CN101048185B

CN101048185B - Body-insertable apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN101048185B
Application number: CN2005800368154A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 河野宏尚; 泷泽宽伸
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2004-11-10
Filing date: 2005-11-10
Publication date: 2012-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-10
Also published as: CN101048185A; JP2006136423A; JP4823510B2

Abstract

A body-insertable apparatus is introduced in a subject to perform at least one of input and output of a predetermined fluid to and from the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes a reservoir (2) in which the predetermined fluid is stored; a first communicating channel (4) whose one end is opened to an inside of the reservoir, the first communicating channel (4) being extended in a predetermined direction; a second communicating channel (5) whose one end is opened to an outside space of the body-insertable apparatus, the second communicating channel (5) being extended in a direction substantially parallel to the first communicating channel (4), and the second communicating channel (5) partially running parallel to the first communicating channel (4); and a control mechanism (6) which controls a communication state between the first communicating channel (4) and the second communicating channel (5).

Description

Body-insertable device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of being introduced in the object to carry out body-insertable device to this object input predetermined fluid and at least a operation from this object output predetermined fluid.

The application is based on Japanese patent application No.2004-326992 that submitted on November 10th, 2004 and the Japanese patent application No.2004-327920 that submitted on November 11st, 2004, and requires its priority, incorporates their full content by reference at this.

Background technology

The body-insertable device that multiple body fluid to patient's (object) etc. is taken a sample has conventionally been proposed.Specifically, the structure of body-insertable device comprises: the scrotiform shell; Reservoir, this reservoir is arranged in enclosure, have storage body fluid etc. and simultaneously with the function of the external communications of body-insertable device; And the input controlling organization, this input controlling organization control is imported body fluid etc. to reservoir.In the function of body-insertable device, arrive stage at body-insertable device such as patient's object, the input controlling organization is carried out expectant control so that body fluid etc. is taken a sample, and the body fluid that is sampled to etc. is stored in the reservoir.

Concrete example about the body-insertable device of routine; As opening in japanese patent application laid described in (JP-A) No.H4-138128; Proposed following body-insertable device, this body-insertable device comprises as the scheduled control unit of input controlling organization, based on the control of control unit and driven Micropump and wherein store fluidic jar (reservoir) of taking a sample based on the driving of Micropump.In this body-insertable device; Micropump be arranged on be communicated with jar with opening in the passage of the suction inlet of space outerpace; Fluid can between suction inlet and reservoir, move with through the effect of Micropump to take a sample such as the fluid of the body fluid of object (for example, referring to JP-ANo.H4-138128).In addition; A kind of body-insertable device has been proposed as another concrete example; This body-insertable device has following structure, and this structure comprises the governor motion that is communicated with of the connected state that is used to regulate between reservoir and the suction inlet, and reservoir is constructed to change internal capacity simultaneously.

Also having proposed to use said mechanism directly provides medicine to the body-insertable device of the affected part of object.For example, realized following body-insertable device in the body-insertable device of in JP-A No.H4-138128, describing, wherein, medicine has been stored in the jar in advance, and come release fluid so that fluid is moved to suction inlet from floss hole through driving Micropump.

To be used for suction that body fluid etc. is taken a sample in order generating, in the body-insertable device of routine, to have adopted following structure, in this structure, for example the effect based on spring member generates negative pressure through the volume that changes reservoir apace.Specifically, for example, conventional body-insertable device is constructed to make reservoir and piston to be combined in the predetermined shell.Piston is as the part of the outside wall portions (limiting the member of the periphery in the zone of preserving storage object) of reservoir.The direction that predetermined spring member increases along the volume of reservoir provides contractility (snappingforce) to piston when, the pulling force of offsetting this contractility is provided to piston through predetermined static line.In this structure, when cutting off static line, move the piston that is included in the body-insertable device according to the contractility that provides by spring member based on the effect of importing controlling organization.Then, through in reservoir, generating negative pressure according to the volume of the mobile increase reservoir of spring member generating suction, this makes the body fluid etc. of object can flow into (for example, referring to JP-A No.H2-36848) in the reservoir.

Also proposed to use said mechanism and the body-insertable device to the affected part of object etc. directly is provided medicine.This body-insertable device has adopted following structure, in this structure, in advance medicine is kept in the reservoir, and spring member provides contractility along the direction that the volume of reservoir reduces.Through cutting off static line based on the control of input controlling organization, the contractility of spring member acts on the piston, and the medicine of preserving in the reservoir is released to the outside along with volumetrical the reducing of reservoir.

Summary of the invention

Yet, in the body-insertable device of routine, have the problem that is difficult to miniaturization.Usually, body-insertable device can come work through body-insertable device is incorporated in the object such as the patient, from the angle of the load that reduces to influence in use object, and miniaturization as much as possible preferably.On the other hand, the Fluid Volume in order to ensure sampling or release requires the volume of reservoir to acquire a certain degree, and therefore is not easy to make the mechanism's miniaturization such as Micropump.Therefore, from the angle of the body-insertable device of miniaturization, preferably design is communicated with the structure of pipeline (line) of reservoir and the space outerpace of body-insertable device.Yet, also propose at present to have the body-insertable device of the routine of this structure.

Specifically; Be similar to connection floss hole and the pipeline of reservoir and the suction inlet that is independent of this pipeline formation in the example of in JP-ANo.4-138128, describing; In the body-insertable device of routine, usually, the pipeline that is communicated with reservoir and space outerpace is formed by many pipelines.In order to make the body-insertable equipment miniaturization that comprises many pipelines, most importantly how to arrange these many pipelines.

Yet; Conventional body-insertable device (referring to JP-A No.H2-36848) has the problem that is difficult to reduce operating cost, and this is because all component that conventional body-insertable device has such as reservoir and spring member all is combined in the structure in the shell that forms.Below this problem will be described.

When adopting body-insertable device to discharge medicine, must prepare to store a plurality of devices that insert of multiple medicine respectively according to use.That is to say; Because adopt the various medicines that offer the object doses through body-insertable device according to purposes; So when adopting integrally formed body-insertable device, must prepare a plurality of different body-insertable devices in advance according to the kind of medicine.Therefore, must when preparing a plurality of body-insertable device that stores different pharmaceutical in advance, guarantee to be used to preserve the big memory space of a plurality of body-insertable devices, therefore be very difficult to reduce operating cost.

In the body-insertable device of routine,, cause being difficult to reduce operating cost owing to utilize the difficulty of aspect again.Usually, so conventional body-insertable device adopts the body fluid that causes of fluidic input and output adhere to the structure that can't utilize again.Yet, about controlling organization, can realize in use wherein controlling organization not with contacting structure such as body fluid.Therefore; Although can utilize again controlling organization fully from the angle of health; But because conventional body-insertable device adopts reservoir and controlling organization both to be combined in the structure in the integrally formed shell; So be difficult to utilize again once used body-insertable device, to compare with other armarium that can utilize again, this has increased operating cost.

In addition, in the body-insertable device of routine, the angle from short storing time intervals is difficult to reduce operating cost.When adopting body-insertable device that the medicine etc. of doses is provided, this body-insertable device leaves in reservoir under the situation of medicine and is preserved.Yet, the best storage condition that is stored in the medicine in the reservoir not always with the best storage term harmonization of controlling organization.Specifically; When adopting when controlling the timing of cutting off static line such as the electronic circuit of the circuit that is used to receive the control signal that provides from the outside, be suitable for electronic circuit storage often the condition such as temperature and humidity with the storage that is suitable for medicine is different such as the condition of temperature and humidity.Yet, because conventional body-insertable device adopts reservoir and controlling organization both to be included in the structure in the integrally formed shell, so be difficult to make the storage condition optimization.As a result, must shorten storing time intervals, increase untapped discarded (disposal) amount of inserting body device, and increased operating cost.

In view of foregoing; One object of the present invention is; Structure through the communication passage between design reservoir and the space outerpace realize can miniaturization body-insertable device, this body-insertable device comprise predetermined reservoir carry out fluid between reservoir and space outerpace release and suck at least one.

Another object of the present invention is; In the body-insertable device in being introduced in object and in comprising the body-insertable device of reservoir and controlling organization; Realization can reduce the structure of operating cost; In said reservoir, store the fluid that is input to object and/or exports from object, said controlling organization is carried out the timing controlled such as input.

In order to address these problems and realize these purposes; Body-insertable device according to an aspect of the present invention, that be introduced in the object to carry out to this object input predetermined fluid and at least a operation from this object output predetermined fluid comprises: reservoir, wherein store said predetermined fluid; First communication passage, the one of which end opening is to the inside of said reservoir, and this first communication passage is extended along predetermined direction; Second communication passage; The one of which end opening is to the space outerpace of said body-insertable device; This second communication passage is extended along parallel with said first communication passage basically direction, and said second communication passage partly is parallel to said first communication passage extension (running); And controlling organization, it controls the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage.

