JP2022018211A - Subject observation device and connecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a subject observation device which can easily remove stains adhering in a connecting part between an ultrasonic probe and a receptacle, and a connecting device.SOLUTION: A subject observation device is equipped with an ultrasonic observation device 3 including an ultrasonic connector 32, a second electric terminal 305 that can make contact with a first electric terminal 321 electrically, and a receptacle 302 where the ultrasonic connector 32 can be connected. The ultrasonic observation device 3 includes a first electric magnet 306 which is provided on the receptacle 302 and adjusts the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 in a prescribed positional relationship by generating first adsorption force between a metal part 322 and the first electric magnet and a second electric magnet 307 which is provided on the receptacle 302 and makes the receptacle 302 hold the ultrasonic connector 32 by generating second adsorption force between the metal part 322 and the second electric magnet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to a subject observation device and a connection device.

In medical devices such as endoscope devices and ultrasonic diagnostic devices, a scope in which a ride guide that guides light from a light source device to an observation surface is arranged, a processor in which a light guide insertion portion is formed, and a processor. A technique is known in which a light guide of a scope is connected by being inserted into a light guide insertion portion of a processor (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this technique, the scope is provided with the first connector portion in which the first magnet is embedded, and the light guide protrudes from the end portion of the first connector portion to cause the processor to generate an attractive force with the first magnet. By providing the second connector part in which two magnets are embedded, the scope is connected to the processor by fitting the first connector part and the second connector part by the insertion of the light guide and the attractive force of the first magnet. do.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-192753

By the way, in order to prevent infection of the user, the connector connection portion of the medical device is required to have a structure that makes it easy to remove the adhered patient-derived stains in each of the scope (ultrasonic probe) and the processor (receptacle). ..

However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since the light guide is fitted by being inserted into the light guide insertion portion, there is a problem that stains that are difficult to remove may remain in the light guide insertion portion and the gap. ..

Further, even when a movable part such as a lock mechanism is provided on the ultrasonic probe and the receptacle as in the conventional technique, there is a problem that dirt that is difficult to remove may remain in the gap of the movable part as well. be.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a subject observation device and a connection device capable of easily removing attached stains at a connection portion between an ultrasonic probe and a receptacle. And.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the subject observation apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a probe that acquires an image of a subject from one end side and converts the acquired image into a signal, and the probe. A connector provided on the other end side and having a first electric terminal capable of transmitting the signal and a metal portion containing a magnetic metal, and a second electric terminal capable of electrically contacting the first electric terminal. It comprises a processor comprising an electrical terminal and a receptacle to which the connector can be connected, wherein the processor is provided in the receptacle to generate a first attraction with the metal portion to generate the first attraction. A second electromagnet that adjusts the electric terminal 1 and the second electric terminal to a predetermined positional relationship and a second electromagnet provided on the receptacle and the metal portion are generated to generate a second attractive force. It has a second electromagnet that causes the receptacle to hold the connector.

Further, in the subject observation device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the metal portion is provided on the connector, has a smooth surface around the connector, and has the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet. The electromagnet is provided around the second electric terminal.

Further, in the subject observation device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the smooth surface is formed substantially smooth with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the connector, and the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are the same. It is provided inside the receptacle.

Further, in the subject observation device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the magnetic force generated by the first electromagnet and the magnetic force generated by the second electromagnet have different magnitudes from each other.

Further, in the subject observation device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the first electromagnet generates a stronger magnetic force than the second electromagnet.

Further, in the subject observation device according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, each of the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal is provided with a plurality of electrodes on a predetermined surface, and the first electromagnet is provided. Positions the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal in a direction parallel to the predetermined surface, and the second electromagnet is perpendicular to the predetermined surface. The first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are brought into contact with each other in the direction.

Further, in the above disclosure, the subject observation device according to the present disclosure controls each of the timing at which the first electromagnet generates the first magnetic force and the timing at which the second electromagnet generates the second magnetic force. Further equipped with a control unit.

Further, in the above disclosure, the subject observation device according to the present disclosure further includes an operation input unit that receives an input of an operator's operation, and the control unit is based on the operation received by the operation input unit. Each of the timing of generating the magnetic force of 1 and the timing of generating the second magnetic force are controlled.

