JP2018175097A - Biological information measuring probe - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep the subject-contacting portions hygienic by making the portions easily replaceable and minimize the portions to be replaced.SOLUTION: A biological information measuring probe (1A-1G) includes: a cable 14 which has ends respectively connecting to a light emitting element 12 and a light receiving element 13 and another end connecting to a measurement device main body 10 for transfer of signals; a transparent member 15 which is transparent to illumination light from the light emitting element, and which covers a portion 2 of the living body to prevent the portion of the living body from directly contacting the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the cable when the probe is mounted to the portion of the living body; and a transparent member 16 which is transparent to light to be received by the light receiving element. The probe is further provided with an exterior body (11A-11G) which serves as a contacting part to the portion of the living body. The exterior body is configured to be detachably attached to the cable, and the light emitting element and/or the light receiving element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a biological information measuring probe which is attached to a finger, ear or other living body part and used for optical measurement of biological information such as blood oxygen saturation and pulse.

By measuring biological information such as pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation, it is possible to objectively observe the physical condition of the subject. In the measurement of this biological information, a photoplethysmogram measurement device such as a photoplethysmograph or a pulse oximeter provided with a probe mounted on a human finger or the like of a human body is used. For example, in a pulse oximeter, first, light of two different wavelengths (red light and infrared light) is projected from a probe attached to the subject's finger or the like, and the light quantity change of light passing through a living body (finger) To detect Then, the blood oxygen saturation (SpO ₂ ) is obtained based on the two-wavelength pulse wave waveform obtained from the detected change in light quantity.

Patent Document 1 describes a pulse oximeter in which cost reduction is achieved by making a probe housing provided with a sensor element detachable from a cable via a connector and using the probe housing as a disposable part.
According to such a pulse oximeter, it is possible to maintain hygiene by replacing the probe housing in contact with the subject for each subject and each measurement.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-200018

  However, in the above-described prior art, the light emitting element, the light receiving element, the signal line, and the signal interface are included in the probe housing which is the replacement part.

  According to the present invention, in a probe for measuring biological information mounted on a living body part and used for optical measurement of biological information, it is possible to reduce exchange parts as much as possible while maintaining hygiene by making it easy to exchange parts contacting the subject. To reduce costs at the same time.

The invention according to claim 1 for solving the above problems is provided with a light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted on a living body site, and light is emitted from the light emitting element and received by the light receiving element of light passing through the living body site. A biological information measuring probe for acquiring biological information from the living body site based on a detected signal,
A cable connected to the light emitting element and the light receiving element on one side, and connected to the measuring apparatus main body on the other side to transmit a signal;
A transmissive member that covers the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the cable so that the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the cable do not come into direct contact with the biological site when mounted on the biological site, and transmits the light from the light emitting element for light projection And a transmitting member for transmitting the light for receiving light to the light receiving element, and an exterior body which becomes a contact portion to the living body portion when mounted on the living body portion,
The exterior body is a biological information measuring probe which is detachably attached to the cable and the light emitting element or the light receiving element.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the biological information measuring probe according to claim 1, wherein the sheath is detachably attached to the cable, the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the biological information measurement probe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cable has a connector for connecting to the measurement device body.

  The invention according to claim 4 is such that the exterior body is attachable by inserting the light emitting element, the light receiving element and the cable, and is removable by extracting it. The probe for measuring biological information according to any one of the above.

  In the invention according to claim 5, in the state where the exterior body is properly attached to the light emitting element, the light receiving element and the cable, a marker for positioning which matches the insertion opening of the exterior body is attached to the cable It is a biological information measuring probe according to claim 4.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an opening is formed in the sheath for projecting a tip end portion in the insertion direction of the cable by a predetermined amount in a state where the sheath is properly attached to the light emitting element, the light receiving element and the cable. It is a biological information measuring probe according to claim 4 or claim 5.

  In the invention according to claim 7, a cable portion connected to the light emitting element and extending from the outer package, and a cable portion connected to the light receiving element and extending from the outer package are provided in parallel. The said exterior body is attachable by being inserted in the separate insertion part formed in, and the said exterior body was made detachable by having separately pulled out. It is a probe for the biological information measurement of description.

  In the invention according to claim 8, the outer package is in a sheet shape which is bent to cover the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the cable from the front and back, and has an adhesive part adhering to each other on the inner side. It is a biological information measuring probe according to any one of 1 to 3.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the biological information measuring probe according to claim 8, wherein a marker for positioning is attached to the outer package and the cable.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the biological information measurement probe according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a cut for guiding a bending position is formed in the outer package.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the biological information measuring probe according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the outer package has a pull tab portion outside the adhesive portion.

