JP7058380B2 - Laryngeal camera - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a larynx camera for imaging the larynx, and more particularly to a larynx camera that can be used during sputum aspiration.

Especially in the elderly, aspiration of sputum is unavoidable. Therefore, sputum aspirators are used in, for example, medical institutions and long-term care facilities, and are also widely used in ordinary households.
A sputum aspirator is simply like a small vacuum cleaner.
Roughly speaking, a sputum aspirator is a tube made of a flexible material, a suction bottle that is a container to which the base end of the tube is connected, and an air pump that applies negative pressure to the inside of the tube through the suction bottle. It is configured with a suction pump.

When using an aspirator, the tube (more precisely, the tube consists of a tubular tube at its proximal end and a thinner than that tube connected to the tip of the tube, which is also a tubular catheter. However, since both the tube and the catheter are tubular and there is no merit to distinguish them in relation to the present invention, both are collectively referred to as a tube in the present application.) The tip of the tube is inserted into the oral cavity or nasal cavity of the patient. Then, the tip of the tube is brought to the place where sputum is accumulated (it is generally near the larynx, for example, near the vocal band). In that state, sputum is guided from the tip end to the base end of the tube by applying a negative pressure into the tube through the suction bottle with a suction pump, and is stored in the suction bottle.

The aspirator is indispensable, and the function of sucking sputum itself has no problem, so it is widely used. However, there are some points that need to be resolved.
When using the aspirator as described above, insert the tube into the oral cavity or nasal cavity. This can be distressing to the patient. In the case of insertion of a tube through the oral cavity, the patient may experience a vomiting reaction. When inserting a tube through the nasal cavity, the sensitive mucous membrane in the nasal cavity and the tube rub against each other, and the patient often feels even more pain than when inserting the tube through the oral cavity. Moreover, when inserting the tube through the nasal cavity, the tip of the tube is aspirated to the patient's sputum by guiding the tube using the upward curve of the upper surface of the nasal cavity on a plane along the midline of the face. Although it is relatively easy to guide to the location (although there are small irregularities on the inside of the nasal cavity, the tip of the tube may get caught in it, so the tip of the tube reaches the sputum suction point. Is not really that easy), there is no effective curve in the oral cavity to guide the tube downwards when the tube is inserted from the oral cavity, and the lower side of the patient's oral cavity ( In the present application, the concept of the patient's body up and down may differ from the actual use of the sputum aspirator, but it shall follow the up and down direction of the patient standing upright.) It is difficult to guide the tip of the tube to the sputum aspiration site of the patient because the tongue protruding upward from the nasal cavity is an obstacle. Therefore, when using a sputum aspirator, it is often unavoidable to choose to insert a tube through the nasal cavity, which causes more pain to the patient.
Further factors that increase patient distress include:
The aspirator is often used by a medical person, etc., or a person who cares for the patient, not the patient himself, but no matter who the user is, sputum in the patient's body is present. There is no difference in not knowing the position to do. Therefore, the user of the aspirator repeatedly moves the tube back and forth or rotates about the axis of the tube inserted into the oral cavity or nasal cavity until the tip of the tube reaches the place where sputum is present. Or something. Then, every time the tip of the tube thinks that it has reached the place where sputum is present, the suction pump is driven. This process is repeated many times until the sputum is aspirated.
This kind of operation of the tube, so to speak, increases the patient's pain.

In order to eliminate such an operation of the tube, the operator of the aspirator may be able to visually recognize the position of the tip of the tube. For that purpose, in medical institutions, for example, an endoscope of the type inserted into the nasal cavity (since the suction point of sputum seen by such an endoscope is near the larynx, such an endoscope is effectively a larynx camera). It is also done to suck sputum while visually recognizing the position of the tip of the tube using.
However, although it may be possible to eliminate the operation of the tube by using an endoscope, the tip of the tube should be inserted when the tube is inserted through the oral cavity, which is relatively painless. It is still difficult to get to the position where sputum is present.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of reducing a patient's pain during aspiration of sputum and facilitating the tip of a tube to reach the position where sputum is present.

As a solution to the above problems, the inventor of the present application proposes the following inventions.
The present invention is a laryngeal camera used in combination with a sputum aspirator equipped with a flexible tube.
The larynx camera receives the image light from the handheld main body and the subject, which is the larynx, on the tip side, and is inserted from the oral cavity when the larynx is imaged, and the tip reaches the back of the uvula. It is provided with a rod-shaped rod-shaped member whose base end is attached to the main body portion, and an image pickup element that captures an image of the subject by the image light received at the tip of the rod-shaped member. Further, the rod-shaped member included in the larynx camera can be detachably fixed to the tube included in the sputum aspirator in a state where the tip of the tube is located within the imaging range of the image pickup device. It is equipped with a tube fixing member that can be used.
This larynx camera is used in combination with a sputum aspirator and is capable of imaging the larynx. The larynx camera of the present application can take an image of the larynx because sputum often accumulates in the vicinity including the larynx, and the vicinity thereof often serves as a suction point for sputum. In the present application, "capable of imaging the larynx" means that at least a part of the larynx can be imaged when the rod-shaped member is appropriately moved when using the larynx camera. Even a camera capable of photographing a part other than the larynx, for example, the pharynx and the esophagus, is included in the "larynx camera" in the present invention if the above conditions are satisfied. The larynx camera according to the present invention, and the larynx camera described in more detail later in the embodiment, can image the pharynx and the esophagus in addition to the larynx.
The rod-shaped member included in this larynx camera is a tube that can be detachably fixed to the tube included in the sputum aspirator so that the tip of the tube is located within the imaging range of the image sensor. It is equipped with a fixing member. Thereby, if this laryngeal camera is used, the user who uses the laryngeal camera can operate the laryngeal camera while confirming the position of the tip of the tube by the image captured by the image sensor. Moreover, the tube is fixed at its predetermined position to the tube fixing member provided on the rod-shaped member of the laryngeal camera. Since the rod-shaped member is inserted into the patient's oral cavity and has a predetermined position on the tip side of the tube, the user can move the rod-shaped member of the throat camera to the back of the uvula and When the rod-shaped member is moved so that the image light can be received (that is, the suction point of sputum is imaged), the tip of the tube extending from the suction bottle of the sputum aspirator also moves at the same time. And it will naturally go in the direction of the sputum suction point.
This makes it possible to use this laryngeal camera to reduce the patient's pain during aspiration of sputum and to facilitate the tip of the tube to reach the location of sputum.
The rod-shaped member included in the larynx camera of the present application receives the image light from the subject, which is the larynx, on the tip side thereof. In this case, the "tip side" does not mean only the most tip portion of the rod-shaped member, but is a concept including the vicinity thereof.
Further, the rod-shaped member of the present application is rod-shaped as described above. Here, "bar-shaped" means that the length in the length direction is larger than the length and width of the cross section perpendicular to the length direction, and is generally thin enough to be expressed as a linear shape. Including cases.
It is preferable that the larynx camera of the present application has a display itself, and the user can confirm a moving image imaged by an image sensor and displayed on the display in substantially real time. By doing so, the user can operate the laryngeal camera, and thus the tube, while confirming the relative positional relationship between the tip of the tube and the suction point of sputum. However, even if the throat camera does not have a display, a display device equipped with a display is prepared, which is different from the throat camera that is connected to the throat camera by wire or wirelessly and is designed to receive signals about moving images from the throat camera. However, if the moving image captured by the image pickup element is displayed on the display of the display device in substantially real time, the user can confirm the relative positional relationship between the tip of the tube and the suction point of the sputum. However, you will be able to operate the throat camera and, by extension, the tube.