Further, in the above disclosure, the subject observation device according to the present disclosure further includes a detection unit for detecting that the connector has reached a predetermined position in the receptacle, and the control unit has the connector by the detection unit. When it is detected that the predetermined position has been reached, the second magnetic force is generated in the second electromagnet.

Further, in the subject observation apparatus according to the present disclosure, in the above disclosure, the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are made of a non-magnetic material or a weak magnetic metal that is less likely to be magnetized than the non-magnetic material. It is formed.

Further, in the above disclosure, the subject observation device according to the present disclosure generates a second attractive force between the second electromagnet and the metal portion of the connector after the operation of the first electromagnet. ..

Further, in the above disclosure, the subject observation device according to the present disclosure is an ultrasonic diagnostic device or an endoscopic device, and in the case of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, the probe is an ultrasonic endoscope. It is a mirror, the processor generates an ultrasonic image, and in the case of the endoscope device, the probe is an endoscope, and the processor produces an endoscopic image.

Further, the connection device according to the present disclosure is provided on the other end side of a probe that acquires an image of a subject from one end side and converts the acquired image into a signal, and is a first electric terminal capable of transmitting the signal. The first electrical terminal is provided in a processor in which the signal is input between the probe and the probe by electrically connecting the connector having the metal portion containing the magnetic metal and the probe. It has a second electrical terminal that can be electrically contacted with the electric terminal and a receptacle to which the connector can be connected, and is provided in the receptacle to generate a first suction force with the metal portion. A second attractive force is generated between the first electromagnet that adjusts the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal to a predetermined positional relationship, and the metal portion provided on the receptacle. , A second electromagnet that causes the receptacle to hold the connector.

According to the present disclosure, there is an effect that the attached dirt can be easily removed at the connection portion between the ultrasonic probe and the receptacle.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic connector and the ultrasonic observation device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the receptacle viewed from the insertion direction of the ultrasonic connector according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing executed by the ultrasonic observation device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic connector and an ultrasonic observation device according to a modified example of the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Further, in the description of the drawings, the same parts will be described with the same reference numerals. In the following, an endoscope system using ultrasonic observation will be described as an example as a subject observation device for observing a subject such as a person or a living thing.

[Outline configuration of endoscope system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment. The endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for performing ultrasonic diagnosis in a subject such as a person using an ultrasonic endoscope (probe). As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an ultrasonic endoscope 2 (probe), an ultrasonic observation device 3, an endoscope observation device 4, and a display device 5.

A part of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 can be inserted into the subject, an ultrasonic pulse (acoustic pulse) is transmitted toward the body wall in the subject, and the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject is reflected. It has a function of outputting an echo signal by receiving an echo and a function of imaging the inside of a subject and outputting an image signal. The detailed configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 will be described later.

The ultrasonic observation device 3 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic endoscope 2 via an ultrasonic cable 31 and an ultrasonic connector 32 (see FIG. 1). The ultrasonic observation device 3 outputs a pulse signal to the ultrasonic endoscope 2 via the ultrasonic connector 32 and the ultrasonic cable 31, and inputs an echo signal from the ultrasonic endoscope 2. Then, the ultrasonic observation device 3 performs a predetermined process on the echo signal input from the ultrasonic endoscope 2 to generate an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic observation device 3 is realized by using a memory and a processor having hardware such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The detailed configuration of the ultrasonic connector 32 and the ultrasonic observation device 3 will be described later.

In the endoscope observation device 4, the endoscope connector 9 and the ultrasonic connector of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 described later are detachably connected to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope observation device 4 includes a video processor 41 and a light source device 42.

The video processor 41 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal input from the ultrasonic endoscope 2 to generate an endoscope image, and outputs the endoscope image to the display device 5. The video processor 41 is realized by using a memory and a processor having hardware such as FPGA and CPU.

The light source device 42 supplies illumination light for illuminating the inside of the subject to the ultrasonic endoscope 2. The light source device 42 is realized by using a white LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp or the like.

The display device 5 displays various information about the endoscope image, the ultrasonic image, and the endoscope system 1 input from the endoscope observation device 4. The display device 5 is realized by using a display panel such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence).

