposed inside the box body28A. The tubular wire duct28D is bent in a U-shape in a plan view. At each end, the wire duct28D has an opening28Da which faces rearward. The wires Wa and the Wb are disposed in the wire duct28D. As described above, while the wires Wa and Wb extend into the mounting unit18through the central through-hole of the rotor18A of the mounting unit18, the rotor18A is movable forward and rearward with the slidable plate28B. Accordingly, the paths of the wires Wa and Wb change along with the forward/rearward movement of the slidable plate28B. Such a change in the path of the wires Wa and Wb along with the forward/rearward movement of the slidable plate28B may cause the wires Wa and Wb to get caught by any obstruction or become impossible to be pulled smoothly when operating the actuator22. In order to reduce these risks, the wires Wa and Wb are disposed in the wire duct28D to allow extra length. By using the U-shaped wire duct28D, the bending radius R of the wires Wa and Wb may be maintained unchanged when the slidable plate28B is moved forward or rearward. This reduces a change, along the forward/rearward movement of the slidable plate28B, in the resistance of the wires Wa and Wb, and thus, in the force required to manipulate the wires Wa and Wb or the required movement distance of the wires Wa and Wb to release the lock.

The wires Wc and Wd also extend into the mounting unit18through the rotor18A. However, because the second relay member40to which the wire Wc is connected and the third relay member46to which the wire Wd is connected move forward/rearward along with the slidable plate28B (thus, the rotor18A), even when the rotor18A moves forward/rearward, the relative position between the rotor18A and the second relay member40or the third relay member46does not change such that the paths of the wires Wc and Wd do not significantly change. For this reason, the wires Wc and Wd are not disposed in the wire duct28D.

In the present embodiment, the wires Wa to Wd are connected to a wire relay mechanism50on the mounting unit18.FIG.11is a plan view of the mounting unit18, showing the wire relay mechanism50and the actuator22.FIG.11omits elements other than the wire relay mechanism50, the actuator22, and their related elements.

The wire relay mechanism50includes a base50A fixed on the mounting unit18and a movable portion50B which is movable forward and rearward with respect to the base50A. The wires Wa to Wd, also referred to as “first section”, are connected to a rear end50Ba of the movable portion50B. Accordingly, the wire Wa connects the lock32C (refer toFIG.3) of the gas spring32and the movable portion50B; the wire Wb connects the first relay member36(refer toFIG.4) and the movable portion50B; the wire Wc connects the second relay member40(refer toFIG.7) and the movable portion50B; and the wire Wd connects the third relay member46(refer toFIG.9) and the movable portion50B.

A wire We, also referred to as “second section”, is connected to a front end50Bb of the movable portion50B. The wire We extends forward and is bent by a pulley52toward the right and slightly rearward to be connected to the actuator22.

The actuator22is operated by an operator to change the restriction state of the respective lock mechanisms. The actuator22is located near to a handle54which is disposed along the front edge of the mounting unit18in the right-left direction such that the operator can hold the mounting unit18. In the present embodiment, a palm rest56(a cover of the palm rest56is not shown inFIG.11, and an inner view is shown) on which the operator can rest the operator's palm or around the wrist is disposed at the lateral center of the handle54. The actuator22is partially under the palm rest56.

In the present embodiment, the actuator22includes a long portion which extends along the right-left direction and a short portion which extends in the front-rear direction from the left end of the long portion. The combination of the long portion and the short portion of the actuator22forms a substantial L shape in a plan view. A right end of the long portion protrudes from under the palm rest56to be exposed. This protruded portion is used as a force input portion22A to which an operator can apply a force. A wire connector22B to which the wire We from the wire relay mechanism50(the movable portion50B) is connected is located at the left end of the long portion of the actuator22near the rear edge. The actuator22is rotatably attached to the mounting unit18such that the actuator22is rotatable about a vertical actuator rotation axis AX6at a front end of the short portion of the actuator22. When an operator applies a force to the force input portion22A (specifically, a forward force), the actuator22rotates clockwise in a horizontal plane in a plan view about the actuator rotation axis AX6.

When the actuator22is rotated, because the wire connector22B moves rightward, the wire We is pulled rightward such that the movable portion50B moves forward as the pulley52applies a forward force to the movable portion50B through the wire We. Accordingly, the wires Wa to Wd which are connected to the movable portion50B are pulled forward. As described above, when the wires Wa to Wd are pulled forward, the restricted states (locked states) of the respective lock mechanisms are released.

In the actuator22, a distance L1between the actuator rotation axis AX6and the wire connector22B is shorter than a distance L2between the actuator rotation axis AX6and the force input portion22A (at the nearest point to the actuator rotation axis AX6where an operator can apply a force). This reduces the force required to apply to the force input portion22A in order to release the restricted state of respective lock mechanisms based on the lever principle.