The tube fixing member may be configured so that the tip of the tube faces the suction point of sputum by bending the tube. In this case, the tube fixing member may be divided into a member that fixes the tube and a member that bends the tube, and one member that plays these two roles is a tube fixing member. It doesn't matter if you do.
In any case, by adopting a tube fixing member that bends such a tube, the larynx camera of the present invention can more reliably point the tip of the tube toward the sputum suction point at the time of use. ..

The image pickup device exists in the main body portion, and the rod-shaped member receives the image light from the larynx from its tip, transmits the image light along its length direction, and transmits the image light from its base end. It may be provided with a rod-shaped image light transmitting member whose tip substantially coincides with the tip of the rod-shaped member, which causes the image pickup element to perform image pickup by emitting light toward the image pickup element. In this case, the image sensor exists in the main body of the laryngeal camera, and the image light is guided from the tip end side of the rod-shaped member to the main body of the camera by, for example, an image light transmitting member along the rod-shaped member. The image light transmitting member is, for example, a rod lens, or is an image guide in which a large number of optical fibers are collectively configured so that the relative relationship of arrangement between the distal end side and the proximal end side thereof is common. Of course, in addition to the image light transmitting member, another optical system may be present on at least one of the distal end side and the proximal end side thereof. In this case, the image light transmitting member may or may not be the rod-shaped member itself.
Further, the image pickup element is attached to the tip end side of the rod-shaped member, and data about the moving image generated by the image pickup element is sent from the image pickup element to the main body portion by a signal line along the rod-shaped member. It may be like this. In this case, the image sensor is not provided on the main body of the camera. In this case, instead of transmitting the image light along the rod-shaped member, the data about the moving image generated by the image sensor provided on the tip side of the rod-shaped member is transmitted from the tip side of the rod-shaped member to the laryngeal camera by the signal line. It will be sent to the main body of.
Further, in the larynx camera of the present application, the larynx may be irradiated with illumination light from the tip end side of the rod-shaped member. In this case, the tip side does not mean only the most tip portion of the rod-shaped member, but is a concept including the vicinity thereof.
In a throat camera that irradiates the throat with illumination light, the illumination that emits the illumination light is provided in the main body portion, and the rod-shaped member receives the illumination light from the illumination from its base end and its length. It may be provided with an illumination light transmitting member whose tip substantially coincides with the tip of the rod-shaped member, which transmits the illumination light along the radial direction and irradiates the throat with the illumination light from the tip thereof. In this case, the illumination light is sent from the illumination in the main body to the tip end side of the rod-shaped member through the illumination light transmission member, and irradiates the larynx from there. The illumination light transmitting member in this case is, for example, a rod lens or (many) optical fibers. The optical fiber in this case does not need to be an image guide because it only needs to transmit the illumination light. The illumination light transmitting member can be combined with either the case where the above-mentioned image light transmitting member is used or the case where the image light transmitting member is not used.
When the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member are used together, the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member may have at least a certain length on the tip side thereof along with each other. not. This is a device for combining the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member, or for making the entire rod-shaped member thinner. Further, the image light transmitting member and the illumination light transmitting member may be fixed to each other. This is also a device for combining the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member, or for making the entire rod-shaped member thinner. Not only does it make the rod-shaped member thinner, but it also contributes to making it difficult for the patient to suffer from the vomiting reaction when this laryngeal camera is used. Further, the larynx, which is a portion where the image light emitted from the image light is taken in from the tip of the image light transmission member, needs to be illuminated by the illumination light emitted from the tip of the illumination light transmission member. For that purpose, it is preferable that the relative positional relationship between the tip of the image light transmitting member and the tip of the illumination light transmitting member is fixed. It is particularly preferable to fix the image light transmitting member and the illumination light transmitting member to each other in this respect.
In a larynx camera that irradiates the larynx with illumination light, an illumination that irradiates the larynx with the illumination light may be attached to the tip of the rod-shaped member. In this case, instead of sending the illumination light from the illumination provided in the main body portion to the tip end side of the rod-shaped member by the illumination light transmission member, the illumination provided on the tip end side of the rod-shaped member, for example, in the main body portion. Power is supplied from the provided power supply. Such a configuration can also be combined with either the case where the above-mentioned image light transmitting member is used or the case where the image light transmitting member is not used.
When at least one of the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member is used, the laryngeal camera may have a case for accommodating at least one of the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member to be used. .. In this case, the case and the inside thereof are substantially the rod-shaped members in the present invention. In this case, at least one of the image light transmitting member and the illumination light transmitting member is housed in the case so that both the tip and the proximal end thereof can transmit light. By using the case, it becomes easy to use the cover described later. When the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member are housed together in the case, the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member are fixed to the case to form the image light transmission member and the illumination light transmission member. And may be indirectly fixed to each other.

The rod-shaped member in the larynx camera of the present application may be curved so as to correspond to the vertical curvature of the palate. The curvature of the rod-shaped member means that when the rod-shaped member is inserted into the oral cavity, the rod-shaped member can be more easily moved toward the back of the patient's oral cavity, more specifically, while avoiding the patient's tongue. It is easy to reach the tip of the uvula to the back of the uvula. Therefore, this laryngeal camera is less likely to cause pain due to the vomiting reaction when used.
When the rod-shaped member is curved as described above, the tube fixing member has the rod-shaped portion of the portion fixed by the tube fixing member so that the tip of the tube faces the suction point of sputum. The tube may be fixed so as to be curved with a curvature larger than the curvature given to the member. This makes it easier to reach the patient's sputum aspiration site.

The laryngeal camera of the present application covers at least a portion of the rod-shaped member that is planned to be inserted into the oral cavity, and at least image light and illumination light that are detachable from the rod-shaped member. The portion through which the light passes may be provided with a transparent cover. The rod-shaped member is inserted into the oral cavity as described above. If the laryngeal camera has a cover that covers the rod-shaped member, making the cover particularly disposable will keep the laryngeal camera clean at all times.
In this case, the cover is sufficient as long as it covers at least the portion of the rod-shaped member that is planned to be inserted into the oral cavity, and does not need to cover the entire rod-shaped member.
The tube fixing member may be provided on the cover. That is, the tube fixing member may be indirectly provided on the rod-shaped member via the cover. The effect in this case is the same as when the tube fixing member is directly provided on the rod-shaped member. In this case, as in the case where the tube fixing member is provided in the case, the tube of the portion fixed by the tube fixing member has a curvature given to the rod-shaped member so that the tip of the tube faces the larynx. Of course, the tube may be fixed so that it curves with a greater curvature.

