JP2007020809A - Capsule apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a capsule apparatus which can exactly discharge a capsule also when the passage of the capsule is barred by the flexible section and isthmus of a pipe conduit during the discharging work of the capsule from inside of the pipe conduit. <P>SOLUTION: An ultrasonic capsule 2 and the free end of a signal cable 5 are removably connected through a connector 35 and the ultrasonic capsule 2 is seceded from the signal cable 5 when at least tension more than the tensile strength of the signal cable 5 acts on the connector 35. Thereby, also when the passage of the ultrasonic capsule 2 is barred by the flexing section and isthmus of the pipe conduit during the discharging work of the ultrasonic capsule 2 from inside of the body cavity (the inside of the pipe conduit), the ultrasonic capsule 2 can be exactly discharged without giving pains to a patient and disconnecting the signal cable 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, for example, a capsule introduced into a conduit such as a body cavity in the medical field or a capsule introduced into a conduit of various devices in the industrial field is used as a signal. The present invention relates to a wired capsule device connected to an external device via a cable.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in the medical field, various medical actions (for example, body fluid collection, measurement, administration, treatment, etc.) performed in a duct such as a body cavity are performed for the purpose of reducing patient pain. Many capsule devices that use capsules instead of endoscopes have been proposed. In general, capsules used in this type of capsule device incorporate a wireless device in addition to various measuring instruments and treatment tools, and communicate with an external device via this wireless device (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

On the other hand, as a capsule device, a wired device in which a capsule and an external device are connected via a signal cable has been proposed. This wired capsule device has the advantage that the capsule can be made much smaller than the wireless device because there is no need to incorporate a wireless device or a battery in the capsule. In addition, there is an advantage that the position of the capsule in the pipeline can be adjusted by operating the signal cable.
JP 2005-137395 A

  By the way, in the wired capsule device, the capsule after use cannot be discharged naturally. Therefore, it is necessary for the operator to discharge the capsule from the patient's mouth by pulling the signal cable. Therefore, in this type of capsule device, it is necessary to take measures to accurately discharge the capsule even when the passage of the capsule is hindered by a bent portion or a narrowed portion or the like in the duct during the discharge operation. In other words, for example, in the medical field, even if the signal cable is excessively tensioned due to the passage of the capsule being blocked by a bend or stenosis in the conduit, the patient may be injured, It is necessary to take measures for accurately discharging the capsule without disconnecting the cable.

  For example, in the industrial field as well, measures for accurately discharging the capsule without disconnecting the signal cable are required.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and accurately discharges a capsule even when the passage of the capsule is hindered by a bent portion or a narrowed portion of the conduit during the discharge of the capsule from the inside of the conduit. An object of the present invention is to provide a capsule device that can perform the above.

  The present invention provides a capsule introduced into a conduit, an external device that communicates with the capsule via a signal cable, and the capsule and the signal cable. The free end of the signal cable is connected to the capsule. The connector is detachably connected to the connector, and the connection strength of the connector is set to be at least smaller than the tensile strength of the signal cable.

  According to the capsule device of the present invention, the capsule can be accurately discharged even when the passage of the capsule is hindered by the bent portion or the narrowed portion of the conduit during the operation of discharging the capsule from the conduit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part showing a schematic configuration of a medical ultrasonic capsule device, and FIG. 2 is a state in which a signal cable is detached from a medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows these.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a medical ultrasonic capsule device (hereinafter also referred to as a medical capsule device) as an example of a capsule device. In the present embodiment, the medical capsule device 1 includes a medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule (hereinafter also referred to as an ultrasonic capsule) 2 introduced into a body cavity (in a duct) as an example of a capsule, the ultrasonic capsule 2 and a signal. An ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 as an external apparatus that is communicably connected via a cable 5 and a monitor 4 are configured.

  As shown in the figure, the ultrasonic capsule 2 includes a capsule body 10 and a vibrator cover 15 that is liquid-tightly connected to the distal end portion of the capsule body 10, and the ultrasonic unit 20 and the control unit 30 are provided therein. Is arranged to constitute the main part.

