JP2009034425A - Motion switching mechanism for capsule medical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To switch the state of motion of a capsule medical instrument by a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: A rubber film 22 is mounted inside a capsule shell 11. The outer edge of the rubber film 22 is fixed to the inner wall 11E of the capsule shell 11 along the whole circumference, and a sealed internal space 23 is sectioned between the rubber film 22 and the inner wall 11E. The sealed internal space 23 is filled with compressed air, and the rubber film 22 expands upward. The expanded rubber film 22 presses a leaf spring 25, and the other end 25C of the leaf spring 25 is separated from a fixed contact 24. When a seal part 27 is released and the compressed air is discharged from a connection hole 23B, the rubber film 22 contracts downward, and the other end 25C is connected to the fixed contact 24. When the other end 25C is connected to the fixed contact, power supply to a circuit unit 14 is started. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation switching mechanism in a capsule medical device such as a capsule endoscope, and more particularly to an operation switching mechanism at the start of use.

  In recent years, capsule-type capsule endoscopes have been put into practical use as endoscopes for photographing the inside of the body such as the gastrointestinal tract. In the capsule endoscope, an internal circuit is driven by a battery or the like provided in the capsule endoscope, but the amount of charge of the battery is limited, and the circuit drive by the battery can be performed only for a short time. Therefore, it is common for a doctor or the like to turn on the power immediately before swallowing and to start driving the internal circuit. This power-on operation is preferably performed with a simple operation without disassembling the capsule endoscope from the viewpoint of waterproofing. Furthermore, it is preferable not to consume so-called standby power in a state before the start of the inspection.

Conventionally, as a mechanism for turning on the power of the capsule endoscope, the capsule endoscope is stored in a case including a magnet, and when the capsule endoscope is taken out from the storage case, the capsule endoscope is A mechanism for turning on the power of an endoscope is known (see Patent Document 1). According to such a mechanism, since the power is automatically turned on by removing the capsule endoscope from the case, the power can be turned on without disassembling the capsule endoscope, It can be simplified.
Special table 2003-52395 gazette

  According to the mechanism described in Patent Document 1, a magnet is provided in each storage case for storing each capsule endoscope, and the number of magnets corresponding to the number of capsule endoscopes is required. However, since the capsule endoscope and the storage case are usually used in a disposable manner, a large amount of magnet is required according to the above mechanism.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, power consumption of the built-in battery starts when the capsule endoscope is taken out of the case, and wasteful power is consumed until the actual observation operation. For this reason, there is a problem that the capacity of the built-in battery needs to have a margin, and as a result, there is a problem that the capsule endoscope becomes large and the manufacturing cost increases.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is possible to switch the circuit operation such as turning on the power without using a magnet and disassembling the capsule endoscope with a simple configuration. It is an object to provide a simple operation switching mechanism. Furthermore, it aims at providing the operation | movement switching mechanism which can reduce useless energy consumption.

  The operation switching mechanism according to the present invention is an operation switching mechanism of a swallowable capsule medical device configured by providing a circuit inside the outer shell, and is provided inside the outer shell and electrically connected thereto. And a partition member for partitioning a part of the internal space inside the outer shell, the pressure in the internal space is changed, and the partition member is displaced or deformed. Thus, the second contact is also displaced, and the second contact is electrically connected to or disconnected from the first contact.

  The pressure may be changed by setting the internal space to a negative pressure and flowing the fluid into the internal space. Further, the pressure may be changed by making the internal space positive and discharging the fluid from the internal space.

  It is preferable that the internal space can communicate with the outside of the outer shell through a communication port formed in the outer shell. In that case, a seal portion for sealing the communication port is provided. When the seal portion is removed or a hole is made in a part thereof, the fluid is discharged from the internal space to the outside through the communication port, or the fluid is flowed into the internal space from the outside.

  The fluid may be either a gas or a liquid, but is preferably a gas. When the fluid is a gas, first and second spaces partitioned by a gas-permeable member are formed in the internal space, and the first and second spaces are ventilated via the gas-permeable member. In addition, the second space may be able to communicate with the outside through the communication port. In this case, gas is discharged from the first space to the outside through the breathable member, the second space, and the communication port by removing the seal portion or making a hole in a part thereof, or Gas is introduced into the space 1 from the outside, and the partition member is displaced or deformed. And when a gas passes a breathable membrane, air resistance arises and discharge or inflow of gas is delayed.