[Construction of ultrasonic endoscope]
Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope 2 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic endoscope 2 includes an insertion unit 6, an operation unit 7, a universal cord 8, and an endoscope connector 9. In the following, in explaining the configuration of the insertion portion 6, the tip end side (tip end side in the insertion direction into the subject) of the insertion portion 6 is described only as "tip or tip side", and the base of the insertion portion 6 is described. The end side (operation unit 7 side) is described only as "base end or base end side".

First, the insertion portion 6 will be described.
The insertion portion 6 is a portion to be inserted into the subject. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 6 includes an ultrasonic probe 61 provided at the tip and a tip component (hard member) 62 (hereinafter, “tip configuration” connected to the proximal end side of the ultrasonic probe 61. Part 62 ”), a bendable curved portion 63 connected to the proximal end side of the tip component 62, and a flexible flexible tube 64 connected to the proximal end side of the curved portion 63. Have. Inside the insertion unit 6, the operation unit 7, the universal cord 8, and the endoscope connector 9, a ride guide (not shown) that transmits the illumination light supplied from the light source device 42, the pulse signal or echo described above are used. An oscillator cable (not shown) for transmitting signals and a signal cable (not shown) for transmitting image signals are routed, and a pipeline for circulating fluid or gas (not shown) is provided. ..

Next, the ultrasonic probe 61 will be described.
The ultrasonic probe 61 is a convex type ultrasonic probe and has a plurality of piezoelectric elements (not shown). The plurality of piezoelectric elements are regularly arranged to form a convex arc. Here, the ultrasonic probe 61 has an acoustic lens and a matching layer in addition to the piezoelectric element, and acquires an ultrasonic echo that contributes to an ultrasonic tomographic image inside the body wall in the subject. The pulse signal output from the ultrasonic observation device 3 is input to the ultrasonic probe 61 after passing through the ultrasonic connector 32, the ultrasonic cable 31, and the above-mentioned oscillator cable. Then, the ultrasonic probe 61 converts the pulse signal into an ultrasonic pulse and transmits it into the subject. Further, the ultrasonic probe 61 receives the ultrasonic echo reflected at the site to be observed in the subject, and converts the received ultrasonic echo into an electrical echo signal. After that, the echo signal converted by the ultrasonic probe 61 passes through the above-mentioned oscillator cable, ultrasonic cable 31, and ultrasonic connector 32, and then is input to the ultrasonic observation device 3. The ultrasonic probe 61 is not limited to the convex type ultrasonic probe, and for example, a radial type ultrasonic probe can be adopted. Further, the ultrasonic cable 31 is formed by branching from the endoscope connector 9 described later, one end side is connected to the endoscope connector 9 of the ultrasonic probe 61, and the other end side is the ultrasonic connector 32. Is provided.

Next, the tip component 62 will be described.
The tip component 62 is a hard member made of a resin material or the like, and has a substantially cylindrical shape. Here, although not shown, the tip component 62 is formed with a mounting hole, an imaging hole, a lighting hole, a treatment tool channel, an air supply / water supply hole, and the like.

These mounting holes, imaging holes, lighting holes, treatment tool channels, air supply / water supply holes, etc. are holes that penetrate from the base end to the tip end of the tip component 62, and specifically have the following functions. Has.
The mounting hole is a hole to which the ultrasonic probe 61 is mounted from the tip side. Then, the above-mentioned oscillator cable is inserted into the mounting hole and electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe 61.
The imaging hole is a hole for acquiring a subject image in the subject. Inside the image pickup hole, an objective lens group that collects the subject image and an image pickup element such as a CCD or CMOS that captures the subject image collected by the objective lens are arranged. Then, the image pickup element is electrically connected to the above-mentioned signal cable and outputs an image signal.
The illumination hole is a hole for irradiating the subject with illumination light. An illumination lens or the like is disposed inside the illumination hole. Then, the illumination lens emits the illumination light transmitted from the ride guide described above toward the inside of the subject.
The treatment tool channel is a hole for projecting various treatment tools to the outside.
The air supply / water supply hole is a hole that communicates with the above-mentioned pipeline and blows the liquid or gas flowing through the pipeline to the outer surface or a predetermined area of the above-mentioned objective lens.

