CA3079169A1

CA3079169A1 - Ultrasonic diagnostic device cover, and ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover

Info

Publication number: CA3079169A1
Application number: CA3079169A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Kohzo Ishikura; Yuki KINUGAWA; Naoki Nakagawa
Original assignee: Nipro Corp
Current assignee: Nipro Corp
Priority date: 2017-10-18
Filing date: 2018-10-16
Publication date: 2019-04-25
Also published as: WO2019078186A1; JP7184045B2; CA3239948A1; JPWO2019078186A1; CN111386079A; CN111386079B

Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover which has excellent acoustic coupling, and can be easily fitted to an ultrasonic diagnostic device. The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover covers an ultrasonic diagnostic device and comprises: a cylindrical shaped body which is formed into a cylindrical shape having an opening on each end, and in which the ultrasonic diagnostic device can be inserted into one of the two openings; and a probe cover body which seals off the other opening, and which is provided to the cylindrical shaped body such that a probe is in close contact with said probe cover body, and in which the section in close contact with the probe is made from a gel material that enables acoustic coupling between a sensor and a subject.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Tide of Invention: ULIRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE COVER, AND ULIRASONIC
DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE WITH COVER
Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover and an ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover for improving acoustic coupling between a sensor of the ultrasonic diagnostic device and a part to be examined.
Background Art

[0002] As an apparatus for visualizing the inside of a patient's body, an ultrasonic diagnostic device as disclosed in PTL 1 has been known, for example. The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a probe capable of transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, and the probe is connected to a monitor via an image processor. In the ultrasonic diagnostic device configured as described above, the probe is applied to the epidermis of a part to be visualized (i.e., part to be examined), and the probe emits ultrasonic waves. Then, the ultrasonic waves are reflected from the part to be examined, and the reflected waves are received by the probe. The image processor performs image processing on the basis of the received reflected waves, and an image obtained by the image processing, that is, a cross section of the part to be examined, is displayed on the monitor.
Citation List Patent Literature

[0003] PTL 1: JP 2017-042188 A

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 Summary of Invention Technical Problem

[0004] In the ultrasonic diagnostic device of PTL 1, an echo gel is applied to a body surface to improve acoustic coupling between the probe and the epidermis, and the probe is applied to the body surface through the echo gel. Incidentally, when the probe is directly applied to the body surface to which the echo gel is applied, the probe needs to be washed every time the patient changes because the echo gel adheres to the surface of the probe.
For this reason, it is conceivable to use the probe in a plastic bag or the like, so that the echo gel does not adhere to the surface of the probe. However, if the probe is placed in a plastic bag, the plastic bag is interposed between the body surface and the probe, which may affect acoustic coupling.

[0005] Hence, an object ofthe present invention is to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover capable of improving acoustic coupling without requiring a plastic bag interposed between a body surface and a probe.
Solution to Problem

[0006] An ultrasonic diagnostic device cover of the present invention is an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover that covers an ultrasonic diagnostic device including a casing and a probe arranged in one end portion in a predetermined direction of the casing and having a sensor that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from a part to be examined, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover including a cylindrical body that is formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening on both ends, and that allows the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be inserted from one of the two openings, and a probe cover body that closes the other opening, and that is provided in the cylindrical body so as to come into contact with one end portion in a predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, the part coming into contact with the one end portion in the predetermined direction being made of a gel material that enables acoustic coupling between the sensor and the part to be examined.

[0007] According to the present invention, one end portion in a predetermined direction of an ultrasonic diagnostic device inserted from one opening of a cylindrical body can be brought into contact with a portion of a probe cover body provided so as to close the other opening of the cylindrical body, the portion being made of a Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 gel material. In this state, a sensor arranged at one end in the predetermined direction is applied to a part to be examined through the aforementioned portion. Hence, a plastic bag does not need to be interposed between the part to be examined and the probe. Hence, excellent acoustic coupling can be achieved.
Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, excellent acoustic coupling can be achieved without requiring a plastic bag interposed between the body surface and the probe.
Brief Description of Drawings

[0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover of a first embodiment ofthe present invention.
Fig. 2 is a front view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover in which the ultrasonic diagnostic device of Fig. 1 is inserted into the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a disassembled state ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device cover of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover of Fig. 2, cut along cross-sectional line IV-IV.
Fig. 5 is a front view showing an ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover in which the ultrasonic diagnostic device is inserted into an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover of a second embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a front view showing how the ultrasonic diagnostic device is inserted into the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover.
Fig. 7 is a plan view of a bracket with guide shown in Fig. 5.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bracket with guide of Fig. 7, cut along cross-sectional line VIII-Vffl.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 Fig. 9 is a side view of the bracket with guide of Fig. 7.
Fig. 10 is an exploded sectional view of the bracket with guide of Fig. 8.
Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a disassembled state of an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover of another embodiment.
Fig. 12 is a side view showing another configuration example of a pair of locking pieces ofthe bracket with guide of the second embodiment Description of Embodiments

[0010] Hereinafter, ultrasonic diagnostic devices with cover 1 and 1A
according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the concepts of directions used in the following description are used for convenience in the description, and do not limit the directions and the like of configurations of the invention. Additionally, the ultrasonic diagnostic devices with cover 1 and 1A described below are merely an embodiment of the present invention. Hence, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and additions, eliminations, or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0011] [First Embodiment]
The ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 shown in Fig. 1 is used when puncturing a needle or the like while visualizing a blood vessel or the like under the skin, and is used when placing a catheter in a blood vessel in dialysis treatment, for example. The ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 having such a function includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 covers the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 during use. Hereinafter, an example of a configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 will be described.

[0012] <Ultrasonic diagnostic device>
While being applied to the body surface, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 emits ultrasonic waves to a part to be examined (i.e., subcutaneous tissue), and receives ultrasonic waves reflected from the part to be Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 examined (i.e., reflected waves). Additionally, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 performs image processing on the basis of the received reflected waves, and displays a cross section of the part to be examined. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 having such a function has a casing 11, a probe 12, and a monitor 13 (also refer to front view of Fig. 2). For example, 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 in front view and with a flat cross section.
Additionally, a tip end side portion 11a, which is a lower end portion (i.e., one end side portion) of the casing 11, is formed in a trapezoidal shape tapered toward the tip end, and a probe 12 is arranged in a tip end portion lib of the casing 11. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 has the probe 12 at its tip end portion 2a. Additionally, the casing 11 is curved so as to warp rearward at an intermediate portion, and is inclined rearward from a curved portion 11c to abase end side portion.
Moreover, the monitor 13 is arranged on a front surface lie 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 is configured of a transducer such as a piezoelectric element and an acoustic lens, for example. The sensor 12a configured as described above is mounted so as to be embedded in the tip end side portion 11 a of the casing ii as also shown in Fig. 2. The sensor 12a is arranged in the casing ii so that a lower end surface of the sensor 12a is flush with the tip end portion llb of the casing 11. Additionally, the sensor 12a is connected to a control device (not shown) accommodated in the casing 11, and emits ultrasonic waves in response to a command from the control device. Additionally, the sensor 12a receives reflected waves reflected from the part to be examined, and outputs a signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic waves to the control device. That is, the transducer of the sensor 12a vibrates due to the reflected waves reflected from the part to be examined, and outputs a signal corresponding to the vibration to the control device. The control device has an image processing function, and performs image processing on the basis of the signal to output image data to the monitor 13.