According to the present invention, in the probe for measuring biological information mounted on a living body part and used for optical measurement of biological information, an outer package which is separated from the light emitting element, the light receiving element and the cable and becomes a contact portion to the living body part By replacing, while maintaining hygiene, cost reduction can be achieved because there are few replacement parts.
In addition, since the light emitting element and the light receiving element are not separated from the cable and replaced, the connector between the light emitting element or the light receiving element and the cable is not necessary, and eliminating the connector solves the problem of connection failure due to improper connection. .
In addition, by preparing in advance an exterior body that matches the individual differences in the size of the living body part (for example, in the case of the type worn on the finger, the size (thickness) of the finger), the optimal size according to the subject Can provide a probe of

They are a sectional view of a living body information measuring probe concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and a mimetic diagram of a finger and measuring device main part of a measuring object. They are sectional drawing (a) of the state which removed the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and sectional drawing (b) of the state which attached the exterior body. They are sectional drawing (a) of the state which removed the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and sectional drawing (b) of the state which attached the exterior body. It is a perspective view of the state which removed the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing (a) in the state which attached the exterior body of the probe for biometric information measurement which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and a front end view (b). It is a perspective view of the state which removed the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. They are the top view (a) of the state which removed the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention, and the top view (b) of the state which attached the exterior body. It is sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the state which attached the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the front-end | tip part of the state which removed the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. They are the top view (a) of the state which attached the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention, and the expansion | deployment top view (b) of an exterior body single-piece | unit. It is a top view in the state where the exterior body of the probe for biological information measurement concerning a 7th embodiment of the present invention was attached.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention.

First Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, the probe 1A according to the first embodiment has a configuration in which the light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 are inserted into an outer package 11A made of an elastomer such as silicone. It is attached. The probe 1A is a biological information measuring probe for acquiring biological information from a biological site (2) based on a signal received and detected by the light receiving element 13 of light projected from the light emitting element 12 and passing through the biological site (2). It is.
The cable 14 is connected to the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 on one side, and is connected to the measuring apparatus main body 10 on the other side to transmit a signal. That is, the light emission current signal output from the measuring apparatus main body 10 is transmitted to the light emitting element 12, and the electrical signal converted by the light receiving element 13 is transmitted to the measuring apparatus main body 10. The cable 14 has a connector 14C at its proximal end for connection to the measuring device body 10.
The exterior body 11A covers the light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 so that they do not come into direct contact with the living body part when mounted on the living body part (2). Therefore, the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 are entirely disposed in the exterior body 11A. In the cable 14, a portion including the connection portion of the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 and the vicinity thereof is disposed in the exterior body 11 </ b> A. When the exterior probe 11A is attached to the living body part (2), the exterior body 11A becomes a contact part to the living body part (2). The extent to which the sheath 11A covers the proximal end of the cable 14 is not limited to the illustrated example, and is designed in consideration of hygiene.
In FIG. 1, the probe 1A is held on the finger 2 by a band, a tape, a sack or the like (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, it has a transmitting member 15 for transmitting the light 3 for light projection from the light emitting element 12 and a transmitting member 16 for transmitting the light 3 for light reception to the light receiving element 13. The light 3 for measurement emitted from the light emitting element 12 is transmitted through the transmitting member 15 to be incident on the living body site (2), and the light 3 passing through the living body site (2) is transmitted through the transmitting member 16 to the light receiving element 13 Incident and received. The exterior body 11A may be formed of a transparent material, and the portions other than the transmitting members 15 and 16 may be colored to block disturbance light.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the exterior body 11A has an internal structure in which an insertion portion 17 including a light emitting element housing 12P, a light receiving element housing 13P, and a cable housing 14P is formed. The light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 are inserted into the insertion opening 17I of the insertion portion 17 from the tip 18 of the cable 14, and can be attached to the outer package 11A. When the tip 18 of the cable 14 abuts on the end 17E of the insertion portion 17, the light emitting element 12 is disposed in the accommodation portion 12P, the light receiving element 13 is disposed in the accommodation portion 13P, and the exterior body 11A is correctly attached (FIG. 2 (b)). Conversely, the exterior body 11A is made removable by the light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 being removed from the exterior body 11A.
As described above, the exterior body 11A is attachable to and detachable from the cable 14, the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13.

  In a state where the outer package 11A is correctly attached to the light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 (FIG. 2 (b)), the positioning marker 14M corresponding to the insertion opening 17I of the outer package 11A is attached to the cable 14. ing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the insufficient insertion and the pressing from the properly attached state (FIG. 2A).