  More specifically, the ultrasonic unit 20 includes, for example, a mechanical scanning ultrasonic transducer 21, a vibrator fixing member 22 having a vibrator shaft 22a, a slip ring 23 that is a rotary signal transmission means, an encoder 24, and a drive. A motor 25 is provided.

  Here, the capsule body 10 is formed with a unit disposition hole 11 penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the capsule body 10. In this unit disposition hole 11, a slip ring 23, an encoder are sequentially arranged from the front end side. 24 and the drive motor 25 are accommodated. A motor shaft (not shown) extends from the drive motor 25 to the distal end side along the axis of the capsule body 10, and the base side of the vibrator shaft 22 a is fixed to the slip ring 23 on this motor shaft. Is supported by a ball bearing 23a.

  The distal end portion of the transducer shaft 22a faces the internal space of the transducer cover 15, and the ultrasonic transducer 21 is integrally fixed to a fixing portion 22b provided at the distal end portion of the transducer shaft 22a. Yes. Further, an O-ring 26 is interposed in the middle of the vibrator shaft 22a, and the O-ring 26 partitions the unit arrangement hole 11 and the inner space of the vibrator cover 15 in a liquid-tight manner. And the inside space of the vibrator cover 15 in which liquid tightness is ensured is filled with deaerated water 27 which is an ultrasonic transmission medium.

  An input / output signal cable (not shown) extends from the ultrasonic transducer 21. The input / output signal cable is electrically connected to the cable on the output side of the slip ring 23 through a ring portion (not shown) of the slip ring 23 and a metal brush (not shown) electrically contacting the ring portion. Conducted.

  For example, the control unit 30 transmits / receives an ultrasonic signal to / from the ultrasonic transducer 21 via the slip ring 23 and a rotation detection circuit electrically connected to an encoder 24 that detects the rotation state of the ultrasonic transducer 21. An ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit to be performed, a signal processing circuit for processing a reception signal from the ultrasonic transmission / reception circuit, and an output circuit for transmitting ultrasonic data processed by the signal processing circuit to the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 (both shown in FIG. Etc.) are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 30 is disposed in the unit disposition hole 11 on the base side of the ultrasonic unit 20, thereby defining the space on the base side of the unit disposition hole 11 as the connector chamber 31. To do. In the connector chamber 31, a free end of a signal cable 5 extending from the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 is detachably connected to the control unit 30 via a connector 35 described later. That is, a connector chamber 31 is formed inside the ultrasonic capsule 2, and the ultrasonic capsule 2 is detachably connected to the free end of the signal cable 5 via the connector 35 in the connector chamber 31. .

  The ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 is mainly composed of an ultrasonic observation image processing unit, an amplification circuit, and a transmission / reception circuit (not shown). The transmission / reception circuit performs processing of ultrasonic data related to an ultrasonic observation image transmitted through a signal line (not shown) inserted through the signal cable 5 or a drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer 21. Do. The amplifier circuit amplifies at least the ultrasonic data transmitted from the ultrasonic capsule 2. The ultrasonic observation image processing unit generates a video signal such as a B-mode image, a Doppler image, or a harmonic imaging image based on the ultrasonic data transmitted from the ultrasonic capsule 2.

  Here, the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 monitors each signal transmitted through the transmission / reception circuit, and determines the attachment / detachment state of the connector 35 by this monitoring. When the ultrasonic observation device 3 determines that the connector 35 is detached, the ultrasonic observation device 3 turns off all signals for the ultrasonic capsule 2.

  The monitor 4 is connected to the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 and displays various ultrasonic tomographic images on the screen based on the video signal generated by the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connector 35 includes a first connector portion 36 fixed to the ultrasonic capsule 2 (control unit 30) in the connector chamber 31 and a first connector fixed to the free end of the signal cable 5. 2 connector portions 37.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of signal pins 38 that are electrically connected to the control unit 30 via signal lines (not shown) protrude from the proximal end surface of the first connector unit 36. On the other hand, a signal pin hole that is electrically connected to a signal line inserted through the signal cable 5 at a position corresponding to each signal pin 38 of the first connector portion 36 is formed on the distal end surface of the second connector portion 37. 39 is recessed. And the 2nd connector part 37 is inserted in the connector chamber 31, and the signal pin 38 press-fits into the signal pin hole 39, so that the connector 35 removably connects the signal cable 5 to the ultrasonic capsule 2.