[0014] The monitor 13 as an example of an image display portion is a liquid crystal monitor and an organic FT. monitor, for example, and displays an image corresponding to image data.
That is, the monitor 13 displays Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 an image created on the basis of reflected waves received by the sensor 12a such as a cross section of a part to be examined. The monitor 13 having such a function is arranged on the front surface lie of the casing 11 as described above. More specifically, the horizontal width of the monitor 13 extends from the vicinity of the left end of the casing 11 to the vicinity of the right end of the casing 11, and the vertical height of the monitor 13 extends from the curved portion 11c of the casing 11 to the vicinity of the base end of the casing 11.

[0015] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 configured as described above applies the probe 12 to a body surface of the part to be examined, and emits ultrasonic waves from the transducer of the sensor 12a of the probe 12 in this state. The emitted ultrasonic waves are reflected from the part to be examined, and the reflected waves are received by the transducer of the sensor 12a. Then, the transducer of the sensor 12a vibrates according to the reflected waves, and the transducer outputs a signal con-esponding to the vibration to the control device. The control device performs image processing on the basis of the signal, whereby a cross section of the part to be examined is displayed on the monitor 13.

[0016] The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 having such a function is used in such a manner that the probe 12 scans the body surface ofthe part to be examined. For this reason, when sterilization processing is not performed on the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is covered with the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3.

[0017] <Ultrasonic diagnostic device cover>
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 to prevent attached blood or the like from scattering The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 having such a function includes a cylindrical body 21, an inner bracket 22, a probe cover body 23, and a bracket with guide 24. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be inserted and stored in the cylindrical body 21.

[0018] The cylindrical body 21 is a sterile soft body that has been subjected to sterilization processing, and specifically, is a film body that has no elasticity. As shown in Fig. 3, the cylindrical body 21 is a generally rectangular soft body that has open upper and lower ends and is vertically long in front view More specifically, Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 the cylindrical body 21 is a highly transparent soft body made of a material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride. An external shape of the cylindrical body 21 in front view is similar to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. That is, the cylindrical body 21 is a cylindrical body having a flat cross section, and a lower end side portion 21a of the cylindrical body 21 is formed in a trapezoidal shape tapered toward a lower end 21b. Additionally, the cylindrical body 21 has an upper end (i.e., base end) and a lower end 21b (i.e., tip end) that are open, and openings 21c and 21d formed at the upper and lower ends, respectively. Since the cylindrical body 21 is a soft body, it is easy to accommodate the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 in the cylindrical body 21, and since the cylindrical body 21 has high transparency, it is easy to check the monitor 13 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 accommodated inside the cylindrical body 21 from the outside.

[0019] The upper opening 21c, which is the opening 21c on the upper side, is formed so that the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be inserted from its tip end portion 2a. On the other hand, the lower opening 21d, which is the opening 21d on the lower side, has a smaller diameter than the upper opening 21c, so that after the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted from the upper opening 21c of the cylindrical body 21, the lower opening 21d naturally comes into contact with the periphery ofthe tip end side ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 or the inner bracket 22, and supports the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 so as not to fall out through the lower opening 21d.
Additionally, the lower opening 21d is formed slightly larger than the outer edge shape of the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 in a state where the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted into the cylindrical body 21, and allows the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 (i.e., portion of the sensor 12a of the probe 12) to project from the lower opening 21d. Since the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 projects from the cylindrical body 21, the probe cover and the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be brought into close contact without having to form the shape of the probe cover on the contacting side in a special shape.

[0020] The cylindrical body 21 having such a shape is formed longer than the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 in the vertical direction (i.e., predetermined direction), so that substantially the entire ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 fits therein. More specifically, in the cylindrical body 21, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is accommodated Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 with its tip end portion 2a pmjecting from the lower opening 21d, and the cylindrical body 21 is formed long in the vertical direction, so that the upper opening 21c is located higher than the upper end of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 in this state. Additionally, a zip seal 25 is attached to an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 21 over the entire circumference in the vicinity of the upper opening 21c. The zip seal 25 has a male zip portion 25a and a female zip portion 25b, and the two zip portions 25a and 25b are brought into contact to be engaged with each other. For example, the male zip portion 25a and the female zip portion 25b are provided on a front portion and a rear portion of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 21 so as to face each other, and are brought into contact to be engaged with each other to close the upper side of the cylindrical body

21. The inner bracket 22 is provided in the cylindrical body 21 configured as described above, as shown in Fig.
4.
[0021] The inner bracket 22 is a cylindrical member provided in the cylindrical body 21, and has a function of guiding the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 inserted into the cylindrical body 21 to a predetermined position and positioning the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 in the predetermined position.
More specifically, the inner bracket

22 is made of a material harder than the probe cover body 23 described later in detail, such as synthetic resin like polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, SAS (silicon acrylonitrile styrene), and polypropylene. Additionally, as shown in Fig. 3, the inner bracket 22 is a cover-shaped member having a substantially trapezoidal shape in front view and having open upper and lower ends, and has a flat cross section when viewed from above. More specifically, an outer peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22 is formed in substantially the same shape as an inner peripheral surface of the lower end side portion 21a of the cylindrical body 21. Alower end side portion 22a ofthe inner bracket 22 pmj ects from a lower opening 21d ofthe cylindrical body 21.
[0022] On the other hand, since the lower end side portion 21a ofthe cylindrical body 21 is formed in a tapered shape tapered toward the tip end, the inner bracket 22 fits into the lower end side portion 21a of the cylindrical body 21 such that its lower end side portion 22a pmjects from the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21 and the remaining portion does not project to the outside. Additionally, an inner peripheral surface of the inner Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 bracket 22 is formed in substantially the same shape as an outer peripheral surface of the tip end side portion 11 a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, so that the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 inserted into the cylindrical body 21 can be placed inside and mounted to the inner bracket 22 from the upper end of the inner bracket 22.
Additionally, the probe 12 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 projects from the lower end of the inner bracket 22.