According to this aspect; Because being formed along parallel direction, said first communication passage and said second communication passage extend; So along with the extension of said first communication passage and said second communication passage, the distance between said first communication passage and said second communication passage does not enlarge.Therefore; Can reduce first communication passage, second communication passage and constitute first communication passage and the take up room zone of the member of second communication passage in body-insertable device, regional reducing can make body-insertable equipment miniaturization according to taking up room.

Body-insertable device also can comprise the connection governor motion, and this connection governor motion is regulated the opening at the other end place that is formed on said first communication passage and the connected state that is formed between the opening at other end place of said second communication passage.Said controlling organization is controlled the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage through the driving condition of controlling said connection governor motion.

In this body-insertable device, said first communication passage and said second communication passage can be formed by same member.

In this body-insertable device, said second communication passage can be formed on the central shaft of longitudinal direction of this body-insertable device basically.

In this body-insertable device, said reservoir, said first communication passage and said second communication passage can constitute reservoir unit.Said controlling organization, said connection governor motion and said reservoir unit can be successively set in this body-insertable device.

In this body-insertable device, said reservoir unit can be according to being formed on this body-insertable device from the mode of other zone dismountings.

In this body-insertable device, can the predetermined fluid from object output be stored in the said reservoir in advance, and said reservoir formed make the volume in the zone that stores predetermined fluid change with the output of predetermined fluid.Said reservoir unit can also have the air-gap zone that volume changes with the volume in said zone, and said reservoir unit is formed and makes that other area of space in the said air-gap zone and body-insertable device remain connected state when being installed in said reservoir unit on the body-insertable device.

This body-insertable device also can comprise weight (weight member), and this weight is arranged near the opening of said second communication passage.The opening of said second communication passage is by the space outerpace of opening to this body-insertable device.Said weight be used for making said opening in object vertically under shed.

In this body-insertable device, this body-insertable device can be formed near the opening of the space outerpace that arrives body-insertable device that makes center of gravity be positioned at said second communication passage.

Body-insertable device according to a further aspect in the invention, that be introduced in the object to carry out to this object input predetermined fluid and at least a operation from this object output predetermined fluid comprises: reservoir, wherein store said predetermined fluid; First communication passage, wherein an end opening arrives the inside of said reservoir, and the pre-position opening of the other end in said body-insertable device; Second communication passage, wherein an end opening arrives the space outerpace of said body-insertable device, and near the other end opening opening of the said other end of said first communication passage; Be communicated with governor motion, it is regulated the connected state between the opening of the said other end of the opening of the said other end of said first communication passage and said second communication passage; And controlling organization, it is controlled the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage through said connection governor motion.

In this body-insertable device, can the opening at the said other end place of the opening at the said other end place of said first communication passage and said second communication passage be formed on the same basically plane.

In this body-insertable device, extend along parallel direction near the said at least other end of each in said first communication passage and said second communication passage of said first communication passage and said second communication passage.Said connection governor motion can comprise sheet element, and this sheet element is provided so that each the opening at said other end place in said first communication passage and said second communication passage is covered by this sheet element.Said controlling organization can apply variable extruding force to said sheet element through edge and said first communication passage and said second communication passage abut the said other end place of said first communication passage near the parallel direction of the direction of extending the said other end and along said sheet element opening and the direction in the opening at the said other end place of said second communication passage at least one, controls the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage.

In this body-insertable device, said connection governor motion also can comprise extruded member, and this extruded member produces the extruding force that applies through said sheet element.

In this body-insertable device, said first communication passage and said second communication passage can form near the said other end of the said other end of said first communication passage and said second communication passage extends along the direction of the longitudinal axis that is arranged essentially parallel to this body-insertable device at least.

In this body-insertable device, said connection governor motion can be the pump that fluid is moved to the said other end of said second communication passage from the said other end of said first communication passage.

In this body-insertable device, can be provided with the watertight member around said opening between the opening of at least one in said sheet element and said first communication passage and said second communication passage.The opening and closing of at least one in said first communication passage of said sheet element may command and said second communication passage.

In this body-insertable device, said sheet element can be the connecting elements of opening at said other end place of opening and said second communication passage that connects the said other end place of said first communication passage.

In this body-insertable device, said extruded member can be a deformable member that changes during shape flows through with variations in temperature and electric current.

In this body-insertable device, said sheet element can be a deformable sheet that changes during shape flows through with variations in temperature and electric current.

In this body-insertable device, said extruded member also can comprise the elastic component that produces extruding force.When driving this deformable member, this deformable member can be along the direction distortion that discharges the extruding force that is produced by said elastic component.

Because being formed along parallel direction, said first communication passage and said second communication passage extend, so the distance between said first communication passage and said second communication passage does not enlarge along with the extension of said first communication passage and said second communication passage.Therefore; Body-insertable device according to the present invention has following effect: can reduce first communication passage, second communication passage and constitute first communication passage and the take up room zone of the member of second communication passage in body-insertable device, and can be according to the zone that takes up room reduce to make body-insertable equipment miniaturization.

Because the said other end of said first communication passage and the said other end of said second communication passage are formed in same plane split shed, so said connection governor motion is regulated the connected state between the said other end of the said other end of said first communication passage and said second communication passage.Therefore, body-insertable device according to the present invention has following effect: can simplify the structure that is communicated with governor motion, thereby can make body-insertable equipment miniaturization.

Body-insertable device according to the present invention is constructed to make other assemblies of body-insertable device to dismantle from reservoir unit.Therefore, from can easily utilizing the angle of other assemblies of body-insertable device again, body-insertable device according to the present invention has the effect that can reduce operating cost.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to first embodiment;

Fig. 2 is the sketch map that is used to explain according to the action of the body-insertable device of first embodiment;

Fig. 3 is the sectional view of structure of the body-insertable device of schematically illustrated modified example according to first embodiment;

Fig. 4 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to second embodiment;

Fig. 5 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to the 3rd embodiment;

Fig. 6 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to the 4th embodiment;

Fig. 7 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the feature of the body-insertable device of the 5th embodiment;

Fig. 8 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the feature of the body-insertable device of the 6th embodiment;

Fig. 9 is the sketch map that is used to explain according to the action of the body-insertable device of the 6th embodiment;

Figure 10 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the feature of the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment;

Figure 11 is the sketch map that is used to explain according to the action of the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment;

Figure 12 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the feature of the body-insertable device of the 8th embodiment;

Figure 13 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to a modified example;

Figure 14 illustrates body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment at the sketch map that is divided under a plurality of unitary situation;

Figure 15 is the sketch map that the structure under the situation that body-insertable device is connected in a plurality of unit is shown;

Figure 16 is the sketch map that is used to explain the action of body-insertable device;

Figure 17 is the sketch map that is used to explain according to the action of the body-insertable device of the modified example of the 9th embodiment;

Figure 18 illustrates body-insertable device according to the tenth embodiment at the sketch map that is divided under a plurality of unitary situation;

Figure 19 illustrates body-insertable device according to the 11 embodiment at the sketch map that is divided under a plurality of unitary situation;

Figure 20 is used to explain the body-insertable schematic representation of apparatus according to the modified example of the 11 embodiment; And

Figure 21 illustrates body-insertable device according to the 12 embodiment at the sketch map that is divided under a plurality of unitary situation.

The specific embodiment

Exemplary embodiment according to body-insertable device of the present invention will be described below.Should be noted that because accompanying drawing is schematically so all accompanying drawings are different from actual figure at aspects such as the thickness of the thickness of each several part and the relation between the width, each several part compare, and obviously each accompanying drawing is differing from one another aspect size relationship and the ratio.

First embodiment

Body-insertable device according to first embodiment at first will be described.Body-insertable device according to first embodiment is used for the release of fluid such as medicine that is stored in advance in the reservoir is arrived space outerpace, promptly is positioned at the inner tissue of object of the inner pre-position of object.

Fig. 1 is the integrally-built sketch map that illustrates according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment.As shown in Figure 1, in the inside of the shell 1 that limits external shape, comprise reservoir 2, balloon member 3, first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment.In reservoir 2, store in advance as being released fluidic medicine etc.Balloon member 3 constitutes the part of the outside wall portions of reservoir 2, and balloon member 3 changes the volume of reservoir 2.Passage when the outside that first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are used as reservoir 2 and body-insertable device communicates with each other.Body-insertable device according to first embodiment also comprises connection governor motion 6, control circuit 7 and power subsystem 8.The connected state that is communicated with between 6 pairs first communication passage 4 of governor motion and second communication passage 5 is regulated.The driving condition of 7 pairs of connection governor motions 6 of control circuit is controlled.Power subsystem 8 provides driving electric to control circuit 7.