  A concave groove 40 is provided around the second connector portion 37, and an O-ring 41 is held in the concave groove 40. When the first and second connector portions 36 and 37 are connected, the O-ring 41 is brought into sliding contact with the inner wall on the base side of the connector chamber 31, thereby ensuring liquid tightness in the connector chamber 31. Yes.

  Here, in this embodiment, the connection strength of the connector 35 is set after comprehensively considering the connection strength due to the press-fitting of each signal pin 38 into each signal pin hole 39, the sliding resistance of the O-ring 41, and the like. The That is, in the present embodiment, for example, the diameter of each signal pin 38 and the press-fitting length into the signal pin hole 39 are set to appropriate values through experiments, simulations, and the like, whereby the connection strength of the connector 35 is set to a desired value. Is set. At that time, the connection strength of the connector 35 is set to be at least smaller than the tensile strength of the signal cable 5.

  In such a configuration, the ultrasonic capsule 2 is swallowed from the patient's mouth and then swallowed in the body cavity (in the duct) by the peristaltic motion. In the process of swallowing, the surgeon drives and controls the ultrasonic transducer 21 through the ultrasonic observation device 3, whereby the ultrasonic transducer 21 acquires an ultrasonic echo for the emitted ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic echo acquired by the ultrasonic transducer 21 is transmitted toward the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 via the control unit 30 and the signal cable 5.

  The ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 generates a video signal for performing ultrasonic diagnosis from the received ultrasonic data, and outputs the video signal to the monitor 4. As a result, the surgeon can observe the ultrasonic tomographic image displayed on the screen of the monitor 4 and perform ultrasonic diagnosis.

  After the ultrasonic diagnosis, the surgeon pulls the signal cable 5 and pulls the signal cable 5 to move the ultrasonic capsule 2 in the direction opposite to the swallowing direction by the peristaltic motion, and discharges it from the patient's mouth.

  During this discharge operation, if the connector 35 is subjected to a tension greater than a preset connection strength, for example, when the ultrasonic capsule 2 is blocked by a bent portion or a narrowed portion in the body cavity, the first connector portion The second connector portion 37 is detached from 36. That is, the ultrasonic capsule 2 is detached from the signal cable 5 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the signal cable 5 is quickly discharged | emitted from a patient's mouth, without disconnecting. On the other hand, the ultrasonic capsule 2 detached from the signal cable 5 is naturally discharged from the human body, like the wireless ultrasonic capsule.

  According to such an embodiment, when the ultrasonic capsule 2 and the free end of the signal cable 5 are detachably connected via the connector 35, at least a tension higher than the tensile strength of the signal cable 5 acts on the connector 35. Since the ultrasonic capsule 2 is configured to be detached from the signal cable 5, the ultrasonic capsule 2 is bent by a bent portion or a narrowed portion of the duct during the discharge operation of the ultrasonic capsule 2 from the body cavity (in the duct). Even when the passage of the medical device is hindered, the ultrasonic capsule 2 can be accurately discharged without causing pain to the patient or disconnecting the signal cable 5.

  At that time, a desired connection strength can be set with a simple configuration by securing the connection strength between the first and second connector portions 36 and 37 mainly by the connection strength by press-fitting the signal pin 38 and the signal pin hole 39. can do.

  In addition, a connector chamber 31 is formed in the ultrasonic capsule 2, a first connector portion 36 is disposed in the connector chamber 31, and a second connector portion 37 is connected to the first connector portion 36 in the connector chamber 31. When the ultrasonic capsule 2 is introduced into a body cavity or the like, the connector 35 can be accurately protected from disturbances. In particular, a seal member such as an O-ring 41 is provided in the second connector portion 37, and the signal chamber is sealed in a liquid-tight manner when the first and second connector portions 36 and 37 are connected. The short circuit between 38 can be prevented accurately.