[0023] As described above, the inner peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22 having such a shape is formed in substantially the same shape as the outer peripheral surface of the tip end side portion 11 a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, that is, formed in a tapered shape tapered toward the lower end. For this reason, when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted into the inner bracket 22, the inner bracket 22 guides the ultrasonic diagnostic device 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 in a shape having a flat cross section as described above, and a pair of grooves 22b, 22b is formed in side surface portions positioned on both sides in the width direction, respectively (also refer to Fig. 4).

[0024] The pair of grooves 22b, 22b extends in the vertical direction and penetrates the inner bracket 22 in the inside-outside direction (i.e., width direction). Additionally, the pair of grooves 22b, 22b is arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming a flexible piece 22c between the pair of grooves 22b, 22b. The flexible piece 22c warps in the width direction from its base end portion. Additionally, a fitting hole 22d is formed in the flexible piece 22c. That is, a pair of fitting holes 22d is formed in the inner bracket 22 so as to be separated from each other in the width direction. Additionally, fitting protrusions 11d, lid corresponding to the pair of fitting holes 22d are formed on side surfaces of the tip end side portion 11 a of the casing 11.

[0025] The pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid is foimed in a substantially hemispherical shape, and protrudes in the width direction from the side surfaces ofthe tip end side portion ha.
When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted into the inner bracket 22, the pair of fitting protrusions 11d, lid each comes into contact with the corresponding flexible pieces 22c, and when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed in further, the pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid pushes and spreads the corresponding flexible pieces 22c radially outward. With this Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 spreading, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be inserted to a predetermined position in the inner bracket 22.
Additionally, when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted to the predetermined position, each ofthe pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid fits into the con-esponding fitting hole 22d. As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is positioned and held at the predetermined position. The probe cover body 23 covers the inner bracket 22 configured as described above to close a lower opening 22e of the inner bracket 22.

[0026] The probe cover body 23 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having a bottom, a side surface, and an opening, and is provided in the cylindrical body 21 such that it covers the inner bracket 22 to close the lower opening 22e ofthe inner bracket 22 and comes into contact with the sensor 12a ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 projecting from the lower opening 22e. That is, the probe cover body 23 can be fixed to the ultrasonic diagnostic device with nothing interposed between the tip end portion 2a ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and the probe cover body 23. More specifically, the probe cover body 23 is a bag body having a substantially trapezoidal shape tapered in front view and having a flat cross section. Additionally, the probe cover body 23 is closed on the tip end side (i.e., lower side), and has an opening 23a on the base end side (upper side). Additionally, an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface ofthe 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.

[0027] The probe cover body 23 having such a shape is made of a styrene-based, urethane-based, or silicone-based elastomer gel (styrene-based elastomer gel in the embodiment), for example, and is configured to be stretchable. Hence, by pushing and spreading the opening 23a outward, the probe cover body 23 allows the lower end side portion 22a of the inner bracket 22 to be inserted into the probe cover body 23. Additionally, the probe cover body 23 contracts inward with the inner bracket 22 inserted therein, and presses itself against the inner bracket 22 to prevent the probe cover body 23 from slipping off the inner bracket 22. Moreover, the probe cover body 23 extends further upward than the lower end side portion 22a ofthe inner bracket 22 projecting from the cylindrical body 21, and covers the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21. As a result, the lower opening 21d ofthe cylindrical body 21 and the vicinity thereof are sandwiched between the probe cover body 23 Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 and the inner bracket 22, so that the cylindrical body 21 is not easily detached from the probe cover body 23 and the inner bracket 22. Note that the probe cover body 23 may have a weak adhesive property on its surface. In this case, the weak adhesive effect can prevent the probe cover body 23 from being displaced from the cylindrical body 21.

[0028] Thus, the probe cover body 23 is provided on the cylindrical body 21 so as to cover the inner bracket 22, and the probe cover body 23 is provided on the cylindrical body 21 to close the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21. In this closed state, when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted into the cylindrical body 21 to prci ect the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 from the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21 and the lower opening 22e of the inner bracket 22, the tip end portion 2a can be brought into contact with the probe cover body 23. Moreover, when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed from this state to a predetermined position, the entire sensor 12a can be pressed against and brought into close contact with the probe cover body 23. As a result, it is possible to 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 improves acoustic coupling between the sensor 12a and the body surface of a part to be examined.
By applying the probe cover body 23 to the body surface ofthe part to be examined with the sensor 12a in close contact therewith, it is possible to display a cross section of the part to be examined on the monitor 13 in a favorable state. Furthermore, the bracket with guide 24 covers an outer surface of the probe cover body 23 configured as described above. Note that in the embodiment, in order to display a cross section of a part to be examined on the monitor 13 in a more favorable state, a liquid gel such as an echo gel, physiological saline, and a liquid material such as a disinfectant solution (hereinafter referred to as "liquid gel and the like") are applied to the body surface of the part to be examined so that an air layer is not formed between the part to be examined and the sensor 12a. However, the liquid gel and the like may be applied to the outer surface of the probe cover body 23.

[0030] The bracket with guide 24 has a bracket main body 31 and a guide portion 32. The bracket main body

31 is made of a material harder than the probe cover body 23, such as a synthetic resin like polycarbonate, ABS

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, SAS (silicon acrylonitrile styrene), and polypropylene. Additionally, the bracket main body 31 is a substantially trapezoidal cylindrical member in front view, and the inner space thereof is formed to match the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the inner bracket 22. More specifically, the inner space of the bracket main body 31 is formed slightly larger than the inner bracket 22, so that the bracket main body 31 can be fitted and mounted to the inner bracket 22 over the probe cover body 23 and the cylindrical body 21.
[0031] The bracket main body 31 configured as described above is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape tapered toward the lower end as described above. By fitting the bracket main body 31 to the inner bracket 22, it is possible to securely press the probe cover body 23 against the inner bracket 22 and stabilize the close-contacting state between the sensor 12a and the probe cover body 23. Note that the size ofthe gap formed between the inner peripheral surface of the bracket main 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 by the wedge effect of the bracket main body 31.
Consequently, the probe cover body 23 is pulled so as to be extended and lifted toward the base end side of the casing 11. Hence, the probe cover body 23 is pressed more securely against the sensor 12a than when the bracket main body 31 is not mounted, and can be brought into closer contact with the sensor 12a. That is, since the probe cover body 23 can be securely brought into close contact with the sensor 12a without pressing the probe 12 against the body surface, it is possible to display a cross section of the part to be examined on the monitor 13 simply by applying the probe 12 instead of pressing it against the body surface. As a result, it is possible to display the veins and the like near the epidermis on the monitor 13 without crushing them. The bracket main body 31 having such a function further has a fitting prci ection 3 la.

