Title of invention: Cover for ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover
Technical field
[0001]
　TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover for improving acoustic coupling between a sensor of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a subject.
Background technology
[0002]
　As an apparatus for visualizing the inside of a patient, for example, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and the probe is connected to the monitor via the image processing unit. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus configured as described above, a probe is applied to the epidermis of a portion to be visualized (that is, a test portion), and ultrasonic waves are oscillated from the probe. Then, the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the test portion, and the reflected wave is received by the probe. The image processing unit performs image processing on the basis of the received reflected wave, and an image obtained by the image processing, that is, a cross section of the test portion is displayed on the monitor.
Prior art documents
Patent literature
[0003]
Patent Document 1: JP-A-2017-042188
Summary of the invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004]
　In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of Patent Document 1, an echo gel is applied to the body surface in order to improve the acoustic coupling between the probe and the epidermis, and the probe is applied to the body surface from above. On the other hand, when the probe is directly applied to the body surface to which the echo gel is applied, the echo gel adheres to the surface of the probe, so that the probe needs to be cleaned every time the patient changes. Therefore, it is conceivable to put the probe in a vinyl bag or the like for use so that the echo gel does not adhere to the surface of the probe. However, when the probe is put in a plastic bag, the plastic bag is interposed between the body surface and the probe, which may affect acoustic coupling.
[0005]
　Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that can improve acoustic coupling without a vinyl bag interposed between the body surface and the probe.
Means for solving the problem
[0006]
　The cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a casing and a probe that is disposed at one end of the casing in a predetermined direction and that has a sensor that receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject. A cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is formed into a tubular shape having openings at both ends thereof, so that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can be inserted from one of the two opening sections. The cylindrical body and the opening of the other side are closed, and the one end of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in the predetermined direction is provided so as to abut on the tubular body, and the portion where the one end in the predetermined direction abuts is the sensor. And a probe cover body made of a gel material capable of acoustically coupling between the test part and the test part.
[0007]
　According to the present invention, the gel material of the probe cover body provided at one end in a predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus inserted from one opening of the tubular body so as to close the other opening of the tubular body. Can be abutted. In this state, since the sensor arranged at one end in the predetermined direction is applied to the portion to be inspected through the portion, the vinyl bag is not present between the portion to be inspected and the probe. Therefore, good acoustic coupling can be achieved.
Effect of the invention
[0008]
　According to the present invention, good acoustic coupling can be achieved without a vinyl bag interposed between the body surface and the probe.
Brief description of the drawings
[0009]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1 is inserted in a cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the cover for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of FIG. 1 in an exploded manner.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover of FIG. 2 taken along the line IV-IV.
FIG. 5 is a front view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover, in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is inserted into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover of the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing a mode in which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is inserted into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bracket with a guide shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the bracket with a guide shown in FIG. 7 taken along a section line VIII-VIII.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the bracket with a guide shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 is an exploded sectional view of the bracket with a guide shown in FIG. 8.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of another embodiment in an exploded manner.
FIG. 12 is a side view showing another configuration example of a pair of locking pieces included in the bracket with a guide according to the second embodiment.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0010]
　BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover 1, 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the concept of the direction used in the following description is used for convenience of description, and the direction of the configuration of the invention is not limited to that direction. Further, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover 1 and 1A described below is only one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and additions, deletions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0011]
　[First Embodiment] The
　ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used when a needle or the like is punctured while visualizing a blood vessel or the like under the skin. For example, a catheter is placed in the blood vessel in dialysis treatment. Used when doing. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover 1 having such a function includes an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 has the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 attached thereto. Used over. Below, an example of composition of ultrasonic diagnostic equipment 2 and cover 3 for ultrasonic diagnostic equipment is explained.
[0012]
　
　The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 oscillates ultrasonic waves to a test part (that is, subcutaneous tissue) while being applied to the body surface, and at the same time the ultrasonic waves reflected by the test part (that is, Receive reflected waves). In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is configured to perform image processing based on the received reflected wave and display a cross section of the subject. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 having such a function has a casing 11, a probe 12, and a monitor 13 (see also the front view of FIG. 2). The casing 11 is made of a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, SAS (silicon acrylonitrile styrene), and polypropylene, and is a box having a substantially rectangular shape and a flat cross section in a front view. .. Further, the tip end side portion 11a, which is the lower end portion (that is, one end side portion) of the casing 11, is formed in a trapezoidal shape that tapers toward the tip end, and the probe 12 is arranged at the tip end portion 11b of the casing 11. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 has the probe 12 at its tip 2a. Further, the casing 11 is curved so as to warp rearward in the middle portion, and is tilted rearward from the curved portion 11c to the base end side portion. Further, a monitor 13 is arranged on the front surface 11e of the casing 11, and the monitor 13 displays an image. Hereinafter, the probe 12 and the monitor 13 will be described in more detail.
[0013]
　The probe 12 is configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves and has a sensor 12a. The sensor 12a includes, for example, a vibrator such as a piezoelectric element and an acoustic lens. The sensor 12a thus configured is mounted so as to be embedded in the tip side portion 11a of the casing 11 as shown in FIG. 2, and is arranged in the casing 11 so that its lower end surface is flush with the tip portion 11b. Has been done. The sensor 12a is connected to a control device (not shown) housed in the casing 11 and oscillates ultrasonic waves in response to a command from the control device. Further, the sensor 12a receives the reflected wave reflected by the test part and outputs a signal according to the received ultrasonic wave to the control device. That is, the vibrator of the sensor 12a vibrates due to the reflected wave reflected by the test portion, and outputs a signal corresponding to the vibration to the control device. The control device has an image processing function, performs image processing based on the signal, and outputs image data to the monitor 13.
[0014]
　The monitor 13, which is an example of an image display unit, is, for example, a liquid crystal type monitor or an organic EL type monitor, and displays an image according to image data. That is, the monitor 13 displays an image created based on the reflected wave received by the sensor 12a, for example, a cross section of the inspected portion. The monitor 13 having such a function is arranged on the front surface 11e of the casing 11 as described above. More specifically, the left and right widths of the monitor 13 extend from the vicinity of the left end to the vicinity of the right end of the casing 11, and the vertical height extends from the curved portion 11c to the vicinity of the base end of the casing 11.
