JP2018037285A - Connector unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector unit capable of reducing the size of a substrate and a device.SOLUTION: A connector unit 10 includes: a plurality of connection terminals which correspond to the plurality of connection terminals provided in a probe-side connector; a lock mechanism for switching a locked state of mechanical connection to the probe-side connector; a switch mechanism 50 for switching ON/OFF of electrical connection to the connection terminals corresponding to the plurality of connection terminals provided in the probe-side connector; and a housing 20 having the lock mechanism and the switch mechanism 50 in the inside. The lock mechanism and the switch mechanism 50 are operated independently from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector unit used for electrical connection of electronic equipment.

  In the medical field, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses using ultrasonic waves are widely used. In general, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe (ultrasonic probe, sensor) that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a diagnostic apparatus body.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits an ultrasonic wave generated by a vibrator provided in the ultrasonic probe toward a diagnosis target, receives a reflected wave by the ultrasonic probe, and electrically receives the received signal in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body. The ultrasonic image is generated by performing the processing periodically.

  In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, in order to transmit the above-described received signal from the ultrasonic probe to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a connector unit that connects a connector (mating connector) included in the ultrasonic probe and the diagnostic apparatus main body is used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a connector unit for connecting to a mating connector. In the connector unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the mechanical connection with the mating connector and the electrical connection are simultaneously performed by rotating the cam by the user.

JP 2014-44800 A (published March 13, 2014)

  By the way, this type of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic probes that are generally selected according to a diagnosis target. Therefore, when using the connector unit described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to mount a relay circuit on the substrate in order to switch the ultrasonic probe to be used.

  However, the above-described relay circuit needs to be provided according to the number of vibrators provided in the ultrasonic probe, and there is a problem that the substrate becomes large. Therefore, it becomes an obstacle to miniaturization of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. Moreover, there is also a problem that the board becomes expensive by multilayering the board provided with the relay circuit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a connector unit that can reduce the size and cost of a substrate and an apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, a connector unit according to the present invention includes a plurality of connection terminals corresponding to a plurality of target terminals provided on a connection target, and a lock for switching a lock state of mechanical connection to the connection target. A mechanism, a plurality of the target terminals, a switch mechanism for switching ON / OFF of the electrical connection with the corresponding connection terminal, a housing having the lock mechanism and the switch mechanism therein, and the lock The mechanism and the switch mechanism operate independently of each other.

  According to said structure, after locking mechanical connection with respect to a connection target object beforehand, ON / OFF of the electrical connection with the some target terminal of a connection target object and a corresponding some connection terminal can be switched. it can. Thus, in a device including a plurality of sensors respectively connected to the connection object, and the plurality of connection objects and the main body are connected by the connector unit of the present invention, the signal is received from the desired sensor on the board. There is no need to provide a relay circuit. Therefore, the substrate and the device can be reduced in size and cost.

  The connector unit of this invention WHEREIN: The structure which switches ON / OFF of the said electrical connection by an actuator drive may be sufficient as the said switch mechanism.

  According to the above configuration, the electrical connection can be turned on and off by mechanical means by controlling the actuator drive by the electrical signal. Therefore, ON / OFF of the electrical connection can be switched with a relatively simple mechanical configuration.

  In the connector unit according to the present invention, the switch mechanism is provided on the cam shaft rotatably supported by the housing, and the plurality of connection terminals are rotated by the rotation of the cam shaft. And a cam that switches contact / non-contact with the plurality of target terminals, and the camshaft is rotated by driving the motor to switch ON / OFF of the electrical connection.

  In the connector unit of the present invention, the actuator drive may be a motor drive.

  In the connector unit of the present invention, the lock mechanism may be configured such that a lock state of the mechanical connection is switched by an operation force by a user.

  According to said structure, the structure by which the locked state of the said mechanical connection can be switched by a comparatively simple mechanical structure is realizable. Further, the user can switch the lock state by applying an operating force when attaching / detaching the connector unit to / from the connection target.

  In the connector unit of the present invention, the connector unit includes a shaft that is partially housed in the housing, and an operation reception unit that receives an operation force by a user for rotating the shaft, and the lock mechanism is provided on the shaft. A first gear that rotates when the shaft rotates, and an engaging portion that rotates by rotating the first gear and engages with an engagement receiving portion provided on the connection object by rotating. A second gear, and when the user rotates the shaft via the operation receiving portion, the engagement state between the engaging portion and the engagement receiving portion is switched, and the mechanical connection is locked. The configuration may be such that the state can be switched.

  According to said structure, the locked state of the said mechanical connection is switched by the user's operating force via the operation reception part. Further, the lock mechanism and the switch mechanism can operate independently of each other.

  The connector unit of the present invention preferably includes a switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism that restricts the operation of the switch mechanism when the lock mechanism is in an unlocked state.

