JP2004117366A - Disposable flow measuring machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a disposable flow measuring machine, while a conventional measuring machine strongly affected by unsanitary urine is washed out and reused without disposal after measuring a flow rate, because it is expensive. <P>SOLUTION: A tube is provided with a sensor for measuring the flow rate. The sensor has at least a detachable signal output portion. The signal output portion of the sensor is relatively expensive but detachable, and other portions than the signal output portion are disposable. The disposable portions include the tube to be connected directly into a human body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disposable flow rate measuring device used when measuring the flow rate of a liquid such as blood or urine. Based on the invention of Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-296651 of the present inventor, the present invention intends to disclose the subsequent research results. Is what you do.

(4) As a means for measuring the flow rate of a fluid, for example, in a blood pump, an electromagnetic flowmeter that magnetizes a blood flow with a magnet and measures it with a magnetic sensor has been used. Further, the flow sensor according to the invention of the present inventor can be used as a device capable of correctly measuring the urine velocity during urine collection (Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-296750). In this device, a rotating body having a portion that can pass or block light is provided at a predetermined position in a fluid passage so as to be rotatable by a fluid, and a light emitting unit is provided on one side sandwiching the rotating body. In addition, two light receiving sections are arranged on the other side side by side in the rotation direction of the rotating body. Since the two light receiving sections are arranged side by side in the rotation direction of the rotating body, the direction in which the fluid flows can be determined by observing the order in which the two light receiving sections receive light, that is, checking the order in which the rotating body blocks light. Can be detected. Therefore, even when there is a reverse flow or a pulsating flow with respect to the normal flow, it is possible to accurately grasp this state.

Problems to be solved by the invention

院 However, nosocomial infections can occur through these flow meters that are directly connected to the body. Also, in the measurement of urine volume and the like, since urine has a strong unsanitary feeling, even if it is care by relatives, exchange of tubes and the like are inevitably reluctant. Therefore, if the flow rate measuring device is disposable, the occurrence of such a problem can be suppressed better. However, since the flow rate measuring device is expensive, it is difficult to achieve such disposable use. For this reason, at present, the flow measuring device is provided for reuse by washing.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a disposable flowmeter.

Means and action for solving the problem

The above-mentioned object is achieved by providing a sensor for measuring the flow rate in the tube and providing at least a signal output portion of this sensor in a detachable manner to form a disposable flow rate measuring device.

た め Since the tube is provided with a sensor for measuring the flow rate, the body fluid flowing through the tube is grasped by the sensor, and the flow rate is measured. Regardless of the blood flow measurement or the urine flow measurement as described above, the relatively expensive part is the signal output part in the sensor, so this part is detachable so that parts other than the signal output part can be used. Can be disposable. This disposable includes a tube that may be directly connected to the body.

Next, according to a second aspect of the present invention, with respect to the sensor, a rotating body having a portion for reflecting light is provided at a predetermined position in a fluid passage so as to be rotatable by a fluid, and light is directed toward the portion for reflecting light. And a light-emitting portion that emits light, and two light-receiving portions are arranged side by side in the direction of rotation of the rotating body at a position where the light can be reflected from a portion that reflects the light, and the light-emitting portion of the sensor and The light receiving section is provided detachably with respect to the member having the rotating body.

た め Because the rotating body is provided in the fluid passage, when the fluid passes through the rotating body, the rotating body rotates with the force. At this time, since the rotating body is provided with a portion that reflects or does not reflect light, the light emitted from the light emitting portion can be reflected at the portion that reflects the light to reach the light receiving portion. Since the light is not reflected at the non-reflective part, it cannot reach the light receiving part. Therefore, if a rotating body designed by calculating how the light emitted from the light emitting section is reflected is used, the speed of the fluid rotating the rotating body can be obtained.

Also, at this time, since the two light receiving units are arranged side by side in the rotation direction of the rotating body, by looking at the order in which the two light receiving units receive light, that is, by examining the order in which the rotating body reflects light, The direction in which the fluid flows can be detected. Therefore, even when there is a reverse flow or a pulsating flow with respect to the normal flow, it is possible to accurately grasp this state. Although two light receiving units are provided, two or more light receiving units may be provided as long as the circuit can be used. The configuration, shape and size of the rotating body are arbitrary design items. In addition, the rotating body has a rotating shaft, and a mechanism for mounting the rotating body into a groove capable of supporting the rotating shaft, a mechanism for rotating the rotating body while floating using the repulsive force of the magnet, and the like are also arbitrarily adopted. It is possible.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor are provided detachably with respect to the member having the rotating body, the tube and the rotating body attached to the tube are disposable. It is.