The operation unit 7 is connected to the base end side of the insertion unit 6 and is a portion that receives various operations from a doctor or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 7 includes a bending knob 71 for bending the bending portion 63, and a plurality of operating members 72 for performing various operations. Further, inside the flexible tube 64 and the curved portion 63, a treatment tool tube (not shown) communicating with the above-mentioned processing tool channel is arranged. The operation unit 7 is provided with a treatment tool insertion port 73 for inserting the treatment tool into the treatment tool tube.

The universal cord 8 is a cord that extends from the operation unit 7 and is provided with the above-mentioned light guide, oscillator cable, signal cable, pipeline, and the like.

The endoscope connector 9 is a connector for connecting the ultrasonic cable 31 and the universal cord 8, and is inserted into the endoscope observation device 4 to connect the endoscope observation device 4 and the universal cord. It is a connector for connecting to 8.

[Configuration of ultrasonic connector and ultrasonic observation device]
Next, the detailed configuration of the ultrasonic connector 32 and the ultrasonic observation device 3 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configurations of the ultrasonic connector 32 and the ultrasonic observation device 3. FIG. 3 is a front view of the receptacle viewed from the insertion direction of the ultrasonic connector 32. In the following, first, the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 32 will be described, and then the ultrasonic observation device 3 will be described.

First, the ultrasonic connector 32 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic connector 32 has a thick flat plate shape, and is electrically inserted into the ultrasonic observation device 3 by being inserted into a receptacle 302 provided in the ultrasonic observation device 3 described later. Be connected. The ultrasonic connector 32 has a first electric terminal 321 and a metal portion 322. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic connector 32 functions as a connector.

The first electric terminal 321 is provided on the other end side of the ultrasonic probe 61 (ultrasonic cable 31), and transmits the echo signal acquired by the ultrasonic probe 61 to the ultrasonic observation device 3. The first electric terminal 321 has a plurality of electrodes 321a arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on a predetermined surface. Specifically, the first electric terminal 321 has a plurality of electrodes 321a arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on a plane orthogonal to the insertion direction (arrow A) of the ultrasonic connector 32. The first electric terminal 321 is formed of a non-magnetic material or a weak magnetic metal that is less likely to be magnetized than the non-magnetic material. Specifically, the first electric terminal 321 is formed by using copper, a copper alloy, or the like.

The metal portion 322 is formed of a magnetic metal such as iron and is provided around the ultrasonic connector 32. For example, the metal portion 322 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the plane parallel to the insertion direction in which the ultrasonic connector 32 is inserted. The metal portion 322 has a smooth surface around the ultrasonic connector 32. This smooth surface is formed to be substantially smooth with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the ultrasonic connector 32. Although the metal portion 322 is provided only in a part of the ultrasonic connector 32 in FIG. 2, it may be provided over the entire circumference of the ultrasonic connector 32. Further, in FIG. 2, the metal portion 322 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the ultrasonic connector 32, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the metal portion 322 may be provided inside the ultrasonic connector 32.

Next, the ultrasonic observation device 3 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ultrasonic observation device 3 includes at least the main body 301, the receptacle 302, the detection unit 303, the operation input unit 304, the second electric terminal 305, and the first. It includes an electromagnet 306, a second electromagnet 307, a power supply unit 308, and a control unit 309. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic observation device 3 functions as a processor.

The main body 301 has a box shape and accommodates various devices for exerting each function constituting the ultrasonic observation device 3.

The receptacle 302 is provided on the exterior side of the main body 301 and has a C shape. The receptacle 302 can be connected to the ultrasonic connector 32, and the ultrasonic connector 32 is inserted. In one embodiment, the receptacle 302 and the ultrasonic connector 32 function as a connection device (connection mechanism).

The detection unit 303 detects the ultrasonic connector 32 inserted in the receptacle 302 (detects whether or not the ultrasonic connector 32 is inserted in the receptacle 302), and outputs the detection result to the control unit 309. The detection unit 303 is realized by using, for example, an optical coupler, a photointerruptor, or the like.

The operation input unit 304 receives inputs of various operations of the operator and outputs signals corresponding to the received operations to the control unit 309. The operation input unit 304 is realized by using a button, a switch, a touch panel, or the like.