  Furthermore, the signal connector 38 is disposed on the first connector portion 36 side fixed in the connector chamber 31, and the signal pin hole 39 is disposed on the second connector portion 37 side. Even when the second connector portion 37 is detached from the portion 36, the signal pin 38 can be retained in the connector chamber 31 (that is, the signal pin 38 can be prevented from being exposed in the body cavity), and the signal in the body cavity can be prevented. It can protect from the pin 38 exactly.

  In addition, from the viewpoint of accurately protecting the body cavity from the signal pin 38 as described above, the signal pin 38 is disposed on the first connector portion 36 side, and the signal pin hole 39 is provided on the second connector portion 37 side. Although it is particularly preferable that the configuration is provided, it is a matter of course that a signal pin hole may be provided in the first connector portion 36 and a signal pin may be provided in the second connector portion 37.

  Next, FIGS. 3 to 5 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state where a signal cable is connected to the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule, and FIG. 4 is a medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule. FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a state in which the signal cable is detached from the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the connector 35 that removably connects the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 and the free end of the signal cable 5 is mainly different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, about the same structure, a same sign is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the present embodiment, the first connector portion 36 is formed with a pair of engaging claws 46 that are opposed to each other and extend to the base side of the connector chamber 31. On the other hand, an engagement recess 47 corresponding to the engagement claw portion 46 is formed on the peripheral surface of the second connector portion 37. Thus, the connector 35 is configured with a so-called snap-fit mechanism 45 that detachably connects the first and second connector portions 36 and 37 by the engagement of the engagement claw portion 46 and the engagement recess 47. .

  In the present embodiment, when a predetermined tension or more is applied to the connector 35, the engagement claw 46 moves over the engagement recess 47 while being elastically deformed (see FIG. 4). The second connector part 37 is detached (see FIG. 5).

  According to such an embodiment, in addition to substantially the same effect as that obtained in the first embodiment described above, the elastic force of the engaging claw 46 and the depth of the engaging recess 47 are tuned to appropriate values. By doing so, there is an effect that the coupling strength of the connector 35 can be set to a suitable value in a wider range.

  Similar to the first embodiment described above, from the viewpoint of accurately protecting the body cavity from the engagement claw portion 46, the engagement claw portion 46 is disposed on the first connector portion 36 side, and the second It is particularly preferable that the engagement concave portion 47 is disposed on the connector portion 37 side of the first connector portion 37, but the engagement concave portion is disposed on the first connector portion 36 and the signal pin is disposed on the second connector portion 37. Of course, you may do.

  Next, FIGS. 6 to 12 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state where a signal cable is connected to a medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule, and FIG. 7 is a medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the reel with an encoder as viewed obliquely from above, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the reel with an encoder as viewed from diagonally below, and FIG. 10 is an ultrasonic diagnosis. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a connector locking mechanism control routine, and FIG. 12 is a chart showing the relationship between the introduction amount of a medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule and a threshold value. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the connector 35 that removably connects the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule 2 and the free end of the signal cable 5 is mainly different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, about the same structure, a same sign is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the present embodiment, the first connector portion 36 includes a pair of arms 51 that are opposed to each other and extend to the base side of the connector chamber 31, and swing each arm 51 in the opening / closing direction. And an arm driving unit 52 to be moved. In the present embodiment, each arm drive unit 52 includes a spring (not shown) that biases each arm 51 in a closing direction (a direction in which the tips of the arms 51 approach each other: see FIG. 6), Actuators (not shown) such as electromagnetic solenoids that actuate each arm 51 in the opening direction against the urging force (direction in which the tips of the arms 51 are separated from each other: see FIG. 7). On the other hand, an engagement recess 53 is formed in the second connector portion 37 at a position corresponding to the distal end portion of each arm 51. Accordingly, the connector 35 is configured with a lock mechanism 50 that locks the connection between the first and second connector portions 36 and 37 by the engagement between the arm 51 and the engagement recess 53.