Reservoir 2 is wherein to store in advance will output to the fluidic reservoir according to the space outerpace of the body-insertable device of first embodiment such as medicine.Specifically, in first embodiment, reservoir 2 is formed on by the inner surface of balloon member 3 and communication passage and forms in the surperficial institute region covered of portion 10, and fluid storage is in this zone.The almost balloon member 3 of whole outside wall portions that constitutes reservoir 2 is processed by the elastomeric material such as rubber.When injecting the fluid of scheduled volume, balloon member 3 remains under the expansible in advance state of the membranous part of being processed by elastomeric material.When reservoir 2 and space outerpace being communicated with each other through the action of describing after a while that is communicated with governor motion 6, the volume that reduces reservoir 2 according to the contractive action of film spare with release of fluid to space outerpace.

First communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 have the function that the outside (being designated hereinafter simply as " space outerpace ") according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment is communicated with reservoir 2.First communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are formed in the communication passage formation portion 10, to extend along the direction of the longitudinal direction that is parallel to body-insertable device respectively.Communication passage formation portion 10 has the clavate structure that extend according to the central shaft on the longitudinal direction of the body-insertable device of first embodiment on the edge.At least be formed the central axis that is located substantially on respect to the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device for second communication passage, 5, the second communication passage 5.In structure more specifically; One end opening of first communication passage 4 is to the inner space of balloon member 3; One end opening of second communication passage 5 is to space outerpace; The surperficial upper shed that the other end of the other end of first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 keeps substrate 6a at the sheet of describing after a while is communicated with opening and the connected state that is formed between the opening at other end place of second communication passage 5 that 6 pairs of governor motions are formed on the other end place of first communication passage 4 and regulates.Term " parallel " should not only comprise first communication passage 4 and the 5 linear extensions of second communication passage and how much parallel situation; And comprise following situation: even first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 have slight curving shape, the central shaft of area of space that forms first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 is also parallel.

Being communicated with governor motion 6 is connection governor motions of the connected state between first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 being regulated according to the control of control circuit 7.Connection adjustment means 6 has through regulating action to be controlled as the expansion of the balloon member 3 that flows generation portion and the function of contractive action.Specifically, be communicated with governor motion 6 and comprise that sheet keeps substrate 6a, sheet element 6b and fixed component 6c.Keep being formed with the cross section recessed region on the substrate 6a at sheet.Sheet element 6b is arranged on sheet and keeps on the substrate 6a, so that recessed region is covered by this sheet element 6b.Fixed component 6c is fixed on the outer peripheral portion of sheet element 6b on the sheet maintenance substrate 6a, makes this outer peripheral portion and sheet keep substrate 6a closely to contact simultaneously.Be communicated with governor motion 6 and also comprise extruded member 6d, spring member 6e, spring substrate 6f and shape memory member (deformable member) 6g.Extruded member 6d applies predetermined extruding force to sheet element 6b.Spring member 6e generates the extruding force that applies through extruded member 6d.Spring substrate 6f keeps spring member 6e.Shape memory member 6g changes the position of extruded member 6d with respect to sheet element 6b.

Sheet keeps substrate 6a to be formed by the plate body of retention tab member 6b.In first embodiment, sheet keeps the end of substrate 6a to be set to contact with the inner surface of the columnar portion of shell 1.Therefore, first embodiment have its mesopore (vent) 13 and 14 be formed make inner surface and the sheet of outer surface, shell 1 of balloon member 3 keep air-gap zone 11 that the back side (face relative with the face that is provided with sheet element 6b) of substrate 6a surrounded not with the structure of other spatial separation.On spring substrate 6f, form porose 15 based on identical reason.

Sheet element 6b is a sheet element of directly controlling the connected state between first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5.Specifically; For example; Sheet element 6b is processed by watertight and flexible material such as silicone resin sheet, and sheet element 6b is set at sheet and keeps on the substrate 6a, keeps the recessed region on the substrate 6a to be covered by this sheet element 6b so that be formed on sheet; And the outer peripheral portion of sheet element 6b is fixed by fixed component 6c, keeps substrate 6a closely to contact with sheet simultaneously.When extruded member 6d applied predetermined compression power, sheet element 6b remained under the tight state of contact in end of wherein this sheet element 6b and second communication passage 5.Therefore, sheet element 6b have close second communication passage 5 opening to block the function of the connected state between first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5.On the other hand, of after a while, when reducing the extruding force of extruded member 6d, sheet element 6b leaves with the end parts of second communication passage 5 through the change of shape, thereby first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 communicate with each other.

Fixed component 6c is fixed to sheet with sheet element 6b to keep the fixed component on the substrate 6a.Specifically, fixed component 6c has following function: with the mode of tight contact the outer peripheral portion of sheet element 6b is fixed to sheet through keep substrate 6a side that the outer peripheral portion of sheet element 6b is applied extruding force towards sheet and keeps on the substrate 6a.As fixed component 6c in the above described manner during stator member 6b; At the middle body of sheet element 6b (in Fig. 1; Be near the zone the central shaft on the longitudinal direction of body-insertable system; More particularly; For with the corresponding zone, position of the opening of second communication passage 5) in because shape freely changes according to the extruding force of extruded member 6d, so prevent that flowing into the fluid (description after a while) that sheets keep the recessed region of substrate 6a through first communication passage 4 leaks in second communication passage 5 zone in addition.

Spring member 6e produces the spring member that imposes on the extruding force of sheet element 6b through extruded member 6d.Specifically, in spring member 6e, an end is fixed to spring substrate 6f, and the other end is fixed to extruded member 6d, and spring length remains and is shorter than natural length.Therefore, spring member 6e has towards the direction (direction left among Fig. 1) at the sheet element 6b place function to extruded member 6d biasing contractility.

Shape memory member 6g changes the shape memory member of extruded member 6d with respect to the position of sheet element 6b.Specifically; Shape memory member 6g has clavate or coil shape structure; Wherein an end is fixed to spring substrate 6f, and the other end is fixed to extruded member 6d, and shape memory member 6g is processed by the marmem that has predetermined resistance and have a reservation shape memory characteristic.More particularly, shape memory member 6g has and for example under the temperature conditions that equals the object temperature inside, makes the sufficient length of extruded member 6d near sheet element 6b.On the other hand, shape memory member 6g has following function: under than the much higher temperature conditions of predetermined temperature (for example, the object temperature inside), change its shape so that extruded member 6d and sheet element 6b separate.

Control circuit 7 is to have through the electric current supply to shape memory member 6g whether to have the control circuit of controlling as the function of the driving of the balloon member 3 of stream generating apparatus, and control circuit 7 is the control circuits as the example of the control device among the present invention.Specifically, control circuit 7 has in the time will being incorporated into the precalculated position that arrives object in the object according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment function that electric current is provided to shape memory organization packets 6g.Because electric current flows through shape memory member 6g and in shape memory member 6g, generates Joule heat, thereby the temperature of shape memory member 6g raises owing to Joule heat, this makes the shape of shape memory member 6g change.For example, can comprise that intervalometer mechanism provides periodic structure as current limit, perhaps can when being combined with wireless receiving mechanism, control signal be provided from the outside.

Next, with the action of describing according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment.As stated, Fig. 2 is the sketch map that is used to explain according to the action of the body-insertable device of first embodiment.To its action be described with reference to Fig. 2 below.

Control circuit 7 provides scheduled current to shape memory organization packets 6g, because the Joule heat that generates according to this electric current makes the temperature of shape memory member 6g raise, thereby changes shape.Specifically, shape memory member 6g is pre-formed to making the length of longitudinal direction between the megathermal period, shrink, and shape memory member 6g is formed clavate simultaneously.Therefore, the temperature that causes along with Joule heat for the length that makes on the longitudinal direction of the alteration of form of shape memory member 6g raises and shortens.The extruded member 6d of an end that is fixed to shape memory member 6g is according to the contraction of the length on the longitudinal direction of shape memory member 6g and the direction of separating towards extruded member 6d and sheet element 6b (direction to the right among Fig. 2) as shown in Figure 2 moves, thereby the extruding force of sheet element 6b is reduced or eliminates.

When the extruding force to sheet element 6b reduced, the tight contact condition between the sheet element 6b and second communication passage 5 discharged, and the end of first communication passage 4 keeps the recessed region among the substrate 6a to be communicated with the end of second communication passage 5 through being formed on sheet.As stated, first communication passage 4 is formed with the inner space of balloon member 3 and is communicated with, and second communication passage 5 is formed with the space outerpace of body-insertable device and is communicated with.Therefore, first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 communicate with each other, and this makes the inner space of balloon member 3 and the space outerpace of body-insertable device be communicated with.

Begin to constitute the expansion of this balloon member 3 and the contractive action of shrink film through the inner space of communicated air bags member 3 and the space outerpace of body-insertable device.Specifically; As shown in Figure 2; The volume of reservoir 2 (wherein; Reservoir 2 is covered by the inner surface of balloon member 3 basically) contraction through balloon member 3 reduces, and the fluid that is stored in advance in the reservoir 2 flows into first communication passage 4, and the clearance portion that this fluid keeps generating between substrate 6a and the sheet element 6b through sheet also is discharged into space outerpace through second communication passage 5.Therefore, through carry out the output action of convection cell according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment.

