JP6575274B2 - Ophthalmic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmologic apparatus used for ophthalmic surgery such as cataracts and vitreous.

  For example, a fluid level detection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects a fluid level in a room of a surgical cassette provided in an ophthalmic surgical system used for ophthalmic surgery. Specifically, the fluid level in the chamber of the surgical cassette is detected based on the amount of light received by a sensor that receives light emitted from the light source and passing through the chamber of the surgical cassette.

Japanese Patent No. 5345767

  However, in the fluid level detection system disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the detection range of the fluid level in the chamber of the surgical cassette is limited, the fluid level may not be detected properly.

  Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an ophthalmologic apparatus capable of appropriately detecting the liquid level.

(1) An ophthalmologic apparatus provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure includes a storage unit in which liquid is stored, a light source that emits light that passes through the storage unit, and light reception that receives light that has passed through the storage unit. And only one of the light that has passed through the liquid over the passage optical path in the liquid storage region of the storage unit and the light that has passed through the gas over the passage optical path. , it said possess a condensing unit for condensing the light receiving portion, wherein the condensing unit is a wall portion of the reservoir which is formed on the exit position of light in the passage path, outside of the reservoir It is formed in the shape which curves toward .
(2) An ophthalmologic apparatus provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure includes a storage unit in which liquid is stored, a light source that emits light that passes through the storage unit, and light reception that receives light that has passed through the storage unit. And only one of the light that has passed through the liquid over the passage optical path in the liquid storage region of the storage unit and the light that has passed through the gas over the passage optical path. And a condensing part that condenses the light-receiving part, and the condensing part is disposed at the light emission position in the passing optical path and has a cross section having an outer shape that curves toward the inside of the storage part. It is characterized by comprising an inner condensing part having a shape.

  According to the ophthalmologic apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately detect the liquid level.

It is an external view of an ophthalmologic apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of the ophthalmologic apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the control part of the ophthalmologic apparatus of FIG. It is a front view of the tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a side view of the tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of the modification of the tank of a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows when a waste liquid is satisfy | filled in the tank in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows when a waste liquid is stored about half in the tank in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows when the waste liquid in a tank is empty in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the measurement result of the light reception amount of the optical sensor with respect to the water level of the waste liquid stored in a tank in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of the light source part of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows when the waste liquid in a tank is empty in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows when a waste liquid is stored about half in the tank in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows when a waste liquid is satisfy | filled in the tank in 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram of the water level detection means in other embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 is used for cataract surgery, for example. In cataract surgery, for example, in order to maintain the intraocular pressure of the patient's eye E within a predetermined range, it is desirable to maintain a balance between the infusion amount of the perfusate into the patient's eye E and the suction amount of the waste liquid LQW from the patient's eye E. . Therefore, it is desirable to monitor the suction amount of the waste liquid LQW sucked from the patient eye E. At this time, if the water level (storage amount) of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 storing the waste liquid LQW is detected, the suction amount of the waste liquid LQW sucked from the patient's eye E is known based on the detection result. Can do. Further, by keeping the water level of the waste liquid LQW in the tank 42 as constant as possible, the volume of the gas in the tank 42 is unlikely to fluctuate, and the suction pressure of the waste liquid LQW from the patient's eye E may be stabilized. Also in this case, it is desirable that the water level of the waste liquid LQW can be detected.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described later in detail, the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 is detected by the water level detection means 61. Therefore, first, the overall configuration of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 will be described, and then the water level detection means 61 will be described.

  The ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment is provided with the main body 11 and the cassette 12 as an example. The main body 11 includes a monitor 21 and a connection panel 22. As an example, the monitor 21 displays a setting screen for surgical conditions, a list of surgical results that are driving results of the surgical device, and the like. As an example, the connection panel 22 is provided with a plurality of connectors to which cables of the surgical handpiece 13 are connected.

  As an example, the main body 11 includes a holding unit 23 on the side surface on which a cassette 12 for cataract surgery or the like is mounted.

  The main body 11 includes a pole 24 and an arm 24a on the back surface. The pole 24 supports a perfusion bottle 26 containing a perfusion solution such as physiological saline. The arm 24 a suspends the perfusion bottle 26 above the pole 24. The pole 24 moves up and down when the drive mechanism 27 is driven by the control unit 14.