[0015]
　In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 configured in this way, the probe 12 is applied to the body surface of the subject, and in that state, the transducer of the sensor 12a of the probe 12 oscillates ultrasonic waves. The oscillated ultrasonic wave is reflected by the test portion, and the reflection is received by the transducer of the sensor 12a. Then, the vibrator of the sensor 12a vibrates according to the reflected wave, and the vibrator outputs a signal according to the vibration to the control device. The control device performs image processing on the basis of the signal, whereby the cross section of the inspected portion is displayed on the monitor 13.
[0016]
　The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 having such a function is used by scanning the probe 12 on the body surface of the subject. Therefore, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is not sterilized, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is covered with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3.
[0017]
　
　The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 covers the entire ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 so that blood or the like does not adhere to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 or the adhered blood or the like does not scatter. I am doing it. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 having such a function includes a tubular body 21, an inner bracket 22, a probe cover body 23, and a bracket 24 with a guide, and the tubular body 21 is subjected to ultrasonic diagnostics. The device 2 can be inserted and stored.
[0018]
　The tubular body 21 is a sterile soft body that has been sterilized, and is specifically a film body that does not generate elasticity. As shown in FIG. 3, the tubular body 21 is a generally rectangular soft body that is open at the top and bottom and is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. More specifically, the tubular body 21 is a highly transparent soft body made of materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride, and the external shape when viewed from the front is the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. Is similar. That is, the tubular body 21 is a tubular body having a flat cross section, and the lower end side portion 21a is formed in a trapezoidal shape which is tapered toward the lower end 21b. Further, in the tubular body 21, the upper end (that is, the base end) and the lower end 21b (that is, the tip) are open, and openings 21c and 21d are formed at the upper end and the lower end. Since the cylindrical body 21 is a soft body, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be easily housed inside, and since the transparency is high, the monitor 13 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 housed inside the cylindrical body 21 can be easily accommodated. It can be confirmed from the outside.
[0019]
　The upper opening 21c, which is the upper opening 21c, is formed so that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be inserted from the tip 2a thereof. On the other hand, the lower opening 21d, which is the lower opening 21d, has a smaller diameter than the upper opening 21c, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted from the upper opening 21c of the tubular body 21. After that, the lower opening 21d naturally contacts the periphery of the distal end side of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 or the inner bracket 22, and supports the lower opening 21d so as not to come out. The lower opening 21d is formed to be slightly larger than the outer peripheral edge shape of the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 in a state where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the tubular body 21, and the lower opening 21d is formed. Thus, the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 (that is, the portion of the sensor 12a of the probe 12) can be projected. Since the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 projects from the tubular body 21, the probe cover and the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 do not have to have a special shape on the contact side of the probe cover. It is possible to prevent the formation of a gap between and.
[0020]
　The tubular body 21 having such a shape is formed to be longer than the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 in the up-down direction (that is, a predetermined direction) so that the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be substantially entirely accommodated therein. Has become. More specifically, it is accommodated in the tubular body 21 with the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 protruding from the lower opening 21d, and in this state, the upper opening 21c is superposed. The tubular body 21 is vertically elongated so as to be positioned higher than the upper end of the sound wave diagnostic apparatus 2. Further, a rail fastener 25 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 21 over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the upper opening 21c. The rail fastener 25 has a male side rail portion 25a and a female side rail portion 25b, and the two rail portions 25a and 25b are adapted to engage with each other by abutting each other. For example, the male-side rail portion 25a and the female-side rail portion 25b are provided so as to face the front side portion and the rear side portion of the inner peripheral surface of the tubular body 21, and are engaged with each other by abutting against each other. The upper side of the body 21 is closed. An inner bracket 22 is provided in the tubular body 21 configured as described above, as shown in FIG.
[0021]
　The inner bracket 22 is a tubular member provided in the tubular body 21, and has a function of guiding the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 inserted in the tubular body 21 to a predetermined position and positioning it at the predetermined position. Have More specifically, the inner bracket 22 is made of a material harder than the probe cover body 23, which will be described in detail later, such as polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, SAS (silicon acrylonitrile styrene), and polypropylene. Made of synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 3, the inner bracket 22 is a cover-shaped member having a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front and having open upper and lower ends, and has a flat cross section when viewed from above. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22 is formed in substantially the same manner as the inner peripheral surface of the lower end side portion 21a of the tubular body 21, and the lower end side portion 22a of the inner bracket 22 is formed into the tubular body 21. It projects from the lower opening 21d.
[0022]
　On the other hand, since the lower end side portion 21a of the tubular body 21 is formed in a taper shape tapering toward the tip, the inner bracket 22 projects the lower end side portion 22a from the lower opening portion 21d of the tubular body 21. In addition, the remaining portion is fitted into the lower end portion 21a of the tubular body 21 so as not to stick out to the outside. Further, the inner peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22 is formed in substantially the same manner as the outer peripheral surface of the distal end side portion 11 a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 inserted in the tubular body 21 is inserted into the inner bracket 22. It is possible to put it in from the upper end of it. In addition, the inner bracket 22 is configured to project the probe 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 from the lower end thereof.
[0023]
　The inner peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22 having such a shape is formed to be substantially the same as the outer peripheral surface of the distal end side portion 11a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 as described above, that is, it is tapered toward the lower end. Is formed in. Therefore, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted, the inner bracket 22 guides the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 to a predetermined position where the probe 12 projects from the lower end of the inner bracket 22. The inner bracket 22 having such a function is formed to have a flat cross section as described above, and a pair of grooves 22b and 22b are formed on the side surface portions located on both sides in the width direction thereof (see also FIG. 4). ).
[0024]
　The pair of grooves 22b, 22b extend in the vertical direction and penetrate the inner bracket 22 in the inward/outward direction (that is, the width direction). Further, the pair of grooves 22b, 22b are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the front-back direction, thereby forming a flexible piece 22c between the pair of grooves 22b, 22b. The flexible piece 22c is configured to bend in the width direction with its base end portion as a fulcrum. A fitting hole 22d is formed in the flexible piece 22c. That is, the inner bracket 22 is formed with a pair of fitting holes 22d which are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. In addition, fitting convex portions 11d and 11d are formed on each side surface of the tip side portion 11a of the casing 11 so as to correspond to the pair of fitting holes 22d.