[0032] The fitting projection 31a is integrally provided on a front surface 3 lb ofthe bracket main body 31 (i.e., surface on same side as the front surface 1 1 e of the casing 11). The fitting prqjection 31a is arranged at the center in the width direction on the front surface 31b of the bracket main body 31, and is formed so as to protrude frontward from the front surface 3 lb of the bracket main body 31. The guide portion 32 is fitted to the fitting projection 31a formed in this manner. The guide portion 32 guides a needle 41 for puncturing and determines Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 the puncture direction of the needle 41 when puncturing the subcutaneous tissue with the needle 41 (see two-dot chain line in Fig. 4) of a needle assembly such as an indwelling needle. The guide portion 32 has a substantially trapezoidal block shape in side view The guide portion 32 is provided on the front surface side of the cylindrical body 21 (on the monitor 13 side when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is accommodated in the cylindrical body 21). Accordingly, it is possible to make the puncture while watching the monitor 13 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. Additionally, since the distance from the guide portion 32t0 the sensor 12a is short, the puncture length can be shortened. This can improve stability of the puncturing operation and reduce the burden on the patient.
Additionally, by providing the guide portion 32 in a position overlapping the sensor 12a in side view, it is possible to reduce the distance from the guide portion 32 to the sensor 12a even more.
Note that while the guide portion 32 is provided on the front surface side of the cylindrical body 21 having the open tip end and base end, the cylindrical body used in the invention in which the guide portion 32 is provided on the front surface side of the cylindrical body 21 having the open tip end and base end does not need to be the cylindrical body 21 having an open tip end. The configuration and arrangement of the guide portion 32 described herein are useful in all forms of fixing a guide portion to an ultrasonic diagnostic device.

[0033] The guide portion 32 having such a shape has a front end surface 32a at a predetermined angle a (e.g., 20 degrees < a <80 degrees) with respect to the front surface 3 lb of the bracket main body 31. The front end surface 32a of the guide portion 32 is inclined with respect to the front surface 3 lb of the bracket main body 31.
Additionally, a guide hole forming portion 32b is formed in the front end surface 32a at a center portion in the horizontal direction. The guide hole forming portion 32b projects from the front end surface 32a in a direction perpendicular to the front end surface 32a, and extends obliquely upward and frontward along the front end surface 32a. Additionally, a cross section of the guide hole forming portion 32b (i.e., cross section perpendicular to the front end surface 32a) is formed in a substantially semicircular shape.
The guide hole forming portion 32b has a guide hole 32c formed along its axis. As a result, a guide hole 32c extending obliquely upward and frontward is formed in the guide portion 32. The guide hole 32c penetrates the guide portion 32 obliquely upward and frontward, so that the needle 41 of the needle assembly can be inserted from above and a needle tip 41a can Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 be drawn out from below. Note that an outlet 32d extending in the axial direction of the guide hole 32c is formed on a front surface of the guide hole forming portion 32b, and the needle 41 can be pulled frontward and pulled out from the outlet 32d.

[0034] <Mounting and puncturing>
The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is placed in the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 when used as described above, and is used while being sealed inside the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3. More specifically, in order to maintain a sterile state, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 is placed in a bag such as a sterile pack (not shown) in an already assembled state. Then, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 is taken out ofthe sterile pack at the time of use. After being taken out, first, the upper opening 21c of the cylindrical body 21 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 is opened, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted into the upper opening 21c from the tip end portion 2a.

[0035] Thereafter, when the cylindrical body 21 is set up straight so as to accommodate the entire ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 in the cylindrical body 21 or when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed in, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 moves through the inside ofthe cylindrical body 21 toward the lower opening 21d.
When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed even further after being accommodated, the tip end portion 2a ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 eventually enters the inner bracket 22.
When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed even further, the pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid comes into contact with the upper end of the inner bracket 22 (more specifically, upper ends of the flexible pieces 22c). When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed from above in this state, the pair of fitting protrusions 11d, lid pushes and spreads the corresponding flexible pieces 22c, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be pushed further downward. By continuing to push, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 reaches a predetermined position while being guided by the inner bracket 22. When reaching the predetermined position, each of the pair of fitting protrusions 11d, lid fits into the corresponding fitting hole 22d, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is positioned and held inside the cylindrical body 21. Additionally, when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 reaches the predetermined position, the sensor 12a can be projected from the lower opening 21d, whereby the sensor 12a comes into close contact with the Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 probe cover body 23.

[0036] When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is accommodated in the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 in this manner, next, the male zip portion 25a and the female zip portion 25b of the zip seal 25 are brought into contact and engaged with each other to seal the cylindrical body 21. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid gel and the like and blood and the like from adhering to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and to prevent the attached blood and the like from scattering Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 is mounted so as to cover and seal the entire ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. By mounting the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 becomes usable. Hence, puncturing is performed while displaying an image of a part to be examined, for example. Hereinafter, puncturing using the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 will be described.

[0037] In the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1, after the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 is mounted to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, the probe 12 is pressed against the body surface through the probe cover body 23. As a result, a cross section of the part to be examined is displayed on the monitor 13. Note that a liquid gel and the like may be applied to the body surface depending on the state of acoustic coupling to improve the acoustic coupling. When the cross section of the part to be examined is displayed on the monitor 13, the user searches the position of the blood vessel while looking at the monitor 13, and when the position of the blood vessel is confirmed, the user inserts the needle 41 of the needle assembly into the guide hole 32c of the bracket with guide 24 to puncture the blood vessel with the needle tip 41a of the needle 41. Note that the angle a of the guide hole 32c is set in advance, so that the needle 41 inserted therein overlaps the monitor and passes through a predetermined position in the displayed image. The state of the needle rip 41a used for puncturing can be confirmed on the monitor 13.

[0038] When it is confirmed that the blood vessel has been punctured with the needle tip 41a, in order to remove the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 from the needle 41 while keeping the needle 41 as it is, the needle 41 is pulled out from the guide hole 32c through the outlet 32d. Specifically, the needle 41 is pulled out from the guide hole 32c through the outlet 32d by tilting the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 rearward so as to separate the Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 from the needle 41. As a result, the needle 41 can be left in this position, and subsequent treatment (e.g., treatment such as dialysis, liquid injection, and blood collection) can be performed.

[0039] In the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 having such a function, by merely inserting and pushing the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 into the cylindrical body 21 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3, as described above, the probe cover body 23 can achieve excellent acoustic coupling between a part to be examined and the sensor 12a, that is, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be brought into a usable state. Hence, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be easily mounted to the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3. Additionally, since it is only necessary to insert the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 into the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 does not come into contact with the outer surface of the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3. Hence, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 can be kept in a sterile state.