  The main body 11 includes an interface unit on the back surface. For example, the interface unit may be connected to an external device (PC) via a LAN, a USB storage device or the like in order to externally transfer a surgical result or the like as electronic data.

  The main body 11 includes a foot switch 28. The foot switch 28 may be used to adjust various operations such as ultrasonic vibration and suction operation of the movable tip provided at the distal end portion of the surgical handpiece 13.

  The main body 11 includes a control unit 14 (see FIG. 3) inside. As an example, the control unit 14 is used for controlling various operations of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1.

  For example, the surgical handpiece 13, the monitor 21, the connection panel 22, the drive mechanism 27, the foot switch 28, the intake means 29, the waste liquid suction means 31, the storage means 32, the interface section, and various valve sections are connected to the control section 14. (See FIG. 3). As the storage unit 32, for example, a rewritable flash memory may be used. The storage unit 32 may store a program for performing a surgery and various types of surgery information acquired by a surgical operation of the main body 11.

  For example, the control unit 14 reads the perfusion suction program stored in the storage unit 32. For example, the control unit 14 functions as a processor that controls driving of the intake unit 29, driving of the waste liquid suction unit 31, and driving of various valves. Note that a CPU (microprocessor), DSP (digital signal processor), PLD (programmable logic device), or the like may be used as the processor.

<Surgery handpiece>
The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a surgical handpiece 13. The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 uses a US handpiece (ultrasonic handpiece) as an example of the surgical handpiece 13. The US handpiece, for example, emulsifies and removes the lens nucleus that has become opaque and hardened due to cataract by ultrasonic vibration of a crushing tip provided at the tip. In order to perform ultrasonic vibration of the crushing tip, power may be supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator provided in the surgical handpiece 13 via the power cable 33. The surgical handpiece 13 is not limited to the US handpiece. As the surgical handpiece 13, for example, an I / A handpiece 16 (perfusion suction handpiece) may be used. In addition to the power cable 33, a perfusion tube 34 and a suction tube 36 are connected to the surgical handpiece 13 of the present embodiment. The perfusion tube 34 is used, for example, to flow a perfusate into the patient's eye E. The suction tube 36 is used, for example, to suck out the waste liquid LQW (liquid) containing the perfusate from the patient's eye E.

<Supply means>
The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a supply means. The supply means supplies, for example, a perfusate to the patient's eye E. As an example, the supply means includes a drive mechanism 27, a pole 24, a perfusion bottle 26, a perfusion tube 37, a perfusion tube 34, a perfusion valve unit 38, and a surgical handpiece 13. The supply means has a perfusion channel 39 through which the perfusate flows. The perfusion channel 39 includes a perfusion tube 34 and a perfusion tube 37. As described above, the perfusion bottle 26 filled with the perfusate is suspended from the pole 24 of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The pole 24 is moved up and down when the control unit 14 drives the drive mechanism 27. As the pole 24 moves up and down, the supply pressure of the perfusate flowing from the perfusion bottle 26 is adjusted. The perfusate from the perfusion bottle 26 passes through the perfusion tube 37 and the perfusion tube 34 and is irrigated to the patient's eye E through the surgical handpiece 13 held by the operator. In the middle of the perfusion channel 39, the outflow control of the perfusate flowing through the perfusion channel 39 is performed.

<Suction means>
The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a suction unit. The suction means sucks the waste liquid LQW containing the perfusate from the patient's eye E using the suction means 29, for example. As an example, the suction means includes the surgical handpiece 13, the suction tube 36, the waste liquid path 41, the tank 42 (reservoir), the intake path 43, the intake means 29, the waste liquid path 44, the waste liquid suction means 31, and the waste liquid bag 12b. I have.

  The waste liquid path 41 is a flow path through which the waste liquid LQW including the perfusate sucked from the patient's eye E flows. The waste liquid path 41 is connected to the suction tube 36 and the tank 42.

  In the present embodiment, the waste liquid path 41 includes a storage valve portion 47. The control unit 14 controls the opening and closing of the storage valve unit 47, so that the waste liquid passage 41 can be closed at the storage valve unit 47. The control unit 14 may control the discharge valve unit 48 to adjust the flow rate of the waste liquid LQW flowing through the waste liquid path 41. In the tank 42, the waste liquid LQW sucked from the patient's eye E is temporarily stored. The waste liquid path 41 and the intake path 43 are connected to the tank 42 above the liquid level of the stored waste liquid LQW. The tank 42 of the present embodiment is formed of a material having translucency (for example, polycarbonate or acrylic).

