JP7415672B2 - connection structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connection structure for connecting a pressure measurement device main body and a measurement probe, and particularly belongs to the technical field of a structure that improves airtightness and pressure resistance during measurement.

In recent years, in order to improve the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly, maintenance and recovery of eating and swallowing functions have been required, and it has become necessary to elucidate these functions. Tongue movements are deeply involved in feeding and swallowing functions, and a certain amount of tongue pressure is required to form a bolus and feed it into the pharynx. For this reason, measurement of tongue pressure and its analysis have important meaning. In addition to tongue pressure, the measurement of oral cavity-related pressures such as sublingual muscle pressure, lip pressure, and cheek pressure is equally important, and these oral cavity-related pressures can be measured in people other than the elderly. This also applies to people with disabilities.

As a method for measuring oral cavity-related pressure, a method using a so-called balloon-type measuring probe is known, which enables the pressure to be measured by applying a pressing force to a balloon inserted into the oral cavity (Patent Documents 1 to 3). (See 3). In the oral cavity-related pressure measurement devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, when a person to be measured presses a measurement balloon inserted into the oral cavity with his/her tongue, a pressure detection section communicating with the measurement balloon detects the pressure inside the measurement balloon. Air pressure changes are detected. Tongue pressure can be measured by converting this air pressure change into an electrical signal.

The measurement probe of Patent Document 2 includes a balloon, a hollow tube section communicating with the balloon, and a sliding member disposed outside the hollow tube section. The sliding member is used to hold the measurement probe between the teeth or lips during use, and is configured so that its position can be changed according to the insertion length of the measurement probe into the oral cavity. As the shape of the sliding member, a plurality of shapes having a flat cross section are disclosed.

Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, a flange projecting outward is provided at the proximal end of the balloon of the measurement probe.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-275994 JP2013-135728A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-237366

By the way, for hygienic reasons, it is desirable to replace the measurement probe for each person taking the measurement, and even if the person taking the measurement is the same, from the viewpoint of hygiene and maintaining measurement accuracy, it is recommended that the measurement probe be replaced periodically. It is desirable to do so. When replacing a measurement probe, it is necessary to connect the new measurement probe to the main body of the pressure measurement device, but if this task is performed by an inexperienced person, there is a risk of connection failure. If the measurement probe and the main body of the pressure measurement device are not properly connected, accurate measurement results will not be obtained.

Further, even if the measurement probe and the pressure measurement device main body are connected in a normal state, if the airtightness of the connection between the two is low, the measurement results will be adversely affected. In particular, it is a challenge to ensure airtightness and pressure resistance when pressure is applied.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to ensure that a measurement probe and a pressure measurement device main body can be connected in a normal state, and to ensure airtightness at the time of connection. and ensure pressure resistance to obtain accurate measurement results.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, an annular sealing material is provided between the connecting tube section on the pressure measuring device main body side and the connecting tube section on the measurement probe side, and both connecting tube sections are connected. The connected state is maintained by engaging the two.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a connection structure for connecting a pressure measuring device main body having a pressure sensor and a measuring probe having a balloon inserted into the oral cavity. is provided with a first connecting pipe part, and the other is provided with a second connecting pipe part that is inserted into the first connecting pipe part by a predetermined amount and connected, and the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting pipe part and the first connecting pipe part are connected. A sealing material made of an elastic member that extends annularly along the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube section, and A first engaging portion is provided at a portion away from the sealing material in the tube axis direction, and a first engaging portion is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube portion, and the second connecting tube portion is connected to the first connecting tube portion at the location. The device is characterized in that a second engaging portion is provided that engages with the first engaging portion when inserted a fixed amount.

According to this configuration, when the second connecting tube section is inserted into the first connecting tube section, the sealing material is elastically deformed and comes into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting tube section and the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube section. A seal is established between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface. When the second connecting pipe part is inserted into the first connecting pipe part by a predetermined amount, the second engaging part engages with the first engaging part, and thereby the first connecting pipe part and the second connecting pipe part are connected to each other. Since the connection is made in a normal state, connection failures are less likely to occur. Furthermore, due to the engagement of the first engaging part and the second engaging part, the second connecting pipe part becomes difficult to come off from the first connecting pipe part, so airtightness and pressure resistance are sufficiently maintained when pressure is applied. drooping

A second aspect of the present invention is that an annular groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting pipe portion, and the annular groove is arranged such that the outer circumferential side of the sealing material protrudes from the outer circumferential surface when the sealing material is fitted therein; An annular sealing surface that contacts an outer circumferential side of the sealing material fitted into the annular groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting pipe portion.