[0025]
　The pair of fitting convex portions 11d, 11d are formed in a substantially hemispherical shape, and protrude in the width direction from the side surface of the tip side portion 11a. The pair of fitting convex portions 11d, 11d respectively abut against the corresponding flexible pieces 22c when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the inner bracket 22, and the corresponding flexible pieces 22c when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is further pushed. Spread outward in the radial direction. By thus expanding, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be inserted into the inner bracket 22 to a predetermined position. Moreover, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted to a predetermined position, each of the pair of fitting protrusions 11d and 11d fits into the corresponding fitting hole 22d. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is positioned and held at the predetermined position. The inner cover 22 thus configured is covered with a probe cover body 23 to close the lower opening 22e of the inner bracket 22.
[0026]
　The probe cover body 23 has a bottomed tubular shape having a bottom portion, a side surface, and an opening portion, covers the inner bracket 22 to close the lower opening portion 22e of the inner bracket 22, and protrudes from the lower opening portion 22e. The cylindrical body 21 is provided so as to come into contact with the sensor 12 a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. That is, the probe cover body 23 can be fixed to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus so that nothing is interposed between the probe cover body 23 and the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. More specifically, the probe cover body 23 is a bag body having a substantially trapezoidal shape that is tapered in a front view and has a flat cross section. Further, the probe cover body 23 is closed at the tip side (that is, the lower side) and has an opening portion 23a at the base end side (the upper side). The inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the probe cover body 23 are formed in substantially the same shape as the outer peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22, and the inner peripheral surface of the probe cover body 23 is formed slightly smaller than the outer peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22. Has been done.
[0027]
　The probe cover body 23 having such a shape is made of, for example, a styrene-based, urethane-based, and silicone-based elastomer gel (in the present embodiment, a styrene-based elastomer gel) and is configured to be expandable and contractible. Therefore, in the probe cover body 23, the lower end side portion 22a of the inner bracket 22 can be inserted into the probe cover body 23 by pushing the opening portion 23a outward. Further, the probe cover body 23 tries to contract inward in a state where the inner bracket 22 is inserted therein, and presses itself against the inner bracket 22 to prevent the probe cover body 23 from slipping off from the inner bracket 22. Further, the probe cover body 23 extends further above the lower end portion 22a of the inner bracket 22 protruding from the tubular body 21, and covers the lower opening 21d of the tubular body 21. As a result, the lower opening 21d of the tubular body 21 and its vicinity are sandwiched between the probe cover body 23 and the inner bracket 22, and the tubular body 21 is less likely to come off the probe cover body 23 and the inner bracket 22. It should be noted that the probe cover body 23 may be provided with a weak adhesive property on its surface, and in that case, the probe cover body 23 can be prevented from being displaced with respect to the tubular body 21 by the weak adhesive action.
[0028]
　In this way, the probe cover body 23 is provided on the tubular body 21 so as to cover the inner bracket 22, and the probe cover body 23 is provided on the tubular body 21 to close the lower opening 21d. In this closed state, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the tubular body 21, and the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the lower opening 21d of the tubular body 21 and the lower opening of the inner bracket 22. When protruding from the portion 22e, the tip portion 2a can be applied to the probe cover body 23. Further, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is pushed in from that state to a predetermined position, the entire sensor 12a can be pressed against the probe cover body 23 and brought into close contact therewith. This can prevent a small gap from being formed between the sensor 12a and the probe cover body 23.
[0029]
　The probe cover body 23 configured as described above is made of a material that enhances acoustic coupling between the sensor 12a and the body surface of the test portion, and the test portion is in close contact with the sensor 12a. By applying it to the body surface, it is possible to display it on the monitor 13 in a state in which the cross section of the inspected part is good. A bracket 24 with a guide is further covered on the outer surface of the probe cover body 23 configured as described above. In addition, in the present embodiment, in order to display the cross section of the test area on the monitor 13 in a more favorable state, echo is performed on the body surface of the test area so that no air layer is formed between the test area and the sensor 12a. A liquid gel such as an application gel, a physiological saline solution, and a liquid substance such as a sterilizing and disinfecting liquid (hereinafter referred to as “liquid gel”) are applied, but the liquid gel or the like is applied to the outer surface of the probe cover body 23. May be.
[0030]
　The bracket 24 with a guide has a bracket body 31 and a guide portion 32. The bracket main body 31 is made of a material harder than the probe cover body 23, for example, polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin, SAS (silicon-acrylonitrile-styrene), or synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The bracket body 31 is a tubular member having a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, and its inner space is formed to match the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22. More specifically, the inner space of the bracket body 31 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner bracket 22, so that the inner space of the probe cover body 23 and the tubular body 21 can be fitted to the inner bracket 22. There is.
[0031]
　As described above, the bracket main body 31 configured in this manner is formed in a generally trapezoidal shape that tapers toward the lower end. The probe 12 can be firmly pressed against, and the contact state between the sensor 12a and the probe cover body 23 can be stabilized. The size of the gap formed between the inner peripheral surface of the bracket body 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22 can be made smaller than the thickness of the probe cover body 23 due to the wedge effect of the bracket body 31. By doing so, the probe cover body 23 is stretched and pulled toward the base end side of the casing 11. Therefore, the probe cover body 23 is further pressed against the sensor 12a as compared with the case where the bracket main body 31 is not attached, and can be further brought into close contact with the sensor 12a. That is, since the probe cover body 23 can be firmly brought into close contact with the sensor 12a without pressing the probe 12 against the body surface, the cross section of the portion to be inspected can be displayed on the monitor 13 simply by pressing the probe cover body 23 against the body surface. it can. Thus, the veins and the like near the epidermis can be displayed on the monitor 13 without being crushed. The bracket main body 31 having such a function further has a fitting projection portion 31a.