  For example, the lock mechanism 50 is configured to release the connection between the first and second connector portions 36 and 37 when the tension T acting on the connector 35 exceeds a threshold value T0. Specifically, a tension gauge 54 as a tension detecting means made of, for example, a piezoelectric element or the like is built in the arm driving unit 52, and the tension T detected by the tension gauge 54 is transmitted through the signal cable 5. It is transmitted to the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3. Then, when the tension T detected by the tension gauge 54 exceeds the threshold value T0, the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 drives the actuator of the arm driving unit 52 to release control the lock mechanism 50. Thus, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 has a function as a control means.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 variably sets the threshold value T0 according to the introduction amount of the ultrasound capsule 2 into the body cavity. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 stores in advance a map indicating the relationship between the introduction amount of the ultrasound capsule 2 and the threshold value T0. The threshold value T0 is variably set by referring to the map. In this map, for example, the threshold T0 is set to a relatively high value when the ultrasound capsule 2 passes through a stenosis part or a bending part in a body cavity assumed in a patient of a general body type, It is set in advance by experiments or simulations. Also in this case, the threshold value T0 is, of course, set smaller than the tensile strength of the signal cable 5. Note that a plurality of maps may be set for each body type, or may be set individually for each patient who has a diagnosis experience, for example.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the amount of the ultrasonic capsule 2 introduced into the body cavity is detected by winding the signal cable 5 around a reel 56 with an encoder and detecting the amount of withdrawal by the encoder 57. Can be realized. Here, reference numeral 58 in the figure is a connector terminal of the relay cable 60 interposed between the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 and the signal cable 5, and reference numeral 59 is for fixing the reel 56 to a patient's clothes or the like. It is a clip.

  Next, release control of the lock mechanism 50 executed by the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 will be described according to a lock mechanism control routine shown in FIG. This routine is repeatedly executed every predetermined time. When the routine is started, the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 first checks in step S101 whether or not the connector 35 is currently connected. If it is determined in step S101 that the connector 35 is not connected, the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 directly exits the routine.

  On the other hand, if it determines with the connector 35 being connected in step S101, the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 will progress to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 sets a threshold value T <b> 0 according to the introduction amount of the ultrasound capsule 2 with reference to the map illustrated in FIG. 12, for example.

  In subsequent step S103, the ultrasonic observation apparatus 3 checks whether or not the tension T currently acting on the connector 35 is larger than the threshold value T0. If it is determined that the tension T is equal to or less than the threshold value T0, the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 proceeds to step S104, and exits the routine while the connector 35 is locked (that is, the actuator of the arm drive unit 52 is OFF). .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the tension T acting on the connector 35 is greater than the threshold value T0, the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 proceeds to step S105 and drives the actuator of the arm driving unit 52 to After releasing the lock, exit the routine.

  According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effect obtained in each of the above-described embodiments, there is an effect that the connection strength of the connector 35 can be more accurately controlled. That is, for example, when the ultrasonic capsule 2 passes through a site that is narrowed or bent in the body cavity, the ultrasonic capsule 2 can be easily detached by setting the connection strength of the connector 35 to be relatively high. Can be prevented. On the other hand, when the ultrasonic capsule 2 passes through a portion that is not narrowed or bent in the body cavity, the connection strength of the connector 35 is set to be relatively low, so that the passage of the ultrasonic capsule 2 is within the body cavity. In the case where it is obstructed by a lesion such as a polyp protruding to the surface, the ultrasonic capsule 2 can be quickly removed to prevent excessive stress or the like from being applied to the lesion.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the threshold value T0 is variably set has been described, but the threshold value T0 may be a fixed value set in advance.

  Next, FIGS. 13 and 14 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing a state where the signal cable is detached from the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule, and FIG. 14 is a modification of FIG. It is a principal part sectional view shown. In the present embodiment, the terminal shape of the connector 35 is mainly different from the above-described embodiments. In addition, about the same structure, a same sign is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in this embodiment, a contact pattern 61 is formed on the proximal end surface of the first connector portion 36, and a contact corresponding to the contact pattern 61 is formed on the distal end surface of the second connector portion 37. A pattern 62 is formed. When the first and second connector portions 36 and 37 are coupled by the snap fit mechanism 45, the ultrasonic capsule 2 and the signal cable 5 are electrically connected via the contact patterns 61 and 62. .