According to this configuration, by fitting the sealing material into the annular groove of the second connecting tube section in advance, it becomes possible to integrate the second connecting tube section and the sealing material. When the second connecting tube section and the sealing material are integrated, when the second connecting tube section is inserted into the first connecting tube section, the sealing material comes into contact with the annular sealing surface to ensure airtightness.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the annular sealing surface is formed in a portion of the first connecting tube section that is away from the proximal end toward the distal end, and the portion of the first connecting tube section where the annular sealing surface is formed is provided. The inner diameter of the first connecting pipe portion is set smaller than the inner diameter of the proximal end portion of the first connecting pipe portion.

According to this configuration, when inserting the second connecting pipe portion integrated with the sealing material into the first connecting pipe portion, the sliding resistance of the sealing material is reduced, and the force required at the time of insertion is small. Then, when the second connecting tube section is inserted into the first connecting tube section by a predetermined amount, the sealing material is pressed by the annular sealing surface and high airtightness is obtained.

In a fourth invention, the first connecting tube portion and the second connecting tube portion are made of a resin material harder than the sealing material, and the first engaging portion is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the first connecting tube portion. a first protrusion that protrudes radially inward from the second connecting pipe portion, and the second engaging portion is a second protrusion that protrudes radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the second connecting pipe portion. do.

According to this configuration, when the second connecting tube section is inserted by a predetermined amount into the first connecting tube section, the first protruding section and the second protruding section come into contact and engage with each other. Since vibration is felt when the first protrusion and the second protrusion come into contact, it becomes possible to recognize from the vibration that the second connecting pipe part has been inserted into the first connecting pipe part by a predetermined amount.

In a fifth aspect of the invention, the second engaging portion is formed on a distal end side of the annular groove of the second connecting tube portion, and the second connecting tube portion is inserted into the first connecting tube portion by the predetermined amount. It is characterized in that it is arranged so as to overcome the first engaging portion when the first engaging portion is moved.

In a sixth invention, the second engaging portion is formed on a proximal side of the annular groove of the second connecting tube portion, and the second connecting tube portion is attached to the first connecting tube portion by the predetermined amount. It is characterized in that it is arranged so as to overcome the first engaging portion when inserted.

According to the fifth and sixth inventions, when the second connecting pipe part is inserted into the first connecting pipe part by a predetermined amount, the second engaging part climbs over the first engaging part, and at this time, noise and vibration are generated. It is more likely to occur. This is what is called a click feeling.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a stopper is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube portion, with which the first connecting tube portion comes into contact when the second connecting tube portion is inserted into the first connecting tube portion by the predetermined amount. It is characterized in that the portion is formed to protrude outward in the radial direction.

According to this configuration, when the second connecting pipe part is inserted into the first connecting pipe part by a predetermined amount, the first connecting pipe part comes into contact with the stopper part of the second connecting pipe part and cannot be inserted any further. is defined.

According to the first invention, a sealing material is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting tube section and the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube section connecting the pressure measuring device main body and the measuring probe, and The first engaging part is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting pipe part, and the second engaging part that engages with the first engaging part is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting pipe part. It is possible to reliably connect the main body of the device in a normal state, and to ensure airtightness and pressure resistance during connection, thereby obtaining accurate measurement results.

According to the second invention, the second connecting tube is inserted into the first connecting tube section in a state where the sealing material is fitted in advance into the annular groove of the second connecting tube section and the second connecting tube section and the sealing material are integrated. Since sealing performance can be ensured by inserting the part, workability during connection can be improved.

According to the third invention, the inner diameter of the portion of the first connecting tube portion where the annular sealing surface is formed is smaller than the inner diameter of the proximal end portion of the first connecting tube portion. It is possible to obtain high airtightness while improving workability by reducing the force when inserting into the connecting pipe section.

According to the fourth invention, since vibration is generated when the first protruding part and the second protruding part are engaged, it is recognized that the second connecting pipe part is inserted into the first connecting pipe part by a predetermined amount. This makes it possible to prevent connection failures from occurring.

According to the fifth and sixth inventions, when the second connecting pipe part is inserted into the first connecting pipe part by a predetermined amount and the second engaging part gets over the first engaging part, a click feeling is generated. It is possible to recognize that the second connecting pipe part has been inserted by a predetermined amount into the first connecting pipe part, and it is possible to prevent a connection failure from occurring.

According to the seventh invention, since the stopper portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting tube portion, the insertion amount of the second connecting tube portion can be defined.