The second electrical terminal 305 can be electrically connected to the first electrical terminal 321. The second electric terminal 305 has a plurality of electrodes 305a arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on a predetermined surface. Specifically, the second electric terminal 305 has a plurality of electrodes 305a arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the surface of the receptacle 302 orthogonal to the insertion direction (arrow A) of the ultrasonic connector 32 (FIG.). See 3). The second electric terminal 305 is formed of, for example, a non-magnetic material or a weak magnetic metal that is less likely to be magnetized than the non-magnetic material. Specifically, the second electric terminal 305 is formed by using copper, a copper alloy, or the like.

The first electromagnet 306 is provided in the receptacle 302. Specifically, it is provided on the upper side and the right side of the first electromagnet 306 and the second electric terminal 305 (see FIG. 3). The first electromagnet 306 has an upper electromagnet 306a and a right side electromagnet 306b. Under the control of the control unit 309, the first electromagnet 306 generates a first attractive force between the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32 and the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 321. Adjust the terminal 305 to a predetermined positional relationship. Specifically, the first electromagnet 306 positions the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 in a direction parallel to a predetermined surface. More specifically, the first electromagnet 306 generates a first attractive force between the first electromagnet 306 and the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32 under the control of the control unit 309, and the first electric terminal. By guiding the ultrasonic connector 32 to the position where each electrode 321a of 321 and each electrode 305a of the second electric terminal 305 come into contact with each other, between the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305. Perform positioning.

The second electromagnet 307 is provided in the receptacle 302. Specifically, the second electromagnet 307 is provided on the lower side and the left side of the second electric terminal 305 (see FIG. 3). The second electromagnet 307 has a lower electromagnet 307a and a left side electromagnet 307b. Under the control of the control unit 309, the second electromagnet 307 generates a second attractive force with the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32 to cause the receptacle 302 to hold the ultrasonic connector 32. .. Specifically, the second electromagnet 307 brings the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 into contact (contact) in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined surface. More specifically, the second electromagnet 307 generates a second attractive force with the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32 under the control of the control unit 309, and ultrasonic waves are generated in the receptacle 302. By holding the connector 32 so as to be pulled in in the insertion direction (see arrow A), the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 are brought into contact (contact) in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined surface. ). The magnetic forces generated by each of the first electromagnet 306 and the second electromagnet 307 have different magnitudes from each other. Specifically, the first electromagnet 306 generates a stronger magnetic force than the second electromagnet 307.

Under the control of the control unit 309, the power supply unit 308 adjusts the current input from the external power supply to a predetermined voltage and supplies the current to the first electromagnet 306 and the second electromagnet 307. The power supply unit 308 is realized by using a regulator or the like.

The control unit 309 is realized by using a processor having hardware such as a memory and a CPU. The control unit 309 controls each unit constituting the ultrasonic observation device 3. Further, the control unit 309 controls the first electromagnet 306 and the second electromagnet 307 based on the detection result of the detection unit 303 or the operation content for the operation input unit 304. Specifically, the control unit 309 causes the power supply unit 308 to supply electric power to the first electromagnet 306 to generate a first magnetic force in the first electromagnet 306. After that, when the detection unit 303 detects the insertion of the ultrasonic connector 32 into the receptacle 302, the control unit 309 causes the power supply unit 308 to supply electric power to the second electromagnet 307, and causes the second electromagnet 307 to supply power to the second electromagnet 307. While generating the magnetic force of the above, the electric power to the first electromagnet 306 is stopped.

[Processing of ultrasonic observation device]
Next, the process executed by the ultrasonic observation device 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process executed by the ultrasonic observation device 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the power of the ultrasonic observation device 3 is turned on, the control unit 309 drives the power supply unit 308 to supply power to the first electromagnet 306 (step S1). As a result, the first electromagnet 306 generates the first magnetic force.

Subsequently, the control unit 309 determines whether or not the detection unit 303 has detected the ultrasonic connector 32 inserted in the receptacle 302 (step S2). When it is determined by the control unit 309 that the detection unit 303 has detected the ultrasonic connector 32 to be inserted into the receptacle 302 (step S2: Yes), the ultrasonic observation device 3 proceeds to step S3 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined by the control unit 309 that the detection unit 303 has not detected the ultrasonic connector 32 inserted into the receptacle 302 (step S2: No), the ultrasonic observation device 3 makes this determination. Continue.