  The intake passage 43 is connected to the tank 42 and the intake means 29. For example, the intake means 29 generates a suction force for transferring the gas in the tank 42 to the outside of the tank 42. The control unit 14 can adjust the intake force of the intake means 29, for example. In the present embodiment, a venturi pump is used as an example of the intake means 29. The intake means 29 may be a vacuum pump, for example. The intake means 29 moves the gas in the tank 42 to the outside of the tank 42, so that the pressure of the gas in the tank 42 is lowered.

  The waste liquid path 44 is connected to the tank 42 and the waste liquid bag 12b. The waste liquid path 44 of this embodiment is connected to the tank 42 below the liquid level of the stored waste liquid LQW. The waste liquid passage 44 includes a discharge valve portion 48. The controller 14 controls the opening and closing of the discharge valve section 48, so that the waste liquid path 44 can be closed at the position of the discharge valve section 48. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the waste liquid path 44 is formed of an elastic member. The waste liquid suction means 31 of this embodiment is disposed on the side of the waste liquid path 44. By rubbing the aforementioned elastic member with the ironing member of the waste liquid suction means 31, a suction force for sucking the waste liquid LQW is generated. In the present embodiment, the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 is transferred to the waste liquid bag 12b using the suction force of the waste liquid suction means 31. In this embodiment, a peristaltic pump is used as an example of the waste liquid suction means 31. As the waste liquid suction unit 31, for example, a scroll pump, a vane pump, a diaphragm pump, or the like may be used. The waste liquid LQW sucked by the waste liquid suction means 31 is stored in the waste liquid bag 12b. In the present embodiment, the waste liquid path 44 is connected above the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the waste liquid bag 12b.

<Suction mode>
Next, a suction mode using the above-described supply means and suction means will be described. In the suction mode of the present embodiment, under the control of the control unit 14, the perfusion valve unit 38, the storage valve unit 47, and the discharge valve unit 48 are opened, and the vent valve unit 49 is closed.

  When the intake means 29 is driven by the control of the control unit 14, the intake means 29 takes in the gas in the tank 42 via the intake passage 43. As a result, the pressure of the gas in the tank 42 decreases, so that the waste liquid LQW is sucked into the tank 42 from the patient eye E via the waste liquid path 41 and stored. The controller 14 drives the waste liquid suction means 31 so that the amount of waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 is constant. Thereby, a part of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 is transferred to the waste liquid bag 12b. The storage amount (water level) of the waste liquid LQW in the tank 42 is detected by a water level detection means 61 described later.

<Vent channel>
The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a vent channel 51. The vent channel 51 is connected to the irrigation channel 39 and the waste liquid channel 41. By causing the perfusate to flow through the vent channel 51, excessive suction from the patient's eye E is suppressed. The vent channel 51 has a vent valve portion 49. The controller 14 can control the flow rate of the perfusate flowing through the vent channel 51 by controlling the opening and closing of the vent valve unit 49.

<Cassette>
The cassette 12 of this embodiment has a cassette body 12a and a waste liquid bag 12b. A perfusion tube 34, a perfusion tube 37, and a suction tube 36 are connected to the cassette body 12a of the present embodiment. The cassette body 12a of the present embodiment includes, for example, a waste liquid path 41, a waste liquid path 44, and an intake path 43. The waste liquid bag 12b is disposed outside the casing of the cassette body 12a.

<Water level detection means>
As shown in FIG. 2, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a water level detection unit 61. The water level detection means 61 includes a light emitting unit 71, an optical sensor 72 (light receiving unit), and a light collecting unit 73.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 71 includes a light source 81, a diffusion plate 82 (diffusion unit), and a slit 83 (slit unit).

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the light source 81 is disposed at a position facing the optical sensor 72 through the tank 42. The light source 81 is, for example, an LED. The light source 81 emits light that passes through the tank 42. In the example shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of light sources 81 are arranged.

  The diffusion plate 82 is disposed at a position between the light source 81 and the slit 83. The diffusion plate 82 is, for example, a frosted glass plate. The diffusion plate 82 diffuses light emitted from the plurality of light sources 81. Then, in a part of the light diffused by the diffusion plate 82, parallel light is obtained. Note that the parallel light includes not only strictly parallel light but also substantially parallel light.