1 is a front view showing a pressure measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a front view of the measurement probe and the connection member in a connected state. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2. FIG. It is a front view of a probe side connection member. It is a side view of a probe side connection member. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5, and shows the case where the balloon is omitted. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the balloon before being attached to the probe-side connection member. FIG. 3 is a front view of the distal end side connecting member. It is a side view of a tip side connection member. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 11. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the connection process of the measurement probe, in which (A) shows the initial stage of insertion, (B) shows the state where the engaging portions have started to engage, and (C) shows the state when the connection is completed. FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 14 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view of a connected state of a probe-side connecting member and a tip-side connecting member according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 11 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the following description of preferred embodiments is essentially just an example, and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a pressure measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The pressure measurement device 100 is a device for measuring oral cavity-related pressure, and includes a pressure measurement device main body 101 and a measurement probe 1. The oral cavity-related pressure includes, for example, tongue pressure, sublingual muscle pressure, lip pressure, buccal pressure, etc., but is not limited to these, and can be used when measuring various oral cavity-related pressures. Tongue pressure is the force that presses the tongue against the roof of the mouth, hypoglossal pressure is the force that presses the tongue downward, labial pressure is the force that closes the upper and lower lips, and cheek pressure is the force that presses the cheek against the oral cavity. It is a force that pushes inward. Furthermore, examples of the subject include elderly people, people with disabilities, etc., but healthy people may also be used. Moreover, the measurement probe 1 can also be used as a training tool for oral function recovery.

(Configuration of pressure measuring device main body 101)
The pressure measurement device main body 101 includes a pressure sensor 102, a control device 103, a display section 104, an operation button 105, a casing 106, and a connection hose 107, and is configured to be operated by, for example, a built-in battery (not shown). has been done. The pressure sensor 102 is a conventionally well-known sensor configured to be able to measure changes in air pressure, and may be capable of measuring the amount of change in the currently measured pressure, or may be able to measure absolute pressure. It may be something that can be done. The control device 103 is configured to control the display section 104 based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 102, and is specifically a microcomputer. The display unit 104 is configured to be able to indicate the pressure level using numbers or bars. The pressure level is divided into a plurality of stages in advance, and the control device 103 determines which pressure level to enter based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 102, and displays the determination result on the display unit 104. The display unit 104 may display the pressure numerically.

The operation button 105 is used to turn on/off the power of the pressure measuring device main body 101 and reset the measurement results. A control device 103 controls each part according to the operation of the operation button 105. The casing 106 is a member for accommodating the pressure sensor 102, the control device 103, and the like.

The connection hose 107 includes a proximal connection member 110, a hose 111, and a distal connection member 2. The casing 106 is provided with a passage (not shown) communicating with the pressure sensor 102, and the proximal connecting member 110 is connected to this passage in an airtight manner. The proximal connecting member 110 and the distal connecting member 2 can be made of the same member, or can be made of different members. Hose 111 is made of a flexible member. Airtightness is ensured between the hose 111 and the proximal connection member 110 and between the hose 111 and the distal connection member 2.

(Configuration of measurement probe 1)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the measuring probe 1 includes a probe-side connecting member 10 and a balloon 5 inserted into the oral cavity, and the measuring probe 1 and the pressure measuring device main body 100 are connected. connected by a structure S (shown only in FIG. 1). Since the measurement probe 1 is a probe used to measure oral cavity-related pressure, it can also be called an oral cavity-related pressure measurement probe.

The balloon 5 is made of an elastic member, and its material may be, for example, resin such as PVC or various rubbers. As shown in FIG. 10, the balloon 5 before being attached to the probe-side connecting member 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom, the bottom portion 5a of which is formed to bulge in the axial direction, and the entire balloon 5 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Consists of smooth curved surfaces. An intermediate portion 5c between the bottom portion 5a and the proximal end portion 5b of the balloon 5 has a circular cross-sectional shape. The entire end surface of the proximal end 5b of the balloon 5 is open. This opening has a circular shape that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the middle portion 5c of the balloon 5. The method for molding the balloon 5 is not particularly limited, but for example, dipping molding in which a mold is immersed in a molten raw material and pulled up, injection molding in which the raw material is injected into a mold, etc. can be used. Since the shape of the balloon 5 is cylindrical, it is easy to mold it, and it becomes easy to obtain the desired shape. Moreover, it becomes easy to make the wall thickness of the balloon 5 uniform in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, etc., the probe-side connecting member 10 is made of a resin material harder than the elastic member constituting the balloon 5, and is a member to which the proximal end 20b of the balloon 5 is connected. The resin material constituting the probe-side connecting member 10 may be, for example, ABS resin, but is not limited thereto.