The laryngeal camera can also be configured by combining an existing portable device with a laryngeal camera unit. The portable device referred to here is provided with an image pickup element and a lens for taking an image of image light from a subject, and an illumination that emits illumination light for illuminating the subject. Such a portable device may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet, and may be a general-purpose device in any case. The advantage of constructing a laryngeal camera by combining such a portable device and a laryngeal camera unit is that all the electrically operating parts are diverted from the portable device side, so that the laryngeal camera unit side. Since it is possible not to include any electrically operating parts, it is possible to reduce the cost burden on the user or the patient when using the laryngeal camera. In addition, the portable device is generally equipped with a display capable of displaying a moving image captured by the image sensor in substantially real time, and in that respect as well, the larynx camera of the present application is configured. It is convenient to use.
In that case, the throat camera unit receives, for example, the image light from the throat from its tip, transmits the image light along its length direction, and transfers the image light from the base end to the lens of the portable device. By irradiating the light, the image pickup element can be made to perform imaging, and a rod-shaped image light transmission that is inserted from the oral cavity at the time of imaging of the throat and its tip reaches the depth of the palatal flap. The member and the illumination light from the illumination of the portable device are received from the base end thereof, the illumination light is transmitted along the length direction thereof, and the illumination light is irradiated to the throat from the tip thereof. A rod-shaped illumination light transmission member that is inserted from the oral cavity at the time of imaging of the throat and its tip reaches the depth of the palatal flap, and at least a predetermined range on the tip side is along the image light transmission member. The base end of the image light transmission member and the base end of the illumination light transmission member are attached, and the light transfer member is detachably fixed in a state of being positioned in a predetermined relative positional relationship with respect to the portable device. The base end of the illumination light transmission member is located in front of the lens of the portable device when the base end of the image light transmission member is fixed to the portable device. It is equipped with a main body case, which is designed to be positioned in front of each of the lights of the portable device. Then, the tube fixing member referred to in the present application is attached to at least one of the image light transmitting member and the illumination light transmitting member (in this case, a combination thereof corresponds to the rod-shaped member referred to in the present application). It suffices if it is provided. Such a larynx camera unit may be provided with a case as described above, in which case the case and the one housed therein are the rod-shaped members referred to in the present application, but if the case exists, the tube is fixed to the case. A member may be provided. Further, the case can be combined with a cover as described above, and in that case, the cover may be provided with a tube fixing member.

(A) A perspective view seen from the back side and (B) a perspective view seen from the front side of a portable device used in combination with the larynx camera unit to configure the larynx camera according to the first embodiment. (A) A perspective view seen from the back side and (B) a perspective view seen from the front side of the larynx camera unit used in combination with a portable device to configure the larynx camera according to the first embodiment. The perspective enlarged view of the case included in the larynx camera unit shown in FIG. (A) Enlarged view of the tip of the image light transmitting member included in the larynx camera unit shown in FIG. 2, (B) Enlarged view of the tip of the illuminated light transmitting member, (C) Other than the tip of the illuminated light transmitting member. Enlarged view of the example. A cross-sectional view showing an enlarged part of the head and neck of the human body. The figure explaining the usage state of the larynx camera made by combining the larynx camera unit shown in FIG. 2 with the portable device shown in FIG. It is a schematic vertical sectional view which shows the operation principle of the laryngeal camera shown in FIG. A vertical sectional view of a part including a mechanism necessary for irradiating a place with illumination light. It is a schematic vertical sectional view showing the operation principle of the larynx camera according to one modification, (A) is a part including a mechanism necessary for imaging a sputum suction point, and (B) is a sputum suction point. Vertical cross-sectional view of the part including the mechanism necessary to irradiate the illumination light. It is a schematic vertical sectional view showing the operation principle of the larynx camera by another modification, (A) is a part including a mechanism necessary for imaging a sputum suction point, and (B) is sputum suction. A vertical sectional view of a part including a mechanism necessary for irradiating a place with illumination light. It is a schematic vertical sectional view showing the operation principle of the larynx camera according to still another modification, (A) is a part including a mechanism necessary for imaging a suction point of sputum, and (B) is a sputum. Vertical cross-sectional view of the part including the mechanism necessary to irradiate the suction point with the illumination light. It is a schematic vertical sectional view showing the operation principle of the larynx camera according to still another modification, (A) is a part including a mechanism necessary for imaging a suction point of sputum, and (B) is a sputum. Vertical cross-sectional view of the part including the mechanism necessary to irradiate the suction point with the illumination light. The perspective view of the cover used in combination with the laryngeal camera unit of 2nd Embodiment. (A) A perspective view seen from the back side and (B) a perspective view seen from the front side of the larynx camera unit according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, the first to third embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the description of each embodiment and the modification, a common reference numeral shall be attached to a common object, and the common description may be omitted in some cases.

<< First Embodiment >>
First, a portable device that forms a larynx camera by being combined with the larynx camera unit of this embodiment will be described. The larynx camera made by combining the larynx camera unit of this embodiment with a portable device is a sputum suction camera used for the purpose of assisting sputum suction. The same applies to the laryngeal cameras of other embodiments. However, the larynx camera in which the larynx camera unit of this embodiment and the portable device are combined can be used simply for observing the vicinity of the larynx without combining with the sputum aspirator.
The portable device 100 is shown in FIG. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the portable device 100 as viewed from the back, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the portable device 100 as viewed from the front.
Since the portable device 100 may be known or well-known, the description thereof will be briefly described. The portable device 100 is small enough to be portable, and it is an essential condition that the portable device 100 is provided with a camera capable of capturing a moving image, which will be described later, and lighting. The reason why the portable device 100 is required to be small is to make it easier for the user to operate the larynx camera including the portable device 100, and preferably to make it easier to operate with one hand. The reason why the portable device 100 is required to have a camera and lighting capable of capturing a moving image is to use it as a camera and lighting of a larynx camera.
Further, it is preferable that the portable device 100 is provided with a display. This is because the display can be used as a monitor of the larynx camera by displaying the moving image captured by the image sensor of the camera of the portable device on the display. However, when the portable device 100 does not have a display, the display of the external display device of the portable device 100 can be used as a monitor of the larynx camera instead of the display of the portable device 100. In that case, it is necessary to send moving image data from the portable device 100 to the display device, but the connection is appropriately made by wire using, for example, a USB cable or wirelessly using Bluetooth (trademark) or the like. Just go.

Although not limited to this, the portable device 100 is a smartphone or a tablet, and in this embodiment, it is a smartphone. The smartphone may be a commercially available one. Examples of smartphones include the iPhone (trademark) series manufactured and sold by Apple Japan GK. Examples of the tablet include the iPad (trademark) series and the iPod (trademark) series manufactured and sold by the company.
The portable device 100 includes a housing 101 configured in a thin substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 101 is small enough to be held with one hand.
The portable device 100 includes a display 102 on the back surface of the housing 101. The display 102 displays an image and may be known or well-known, for example, a liquid crystal display.
The portable device 100 also includes an input device 103 on the back surface of the housing 101. The input device 103 is for operating the portable device 100. The input device 103 may be a physical key, but when the display 102 is a touch panel, the display 102 can be made to have at least a part of the functions of the input device 103.
The lens 104 is exposed on the front side of the housing 101 of the portable device 100. The lens 104 forms part of the camera of the portable device 100. As is well known, there is an image sensor (not shown) behind the lens 104. The image pickup device is, for example, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensor), and can capture moving images. The image captured by the image pickup device can be displayed on the display 102 in substantially real time by a known or well-known mechanism.
The portable device 100 is also provided with a light 105 on the surface of the housing 101. The illumination 105 is sufficient as long as it emits illumination light. An example of lighting 105 is an LED.