[0040] Additionally, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1, by pushing the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 into the inner bracket 22, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is guided to a predetermined position and held at the predetermined position by the inner bracket 22. At the predetermined position, the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be prci ected from the inner bracket 22, and the entire sensor 12a can be brought into close contact with the probe cover body 23. Hence, excellent acoustic coupling can be achieved merely by inserting and pushing the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 into the cylindrical body 21 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3. Additionally, by adopting a structure in which the pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid is fitted and held in the con-esponding fitting holes 22d, it is possible to curb displacement of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 with respect to the inner bracket 22. As a result, the entire sensor 12a can be securely brought into close contact with the probe cover body 23 (i.e., contacting state can be stabilized), and excellent acoustic coupling can be maintained.

[0041] Additionally, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1, by placing the inner bracket 22 inside the probe cover body 23, it is possible to curb deformation of the probe cover body 23. Hence, it is easy to insert the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, or more specifically, the tip end side portion 11 a of the casing 11, into the probe cover body 23. Accordingly, it can be made even easier to mount the ultrasonic Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 diagnostic device 2 to the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3. Moreover, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1, the probe cover body 23 covers not only the inner bracket 22 but also the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21 and its vicinity. Hence, the probe cover body 23 can close the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21. Additionally, since the probe cover body 23 covers the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21, the cylindrical body 21 is sandwiched between the probe cover body 23 and the inner bracket 22. Hence, it is possible to curb displacement of the cylindrical body 21 with respect to the inner bracket 22 during use.

[0042] [Second Embodiment]
The configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover lA of a second embodiment is similar to that ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 ofthe first embodiment. In the following, the configuration of the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1A of the second embodiment will be described mainly with respect to differences from the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 of the first embodiment. The same configurations will be assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions will be omitted.