  The slit 83 is disposed at a position between the diffusion plate 82 and the tank 42. The slit 83 is formed of a thin plate and includes a slit hole. Then, the light diffused by the diffusion plate 82 is irradiated to the tank 42 through the slit hole of the slit 83. At this time, the parallel light obtained from the light diffused by the diffusion plate 82 is also irradiated to the tank 42. In addition, since the light diffused by the diffusion plate 82 passes through the slit hole of the slit 83, the optical path is limited in the tank 42, and irregular reflection of light is suppressed. The slit hole is, for example, one thin hole extending in the water level direction (vertical direction) of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. Further, the slit 83 is not essential.

  In the example shown in FIG. 2, the optical sensor 72 is disposed at a position facing the light source 81 through the tank 42. Specifically, the optical sensor 72 is disposed at the focal position of the light condensing unit 73, that is, at the focal position when the light condensing unit 73 condenses light as described later. For the optical sensor 72, for example, a photo sensor, a line sensor, or a PSD (Position Sensitive Detector) can be used. The optical sensor 72 receives light that has passed through the tank 42. The optical sensor 72 may be arranged at a position shifted in the optical axis direction from the focal position of the light collecting unit 73. For example, when using a line sensor, the arrangement position of the line sensor with respect to the focal position of the light collecting unit 73 may be adjusted in consideration of the detection range of the line sensor.

  In the present embodiment, the light collecting portion 73 is a part of the wall portion 42 a of the tank 42. Here, the wall portion 42a of the tank 42 is incident on the light emission position (from the light emitting portion 71 to the liquid storage area A (see FIG. 7) of the tank 42) in the passing light path L (see FIG. 7) in the tank 42. It is formed at a position where light is emitted out of the liquid storage area A). That is, the inner surface of the tank 42 in the light collecting unit 73 is in contact with the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. The light incident from the light emitting unit 71 into the liquid storage area A of the tank 42 is parallel light (including substantially parallel light) parallel to the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 by the diffusion plate 82 described above. ) Is included. The light collecting portion 73 is formed in a shape that curves toward the outside of the tank 42.

  The condensing part 73 is formed in the dome shape (hemisphere), for example, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. In addition, if the condensing part 73 is formed in a dome shape in this way, as will be described in detail later, the degree of condensing in the condensing part 73 is improved, so that the accuracy of detecting the water level of the waste liquid LQW is improved. .

  Or the condensing part 73 may be formed by the partial cylindrical curved surface, for example, as shown in FIG. Here, the partial cylindrical shape is a shape formed of a part of the cylinder in the circumferential direction of the cylinder. 6 is formed by a partially cylindrical curved surface in which the central axis S direction is orthogonal to the water level direction (vertical direction in FIG. 6) of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. Yes. If the light collecting portion 73 is formed in a partial cylindrical shape as described above, the light collecting portion 73 can be easily manufactured as will be described in detail later, and the light collecting portion 73 and the optical sensor 72 are relatively arranged. It is easy to align the correct position.

  As will be described in detail later, the light condensing unit 73 condenses only the light that has passed through the waste liquid LQW over the entire light path L (see FIG. 7) in the tank 42.

  Next, a method for detecting the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 by the water level detection means 61 of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the light condensing unit 73 condenses light (parallel light) that has passed through the waste liquid LQW over the entire light path L in the tank 42 on the optical sensor 72. Here, the passing optical path L is an optical path that travels until the light emitted from the light source 81 enters the liquid storage area A of the tank 42 and exits from the liquid storage area A. The liquid storage area A is an area where the waste liquid LQW can be stored in the tank 42.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the condensing unit 73 is directed toward the outside of the tank 42, that is, toward the light traveling direction side (right side in FIG. 7) in the passing optical path L in the tank 42. It is formed in a curved shape. When the waste liquid LQW is filled in the tank 42, the waste liquid LQW exists in the inside of the tank 42 (left side in FIG. 7) with respect to the light condensing part 73 with respect to the entire light condensing part 73. A gas (atmosphere) having a refractive index smaller than that of the waste liquid LQW exists outside the tank 42 (right side in FIG. 7) with respect to the portion 73. Thereby, since the condensing part 73 acts like a convex lens, the light incident on the condensing part 73 is refracted and condensed by the lens effect in the condensing part 73. In the present embodiment, the optical sensor 72 is further disposed at the focal position of the light condensing unit 73 (the focal position when the light condensing unit 73 acts like a convex lens).