In step S3, the control unit 309 drives the power supply unit 308 to supply electric power to the second electromagnet 307. As a result, the second electromagnet 307 generates a second attractive force with the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32, and the ultrasonic connector 32 is inserted into the receptacle 302 in the insertion direction (see arrow A). The first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 are brought into contact (contact) with each other in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined surface by holding the first electric terminal 321 so as to be pulled into the. As a result, the signal from the ultrasonic probe 61 can be transmitted to the ultrasonic observation device 3.

Subsequently, the control unit 309 drives the power supply unit 308 to stop the supply of electric power to the first electromagnet 306 (step S4). As a result, the ultrasonic connector 32 of the ultrasonic probe 61 and the receptacle 302 can be reliably positioned, and the noise generated by the first electromagnet 306 can be minimized on the ultrasonic image. Can be done.

After that, the control unit 309 determines whether or not an instruction signal for terminating the ultrasonic observation is input from the operation input unit 304 (step S5). When it is determined by the control unit 309 that the instruction signal for terminating the ultrasonic observation is input from the operation input unit 304 (step S5: Yes), the ultrasonic observation device 3 shifts to step S6 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined by the control unit 309 that the instruction signal for terminating the ultrasonic observation is not input from the operation input unit 304 (step S5: No), the ultrasonic observation device 3 determines in step S5. Continue.

In step S6, the control unit 309 causes the power supply unit 308 to stop supplying electric power to the second electromagnet 307. After step S6, the ultrasonic observation device 3 ends this process.

According to one embodiment described above, the first electromagnet 306 provided in the receptacle 302 generates a first attractive force with the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32, and the first electromagnet 306 is generated. The electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 are adjusted to a predetermined positional relationship, and the second electromagnet 307 provided in the receptacle 302 is attracted to the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32. Since a force is generated to hold the ultrasonic connector 32 in the receptacle 302, the attached dirt can be easily removed at the connection portion between the ultrasonic probe 61 and the receptacle 302.

Further, according to one embodiment, since the first electromagnet 306 and the second electromagnet 307 are provided around the second electric terminal 305, it is possible to prevent the ultrasonic connector 32 from coming off from the receptacle 302. can do.

Further, according to one embodiment, the metal portion 322 of the ultrasonic connector 32 is formed substantially smoothly with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the ultrasonic connector 32, and the first electric magnet 306 and the second electric magnet 307 are formed. Since each of the above is provided inside the receptacle 302, the receptacle 302 and the ultrasonic connector 32 have no unevenness, and the attached dirt can be easily removed at the connection portion between the ultrasonic probe 61 and the receptacle 302. can.

Further, according to one embodiment, since the first electromagnet 306 generates a stronger magnetic force than the second electromagnet 307, the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 can be easily arranged in a predetermined positional relationship. Can be adjusted to.

Further, according to one embodiment, each of the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 is provided with a plurality of electrodes 321a and 305a on a predetermined surface, and the first electromagnet 306 is a predetermined surface. Positioning is performed between the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 in a direction parallel to the surface, and the second electromagnet 307 is a first electric terminal in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined surface. Since the 321 and the second electric terminal 305 can be brought into contact with each other, the positioning of the ultrasonic connector 32 of the ultrasonic probe 61 and the receptacle 302 can be reliably performed, and the ultrasonic waves are generated by a relatively unexpected external force. It is possible to prevent the ultrasonic connector 32 of the probe 61 from falling off from the receptacle 302.

Further, according to one embodiment, the control unit 309 controls the timing of the first magnetic force generated by the first electromagnet 306 and the timing of the second magnetic force generated by the second electromagnet 307, so that the ultrasonic wave is used. The ultrasonic connector 32 of the probe 61 and the receptacle 302 can be reliably positioned, and the noise generated by the first electromagnet 306 can be minimized on the ultrasonic image.

Further, according to one embodiment, when the control unit 309 detects that the ultrasonic connector 32 has been inserted into the receptacle 302 by the detection unit 303, the power supplied to the first electromagnet 306 is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the superimposition of noise by the first electromagnet 306 on the ultrasonic image.