[0043] <Ultrasonic diagnostic device cover>
The ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1A of the second embodiment includes an ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and an ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A as shown in Fig. 5, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3Ais configured as follows. That is, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A includes a cylindrical body 21A, a bracket with guide 24A, 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 has been subjected to sterilization processing. The cylindrical body 21A made of such a material is a cylindrical body having a flat cross section as in the case of the cylindrical body 21 of the first embodiment. When the cylindrical body 21A is assembled with the bracket with guide 24A and the probe cover body 23A, a lower end side portion 21a is formed in a trapezoidal shape tapered toward a lower end 21b. On the other hand, an upper end side portion 21e of the cylindrical body 21A is formed in a trapezoidal shape expanding toward an upper end 21f (i.e., upper opening 21c).
[00/H] In the cylindrical body 21A having such a shape, when inserting the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, the Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 upper end side portion 21e is folded as shown in Fig. 6. That is, the upper end side portion 21e of the cylindrical body 21A is folded outward with respect to a middle portion 21g connected to the lower side of the upper end side portion 21e, and the vicinity of a zip seal 25 (more specifically, part below zip seal 25) is folded upward.
Additionally, the cylindrical body 21A is folded such that the upper opening 21c is positioned on the lower end side of a folded portion (i.e., portion obtained by folding the upper end side portion 21e with respect to the middle portion 21g) 21h ofthe cylindrical body 21A. By folding in this manner, when inserting the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 into the cylindrical body 21A from above, it is possible to keep the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 from hitting an outer surface of the upper opening 21c of the cylindrical body 21A.
That is, it is possible to keep the inserted ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 from coming into contact with the upper opening 21c of the cylindrical body 21A and contaminating the upper opening 21c.
[0045] Additionally, by folding the upper opening 21c as described above, the upper opening 21c can be opened and the upper opening 21c can be also be closed in the following manner. That is, fingers such as the thumb and forefinger of both hands are inserted between the middle portion 21g of the cylindrical body 21A and the upper opening 21c from below, so as to sandwich the middle portion 21g from both right and left sides. Then, by lifting the fingers upward in this stare and stretching the upper end side portion 21e upward, the upper end side portion 21e can be brought back to the spread out state as shown in Fig 5.
Moreover, by bringing a male zip portion 25a and a female zip portion 25b (not shown) of a zip seal 25 into contact and engaged with each other, the upper opening 21c can be closed with the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 accommodated in the cylindrical body 21A The cylindrical body 21A configured as described above is provided with a bracket with guide 24A
for attaching the probe cover body 23 to a lower opening 21d.
[0046] The bracket with guide 24A has a bracket main body 31A and a guide portion 32A. The bracket main body 31 is made of a material harder than the probe cover body 23A described later, such as a synthetic resin like polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) resin, SAS (silicon acrylonitrile styrene), and polypropylene. The bracket main body 31A made of such a material is formed in a substantial plate shape in front view as shown in Fig. 5, and is formed in a horizontally long, flat and annular shape in plan view as shown Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 in Fig 7. Note that in Fig 7, the guide portion 32A is omitted for convenience of explanation. The same applies to Fig. 9 described later [0047] The bracket main body 31Ahaving such a shape has an inner hole 31c, and an inner peripheral surface defining the inner hole 31c is formed in a tapered shape tapered downward as shown in Fig. 8. Additionally, the inner hole 31c is formed horizontally long as in the case of the shape of the outer peripheral edge at a tip end portion 2a ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. The inner hole 31c allows insertion ofthe tip end ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 therethrough. 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 end of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 (i.e., outer peripheral edge of tip end of the tip end portion 2a), and smaller than the outer peripheral edge of a curved portion 11 c (outer peripheral edge ofbase end of the tip end portion 2a). As a result, when inserted into the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31A, the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 fits into the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31 at a middle portion thereof and does not project further downward.
More specifically, the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31A keeps the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 from projecting for a predetermined length or more from the bracket main body 31A (more specifically, from the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21A). A pair of locking pieces 33 is integrally formed with the bracket main body 31A configured as described above to hold the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2.
[0048] The pair of locking pieces 33, which is engaging portion, is plate-like member extending in the vertical direction as shown in Fig. 9, and is integrally provided on an upper surface of the bracket main body 31A. More specifically, the pair of locking pieces 33 is separated to the right and left such that their main surfaces face each other. Since the pair of locking pieces 33 is provided not on the front side but on the right and left, the pair of locking pieces 33 does not hinder puncturing. Additionally, the pair of locking pieces 33 extends diagonally outward and upward so as to separate from each other, following the side surface shape of the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. The tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is designed to be inserted between the pair of locking pieces 33. Additionally, a locking hole 33a is formed in each main surface Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 of the pair flocking pieces 33. The locking hole 33a corresponds to each of a pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid (engaged portions) of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. That is, the locking holes 33a are arranged so that the pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid fits therein when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted into the bracket main body 31Ato a predetermined position. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is locked and held by the bracket main body 31A by fitting the pair of fitting protrusions 11d, lid in the locking holes 33a. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is fixed to the bracket main body 3 lA at a position where it deforms the flat probe cover body 23A. Specifically, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is fixed to the bracket main body 31A at a position where it stretches the probe cover body 23A. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed between the probe cover body 23A and the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2.
[0049] Note that a predetermined position is a position where the tip end portion 2a ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 fits into the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31A and cannot project any further, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is locked to the bracket main body 31 in such a predetermined position.
Additionally, as in the case of the flexible pieces 22c of the first embodiment, when the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed in between the locking pieces 33, the locking pieces 33 are pushed and spread by the pair of fitting protrusions lid, 11d. The locking pieces 33 elastically return to their original positions when the pair of fitting protrusions 11d, lid enters the corresponding locking holes 33a. Consequently, the bracket main body 31 is locked and mounted to the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2.
[0050] The bracket main body 31A configured as described above is provided in the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21, as shown in Fig 5. That is, the shape of an outer peripheral surface of the bracket main body 31A is horizontally long, flat, and annular in plan view The entire lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21Ais fixed, or more specifically, welded, along the outer peripheral surface ofthe bracket main body 31A.
The probe cover body 23A is fixed to the bracket main body 31A attached as described above, and the probe cover body 23A is fixed to the cylindrical body 21Athrough the bracket main 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 plan view The contour shape of the probe cover body 23A in plan view Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 is similar to the shape of the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31A.
More specifically, the probe cover body 23A is formed slightly larger than the inner hole 31c so as to be fixed to the bracket main 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 formed to be expandable and contractible. The probe cover body 23A
configured as described above is fixed to the bracket main body 31A. In order to fix the probe cover body 23, the bracket main body 31A is configured of upper and lower two members, that is, a first bracket portion 34 and a second bracket portion 35, as shown in Fig. 10.
[0052] The first bracket portion 34 and the second bracket portion 35 are both horizontally long, flat, and annular in plan view, and have substantially the same shape. Additionally, the pair of locking pieces 33, 33 is formed on an upper surface of the first bracket portion 34, and the first bracket portion 34 is superimposed on the second bracket portion 35 so that a lower surface of the first bracket portion 34 abuts against an upper surface of the second bracket portion 35. Moreover, on an outer peripheral surface of the second bracket portion 35, multiple engagement projections (six engagement prijections in the embodiment) 35a are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. On an outer peripheral surface of the first bracket portion 34, multiple engaging portions 34a con-esponding to the multiple engagement projections 35a are formed. An engagement hole 34h is formed in each of the engaging portions 34a, and a con-esponding engagement projection 35a fits into to the engagement hole 34h. By fitting in this way, the con-esponding engaging portions 34a and engagement projections 35a are engaged with each other, so that the two bracket portions 34 and 35 do not separate or become displaced from each other. That is, the two bracket portions 34 and 35 are locked to each other by being superimposed in the vertical direction which is the insertion direction On the upper surface ofthe second bracket portion 35 formed in this manner, a recess 35b is formed on the inner peripheral edge thereof [0053] The recess 35b is formed over the entire inner peripheral edge of the second bracket portion 35 in the circumferential direction, and is recessed to be lower than the remaining portion. Hence, when the first bracket portion 34 is covered on the recess 35b, the recess 35b forms an accommodation space 31d over the entire inner peripheral surface ofthe bracket main body 31Ain the circumferential direction. The accommodation space 31d Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 is a space that is recessed outward, and can accommodate the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A
over the entire circumference. That is, the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A is formed to match the shape of the recess 35b. By placing the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A
on the recess 35b and superimposing and mounting the first bracket portion 34 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. Thus, the probe cover body 23A is fixed to the bracket main body 31, and in the fixed state, closes the inner hole 31c. That is, the probe cover body 23A is provided on the cylindrical body 21A through the bracket main body 31A so as to close the lower opening 21d of the cylindrical body 21A
[0054] Additionally, in the recess 35b, a lower prcjection 35c is formed over the entire circumference. The lower projection 35c is formed in an annular shape in plan view to match the shape of the recess 35b, and protrudes toward the lower surface of the first bracket portion 34.
Additionally, an upper projection 34c corresponding to the lower projection 35c is formed also on the lower surface of the first bracket portion 34. The upper projection 34c is formed in an annular shape in plan view to match the shape of the lower projection 35c, and protrudes toward the upper surface of the second bracket portion 35. The two projections 34c and 35c arranged in this manner are arranged so as to face each other in the vertical direction with a slight gap therebetween, so as to sandwich the outer peripheral edge of the probe cover body 23A therebetween. With the two projections 34c and 35c described above, the probe cover body 23A can be sandwiched firmly and held.
The guide portion 32A is provided on the bracket main body 31A holding the probe cover body 23A as shown in Fig 5. The guide portion 32A is for guiding a needle 41 of a needle device such as an indwelling needle and determining the puncture direction, and is formed in a substantial block shape as in the case of the guide portion 32A of the first embodiment.
[0055] <Mounting>
Hereinafter, an operation of covering the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 with the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A to use the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 will be described.
That is, in order to maintain a sterile state, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A is placed in a bag such as a sterile pack (not shown). Then, the Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A is taken out of the sterile pack at the time of use. The taken out ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A has an upper end side portion 21e of the cylindrical body 21A folded in advance as shown in Fig. 6, and the user opens the cylindrical body 21A by inserting fingers of both hands between the folded upper end side portion 21e and a middle portion 21g from below. The ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 held by another person is inserted into the widened opening from the tip end portion 2a.