In the body-insertable device according to first embodiment, during fluidic output action, the volume in air-gap zone 11 increases along with volumetrical the reducing of reservoir 2.Therefore, in first embodiment, adopted fluid to flow into the structure in air-gaps zone 11 from inner other area of space of shell 1 through

hole

13 and 14, the generation of inhibition negative pressure is with the interruption of the contraction that prevents balloon member 3 in air-gap zone 11.

Advantage according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment then will be described.In first embodiment, opening is formed along parallel direction extension with second communication passage 5 of opening to space outerpace to first communication passage 4 of reservoir 2.In first embodiment, adopt above structure to make that body-insertable device can miniaturization.Specifically, first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are constructed to extend along parallel direction, and this makes can reduce the shared zone of communication passage formation portion 10 in body-insertable device.That is to say; When first communication passage and second communication passage are formed when not parallel each other; Distance between first communication passage and second communication passage enlarges along with the extension of first communication passage and second communication passage, and the volume that therefore wherein is formed with the communication passage formation portion of first communication passage and second communication passage increases along with the expansion of this distance.Therefore; In body-insertable device; First communication passage, second communication passage and wherein be formed with first communication passage and the shared zone of the communication passage formation portion of second communication passage increases, this causes the body-insertable device size of needs increase.

For example, in the body-insertable device of in JP-A No.4-138128, describing, the central axis direction of the central axis direction of suction inlet and the pipeline from the floss hole to the jar is formed and is perpendicular to one another.In having the body-insertable device of this structure; Because communication passage has the structure of two dimension extension integrally, so must form following structure: the member (the Si substrate 21 and 22 among the JP-A No.4-138128) that is used to form communication passage enlarges on the two-dimensional directional that comprises the both direction that pipeline extends two-dimentionally.Specifically, from stablizing the angle of body-insertable device, in fact preferably, be arranged on such as the assembly of Micropump near the central shaft on the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device in the attitude of inside such as object.Under the situation that adopts this structure, because suction inlet must form definite length extended, so the shared zone of communication passage and communication passage formation portion can further increase.

On the contrary, in the body-insertable device according to first embodiment, first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are formed parallel basically.Therefore; Distance between first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 substantial constant that becomes; Can be as required first communication passage 4, second communication passage 5 and wherein be formed with first communication passage 4 and the shared zone of the communication passage formation portion 10 of second communication passage 5 is set to minimum, and can realize the miniaturization of body-insertable device.

In first embodiment, first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 have linear structure of extending respectively, thereby first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 have following advantage: linear structure of extending makes fluid to discharge reposefully.That is to say; Because the fluid that is stored in sometimes in the reservoir 2 has viscosity to a certain degree; So in this case when the communication passage of fluid through complicated bend is discharged into space outerpace, to the path of communication passage, has fluid collection or producing the probability of eddy current.In first embodiment, through form linearly first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 can suppress to occur phenomenon that fluid moves interruption with reposefully with release of fluid in space outerpace.

From making the angle of body-insertable equipment miniaturization, it also is favourable that the linearity of first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 forms.That is to say, when the communication passage of complicated bend is provided, is similar to the bearing of trend of first communication passage and the bearing of trend of second communication passage and is formed uneven each other situation that the shared zone of communication passage formation portion increases.From this angle, body-insertable device can further be miniaturized through having first communication passage 4 and second communication passage, 5 linear structures of extending.

In body-insertable device according to first embodiment; An end of first communication passage 4 and an end of second communication passage 5 are formed in same surface (sheet keeps the surface of substrate 6a) upper shed, and body-insertable device has through the connected state between the same lip-deep opening is controlled and the structure of release fluid.In first embodiment, adopt this structure to make it possible to simplify the structure that is communicated with governor motion 6.As the result of this simplification, the advantage of first embodiment is to make body-insertable equipment miniaturization.

When adopting first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 to form body-insertable device; At the time durations of release fluid not; Preferably block the connected state between first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 from preventing to be stored in the escape of liquid the reservoir 2 and preventing from the angle of the fluid inflow of space outerpace.Yet under the situation that adopts the structure through regulating connected state with respect to the individual member of communication passage, this is inappropriate, and this is very complicated because be communicated with the structure of governor motion, thereby body-insertable device increases.On the other hand, in first embodiment, utilize same member can easily regulate connected state through adopting above structure.That is to say; In the example depicted in fig. 1; Can regulate the connected state of first communication passage 4 and the connected state of second communication passage 5 through single sheet element 6b (its opening that is provided so that the place, end of first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 is covered by this sheet element 6b), can simplify the structure that is communicated with governor motion.Therefore, the advantage of first embodiment is, can make body-insertable equipment miniaturization through simplifying the structure that is communicated with governor motion.

In body-insertable device according to first embodiment; First communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 be formed through make first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 keep at sheet at opening near the lip-deep end of substrate 6a parallel make fluidic flow direction become parallel (comprise angle that direction vector forms be 0 ° with 180 ° situation), and be communicated with governor motion 6 and have the structure that direction that the edge is parallel to flow direction applies extruding force.That is to say; Be communicated with governor motion 6 and come to offset basically outflow pressure to the substantially parallel and opposite extruding force of outflow pressure that is communicated with governor motion 6 sides, and can more effectively prevent escape of liquid from first communication passage 4 etc. through applying with end from first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5.

Have first communication passage 4 and second communication passage, 5 boths according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment and be formed on the structure in the same communication passage formation portion 10.In first embodiment, adopt this structure to make and to reduce the take up room zone of communication passage formation portion in body-insertable device, and can make body-insertable equipment miniaturization.

When first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are formed by independent member, need two communication passage formation portions.On the other hand, when first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are formed by same member, single communication passage formation portion 10 can only be set in body-insertable device.Specifically, in communication passage formation portion, the thickness except chamber portion (being formed with the part of pipeline) must keep the to a certain degree physical strength to keep being scheduled to.When forming these pipelines, all need have the member of above thickness in a plurality of communication passage formation portion each by independent member.Therefore, when comparing with the situation that in independent member, forms these pipelines, adopting single communication passage formation portion 10 to make basically can reduce the zone that takes up room that communication passage forms portion half the.

In first embodiment; First communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are formed at least extends towards the direction of the longitudinal direction that is parallel to body-insertable device near sheet element 6b, therefore can prevent the external diameter increase with respect to the central shaft of longitudinal direction.That is to say; Through adopting this structure; The assembly that is communicated with governor motion 6 can be constructed to move along the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device; Longitudinal direction with along body-insertable device produces extruding force, and this makes it possible to be communicated with governor motion 6 miniaturizations with respect to making with the orthogonal direction of the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device.The external diameter that therefore, can reduce body-insertable device is so that body-insertable equipment miniaturization.

First embodiment has following structure: at least the second communication passage 5 is formed the central axis that is positioned at respect to the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device.Therefore, the fluid that is stored in the reservoir 2 is discharged into the space outerpace from the extension of the central shaft of body-insertable device along the longitudinal direction.In object; Usually; Body-insertable device moves under the direction of advance of this body-insertable device situation consistent with the longitudinal direction of this body-insertable device, therefore discharges the fluid that is stored in reservoir 2 towards the direction that is parallel to direction of advance through second communication passage 5 being formed on the central shaft that is arranged in body-insertable device from the opening of the central shaft extension of body-insertable device.Therefore, can suppress to occur the change of the attitude of the body-insertable device that caused by the fluid that is discharged, first embodiment has the advantage that can be implemented in the stable body-insertable device that moves in the object.

In first embodiment, set gradually the part, connection governor motion and the control section that form by reservoir, first and second communication passage etc.Thus, can be with existing fluidic part, mechanical part and the collecting of electrical controls to be provided with separated from each otherly, make simplified structure in the assembling that improves these parts.Therefore, first embodiment has the advantage that can realize miniaturization.

Modified example

Then, with the modified example of describing according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment.As stated, according to the body-insertable device of first embodiment be be stored in the reservoir 2 such as the release of fluid of the medicine device in the space outerpace.In addition, can realize the body-insertable device that the fluid such as body fluid that exists in the space outerpace is taken a sample through utilizing the structure shown in first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to modified example.As shown in Figure 3, have basic basic structure according to the body-insertable device of this modified example like first embodiment.Yet; In structure according to the body-insertable device of this modified example; With first embodiment in reservoir 2 corresponding area of space in be formed with first reservoir 19, and with air-gap zone 11 corresponding area of space in be formed with second reservoir 20, keep having omitted

hole

13 and 14 among the substrate 6a at sheet; In the part of shell 1, be formed with the suction inlet 21 that is communicated with second reservoir 20 and space outerpace, and near suction inlet 21, be provided with weight 22.