Next, the laryngeal camera unit will be described.
FIG. 2 shows the larynx camera unit 200. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the larynx camera unit 200 as viewed from the back, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the larynx camera unit 200 as viewed from the front.
The laryngeal camera unit 200 includes a main body case 210. The main body case 210 is for making a detachable fixing of the larynx camera unit 200 to the portable device 100. The combination of the portable device 100 and the main body case 210 is the main body portion referred to in the present application.
Although not limited to this, the main body case 210 of this embodiment is made of resin. Further, although not limited to this, the main body case 210 in this embodiment surrounds the plate portion 211, which is a substantially rectangular plate having a wide area, and the plate portion 211, and protrudes toward the back surface side of the plate portion 211. It is provided with a side plate portion 212, which is a plate having the same height from the plate portion 211 in all the portions. The main body case 210 is provided with a recess 213 as a space surrounded by the plate portion 211 and the side plate portion 212 on the back side thereof.
The recess 213 has a size and shape corresponding to the housing 101 of the portable device 100, so that the portable device 100 can be housed in a completely stable state. When the portable device 100 is combined with the larynx camera unit 200 to form a larynx camera, the portable device 100 is housed in the dent 213 with its back surface facing through the dent 213.
Around the recess 213 of the side plate portion 212, a locking claw 212A, which is a small plate-like body protruding toward the center of the recess 213, is provided. When the portable device 100 is stored in the recess 213, the portable device 100 is locked by the locking claw 212A so that it does not fall out of the recess 213, whereby the portable device 100 can be attached to and detached from the larynx camera unit 200. Fixing has come to be realized. However, the detachable fixing of the portable device 100 and the larynx camera unit 200 does not necessarily have to be realized by providing the recess 213 in the main body case 210 of the larynx camera unit 200. For example, the portable device in the main body case 210. A groove or hole (for example, a groove having a cross-sectional shape of approximately C) that can be inserted by moving the 100 in parallel in the length direction and has a size and shape so that the portable device 100 inserted therein does not fall off. (There is, both ends of the groove slightly project parallel to the bottom of the groove), and the portable device 100 is placed in the groove or hole of the main body case 210, for example, in the length direction of the portable device 100. By sliding and inserting along the line, it is possible to realize detachable fixing of both. Of course, it is possible to realize detachable fixing of both by a well-known or other known method.
The first hole 214 is provided in the plate portion 211 of the portion corresponding to the lens 104 of the portable device 100 when the portable device 100 is housed in the recess 213. The first hole 214 is circular, but not limited to this. The first hole 214 is for preventing the lens 104 of the portable device 100 housed in the recess 213 from being covered with the plate portion 211 in order to create a path for image light, which will be described later. If this is the case, the diameter may be larger than that of the lens 104, and it does not have to be circular.
A second hole 215 is provided in the plate portion 211 of the portion corresponding to the lighting 105 of the portable device 100 when the portable device 100 is stored in the recess 213. The second hole 215 is circular, but not limited to. The second hole 215 is for preventing the lighting 105 of the portable device 100 housed in the recess 213 from being covered with the plate portion 211 in order to create a path for the illumination light described later. If this is the case, the diameter may be larger than that of the illumination 105, and it does not have to be circular. Furthermore, the first hole 214 and the second hole 215 may be integrated.

A case 220 is attached to the main body case 210, but is not limited to this. Case 220 is shown enlarged in FIG. The case 220 and what will be described later housed therein constitute the rod-shaped member according to the present invention.
The case 220 is made of resin like the main body case 210, and is formed integrally with the main body case 210, for example. The case 220 is, for example, an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape, the width of which does not change from its base end to its tip, but its thickness gradually decreases as it approaches the tip. It has become like. Further, the case 220 is curved so as to face downward when the laryngeal camera is used, as it approaches the tip thereof. The base end side of the case 220 is opened.
The length of the case 220 is such that when the case 220 is inserted into the oral cavity when using the laryngeal camera, the tip of the case 220, more specifically, the window provided in the case 220, which will be described later, reaches the back of the uvula. It is said to be long enough to be made.
A window 221 is provided on the lower side near the tip of the case 220. The window 211 is a path between the image light and the illumination light so that the image light and the illumination light, which will be described later, can pass through the case 220 without being affected by the case 220. The window 211 is configured by punching a part of the case 220 in a rectangular shape, but not limited to this, and fitting and fixing a transparent plate having a uniform thickness in the opening. The portion where the transparent plate and the opening are in contact is preferably watertight in order to prevent saliva of the patient from entering the case 220 when the laryngeal camera is used. However, it is also possible to divide the window 221 into two, a window for image light and a window for illumination light. Further, if the entire case 220 is made of a transparent resin, it is not necessary to provide the window 221 in the case 220. However, in that case, in order to prevent the case 220 from functioning as a lens, it is preferable that at least a portion of the case 220 through which image light passes has a uniform thickness.

The case 220 is provided with a guide member 270. The guide member 270 corresponds to the tube fixing member referred to in the present application. Although not limited to this, the guide member 270 is integrally formed with the case 220.
The guide member 270 is for detachably fixing a predetermined position on the tip end side of the tube provided in the sputum aspirator described later. In this embodiment, by configuring the guide member 270 in a cylindrical shape having a substantially C-shaped cross section, the tube can be fixed by pushing the tube into the inside of the groove having a substantially C-shaped cross section while deforming the tube. Also, by pulling out the tube while deforming it from the inside, the fixing of the tube can be released. Once fixed to the guide member 270, the tube is guided towards the patient's larynx, which will be described later, where it can be bent.
The guide member 270 is configured to bend in the same direction as the case 220 bends. In this embodiment, but not limited to this, the curvature of the curvature of the guide member 270 is greater than the curvature of the curvature of the case 220. Although not limited to this, in this embodiment, on the proximal end side of the case 220 of the guide member 270, the guide member 270 can fix the tube in the direction along the length direction of the case 220. When the tube fits into the guide member 270, it bends along the groove.

An image light transmission member 222 and an illumination light transmission member 223 are arranged inside the case 220. Both the image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223 are rod-shaped long members, and have substantially the same length as the length from the base end to the tip end of the case 220.