The probe-side connecting member 10 includes a probe-side connecting tube section (first connecting tube section) 11, a connector section 12, and an outer cylinder section 13. The probe-side connecting tube portion 11, the connector portion 12, and the outer cylinder portion 13 are integrally molded by, for example, injection molding. The probe-side connecting tube portion 11 has a circular cross section from the base end to the distal end, and extends linearly. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inner circumferential surface located on the proximal end side of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 is configured with a large-diameter surface portion 11a having a larger diameter than the intermediate portion. The large diameter surface portion 11a is an annular sealing surface that comes into contact with the outer circumferential side of a sealing material 40 fitted into an annular groove 20a of the distal end connecting member 2, which will be described later. Further, the inner diameter of the large-diameter surface portion 11a is set smaller than the inner diameter of the proximal end portion of the inner circumferential surface of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 (the surface located on the proximal side of the large-diameter surface portion 11a).

A tapered surface portion 11b is formed at the distal end of the large-diameter surface portion 11a so that the diameter becomes smaller toward the distal end and continues to the inner circumferential surface of the axially intermediate portion of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11. A first protruding portion (first engaging portion) 11c is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 on the distal side of the tapered surface portion 11b so as to protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface. ing. The first protruding portion 11c is formed continuously over the entire circumferential circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11, and serves as a protruding portion. Further, the first protrusion 11c is arranged apart from a sealing material 40, which will be described later, in the tube axis direction.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connector portion 12 is formed into a flat cylindrical shape that is inserted into the proximal end portion 5b of the balloon 5. As shown in FIGS. The long diameter dimension (D1 shown in FIG. 5) of the connector portion 12 is set larger than the maximum outer diameter D2 of a portion of the balloon 5 that is remote from the portion into which the connector portion 12 is inserted toward the distal end. Further, the major axis dimension D1 of the connector part 12 is set to be longer than the outer diameter of the intermediate part 5c and the proximal end part 5b of the balloon 5 immediately after molding (when the connector part 12 shown in FIG. 10 is not inserted). . Further, the short axis dimension (D3 shown in FIG. 8) of the connector portion 12 is set shorter than the outer diameters of the intermediate portion 5c and the proximal end portion 5b of the balloon 5 immediately after molding.

Since the major diameter dimension D1 of the connector part 12 is larger than the outer diameter of the intermediate part 5c and the proximal end part 5b of the balloon 5 immediately after molding, when the connector part 12 is inserted into the proximal end part 5b of the balloon 5, the base of the balloon 5 is The shape of the end portion 5b is flat so as to correspond to the outer shape of the connector portion 12. When the base end 5b of the balloon 5 becomes flat, the entire balloon 5 becomes flat. That is, even if the balloon 5 is formed into a shape that is easy to mold, such as a cylindrical shape, as described above, the balloon 5 changes into a flat shape by connecting to the connector portion 12. Moreover, when the balloon 5 is deformed, the proximal end 5b of the balloon 5 comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the connector portion 12, thereby improving airtightness.

It is preferable that the balloon 5 has a flat shape rather than a spherical shape. The reason for this is that, for example, when measuring tongue pressure by placing the balloon 5 on the tongue, force is applied to push the tongue upward. This is because 5 is more stable. Similarly, when measuring the cheek pressure by inserting the balloon 5 inside the cheek, when inserting the balloon 5 under the tongue to measure the sublingual muscle pressure, or by inserting the balloon 5 between the upper and lower lips to measure the lip pressure. When measuring , the flat balloon 5 is more stable.

The outer circumferential length of the connector portion 12 is set to be longer than the maximum inner circumferential length of a portion of the balloon 5 that is remote from the portion into which the connector portion 12 is inserted toward the distal end. As a result, when the connector part 12 is inserted into the proximal end 5b of the balloon 5, the proximal end 5b of the balloon 5 is deformed so that the circumferential length of the proximal end 5b becomes longer. Therefore, the proximal end 5b of the balloon 5 is reliably brought into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the connector portion 12.

The connector part 12 includes an adhesive cylinder part 12a to which the inner circumferential surface of the proximal end part 5b of the balloon 5 is adhered, and a protruding cylinder part 12b that projects from the distal end of the adhesive cylinder part 12a toward the inside of the balloon 5. ing. The base end of the adhesive tube 12a is formed to protrude from the tip of the probe-side connecting tube 11, and the inside of the adhesive tube 12a and the probe-side connecting tube 11 communicate with each other. . The adhesive cylindrical portion 12a also has a flat shape, and both outer surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive cylindrical portion 12a are arranged so as to become further away from the axis E as they go toward the opposite side (proximal end side) from the insertion direction into the balloon 5. It is composed of an inclined inclined surface 12c. Due to the inclined surface 12c, the outer circumferential length of the connector portion 12 becomes longer toward the opposite side of the direction of insertion into the balloon 5. This makes it possible to reliably bring the base end 5b of the balloon 5 into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the connector section 12.