  A sub-internal space defined by a sub-partitioning member and having a negative pressure or a positive pressure may be provided inside the outer shell. The sub-internal space communicates with the outside of the outer shell through a communication port formed in the outer shell, and the communication port is sealed by a seal portion. By removing the seal part or making a hole in a part thereof, the fluid is introduced into the sub-internal space from the outside, or the fluid in the sub-internal space is discharged to the outside. Thereby, the pressure of the sub internal space is changed, and the sub partition member is displaced or deformed, and the internal space is positively pressurized or depressurized by the deformation or displacement of the sub partition member.

  The partition member is preferably a membrane member whose outer edge is attached to the inner wall of the outer shell. The second contact is preferably displaced by a spring member. The spring member is preferably released from being pressed by the partition member, or released from the tension of the partition member and restored, thereby displacing the second contact. However, the spring member may be displaced by being deformed by being pressed by the partition member or pulled by the partition member. The spring member is, for example, a leaf spring having one end formed at the second contact.

  The circuit may include first and second circuits. In this case, the first and second circuits are electrically connected to the first and second contacts, respectively. Then, the second contact is electrically connected to or disconnected from the first contact, and the connection state between the first circuit and the second circuit changes. One of the first circuit and the second circuit is preferably a power supply circuit, and the other is preferably an operation circuit that operates with power supplied from the power supply circuit.

  In the present invention, the circuit operation is switched by displacing the contacts by changing the pressure in the internal space inside the capsule outer shell, so that the circuit operation can be switched with a simple configuration without disassembling the capsule endoscope. It can be performed. In addition, for example, by delaying the pressure change in the internal space, the time from the power-on operation until the circuit is actually driven can be delayed, so that useless power consumption can be suppressed.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in which the operation switching mechanism of the present invention is applied to a capsule endoscope. In the embodiment described below, as an example of switching the operation of the capsule medical device, turning on the power of the capsule endoscope is taken as an example. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an initial state of the capsule endoscope before power is turned on. In the following description, left and right and up and down in FIG.

  The capsule endoscope 10 is a capsule medical device that can be swallowed by swallowing and can observe the inside of the body. As shown in FIG. 1, the capsule endoscope 10 is configured such that the inside is sealed with a capsule outer shell 11. The capsule outer shell 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape and made of an opaque material. The capsule shell 11 is connected to the right end of the main body 11A and has a light-transmitting substantially hemispherical transparent cover 11B. It consists of a substantially hemispherical opaque cover portion 11C made of an opaque material, connected to the left end portion of 11A.

  Inside the capsule outer shell 11, an image sensor 12 for imaging a subject, a lens 13 for forming a subject image on the image sensor 12, and a circuit unit 14 (first circuit) including various circuits A power source 15 (second circuit) for supplying power to the circuit unit 14, a light source device 16 for illuminating the inside of the body, and a video signal obtained by the image sensor 12 are transmitted to the outside. An antenna unit 17 is provided.

  A rubber film 22 is provided inside the inner wall 11E of the capsule outer shell 11 in the lower portion of the main body 11A. The outer edge of the rubber film 22 is fixed to the inner wall 11E over the entire circumference, and portions other than the outer edge are not fixed to the inner wall 11E and can be elastically deformed in the vertical direction. Then, the rubber film 22 is deformed so as to swell upward (that is, inside the outer shell 11), whereby a first internal space 23A partitioned by the rubber film 22 and the inner wall 11E is formed. The The rubber film 22 is formed of, for example, rubber having good biocompatibility, and is preferably formed of an insulator in order to maintain insulation from the leaf spring 25 described later.

  Inside the capsule outer shell 11, a fixed contact (first contact) 24 made of metal and a leaf spring 25 made of an elongated metal extending in the left and right directions are arranged. First and second projecting portions 31 and 32 projecting upward are formed on the inner wall 11E in the lower portion of the main body portion 11A so as to sandwich the rubber film 22 from the left and right. The fixed contact 24 is fixed to the tip surface 32 </ b> A of the second protrusion 32. The fixed contact 24 is formed, for example, by bonding a metal piece to the tip surface 32A with an adhesive or the like, or formed on the tip surface 32A by depositing metal.

  The leaf spring 25 extends rightward from one end portion 25A fixed to the distal end surface 31A of the first projecting portion 31 with an adhesive or the like while contacting the inner peripheral surface of the rubber film 22, and the other end portion. A (second contact) 25 </ b> C is provided above the fixed contact 24. The other end portion 25C contacts the fixed contact 24 in a state where the restoring force of the leaf spring 25 is released, but in the initial state shown in FIG. ing.