Similar with the reservoir 2 among first embodiment, first reservoir 19 is corresponding to the reservoir in the claim, and first reservoir 19 has wherein this first reservoir 19 basically by the structure that inner surface covered of balloon member 3.In first reservoir 19, store in advance except that medicine such as fluid that does not act on object especially of normal saline etc.Second reservoir 20 is the reservoirs that wherein store such as institute's sampled fluid of body fluid.When convection cell was taken a sample, the fluid such as body fluid in the space outerpace flowed in second reservoir 20 through suction inlet 21.

With briefly describing by the fluid sampling action of carrying out according to the body-insertable device of this modified example.As described in first embodiment, be communicated with governor motion 6 based on operating from the electric current of control circuit 7 outputs, as being communicated with the result that governor motion 6 is operated, keep generation chamber portion between substrate 6a and the sheet element 6b at sheet.First communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are communicated with through this chamber portion; The fluid that is stored in advance in first reservoir 19 is discharged into space outerpace through first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5, and the volume of the inner space of first reservoir 19 reduces according to fluidic burst size.

In this, based on the reason identical with air-gap zone 11, with first embodiment in air-gap zone 11 corresponding second reservoirs 20 in, volume reduces with first reservoir 19 volumetrical and increases.Owing to produce negative pressure according to volumetrical increase and second reservoir 20 in, thus be present in the space outerpace of body-insertable device such as the fluid of body fluid through in suction inlet 21 inflows second reservoir 20.Therefore, the body fluid that is present in the space outerpace of body-insertable device is stored in second reservoir 20, thereby has carried out the fluid sampling action.

Then, with the advantage of describing according to the body-insertable device of this modified example.This modified example is different from first embodiment that discharges medicine etc., and the purposes of this modified example is the body fluid in the space outerpace that is positioned at body-insertable device (that is, the digestive system in the object etc. inside) etc. is taken a sample.Yet this modified example is similar with first embodiment aspect mobile fluidic mechanism, and this modified example has the basic structure identical with first embodiment.Therefore; As for first embodiment; Advantage according to the body-insertable device of this modified example is, can realize miniaturization through first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are extended along first communication passage 4 and second communication passage, 5 parallel directions.

Body-insertable device according to this modified example has near the structure that suction inlet 21, is provided with weight 22.This weight 22 is formed by the member of its proportion greater than the proportion of other members that constitute body-insertable device (for example, shell 1).As a result, according to the body-insertable device of this modified example keep suction inlet 21 wherein in object vertically to the state of under shed.In object; Because body-insertable device is usually when mobile; Contact with the inwall of the digestive system etc. that vertically is positioned at the below; So when suction inlet 21 during vertically under shed, suction inlet 21 contacts with the inwall of digestive system etc. when body fluid etc. is taken a sample, this makes it possible to effectively body fluid etc. taken a sample.

Proportion through body-insertable device is set to the proportion greater than body fluid, and body-insertable device is immersed in the body fluid, and this makes it possible to reliably body fluid taken a sample.Under the situation of omitting weight 22, can the assembly in the body-insertable device be arranged so that the center of gravity of body-insertable device is positioned near the suction inlet 21.

Second embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to second embodiment.Have the volumetrical structure that the elastic force that generates through spring member changes reservoir according to the body-insertable device of second embodiment, this body-insertable device have will be stored in advance along with volume-variation in the reservoir such as the release of fluid of the medicine function in the space outerpace.

Fig. 4 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to second embodiment.As shown in Figure 4, be similar to first embodiment, comprise according to the body-insertable device of second embodiment being communicated with governor motion 6.Yet, different with the structure aspects of the pipeline of space outerpace at reservoir with first embodiment with the connection reservoir according to the body-insertable device of second embodiment.Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, comprise piston component 25 and spring member 26 according to the body-insertable device of second embodiment.Piston component 25 is arranged on and is set to sheet with extruded member 6d etc. and keeps the regional region facing (keeping substrate 6a to be arranged in the zone in left side with respect to the sheet among Fig. 4) on the substrate 6a.Spring member 26 is set to towards the direction that makes piston component 25 keep substrate 6a near sheet piston component 25 biasing contractilities.Body-insertable device according to second embodiment comprises reservoir 27, and the outside wall portions of this reservoir 27 keeps substrate 6a, piston component 25 and the shell 1 between sheet maintenance substrate 6a and piston component 25 to form by sheet.Body-insertable device according to second embodiment has following structure: in the area of space that is surrounded by these outside wall portions, store the body fluid such as medicine in advance.

In the body-insertable device according to second embodiment, second communication passage 5 and first communication passage 28 are formed the pipeline that is communicated with reservoir 27 and space outerpace.Be similar to first embodiment, second communication passage 5 is formed an end opening to space outerpace, and the other end keeps the surperficial upper shed of substrate 6a at sheet.First communication passage 28 is formed the inside opening of an end at reservoir 27, and the other end keeps the surperficial upper shed of substrate 6a at sheet.

First communication passage 28 have with first embodiment in first communication passage, 4 identical functions.Yet the difference of first communication passage 4 among first communication passage 28 and first embodiment is: the length of extension has become passes the structure that sheet keeps the length of substrate 6a.In a second embodiment, the part of the outside wall portions of reservoir 27 keeps substrate 6a to form by sheet, through keep the backside openings of substrate 6a at sheet, can make the inner space of an end opening of first communication passage 28 to reservoir 27, and this causes structural difference.Comparison as through Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 is visible, can adopt the structure of first communication passage 4 among Fig. 1, rather than first communication passage 28.

Then, with the action of describing according to the body-insertable device of second embodiment.Be communicated with governor motion 6 and be used for remaining on not sheet element 6b and first communication passage 28 and second communication passage, 5 tight state of contact under the situation of control circuit 7 output scheduled currents.On the other hand; When body-insertable device arrives the precalculated position in the object; Control circuit 7 provides scheduled current; Change the position of extruded member 6d through the shape that changes shape memory member 6g based on this electric current, thereby sheet element 6b is from keeping the tight state of contact of substrate 6a to discharge with sheet.

The result; The chamber portion that forms between the surface of the end of the end of first communication passage 28 and second communication passage 5 through keeping substrate 6a at sheet and the sheet element 6b is communicated with, and makes reservoir 27 and space outerpace connection through being communicated with first communication passage 28 and second communication passage 5.As stated; Because spring member 26 provides contractility to the piston component 25 of the part of the outside wall portions that forms reservoir 27; So the inside through being communicated with reservoir 27 and the space outerpace of body-insertable device make piston component 25 towards make piston component 25 and sheet keep substrate 6a near direction move; And owing to moving of piston component 25 released the fluid such as medicine that is stored in the reservoir 27, this pass through first communication passage 28 and second communication passage 5 with release of fluid in space outerpace.Therefore, carried out the release of fluid action in a second embodiment.

Then, with the advantage of describing according to the body-insertable device of second embodiment.Be similar to first embodiment; Body-insertable device according to second embodiment has following structure: first communication passage 28 and second communication passage 5 are extended along parallel direction, and first communication passage 28 and second communication passage 5 are in the same plane upper shed of sheet element 6b.Therefore, be similar to first embodiment, be according to the advantage of the body-insertable device of second embodiment: for above-mentioned reasons, so can make body-insertable equipment miniaturization.

As for the modified example of first embodiment, second embodiment also can be formed in the structure of taking a sample such as the fluid of body fluid.Specifically, for example, spring member 26 can be arranged on sheet with respect to piston component 25 and keep substrate 6a side, to piston component 25 contractility to be provided along the direction that makes piston component 25 and sheet keep substrate 6a to separate.In this structure, when

first communication passage

28 and 5 connections of second communication passage, piston component 25 moves along the direction that the volume that makes reservoir 27 increases, and this makes and in reservoir 27, negative pressure occurs.Therefore, the fluid such as body fluid that is present in the space outerpace flows in the reservoir 27 through second communication passage 5 and first communication passage 28.

The 3rd embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 3rd embodiment.Body-insertable device according to the 3rd embodiment comprises pump, rather than is communicated with governor motion, and this body-insertable device adopts following structure: will be stored in advance through the pump action in the reservoir such as the release of fluid of medicine in space outerpace.

Fig. 5 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to the 3rd embodiment.As shown in Figure 5, be similar to first and second embodiment, comprise control circuit 7 and power subsystem 8 according to the body-insertable device of the 3rd embodiment.Yet; Body-insertable device according to the 3rd embodiment is constructed to have pump 30 etc.; Rather than first the connection governor motion 6 among the embodiment, be the structure of reservoir etc. according to the difference of the body-insertable device of the 3rd embodiment and first embodiment etc.