  As described above, when the waste liquid LQW is filled in the tank 42, all the light incident on the light collecting unit 73 is collected on the optical sensor 72. Therefore, when the waste liquid LQW is filled in the tank 42, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 is the largest, as indicated by the measurement point P1 in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a measurement result of the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 with respect to the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 in the present embodiment.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, when about half of the waste liquid LQW is stored in the tank 42, the light collecting unit 73 emits about half of the light that passes through the tank 42. The light is condensed on the sensor 72. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the condensing unit 73 causes the light sensor 72 to transmit the light that has passed through the waste liquid LQW over the entire optical path L in the tank 42 at a portion below the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW. Collect light.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 8, gas exists on both the inside and the outside of the tank 42 with respect to the condensing unit 73 in the portion above the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW. For this reason, the light incident on the light condensing unit 73 is not refracted in the portion above the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW, or is only slightly refracted by the members constituting the light condensing unit 73. It is not condensed.

  Therefore, the light incident on the condensing unit 73 is condensed on the optical sensor 72 only for the portion below the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW. As a result, when about half of the waste liquid LQW is stored in the tank 42, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 is as follows when the waste liquid LQW is filled in the tank 42, as indicated by the measurement point P2 in FIG. The amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 becomes moderate.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the waste liquid LQW is empty in the tank 42 (that is, when the tank 42 is filled with gas), the light condensing unit 73 transmits light passing through the tank 42. The light passing through the central axis of the light collecting unit 73 is simply transmitted as it is to reach the optical sensor 72. Thus, the condensing part 73 is not condensing the light which passes through the tank 42.

  As a result, when the waste liquid LQW in the tank 42 is empty, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 is greater than that when the waste liquid LQW is stored in the tank 42 by about half as shown by the measurement point P3 in FIG. Decreases further and becomes smaller.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the condensing unit 73 condenses only the light that has passed through the waste liquid LQW over the entire optical path L in the tank 42 on the optical sensor 72.

  In the present embodiment, the light incident on the light condensing unit 73 in the portion below the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW is collected on the optical sensor 72, while in the portion above the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW. Light incident on the light condensing unit 73 is not condensed on the optical sensor 72. As described above, in the present embodiment, the water level direction of the waste liquid LQW is divided into a portion where the light incident on the light collecting portion 73 is collected and a portion where the light is not collected, with the position of the liquid surface of the waste liquid LQW as a boundary. Therefore, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 continuously changes according to the change in the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. Therefore, the water level detection means 61 can continuously detect the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 based on the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72.

  As a modification, as shown in FIG. 11, the light emitting unit 71 includes a single light source 81 and a plano-convex lens 84 (lens) that converts light emitted from the single light source 81 into parallel light (including substantially parallel light). Part). At this time, a slit 83 may be further provided. Furthermore, instead of the plano-convex lens 84, a biconvex lens may be provided.

  As another modification, the light source 81 and the optical sensor 72 may not be disposed at positions facing each other with the tank 42 interposed therebetween. In the case of this modification, for example, it is conceivable that the light emitted from the light source 81 is reflected by a mirror (not shown) and applied to the diffusion plate 82 or the plano-convex lens 84. Alternatively, the parallel light may be irradiated toward the tank 42 by using a concave mirror that reflects light emitted from the point light source to make parallel light (including substantially parallel light). It is also conceivable that the light emitted from the light collecting unit 73 is reflected by a mirror (not shown) and received by the optical sensor 72.

  According to the present embodiment, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 (specifically, the water level detection means 61) collects only the light that has passed through the waste liquid LQW over the entire optical path L in the tank 42 and collects it on the optical sensor 72. It has an optical part 73.