  The power supply 15 and the circuit unit 14 are electrically connected to a fixed contact 24 and a leaf spring 25, respectively. When the other end 25C of the leaf spring 25 contacts the fixed contact 24 and the fixed contact 24 and the other end 25C are electrically connected, power is supplied from the power supply 15 to the circuit unit 14. When power is supplied to the circuit unit 14, the circuit unit 14 is driven, illumination light is emitted from the light source device 16, and the image sensor 12 is driven to generate a video signal. The generated video signal is transmitted from the antenna unit 17 and received by a receiving device provided outside the capsule endoscope 10.

  On the other hand, when the other end portion 25C is separated from the fixed contact 24 and is electrically disconnected, the circuit unit 14 is not supplied with power from the power source 15, and the above-described illumination operation and video signal generation operation are performed. Not implemented.

  The capsule outer shell 11 is provided with a connection hole (second internal space) 23B connected to the first internal space 23A. The connection hole 23 </ b> B communicates with the outside through an opening (communication port) 21 </ b> A opened in the outer wall 11 </ b> E of the capsule outer shell 11. In an initial state, that is, in a product shipment state before use, a sheet-like seal portion 27 is attached to the outer wall 11D so as to cover and close the opening 21A. That is, in the initial state, the opening 21 </ b> A is sealed by the seal portion 27, whereby the first and second internal spaces 23 </ b> A and 23 </ b> B are formed as the sealed internal space 23. In the initial state, the sealed internal space 23 is filled with compressed air as a fluid.

  In the initial state, by being sealed by the seal portion 27, the compressed air inside the sealed internal space 23 is not discharged to the outside of the capsule outer shell 11 through the opening 21A. Moreover, since the compressed air does not leak into the inside from between the rubber film 22 and the inner wall 11E, the sealed internal space 23 is maintained in a positive pressure state. On the other hand, since the pressure in the internal space 45 other than the sealed internal space 23 inside the capsule outer shell 11 is atmospheric pressure, the rubber film 22 is expanded upward (inside the capsule outer shell 11).

  The rubber film 22 swelled upward presses the leaf spring 25 and separates the other end portion 25C of the leaf spring 25 from the fixed contact 24. In the initial state, no power is supplied from the power source 15 to the circuit unit 14. It becomes. Note that the seal portion 27 is preferably formed of a hard resin sheet or the like having a lower elasticity than that of the rubber film 22 so that the seal portion 27 does not substantially expand even when pressed. Further, the size of the opening 21A may be made sufficiently small so that the seal portion 27 does not swell.

  On the other hand, when the seal portion 27 is peeled from the outer wall 11D, the compressed air inside the first and second inner spaces 23A, 23B is discharged to the outside of the capsule outer shell 11 through the opening 21A, and the first and second inner spaces 23A, 23B are discharged. The pressure in the two internal spaces 23A and 23B is returned to atmospheric pressure. Thereby, the rubber film 22 is contracted and deformed downward (outside of the capsule outer shell 11), and the leaf spring 25 is released from the pressure from the rubber film 22, and the other end portion 25C is moved downward by the restoring force. To the fixed contact 24 to electrically connect them. As described above, when the leaf spring 25 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 24, power supply from the power source 15 to the circuit unit 14 is started, and driving of the circuit unit 14 is started.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the driving of the circuit unit 14 can be started by removing the seal portion 27, the power can be turned on without disassembling the capsule endoscope 10. In addition, since the power source 15 is electrically separated from the circuit unit 14 in the initial state, power consumption of the power source 15 in the initial state can be suppressed. The rubber film 22 that presses the leaf spring 25 may be formed of a material other than rubber, such as resin, as long as it has elasticity. Furthermore, the rubber film 22 may not have elasticity such as vinyl. Of course, the restoring force of the leaf spring 25 is also used for discharging the air.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is the configuration of the seal portion. Hereinafter, differences of the present embodiment from the first embodiment will be described. 2 to 8 described below are drawings in which a part of the capsule endoscope 10 is omitted, and each member such as an imaging element is appropriately omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the seal portion 27 is formed of a rubber film fixed to the inner wall 11E. The seal portion 27 is provided so as to cover and close the connection hole (second internal space) 23B from the inner side of the capsule outer shell 11. Accordingly, the first internal space 23A is formed as a sealed internal space 23, and the connection hole 23B serves as a communication port for communicating the sealed internal space 23 with the outside of the capsule outer shell 11. In the present embodiment, the seal portion 27 cannot be peeled off from the inner wall 11E. For example, when a hole is made by a needle or the like, the compressed air inside the first inner space 23A is discharged to the outside through the connection hole 23B. Is done.