Specifically, pump 30 comprises the fluidic inlet of input 30a and discharges the fluidic outlet 30b that imports through inlet 30a once more, pump 30 be set to be fixed to first embodiment in corresponding maintenance substrates 31 such as spring substrate 6f on.

For reservoir etc., also has the structure that is different from first embodiment etc. according to the body-insertable device of the 3rd embodiment.Specifically; The sheet that is similar among first embodiment etc. keeps substrate 6a; Body-insertable device according to the 3rd embodiment comprises substrate 32; The end that this substrate 32 is set to this substrate 32 contacts with the inner surface of shell 1, and reservoir 33 is formed by the part between substrate 32 and piston component 25 of substrate 32, piston component 25 and shell 1, in the area of space by coverings such as substrates 32, stores the fluid such as medicine in advance.For the air-gap zone 38 that is formed on piston component 25 sides relative, have according to the body-insertable device of the 3rd embodiment and in the part of shell 1, to form porose 36 and 37 to suppress the mobile structure that negative pressure occurs along with piston component 25 with reservoir 33.

Form in the member 35 in communication passage; Body-insertable device according to the 3rd embodiment has second communication passage 5; In second communication passage 5; One end opening is to the space outerpace of body-insertable device, and the other end is in the surface of substrate 32 (being provided with the surface of a side of pump 30) upper shed.In substrate 32, have first communication passage 34 according to the body-insertable device of the 3rd embodiment, in first communication passage 34, an end opening is to the inside of reservoir 33, and the other end is in this surface upper shed of substrate 32.In the 3rd embodiment, first communication passage 34 is formed with second communication passage 5 and makes the other end of second communication passage 5 be connected with the outlet 30b of pump 30, and the other end of first communication passage 34 is connected with the inlet 30a of pump 30.Be similar to first embodiment etc., first communication passage 34 and second communication passage 5 are formed along parallel direction extends.

With the action of briefly describing according to the body-insertable device of the 3rd embodiment.Specifically, pump 30 begins based on the control of control circuit 7 to drive, and this pump is operated to be positioned at the fluid of inlet 30a side from outlet 30b output.As stated; In the 3rd embodiment; Because it is corresponding with the 30a that enters the mouth that first communication passage 34 is formed, and second communication passage 5 is formed with to export 30b corresponding, so when pump 30 begins to drive; The fluid that is stored in the reservoir 33 that is communicated with first communication passage 34 is input to pump 30 through first communication passage 34 with inlet 30a, and this fluid is discharged in the space outerpace through the outlet 30b and second communication passage 5.

Therefore, even utilize pump 30 to form body-insertable device, also can obtain the advantage identical with first and second embodiment.That is to say, because the 3rd embodiment also has the structure that the parallel direction of first communication passage 34 and second communication passage, 5 edges is extended, so also can realize the miniaturization of body-insertable device.

In the 3rd embodiment, first communication passage 34 and second communication passage 5 are to be formed by the independent member in the example of the 3rd embodiment at least.Yet, do not lose the advantage among the 3rd embodiment through the structure shown in Fig. 5.That is to say that in the 3rd embodiment, first communication passage 34 is formed on one of end that the reason in the substrate 32 only is first communication passage 34 and need be connected with the inlet 30a of pump 30.In pump 30, when inlet 30a and outlet 30b are constructed to be arranged on inlet 30a and outlet 30b position close to each other, be similar to first and second embodiment, first communication passage 34 can be formed on the member identical with second communication passage 5.In the 3rd embodiment; The external diameter of body-insertable device is mainly confirmed by the structure of pump 30; Because the structure of body-insertable device, so will first communication passage 34 be formed on the position that central shaft on the longitudinal direction of this first communication passage 34 and body-insertable device separates the distance more farther than the periphery of pump 30.Therefore, even first communication passage 34 is formed on the different component, this body-insertable device can not increase yet.

The 4th embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 4th embodiment.Be similar to the body-insertable device according to first embodiment, have following structure according to the body-insertable device of the 4th embodiment: the part and the area of space that is covered by this balloon member that limit the profile of body-insertable device are set to reservoir.

Fig. 6 is the sectional view of the structure of schematically illustrated body-insertable device according to the 4th embodiment.As shown in Figure 6; Body-insertable device according to the 4th embodiment comprises connection adjustment structure 6, control circuit 7 and the power subsystem 8 identical with the structure of first embodiment, also comprises shell 40 and balloon member 42 according to the body-insertable device of the 4th embodiment.Shell 40 has the shape different with first embodiment, and balloon member 42 forms the outside wall portions of reservoir 41 basically.

The difference of the shell 1 among the shell 40 and first embodiment etc. is that shell 40 is formed in a side opening that is provided with balloon member 42.Constitute the sheet that is communicated with governor motion 6 and keep substrate 6a to be arranged in this opening, first communication passage 43 and second communication passage 44 are formed on sheet and keep among the substrate 6a.

Be similar to first communication passage, 4, the first communication passage 43 among first embodiment and be formed and make an end opening, and the other end keeps surface (being provided with the surface of the sheet element 6b) upper shed of substrate 6a at sheet to the inside of reservoir 41.Second communication passage 44 is formed and makes an end opening to space outerpace, and the other end keeps this surface upper shed of substrate 6a at sheet.

Be similar to the balloon member 3 among first embodiment, balloon member 42 is processed by the elastomeric material such as rubber, and balloon member 42 has formed the outside wall portions of reservoir 41 basically.Yet the difference of the balloon member 42 and first embodiment is to define the profile of body-insertable device.Specifically, balloon member 42 has the structure that the end is fixed near the part the opening of shell 40, and balloon member 42 is formed and makes inner (that is, reservoir 41) not be communicated with area of space except first communication passage 43.Therefore, comprise reservoir 41, carry out the release of fluid action through the action identical with first embodiment with above structure.That is to say; First communication passage 43 and second communication passage 44 are based on being communicated with by the electric current of control circuit 7 outputs; The contractive action of fluid through balloon member 42 that is stored in the reservoir 41 flows into first communication passage 43, and fluid is discharged in the space outerpace through first communication passage 43 and second communication passage 44.

In body-insertable device according to the 4th embodiment; Be similar to first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 among first embodiment; First communication passage 43 and second communication passage 44 are formed in the same member (sheet keeps substrate 6a); First communication passage 43 and second communication passage 44 be (sheet keeps the surface of substrate 6a) upper shed on same surface, and first communication passage 43 and second communication passage 44 are extended along parallel direction near being formed with the end of this opening.Therefore, in the 4th embodiment, can obtain and identical advantages such as first embodiment based on above-mentioned similarity.

The 4th embodiment has the structure that balloon member 42 wherein defines the profile of body-insertable device.As stated; Balloon member 42 forms the outside wall portions of reservoir 41; And balloon member 42 is shunk during release of fluid action, make to move the shared zone that reduces balloon member 42 through carrying out release of fluid, and final balloon member 42 closely contacts with the back side of sheet maintenance substrate 6a.As a result, compare with the situation of fluid storage in reservoir 41, the overall volume of body-insertable device reduces, thereby is according to the advantage of the body-insertable device of the 4th embodiment, after release fluid, can further realize miniaturization.

The 5th embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 5th embodiment.The 5th embodiment and embodiment subsequently be characterised in that regulate the connected state between first communication passage and second communication passage structure (promptly; Be communicated with governor motion 6 corresponding structures among first embodiment), therefore mainly with the 5th embodiment and subsequent embodiment corresponding from the accompanying drawing that Fig. 7 begins schematically illustrated these characteristics.Although the mode through example has been described except regulating such as other assemblies the mechanism of the connected state of first communication passage and second communication passage with reference to first embodiment; But obvious from the following description, obviously can be applicable in the structure of the body-insertable device second embodiment etc. from the structure shown in the accompanying drawing that Fig. 7 begins.

Fig. 7 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the characteristic of the body-insertable device of the 5th embodiment.As shown in Figure 7, in the 5th embodiment, adopt magnetic component 46 as extruded member.In addition, the 5th embodiment has following structure: adopt electromagnet 47 rather than shape memory member 6g conduct when release and/or sampled fluid, to change the member of the position of magnetic component 46.

Magnetic component 46 is formed by the member with determined magnetic characteristic, and magnetic component 46 is processed by the metal material such as ferrum.Be similar to first embodiment etc., with afterwards, magnetic component 46 applies extruding force before convection cell discharges and/or takes a sample, so that make sheet element 6b and sheet keep substrate 6a closely to contact from the elastic force of spring member 6e.

Electromagnet 47 is the members that when release fluid, change the position of magnetic component 46.Specifically, electromagnet 47 has the structure that wherein is provided with predetermined coil etc.In addition, in the function of electromagnet 47, from power subsystem 8 electric current is provided based on the control of control circuit 7, produces magnetic force based on the electric current that is provided, magnetic component 46 moves towards this magnetic component 46 and the direction that sheet element 6b separates.