[0056] Thereafter, when the cylindrical body 21 is set up straight so as to accommodate the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 in the cylindrical body 21 or when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed in, the tip end of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 enters the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31A, and the tip end further comes into contact with the probe cover body 23A When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed in further, the probe cover body 23A stretches according to the tip end shape of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, and the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 projects from the bracket main body 31A. When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed further in this state, the pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid eventually comes into contact with the corresponding locking pieces 33, 33, and the locking pieces 33, 33 are pushed outward by the corresponding fitting protrusions lid, 11d. When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pushed in further and positioned in a predetermined position, the pair of fitting protrusions lid, lid is fitted into the locking holes 33a, 33a, and the locking pieces 33, 33 elastically return to their original positions. Thus, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is mounted by being engaged with the bracket main body 31A
(see Fig. 5).
[0057] As described above, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A, the probe cover body 23A is held so as to close the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31. Hence, the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be pressed against the probe cover body 23A and brought into close contact therewith, merely by placing the tip end portion 2a inserted in the cylindrical body 21A
in the inner hole 31c of the bracket main body 31 and pushing. That is, the tip end portion 2a can be brought into close contact with the probe cover body 23A with a simple operation of inserting in the inner hole 31c. Hence, acoustic coupling between a part to be examined and the sensor 12a can be improved even more.
[0058] Additionally, since at least a part ofthe inner hole ofthe bracket is formed larger than the tip end portion Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be pressed against the bracket to be extended. Then, the sensor 12a can be pressed against the probe cover body 23A with the sensor 12a in close contact with the probe cover body 23A. As a result, it is possible to curb entry of air between the sensor 12a and the probe cover body 23, and improve acoustic coupling between the part to be examined and the sensor 12a even more. Moreover, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1A, as described above, the protruding length of the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 with respect to the bracket main body 31A is limited to a predetermined length depending on the shape of the inner hole 31c and the formed position of the locking holes 33a, 33a. For this reason, it is possible to curb excessive stretching of the probe cover body 23A when the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is pressed thereagainst and extended. Hence, it is possible to prevent the probe cover body 23A from being excessively extended and damaged.
[0059] When the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is inserted to the predetermined position in this manner, the user then lifts the thumb and forefinger of both hands to stretch the upper end side portion 21e upward. When the entire upper end side portion 21e has been stretched, the zip seal 25 is positioned in an upper portion of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. Hence, the male zip portion 25a and the female zip portion 25b of the zip seal 25 are brought into contact and engaged with each other to close the upper opening 21c. By closing the upper opening 21c in this manner, the entire ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is sealed inside the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A As a result, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 becomes usable, and therefore puncturing is performed while displaying an image of a part to be examined, for example.
Puncturing using the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover lA is the same as that using the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 of the first embodiment, and detailed description is omitted. In addition, the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover lA has similar effects as the ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover 1 of the first embodiment.
[0060] [Other Embodiments]
In the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3 of the first embodiment, the inner bracket 22 is provided in the cylindrical body 21. However, the inner bracket 22 is not always necessary, and an ultrasonic diagnostic Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 device cover 3B as shown in Fig. 11 is also conceivable. That is, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3B, a probe cover body 23 covers a lower end side portion 21a of a cylindrical body 21 so as to close a lower opening 21d. Since the probe cover body 23 covered in this manner has elasticity, when the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 is placed in and pushed into the lower end side portion 21a of the cylindrical body 21, the probe cover body 23 stretches so as to follow the shape of an outer peripheral surface of a tip end side portion 11 a of a casing 11 of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. Hence, the probe cover body 23 can accommodate the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. Additionally, the lower end side portion 21a of the cylindrical body 21 is formed in a tapered shape, so that the remaining portion except the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 does not project to the outside. For this reason, as in the case where the inner bracket 22 is provided, the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be placed in a predetermined position and brought into a usable state only by inserting the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 into the cylindrical body 21.
[0061] Additionally, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device covers 3 and 3B, the bracket with guide 24 covers the probe cover body 23. The inner peripheral surface of the bracket with guide 24 is formed slightly larger than the outer peripheral surface of the tip end side portion 11 a of the casing 11 and has a substantially similar shape. For this reason, when the tip end portion 2a of the ultrasonic diagnostic device 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.
[0062] Note that in the ultrasonic diagnostic device covers 3 and 3B, the bracket with guide 24 covers the probe cover body 23 to guide the needle 41 when performing puncturing.
However, the bracket with guide 24 is not necessarily required, and does not have to cover the probe cover body 23. Additionally, the probe cover body 23 may be simply covered, or at least a part ofthe inner surface thereof may be joined to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 21 so as not to come off. Additionally, the ultrasonic diagnostic device covers 3 and 3B are not necessarily limited to those used for puncturing, and are also used when only making a diagnosis by displaying a cross section of a part to be examined on the monitor 13.
Additionally, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, the probe 12 and the monitor 13 are provided integrally with the casing 11. However, the probe 12 and Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 the monitor 13 do not necessarily have to be integrated, and the probe 12 and the monitor 13 may be formed in separate casings.
[0063] Moreover, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device covers 3 and 3B, the entire probe cover body 23 is configured of an elastomer gel that can provide excellent acoustic coupling between a part to be examined and the probe 12, that is, a styrene-based, urethane-based, or silicone-based elastomer gel. However, the probe cover body 23 does not necessarily have to be configured in this manner. In the probe cover body 23, it is only necessary that at least a portion located between the part to be examined and the probe 12 is made of the aforementioned elastomer gel. Note that while the probe cover body is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical body in the embodiment, the probe cover body may be provided on the inner surface.
[0064] Additionally, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device covers 3 and 3B, the zip seal 25 is provided to close the upper opening 21c of the cylindrical body 21. However, it does not necessarily have to be a zip seal, and may be a hook-and-loop fastener or an adhesive tape.
[0065] Additionally, while the cylindrical bodies 21 and 21A in the embodiments are soft cylindrical bodies made of a material such as polyvinyl chloride and have a length that covers the entire ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, the cylindrical body is not limited thereto. For example, a hard cylindrical body having an inner surface shape mountable to the tip end side surface ofthe ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 may be adopted. The probe cover body 23, 23A may be fixed to the tip end of the cylindrical body 21, 21A, so that the probe cover body 23, 23A comes into close contact with the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 when mounted to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2.
Such a specification can be manufactured, for example, by a method of sandwiching a part of the probe cover body 23, 23A by a cylindrical body having irregularities mountable to the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 on the inner surface thereof, and another cylindrical body, and integrating the two cylindrical bodies 23, 23A by ultrasonic welding or the like. Note that a soft cylindrical body is preferable because the ultrasonic device can be easily inserted therein.
[0066] Additionally, while the probe cover body 23A of the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A of the second embodiment is formed in a substantially flat plate shape, the shape is not necessarily limited to such a Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 shape. For example, the probe cover body 23A may have a bag shape like the probe cover body 23 of the first embodiment. Additionally, the cylindrical body 21A does not necessarily need to be formed in a trapezoidal shape in which the upper end side portion 21e expands toward the upper end 21f and may be formed in a shape similar to the middle portion 21g. That is, the upper end side portion 21e may extend straight.
[0067] Moreover, in the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 3A ofthe second embodiment, the cylindrical body 21A is welded to the outer surface of the bracket main body 31A. However, the cylindrical body does not necessary have to be to be attached in this manner. For example, the lower end 21b of the cylindrical body 21A
may be fixed to the bracket main body 3 1 A such that the lower end 21b ofthe cylindrical body 21A is sandwiched between the two bracket portions 34 and 35 as in the case of the probe cover body 23A. Additionally, the lower end 21b ofthe cylindrical body 21Amay be welded to the inner peripheral surface ofthe bracket main body 31A.
Additionally, the guide portion 32A does not necessarily need to be provided on the bracket main body 31A.
Additionally, the shape of the upper opening of the cylindrical body 21A is not limited to the shape of the embodiments, and a suitable opening shape may be adopted. For example, the upper part of the cylindrical body may be closed before use so as to maintain a sterile state until immediately before use, and the upper part of the cylindrical body may be opened through a cutout line or a notch, or by scissors or the like.
[0068] Moreover, the pair of locking pieces 33 in the second embodiment may be provided with a finger hook for unlocking. For example, as shown in Fig 12, a finger hook 33b extending rearward from the upper ends of the pair of locking pieces 33 may be provided. A gap increasing portion where the gap between the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and the locking piece 33 increases is formed between the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 and the finger hook 33b. When the pair of locking pieces 33 is warped outward in the second embodiment a finger is inserted into the gap between the pair of locking pieces 33 and the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. However, it may be difficult to insert the finger deeply due to the presence of the cylindrical body 21A. Further, even if the finger can be inserted, since a large portion of the cylindrical body 21A is involved, it may be difficult to warp the pair of locking pieces 33 outward. However, in the pair of locking pieces 33 of Fig 12, the finger hook 33b extending rearward does not face the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2, and the need to insert a finger into the gap Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 between the pair of locking pieces 33 and the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2 can be eliminated or reduced. Since the finger hook 33b is formed above the pair of locking pieces 33, the locking piece 33 can be warped with a small force, and also, since the finger hook 33b extends rearward, it hardly hinders the puncturing. Note that while Fig. 12 is shown as an example of the finger hook 33b, the shape is not limited to that in Fig. 12. For example, by forming the pair of locking pieces 33 into an inverted triangular shape, the tops thereof can be formed as finger hooks. The finger hook may be formed in any shape as long as the finger can be easily hooked.
Additionally, the gap increasing portion may be achieved by providing a groove in the ultrasonic diagnostic device 2. The finger hook 33b may be elongated to such an extent that it has a part that does not face the ultrasonic diagnostic device. Additionally, while a pair of locking pieces 33 each having a finger hook 33b for unlocking is fixed to the cylindrical body 21A having an open tip end and base end, the cylindrical body used in the invention provided with the finger hook 33b for unlocking does not need to be a cylindrical body having an open tip end.
Additionally, the bracket need not be assembled with the probe cover body and may just include a needle guiding function.
[0069] The above-described embodiments include multiple 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 inside, and the gel sheet is stretched when the ultrasonic diagnostic device and the bracket are assembled.
Hence, air bubbles are hardly generated between the gel sheet and the probe.
Additionally, the bracket of the present application has a pair of locking pieces provided with finger hooks.
Hence, it is possible to achieve both easy detachment and hard detachment of the bracket from the ultrasonic device.
The function and effect of these features do not depend on whether or not a plastic bag is interposed between the body surface and the probe, but solves problem independent of the problem of the present application.
Accordingly, whether or not a plastic bag is interposed between the body surface and the probe is not an essential requirement for making these features independent inventions, and it is not necessary to provide an echo cover.
Reference Signs List [0070] 1, 1A ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15 2 ultrasonic diagnostic device 2a tip end portion (one end portion in predetermined direction) 3, 3A, 3B ultrasonic diagnostic device cover 11 casing 11 a tip end side portion lid fitting protrusion (engaging portion) 12 probe 12a sensor 13 monitor (image display portion) 21,21A cylindrical 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 main body 31a inner hole 32A guide portion 33 locking piece 33b finger hook 34 first bracket portion 35 second bracket portion 41 needle Date Recue/Date Received 2020-04-15