  The connector unit according to the present invention preferably includes a lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism that restricts the operation of the lock mechanism when the switch mechanism is in an ON state.

  The present invention has an effect that the substrate and the apparatus can be reduced in size and cost.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of an ultrasonic diagnosing device provided with the connector unit of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the said connector unit and a probe side connector. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the said probe side connector from the downward direction. It is a disassembled perspective view of the said connector unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the housing with which the said connector unit is provided. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the base with which the said connector unit is provided. The structure of the terminal unit with which the said connector unit is provided is shown, (a) is a perspective view of a terminal unit, (b) is a top view which shows the structure of a connection terminal. It is a side view which shows the structure of the said connector unit. It shows the structure of the switch mechanism with which the said connector unit is provided, and is AA arrow sectional drawing in FIG. The structure of the lock part with which the said connector unit is provided is shown, and it is the BB arrow directional view in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the lever position detection part with which the said ultrasonic diagnosing device is provided. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows a mode that the connection terminal with which the said connector unit is provided, and the connection terminal of the said probe side connector contact. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the connection terminal with which the connector unit as a modification of the said connector unit is provided. (A)-(d) is a figure which shows a mode that the connection terminal with which the connector unit as the said modification is provided, and the connection terminal of the said probe side connector contact.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

  A connector unit 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 including a connector unit 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing configurations of the connector unit 10 and the probe-side connector 100. FIG. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the + X direction in FIG. 2 is the forward direction, the −X direction is the backward direction, the + Y direction is the upward direction, the −Y direction is the downward direction, the + z direction is the right direction, and the −z direction is the left direction. Will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a substrate 2, a control circuit 3 provided on the substrate 2, four ultrasonic probes 4, and a control circuit 3 provided on the substrate 2. A connector unit 10 that is electrically connected, a probe-side connector (connection object) 100 that is connected to the ultrasonic probe 4, and a lever position detector (lock detector) 120 are provided. The control circuit 3 and the four ultrasonic probes 4 can be electrically connected by connecting the connector unit 10 and the probe-side connector 100.

(Structure of probe-side connector 100)
First, the structure of the probe-side connector 100 connected to the connector unit 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the probe-side connector 100 as viewed from below.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the probe-side connector 100 includes a plurality of connection terminals (target terminals) provided according to the number of vibrators provided in the housing 110, the fitting portion 111, and the ultrasonic probe 4. 112 and a projecting portion (engagement receiving portion) 113.

  The plurality of connection terminals 112 are held in alignment in four rows in the front-rear direction by a holding member (not shown). The housing 110 and the fitting portion 111 hold the connection terminal 112 by supporting the above-described holding member inside. The lower part of the connection terminal 112 is exposed to the outside.

  The fitting portion 111 is a portion that fits with the connector unit 10 in the probe-side connector 100. The distance between the side surfaces in the left-right direction of the fitting portion 111 is shorter than the distance between the side surfaces in the left-right direction of the housing 110. When the probe-side connector 100 is fitted into the connector unit 10, the lower surface of the housing 110 is described later. The fitting unit 111 is housed in the housing 20 so as to abut on the upper surface of the housing 21 of the connector unit 10 to be engaged.

  Further, two circular protrusions 113 protruding outward are formed on the outer sides of the front and rear side surfaces of the fitting part 111, respectively.

(Structure of connector unit 10)
Next, the structure of the connector unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connector unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 9, the connector unit 10 includes a housing 20, a terminal unit 30, a switch mechanism 50, a drive unit 60, and a lock unit 70.

<Case 20>
The housing 20 includes a housing 21, a base 22, a socket housing 23, a housing cover 24, and a motor base 25.

  FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the housing 21. As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 21 includes two side walls 21a extending in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction, X-axis direction in the drawing), a front wall 21b connecting lower portions of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the two side walls 21a, and It is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member formed by the rear wall 21c. Two semicircular recesses 21d that respectively support a first cam shaft (cam shaft) 51 and a second cam shaft (cam shaft) 52 described later are formed on the upper surfaces of the front wall 21b and the rear wall 21c. ing. An opening 21e that opens downward is formed at the center of the front wall 21b. Inside the housing 21, support walls 21f that connect the two side walls 21a are formed inside the front wall 21b and the rear wall 21c, respectively. The height of the support wall 21f is the same as the height of the front wall 21b and the rear wall 21c. Further, an insertion hole 21g into which a screw 27 for fixing the socket housing 23 to the housing 21 is inserted is formed at the center of the upper surface of the support wall 21f. Semicircular recesses 21h that support the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are formed on both the left and right sides of the insertion hole 21g on the upper surface of the support wall 21f.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the base 22. The base 22 is a plate-like member that forms the lower part of the housing 20. The base 22 includes two grooves 22a extending in the longitudinal direction, two projecting portions 22b projecting upward from both ends in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction in the drawing) of the groove 22a, and a front end in the longitudinal direction. And a convex portion 22c extending upward from the portion. The base 22 is fixed to the housing 21 with four screws 26. A semicircular recess 22d that supports a lock shaft 71 described later is formed on the upper surface of each of the two protrusions 22b.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the socket housing 23 is a member constituting the upper portion of the housing 20, and has a substantially rectangular base member 23 a and both ends of the base member 23 a in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction, X-axis direction in the figure). Two projecting portions 23 b projecting downward from the top portion, and a cover member 23 c projecting from the upper surface of the base member 23 a and covering the upper portion of the terminal unit 30. Insertion holes 23d into which screws 27 for fixing the socket housing 23 to the housing 21 are inserted are formed at the centers of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the base member 23a. The two protrusions 23b are formed to face the support wall 21f of the housing 21, respectively. The cover member 23 c is provided with a plurality of openings corresponding to the plurality of connection terminals 40 included in the terminal unit 30.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the housing cover 24 is a member attached to the front surface side of the housing 21 with a screw 28, and has a substantially U-shaped shape having an opening 24 a that opens downward. The opening 24a has substantially the same shape as the front wall 21b of the housing 21. When the housing cover 24 is attached to the housing 21, the front wall 21b of the housing 21 is fitted into the opening 24a. ing. A recess 24b into which the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are inserted is formed at a position facing the recess 21d of the front wall 21b of the housing 21 on the upper surface of the opening 24a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the motor base 25 is for mounting a motor unit 61 to be described later, and has an L shape formed by bending a substantially rectangular metal piece. The motor base 25 includes a bottom wall 25a on which the motor unit is placed on an upper surface, and a side wall 25b protruding upward from the bottom wall 25a. The motor base 25 is fixed to the housing 21 by attaching the side wall 25 b to the rear wall 21 c of the housing 21 with four screws 29. An opening 25c is formed in a connection portion between the bottom wall 25a and the side wall 25b in the motor base 25. The opening 25c has substantially the same shape as the rear wall 21c of the housing 21, and when the motor base 25 is attached to the housing 21, the rear wall 21c of the housing 21 is fitted into the opening 25c. ing. A recess 25d into which the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are inserted is formed at a position facing the recess 21d of the rear wall 21c of the housing 21 on the upper surface of the opening 25c.

  As described above, in the connector unit 10, the housing 20 is configured by attaching the base 22, the socket housing 23, the housing cover 24, and the motor base 25 to the housing 21, and the probe-side connector 100 is connected to the connector unit 10. When fitted in the housing, the lower surface of the housing 110 comes into contact with the upper surface of the housing 21, and the fitting portion 111 is stored inside the housing 20.

<Terminal unit 30>
Next, the structure of the terminal unit 30 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows the structure of the terminal unit 30, (a) is a perspective view of the terminal unit 30, and (b) is a plan view showing the structure of the connection terminal 40. As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal unit 30 includes a holding member 31 and a plurality of connection terminals 40.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the connection terminal 40 includes a base member 41, a first protrusion 42, and a second protrusion 43.

  The base member 41 is a thin metal plate extending in one direction (vertical direction). Near the center in the vertical direction of the base member 41, there is a concave portion 44 that is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction by bending.

  The first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 are formed by cutting and raising the base member 41, and protrude in the same direction as the direction in which the recess 44 is recessed with respect to the base member 41. The first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the base member 41. The first projecting portion 42 and the second projecting portion 43 are opposite to each other in the direction in which the base member 41 projects in the longitudinal direction. That is, the first protrusion 42 is formed by cutting and raising the base member 41 with the upper side as an axis, and the second protrusion 43 is formed by cutting and raising the base member 41 with the lower side as an axis. Thereby, the front-end | tip part of the 1st protrusion part 42 and the front-end | tip part of the 2nd protrusion part 43 mutually oppose at a fixed distance.

  In the base member 41, the thickness of the first portion 45 where the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 are provided is thinner than the thickness of the other second portion 46. Thereby, the elastic modulus of the first portion 45 is lower than the elastic modulus of the second portion 46.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the terminal unit 30 is formed by holding a plurality of connection terminals 40 aligned in two rows in the front-rear direction by a holding member 31. The plurality of connection terminals 40 are held by the holding member 31 so that the direction in which the recess 44 is recessed in each row is outward.

  The two terminal units 30 are fixed to the housing 20 by fitting the holding members 31 into the two grooves 22 a of the base 22. Thereby, the plurality of connection terminals 40 are arranged in four rows in the X-axis direction. The first protrusions 42 and the second protrusions 43 of each connection terminal 40 are arranged at positions facing the connection terminals 112 of the probe-side connector 100 when the probe-side connector 100 is fitted into the connector unit 10. (See FIG. 9). An end of each connection terminal 40 opposite to the side where the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 are provided protrudes downward from the base 22 and is connected to the substrate 2.