The protruding cylindrical portion 12b is formed to protrude from the tip of the adhesive cylindrical portion 12a. The tip of the protruding cylindrical portion 12b reaches the inside of the balloon 5 (inside the intermediate portion 5c), and since the protruding cylindrical portion 12b also has a flat shape, the balloon 5 reliably has a flat shape. The inside of the protruding cylindrical portion 12b and the inside of the adhesive cylindrical portion 12a communicate with each other. The distal end surface of the protruding cylindrical portion 12b is open and communicates with the inside of the balloon 5. This allows air to flow from the inside of the balloon 5 to the proximal end of the probe-side connecting member 10.

The outer circumferential length of the protruding cylindrical portion 12b is set shorter than the outer circumferential length of the adhesive cylindrical portion 12a. Since the outer peripheral length of the protruding cylindrical portion 12b is short, the protruding cylindrical portion 12b can be easily inserted into the inside of the balloon 5. Furthermore, since the outer circumferential length of the adhesive tube 12a is long, the degree of adhesion between the outer circumferential surface of the adhesive tube 12a and the inner circumferential surface of the balloon 5 can be increased. This allows for reliable adhesion to surfaces. The outer circumferential surface of the adhesive tube 12a and the inner circumferential surface of the balloon 5 can be bonded together using, for example, a well-known adhesive.

The outer cylinder part 13 has a flat shape extending so as to surround the base end part 5b of the balloon 5 bonded to the adhesive cylinder part 12a. The proximal end of the outer tubular portion 13 is integrated with the distal end of the probe side connecting tube portion 11, and the outer tubular portion 13 extends from the distal end of the probe side connecting tube portion 11 to the distal end side of the probe side connecting member 10. It extends towards. A gap is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder part 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the adhesive cylinder part 12a, into which the base end part 5b of the balloon 5 can be inserted. Since the adhesive portion of the balloon 5 is covered by the outer cylindrical portion 13, it becomes difficult for force to act on the adhesive portion of the balloon 5 in the peeling direction. Further, due to the formation of the outer cylinder portion 13, a step is formed at the tip of the outer circumferential surface of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11.

A slit 13a extending in the axial direction is formed in the outer cylinder portion 13. Although the number of slits 13a is not particularly limited, it is two in this embodiment. The slits 13a are formed at both ends of the outer cylinder portion 13 in the longitudinal direction. By forming the slit 13a, it becomes possible to check the position of the proximal end 5b of the balloon 5 and the state of adhesion to the adhesive cylinder part 12a from the outside of the outer cylinder part 13 through the slit 13a.

(Configuration of the tip side connecting member 2 of the pressure measuring device main body 101)
The distal end connecting member 2 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is a member that is inserted into and connected to the probe side connecting tube portion 11 by a predetermined amount, and this distal end connecting member 2 constitutes the second connecting tube portion of the present invention. has been done. The resin material constituting the distal end side connecting member 2 can be the same as that of the probe side connecting member 10, but may be a different resin material from the probe side connecting member 10.

The distal end side connecting member 2 includes an insertion tube section 20 that is inserted into the probe side connection tube section 11 and a grip tube section 21. The insertion tube section 20 and the grip tube section 21 are formed by, for example, injection molding or the like. It is integrally molded by. The insertion cylinder part 20 is a part that constitutes the distal end side of the distal side connecting member 2, and the grip cylinder part 21 is a part that constitutes the proximal end side of the distal side connecting member 2.

The inside of the insertion cylinder part 20 and the inside of the grip cylinder part 21 are in communication with each other. Further, the distal end surface of the insertion tube section 20 and the base end surface of the grip tube section 21 are open. As shown in FIG. 13, the inner circumferential surface of the proximal end portion of the grip cylinder portion 21 is configured with a large diameter surface portion 21a having a larger diameter than the axially intermediate portion. The end of the hose 111 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the large-diameter surface portion 21a and connected in an airtight manner.

A plurality of convex portions 21b are formed at an axially intermediate portion of the outer circumferential surface of the gripping cylinder portion 21 at intervals from each other in the axial direction. The convex portion 21b is a portion that acts as a non-slip portion when the grip tube portion 21 is held by hand.

A stopper portion 21c with which the proximal end of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 comes into contact when the insertion tube portion 20 is inserted into the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 is provided at the distal end portion of the outer circumferential surface of the gripping tube portion 21 in the radial direction. It is formed to protrude outward. The stopper portion 21c can be provided on the entire circumferential direction of the grip cylinder portion 21, but it can also be provided only on a part of the circumferential direction. By providing the stopper portion 21c, when the insertion tube portion 20 is inserted a predetermined amount into the probe side connecting tube portion 11, the base end portion of the probe side connecting tube portion 11 comes into contact with the stopper portion 21c and cannot be inserted any further. The amount of insertion of the insertion tube portion 20 can be defined.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. A sealing material 40 made of an elastic member and extending annularly along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 20 is disposed. For example, a rubber O-ring can be used as the sealing material 40. The probe-side connecting tube portion 11 and the distal end-side connecting member 2 are made of a resin material harder than the sealing material 40.