[0032]
　The fitting protrusion portion 31a is integrally provided on the front surface of the bracket body 31 (that is, the surface on the same side as the front surface 11e of the casing 11) 31b. The fitting protrusion portion 31a is arranged at the center in the width direction on the front surface 31b of the bracket body 31, and is formed so as to project forward from the front surface 31b of the bracket body 31. The guide portion 32 is fitted to the fitting projection portion 31a formed in this way. The guide portion 32 guides the puncturing needle 41 and determines the puncturing direction of the needle 41 when puncturing the subcutaneous tissue with the needle 41 (see the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 4) of the needle assembly such as the indwelling needle. It is formed in a block shape having a substantially trapezoidal shape in a side view. The guide portion 32 is provided on the front surface side of the tubular body 21 (on the monitor 13 side in a state where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is housed in the tubular body 21). Therefore, it is possible to puncture while looking at the monitor 13 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. Further, since the distance from the guide portion 32 to the sensor 12a is short, the puncture length can be shortened, the stability of the puncture operation can be improved, and the burden on the patient can be reduced. Further, by providing the guide portion 32 at a position where the sensor 12a overlaps in a side view, the distance from the guide portion 32 to the sensor 12a can be further shortened. Although the guide portion 32 is provided on the front surface side of the tubular body 21 with the front end and the base end opened, the guide portion 32 is provided on the front surface side of the tubular body 21 with the front end and the base end opened. The tubular body does not have to be the tubular body 21 having an open tip, and the configuration and arrangement of the guide portion 32 described here are useful in all forms of fixing the guide portion to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[0033]
　The front end face 32a of the guide portion 32 having such a shape forms a predetermined angle α (for example, 20°≦α≦80°) with respect to the front face 31b of the bracket body 31, and the guide portion 32 has The front end surface 32a is formed to be inclined with respect to the front surface 31b of the bracket body 31. A guide hole forming portion 32b is formed on the front end surface 32a at the center portion in the left-right direction. The guide hole forming portion 32b projects from the front end face 32a in a direction orthogonal to the front end face 32a and extends obliquely upward and forward along the front end face 32a. In addition, the cross section of the guide hole forming portion 32b (that is, the cross section orthogonal to the front end face 32a) is formed in a substantially semicircular shape, and the guide hole forming portion 32b is formed with a guide hole 32c along its axis. .. As a result, the guide portion 32 is formed with a guide hole 32c extending obliquely forward and upward. The guide hole 32c penetrates the guide portion 32 obliquely forward and upward, and the needle 41 of the needle assembly can be inserted from the upper side and the needle tip 41a can be taken out from the lower side. An outlet 32d extending along the axial direction of the guide hole 32c is formed on the front surface of the guide hole forming portion 32b, and the needle 41 can be tilted forward and pulled out therefrom.
[0034]
　
　The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is put in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 when used as described above, and used while being sealed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3. .. More specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 is already assembled in a bag such as a sterile pack (not shown) so as to maintain the sterile condition. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 is taken out from the aseptic pack at the time of use. After the removal, first, the upper opening 21c of the tubular body 21 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 is opened, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the upper opening 21c from the tip 2a.
[0035]
　After that, when the tubular body 21 is stood up so that the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is housed in the tubular body 21 or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is pushed in, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 causes the inside of the tubular body 21 to open downward. Proceed toward 21d. When it is further advanced after it is settled, the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 eventually enters the inner bracket 22. As the process proceeds further, the pair of fitting protrusions 11d, 11d hit the upper end of the inner bracket 22 (more specifically, the upper end of the flexible piece 22c). When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is pushed from the upper side in this state, the corresponding flexible piece 22c is spread by the pair of fitting convex portions 11d, 11d, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be pushed further downward. By continuing to push, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 reaches a predetermined position while being guided by the inner bracket 22, and by reaching the predetermined position, each of the pair of fitting convex portions 11d, 11d fits into the corresponding fitting hole 22d and is tubular. It is positioned and held in the body 21. Further, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 reaches the predetermined position, the sensor 12a can be made to protrude from the lower opening 21d, whereby the sensor 12a comes into close contact with the probe cover body 23.
[0036]
　When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is housed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 in this manner, the male side rail portion 25a and the female side rail portion 25b of the rail fastener 25 are then butted and engaged to form a tubular body. 21 is sealed. As a result, it is possible to prevent liquid gel and the like and blood and the like from adhering to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 and to prevent the adhered blood and the like from scattering. In this way, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 is attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 so as to hermetically cover the whole. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is put into a usable state by being mounted, and thus the puncture operation is performed while displaying an image of the subject's part, for example. The puncture work using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover 1 will be described below.
[0037]
　In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 with a cover, after mounting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, the probe 12 is pressed against the body surface via the probe cover body 23. As a result, the cross section of the test portion is displayed on the monitor 13. It should be noted that liquid gel or the like may be applied to the body surface depending on the acoustic coupling state to further improve the acoustic coupling. When the cross section of the part to be inspected is displayed on the monitor 13, the user looks for the position of the blood vessel while looking at the monitor 13, and when confirming the position of the blood vessel, the user puts the needle 41 of the needle assembly into the guide hole 32c of the bracket 24 with the guide. The needle 41a of the needle 41 is inserted and the blood vessel is punctured. The guide hole 32c has an angle α set in advance so that the needle 41 inserted therein passes through a predetermined position in the image displayed on the monitor, and the state of the needle tip 41a to be punctured is monitored. It can be confirmed by 13.
[0038]
　When it is confirmed that the blood vessel is punctured with the needle tip 41a, the needle 41 is left in the state and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is detached from the needle 41 through the guide hole 32c and the guide hole 32c. Pull out. Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 2 is tilted rearward with respect to the needle 41 so that the needle 41 is pulled out from the guide hole 32c via the outlet 32d. By doing so, the needle 41 can be left at that position, and the subsequent treatment (for example, treatment such as dialysis, liquid injection, and blood collection) can be performed.
[0039]
　In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover 1 having such a function, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is simply inserted into the tubular body 21 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 and pushed in, and is covered by the probe cover body 23 as described above. The acoustic coupling between the inspection unit and the sensor 12a can be in a good state, that is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be in a usable state. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be easily attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3. Further, since the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is simply inserted into the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 does not touch the outer surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3, and therefore the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is not touched. The cover 3 can be kept sterile.
[0040]
　Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 with a cover, by pushing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 into the inner bracket 22, it is guided to a predetermined position by the inner bracket 22 and held at the predetermined position. At the predetermined position, the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be projected from the inner bracket 22 to bring the entire sensor 12a into close contact with the probe cover body 23. Therefore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is covered by the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover. Good acoustic coupling can be achieved simply by inserting and pushing into the cylindrical body 21 of No. 3. Further, by adopting a structure in which the pair of fitting convex portions 11d, 11d are fitted and held in the corresponding fitting holes 22d, the shake of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 with respect to the inner bracket 22 can be suppressed. As a result, the entire sensor 12a can be brought into stable close contact with the probe cover body 23 (that is, the close contact state can be stabilized), and good acoustic coupling can be maintained.