<Switch mechanism 50 and drive unit 60>
The switch mechanism 50 switches ON / OFF of the electrical connection between the connection terminal 40 and the connection terminal 112 by switching contact / non-contact between the connection terminal 40 of the connector unit 10 and the connection terminal 112 of the corresponding probe-side connector 100. This is a mechanism for switching OFF. The configuration of the switch mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 8 and 9.

  FIG. 8 is a side view showing the structure of the connector unit 10. In FIG. 8, the housing 21 and the motor cover 65 are omitted. FIG. 9 shows the structure of the switch mechanism 50, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, the switch mechanism 50 includes a first cam shaft 51, a second cam shaft 52, a first cam (cam) 53, and a second cam 54. .

  The first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are rod-shaped members extending linearly in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Most of the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are housed in the housing 20, and the rear end protrudes from the housing 20. The length of the first cam shaft 51 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the second cam shaft 52 in the longitudinal direction. The first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are respectively supported by the rear wall 21c and the two support walls 21f by being placed in the recess 21d and the recess 21h of the rear wall 21c of the housing 21. Yes. That is, the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are rotatably held by the housing 20. The front end portions of the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft are respectively supported by the recesses 21 d of the front wall 21 b of the housing 21. The rear end portion of the first camshaft 51 is connected to a coupling 62 described later.

  A first cam 53 and a second cam 54 are fixedly provided around a region corresponding to a region where the connection terminals 40 of the terminal unit 30 are arranged in the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52. ing. As shown in FIG. 9, the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 are respectively disposed so as to pass between the concave portions 44 of the connection terminals 40 facing each other.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 have a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the X axis. A distance d1 between a pair of opposing sides of the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 is smaller than a distance d between the concave portions 44 facing each other, and the first cam 53 and the second cam A distance d2 between a pair of opposing vertices 54 is greater than a distance d between the concave portions 44 facing each other. As the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 rotate, the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 rotate around the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft, respectively. The 1st cam 53 and the 2nd cam 54 press the recessed part 44 of the connection terminal 40 outside by rotating from the state shown in FIG.

  The drive unit 60 is for rotating the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52. The drive unit 60 includes a motor unit 61, a coupling 62, a first motor gear 63, a second motor gear 64, and a motor cover 65.

  The motor unit 61 is a drive unit for rotating the motor shaft 61a by driving the motor (actuator drive). The driving of the motor unit 61 is controlled by the control circuit 3.

  The coupling 62 couples the motor shaft 61 a and the first cam shaft 51, and transmits the rotational force of the motor shaft 61 a to the first cam shaft 51.

  The first motor gear 63 is a gear attached to the first cam shaft 51. When the first cam shaft 51 rotates, the first motor gear 63 rotates in the same direction as the rotation of the first cam shaft. The first motor gear 63 is disposed between the motor base 25 and the coupling 62.

  The second motor gear 64 is a gear attached to the second cam shaft 52, and the second cam shaft 52 is rotated by the rotation of the second motor gear. The first motor gear 63 and the second motor gear 64 are formed to mesh with each other. When the first motor gear 63 rotates, the second motor gear 64 rotates in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first motor gear 63 rotates. It is supposed to be.

  The motor cover 65 is a member that covers the drive unit 60 and covers the upper portion of the motor base 25.

  Next, operations of the switch mechanism 50 and the drive unit 60 will be described.

  In the operation of the switch mechanism 50 and the drive unit 60, first, the motor unit 61 is driven by the motor in a state where the connection terminal 40 is not pressed by the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 (the state shown in FIG. 9). The motor shaft 61a is rotated 90 degrees. Thereby, the rotational force of the motor shaft 61a is transmitted to the first cam shaft 51 by the coupling 62, and the first cam shaft 51 rotates 90 degrees. Along with this, the first cam 53 rotates 90 degrees. Thereby, the 1st cam 53 presses the recessed part 44 of the connection terminal 40 toward the outer side. As a result, the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 of the connection terminal 40 are in contact with the connection terminal 112 of the probe-side connector 100.

  At the same time, when the first cam shaft 51 rotates 90 degrees, the first motor gear 63 rotates 90 degrees. As a result, the second motor gear 64 rotates 90 degrees opposite to the direction in which the first motor gear 63 rotates, and the second camshaft 52 rotates 90 degrees with this rotation. Along with this, the second cam 54 rotates 90 degrees, so that the second cam 54 presses the recess 44 of the connection terminal 40 outward. As a result, the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 of the connection terminal 40 are in contact with the connection terminal 112 of the probe-side connector 100. The details of the contact structure in which the connection terminal 40 and the connection terminal 112 are in contact will be described later.

  As described above, in the switch mechanism 50, the first cam 53 and the second cam 54 are rotated by the motor drive (actuator drive) of the drive unit 60, whereby all the connection terminals 40 are connected to the connection terminals 112 of the probe connector 100. Can be contacted. Thereby, the control circuit 3 and the four ultrasonic probes 4 can be electrically connected.