Second Embodiment
The probe 1B of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is a modification of the probe 1A of the first embodiment.
With the package 11B correctly attached to the light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 (FIG. 3 (b)), the opening 17T for projecting the tip 14T in the insertion direction of the cable 14 by a predetermined amount It is formed.
By pulling the tip portion 14T of the cable 14, insertion is facilitated. The diameter of the light emitting element 12 is set so as not to pass through the opening 17T on the front end side, and the light emitting element 12 is positioned and fixed in the accommodation portion 12P.

Third Embodiment
The probe 1C according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is the same as the probe 1A according to the first embodiment except that the mounting and demounting of the exterior body is of the insertion type to the exterior body. This is a mounting form of a mold, and is a modification in which attachment and detachment of the outer package is parallel insertion. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the shape, structure, and the like are as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
A cable portion 14A connected to the light emitting element 12 and extending from the outer package 11C and a cable portion 14B connected to the light receiving element 13 and extending from the outer package 11 are provided in parallel.
By inserting these parallel elements into the separate insertion portions 17A and 17B formed in the package 11C, the package 11C can be attached, and by being taken out separately, the package 11C can be removed. .
The insertion portion 17A includes a light emitting element accommodation portion 12P and a cable accommodation portion 14AP continuous with the light emission element accommodation portion 12P, and is formed from the end 17AE to the insertion port 17AI.
The insertion portion 17B includes the light receiving element accommodation portion 13P and a cable accommodation portion 14BP continuous with the light reception element accommodation portion 13P, and is formed from the end 17BE to the insertion port 17BI.
According to the above structure, the exterior body 11C is removable by individually inserting and extracting the light emitting element 12 and the cable portion 14A, and the light receiving element 13 and the cable portion 14B into the exterior body 11C. Therefore, the insertion amount of each becomes short, and the exterior body 11C can be easily attached and detached. When the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 are inserted in series as in the first embodiment with respect to the cylindrical exterior body 11C that realizes the ring-shaped mounting mode, the cable housing of the insertion portion is realized. This embodiment is effective because the insertion is difficult because the portion can not be formed linearly.

Fourth Embodiment
The probe 1D of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a modification of the probe 1C of the third embodiment.
By providing the connectors 14D1 and 14D2 for connection and separation to the cable portion 14A to the light emitting element 12, the light emitting element 12 can be left in the exterior body 11D, and the exterior body 11D can be detachably attached to the cable 14 and the light receiving element 13. It is a form.
Although not shown, conversely, by providing a connector for connection and separation to the cable portion 14B to the light receiving element 13, the light receiving element 13 is left in the exterior body 11D, and the exterior body 11D corresponds to the cable 14 and the light emitting element 12. It may be removable and the form may be implemented.
As described above, it is possible to implement an embodiment in which the exterior body is detachably attached to the cable 14 and the light emitting element 12 or the light receiving element 13.
When it is desired to replace one of the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13, it is effective, for example, when replacing the light emitting element 12 in order to change the light 3 for measurement.

Fifth Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the probe 1E of the fifth embodiment is such that the attachment of the exterior body 11E is adhesive.
The exterior body 11E is in the form of a sheet that is bent and covers the light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 from the front and the back.
As shown in FIG. 7 (b), FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, the exterior body 11 </ b> E has, on the inner side, adhesive portions 31 and 32 that adhere to each other when being bent. In the adhesive portions 31 and 32, at least one of the one adhesive portion 31 and the other adhesive portion 32 adhered thereto may be coated with an adhesive. This is because even if only one side is coated with an adhesive, it adheres to each other, and the exterior body 11E is easily peeled off.
The adhesive is preferably not provided on the surface covering the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 or provided on the outer peripheral edge of the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13. It is possible to prevent the adhesion of dust to the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The adhesive may be provided only at the peripheral portion so as to eliminate or reduce the portion where the adhesive adheres to the cable 14.

  Markers 33 and 34 for positioning are attached to the exterior body 11E and the cable 14. By bonding the package 11E so that the marker 33 on the package 11E side and the marker 34 on the cable 14 are aligned, positioning of the package 11E is easy, and positioning of the light emitting element 12 and the transmitting member 15 Positioning of the light receiving element 13 and the transmitting member 16 can be made appropriate.

In the outer casing 11E, notches 35 and 36 for guiding the bending position are formed at both edges. Thereby, the bending position can be stabilized.
According to the above-described adhesive type exterior body 11E, the exterior body 11E can be peeled off and removed from the cable 14 or the like, and can be attached to the cable 14 or the like by sticking the new exterior body 11E. It is made possible.