Next, according to a third aspect of the present invention, with respect to the sensor, a rotator having a portion through which light can pass or block light is provided at a predetermined position in a fluid passage so as to be rotatable by a fluid, and the rotator is sandwiched. A light-emitting portion provided on one side, and two light-receiving portions arranged on the other side in a direction of rotation of the rotating body, wherein the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the sensor are arranged on the side having the rotating body. It is provided detachably with respect to the member of.

た め Because the rotating body is provided in the fluid passage, when the fluid passes through the rotating body, the rotating body rotates with the force. At this time, since the rotating body is provided with a part that can pass or block light, the light emitted from the light emitting unit may pass through the rotating body and reach the light receiving unit when the rotating body is not blocked. However, if the rotating body blocks, it cannot reach the light receiving section. Therefore, if a rotator designed by calculating how to block the passing light is used, the velocity of the fluid rotating the rotator can be obtained.

At this time, since the two light receiving portions are arranged side by side in the rotation direction of the rotating body, the fluid is checked by observing the order in which the two light receiving portions receive light, that is, by examining the order in which the rotating body reflects light. Can be detected. Therefore, even when there is a reverse flow or a pulsating flow with respect to the normal flow, it is possible to accurately grasp this state. Further, the number of light receiving units, the mechanism for supporting the rotating shaft of the rotating body, and the like are arbitrary design items.

Also in the third aspect of the present invention, since the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor are detachably provided to the member having the rotating body, the tube and the rotating member attached to the tube are disposable. Body.

Next, the invention according to claim 4 relates to the sensor, wherein the sensors are magnets disposed on both sides of a tube through which a fluid passes, and a coil is attached to a portion of the tube which is not magnetically affected by the magnet. Is detachably provided to the tube.

For example, if the liquid flowing in the tube is blood, the blood passes through the magnets disposed on both sides of the tube, and an induced current is generated in the blood. As the blood passes in front of the coil, an induced current is generated in the coil. Therefore, the velocity of the blood flow can be obtained from the inner diameter of the tube and the magnetic field strength.

At this time, since the relatively expensive coil is detachably provided to the tube, the tube and the magnet attached to the tube are disposable. It is also possible to design this magnet to be detachable together with the coil.

Next, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing means for temporarily fixing the flow rate measuring sensor and at least a signal output section of the sensor. did.

If the detachable part is unintentionally detached, it is convenient to provide a fixing means for temporarily fixing the detachable part.

Next, a disposable flow rate measuring device, which is a tube for collecting urine, is provided for each of the above-described tubes of claims 1 to 5.

で は There is a demand in the medical field to collect urine and convert the rate of excreted urine into data. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the tube portion can be made disposable at low cost. Further, by disposing the entire flow measuring device, troublesome operations such as washing and drying can be omitted, and it is sanitary.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various variations may be provided within the scope of the concept of the present invention. Can be done.
(1st Embodiment)

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. A substantially circular concave portion 11 for accommodating the black disk 2 is formed in the center of the synthetic resin case 1. The black disk 2 is rotatably mounted in the concave portion 11 by a rotating shaft 20. I have. In addition, an inlet 10 and an outlet 12 are formed at a part of the case 1 shifted from the rotation shaft 20 to one side, and form a water flow path leading to the inlet 10, the recess 11, and the outlet 12. The tube 40 is inserted into the inlet 10 via the connector 4, and the connector 5 is inserted into the outlet 12. The black disk 2 made of synthetic resin is formed by forming twelve mirrors 21 on the outer periphery in a rotationally symmetric manner by aluminum evaporation. With this configuration, light emitted from a light emitting element 61 described later is reflected at the portion of the mirror 21, but is absorbed at a black portion between the mirrors 21, so that no effective reflection occurs. .

As shown in FIG. 2, a U-shaped detector 6 that can sandwich the case 1 between the near side and the back side is detachable from the case 1 by a guide 13 provided on one side of the case 1. Attached to. In the detector 6, a light receiving element 3 and a light emitting element 61 are arranged to face the rotating portion of the mirror 21 of the black disk 2. FIG. 1 shows the mounting position of the light receiving element 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the light receiving element 3 is composed of two photodiodes, and the first element 30 and the second element 31 are attached so as to be arranged in the rotation direction of the black disk 2. The light emitting element 61 is an LED (Light Emitted @ Diode). Reference numeral 60 denotes a cable for connecting the output end of the light receiving element 3 and the input end of the light emitting element 61 to the flow measuring device.