<Lock part 70>
The configuration of the lock unit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 8, 10, and 11.

  FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the lock unit 70 and is a view taken along the line BB in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the structure of the lever position detection unit 120.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 8, and 10, the lock unit 70 includes a lock shaft gear (first gear) 73 as a lock mechanism that switches the lock state of the mechanical connection to the probe-side connector 100, A lock gear (second gear) 74 and a second lock gear 75 are provided. The lock unit 70 includes a lock shaft (shaft) 71, a lever (operation receiving unit) 72, a bush 76, a lock holding spring 77, a lock release pin 79 for operating the lock mechanism, And a spring 80.

  The lock shaft 71 is a rod-like member that extends linearly in parallel with the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft (that is, in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction)). The lock shaft 71 has a rear portion housed in the housing 20 and a front portion protruding from the housing 20.

  The lever 72 is a member for accepting an operation by the user, and is provided at the front end of the lock shaft 71. The lever 72 rotates about the axis of the lock shaft 71, and the lock shaft 71 rotates as the lever 72 rotates.

  One set of the lock shaft gear 73, the first lock gear 74, the second lock gear 75, the bush 76, and the lock holding spring 77 is provided on both the front and rear sides of the housing 20. Since the configuration and operation of these sets are the same, only the set provided on the front side of the housing 20 will be described.

  The lock shaft gear 73 is a gear provided on the lock shaft 71 and rotates as the lock shaft 71 rotates. The lock shaft gear 73 is disposed at a position in contact with the inside of the housing cover 24. A convex portion 73 a is formed at the lower portion of the lock shaft gear 73.

  The first lock gear 74 is a gear attached to the first camshaft 51 with the bush 76 interposed therebetween. The first lock gear 74 and the lock shaft gear 73 are formed so as to mesh with each other. When the lock shaft gear 73 rotates, the first lock gear 74 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the lock shaft gear 73. It is designed to rotate. A hook-shaped engagement portion 74 a is formed on the upper portion of the first lock gear 74.

  The second lock gear 75 is a gear attached to the second cam shaft 52 with the bush 76 interposed therebetween. The first lock gear 74 and the second lock gear 75 are formed so as to mesh with each other, and the rotation direction of the first lock gear 74 is determined by the rotation of the first lock gear 74. It is designed to rotate in the opposite direction. A hook-like engagement portion 75 a is formed on the upper portion of the second lock gear 75.

  The first cam shaft 51, the first lock gear 74, and the bush 76 rotate independently of each other. This configuration is the same for the second lock gear 75.

  The lock holding spring 77 is a spring for restricting the movement of the lock shaft gear 73 and is attached to the base 22. A convex portion 77 a is formed on the upper portion of the lock holding spring 77.

  The lock release pin 79 and the spring 80 are disposed between the first motor gear 63 and the side wall 25 b of the motor base 25. The lock release pin 79 and the spring 80 operate as a lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism that restricts the operation of the first lock gear 74 and the second lock gear 75, and electrical connection between the connection terminal 40 and the connection terminal 112 is performed. By restricting the rotation of the first lock gear 74 and the second lock gear 75 in the ON state, the electrical connection between the connection terminal 40 and the connection terminal 112 is prevented from being released.

  The lock release pin 79 and the spring 80 also operate as a switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism that restricts the operations of the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52. The lock release pin 79 and the spring 80 prevent the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 from rotating when the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state.

  In the present embodiment, the lock release pin 79 and the spring 80 have functions as a lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism and a switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism, but the connector switch of the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism and the switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism may be configured by different members. However, the connector switch can be miniaturized by adopting a configuration in which the lock release pin 79 and the spring 80 have both functions as a lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism and a switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism.

  Next, the operation of switching the lock state of the mechanical connection to the probe-side connector 100 by the lock unit 70 will be described.

  First, the user rotates the lever 72 in a state where the fitting portion 111 of the probe-side connector 100 is fitted to the connector unit 10. As the lock shaft 71 rotates, the lock shaft gear 73 rotates while the convex portion 73a of the lock shaft gear 73 presses the convex portion of the lock holding spring 77 downward. As the lock shaft gear 73 rotates, the lock shaft gear 73 rotates, whereby the first lock gear 74 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which the lock shaft gear 73 rotates. By the rotation of the first lock gear 74, the engaging portion 74 a is locked to the protruding portion 113 formed outside the side surface in the front-rear direction of the probe-side connector 100.

  At the same time, the second lock gear 75 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first lock gear 74 rotates. Due to the rotation of the second lock gear 75, the engaging portion 75a is formed on the outer side of the side surface in the front-rear direction of the probe-side connector 100 (a protrusion different from the protrusion that the engaging portion 74a locks). Part 113) is engaged with the engaging part 74a.