  The needle is longer than the thickness of the capsule outer shell 11 so that a hole is made in the seal portion 27, but from the outer wall 11D to the rubber film 22 located above the connection hole 23B so as not to damage the rubber film 22. It is preferable that the distance is shorter than. However, a guard member may be provided on the lower surface (outer periphery) side of the rubber film 22 so that the rubber film 22 is not damaged by the needle. The rubber film forming the seal portion 27 is preferably less elastic than the rubber film 22 so as not to swell greatly toward the outside due to compressed air. Of course, the diameter of the opening 21A may be made sufficiently small so that the seal portion 27 does not swell. Further, the seal portion 27 may not be a rubber film, and may be a resin film, for example.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a breathable film (breathable member) 33 is provided. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the connection hole (second internal space) 23B is covered and sealed from the inner side of the capsule outer shell 11 by the air permeable membrane 33 fixed to the inner wall 11E. That is, the space between the second internal space 23 </ b> B and the first internal space 23 is partitioned by the air permeable membrane 33, and the space between them is ventilated through the air permeable membrane 33. The second internal space 23B communicates with the outside of the capsule outer shell 11 through the opening 21A, and the opening 21A is sealed with a seal portion 27 in the initial state. The air permeable membrane 33 is a resin sheet or a rubber sheet provided with countless fine holes. Instead of providing the air permeable membrane 33, fine air holes may be provided in the capsule outer shell.

  When the seal portion 27 is peeled off, the compressed air inside the second inner space 23B is discharged to the outside of the capsule outer shell 11 through the opening portion 21A. The compressed air in the first internal space 23A passes through the air permeable membrane 33, the second internal space 23B, and the opening 21A and is discharged to the outside. Here, the air permeable membrane 33 causes air resistance by allowing the compressed air to pass through the fine holes, and thereby the compressed air inside the first inner space 23A is discharged to the outside of the capsule outer shell 11. The rubber film 22 is gradually compressed downward by delaying. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the seal portion 27 is peeled off, the other end portion 25C gently approaches the fixed contact 24, and the other end portion 25C comes into contact with the fixed contact 24 after a predetermined time has passed since the peel off of the seal portion 27. The driving of the circuit unit 14 is started.

  If the circuit unit 14 is not driven for a predetermined time after the seal portion 27 is peeled off as in the present embodiment, for example, after the capsule endoscope 10 is swallowed, the driving of the circuit unit 14 is started. Is possible. If the circuit unit 14 is driven and radio waves are radiated from the antenna unit 17 before the capsule endoscope 10 is swallowed, the radio waves may adversely affect surrounding medical devices. However, if radio waves are emitted from the antenna unit 17 after swallowing as in the present embodiment, a certain amount of radio waves are blocked by the body, and adverse effects on surrounding medical devices are reduced.

  Further, the capsule endoscope 10 does not need to capture an image during the period from swallowing until it reaches an observation target organ (for example, the small intestine), and when the light source device 16 and the imaging element 12 are driven during the period. The power of the power source 15 is consumed unnecessarily. Therefore, if the driving of the circuit unit 14 is started after the elapse of a predetermined time as in the present embodiment, the unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

  The air permeable membrane 33 may not have innumerable holes, and may be cellophane having air permeability, for example. Further, the time from when the seal portion 27 is peeled off until the drive of the circuit unit 14 is started can be adjusted by the material of the air permeable membrane 33, the number and diameter of the fine holes, the size of the connection hole 23B, and the like. It is.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the difference from the third embodiment is the configuration of the seal portion. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the third embodiment.

  The seal portion 27 according to the present embodiment is a rubber film fixed to the outer wall 11D so as to cover and close the connection hole (second inner space) 23B from the outside of the capsule outer shell 11, and cannot be peeled off. Moreover, the air permeable membrane 33 is fixed to the inner wall 11E so as to cover and close the connection hole 23B from the inner side of the capsule outer shell 11 as in the third embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the seal portion 27 is punctured by a needle or the like, so that the compressed air inside the first internal space 23A passes through the air permeable membrane 33, the second internal space 23B, and the opening 21A. And is discharged to the outside of the capsule outer shell 11. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the other end portion 25C is gently displaced downward and is electrically connected to the fixed contact 24, and the circuit unit 14 is driven after a predetermined time has elapsed since the seal portion 27 was pierced. Be started.