  According to such an embodiment, in addition to the effects obtained in each of the above-described embodiments, it is not necessary to adjust the coupling strength by press-fitting a signal pin. Therefore, the coupling strength of the connector 35 is accurately defined by the snap-fit mechanism 45. There is an effect that can be done.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 14, such a configuration can also be applied to the connector 35 including the lock mechanism 50. In this case as well, the coupling strength of the connector can be accurately defined by the lock mechanism 50.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a wired medical ultrasonic capsule device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other wired various medical treatments. Of course, it may be applied to a capsule device for medical use.

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to medical use and can be applied to, for example, various types of wired capsule devices in the industrial field. Here, when the capsule is detached in the pipelines of various devices, the capsule can be discharged out of the device, for example, by water supply into the pipeline.

The principal part sectional view showing the schematic structure of the medical ultrasonic capsule device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Same as above, main part sectional view showing a state where the signal cable is detached from the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule Sectional drawing principal part which shows the state which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention and connected the signal cable to the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule Same as above, main part sectional view showing a state in which the signal cable is being detached from the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule Same as above, main part sectional view showing a state where the signal cable is detached from the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule Sectional drawing principal part which shows the state which connected the signal cable to the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule in connection with the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Same as above, main part sectional view showing a state where the signal cable is detached from the medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule Same as above, perspective view of reel with encoder viewed from diagonally above Same as above, perspective view of reel with encoder as seen from diagonally below Same as above, explanatory diagram showing the state at the time of ultrasonic diagnosis Same as above, flowchart showing a lock mechanism control routine Same as above, chart showing the relationship between the amount of medical ultrasound diagnostic capsule introduced and the threshold The principal part sectional view showing the state where a signal cable detached from a medical ultrasonic diagnostic capsule concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention. Same as above, main part sectional view showing a modification of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Medical ultrasonic capsule device (capsule device)
2… Medical ultrasound diagnostic capsule (capsule)
3 ... Ultrasound observation device (external device, control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Signal cable 31 ... Connector chamber 35 ... Connector 36 ... 1st connector part 37 ... 2nd connector part 38 ... Signal pin 39 ... Signal pin hole 45 ... Snap fitting mechanism 46 ... Engagement claw part 47 ... Engagement recessed part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 ... Lock mechanism 51 ... Arm 52 ... Arm drive part 53 ... Engagement recessed part 54 ... Tension gauge (tension detection means)
56 ... reel 57 ... encoder (introduction amount detection means)

Claims (6)

A capsule introduced into the pipeline,
An external device for communicating with the capsule via a signal cable;
A connector that is interposed between the capsule and the signal cable and removably connects the free end of the signal cable to the capsule;
The capsule device characterized in that the connection strength by the connector is set to be at least smaller than the tensile strength of the signal cable. The connector includes a first connector portion fixed to the capsule in a connector chamber formed in the capsule;
The capsule device according to claim 1, further comprising a second connector portion fixed to a free end of the signal cable and detachably connected to the first connector portion in the connector chamber.   The connector has a signal pin protruding from the connector part of either the first connector part or the second connector part, and a signal pin hole recessed from the other connector part, The capsule device according to claim 2, wherein the signal cable is detachably connected to the capsule by press-fitting the signal pin into the signal pin hole.   The connector has an engagement claw portion formed in one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion, and an engagement recess portion formed in the other connector portion. 4. The capsule device according to claim 2, wherein the signal cable is detachably connected to the capsule by engagement of the engagement claw portion with the engagement recess. The connector has a tension detection means for detecting a tension acting between the first connector portion and the second connector portion when they are connected;
A lock mechanism that is controlled by the control means and locks the connection between the first connector portion and the second connector portion;
5. The control device according to claim 2, wherein when the tension exceeds a threshold value, the control unit unlocks the connection between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. 6. The capsule device according to one. Having an introduction amount detecting means for detecting the introduction amount of the capsule into the pipeline,
The capsule device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit variably sets the threshold according to the amount of the capsule introduced.

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