Since the light receiving element 3 generates a signal according to the operation of the black disk 2, this waveform is transformed into a beautiful waveform that can be counted by the encoder 33, counted by the reversible counter 32, and this number is displayed. Is displayed on the container 34. FIG. 3 schematically shows the relationship between the black disk 2, the light emitting element 61, and the light receiving element 3. The flow sensor is constituted by disposing the light receiving element 61 and the light receiving element 3. Note that the reversible counter 32 can distinguish the rotation direction of the black disk 2. That is, if the first element 30 stops receiving light earlier than the second element 31 and then the second element 31 stops receiving light, it is assumed that the water turbine 2 is in the forward rotation. Since it is understood that the case where the second element 31 stops receiving light is the reverse rotation of the water wheel 2, even if there is a backflow or a pulsating flow, it is possible to count accurately in response to this.

In this embodiment, an LED that emits infrared light is used as the light emitting element 61, but other embodiments using a laser diode (Laser Diode), a filament ball, or the like are also possible. Further, since the black disk 2 is designed by calculating how the light emitted from the light emitting element 61 is reflected, the number of the mirrors 21 is set to 12, but the number is particularly limited to this number. Not something. The material is not particularly limited.
(2nd Embodiment)

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The disk 22 made of a synthetic resin is rotatable about a rotation shaft 20, and twelve windows 23 are formed on the outer periphery of the disk 22 in a rotationally symmetric manner so as to pass through the disk 22. With this configuration, the light emitted from the light emitting element 61 is reflected by the surface of the disk 22 between the windows 23 and enters the light receiving element 3. On the other hand, in the portion of the window 23, the light passes through the disk 22 through the window 23 and does not enter the light receiving element 3. Since the disk 22 must reflect light at least between the windows 23, a reflective disk such as a white disk or a mirror disk is used.
(Third embodiment)

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The synthetic resin-made white disk 24 is rotatable about the rotating shaft 20, and the portions other than the twelve non-colored portions 25 secured on the outer peripheral portion in a rotationally symmetric manner are black colored portions 26. With this configuration, the light emitted from the light emitting element 61 is reflected by the non-colored portion 25, but is absorbed by the black colored portion 26, so that no effective reflection occurs.
(Fourth embodiment)

FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A white disk 27 made of a synthetic resin is rotatable about a rotation shaft 20, and twelve projections 28 are provided on the outer peripheral portion by rotationally symmetric molding. With this configuration, light emitted from the light emitting element 4 is basically reflected on the plate surface of the white circular plate 27. However, since irregular reflection occurs particularly at the projection 28, this disturbance is captured by the counting circuit. To do.
(Fifth embodiment)

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. A substantially circular recess 11 for accommodating the water wheel 7 is formed in the center of the synthetic resin case 1, and the water wheel 7 is rotatably mounted in the recess 11 by a rotating shaft 70. In addition, an inlet 10 and an outlet 12 are formed at a portion of the case 1 shifted to one side from the rotation shaft 70, thereby forming a water flow path continuing from the inlet 10, the concave portion 11, and the outlet 12. The tube 40 is inserted into the inlet 10 via the connector 4, and the connector 5 is inserted into the outlet 12.

Further, referring to FIG. 2 of the first embodiment described above, a U-shaped detector 6 that can sandwich the case 1 between the near side and the back side is provided on one side of the case 1. It is detachably attached to the case 1 by a guide 13. In the detector 6, the light receiving element 3 and the light emitting element 61 are provided so as to be opposed to each other at a portion that is blocked or unblocked by the rotatable blades of the water wheel 7. . FIG. 9 shows the mounting position of the light receiving element 3 on the back side. The light receiving element 3 is composed of two photodiodes, and the first element 30 and the second element 31 are attached so as to be arranged in the rotation direction of the water wheel 2. Note that the light emitting element 61 is an LED (Light Emitted Diode).

Since the light receiving element 3 generates a signal in accordance with the operation of the water wheel 7, this waveform is transformed into a beautiful waveform that can be counted by the encoder 33, and counted by the reversible counter 32. 34. FIG. 8 schematically shows the relationship between the water wheel 7, the light emitting element 61 and the light receiving element 3, and the light emitting element 61 and the light receiving element 3 are sandwiched by the rotating shaft 70 so that the water wheel 7 is rotatable. Are provided to constitute a flow sensor. The reversible counter 32 can distinguish the direction of rotation of the water wheel 7 (which is an impeller). If the case where the first element 30 does not receive light before the second element 31 and the second element 31 does not receive light thereafter is the forward rotation of the water wheel 7, the second element 31 will Since it is understood that the case where light reception is stopped is the reverse rotation of the water wheel 7, even if there is a reverse flow or a pulsating flow, it is possible to count accurately in response to this.
(Sixth embodiment)

FIG. 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The U-shaped detector 6 made of a synthetic resin having elasticity, which can be sandwiched between the case 1 on the front side and the back side, is almost the same as that of the fifth embodiment described above. The light receiving element 3 and the light emitting element 61 are provided inside. When the detector 6 is inserted into the inside of the case 1 by the ridge 62 projecting inward in front of the detector 6, the ridge 62 exceeds the case 1. Thus, it is configured to be hooked on the corner of case 1.