Magnetic component 46 and sheet element 6b can combine through welding (bonding) etc.In this case, when magnetic component 46 is attracted by electromagnet 47, because sheet element 6b also moves with magnetic component 46, so can realize being communicated with between first communication passage and second communication passage more reliably.

The 6th embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 6th embodiment.Body-insertable device according to the 6th embodiment has following structure: the extruding force to sheet element 6b does not change with change in location, but with changing with respect to the change of shape with the corresponding member of extruded member.

Fig. 8 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the characteristic of the body-insertable device of the 6th embodiment.As shown in Figure 8, the 6th embodiment comprises deformable member 49, and the shape of this deformable member 49 is based on the control of control circuit 7 and change, and the 6th embodiment has the structure that the electric current that wherein provides from power subsystem 8 is directly offered deformable member 49.

Deformable member 49 is by processing such as the material of piezoelectric element and conducting polymer, and its shape changes according to the electric current that is applied.Specifically, in deformable member 49, be fixed on the shell 1 with the surperficial facing surfaces that contacts with sheet element 6b.Deformable member 49 is characterised in that length reduces with respect to the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device, makes when electric current is provided extruding force to sheet element 6b reduce or eliminates, and when electric current not being provided, apply enough extruding forces to sheet element 6b.Because deformable member 49 has aforesaid alteration of form characteristic, so in the body-insertable device according to the 6th embodiment, first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 can be communicated with during through control circuit 7 electric current being provided.

Fig. 9 is the sketch map that is used to explain according to the action of the body-insertable device of the 6th embodiment.As shown in Figure 9, from power subsystem 8 electric current is provided through control circuit 7, this has reduced the length of deformable member 49 with respect to the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device.Therefore, keep producing between the substrate 6a air-gap zone at sheet element 6b and sheet, this makes it possible to realize being communicated with between first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5.

The 7th embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 7th embodiment.Be constructed to the deformable sheet that comprises that shape changes according to the electric current that is provided according to the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment, rather than the sheet element 6b among first embodiment etc.

Figure 10 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the characteristic of the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment.Shown in figure 10, comprise deformable sheet 51 according to the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment, rather than sheet element 6b.In addition, in structure, because the electric current that provides through control circuit 7 is directly offered deformable sheet 51, so omitted extruded member, spring member etc. according to the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment.

Deformable sheet 51 is processed by the material with characteristic that shape changes with the electric current supply.For example, deformable sheet 51 is by processing such as the material of conducting polymer and marmem.Specifically, when electric current not being provided, be similar to sheet element 6b, the shape of deformable sheet 51 makes deformable sheet 51 and sheet keep substrate 6a closely to contact to block first communication passage 4 and the end of second communication passage 5 and being communicated with of other area of space.On the other hand, when electric current was provided, the alteration of form of deformable sheet 51 made deformable sheet 51 near the zone of the end that forms first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5, keep substrate 6a to separate with sheet.Alternatively, can adopt following member as deformable sheet 51: its shape changes with enlarged area when electric current is provided, thereby near the end of first communication passage and second communication passage, forms resulting chamber.

Figure 11 is the sketch map that is used to explain according to the action of the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment.Shown in figure 11, the control through control circuit 7 provides electric current from power subsystem 8, and this makes that the shape of deformable sheet 51 can near change first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5, makes deformable sheet 51 and sheet keep substrate 6a to separate.As a result, first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 are communicated with, will be stored in release of fluid in the reservoir 2 through first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 in space outerpace.

Therefore; Comprise the deformable sheet 51 that shape can change with the electric current supply according to the body-insertable device of the 7th embodiment, thereby in body-insertable device, can omit extruded member 6d, spring member 6e, shape memory member 6g and spring substrate 6f according to the 7th embodiment.As from findings such as Fig. 1, can further make body-insertable equipment miniaturization through omitting these assemblies.

The 8th embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 8th embodiment.Be similar to body-insertable device, comprise extruded member 6d etc. according to the body-insertable device of the 8th embodiment according to first embodiment.Yet, comprise connecting elements according to the body-insertable device of the 8th embodiment, rather than sheet element 6b.

Figure 12 is the sketch map that illustrates according to the characteristic of the body-insertable device of the 8th embodiment.Shown in figure 12, have the structure that comprises connecting elements 52 rather than sheet element 6b according to the body-insertable device of the 8th embodiment.

Be similar to sheet element 6b, connecting elements 52 is processed by watertight and flexible material, and connecting elements 52 is fixed to the end of communication passage formation portion 10.When not applying extruding force through extruded member 6d, connecting elements 52 is communicated with first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5, and connecting elements 52 comprises chamber portion, and the connected state of this chamber portion and other area of space is blocked.On the other hand, when applying extruding force through extruded member 6d, the shape of connecting elements 52 changes and makes this chamber portion distortion.Be similar to the situation that comprises sheet element 6b, can regulate the connected state between first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 through comprising connecting elements 52.

Although in the example shown in Figure 12, adopted and wherein formed the structure that communication passage forms portion 10 and connecting elements 52 independently by independent member, communication passage formation portion 10 can form with connecting elements 52.That is to say, can form the communication passage formation portion 10 and connecting elements 52 that have adopted flexible member.Therefore, can omit fixed component 6c etc. through adopting this structure, thereby can further make body-insertable equipment miniaturization.

As stated, through first to the 8th embodiment the present invention has been described.Yet the present invention should not be understood that to be limited to above embodiment, and those skilled in the art can make various embodiments and modification.For example, for the relation that is communicated with between governor motion and the communication passage formation portion, can also adopt various structure with Fig. 1 etc.

Figure 13 is the sectional view of the structure of the schematically illustrated body-insertable device that has adopted the connection governor motion different with Fig. 1 etc.Shown in figure 13, in the body-insertable device shown in Figure 13, adopted to comprise that the sheet with predetermined recessed region keeps the connection governor motion 54 of substrate 53, rather than be communicated with governor motion 6.Sheet keep substrate 53 have with communication passage formation portion 10 corresponding zones in be formed with the structure of recessed region.Specifically, recessed region is formed near the central shaft of longitudinal direction of body-insertable device, and communication passage formation portion 10 is formed on the central shaft of longitudinal direction of body-insertable device.Be formed on first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 in the communication passage formation portion 10 be formed make the win communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5 the end at this recessed region split shed.Keep in the recessed region of substrate 53 at sheet, near the zone that is formed with first communication passage 4 and second communication passage 5, be provided with O shape ring 55 (watertight members).Even adopted this structure, also can obtain the advantage of in first to the 8th embodiment, describing.In the body-insertable device shown in Figure 13, adopted structure according to the body-insertable device of the modified example of first embodiment shown in Fig. 3.Except the modified example of first embodiment, for example,, obviously can adopt to be communicated with governor motion 54, rather than be communicated with governor motion 6 for body-insertable device according to first embodiment.

The 9th embodiment

Body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment at first will be described.Figure 14 illustrates body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment at the sketch map that is divided under a plurality of unitary situation.Shown in figure 14, comprise reservoir unit 102, controlling organization 103 and control unit 104 according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.Reservoir unit 102 comprises reservoir 101, in reservoir 101, stores to be used for being input at least a fluid of object neutralization from object output.The fluidic input and output that 103 pairs of controlling organizations are stored in the reservoir 101 are controlled.Control unit 104 is formed can be from reservoir unit 102 dismountings.

Reservoir unit 102 comprises shell 105 and is combined in the assembly in the shell 105.In shell 105, opening has the part of installation and control unit 104.For the assembly that is combined in the shell 105, reservoir unit 102 comprises that reservoir 101, communication passage formation portion 106, sheet element 107, sheet keep substrate 108 and fixed component 109.In reservoir 101, store at least a fluid that is used for input and output.The communication passage that is used for being communicated with the space outerpace (being designated hereinafter simply as " space outerpace ") of reservoir 101 and body-insertable device is formed on communication passage formation portion 106.Sheet element 107 is regulated between reservoir 101 and the space outerpace connected state through communication passage based on the control of controlling organization 103.Sheet keeps substrate 108 retention tab members 107.Fixed component 109 is fixed to sheet with sheet element 107 and keeps on the substrate 108.

In the example of the 9th embodiment, reservoir 101 is to store the fluidic reservoir such as medicine that will be discharged in the object in advance.Specifically, the outside wall portions of reservoir 101 (limiting the part of the periphery of memory area) is through being formed by the balloon member of processing such as the elastomeric material of rubber 110, and reservoir 101 has the function of fluid storage in the inner space of balloon member 110.In the 9th embodiment, the contractive action of the balloon member 110 through constituting reservoir 101 is carried out the releasing action of institute's stored fluid being released space outerpace.