The image light transmitting member 222 is for transmitting the image light that has entered the inside of the image light transmitting member 222 from its tip to its base end. The transmission of such image light must be such that the image light from the larynx can be transmitted in a state where it can be imaged by an image pickup element built in the portable device 100. The image light transmission member 222 is, for example, a GI (Graded Index) type rod lens. The image light transmitting member 222 has a rod shape and is curved along the case 220. The image light transmission member 222 is fixed to the inside of the case 220 by using a rib or the like provided inside the case 220 (not shown). The periphery of the base end of the image light transmitting member 222 is fixed around the first hole 214 provided in the plate portion 211 of the main body case 210 while not affecting the transmission of the image light. .. When the portable device 100 is fixed to the recess 213 of the main body case 210, the surface of the base end of the image light transmitting member 222 includes the optical axis of the image light transmitting member 222 and the optical axis of the lens 104 of the portable device 100. Is located immediately in front of the lens 104 so that they match. Further, the tip of the image light transmitting member 222 faces the window 221 of the case 220. That is, when the case 220 is inserted into the oral cavity when using the laryngeal camera, the tip of the image light transmitting member 222 reaches the depth of the uvula. The image light transmission member 222 can be configured by a known image guide in which a large number of optical fibers are bundled, instead of the rod lens. By keeping the relative positional relationship of many optical fibers at both ends of the image guide the same, the image light can be taken from the tip to the base of the image guide in a state where the image sensor of the portable device 100 can correctly take an image. It becomes possible to transmit to. If such an image guide is adopted, it becomes easy to bend the image light transmitting member 222.
Although not limited to this, in this embodiment, an objective lens 224 is provided on the distal end side of the image light transmitting member 222 as shown in FIG. 4 (A). The objective lens 224 has a function of increasing the angle of view (for example, 60 ° or more, preferably about 70 °) of the image light transmitting member 222, which is a rod lens, which is difficult to increase. As a result, the image light transmitting member 222 enables the image pickup device to take an image over a wide range including at least a part of the larynx. Further, a reflection member 225 is provided on the distal end side of the objective lens 224 of the image light transmission member 222 of this embodiment. The reflective member 225 is for reflecting the image light and changing the angle thereof so that the image light from the lower side of the patient is incident on the tip of the image light transmitting member 222. The reflective member 225 is, for example, a mirror or a prism. If it is possible to direct the tip of the image light transmitting member 222 toward the glottis, which is the larynx, the reflective member 225 is unnecessary, but if that is difficult, the reflective member 225 can be used to make it from the larynx. The image light can be incident on the tip surface of the image light transmitting member 222 via the reflecting member 225.
An optical element for appropriately incident the image light on the lens 104 of the portable device 100 may be provided on the base end side of the image light transmission member 222. Such an optical element can, for example, focus the image light in the pupil range of the lens 104 at a solid angle equal to or greater than the angle of view of the lens 104. The optical element in this case is, for example, a single lens or a plurality of lenses.

The illumination light transmission member 223 is for transmitting the illumination light that has entered the inside of the illumination light transmission member 223 from its base end to its tip and irradiating the larynx. The illumination light transmission member 223 can be, for example, one or a plurality of optical fibers. It is also possible to use the GI type rod lens as the illumination light transmission member 223. Further, it is also possible to use, for example, a mirror-processed metal tube as the illumination light transmission member 223 so that the inner peripheral surface thereof reflects light. The illumination light transmission member 223 has a rod shape and is curved along the case 220. The illumination light transmission member 223 is fixed to the inside of the case 220 by using a rib or the like (not shown) provided inside the case 220. That is, the illumination light transmission member 223 is fixed to each other with the image light transmission member 222 via the case 220. For example, the periphery of the base end of the illumination light transmission member 223 is fixed around the second hole 215 provided in the plate portion 211 of the main body case 210 while preventing the transmission of the illumination light from being affected. There is. When the portable device 100 is fixed to the recess 213 of the main body case 210, the surface of the base end of the illumination light transmitting member 223 is positioned immediately before the illumination 105 of the portable device 100. As a result, the illumination light from the illumination 105 enters the illumination light transmission member 223 from the surface on the proximal end side of the illumination light transmission member 223. Further, the tip of the illumination light transmission member 223 faces the window 221 of the case 220. That is, when the case 220 is inserted into the oral cavity when using the laryngeal camera, the tip of the illumination light transmitting member 223 reaches the depth of the uvula.
Although not limited to this, in this embodiment, a reflection member 226 is provided at the tip of the illumination light transmission member 223 as shown in FIG. 4 (B). The reflective member 226 reflects the illumination light and changes its angle so that the illumination light emitted from the tip of the illumination light transmission member 223 is directed to the lower side of the patient. The reflective member 226 is, for example, a mirror or a prism. If the tip of the illumination light transmission member 223 can be directed toward the larynx, the reflection member 226 is unnecessary, but if that is difficult, the tip of the illumination light transmission member 223 can be used by using the reflection member 226. Illumination light emitted from the surface can be emitted toward the larynx via the reflective member 226.
On the other hand, it is possible to direct the light emitted from the illumination light transmitting member 223 toward the larynx without using the reflecting member 226. When the illumination light transmission member 223 is a rod lens or an optical fiber, as shown in FIG. 4C, the method of cutting the tip of the illumination light transmission member 223 at an acute angle is the method. By reflecting the illumination light on the cut surface (for example, total reflection), the illumination light is directed in a direction different from the extension line in the length direction of the illumination light transmission member 223, more specifically, in a direction toward the throat. It becomes possible to direct the illumination light emitted from the transmission member 223.

Figures 7 (A) and 7 (B) show the operating principle of the larynx camera described above. 7 (A) and 7 (B) are schematic vertical sectional views showing the operating principle of a larynx camera formed by combining a portable device 100 and a larynx camera unit 200, and the former is a suction of sputum. The latter is a vertical cross-sectional view of the part including the mechanism necessary for imaging the portion, and the latter is the portion including the mechanism necessary for irradiating the sputum suction portion with the illumination light.
In these drawings, the image pickup device 106, which has been omitted from the illustration, is shown, and the control board 107 is also shown. The control board 107 operates the portable device 100 in a known or well-known manner, for example, according to an input from an input device (not shown). The control board 107 may be known or well-known, and is designed to be capable of realizing the functions necessary for the portable device 100 to function as a smartphone, and includes a battery as a power source.
The image pickup device 106 is connected to the control board 107 by the signal line 106A, and the control board 107 is connected to the display 102 by the signal line 107A. The moving image data generated by the image pickup performed by the image pickup element 106 is sent from the image pickup element 106 to the control board 107 and displayed on the display 102 under the control of the control board 107. The control board 107 is also connected to the lighting 105 via the electric wire 105A, and by supplying electric power to the lighting 105, the lighting 105 can be turned on according to the user's choice.

The usage and operation of the laryngeal camera unit 200 described above will be described.
The larynx camera unit 200 forms a larynx camera in combination with the portable device 100. First, combine both. The portable device 100 is inserted into the recess 213 of the main body case 210 of the laryngeal camera unit 200. At that time, the front surface of the portable device 100 is brought into contact with the back surface of the plate portion 211. By doing so, the display 102 of the portable device 100 is exposed from the recess 213 of the main body case 210 of the laryngeal camera unit 200. At this time, the lens 104 and the illumination 105 of the portable device 100 are positioned immediately behind the first hole 214 and the second hole 215 provided in the plate portion 211 of the main body case 210 of the laryngeal camera unit 200. It will be in a state of being.
At this time, since the back edge of the portable device 100 is locked by the locking claw 212A, the portable device 100 does not come off from the laryngeal camera unit 200.
This completes the laryngeal camera unit 200.
On the other hand, the user fixes the sputum aspirator tube T (see FIG. 6) to the guide member 270 of the laryngeal camera unit 200. When fixing the tube T to the guide member 270, the length of the tube T ahead of the guide member 270 should be long enough to bring the tip of the tube T to the sputum suction point X (FIG. 5). To.
The user drives the camera function of the portable device 100, which forms a part of the laryngeal camera unit 200, in a state of capturing a moving image, and turns on the lighting 105. The moving image captured by the camera is displayed on the display 102 of the portable device 100.
The assembly of the larynx camera unit 200, the fixing of the tube T to the guide member 270, and the driving of the camera function of the portable device 100 may be performed first regardless of the order.