When the operator releases his/her hand from the actuator22(in other words, when the operator stops applying a force to the force input portion22A), the wires Wa to Wd are pulled rearward by the forces urged by the respective springs of the lock mechanisms. Accordingly, the respective lock mechanisms are placed in the restricted status.

As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the restriction state of the following four lock mechanisms can be changed through the single actuator22: the up-down lock mechanism which restricts the up-down movement of the operation panel16, the first rotation lock mechanism which restricts the first rotational movement of the operation panel16about the vertical rotation axis AX1located away from the operation panel16, the second rotation lock mechanism which restricts the second rotational movement of the operation panel16about the vertical rotation axis AX2located nearer to the operation panel16than is the rotation axis AX1to the operation panel16, and the front-rear lock mechanism which restricts the front-rear movement of the operation panel16. Because the locks are actuated by the wires Wa to We, no electric devices such as an electric motor are used.

When changing the restriction state of multiple lock mechanisms using wires by a single actuator, a strong force to the actuator is assumed to be required. However, when using, in particular, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an operator is often holding an ultrasonic probe with one of his/her hands and the operator thus must manipulate the actuator with the other hand. Accordingly, it is often the case that the operator can only apply a force as weak as a grip strength. In the present embodiment, because the lock mechanisms are arranged to reduce the force required to release the restricted state of the lock mechanism, a force required to be applied to the actuator22by an operator is reduced.

FIG.12shows a variant embodiment of the actuator and the wire relay mechanism. Similarly toFIG.11,FIG.12omits elements other than an actuator60, a wire relay mechanism62, and their related elements.

The actuator60according to this variant embodiment has a shape extending in a right-left direction. The right end of the actuator60extends rightward from under the palm rest56to be exposed, while the left end of the actuator60extends leftward from under the palm rest56to be exposed. The protruding right and left ends are force input portions60A to which an operator can apply a force. In this variant embodiment, the operator can grab the right and left force input portions60A with both hands. Alternatively, the operator may apply a forward force to either one of the right and left force input portions60A. For example, when the operator holds an ultrasonic probe with one hand, the operator must operate the force input portion60A with the other hand. In such a case, the operator can operate either one of the right and left force input portions60A which is more convenient. A wire connector60B to which the wire We from the wire relay mechanism62is connected is located around the lateral center of the actuator60. When a forward force is applied to the force input portion60A, the entire actuator60moves forward.

Also in the variant embodiment, the wire relay mechanism62includes a base62A fixed on the mounting unit18and a movable portion62B which is movable forward/rearward with respect to the base62A. The wires Wa to Wd are connected to a rear end62Ba of the movable portion62B.

In this variant embodiment, a movable portion connector62Ca of a fourth relay member62C which extends in the width direction is attached to the front end of the movable portion62B. The fourth relay member62C is rotatably attached to the base62A such that the fourth relay member62C is rotatable about a rotation axis AX7located at the left end of the fourth relay member62C. The wire We from the actuator60is connected to a wire connector62Cb at the right end of the fourth relay member62C. In other words, the movable portion connector62Ca is located between the rotation axis AX7and the wire connector62Cb.

When the wire We is pulled forward, the fourth relay member62C rotates clockwise inFIG.12such that the movable portion connector62Ca moves forward. The movable portion62B is thus moved forward such that the wires Wa to Wd which are connected to the movable portion62B are pulled forward. When the wires Wa to Wd are pulled forward, the restricted states (locked states) of the respective lock mechanisms are released.

In the variant embodiment, because the actuator60is moved in parallel to itself, the actuator60cannot be arranged to reduce the force required to release the restricted states of the respective lock mechanisms. Accordingly, in the variant embodiment, the force required to release the restricted states of the respective lock mechanisms is reduced using the fourth relay member62C of the wire relay mechanism62. Specifically, the required force to pull the wire We in order to release the restricted state of the respective lock mechanisms is reduced by making the distance from the wire connector62Cb to the rotation axis AX7longer than the distance from the movable portion connector62Ca to the rotation axis AX7, based on the lever principle.

The fourth relay member62C used in the variant embodiment may be applied to the basic wire relay mechanism50shown inFIG.11.

Although embodiments of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present disclosure are described above, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses according to the present disclosure are not limited to those described above. Various changes may be applied within the scope of the present disclosure.

For example, although the parallel linkage30is used as the up-down movement mechanism which performs the up-down movement of the operation panel16, for example, the rotary pole26may be arranged to be vertically movable along the fixed pole24and used as the up-down movement mechanism. The rotary pole26and the movable base28may be connected through an unmovable arm member. Also in such a case, the gas spring32may still be used as the up-down lock mechanism which restricts the up-down movement of the up-down movement mechanism.