Claims

1. An ultrasonic diagnostic device cover that covers an ultrasonic diagnostic device including a casing, and a probe arranged in one end portion in a predetermined direction of the casing and having a sensor that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from a part to be examined, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover comprising a cylindrical body that is formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening on both ends, and that allows the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be inserted from one of the two openings, and a probe cover body that closes the other opening, and that is provided in the cylindrical body so as to come into contact with one end portion in a predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device, the part coming into contact with the one end portion in the predetermined direction being made of a gel material that enables acoustic coupling between the sensor and the part to be examined.

2. The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover according to claim 1, wherein the other opening of the cylindrical body is formed on a tip end side of the cylindrical body, and a portion on the tip end side of the cylindrical body has a smaller diameter than the opening on one side.

3. The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover according to claim 1, wherein the one end portion in the predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device projects from the other opening of the cylindrical body, and the probe cover body covers the one end portion in the predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device projecting from the other opening of the cylindrical body.

4. The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover according to claim 3, wherein the probe cover body is expandable and contractible so as to be pushed and spread when the ultrasonic diagnostic device is inserted therein, and covers a portion on a tip end side of the cylindrical body from outside.

5. The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a guide member that is a cylindrical member made of a material harder than the probe cover body, that is accommodated in the cylindrical body so as to be arranged on the other opening side, and that allows the one end portion in the predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be pushed thereinto to guide the one end portion in the predetermined direction to the other opening, wherein the probe cover body is provided on the cylindrical body so as to cover the guide member.

6. The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising a bracket that is a cylindrical member made of a material harder than the probe cover body, and that covers the cylindrical body from outside the probe cover body, wherein the bracket is configured such that the probe cover body fits into the bracket in a stare where the probe cover body covers the one end portion in the predetermined direction of the ultrasonic diagnostic device.

7. An ultrasonic diagnostic device with cover comprising the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the ultrasonic diagnostic device.

8. An ultrasonic diagnostic device cover that covers an ultrasonic diagnostic device including a casing, and a probe arranged in one end portion in a predetermined direction of the casing and having a sensor that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from a part to be examined, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover comprising a cylindrical body that is formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening on both ends, and that allows the ultrasonic diagnostic device to be inserted from one of the two openings, and a probe cover body that is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape, and that has a bottom portion positioned at the other opening of the cylindrical body and a side surface overlapping the cylindrical body, wherein at least a portion of the probe cover body that comes into contact with the one end portion in the predetermined direction is made of a gel material that enables acoustic coupling between the sensor and the part to be examined.

9. An ultrasonic diagnostic device cover that covers an ultrasonic diagnostic device including a casing, and a probe arranged in one end portion in a predetermined direction of the casing and having a sensor that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from a panto be examined, the ultrasonic diagnostic device cover comprising a soft cylindrical body that has a probe cover body made of a gel material that enables acoustic coupling between the sensor and the part to be examined fixed to one side, and has an ultrasonic diagnostic device inserted from the other side.

10. The ultrasonic diagnostic device cover according to claim 9, wherein the probe cover body is fixed to the cylindrical body through an annular bracket made of a material harder than the probe cover body.

11. A
bracket that is assembled to an ultrasonic diagnostic device including a casing having a pair of locking portions on a side surface thereof, and a probe arranged in one end portion in a predetermined direction of the casing and having a sensor that receives ultrasonic waves reflected from a part to be examined, the bracket comprising a pair of locking pieces that can be locked with the pair of locking portions.