  In the present embodiment, the needle for making a hole in the seal portion 27 is preferably shorter than the thickness of the capsule outer shell 11 so as not to damage the breathable membrane 33. Further, for example, a guard member may be provided between the air permeable film 33 and the rubber film 22 so as not to damage the air permeable film 33.

  Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 focusing on differences from the fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, a part of the inner wall 11E of the opaque cover portion 11C is formed so as to protrude rightward and becomes an annular protrusion 40 surrounding the axis of the capsule outer shell 11, and the inner portion of the annular protrusion 40 is The first protrusion 41 is recessed leftward from the tip surface 40A of the annular protrusion 40. The rubber film 22 is disposed so as to cover and close the first concave portion 41 from the inside, and an outer edge portion thereof is fixed to the front end surface 40A of the annular projecting portion 40 over the entire circumference. As a result, the first recess 41, that is, the first inner space 23A defined between the rubber film 22 and the inner wall 11E of the opaque cover portion 11C is formed on the right side of the rubber film 22 of the capsule outer shell 11. Isolated from the internal space 45.

  First and second protrusions 34 and 35 protruding rightward are formed on the tip surface 40A of the annular protrusion 40 so as to sandwich the rubber film 22 from above and below. The fixed contact 24 is fixed to the distal end surface 35 </ b> A of the second protrusion 35. One end portion 25A of the leaf spring 25 is fixed to the tip end surface 34A of the first protrusion 34, and extends downward while contacting the inner peripheral surface of the rubber film 22, and the other end portion 25C is It is arranged on the right side of the fixed contact 24.

  The tip X of the transparent cover part 11C is formed in a thin part 71 that is thinner than the other parts. As a result, a second recess 42 that is further recessed from the recess bottom surface 41D of the first recess 41 is formed at the distal end portion X, and the inside of the second recess 42 is connected to the first internal space 23A. It is formed as an internal space 23B. As will be described later, the portion provided with the thin portion 71 is a communication port 77 that is pierced by the needle 51 and can communicate with the outside. The thin portion 71 seals the communication port 77. It is formed as a seal part. Further, the second recess 42 is covered and sealed from the side of the inner wall 11E of the capsule outer shell 11 by the air permeable film 33 fixed to the inner wall 11E (the recess bottom surface 41D). Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the first and second internal spaces 23A and 23B are formed as the sealed internal space 23 and are ventilated through the air permeable membrane 33 therebetween.

  The capsule endoscope 10 according to the present embodiment is stored in the case member 50 in the initial state, and is stored until immediately before being used in the stored state. One surface of the case member 50 has a rectangular parallelepiped box shape formed on an opening surface 50 </ b> A for taking in and out of the capsule endoscope 10. When the capsule endoscope 10 is stored inside the case member 50, the opening surface 50 </ b> A of the case member 50 is covered by the lid portion 52, and the capsule endoscope 10 is sealed and stored by the case member 50 and the lid portion 52. Is done.

  A needle 51 erected toward the opening surface 50A is fixed at the center position of the bottom surface 50B of the case member 50 facing the opening surface 50A. An annular rubber ring 52 is fixed to the bottom surface 50B so as to surround the needle 51. The length of the case member 50 is substantially equal to the length of the capsule outer shell 11 in the axial direction (that is, the left-right direction), and the height and width of the case member 50 are substantially equal to the diameter of the capsule outer shell 11. Therefore, when the capsule endoscope 10 is stored in the case member 50, the opaque cover portion 11C is maintained in contact with the rubber ring 52. On the other hand, the distal end portion of the needle 51 is opposed to the thin portion 71, but the height of the needle 51 is smaller than the height of the rubber ring, and even if a slight impact is applied to the case member 50, the needle 51 moves to the thin portion 71. There will be no holes.