An annular groove 20a into which the sealing material 40 is fitted is formed in the axially intermediate portion of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion tube portion 20. The depth of the annular groove 20a is set such that the outer circumferential side of the sealing material 40 projects in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the insertion tube portion 20 when the sealing material 40 is fitted therein. Therefore, the outer peripheral side of the sealing material 40 is arranged so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube portion 20. When the insertion cylinder part 20 is inserted by a predetermined amount into the probe-side connecting pipe part 11, the outer circumferential side of the sealing material 40 contacts the large diameter surface part 11a of the probe-side connecting pipe part 11 over the entire circumference. , airtightness is ensured.

Since the inner diameter of the large diameter surface portion 11a is set smaller than the inner diameter of the proximal end of the inner circumferential surface of the probe side connecting tube portion 11, the inner diameter of the proximal end of the inner circumferential surface of the probe side connecting tube portion 11 is relatively small. It becomes something big. As a result, when inserting the insertion cylinder part 20 with the sealing material 40 integrated into the probe side connecting tube part 11, the sliding resistance of the sealing material 40 at the initial stage of insertion is reduced, and the force required at the time of insertion is small. It's over. When the insertion tube portion 20 is inserted by a predetermined amount into the probe-side connecting tube portion 11, the sealing material 40 is reliably pressed by the large-diameter surface portion 11a, resulting in high airtightness.

The outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube section 20 has a first groove that engages with the first protrusion 11c of the probe side connection tube section 11 when the insertion tube section 20 is inserted into the probe side connection tube section 11 by a predetermined amount. A second protruding portion (second engaging portion) 20b is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface. The second protruding portion 20b is formed in an annular shape that continues along the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion tube portion 20, and serves as an annular protrusion. The outer diameter of the second protrusion 20b is set smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing material 40.

Further, the second protruding portion 20b is formed on the distal side of the annular groove 20a, and its axial position is such that when the insertion tube portion 20 is inserted into the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 by a predetermined amount, It is set to go over the first protrusion 11c.

A connection structure S (shown only in FIG. 1) that connects the pressure measurement device main body 101 and the measurement probe 1 is composed of a tip-side connection member 2, a probe-side connection member 10, and a sealing material 40.

(Connection method)
Next, a method of connecting the pressure measuring device main body 101 and the measurement probe 1 using the connection structure S configured as described above will be explained. The sealing material 40 is fitted into the annular groove 20a of the distal end side connecting member 2 in advance. As shown in FIG. 1, after arranging the distal end side of the distal end side connecting member 2 to face the proximal end side of the probe side connecting tube section 11 of the measurement probe 1, the inside of the probe side connecting tube section 11 is Insert it into.

When the distal end side of the insertion cylinder section 20 of the distal end side connecting member 2 is inserted into the inside of the probe side connecting tube section 11, the sealing material 40 is attached to the inner periphery of the probe side connecting tube section 11, as shown in FIG. 14(A). It moves toward the distal end while sliding in contact with the proximal end of the surface. Furthermore, the second protruding portion 20b of the distal end side connecting member 2 moves toward the distal end side through the intermediate portion of the inner circumferential surface of the probe side connecting tube portion 11. When the insertion cylinder portion 20 of the distal end connecting member 2 is inserted deeper into the probe side connecting tube portion 11, the second protruding portion 20b of the distal end connecting member 2 is inserted into the probe side as shown in FIG. 14(B). It comes into contact with the first protrusion 11c of the connecting pipe section 11. This results in a sudden increase in the force required for insertion. When the operator strongly pushes the insertion tube part 20 of the distal end connecting member 2 into the probe side connecting tube part 11, the second protruding part 20b and the first The protruding portion 11c is deformed, the second protruding portion 20b climbs over the first protruding portion 11c, and the insertion tube portion 20 is inserted into the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 by a predetermined amount. Furthermore, when the second protrusion 20b climbs over the first protrusion 11c, the proximal end of the probe-side connecting tube part 11 comes into contact with the stopper part 21c, making it impossible to insert it any further. Furthermore, the moment the second protrusion 20b comes into contact with the first protrusion 11c and climbs over the first protrusion 11c, vibrations and sounds are generated, and these vibrations are transmitted to the probe-side connecting tube 11 and the tip-side connecting member 2. The information is communicated to the worker via This vibration and sound can be felt by the operator as a click, making it easy to determine that the connection has been completed.