In this state, the user inserts the case 220 of the larynx camera into the user's oral cavity together with the tube T, thereby inserting the case 220 and the tube T into the patient's body (FIG. 6).
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the human head and neck. In the figure, 1 is the external nose, 2 is the nasal cavity, and 3 is the oral cavity. 4 is the tongue, 5 is the uvula, 6 is the pharynx (oropharynx), 7 is the epiglottis, 8 is the larynx, 9 is the glottis, 10 is the trachea, 11 is the esophagus, and 12 is the teeth. The area surrounded by a broken line and marked with an X is a place where sputum is likely to accumulate, and is generally a part where sputum is sucked. The sputum suction point X is in the vicinity of the larynx 8.
The user operates the tube T together with the laryngeal camera. This is possible because the tube T is fixed at a predetermined position on the distal end side of the case 220 of the laryngeal camera via the guide member 270. Further, since the curvature of the guide member 270 is larger than the curvature of the case 220, the tip of the tube T is directed toward the lower part of the patient's body at the portion of the guide member 270, so that the tip of the tube T can be easily set. For example, it reaches the sputum suction point X near the larynx 8. The guide member 270 thus has a function of fixing the laryngeal camera and the tube T and a function of bending the tube T fixed to the laryngeal camera and directing the tube T downward in the patient's body. The guide member 270 described in this embodiment is designed to achieve these two functions with one member, and the guide member 270 achieves these two functions in cooperation, for example, the above two functions. It may be composed of a plurality of members such as two members that each bear the above.
The tip of the tube T and the sputum suction point X are imaged with a laryngeal camera. At that time, the tip of the case 220 of the larynx camera unit 200, more specifically, the window 221 thereof is made to reach the back of the uvula 5. Since the case 220 of the laryngeal camera unit 200 is curved, the tip of the case 220 can reach the back of the uvula 5 while avoiding the case 220 interfering with the patient's tongue.
The illumination light required for imaging is emitted from the illumination 105 of the portable device 100. The light from the illumination 105 passes through the second hole 215 provided in the plate portion 211 of the main body case 210 of the laryngeal camera unit 200 and enters the illumination light transmission member 223 from the base end of the illumination light transmission member 223. The illumination light passes through the illumination light transmission member 223 and exits from the tip end side of the illumination light transmission member 223. In this embodiment, since the reflective member 226 is present on the tip end side of the illumination light transmission member 223, the illumination light emitted from the tip end of the illumination light transmission member 223 is reflected by the reflection member 226 and is lower than the patient's body. That is, toward the direction of the sputum suction point X including the direction of the throat 8. As a result, the illumination of the sputum suction point X is realized.
The illumination light is reflected by the sputum suction point X and the tube T to become image light. The image light is captured by the camera of the portable device 100. In this embodiment, the image light is first reflected by the reflection member 225 and directed toward the objective lens 224 because the objective lens 224 and the reflection member 225 are present at the tip of the image light transmission member 222. The image light refracted by the objective lens 224 and whose diameter has become smaller enters the image light transmission member 222 from the tip of the image light transmission member 222. The image light passes through the image light transmitting member 222 and exits from the base end of the image light transmitting member 222. Then, it passes through the first hole 214 provided in the plate portion 211 of the main body case 210 of the laryngeal camera unit 200, enters the lens 104 of the portable device 100, and is imaged by an image pickup element (not shown) provided in the portable device 100. Will be done.
The captured moving image is displayed on the display 102 of the portable device 100. The user can check the position where sputum is present and the position of the tip of the tube T, or the relative positional relationship between both positions, while adjusting the position and angle of the portable device 100 with one hand. .. When the user moves the laryngeal camera, the tube T also moves. The user can adjust the position of the tip of the tube T by moving the tube T back and forth and rotating the tube T together with the laryngeal camera. When the tip of the tube T reaches a position where sputum can be sucked, the user may drive the suction pump of the sputum aspirator. If the action is performed while checking on the display 102, sputum suction can be performed quickly and reliably.
In this embodiment, the portable device 100 includes the display 102, and the image captured by the image pickup device of the portable device 100 is displayed on the display 102 in substantially real time, so that the user confirms the image. While sucking sputum, it can be performed. If the portable device 100 does not have a display, a display device equipped with a display is prepared separately from the portable device 100 as described above, and the image captured by the image pickup element from the portable device 100 is displayed. It is possible to display in substantially real time on the display of the device. As a result, when aspirating sputum, the user can perform sputum aspiration work while confirming the position where sputum is present and the position of the tip of the tube T, or the relative positional relationship between these two positions. It can be carried out.

After the suction of sputum is completed, the user may remove the tube T from the laryngeal camera and remove the portable device 100 from the laryngeal camera unit 200. Then, the portable device 100 can be used in the originally expected usage method.

<Modification example>
The larynx camera according to the modified example will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. 8 to 11 are cross-sectional views of different laryngeal cameras. 8 to 11 are schematic vertical cross-sectional views showing the same operating principle of the larynx camera as in FIG. 7, and FIGS. 8 to 11A are images of sputum suction points. (B) of FIGS. 8 to 11 of the portion including the necessary mechanism is a vertical sectional view of the portion including the mechanism necessary for irradiating the sputum suction portion with the illumination light.
The larynx camera shown in FIG. 8 is almost the same as the larynx camera of the first embodiment. The difference between this larynx camera and the larynx camera of the first embodiment is that the larynx camera according to the first embodiment is configured by a combination of a portable device 100 and a larynx camera unit 200, and is a portable device. The combination of 100 and the main body case 210 of the larynx camera unit 200 was designed to be the main body portion referred to in the present application, but in the larynx camera shown in FIG. 8, the portable device 100 and the larynx camera unit 200 are used. The point is that they are integrated in the first place, and they are not removable. This laryngeal camera is provided with a lens 104 and an illumination 105 on the front surface and a display 102 on the back surface, and is provided with a main body case 210X in which an image pickup device 106 and a control board 107 are housed. The main body case 210X corresponds to the case 101 of the portable device 100 and the main body case 210 of the laryngeal camera unit 200 integrated in the first embodiment. In the larynx camera according to the modification shown in FIG. 8, the main body case 210X corresponds to the main body referred to in the present application.
The main body case 210X is also provided with an input device 103 as provided in the portable device 100 of the first embodiment, but the illustration thereof is omitted. The main body case 210X corresponds to the first hole 214X corresponding to the first hole 214 in the first embodiment for passing the image light and the second hole 215 in the first embodiment for passing the illumination light. The second hole 215X is provided respectively. It is the same as in the case of the first embodiment that these may be integrated.
The control board 107 may be basically the same as the control board 107 in the case of the first embodiment, but the larynx camera according to this embodiment does not include the portable device 100 which is a smartphone, for example, and functions only as a larynx camera. It's enough, so it's enough if you can realize the necessary functions.
The usage and operation of the larynx camera according to the modification shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the usage and operation of the larynx camera of the first embodiment after assembly.