Therefore, the detector 6 is fitted into the case 1 so as not to fall off from the case 1, but the detector 6 can be easily removed from the case 1 by pushing and spreading the portion of the detector 6 where the ridge 62 is located right and left. Reference numeral 60 denotes a cable for connecting the output end of the light receiving element 3 and the input end of the light emitting element 61 to the flow measuring device. It should be noted that any mechanism other than the above-mentioned mountain climbing can be arbitrarily adopted as the falling-off prevention mechanism.
(Seventh embodiment)

FIG. 11 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The tube 40 is connected to the connector 5 via the connector 4. Actually, the connector 4 is provided with a pair of left and right magnets 8, 8 in a fixed manner, and is configured so that lines of magnetic force pass from one magnet 8 to the other magnet 8. An elastic clip 9 is detachably attached to the connector 4 so as to sandwich the connector 4 from both sides. A coil 90 is provided on the clip 9, and a lead wire 91 for connecting to the flow rate measuring device is drawn out of the coil 90.

Therefore, when the liquid passes through the portions of the magnets 8, 8 disposed on both sides of the connector 4, an induced current is generated in the liquid. When the liquid passes before the coil 90, an induced current is generated in the coil 90. Therefore, the velocity of the blood flow can be obtained from the inner diameter of the tube and the magnetic field strength. In addition, a clip of a spring type can be used as the clip.
(Other)

(4) The flow rate measuring device may optionally employ a mechanism that places an obstacle in the liquid flowing through the tube and measures the Karman vortex generated by the obstacle by applying ultrasonic waves.

The invention's effect

According to the present invention, a disposable flow rate measuring device is provided by providing a sensor for measuring a flow rate in a tube and detachably providing at least a signal output portion of the sensor. Since the flow rate measuring sensor is provided in the tube, the body fluid flowing through the tube is grasped by the sensor, and the flow rate is measured. Since the relatively expensive part is the signal output part of the sensor, this part is detachable, so that all parts other than the signal output part, especially tubes etc. directly connected to the body, should be thrown away with the flow meter. Can be done.

As a result, we succeeded in providing a disposable flowmeter and achieved the intended purpose well.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view of the first embodiment. << It is a side view of the embodiment. << It is a schematic diagram of the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram of 5th Embodiment. << It is a partial notch top view of the embodiment. It is a side view of 6th Embodiment. It is a side view of 7th Embodiment.

Explanation of reference numerals

Reference Signs List 1 case 10 entrance 11 recess 12 exit 13 guide 2 black disk 20 rotating shaft 21 mirror 22 disk 23 window 24 white disk 25 uncolored part 26 colored part 27 white disk 28 protrusion 3 light receiving element 30 first element 31 2 element 32 Reversible counter 33 Encoder 34 Display 4 Connector 40 Tube 5 Connector 6 Detector 60 Cable 61 Light emitting element 62 Over mountain 7 Water wheel 70 Rotary shaft 8 Magnet 9 Clip 90 Coil 91 Lead wire

Claims (6)

(4) A disposable flow rate measuring device, wherein a sensor for measuring flow rate is provided on a tube, and at least a signal output section of the sensor is detachably provided. The sensor is provided at a predetermined position in the fluid passage so as to be rotatable by a fluid, a rotating body having a light reflecting portion, and a light emitting portion that emits light toward the light reflecting portion is provided, The light receiving portion of the sensor has a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, wherein two light receiving portions are arranged side by side in a rotation direction of the rotating body at a position where the light can be reflected from the portion reflecting the light. The disposable flow rate measuring device according to claim 1, which is provided detachably with respect to a member on the side. The sensor is provided at a predetermined position in a fluid passage so as to be rotatable by a fluid, and a light emitting unit is provided on one side of the rotary body having a portion that can pass or block light. In addition, two light receiving portions are arranged on the other side in the rotation direction of the rotating body, and the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor are provided detachably with respect to the member having the rotating body. The disposable flow meter according to claim 1. The sensor is a magnet disposed on both sides of a tube through which a fluid passes, and a coil is attached to a portion of the tube that is not magnetically affected by the magnet, and the coil is detachably attached to the tube. The disposable flow meter according to claim 1, wherein the flow meter is provided. The disposable flow rate measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising fixing means for temporarily fixing the flow rate measuring sensor and at least a signal output section of the sensor. The disposable flow rate measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tube is a urine collection tube.

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