  As described above, in the connector unit 10, when the lever 72 is operated by the user, the engaging portion 74a and the engaging portion 75a are respectively locked to the protruding portion 113. Thereby, the mechanical connection with respect to the probe side connector 100 is locked.

  The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a lever position detection unit 120 on the substrate 2 as shown in FIG. The lever position detection unit 120 is for detecting the locked state of the mechanical connection of the probe-side connector 100 to the connector unit 10. The lever position detection unit 120 is a switch, and the switch is turned on by the lever 72 in a state where the probe-side connector 100 is mechanically locked to the connector unit 10. Thereby, the locked / unlocked state of the mechanical connection of the probe-side connector 100 to the connector unit 10 is detected. Information on locking / non-locking of the mechanical connection of the probe-side connector 100 to the connector unit 10 detected by the lever position detection unit 120 is transmitted to the control circuit 3 via the substrate 2. Thereby, the control circuit 3 can acquire the locked / unlocked state of the mechanical connection of the probe-side connector 100 to the connector unit 10.

(Contact mechanism between connection terminal 40 and connection terminal 112)
Next, a contact mechanism between the connection terminal 40 of the connector unit 10 and the connection terminal 112 of the probe-side connector 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  12A to 12D are views showing a state in which the connection terminal 40 of the connector unit 10 and the connection terminal 112 of the probe-side connector 100 are in contact with each other.

  FIG. 12A shows a state where the connection terminal 40 is not pressed by the first cam 53 or the second cam 54. In this state, when the connection terminal 40 is pressed outward by the first cam 53 or the second cam 54 (described as being pressed by the first cam 53), first, the first protrusion 42 is connected. It contacts the terminal 112 ((b) of FIG. 12).

  Further, when the connection terminal 40 is pressed outward by the first cam 53, the first protrusion 42 is pressed from the connection terminal 112. At this time, the first protrusion 42 is bent toward the base member 41 due to the elasticity of the first protrusion 42, and the first protrusion 42 is slid upward (wiping) with respect to the connection terminal 112 (that is, connected). The contact position of the first protrusion 42 in the terminal 112 changes). Then, the 2nd protrusion part 43 contacts the connection terminal 112 ((c) of FIG. 12).

  Further, when the connection terminal 40 is pressed outward by the first cam 53, the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 slide on the connection terminal 112 ((d) in FIG. 12). As described above, this is because the thickness of the first portion 45 provided with the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 is thinner than the thickness of the other second portion 46, This is because the elastic modulus of the first portion 45 is lower than the elastic modulus of the second portion 46 (see FIG. 7). That is, since the first portion 45 has a low elastic modulus, the entire first portion 45 bends, and the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 slide (wipe) the connection terminal 112. Yes. As a result, even when foreign matter exists between the first projecting portion 42 or the second projecting portion 43 and the connection terminal 112 when the first projecting portion 42 or the second projecting portion 43 contacts the connection terminal 112. The foreign matter can be removed from between the first projecting portion 42 or the second projecting portion 43 and the connection terminal 112 by sliding. Therefore, the contact between the connection terminal 40 and the connection terminal 112 is ensured. Thus, the reliability of the contact mechanism can be improved. Further, since the thickness of the second portion 46 is large (that is, the elastic modulus is high), the contact pressure of the first protrusion 42 and the second protrusion 43 with respect to the connection terminal 112 can be increased.

(Operation of connector unit 10)
Next, the operation of the connector unit 10 will be described.

  First, the probe-side connectors 100 respectively connected to the four ultrasonic probes 4 are fitted into the connector units 10 fixed to the substrate 2. Next, when the lever 72 is rotated by the user, the probe-side connector 100 is mechanically connected to the connector unit 10. At this time, the probe-side connector 100 and the connector unit 10 cannot be electrically connected (that is, the ultrasonic probe 4 and the control circuit 3 are not electrically connected). In the conventional connector unit, the probe-side connector and the connector unit can be electrically connected at this point.

  Next, a user instruction that the control circuit 3 receives a reception signal from a desired ultrasonic probe 4 among the four ultrasonic probes 4 by an instruction receiving unit (not shown) provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1. Accept. Next, the control circuit 3 drives the motor of the motor unit 61 of the connector unit 10 that is mechanically connected to the probe-side connector 100 of the ultrasonic probe 4. As a result, the connection terminal 40 of the connector unit 10 and the connection terminal 112 of the probe-side connector 100 are brought into contact with each other, and the control circuit 3 and the ultrasonic probe 4 are electrically connected.

  Further, the control circuit 3 receives a reception signal from the ultrasonic probe 4 other than the ultrasonic probe 4 that is currently electrically connected by the instruction receiving unit (that is, switches the ultrasonic probe 4 to be used). When the user instruction is received, the control circuit 3 drives the motor unit 61 of the connector unit 10 connected to the ultrasonic probe 4 that is currently electrically connected to the control circuit 3, and the connector unit 10. The contact between the connection terminal 40 and the connection terminal 112 of the probe-side connector 100 of the ultrasonic probe 4 is released. Next, the control circuit 3 drives the motor unit 61 of the connector unit 10 mechanically connected to the probe-side connector 100 of the user-desired ultrasonic probe 4 to drive the control circuit 3 and the ultrasonic probe 4. Are electrically connected.