  In this way, the condensing unit 73 condenses the light that has passed through the waste liquid LQW over the entire passage optical path L in the tank 42 on the optical sensor 72 while passing the gas over the passage optical path L. The light is not condensed on the optical sensor 72. Thereby, the light collection degree in the light collection unit 73 changes according to the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. Therefore, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 varies according to the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. Therefore, the water level detection means 61 can appropriately detect the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 based on the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72. The water level detection means 61 can appropriately detect the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 over a wide range from a full state to an empty state.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the light passing through the lower side of the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW from the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 is collected by the light collecting unit 73. The light passing above the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW is not collected by the light collecting unit 73. Therefore, the degree of light collection in the light collecting unit 73 continuously changes according to the change in the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42, so that the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 changes continuously. Accordingly, the water level detection means 61 can continuously detect the change in the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 based on the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 that changes continuously. That is, the water level detection means 61 can detect a change in the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 in real time. For example, the suction amount in the tank 42 may be stabilized based on the detection result of the water level of the waste liquid LQW detected in real time. Further, the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 may be stabilized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the water level detection means 61 detects the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 by condensing the light by the condensing unit 73 and receiving the light by the optical sensor 72. For this reason, the number of photosensors 72 can be reduced (for example, the number of photosensors 72 can be reduced to one), thereby reducing the cost.

  The condensing unit 73 is a wall 42 a of the tank 42 formed at the light emission position in the passing light path L in the tank 42, and is formed in a shape that curves toward the outside of the tank 42. Thus, since a part of wall part 42a of the tank 42 is made into the condensing part 73, while a number of parts can be reduced, the structure of the water level detection means 61 can be simplified. Therefore, cost can be suppressed.

  For example, if the light condensing part 73 is formed in a dome shape, the light condensing part 73 can condense light at one point, so that the light condensing degree in the light condensing part 73 is improved. Therefore, even when the amount of light emitted from the light source 81 is small, a sufficient amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 can be obtained. Further, since the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 changes even when the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 slightly changes, the detection accuracy of the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 is improved.

  For example, if the condensing unit 73 is formed by a partially cylindrical curved surface in which the central axis S direction is orthogonal to the water level direction of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 as shown in FIG. Is easy to manufacture. In addition, since the light is collected only in the water level direction of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 in the light collecting unit 73, the positional accuracy of the light collecting unit 73 in the central axis S direction is relaxed, and the light collecting unit 73 and the light are collected. The relative positioning of the sensor 72 is facilitated.

  Further, the ophthalmic apparatus 1 (specifically, the light emitting unit 71) diffuses light emitted from the plurality of light sources 81, and passes the light diffused by the diffusion plate 82 to the tank 42 side through the slit holes. And a slit 83. Alternatively, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 includes a single light source 81 and a plano-convex lens 84 that converts light emitted from the single light source 81 into parallel light and passes it to the tank 42 side. Thereby, parallel light can enter the tank 42. Therefore, the amount of light passing through the waste liquid LQW changes according to the change in the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42, so that the degree of light collection in the light collecting unit 73 changes significantly. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the water level of the waste liquid LQW is improved.

  Moreover, the cost can be suppressed by using the optical sensor 72 as a photosensor. Alternatively, by using the optical sensor 72 as a line sensor, the width that can be received by the optical sensor 72 is increased, so that the alignment of the light collecting unit 73 is facilitated. When the optical sensor 72 is a line sensor, the size of the line sensor can be reduced as compared with the case where the light collecting unit 73 is not used. Further, since the light source 81 is an LED, the life of the light source 81 can be extended and the cost can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
As a point different from the first embodiment, in the water level detection means 61 of the present embodiment, the condensing unit 74 includes an inner condensing unit 74A and an outer condensing unit 74B as shown in FIG.

  The inner condensing unit 74A is positioned inside the tank 42, more specifically, the light emission position in the passage optical path L (the light incident from the light emitting unit 71 into the liquid storage region A of the tank 42 is emitted out of the liquid storage region A). Position). That is, the inner surface of the inner condensing unit 74 </ b> A is in contact with the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. The inner condensing part 74 </ b> A is formed in a cross-sectional shape having an outer shape that curves toward the inner side of the tank 42. The inner condensing part 74A is, for example, a plano-convex lens attached integrally to the wall part 42a of the tank 42.

  The outer light collecting portion 74B is disposed via the wall portion 42a of the tank 42 with respect to the inner light collecting portion 74A at a position outside the tank 42 with respect to the inner light collecting portion 74A. The outer light collecting portion 74 </ b> B is formed in a cross-sectional shape having an outer shape that curves toward the outside of the tank 42. The outer light collecting portion 74B is, for example, a plano-convex lens that is integrally attached to the wall portion 42a of the tank 42.