The larynx camera shown in FIG. 8 can be further deformed like the larynx camera according to each modification shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. In the case of any of the modified examples, the configuration of the portion not particularly described is the same as the configuration of the laryngeal camera according to the modified example shown in FIG.
The larynx camera according to each modification shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 includes a main body case 210X, similarly to the larynx camera according to the modification shown in FIG. The main body case 210X integrates the housing 101 of the portable device 100 in the first embodiment and the main body case 210 of the laryngeal camera unit 200, and corresponds to the main body in the present application.
The larynx camera according to the modified example in FIG. 9 does not include the image light transmission member 222 as a mechanism necessary for taking an image of a sputum suction portion. In the case of the first embodiment, the image light transmitting member 222 is used from the tip end side of the case 220 to the main body case 210 forming a part of the main body portion according to the present invention, from the sputum suction point to the tip end side of the case 220. The image sensor 106 is moving by transmitting the image light itself, and the image sensor 106 built in the portable device 100 integrated with the main body case 210 takes an image with the image light. It was supposed to generate image data. On the other hand, the larynx camera according to the modified example shown in FIG. 9 does not send the image light itself along the case 220, and the image sensor 106 is arranged in the portion corresponding to the window 221 on the tip side of the case 220. By doing so, the image pickup element 106 is used to take an image on the tip end side of the case 220. The image pickup element 106 is connected to the control board 107 inside the main body case 210X by the signal line 105A, and the moving image generated by the image pickup element 106 is transferred from the image pickup element 106 to the control board 107 via the signal line 106A. Image data is sent. That is, in this modification, instead of sending the image light itself along the case 220, the data of the moving image created from the image light is sent along the case 220. It should be noted that a device such as arranging an appropriate optical system (for example, at least one lens) for forming an image of image light on the image sensor 106 in front of the image sensor 106 arranged on the tip side of the case 220 is known. Alternatively, it may be appropriately performed based on a well-known technique.
The larynx camera according to the modified example in FIG. 9 is not provided with the illumination light transmission member 223 as a mechanism necessary for irradiating the suction portion of sputum with illumination light. In the case of the first embodiment, the light from the illumination 105 provided in the portable device 100 forming a part of the main body portion of the present invention is taken from the base end of the case 220 by using the illumination light transmission member 223. It was supposed to be sent from the side to the tip side along the case 220. That is, in the larynx camera according to the modified example shown in FIG. 8, the illumination light itself is sent from the base end side to the tip end side of the case 220. On the other hand, the larynx camera according to the modification shown in FIG. 9 does not send the illumination light itself along the case 220, but arranges the illumination 105 in the portion corresponding to the window 221 on the tip side of the case 220. As a result, the illumination light is irradiated from the tip end side of the case 220 toward the sputum suction portion. The illumination 105 may be any one as long as it can irradiate the illumination light, and may be, for example, an LED as in the first embodiment. The lighting 105 is connected to the control board 107 by the electric wire 105A, and power can be supplied from the control board 107 via the electric wire 105A. The lighting 105 is configured to be turned on or off under the control of the control board 107. That is, in this modification, instead of sending the illumination light itself along the case 220, electric power is sent along the case 220 via the electric wire 105A. In addition, it is known or known that an appropriate optical system (for example, at least one reflecting mirror) suitable for appropriately irradiating the illumination light is arranged in front of the illumination 105 arranged on the tip side of the case 220. It may be done appropriately based on a well-known technique.
As described above, regarding the image light, it is possible to send the image light itself from the tip end side to the base end side of the case 220 along the case 220 (a modified example shown in FIG. 8), and the case 220. It is possible to send moving image data instead of image light from the tip end side to the base end side of the case 220 (a modified example shown in FIG. 9). Further, regarding the illumination light, it is possible to send the illumination light itself from the base end side to the tip end side of the case 220 along the case 220 (a modified example shown in FIG. 8), and the case along the case 220. It is also possible to send electric power instead of the illumination light from the base end side to the tip end side of the 220 (a modified example shown in FIG. 9).
The above combinations can be replaced.
For example, in the modification shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the image light, a configuration is adopted in which the image light itself is sent from the tip end side to the base end side of the case 220 along the case 220, and in the case of the illumination light, the image light itself is sent. A configuration is adopted in which electric power is sent from the base end side to the tip end side of the case 220 along the case 220 instead of the illumination light. Further, in the modified example shown in FIG. 11, regarding the image light, a configuration is adopted in which moving image data is sent from the tip end side to the base end side of the case 220 along the case 220 instead of the image light. Regarding the illumination light, a configuration is adopted in which the illumination light itself is sent from the base end side to the tip end side of the case 220 along the case 220.
The usage and operation of the laryngeal camera according to each modification shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 are the same as the usage and operation of the laryngeal camera according to the modification shown in FIG.
It should be noted that it is possible to adopt the same deformation as described in each modification in the larynx camera of each embodiment unless there is a particular circumstance where it is impossible.

<< Second Embodiment >>
The larynx camera unit 200 of the second embodiment will be described.
The larynx camera unit 200 of the second embodiment is exactly the same as the larynx camera unit 200 of the first embodiment, but further includes a cover 300 as shown in FIG. The cover 300 includes a cover main body 310 made of a thin material and a guide member 320 provided on the cover main body 310. In this embodiment, the cover main body 310 and the guide member 320 are integrally formed of a transparent resin having some elasticity. As will be described later, the guide member 320 has the same function as the guide member 270 in the larynx camera of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the guide member 320 in the cover 300 is provided, and the guide member 270 in the laryngeal camera unit 200 is deleted.
The cover body 310 is, for example, thin and configured to have a uniform overall thickness, and has an internal shape corresponding to the outer shape of the case 220 of the laryngeal camera unit 200. The rear end of the cover main body 310 is open, but the cover main body 310 is watertightly configured in other parts. By inserting the case 220 inside the cover body 310, the cover 300 can cover the entire case 220. The length of the cover body 310 may be such that the portion of the case 220 that is planned to be inserted into the oral cavity can be covered by the cover body 310, and the entire length of the case 220 is not necessarily covered by the cover body 310. It is not necessary to cover it. In this embodiment, the cover main body 310 can cover the entire length of the case 220.
When the case 220 is covered with the cover main body 310, the window 221 provided in the case 220 is also covered with the cover main body 310. That is, when a larynx camera made by combining the larynx camera unit 200 of this embodiment and the portable device 100 is used, the image light and the illumination light pass through the cover main body 310. In order to make this possible, at least the portion of the cover body 310 that covers the window 221 needs to be transparent. This can be easily achieved by forming the entire cover 300 with a transparent resin. Further, particularly with respect to the image light, if the image light causes different refraction depending on the portion when passing through the cover 300, the image obtained by the image pickup device of the portable device 100 may be distorted, for example. In order to prevent this, at least the portion of the cover body 310 that covers the window 221 should have a uniform thickness. If the thickness of the entire cover body 310 is made uniform, this can be easily achieved.

The guide member 320 is for fixing the tube T in a detachable manner. In this embodiment, by configuring the guide member 320 in a cylindrical shape having a substantially C-shaped cross section, the tube T can be fixed by pushing the tube T inside while deforming the tube T, and the tube T can be fixed from the inside thereof. By pulling out while deforming T, the fixing of the tube T can be released.
The guide member 320 is adapted to bend in the same direction as the case 220 bends when the cover 300 is attached to the case 220 of the laryngeal camera unit 200. However, but not limited to this, in this embodiment, the curvature of the curvature of the guide member 320 is larger than the curvature of the curvature of the case 220.