When the insertion tube 20 is inserted a predetermined amount into the probe-side connection tube 11, the sealing material 40 is elastically deformed and the inner surface of the annular groove 20a of the insertion tube 20 and the large diameter surface 11a of the probe-side connection tube 11 are connected to each other. The insertion cylinder part 20 and the probe side connecting pipe part 11 are sealed by being in close contact with each other. Furthermore, when the second protrusion 20b climbs over the first protrusion 11c and is positioned closer to the distal end of the probe side connecting tube part 11 than the first protrusion 11c, a force is applied to the insertion tube part 20 in the removal direction. Even if the second protrusion 20b and the first protrusion 11c act, the second protrusion 20b and the first protrusion 11c come into contact and engage with each other, making it difficult for the insertion tube part 20 to come off from the probe-side connecting tube part 11. As a result, the tip-side connecting member 2 and the probe-side connecting member 10 are connected in a normal state, making it difficult for connection failures to occur, and ensuring sufficient airtightness and pressure resistance when pressure is applied. It will be done.

(how to use)
Next, a method of using the pressure measuring device 100 configured as described above will be explained. First, the balloon 5 of the measurement probe 1 is inserted into the oral cavity. The position of the balloon 5 in the oral cavity can be set depending on the region to be measured. When measuring tongue pressure, the balloon 5 is placed on the tongue and force is applied to push the tongue upward. As a result, the balloon 5 is crushed in the vertical direction, and the air pressure inside the balloon 5 increases. Changes in air pressure inside the balloon 5 are detected by the pressure sensor 102 of the pressure measuring device main body 101 via the probe side connection member 10, the distal side connection member 2, the hose 111, and the proximal side connection member 110. Based on the signal output from the pressure sensor 102, the control device 103 determines the pressure level and displays the determination result on the display unit 104.

(Operations and effects of embodiments)
As explained above, according to this embodiment, when the pressure measuring device main body 101 and the measuring probe 1 are connected, the sealing material 40 comes into close contact with the insertion tube part 20 and the probe side connecting pipe part 11, and the The second protrusion 20b and the first protrusion 11c engage with each other to reliably connect the measuring probe 1 and the pressure measuring device main body 101 in a normal state, and also ensure airtightness and pressure resistance during connection. to ensure accurate measurement results.

In addition, the flat cylindrical connector part 12 is inserted into the base end 5b of the balloon 5, and the long diameter of the connector part 12 is made larger than the maximum outer diameter of the distal end of the balloon 5, so that the balloon 5 can be easily molded. While using the device, it is possible to make the connection in the desired flat shape and to ensure the airtightness of the connection portion, which also makes it possible to obtain high measurement accuracy.

(Embodiment 2)
15 and 16 relate to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that the engaging portion is located closer to the proximal end than the sealing material 40. It's different. Hereinafter, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 will be given the same reference numerals and the explanation will be omitted, and different parts will be explained in detail.

The annular groove 20a of the distal end side connecting member 2 is formed on the side near the distal end of the insertion tube portion 20. A second protruding portion (second engaging portion) 20c is formed on the proximal side of the annular groove 20a of the cylindrical insertion portion 20 so as to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical insertion portion 20. There is.

Further, an annular sealing surface 11d is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11, and comes into contact with the outer circumferential side of the sealing material 40 fitted into the annular groove 20a. Further, a first protruding portion (first engaging portion) 11e is formed at the proximal end of the inner circumferential surface of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 so as to protrude radially inward.

When the distal end of the insertion cylinder section 20 of the distal end connecting member 2 is inserted into the probe side connecting tube section 11, the outer peripheral side of the sealing material 40 reaches the annular sealing surface 11d, and the second protruding section 20c reaches the first The second protrusion 20c and the first protrusion 11e engage with each other by climbing over the protrusion 11e.

Therefore, in the case of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the measurement probe 1 and the pressure measurement device main body 101 can be reliably connected in a normal state, and the airtightness and pressure resistance at the time of connection can be maintained. to ensure accurate measurement results.

(Embodiment 3)
17 to 20 relate to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In Embodiment 3, the engaging portion is located closer to the proximal end than the sealing material 40, and the first engaging portion is This is different from the first embodiment in that a plurality of them are provided. Hereinafter, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 will be given the same reference numerals and the explanation will be omitted, and different parts will be explained in detail.