  In the present embodiment, the optical sensor 72 is disposed at the focal position of the light collecting unit 74.

  Next, a method for detecting the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 by the water level detection means 61 of this embodiment will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12, when the waste liquid LQW in the tank 42 is empty, the condensing unit 74 condenses all the light passing through the tank 42 on the optical sensor 72. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12, all the light that passes through the tank 42 passes through the gas along the entire passage optical path L. In the present embodiment, the light that has passed through the gas over the entire passage optical path L is condensed on the optical sensor 72 by the condenser 74.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 12, all of the light that passes through the gas in the tank 42 and enters the light collecting unit 74 is refracted by the lens effect in the light collecting unit 74 and collected by the optical sensor 72. . Therefore, when the waste liquid LQW in the tank 42 is empty, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 is the largest.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, when about half of the waste liquid LQW is stored in the tank 42, the condensing unit 74 emits about half of all the light that passes through the tank 42. To collect light. That is, for the portion below the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW, the waste liquid LQW exists in the liquid storage area A inside the tank 42 with respect to the light collecting portion 74. The inner condensing part 74A is in contact with the waste liquid LQW, and the difference between the refractive index of the waste liquid LQW and the refractive index of the condensing part 74 is small. Therefore, the light incident on the condensing unit 74 is not refracted or only slightly refracted in the portion below the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW, and thus is not collected by the optical sensor 72. Therefore, the light incident on the condensing unit 74 is refracted and collected on the optical sensor 72 only in the portion above the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW. Thus, when about half of the waste liquid LQW is stored in the tank 42, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 is smaller than when the waste liquid LQW in the tank 42 is empty, and the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 is reduced. Is a medium size.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, when the waste liquid LQW is filled in the tank 42, the light collecting unit 74 transmits light passing through the central axis of the light collecting unit 74 among the light passing through the tank 42. Is transmitted as it is to reach the optical sensor 72. Thus, the condensing part 74 is not condensing the light which passes through the tank 42.

  As a result, when the waste liquid LQW is filled in the tank 42, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 is further reduced and becomes smaller than when about half of the waste liquid LQW is stored in the tank 42.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the condensing unit 74 causes the optical sensor 72 to condense only the light that has passed through the gas over the entire passage optical path L in the tank 42.

  As a modification, the inner condensing part 74A and the outer condensing part 74B are, for example, part of the wall part 42a of the tank 42 and may be formed adjacent to each other. Moreover, the outer condensing part 74A and the outer condensing part 74B may have a partially cylindrical outer shape.

  As another modification, the water level detection means 61 may include only the inner light condensing part 74A without including the outer light converging part 74B.

  As another modification, the condensing part 74 is arranged outside the tank 42 so that the shape of the wall part 42a of the tank 42 matches the curved shape of the condensing part 74, and the wall of the tank 42 The portion 42a and the light collecting portion 74 may be brought into close contact with each other.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 (specifically, the water level detection means 61) collects only the light that has passed through the gas over the entire optical path L in the tank 42 in the optical sensor 72. It has the condensing part 74 which makes it light.

  In this way, the condensing unit 74 condenses the light that has passed through the gas over the entire passage optical path L in the tank 42 to the optical sensor 72, while over the entire passage optical path L in the tank 42. Thus, the light that has passed through the waste liquid LQW is not condensed on the optical sensor 72. Thereby, the light collection degree in the light collection unit 74 changes according to the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. Therefore, the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72 varies according to the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42. Therefore, the water level detection means 61 can appropriately detect the water level of the waste liquid LQW stored in the tank 42 based on the amount of light received by the optical sensor 72.

  The condensing unit 74 includes an inner condensing unit 74 </ b> A having a cross-sectional shape that is disposed at the light emission position in the passing optical path L and has an outer shape that curves toward the inside of the tank 42. Thereby, the light incident on the inner light collecting portion 74A from the gas in the tank 42 can be refracted and condensed by the lens effect of the inner light collecting portion 74A.

  Further, the condensing unit 74 is arranged via the wall 42a of the tank 42 with respect to the inner condensing unit 74A at a position outside the tank 42 with respect to the inner condensing unit 74A, or the inner condensing unit An outer light collecting portion 74B having a cross-sectional shape with an outer shape that is arranged adjacent to 74A and curves toward the outside of the tank 42 is provided. Thereby, since the refraction of the light in the condensing part 74 becomes strong, the focal distance of the condensing part 74 becomes short, and the distance between the condensing part 74 and the optical sensor 72 can be shortened. Therefore, the water level detection means 61 can be downsized.