[0041]
　Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover 1, by disposing the inner bracket 22 inside the probe cover body 23, the deformation of the probe cover body 23 can be suppressed. Therefore, the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, more specifically, the distal end side portion 11a of the casing 11 can be easily inserted into the probe cover body 23, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be mounted on the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3. Can be further facilitated. Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 with a cover, by covering the probe cover body 23 not only on the inner bracket 22 but also on the lower opening 21d of the tubular body 21 and its vicinity, the tubular body 21 is covered by the probe cover body 23. The lower opening 21d can be closed. Further, by covering the tubular body 21 with the probe cover body 23 and the inner bracket 22, it is possible to prevent the tubular body 21 from being displaced with respect to the inner bracket 22 during use.
[0042]
　[Second Embodiment]
　The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover 1A according to the second embodiment is similar in configuration to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 with a cover according to the first embodiment. In the following, the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover 1A of the second embodiment will be mainly described regarding differences from the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 with cover of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be given to the same configurations. And its description is omitted.
[0043]
An
　ultrasonic diagnostic device 1A with a cover according to the second embodiment includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A as shown in FIG. The device cover 3A is configured as follows. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A includes a tubular body 21A, a bracket 24A with a guide, and a probe cover body 23A. The cylindrical body 21A is made of an inelastic soft film body having high transparency as in the first embodiment, and is sterilized. The tubular body 21A made of such a material is a tubular body having a flat cross section like the tubular body 21 of the first embodiment. The tubular body 21A is formed in a trapezoidal shape in which the lower end side portion 21a is tapered toward the lower end 21b in a state of being assembled with the guide bracket 24A and the probe cover body 23A. On the other hand, the upper end side portion 21e of the tubular body 21A is formed in a trapezoidal shape so as to widen toward the upper end 21f (that is, the upper opening 21c).
[0044]
　In the tubular body 21A having such a shape, when inserting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, the upper end side portion 21e is folded as shown in FIG. That is, the upper end side portion 21e of the tubular body 21A is folded back outward with respect to the intermediate portion 21g connected to the lower side thereof, and the vicinity of the rail fastener 25 (more specifically, the lower side portion of the rail fastener 25) moves upward. It is folded back toward the outside. Further, in the tubular body 21A, the upper opening 21c is folded so as to be located on the lower end side of the folded portion (that is, the portion obtained by folding the upper end side portion 21e with respect to the intermediate portion 21g) 21h of the tubular body 21A. There is. By folding in this manner, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the cylindrical body 21A from the upper side, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 from hitting the outer surface of the upper opening 21c of the cylindrical body 21A. .. That is, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 to be inserted from hitting the upper opening 21c of the cylindrical body 21A and contaminating it.
[0045]
　Further, by folding the upper opening 21c as described above, the upper opening 21c can be opened as follows and the upper opening 21c can be further closed. That is, a finger, for example, a thumb and an index finger of both hands, is inserted between the middle portion 21g of the tubular body 21A and the upper opening portion 21c so that the middle portion 21g is sandwiched between the left and right sides. Then, by lifting the finger as it is and extending the upper end portion 21e upward, the upper end portion 21e can be returned to the expanded state as shown in FIG. Further, the male side rail portion 25a and the female side rail portion 25b (not shown) of the rail fastener 25 are butted and engaged with each other to open the upper side in a state where the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is housed in the tubular body 21A. The part 21c can be closed. The tubular body 21A thus configured is provided with a bracket 24A with a guide for attaching the probe cover body 23 to the lower opening 21d.
[0046]
　The bracket with guide 24A has a bracket body 31A and a guide portion 32A. The bracket body 31 is made of a material that is harder than the probe cover body 23A described later, for example, polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, SAS (silicon acrylonitrile styrene), and synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The bracket main body 31A made of such a material is formed in a substantially plate shape in a front view as shown in FIG. 5, and is also formed in a laterally oblong flat shape and an annular shape in a plan view as shown in FIG. Note that, in FIG. 7, the guide portion 32A is not shown for convenience of description. The same applies to FIG. 9 described later.
[0047]
　The bracket main body 31A having such a shape has the inner hole 31c, and the inner peripheral surface defining the inner hole 31c is formed in a tapered shape tapering downward as shown in FIG. Further, the inner hole 31c is formed in a laterally long shape similarly to the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, and the inner hole 31c can insert the tip of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 into the inner hole 31c. It is like this. More specifically, the inner peripheral edge of the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31A is larger than the outer peripheral edge of the tip of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 (that is, the outer peripheral edge of the tip of the distal end portion 2a) and the outer peripheral edge of the curved portion 11c ( It is formed smaller than the outer peripheral edge of the base end of the tip 2a. As a result, when the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the inner hole 31c of the bracket body 31A, the tip portion 2a is fitted into the inner hole 31c of the bracket body 31 at its intermediate portion and does not project further downward. It has become. Specifically, in the bracket body 31A, the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 has a predetermined length from the bracket body 31A (more specifically, the lower opening portion 21d of the tubular body 21A) due to the inner hole 31c. It cannot be projected further. The bracket main body 31A thus configured is integrally formed with a pair of locking pieces 33 for holding the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2.
[0048]
　The pair of locking pieces 33, which are the engaging portions, are plate-shaped members extending in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 9, and are integrally provided on the upper surface of the bracket body 31A. More specifically, the pair of locking pieces 33 are arranged left and right so that their main surfaces face each other. Since the pair of locking pieces 33 are provided on the left and right sides rather than on the front side, they do not interfere with the puncturing during the puncturing operation. In addition, the pair of locking pieces 33 extend so as to incline outward so as to be apart from each other in an upward direction in accordance with the side surface shape of the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, and between the locking pieces 33, there is an extra force. The distal end portion 2a of the sound wave diagnostic apparatus 2 can be inserted. Further, a locking hole 33a is formed in each main surface of the pair of locking pieces 33, and the locking hole 33a is formed by the pair of fitting protrusions 11d and 11d (engagement target) of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. It is formed so as to correspond to each of the joints). That is, the locking hole 33a is arranged so that the pair of fitting projections 11d and 11d fits when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the bracket body 31A to a predetermined position, and the pair of fitting holes 33a fit together. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is locked and held by the bracket main body 31A by fitting the fitting convex portions 11d, 11d into the locking holes 33a. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is fixed to the bracket body 31A at a position where the flat plate-shaped probe cover body 23A is deformed. Furthermore, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is fixed to the bracket body 31A at a position where the probe cover body 23A is extended. Therefore, a gap is prevented from being formed between the probe cover body 23A and the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2.