  As described above, the connector unit 10 includes the lock mechanism (the lock shaft gear 73, the first lock gear 74, and the second lock gear 75) that switches the lock state of the mechanical connection to the connector unit 10 with respect to the probe-side connector 100. A switch mechanism 50 for switching ON / OFF of the electrical connection between the plurality of connection terminals 112 of the probe-side connector 100 and the corresponding connection terminal 40 of the connector unit 10, and a housing having the lock mechanism and the switch mechanism 50 therein. And a body 20. The lock mechanism and the switch mechanism 50 operate independently of each other.

  According to the above configuration, after the mechanical connection is locked to the connector unit 10 of the probe-side connector 100 in advance, the electrical connection between the plurality of connection terminals 112 of the probe-side connector 100 and the corresponding connection terminal 40 of the connector unit 10 is achieved. ON / OFF of the general connection can be switched. Thereby, when the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes 4, it is not necessary to provide a relay circuit on the substrate 2 in order to receive signals from the desired ultrasonic probe 4. Therefore, the substrate 2 and the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 1 can be reduced in size and cost.

  The connector unit 10 has a configuration in which the switch mechanism 50 switches ON / OFF of the electrical connection between the connection terminal 112 and the connection terminal 40 by driving the motor of the motor unit 61.

  According to the above configuration, the electrical connection can be switched on and off by mechanical means by controlling the motor drive by the electrical signal. Therefore, ON / OFF of the electrical connection can be switched with a relatively simple mechanical configuration.

  Further, the connector unit 10 is configured such that the lock mechanism can switch the lock state of the mechanical connection to the probe-side connector 100 by a user operation.

  According to said structure, the structure by which the locked state of mechanical connection is switched by a comparatively simple mechanical structure is realizable. In addition, when the user attaches / detaches the connector unit 10 to / from the probe-side connector 100, the user can switch the lock state by applying an operating force.

  In the connector unit 10 according to the present embodiment, the first cam shaft 51 and the second cam shaft 52 are provided with two cam shafts. However, the connector unit of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the number of cam shafts may be one, or three or more.

  Further, the lock mechanism of the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. In other words, the lock mechanism may be any mechanism that can switch the lock state of the mechanical connection with respect to the probe-side connector 100.

  In the connector unit 10 according to the present embodiment, all the connection terminals 40 are connected to the connection terminals 112 of the probe-side connector 100 by driving the motor unit 61. However, the connector unit of the present invention is not limited thereto. It is not limited. For example, a part of the connection terminal of the connector unit is always connected to the connection terminal of the probe side connector, and the other connection terminal is connected to the connection terminal of the probe side connector by driving the motor unit. Good.

<Modification>
Next, a contact mechanism as a modification of the contact mechanism in the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the structure of the connection terminal 90 provided in the connector unit according to this modification.

  In this modification, the connector unit includes a connection terminal 90 instead of the connection terminal 40 in the first embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the connection terminal 90 includes a base member 91, a first protrusion 92, and a second protrusion 93.

  The base member 91 is a thin metal plate extending in one direction (vertical direction). Near the center of the base member 91 in the vertical direction, similarly to the concave portion 44 in the first embodiment, there is a concave portion (not shown) that is recessed in the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction by bending.

  The first protrusion 92 is formed by curving the base member 91, and protrudes in the same direction as the direction in which the concave portion is recessed with respect to the base member 91.

  The second protrusion 93 is formed by cutting and raising the base member 91 about the lower side as an axis, and protrudes in the same direction as the direction in which the concave portion is recessed with respect to the base member 91.

  The first protrusion 92 and the second protrusion 93 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the base member 91.

  In the base member 91, the thickness of the first portion 94 provided with the first protruding portion 92 and the second protruding portion 93 is the same as that of the other second portion 95 (only a part is shown in FIG. 13). It is thinner than the thickness. Thereby, the elastic modulus of the first portion 94 is lower than the elastic modulus of the second portion 95.

  Next, a contact mechanism between the connection terminal 90 and the connection terminal 112 in this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  (A)-(d) of FIG. 14 is a figure which shows a mode that the connecting terminal 90 and the connecting terminal 112 contact.

  FIG. 14A shows a state where the connection terminal 90 is not pressed by the first cam 53 or the second cam 54. In this state, when the connection terminal 90 is pressed outward by the first cam 53 or the second cam 54 (described as being pressed by the first cam 53), first, the first protrusion 92 is connected. It contacts the terminal 112 ((b) of FIG. 14).