  In this embodiment, when the capsule endoscope 10 is used, the lid portion 52 is removed and the capsule endoscope 10 is strongly pressed toward the left. Due to this strong pressing, the capsule endoscope 10 greatly compresses the rubber ring 52, and the distal end portion of the needle 51 penetrates the thin portion 71, and a hole is formed in the thin portion 71. When a hole is made in the thin portion 71, the compressed air inside the first inner space 23A is discharged to the outside through the hole. Then, the restoring force of the leaf spring 25 is released, the other end 25C is connected to the fixed contact 24, and the driving of the circuit unit 14 is started. In the present embodiment, since the air permeable membrane 33 is provided, the compressed air inside the first internal space 23A passes through the air permeable membrane 33, the second internal space 23B, and the communication port 77. Slowly discharged outside. Therefore, the other end portion 25 </ b> C is connected to the fixed contact 24 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the hole was made in the thin portion 71. In addition, when a hole is made in the resin with a needle, a sharp portion (so-called burr) protruding around the hole is generated, but it is within the second inner space 23B, and the capsule tip portion X has an opportunity to touch the digestive tract wall. Because there are few, it is safe. Moreover, in the said 1st thru | or 5th embodiment, although compressed air was enclosed in the internal space 23, you may enclose inert gas, such as nitrogen other than air.

  Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the difference from the fifth embodiment is that the internal space 23 is set to a negative pressure and no air permeable membrane is provided. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the fifth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a part of the inner wall 11E of the opaque cover portion 11C is formed in the annular protrusion 40 having the same configuration as in the fifth embodiment, and the inside of the annular protrusion 40 is connected to the first recess 41. Become. The rubber film 22 is fixed to the tip surface 40A of the annular protrusion 40 so as to cover and close the first recess 41 from the right side, and the first recess 41 is divided by the rubber film 22 and the inner wall 11E. It becomes the internal space 23A. Further, the distal end portion X of the opaque cover portion 11C is formed in the thin portion 71, and a second concave portion 42 (second internal space 23B) further recessed from the bottom surface of the first concave portion 41 is formed.

  A part of the inner wall 11E on the upper side of the annular projecting portion 40 projects to the right side to form the first projecting portion 36, and the tip surface 36A of the first projecting portion 36 is arranged on the right side of the tip surface 40A of the annular projecting portion 40. Is done. A second projecting portion 37 projecting upward is formed on the lower portion of the opaque cover portion 11C, and the left surface 37B of the second projecting portion 37 is on the right side of the tip surface 36A of the first projecting portion 36. Located in. The fixed contact 24 is fixed to the left surface 37 </ b> B of the second protrusion 37.

  The leaf spring 25 has one end 25 </ b> A fixed to the tip surface 36 </ b> A of the first protrusion 36, and extends downward from the one end 25 </ b> A, and the other end 25 </ b> C is disposed on the left side of the fixed contact 24. The leaf spring 25 is connected to the central portion of the rubber film 22 by a connecting member 44 such as a thread, and the leaf spring 25 is displaced along with the displacement of the central portion of the rubber film 22. In the state where the restoring force is released, the leaf spring 25 has the other end portion 25 </ b> C in contact with the fixed contact 24, and power is supplied to the circuit unit 14.

  In the present embodiment, in the initial state, the sealed internal space 23 (first and second internal spaces 23A and 23B) is set to a negative pressure, while the pressure of the internal space 45 partitioned on the right side of the rubber film 22 is Atmospheric pressure. Therefore, in the initial state, the rubber film 22 is pressed leftward (that is, outside the capsule outer shell 11) by the pressure from the internal space 45, and the central portion of the rubber film 22 is displaced leftward. It will be in the state. With the displacement of the rubber film 22, the leaf spring 25 is also pulled leftward by the connecting member 44 to be deformed, and the other end portion 25 </ b> C is separated from the fixed contact 24 in the initial state. With such a configuration, in the initial state, the rubber film 22 is pressed by the internal space 45 so as to press the fixed state between the front end surface 40A and the rubber film 22, so that the front end surface 40A and the rubber film 22 There is an advantage that the fixed state of is difficult to peel off.

  When the thin-walled portion 71 is pierced by the needle 51, air flows into the sealed internal space 23 from the outside of the capsule outer shell 11. Therefore, the rubber film 22 is released from the pressure from the space 45, the central portion of the rubber film 22 is displaced in the right direction, and the leaf spring 25 is released from the tension from the rubber film 22. As a result, the restoring force of the leaf spring 25 is released, and the other end portion 25 </ b> C is displaced rightward and connected to the fixed contact 24. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the supply of power to the circuit unit 14 is started by making a hole in the thin portion 71 as in the fifth embodiment.

  Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The present embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that a second rubber film 46 is provided. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the fifth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a second rubber film (sub partition member) 46 is further provided between the breathable film 33 and the thin portion 71 (communication port 77) inside the connection hole 23B. Thereby, in this embodiment, in addition to the internal space 47 defined between the first and second rubber films 22, 46, between the second rubber film 46 and the thin portion 71 (communication port 77). A sub-internal space 48 to be partitioned is formed. The sub internal space 48 can communicate with the outside via the communication port 77, and the communication port 77 is sealed by the thin portion 71 in the initial state. The outer edge of the second rubber film 46 is fixed to the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the connection hole 23 </ b> B, and the internal space 47 is isolated from the sub internal space 48.

  Also in this embodiment, the connection hole 23B is covered and covered from the inner side of the outer shell 11 by the air permeable membrane 33 fixed to the inner wall 11E. Accordingly, the internal space 47 includes the first space 47A defined between the first rubber film 22 and the air permeable film 33, and the second space defined between the air permeable film 33 and the second rubber film 46. Space 47B.

  In the initial state, the internal space 47 and the sub internal space 48 are filled with compressed air. Accordingly, the rubber film 22 is deformed so as to swell to the right side, and the other end portion 25 </ b> C of the leaf spring 25 is separated from the fixed contact 24. In the initial state, the pressure in the sub-internal space 48 is higher than the pressure in the first space 47, and the second rubber film 46 is deformed so as to swell rightward.

  When the thin-walled portion 71 is punctured by the needle 51, the compressed air in the sub-internal space 48 is discharged to the outside, the inside of the sub-internal space 48 is decompressed, and the second rubber film 46 is deformed leftward. Accordingly, the volume of the second space 47B is increased and the pressure in the second space 47B is also reduced, so that the air in the first space 47A also slowly moves to the second space 47B via the air permeable membrane 33. To do. By this movement, the inside of the first space 47A is also depressurized, the first rubber film 22 is also gently compressed in the left direction, and the pressing force of the rubber film 22 against the leaf spring 25 is reduced. Accordingly, the leaf spring 25 is restored in the left direction, the other end portion 25C is connected to the fixed contact 24, and the driving of the circuit unit 14 is started. In this embodiment as well, since the air permeable membrane 33 is provided, the drive of the circuit unit 14 is started after a predetermined time has elapsed since the hole was made in the thin portion 71.

  According to the present embodiment, the second rubber film 46 ensures the inner sealing property thereof, so that the air permeable film 33 provided on the inner side of the second rubber film 46 is exposed to the external environment. There is no. Therefore, this embodiment is effective when the biocompatibility of the air permeable membrane 33 cannot be ensured. Further, as the fluid filled in the space 47, a liquid such as water or physiological saline can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the interior of the internal space 47 is initially filled with compressed air and is in a positive pressure state, but is not sealed with compressed air, and the pressure in the internal space 47 is atmospheric pressure. It may be. Further, as in the sixth embodiment, both the internal space 47 and the sub internal space 48 may be set to a negative pressure. Furthermore, the internal space 47 may be set to atmospheric pressure, while the sub internal space 48 may be set to negative pressure.

  FIG. 8 is a view for showing a capsule endoscope according to the eighth embodiment. In the capsule endoscope 10 according to the eighth embodiment, a sub circuit unit 19 is provided as a circuit unit in addition to the circuit unit 14, and a sub fixed contact 29 is further provided. The sub circuit unit 19 is, for example, a timer that measures time when power is supplied. Each of the circuit unit 14 and the sub circuit unit 19 is conducted to the fixed contact 24 and the sub fixed contact 29, and the power source 15 is conducted to the leaf spring 25.

  In the initial state, the leaf spring 25 is pressed upward by the rubber film 22, and the other end portion 25 </ b> C of the leaf spring 25 is in contact with the auxiliary fixed contact 29. Therefore, in the initial state, the sub circuit unit 19 is electrically connected to the power source 15 and is supplied with power from the power source 15. That is, in this embodiment, before the circuit unit 14 is driven, the standby time is measured by the timer.

  When the seal portion 27 is peeled off and compressed air is discharged from the space 23, the leaf spring 25 is restored, and the other end portion 25 </ b> C of the leaf spring 25 is separated from the auxiliary fixed contact 29 and the fixed contact 24. Displace to touch. Therefore, the circuit unit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply 15 and supplied with power from the power supply 15. Further, since the connection between the leaf spring 25 and the sub fixed contact 29 is cut, the power supply from the power source 15 to the sub circuit unit 19 is stopped.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the circuit unit to which power is supplied can be changed from the sub circuit unit 19 to the main circuit unit 14 by peeling the seal portion 27.