[0049]
　The predetermined position is a position where the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 fits into the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31A and cannot project further, and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is located at such a predetermined position. Are locked to the bracket body 31. Further, the locking piece 33 is spread by the pair of fitting convex portions 11d, 11d when the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is pushed between them, similarly to the flexible piece 22c of the first embodiment, The pair of fitting protrusions 11d and 11d are elastically restored by entering into the corresponding locking holes 33a. By doing so, the bracket body 31 is locked and attached to the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2.
[0050]
　The bracket body 31A thus configured is provided in the lower opening 21d of the tubular body 21 as shown in FIG. That is, the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the bracket main body 31A is a flat and annular shape that is laterally long in the left-right direction in a plan view, and the lower opening 21d of the tubular body 21A is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the bracket main body 31A over the entire circumference. Are adhered to each other, more specifically, they are welded. A probe cover body 23A is fixed to the bracket body 31A attached in this way, and the probe cover body 23A is fixed to the tubular body 21A via the bracket body 31A.
[0051]
　The probe cover body 23A has a substantially flat plate shape and is formed in a horizontally long, substantially rectangular plate shape in a plan view, and the contour shape in a plan view is similar to the shape of the inner hole 31c of the bracket body 31A. There is. More specifically, the probe cover body 23A is formed to be slightly larger than the inner hole 31c so as to be fixed to the bracket body 31A as described later. The probe cover body 23A having such a shape is made of the same material as the probe cover body 23 of the first embodiment, and is expandable and contractible. The probe cover body 23A thus configured is fixed to the bracket main body 31A, and the bracket main body 31A has two upper and lower members, that is, the first bracket as shown in FIG. 10, for fixing the probe cover body 23. It is configured by the portion 34 and the second bracket portion 35.
[0052]
　The first bracket portion 34 and the second bracket portion 35 are both flat and ring-shaped in the left-right lateral direction in plan view, and are formed in substantially the same shape. In addition, a pair of locking pieces 33, 33 is formed on the upper surface of the first bracket portion 34, and the first bracket portion 34 has its lower surface abutted on the upper surface of the second bracket portion 35. The two bracket portions 35 are overlapped with each other. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the second bracket portion 35, a plurality of engagement protrusion portions (six engagement protrusion portions in the present embodiment) 35 a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the first bracket portion 34 is also formed. A plurality of engaging portions 34a are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding to the plurality of engaging protrusions 35a. An engaging hole 34b is formed in each of the engaging portions 34a, and an engaging protrusion 35a corresponding to the engaging hole 34b is fitted therein. By fitting in this manner, the corresponding engaging portions 34a and engaging protrusions 35a are engaged with each other, and the two bracket portions 34, 35 are not separated from each other and are not displaced. That is, the two bracket portions 34 and 35 are locked to each other by overlapping in the up-down direction which is the insertion direction. On the upper surface of the second bracket portion 35 thus formed, a concave portion 35b is formed on the inner peripheral edge thereof.
[0053]
　The recess 35b is formed over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction at the inner peripheral edge of the second bracket portion 35, and is recessed below the remaining portion. Therefore, the recess 35b forms the accommodation space 31d on the inner peripheral surface of the bracket body 31A over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction by covering the recess 35b with the first bracket portion 34. The accommodation space 31d is a space that is recessed to the outside, and the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A can be accommodated in the accommodation space 31d over the entire circumference. That is, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A is formed so as to match the shape of the concave portion 35b, the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A is placed in the concave portion 35b, and the first bracket portion 34 is attached to the second bracket portion 35. The outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A is sandwiched between the two bracket portions 34 and 35 by stacking and mounting. In this way, the probe cover body 23A is fixed to the bracket main body 31 and closes the inner hole 31c in the fixed state. That is, the probe cover body 23A is provided on the tubular body 21A via the bracket body 31A so as to close the lower opening 21d of the tubular body 21A.
[0054]
　Further, a lower protrusion 35c is formed on the recess 35b over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. The lower protrusion 35c is formed in an annular shape in plan view so as to match the shape of the recess 35b, and projects toward the lower surface of the first bracket portion 34. Further, an upper protrusion 34c is also formed on the lower surface of the first bracket portion 34 so as to correspond to the lower protrusion 35c. The upper protrusion 34c is formed in an annular shape in plan view in conformity with the shape of the lower protrusion 35c, and projects toward the upper surface of the second bracket portion 35. The two protrusions 34c, 35c arranged in this way are arranged so as to face each other in the up-down direction with a slight gap therebetween so as to sandwich the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A between them. .. The two protrusions 34c and 35c enable the probe cover body 23A to be firmly held and held. As described above, the bracket main body 31A holding the probe cover body 23A is provided with the guide portion 32A as shown in FIG. The guide portion 32A is for guiding the needle 41 of the needle device such as an indwelling needle to determine the puncturing direction, and is formed in a substantially block shape like the guide portion 32A of the first embodiment.
[0055]
　 In the
　following, a work of covering the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A in order to use the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 will be described. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A is put in a bag such as an aseptic pack (not shown) so as to keep the aseptic state. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A is taken out from the sterile pack at the time of use. In the taken-out ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper end side portion 21e of the tubular body 21A is folded in advance, and the user can fold the folded upper end side portion 21e and the intermediate portion 21g. The fingers of both hands are respectively inserted from the lower side between them to open the cylindrical body 21A. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 that is grasped by a grasper different from the user is inserted into the mouth opened from the tip 2a.
[0056]
　After that, when the tubular body 21 is stood up to push the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 into the tubular body 21 or the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is pushed in, the tip of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 eventually enters the inner hole 31c of the bracket body 31A. Further, the tip of the probe hits the probe cover body 23A. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is further pushed in, the probe cover body 23A extends in conformity with the tip shape of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, and the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 projects from the bracket body 31A. When the pushing is continued as it is, the pair of fitting convex portions 11d, 11d eventually hit the corresponding locking pieces 33, 33, and the locking pieces 33, 33 are pushed outward by the corresponding fitting convex portions 11d, 11d. When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is further pushed in and positioned at a predetermined position, the pair of fitting convex portions 11d and 11d are fitted into the locking holes 33a and 33a, and the locking pieces 33 and 33 elastically return to the ultrasonic wave. The diagnostic device 2 is attached by being engaged with the bracket body 31A (see FIG. 5).
[0057]
　As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A, since the probe cover body 23A is held so as to close the inner hole 31c of the bracket body 31, the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 put in the tubular body 21A. The tip portion 2a can be pressed and brought into close contact with the probe cover body 23A simply by inserting and pushing into the inner hole 31c of the bracket body 31. That is, the tip portion 2a can be brought into close contact with the probe cover body 23A by a simple work of inserting it into the inner hole 31c, and the acoustic coupling between the test portion and the sensor 12a can be further improved.