  Further, when the connection terminal 90 is pressed outward by the first cam 53, the first protrusion 92 is pressed from the connection terminal 112. As a result, the first portion 94 bends due to the elasticity of the first portion 94. As a result, the first protrusion 92 slides (wipes) upward with respect to the connection terminal 112 (that is, the contact position of the first protrusion 92 on the connection terminal 112 changes), and the second protrusion 93 is It contacts the connection terminal 112 ((c) of FIG. 14).

  Further, when the connection terminal 90 is pressed outward by the first cam 53, the first protrusion 92 and the second protrusion 93 slide on the connection terminal 112 ((d) in FIG. 14). As described above, the thickness of the first portion 94 provided with the first protruding portion 92 and the second protruding portion 93 is thinner than the thickness of the other second portion 95. This is because the elastic modulus of the first portion 94 is lower than the elastic modulus of the second portion 95. That is, since the first portion 94 has a low elastic modulus, the entire first portion 94 is bent, and the first protruding portion 92 and the second protruding portion 93 slide (wipe) the connection terminal 112. Yes. As a result, even if a foreign object exists between the first projecting portion 92 or the second projecting portion 93 and the connection terminal 112 when the first projecting portion 92 or the second projecting portion 93 contacts the connection terminal 112. The foreign matter can be removed from between the first projecting portion 92 or the second projecting portion 93 and the connection terminal 112 by sliding, and thus the contact between the connection terminal 90 and the connection terminal 112 is ensured. Thus, the reliability of the contact mechanism can be improved. Further, since the thickness of the second portion 95 is large (that is, the elastic modulus is high), the contact pressure of the first protrusion 92 and the second protrusion 93 with respect to the connection terminal 112 can be increased.

  As described above, in the contact mechanism according to the present modification, the second protrusion 93 comes into contact with the connection terminal 112 after the first protrusion 92 comes into contact. For this reason, consumption of the connection terminal 90 due to switching between conduction / non-conduction occurs mainly on the first protrusion 92 side, and is less on the second protrusion 93 side. Thereby, electrical conduction can be reliably performed between the second protrusion 93 and the connection terminal 112. Therefore, the contact mechanism in the present embodiment is a contact mechanism with high reliability of electrical connection between the connection terminal 90 and the connection terminal 112.

  In the above description, the example in which the connector unit of the present invention is provided in the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the connector unit of the present invention can be suitably used for any electronic device as long as the electronic device includes a plurality of sensors.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Connector unit 20 Case 40, 90 Connection terminal 50 Switch mechanism 51 1st cam shaft (cam shaft)
52 Second camshaft (camshaft)
53 First cam (cam)
54 Second cam (cam)
71 Lock shaft (shaft)
72 Lever (operation reception part)
73 Lock shaft gear (1st gear, lock mechanism)
74 First lock gear (second gear, lock mechanism)
74a Engaging portion 79 Unlocking pin (switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism, lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism)
80 Spring (switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism, lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism)
100 Probe connector (object to be connected)
112 Connection terminal (target terminal)
113 Protruding part (engagement receiving part)

Claims (8)

A plurality of connection terminals corresponding to a plurality of target terminals provided in the connection object;
A lock mechanism for switching the lock state of the mechanical connection to the connection object;
A switch mechanism that switches ON / OFF of the electrical connection between the plurality of target terminals and the corresponding connection terminals;
A housing having the lock mechanism and the switch mechanism inside;
The connector unit, wherein the lock mechanism and the switch mechanism operate independently of each other.   The connector unit according to claim 1, wherein the switch mechanism switches ON / OFF of the electrical connection by driving an actuator. The switch mechanism is
A camshaft rotatably held in the housing;
A cam that is provided on the cam shaft and switches contact / non-contact of the plurality of connection terminals to the plurality of target terminals by rotating with the rotation of the cam shaft;
The connector unit according to claim 2, wherein the electrical connection is switched ON / OFF by rotating the cam shaft by driving the actuator.   The connector unit according to claim 2, wherein the actuator drive is a motor drive.   The connector unit according to claim 1, wherein the lock state of the mechanical connection is switched by an operation force by a user. A shaft partially housed in the housing;
An operation reception unit that receives an operation force by a user for rotating the shaft;
The locking mechanism is
A first gear which is provided on the shaft and rotates when the shaft rotates;
A second gear having an engagement portion that is rotated by the rotation of the first gear and that engages with an engagement receiving portion provided on the connection object by rotating;
When the shaft is rotated by the user via the operation receiving unit, the engagement state between the engagement unit and the engagement receiving unit is switched, and the lock state of the mechanical connection is switched. The connector unit according to claim 5.   The connector unit according to claim 1, further comprising a switch mechanism operation restriction mechanism that restricts an operation of the switch mechanism when the lock mechanism is in an unlocked state.   The connector unit according to claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism operation restriction mechanism that restricts an operation of the lock mechanism when the switch mechanism is in an ON state.

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