The usage and operation of the larynx camera unit 200 will be described.
The larynx camera unit 200 of the second embodiment also forms a larynx camera in combination with the portable device 100. The combination method is the same as in the case of the first embodiment.
However, it does not matter whether the portable device 100 and the laryngeal camera unit 200 are fixed, but in the case of the second embodiment, the cover 300 is fixed to the case 220 of the laryngeal camera unit 200, and the cover 300 is guided. The tube of the sputum aspirator is fixed to the member 320. When fixing the tube to the guide member 320, the length of the tube beyond the guide member 320 should be long enough to bring the tip of the tube to the sputum suction point X.
After that, the usage and operation of the larynx camera unit 200 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. That is, when using this laryngeal camera, the tube is inserted into the patient's body together with the case 220 of the laryngeal camera from the oral cavity, which is less burdensome to the patient.
The user operates the tube together with the laryngeal camera. Since the curvature of the guide member 320 is greater than the curvature of the case 220, the tip of the tube points further down in the patient's body, so that the tip of the tube can easily suck sputum, for example near the larynx 8. Reach location X.
Also in the second embodiment, it is the same as the first embodiment that the suction point X of the patient's sputum can be illuminated by the illumination light from the illumination 105 of the portable device 100. Further, also in the second embodiment, it is the same as in the first embodiment that the camera of the portable device 100 can take an image of the sputum suction point X and the tip of the tube.
The user may aspirate the patient's sputum while checking the image displayed on the display 102.

After the suction of sputum is completed, the user may remove the portable device 100 from the laryngeal camera unit 200, remove the cover 300 from the case of the laryngeal camera unit 200, and remove the tube from the guide member 320 of the cover 300. The cover 300 can be less expensive and can be thrown away by doing so.
Even in the case of the second embodiment, the portable device 100 can be used in the originally expected usage method when sputum suction is not performed.

<< Third Embodiment >>
The larynx camera unit 200 of the third embodiment will be described.
The larynx camera unit 200 of the third embodiment is substantially the same as the larynx camera unit 200 of the first embodiment. The larynx camera unit 200 of the third embodiment is different from the larynx camera unit 200 of the first embodiment in that there is no case 220 that covers the image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223.
In the larynx camera unit 200 of the third embodiment, the image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223 are exposed, so to speak. The image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223 are supported in a state of penetrating the support block 250 fixed to the plate portion 211 of the main body case 210. The positional relationship between the image light transmitting member 222 and the illumination light transmitting member 223 with respect to the plate portion 211 on the base end side is the same as in the first embodiment, and the plate portion 211 may have the first hole 214 and the second hole 215. It is the same as the first embodiment.
When the image light transmitting member 222 and the illumination light transmitting member 223 in the third embodiment are viewed from the side, the point that they are curved in the same manner as the case 220 existing in the first embodiment is that of those in the first embodiment. Same as the case.
However, the illumination light transmission member 223 in the third embodiment has a predetermined range on the tip end side along the image light transmission member 222 when viewed in a plan view, and a part of the illumination light transmission member 223 is gently bent. are doing. The degree of bending of the illumination light transmission member 223 is, for example, a range in which the performance of light transmission is not affected when the illumination light transmission member 223 is an optical fiber. The portions of the image light transmitting member 222 and the illumination light transmitting member 223 on the distal end side of each other are fixed to each other by an appropriate method such as adhesion.
Then, in the larynx camera unit 200 of the third embodiment, the guide member 270 is attached to a predetermined position on the tip end side of at least one of the image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223.
The larynx camera configured by using the larynx camera unit 200 of the third embodiment has a portion to be inserted into the oral cavity of the patient because there is no case (a combination of the image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223). It is suitable for reducing the burden on the patient because it can be made thinner. However, it is possible that the rigidity of the image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223 is insufficient. In that case, a thin member having high rigidity along at least one of the image light transmission member 222 and the illumination light transmission member 223. Therefore, it should be considered to increase the rigidity of the image light transmitting member 222 and the illumination light transmitting member 223.
The method and operation of the laryngeal camera unit 200 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

100 Portable equipment 102 Display 104 Lens 105 Lighting 106 Image sensor 107 Control board 200 Throat camera unit 210 Main body case 211 Plate part 214 First hole 215 Second hole 220 Case 221 Window 222 Image light transmission member 223 Illumination light transmission member 224 Objective Lens 225 Reflective member 226 Reflective member 270 Guide member 300 Cover 310 Cover body 320 Guide member

Claims (10)

A laryngeal camera used in combination with a sputum aspirator with a flexible tube.
The main body that can be held and
The image light from the subject, which is the larynx, is received on the tip side thereof, and the tip is inserted from the oral cavity at the time of imaging of the larynx so that the tip reaches the back of the uvula. And the rod-shaped member
An image sensor that captures an image of the subject by the image light received at the tip of the rod-shaped member.
Be prepared for
The rod-shaped member includes a tube fixing member capable of detachably fixing the tube included in the sputum aspirator so that the tip of the tube is located within the imaging range of the image pickup device. At the same time
The tube fixing member is curved so that its curvature is larger than the curvature of the rod-shaped member, and the portion of the tube fixing member fixed by the tube fixing member so that the tip of the tube faces the suction point of sputum. The tube is fixed so that the tube is curved with a curvature larger than the curvature given to the rod-shaped member.
Laryngeal camera. The image pickup device exists in the main body portion, and is present in the main body portion.
The rod-shaped member receives the image light from the larynx from its tip, transmits the image light along its length direction, and emits the image light from its base end toward the image pickup device to the image pickup device. It is provided with a rod-shaped image light transmitting member whose tip substantially coincides with the tip of the rod-shaped member for imaging.
The larynx camera according to claim 1. The image pickup element is attached to the tip end side of the rod-shaped member so that data about the moving image generated by the image pickup element is sent from the image pickup element to the main body portion by a signal line along the rod-shaped member. It has become
The larynx camera according to claim 1. Illumination light is applied to the larynx from the tip side of the rod-shaped member.
The larynx camera according to claim 1. The lighting that emits the illumination light is provided in the main body, and the lighting is provided.
The rod-shaped member receives the illumination light from the illumination from its base end, transmits the illumination light along its length direction, and irradiates the larynx with the illumination light from its tip, the tip of which is the rod shape. It is equipped with an illumination light transmission member that substantially matches the tip of the member.
The larynx camera according to claim 4. An illumination that irradiates the larynx with the illumination light is attached to the tip of the rod-shaped member.
The larynx camera according to claim 4. The rod-shaped member is curved so as to correspond to the vertical curvature of the palate.
The larynx camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Of the rod-shaped members, at least the portion that is planned to be inserted into the oral cavity is covered, and at least the portion that is removable from the rod-shaped member and through which the image light and the illumination light pass is transparent. It has a cover that is said to be
The larynx camera according to claim 1. The tube fixing member is provided on the cover.
The larynx camera according to claim 8 . The tube fixing member is adapted to bend the tube so that the tip of the tube faces the suction point of sputum.
The larynx camera according to claim 1, 8 or 9 .

Images