[0058]
　Further, since at least a part of the inner hole of the bracket is formed larger than the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, the tip 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be pressed and extended. Then, the sensor 12a can be pressed against the probe cover body 23A while the sensor 12a is in close contact with the probe cover body 23A. As a result, it is possible to prevent air from intervening between the sensor 12a and the probe cover body 23, and to further improve the acoustic coupling between the part to be tested and the sensor 12a. Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover 1A, as described above, the length by which the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 with respect to the bracket main body 31A projects depends on the shape of the inner hole 31c and the positions where the locking holes 33a and 33a are formed. Limited to a predetermined length. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the probe cover body 23A from being excessively extended when the tip portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is pressed and extended, and to prevent the probe cover body 23A from being excessively extended and damaged. can do.
[0059]
　When the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is thus inserted to the predetermined position, the user then lifts the thumb and index finger of both hands and extends the upper end portion 21e upward. When all of the upper end side portion 21e has been extended, the rail fastener 25 is located in the upper portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. To close the upper opening 21c. By closing the upper opening 21c in this manner, the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is sealed in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is brought into a usable state, whereby the puncture work is performed, for example, while displaying the image of the subject. The puncturing work using the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover 1A is the same as that of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with cover 1 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover 1A has the same operational effects as the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 with a cover of the first embodiment.
[0060]
　[Other Embodiments] In
　the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3 of the first embodiment, the inner bracket 22 is provided in the tubular body 21, but the inner bracket 22 is not always necessary. It may be configured like the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3B as shown. That is, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3B, the lower end portion 21a of the tubular body 21 is covered with the probe cover body 23 so as to cover the lower opening 21d. Since the probe cover body 23 covered in this way has elasticity, when it is pushed into the lower end portion 21a of the tubular body 21 containing the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, the casing 11 of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be accommodated in the distal end side portion 11a by being extended in accordance with the shape of the outer peripheral surface thereof. Further, the lower end side portion 21a of the tubular body 21 is formed in a tapered shape so that the remaining portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 excluding the distal end portion 2a does not protrude to the outside. Therefore, similarly to the case where the inner bracket 22 is provided, only by inserting the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 into the tubular body 21, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be placed in a predetermined position and put in a usable state.
[0061]
　In the ultrasonic diagnostic device covers 3 and 3B, the guide cover bracket 24 is placed on the probe cover body 23. The inner peripheral surface of the bracket 24 with the guide is formed to be slightly larger than the outer peripheral surface of the front end side portion 11 a of the casing 11 and to have substantially the same shape. Therefore, when the distal end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 is inserted into the probe cover body 23, it is guided and positioned by the bracket with guide 24, and the bracket with guide 24 serves as a positioning member. It has become.
[0062]
　In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus covers 3 and 3B, the guide-equipped bracket 24 is placed over the probe cover body 23 to guide the needle 41 when performing the puncturing work, but it is not always necessary. Does not have to be covered by. Further, the probe cover body 23 may be simply covered, but at least a part of the inner surface thereof may be joined to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body 21 so as not to come off. Further, the covers 3 and 3B for the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus are not necessarily limited to those used for the puncturing work, and are also used when only the diagnosis is performed by displaying the cross section of the test portion on the monitor 13. Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, the probe 12 and the monitor 13 are integrally provided in the casing 11, but they are not necessarily integrated and the probe 12 and the monitor 13 are formed in separate casings. Good.
[0063]
　Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus covers 3 and 3B, the entire probe cover body 23 is an elastomer gel having good acoustic coupling between the test part and the probe 12, that is, any of styrene type, urethane type, and silicone type. Although it is composed of the elastomer gel, it does not necessarily have to be structured in this way. In the probe cover body 23, at least only the portion located between the test portion and the probe 12 may be made of the elastomer gel described above. In the present embodiment, the probe cover body is provided on the outer side surface of the cylindrical body, but it may be provided on the inner side surface.
[0064]
　Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus covers 3 and 3B, the rail fastener 25 is provided so as to close the upper opening 21c of the tubular body 21, but it is not necessarily a rail fastener and may be a surface fastener or an adhesive tape. It may be.
[0065]
　In addition, in the present embodiment, the tubular bodies 21 and 21A are flexible tubular bodies made of a material such as polyvinyl chloride and have a length that covers the entire ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. It is not limited to. For example, a hard cylindrical body having an inner surface shape that can be attached to the side surface on the distal end side of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 may be used, and when attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 may be in close contact with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. The probe cover bodies 23, 23A may be fixed to the tips of the tubular bodies 21, 21A. Such a specification is, for example, two cylinder-shaped bodies having a concavo-convex body on which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 can be mounted and another cylinder-shaped body while sandwiching a part of the probe cover bodies 23 and 23A. The tubular bodies 23 and 23A can be manufactured by a method of integrating them by ultrasonic welding or the like. It is preferable that the tubular body is soft because it makes it easier to insert the ultrasonic device.
[0066]
　Further, the probe cover body 23A of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A of the second embodiment is formed in a substantially flat plate shape, but it does not necessarily have to be such a shape. For example, it may have a bag shape like the probe cover body 23 of the first embodiment. Further, the tubular body 21A does not necessarily have to be formed in a trapezoidal shape so that the upper end side portion 21e expands toward the upper end 21f, and may have the same shape as the intermediate portion 21g. That is, the upper end side portion 21e may extend straight.
[0067]
　Further, in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover 3A of the second embodiment, the tubular body 21A is welded to the outer surface of the bracket main body 31A, but it is not necessary to be attached in this way. For example, the lower end 21b of the tubular body 21A may be fixed to the bracket main body 31A by being sandwiched by the two bracket portions 34 and 35 as in the probe cover body 23A. Further, the lower end 21b of the tubular body 21A may be welded to the inner peripheral surface of the bracket body 31A. Further, the bracket body 31A does not necessarily need to be provided with the guide portion 32A. Further, the shape of the upper opening of the cylindrical body 21A is not limited to the shape of the embodiment, and a suitable opening shape may be adopted. For example, the upper part of the cylindrical body may be closed before use so that the upper part of the cylindrical body may be opened through cut lines, notches, or with scissors in order to maintain the aseptic state until just before use. ..