  Moreover, the lens effect by a convex lens can be acquired by making the inner condensing part 74A and the outer condensing part 74B into the convex lens integrally attached to the wall part 42a of the tank 42. FIG. Or by making inner condensing part 74A and outer condensing part 74B into a part of wall part 42a of tank 42, the number of parts can be reduced and cost can be controlled.

[Other Embodiments]
As another embodiment, an embodiment shown in FIG. 15 is also conceivable. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the condensing unit 76 is a biconvex lens, and is disposed at a position away from the wall 42 a of the tank 42. A gas exists between the wall 42 a of the tank 42 and the light collecting unit 76. Further, the light emitted from the light source 81 is irradiated in a direction inclined with respect to the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW in the tank 42. The optical sensor 72 is disposed at the focal position of the light collecting unit 76.

  According to this embodiment, the light passing through the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW is reflected or refracted by the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW, and thus is not condensed on the optical sensor 72. On the other hand, the light that passes through the wall 42 a of the tank 42 without passing through the liquid level of the waste liquid LQW is collected by the optical sensor 72. That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the condensing unit 76 condenses only the light that has passed through the waste liquid LQW over the entire optical path L in the tank 42 on the optical sensor 72. Thereby, since the light reception amount of the optical sensor 72 changes according to the water level of the waste liquid LQW, the water level of the waste liquid LQW can be detected.

  As a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 15, by adjusting the positions of the light collecting unit 76 and the optical sensor 72, the light collecting unit 76 changes the waste liquid LQW from the waste liquid LQW in the middle of the passing optical path L in the tank 42. Only the light that has passed through the liquid surface may be collected by the optical sensor 72.

  In another embodiment, the wall 42a of the tank 42 is curved toward the inside of the tank 42, and a member (for example, symmetrical to the wall 42a) is spaced outside the wall 42a from the wall 42a. An embodiment in which a liquid is disposed between the wall portion 42a and the member is also conceivable. Further, as another embodiment, an embodiment in which the wall portion 42a is curved toward the inside of the tank 42 and a convex lens is disposed outside the wall portion 42a is also conceivable.

  It should be noted that the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present disclosure in any way, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the light source 81 may be an infrared LED, and the optical sensor 72 may be an infrared sensor. The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 can be applied not only to ophthalmic surgery for cataracts but also to ophthalmic surgery such as vitreous.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ophthalmology apparatus 11 Main body 12 Cassette 12a Cassette main body 12b Waste liquid bag 29 Suction means 42 Tank 42a Wall part 43 Intake path 61 Water level detection means 71 Light emission part 72 Optical sensor 73 Condensing part 74 Condensing part 74A Inner condensing part 74B Outer collection Optical part 76 Condensing part 81 Light source 82 Diffuser plate 83 Slit 84 Plano-convex lens A Liquid storage area L Passing optical path LQW Waste liquid S Central axis

Claims (3)

A reservoir for storing liquid; and
A light source that emits light that passes through the storage section;
A light receiving unit that receives light that has passed through the storage unit;
Only one of the light that has passed through the liquid over the passage optical path in the liquid storage region of the storage section of the light emitted from the light source, and the light that has passed through the gas over the passage optical path, It possesses a condensing unit which is focused on the light-receiving portion,
The condensing part is a wall part of the storage part formed at the light emission position in the passing optical path, and is formed in a shape that curves toward the outside of the storage part,
Ophthalmic device characterized by A reservoir for storing liquid; and
A light source that emits light that passes through the storage section;
A light receiving unit that receives light that has passed through the storage unit;
Only one of the light that has passed through the liquid over the passage optical path in the liquid storage region of the storage section of the light emitted from the light source, and the light that has passed through the gas over the passage optical path, A condensing part for condensing the light receiving part,
The light collecting portion includes an inner light collecting portion having a cross-sectional shape that is disposed at a light emission position in the passage optical path and has an outer shape that curves toward the inside of the storage portion;
Ophthalmic device characterized by The ophthalmic device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The light incident on the liquid storage region is parallel light,
Having a lens part that makes light emitted from one light source parallel light and passes it to the storage part side;
Ophthalmic device characterized by

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