In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the annular groove 20a of the distal end side connecting member 2 is formed on the side closer to the distal end portion of the insertion tube portion 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, two first protruding parts (first engaging parts) 11f are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the probe-side connecting tube part 11. Since each of the first protrusions 11f protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the probe-side connection tube section 11, the probe-side connection member 10 can be easily molded using a mold. The number of first protrusions 11f may be three or more, and may be provided at equal intervals or may be provided at unequal intervals. By providing the plurality of first protrusions 11f, the force required for engagement can be reduced compared to when an annular protrusion is used.

In addition, as mentioned above, the proximal side connection member 110 is connected to the pressure measurement device main body 101, but the portion of the pressure measurement device main body 101 to which the proximal side connection member 110 is connected is connected to the pressure measurement device main body 101. Also, an engaging portion similar to the first protruding portion 11f can be provided. The number of engaging parts on the pressure measuring device main body 101 side may be greater than the number of the first protruding parts 11f of the probe side connecting pipe part 11. In the case of two, the number of engaging portions on the pressure measuring device main body 101 side can be three.

Furthermore, a stepped portion 11g is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the probe-side connecting tube portion 11. This stepped portion 11g may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion tube portion 20 of the distal end side connecting member 2, a second protrusion portion (second engagement portion) 20e is provided on the proximal side of the annular groove 20a. It is formed to protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the portion 20. The second protrusion 20e extends annularly in the circumferential direction of the insertion tube 20, but a plurality of second protrusions 20e may be provided so as to be lined up in the circumferential direction.

Furthermore, the probe-side connecting tube portion 11 may be subjected to a non-slip process such as a blank finish or a fine unevenness process, or may be formed with a groove shape or the like.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limiting manner. Furthermore, all modifications and changes that come within the scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

As explained above, the present invention can be utilized when measuring oral cavity-related pressure.

1 Measurement probe 2 Tip side connection member (second connection tube part)
5 Balloon 10 Probe side connection member 11 Probe side connection tube section (first connection tube section)
11a Large diameter surface (annular seal surface)
11c, 11e, 11f first protrusion (first engagement part)
12 Connector part 12a Adhesive cylinder part 12b Projection cylinder part 12c Inclined surface 13 Outer cylinder part 13a Slits 20b, 20e Second projection part (second engagement part)
21c Stopper part 40 Seal material 100 Pressure measuring device 101 Pressure measuring device main body 102 Pressure sensor S Connection structure

Claims (7)

In a connection structure that connects a pressure measurement device body having a pressure sensor and a measurement probe having a balloon inserted into the oral cavity,
A first connecting pipe section is provided on one side of the pressure measuring device main body and the measuring probe, and a second connecting pipe section is provided on the other side to be connected by being inserted into the first connecting pipe section by a predetermined amount. ,
A sealing material made of an elastic member that extends annularly along the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface is disposed between the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting tube section and the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tube section. ,
A first engaging portion is provided in a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting tube portion that is away from the sealing material in the tube axis direction,
A second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion when the second connecting tube portion is inserted into the first connecting tube portion by the predetermined amount is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting tube portion. A connection structure characterized by being provided. The connection structure according to claim 1,
An annular groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting pipe portion, and the annular groove is arranged such that the outer circumferential side of the sealing material protrudes from the outer circumferential surface when the sealing material is fitted therein;
A connection structure characterized in that an annular sealing surface is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the first connecting pipe portion and comes into contact with an outer circumferential side of the sealing material fitted into the annular groove. The connection structure according to claim 2,
The annular sealing surface is formed at a portion away from the proximal end of the first connecting pipe portion toward the distal end,
A connection structure characterized in that an inner diameter of a portion of the first connecting tube portion where the annular sealing surface is formed is set smaller than an inner diameter of a proximal end portion of the first connecting tube portion. The connection structure according to claim 2 or 3,
The first connecting tube portion and the second connecting tube portion are made of a resin material harder than the sealing material,
The first engaging portion is a first protruding portion that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting pipe portion,
A connection structure characterized in that the second engagement portion is a second protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the second connection pipe portion. The connection structure according to claim 4,
The second engaging portion is formed on the distal end side of the annular groove of the second connecting tube portion, and when the second connecting tube portion is inserted into the first connecting tube portion by the predetermined amount, the second engaging portion engages with the second connecting tube portion. 1. A connection structure characterized in that the connection structure is arranged so as to cross over one engagement part. The connection structure according to claim 4,
The second engaging portion is formed on the proximal end side of the annular groove of the second connecting tube portion, and when the second connecting tube portion is inserted into the first connecting tube portion by the predetermined amount, A connection structure characterized in that the connection structure is arranged so as to cross over the first engagement part. The connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
On the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting pipe part, a stopper part with which the first connecting pipe part comes into contact when the second connecting pipe part is inserted into the first connecting pipe part by the predetermined amount is radially outward. A connection structure characterized in that it is formed so as to protrude into.

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