In one embodiment, when the control unit 309 detects that the ultrasonic connector 32 has been inserted into the receptacle 302 by the detection unit 303, the power supplied to the first electromagnet 306 is stopped. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and even if the detection unit 303 detects that the ultrasonic connector 32 has been inserted into the receptacle 302, even if the power to the first electromagnet 306 is continued. good. In this case, the control unit 309 may reduce the current supplied to the power supply unit 308. As a result, the ultrasonic connector 32 of the ultrasonic probe 61 and the receptacle 302 can be reliably positioned, and the ultrasonic connector 32 of the ultrasonic probe 61 falls off from the receptacle 302 due to a relatively unexpected external force. Can be prevented.

Further, in one embodiment, the first magnetic force generated by the first electromagnet 306 was stronger than the second magnetic force generated by the second electromagnet 307, but the first magnetic force generated by the first electromagnet 306 was stronger. May be weaker than the second magnetic force generated by the second electromagnet 307. In this case, when the detection unit 303 detects that the ultrasonic connector 32 has been inserted into the receptacle 302, the control unit 309 stops the power supplied to the first electromagnet 306. As a result, the possibility that each of the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305 damages the electrode 321a and the electrode 305a is further reduced, and the noise due to the first electromagnet 306 is superimposed on the ultrasonic image. Can be kept to a minimum. Of course, the control unit 309 may continue the power supplied to the first electromagnet 306 when the detection unit 303 detects that the ultrasonic connector 32 has been inserted into the receptacle 302. In this case, the ultrasonic connector 32 of the ultrasonic probe 61 is released from the receptacle 302 by a relatively unexpected external force without damaging the electrode 321a and the electrode 305a, respectively, of the first electric terminal 321 and the second electric terminal 305. It can be prevented from falling off.

Further, in one embodiment, the upper electromagnet 306a and the right side electromagnet 306b are provided as the first electromagnet 306, and the lower side electromagnet 307a and the left side electromagnet 307b are provided as the second electromagnet 307. The 306 may be only the right side electromagnet 306b, and the second electromagnet 307 may be the upper side electromagnet 306a, the lower side electromagnet 307a and the left side electromagnet 307b. That is, at least one ultrasonic connector 32 may be used for adjusting the positioning with respect to the receptacle 302.

Further, in one embodiment, the ultrasonic observation device 3 and the endoscope observation device 4 are separate bodies, but they may be integrally formed.

Further, in one embodiment, the ultrasonic observation device 3 has been described as an example of the ultrasonic diagnostic device as the subject observation device, but an endoscopic device can also be applied. In this case, the ultrasonic probe 61 is an endoscope probe, and an endoscope observation device that generates an endoscopic image can be applied as a subject observation device.

(Modification example)
Next, a modified example according to the above-described embodiment will be described. In one embodiment described above, the first electromagnet 306 and the second electromagnet 307 are provided in the receptacle 302, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the first electromagnet 306 and the second electromagnet 307 are provided. A part of each of the above may be provided in the main body portion 301.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 32 and the ultrasonic observation device 3 according to the modified example of the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the modified example, the right side electromagnet 306b constituting the first electromagnet 306 and the left side electromagnet 307b constituting the second electromagnet 307 are each of the main body portion 301 in the insertion direction of the ultrasonic connector 32. It may be provided on the side surface. Of course, in the modification, only the right side electromagnet 306b of the first electromagnet 306 may be provided on the side surface of the main body 301 for adjusting the positioning of the ultrasonic connector 32 with respect to the receptacle 302.

According to the modification described above, the attached dirt can be easily removed at the connection portion between the ultrasonic probe 61 and the receptacle 302.

Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components described in the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above. Further, the components described in the information providing system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above may be appropriately combined.

Further, in the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned "part" can be read as "means", "circuit" and the like. For example, the control unit can be read as a control means or a control circuit.

Further, the program to be executed by the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is a file data in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD ( It is recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a Digital Versatile Disc), a USB medium, or a flash memory.

Further, the program to be executed by the endoscope system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. good.

In the description of the flowchart in the present specification, the context of the processing between steps is clarified by using expressions such as "first", "after", and "continued", but in order to carry out the present invention. The order of processing required is not uniquely defined by those representations. That is, the order of processing in the flowchart described in the present specification can be changed within a consistent range. Further, the program is not limited to such a program consisting of simple branch processing, and more determination items may be comprehensively determined and branched.

Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, these are examples, and various embodiments are described based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the embodiments described in the disclosure column of the present invention. It is possible to carry out the present invention in another modified or improved form.

1 Endoscopic system 2 Ultrasonic endoscope 3 Ultrasonic observation device 4 Endoscopic observation device 5 Display device 6 Insertion unit 7 Operation unit 8 Universal cord 9 Endoscopic connector 31 Ultrasonic cable 32 Ultrasonic connector 41 Video processor 42 Light source device 61 Ultrasonic probe 62 Tip component 63 Curved part 64 Flexible tube 71 Curved knob 72 Operation member 73 Treatment tool insertion port 301 Main body part 302 Receptacle 303 Detection part 304 Operation input part 305 Second electric terminal 305a Electrode 306 First electromagnet 306a Upper electromagnet 306b Right electromagnet 307 Second electromagnet 307a Lower electromagnet 307b Left electromagnet 308 Power supply unit 309 Control unit 321 First electric terminal 321a Electrode 322 Metal part

Claims (13)

A probe that acquires an image of a subject from one end and converts the acquired image into a signal.
A connector provided on the other end side of the probe and having a first electric terminal capable of transmitting the signal and a metal portion containing a magnetic metal.
A processor having a second electrical terminal that can be electrically contacted with the first electrical terminal and a receptacle to which the connector can be connected.
Equipped with
The processor
A first electromagnet provided on the receptacle and generating a first attractive force with the metal portion to adjust the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal to a predetermined positional relationship. ,
A second electromagnet provided on the receptacle and generating a second attractive force with the metal portion to hold the connector on the receptacle.
Have,
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 1.
The metal part is
It is provided on the connector and has a smooth surface around the connector.
The first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are
Around the second electrical terminal,
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 2.
The smooth surface is
It is formed so as to be substantially smooth with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the connector.
The first electromagnet and the second electromagnet are
Provided inside the receptacle,
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 1.
The magnetic force generated by the first electromagnet and the magnetic force generated by the second electromagnet have different magnitudes from each other.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 4.
The first electromagnet generates a stronger magnetic force than the second electromagnet.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 1.
Each of the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal
Multiple electrodes are provided on a predetermined surface,
The first electromagnet is
Positioning between the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal in a direction parallel to the predetermined surface is performed.
The second electromagnet is
The first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are brought into contact with each other in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined surface.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 1.
Further, a control unit for controlling each of the timing at which the first electromagnet generates the first magnetic force and the timing at which the second electromagnet generates the second magnetic force is provided.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 7.
It also has an operation input unit that accepts the input of the operator's operation.
The control unit
Based on the operation received by the operation input unit, each of the timing of generating the first magnetic force and the timing of generating the second magnetic force is controlled.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 7.
Further comprising a detector for detecting that the connector has reached a predetermined position in the receptacle.
The control unit
When the detection unit detects that the connector has reached the predetermined position, the second electromagnet is generated with the second magnetic force.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 1.
The first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are
It is formed of a non-magnetic material or a weak magnetic metal that is less magnetic than the non-magnetic material.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 1.
The second electromagnet generates a second attractive force with the metal portion of the connector after the operation of the first electromagnet.
Subject observation device. The subject observation device according to claim 1.
The subject observation device is
An ultrasonic diagnostic device or an endoscopic device,
In the case of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the probe is an ultrasonic endoscope, and the processor generates an ultrasonic image.
In the case of the endoscope device, the probe is an endoscope and the processor produces an endoscopic image.
Subject observation device. A first electrical terminal provided on the other end side of a probe that acquires an image of a subject from one end side and converts the acquired image into a signal, and can transmit the signal, and a metal portion containing a magnetic metal. With a connector that has,
A second electrical terminal provided in the processor to which the signal is input between the probe and the probe by being electrically connected to the probe, and which can be electrically contacted with the first electrical terminal.
The receptacle to which the connector can be connected and
Have,
A first electromagnet provided on the receptacle and generating a first attractive force with the metal portion to adjust the first electric terminal and the second electric terminal to a predetermined positional relationship. ,
A second electromagnet provided on the receptacle and generating a second attractive force with the metal portion to hold the connector on the receptacle.
Have,
Connection device.

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