Sixth Embodiment
The probe 1F of the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is a modified example of the probe 1E of the fifth embodiment.
The exterior body 11F has a pull tab portion 37 outside the adhesive portions 31, 32. The pull tab portion 37 is configured by an end portion of the sheet base material in which the sheet base material constituting the exterior body 11F is extended outward from the adhesive portions 31, 32 at an edge away from the bent portion 38. The pull tab portion 37 is not limited to the illustrated example and may be only one side.
When the exterior body 11F is removed from the cable 14 or the like, it can be separated quickly by pinching and pulling the pull tab portion 37.

Seventh Embodiment
In the fifth and sixth embodiments described above, the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 are arranged in a straight shape, but an L-shaped arrangement as in the probe 1G of the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. It is also possible to carry out by configuration. The exterior body 11G in this case is L-shaped when it is bent and bonded. The pull tab portions 37 provided on the exterior body 11G may be provided at a plurality of places, for example, provided at the end of each linear portion as appropriate.

According to the above embodiment, the biological information measuring probe mounted on the biological site (2) and used for optical measurement of biological information is separated from the light emitting element 12, the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14, and By replacing the exterior body 11 to be the contact portion to 2), cost can be reduced because the replacement portion is small while maintaining the hygiene.
In addition, since the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 are not separated from the cable 14 and replaced, the connector between the light emitting element 12 or the light receiving element 13 and the cable 14 becomes unnecessary, and the connection is not normally connected by eliminating the connector. It solves the problem of defects.
In addition, by preparing in advance an outer body adapted to the individual difference in the size of the living body part (2) (for example, in the case of the type worn on the finger 2, the size (thickness) of the finger 2) It is possible to provide a combined optimum sized probe. For example, cylindrical outer casings 11C having different diameters are prepared.
In the above embodiment, the arrangement of the light emitting element 12 and the light receiving element 13 may be interchanged.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A probe 1B probe 1C probe 1D probe 1E probe 1E probe 1F probe 1G probe 10 measuring apparatus main body 11A outer package 11B outer package 11C outer package 11D outer package 11E outer package 11F outer package 11G outer package 12 light emitting element 13 light receiving element 14 cable 14M marker 14C Connectors 14D1 and 14D2 Connectors 14P Cable housings 15 and 16 Transmission members 17 Insertions 17E Terminations 17I Insertions 31 and 32 Adhesives 33 and 34 Markers 37 Pull tabs

Claims (11)

A light emitting element and a light receiving element mounted on a living body site, for acquiring biological information from the living body site based on a signal received and detected by the light receiving element of light emitted from the light emitting element and passing through the living body site A probe for measuring biological information of
A cable connected to the light emitting element and the light receiving element on one side, and connected to the measuring apparatus main body on the other side to transmit a signal;
A transmissive member that covers the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the cable so that the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the cable do not come into direct contact with the biological site when mounted on the biological site, and transmits the light from the light emitting element for light projection And a transmitting member for transmitting the light for receiving light to the light receiving element, and an exterior body which becomes a contact portion to the living body portion when mounted on the living body portion,
The sheath is a probe for measuring biological information, which is detachably attached to the cable and the light emitting element or the light receiving element. The biological information measuring probe according to claim 1, wherein the exterior body is detachably attached to the cable, the light emitting element, and the light receiving element. The biological information measurement probe according to claim 1, wherein the cable has a connector for connecting to the measurement device body. The said exterior body is attachable by inserting the said light emitting element, the said light receiving element, and the said cable, The removal as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3 made removable by extracting. Probe for measuring biological information. The living body according to claim 4, wherein a positioning marker corresponding to the insertion opening of the outer package is attached to the cable in a state where the outer package is correctly attached to the light emitting element, the light receiving element and the cable. Information measurement probe. 5. The package according to claim 4, wherein an opening is formed in the package so as to project the tip of the cable in the insertion direction by a predetermined amount in a state where the package is properly attached to the light emitting element, the light receiving element and the cable. The probe for biological information measurement according to Item 5. A cable portion connected to the light emitting element and extending from the outer package, and a cable portion connected to the light receiving element and extending from the outer package are provided in parallel, and an individual insertion portion formed in the outer package The biological information measuring probe according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the sheath is attachable by being inserted into the housing, and the sheath is removable by being taken out individually. 4. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the exterior body is in the form of a sheet that is folded to cover the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the cable from the front and back, and has adhesive portions adhering to each other on the inner side. The biological information measuring probe according to claim 1. The biological information measuring probe according to claim 8, wherein a marker for positioning is attached to the outer package and the cable. The biological information measuring probe according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the outer package is formed with a cut for guiding a bending position. The biological information measuring probe according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the outer package has a pull tab portion outside the adhesive portion.

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