[0068]
　Furthermore, the pair of locking pieces 33 in the second embodiment can be provided with a finger hook portion for unlocking. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to provide finger hook pieces 33b extending rearward from the upper ends of the pair of locking pieces 33. A gap increasing portion is formed between the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and the finger hook 33b to increase a gap between the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and the locking piece 33. When the pair of locking pieces 33 is bent outward in the second embodiment, a finger is inserted into the gap between the pair of locking pieces 33 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. However, since the tubular body 21A is present, the fingers are inserted. Can be difficult to insert deeply. Even if it can be inserted, since the tubular body 21A is widely wound, it may be difficult to bend the pair of locking pieces 33 outward. However, in the pair of locking pieces 33 in FIG. 12, the finger hook pieces 33b extending rearward do not face the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2, and the pair of locking pieces 33 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2 are not provided. It is possible to eliminate or reduce the need to insert a finger into the gap. Since the finger-hooking pieces 33b are formed on the upper side of the pair of locking pieces 33, the locking pieces 33 can be bent with a small force, and since they extend rearward, they hinder the puncturing operation. Hateful. Although FIG. 12 is shown as an example of the finger hook 33b, the finger hook 33b is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. For example, by making the pair of locking pieces 33 into an inverted triangular shape, the top part thereof can be formed as a finger hook piece. The finger hook piece may have any shape as long as it makes it easy to hook the finger. Further, the gap increasing portion may be realized by providing a groove in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 2. The finger hook 33b may extend to the extent that it has a portion that does not face the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Further, although the pair of locking pieces 33 having the finger-holding portions 33b for releasing the lock are fixed to the tubular body 21A having the front end and the base end opened, the invention provides the finger-holding portions 33b for releasing the lock. The cylindrical body used in 1 does not need to be a cylindrical body having an open tip. Further, the bracket may not be assembled with the probe cover body and may have only the guide function of the needle.
[0069]
　The above embodiment includes a plurality of independent inventions, and each characteristic portion can be realized as an independent invention. For example, the bracket in the present application has a gel sheet on the inner side, and the gel sheet is in an expanded state when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and the bracket are assembled, so that air bubbles are unlikely to occur between the gel sheet and the probe. In addition, the bracket in the present application has a pair of locking pieces provided with finger hook pieces, so that both the difficulty of detaching the bracket from the ultrasonic device and the ease of detachment are achieved. The function and effect of these characteristic portions do not depend on whether or not the vinyl bag is interposed between the body surface and the probe, and solve the problem independent of the problem of the present application. Therefore, in order to make these characteristic parts independent inventions, it is not an essential requirement whether or not the vinyl bag is interposed between the body surface and the probe, and the echo cover may not be provided.
Explanation of symbols
[0070]
　1,1A Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device with Cover
　2 Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device
　2a Tip Part (One
　End in a Predetermined Direction) 3,3A, 3B Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device Cover
　11 Casing
　11a Tip Part
　11d Fitting Convex Part (Engaging Part)
　12 probe
　12a sensor
　13 monitor (image display part)
　21,21A tubular body
　21c upper opening (one opening)
　21d lower opening (other opening)
　22 inner bracket (guide member)
　22d fitting hole
　23 , 23A Probe cover body
　24, 24A Bracket with guide
　31A Bracket body
　31a Inner hole
　32A Guide portion
　33 Locking
　piece 33b Finger hooking piece
　34 First bracket portion
　35 Second bracket portion
　41 Needle
The scope of the claims
[Claim 1]
　A cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is to be covered with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a casing; and a probe having a sensor for receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected by a portion to be tested, which is arranged at one end of the casing in a predetermined direction. ,
　it is formed in a cylindrical shape having people respectively an opening at both ends, two of the cylindrical body from one of the openings of the opening are enabled insertion of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus,
　the other opening Is provided on the cylindrical body so that one end in a predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus abuts, and a portion in which the one end in the predetermined direction abuts is acoustic coupling between the sensor and the test part. A cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which includes a probe cover body made of a gel material capable of performing the above.
[Claim 2]
　The other opening of the tubular body is formed on the tip end side of the
　tubular body, and the tip end side portion of the tubular body is formed to have a smaller diameter than the one side opening. The cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.
[Claim 3]
　The tubular body projects one end in a predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus from the other opening, and the
　probe cover body projects from the other opening of the tubular body. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover according to claim 1, which is covered on one end portion in a predetermined direction of.
[Claim 4]
　The probe cover body is expandable and contractable so as to be spread when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is inserted therein, and is provided so as to cover the distal end side portion of the tubular body from the outside. Item 3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover according to Item 3.
[Claim 5]
　A tubular member made of a material harder than the probe cover body, housed in the tubular body so as to be arranged on the other opening side, and having a predetermined size of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus therein. The guide member which guides to the said other opening part by inserting and pushing in one direction direction part is further provided, The
　said probe cover body is provided in the said cylindrical body so that it may cover the said guide member. Alternatively, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover according to item 4.
[Claim 6]
　A tubular member made of a material harder than the probe cover body, having a bracket for covering the tubular body from the outside of the probe cover body, the
　bracket being provided at one end in a predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the probe cover body is fitted in a state in which the probe cover body is covered.
[Claim 7]
　An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a cover,
　comprising: the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
[Claim 8]
　A cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is to be covered with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a casing; ,
　an opening at both ends is formed into a cylindrical shape having respectively, two of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has become possible insert a tubular body from the opening of one of the openings,
　the bottomed cylindrical A probe cover body formed so that a side surface thereof overlaps with the tubular body while a bottom portion is located in the other opening of the tubular body, and the
　probe cover body at least abuts against the one end in the predetermined direction. A cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, wherein a contacting portion is made of a gel material capable of acoustically coupling the sensor and the test portion.
[Claim 9]
　A cover for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, which is to be covered with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a casing; A
　probe cover body made of a gel material capable of acoustic coupling between the sensor and the test part is fixed to one side, and a soft cylindrical body into which the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is inserted from the other side is provided. Ultrasonic diagnostic device cover.
[Claim 10]
　The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus cover according to claim 9, wherein the probe cover body is fixed to the tubular body via an annular bracket made of a material harder than the probe cover body.
[Claim 11]
　Assembled in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a casing having a pair of locking portions on its side surface, and a probe having a sensor which is disposed at one end of the casing in a predetermined direction and which receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by a test portion. A bracket having a pair of locking pieces capable of locking with the pair of locking portions.