  The operation switching mechanism according to the present invention can be applied to a device other than a capsule endoscope as long as it is a capsule medical device. In each of the above-described embodiments, the leaf spring 25 is released by being pressed from the rubber film 22 or restored from being pulled from the rubber film 22 and is brought into contact with the fixed contact 24. It may be deformed by being pressed or pulled, and may contact the fixed contact 24.

It is the figure which showed the capsule endoscope which concerns on 1st Embodiment, Comprising: It is the figure which showed a part in cross section and a part typically. It is the figure which showed a part of capsule endoscope which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed a part of capsule endoscope which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed a part of capsule endoscope which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is the figure which showed typically a part of capsule endoscope which concerns on 5th Embodiment, and showed a part in cross section. It is the figure which showed the capsule endoscope which concerns on 6th Embodiment, Comprising: It is the figure which showed a part in cross section and a part typically. It is the figure which showed the capsule endoscope which concerns on 7th Embodiment, Comprising: It is the figure which showed a part in cross section and a part typically. It is the figure which showed the capsule endoscope which concerns on 8th Embodiment, Comprising: It is the figure which showed a part in cross section and a part typically.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Capsule endoscope 11 Capsule outer shell 11C Opaque cover part 14 Circuit unit 15 Power supply 23B Connection hole 23 Sealed internal space 24 Fixed contact (1st contact)
25 Leaf spring 25C The other end (second contact)
27 Sealing part 33 Breathable membrane

Claims (12)

An operation switching mechanism of a swallowable capsule medical device configured by providing a circuit inside the outer shell,
A first contact and a second contact provided inside the outer shell and switching operation of the circuit by being electrically connected;
A partition member for partitioning a part of the internal space inside the outer shell;
When the pressure in the internal space is changed, and the partition member is displaced or deformed, the second contact is also displaced, and the second contact is electrically connected to the first contact, or An operation switching mechanism characterized by being cut.   The internal space is set to a negative pressure, and the fluid is flowed into the internal space, whereby the pressure is changed, or the internal space is set to a positive pressure. The operation switching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pressure is changed by discharging the fluid. The internal space can communicate with the outside of the outer shell through a communication port formed in the outer shell, and a seal portion for sealing the communication port is provided,
When the seal portion is removed or a hole is formed in a part thereof, the fluid is discharged from the internal space to the outside through the communication port, or the fluid flows into the internal space from the outside. The operation switching mechanism according to claim 2, wherein: The fluid is a gas,
First and second spaces partitioned by a breathable member are formed in the internal space, and the first and second spaces are ventilated through the breathable member, and the second space The space can communicate with the outside through the communication port,
When the seal portion is removed or a hole is formed in a part thereof, gas is discharged from the first space to the outside via the breathable member, the second space, and the communication port. Or, gas is introduced from the outside into the first space, and the partition member is displaced or deformed,
The operation switching mechanism according to claim 3, wherein air resistance is generated when the gas passes through the air-permeable member, and discharge or inflow of the gas is delayed. Inside the outer shell, a sub-internal space that is partitioned by a sub-partition member and made negative or positive is provided,
The sub-internal space can communicate with the outside of the outer shell through a communication port formed in the outer shell, and the communication port is sealed by a seal portion,
When the seal part is removed or a hole is made in a part thereof, a fluid is introduced into the sub-internal space from the outside, or a fluid in the sub-internal space is discharged to the outside. The pressure of the sub-internal space is changed, and the sub-partition member is displaced or deformed, and the inner space is made positive pressure or negative pressure by the deformation or displacement of the sub-partition member. The operation switching mechanism according to claim 1.   The operation switching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the partition member is a film member having an outer edge attached to an inner wall of the outer shell.   The operation switching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second contact is displaced by a spring member.   8. The operation according to claim 7, wherein the spring member is released from pressing from the partition member or released from pulling of the partition member to displace the second contact point by being restored. 9. Switching mechanism.   The operation switching mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the spring member is displaced by being deformed by being pressed by the partition member or pulled by the partition member.   The operation switching mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the spring member is a leaf spring having one end formed at the second contact. The circuit includes first and second circuits,
Each of the first and second circuits is electrically connected to each of the first and second contacts,
The connection state between the first circuit and the second circuit is changed by the second contact being electrically connected to or disconnected from the first contact. The operation switching mechanism described. The operation switching mechanism according to claim 11, wherein one of the first circuit and the second circuit is a power circuit, and the other is an operation circuit that operates by power supplied from the power circuit.

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