Communication passage formation portion 106 is formed by the clavate member that is provided with along the central shaft according to the longitudinal direction of the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment, and communication passage formation portion 106 has wherein first communication passage 111 and the structure of second communication passage 112 along the direction formation of this clavate member extension.Specifically, first communication passage 111 is formed and makes an end opening to the inner space of reservoir 101, and other end opening keeps the recessed region 113 (describing after a while) on the substrate 108 to being formed on sheet.Second communication passage 112 is formed and makes an end opening keep the recessed region on the substrate 108 to being formed on sheet, and other end opening is to space outerpace.

It is sheet maintenance substrates of retention tab member 107 that sheet keeps substrate 108.Specifically; Sheet keeps inner space that substrate 108 is provided so that shell 105 at the opening of shell 105 (promptly; The part that is connected with control unit 104) kept substrate 108 to cover by sheet near, sheet keeps substrate 108 to have recessed region 113 wherein being formed on according near the structure the central shaft on the longitudinal direction of the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.As stated, recessed region 113 is open-ended recessed regions that arrive wherein of first communication passage 111 and second communication passage 112.In recessed region 113, be communicated with the end of first communication passage 111 and second communication passage 112 through control and will be stored in release of fluid in the reservoir 101 in space outerpace based on controlling organization 103.Except recessed region 113, also keep substrate 108 upper edges to form the hole 114 and 115 that penetrates according to the longitudinal direction of the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment at sheet.Hole 114 and 115 is with the hole of air-gap zone 116 with other regional connectivities.The inner surface and the sheet of air-gap zone 116 outer surfaces balloon member 110, shell 105 keep the back side (with the surperficial facing surfaces that is provided with sheet element 107) of substrate 108 to limit.To describe in detail after a while through the advantage that bring in hole 114 and 115 is set.

The opening that first communication passage 111 is controlled in the control that sheet element 107 is based on controlling organization 103 is to the sheet element of the connected state between the end of the end of recessed region 113 and second communication passage 112.Specifically, sheet element 107 is provided so that recessed region 113 is covered by sheet element 107, and sheet element 107 is processed by the film structural component of flexibility and watertight.When controlling organization 103 is controlled, so that do not carry out when being stored in the fluidic releasing action in the reservoir 101, sheet element 107 remains under the tight state of contact in end of wherein sheet element 107 and second communication passage 112.On the other hand, when carrying out the release of fluid action, sheet element 107 is formed through the control of controlling organization 103 and leaves with the end parts of second communication passage 112.Sheet element 107 is left and control the connected state between second communication passage 112 and first communication passage 111 near the end of second communication passage 112 through the control according to controlling organization 103, this makes release of fluid action that can control to space outerpace.For the function of not carrying out release of fluid when action supplementary plate member 107 (; The function of the tight contact condition of the end of the maintenance and second communication passage 112), the opening in second communication passage 112 encircles 117 to being provided with O shape near the end of recessed region 113.

Shown in figure 14, under reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 state separated from each other, do not apply extruding force to sheet element 107, thus the end separating of the sheet element 107 and second communication passage 112.Therefore, under reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 state separated from one another, must comprise the escape of liquid that prevents to be stored in the reservoir 101 mechanism separately to space outerpace.Based on this viewpoint, the 9th embodiment has adopted wherein the structure that is inserted with anti-leak plug (tap) 119 in second communication passage 112 in the opening of space outerpace.Anti-leak plug 119 prevents being communicated with between second communication passage 112 and the space outerpace, and anti-leak plug 119 prevents fluidic leakage.

Fixed component 109 is sheet element 107 to be fixed to sheet keep the fixed component on the substrate 108.Specifically, fixed component 109 has and with the mode of watertight contact the outer peripheral portion of sheet element 107 is fixed to sheet and keeps the function on the substrate 108.The recessed region 113 that setting with fixed component 109 of above-mentioned functions has prevented to be covered by sheet element 107 is communicated with other area of space except second communication passage 112.The setting of fixed component 109 has prevented that also fluid leaks in other area of space except second communication passage 112 through first communication passage 111 when release fluid.

Then, with description control unit 104.Control unit 104 is that control is to being included in the control unit of the releasing action of institute's stored fluid in the reservoir 101 in the reservoir unit 102.Specifically, control unit 104 comprises controlling organization 103 and shell 120.Maintain controlling organization 103 in the shell 120.In shell 120, opening has the part of attached reservoir unit 102.

Controlling organization 103 is that control is to being stored in the controlling organization of the fluidic releasing operation in the reservoir 101.In the 9th embodiment, the opening of the controlling organization 103 control strip members 107 and second communication passage 112 is to the contact condition of the end of recessed region 113.Specifically, controlling organization 103 comprises extruded member 121, shape memory member (deformable member) 122, spring member 123 and spring substrate 124.Extruded member 121 applies extruding force towards the direction that makes sheet element 107 near second communication passage 112 to sheet element 107.Shape memory member 122 is regulated the position of extruded member 121 with respect to sheet element 107.Spring member 123 produces the extruding force that imposes on sheet element 107 through extruded member 121.Spring substrate 124 keeps shape memory member 122 and spring member 123.Controlling organization 103 comprises control circuit 125 and power subsystem 126.Control circuit 125 controls impose on the extruding force of sheet element 107 through extruded member 121.Power subsystem 126 provides the driving electric to control circuit 125.

Extruded member 121 has the function of the tight contact condition between the end of the sheet element 107 and second communication passage 112 being regulated through applying extruding force to sheet element 107.Specifically, extruded member 121 has following structure: be attached at control unit 104 under the state of reservoir unit 102 at (promptly be formed on sheet keep the recessed region 113 corresponding positions on the substrate 108) near the central shaft on the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device and be formed with elevated regions.Extruded member 121 has abuts against on the sheet element 107 to apply the function of extruding force to sheet element 07 this elevated regions.

Shape memory member 122 is to change the member of extruded member 121 with respect to the position of sheet element 107.Specifically; Shape memory member 122 has that an end is fixed on the spring substrate 124 and the other end is fixed to the clavate structure on the extruded member 121, and shape memory member 122 is processed by the marmem that has predetermined resistance value and have a predetermined shape memory characteristic.More particularly, shape memory member 122 has under the temperature conditions of the temperature in equaling object for example and makes extruded member 121 abut against the sufficient length on the sheet element 107.On the other hand, shape memory member 122 has following function: under than the much higher temperature conditions of predetermined temperature (for example, the temperature in the object), change its shape so that extruded member 121 is separated with sheet element 107.

Spring member 123 is to produce the member that imposes on the extruding force of sheet element 107 through extruded member 121.Specifically, in spring member 123, an end is fixed on the spring substrate 124, and the other end is fixed on the extruded member 121, and spring length remains and is shorter than natural length.Therefore, spring member 123 has towards the direction (direction left among Fig. 9) at the sheet element 107 place function to extruded member 121 biasing contractilities.

Spring substrate 124 is the members that keep spring member 123 and shape memory member 122.On spring substrate 124, be formed with predetermined hole 127, the connected state between the area of space that two surfaces of hole 127 maintenance spring substrate 124 are faced.Shown in figure 14, with respect to spring substrate 124, spring member 123 grades are arranged on reservoir unit 102 sides (direction left among Figure 14), and control unit 125 grades are arranged on opposite side (direction to the right among Figure 14).Hole 127 has the area of space and the function that is provided with the area of space of control circuit 125 that connection is provided with spring member 123 grades.

Control circuit 125 has output and limits the function that starts the periodic signal of telecommunication that is stored in the fluidic releasing action in the reservoir 101.In the 9th embodiment, control circuit 125 has following structure: through the form with the signal of telecommunication scheduled current is outputed to shape memory member 122 and limit this startup regularly.That is to say; In the 9th embodiment; Because shape memory member 122 has the characteristic that shape changes with temperature, so control circuit 125 regularly provides electric current to produce Joule heat to shape memory organization packets 122 predetermined, this has changed the temperature of shape memory member 122.Therefore, carry out the release of fluid action.For example; Can adopt following structure to supply periodic structure: to be combined with the structure of intervalometer mechanism, perhaps to be combined with the mechanism that is used to receive wireless signal and to send the structure that comprises from the wireless signal of the control signal of outside such as antenna and receiving circuit with starting current supply through the scheduled time time as the electric current that wherein defines control circuit 125.Can adopt following structure: in circuit, be provided with magnetic switch, and give this power on circuitry electric current to be provided to shape memory organization packets 22 based on the magnetic field that applies from the outside such as reed switch.

Power subsystem 126 is unit that driving electric is provided to control circuit 125.Specifically, power subsystem 126 is made up of one-shot battery, and is of after a while, owing in the 9th embodiment, can utilize control unit 104 again, so can adopt rechargeable secondary cell as power subsystem 126.

Then, with the relation of describing between shell 105 that constitutes reservoir unit 102 and the shell 120 that constitutes control unit 104.In shell 105 and shell 120, be equal to each other basically with respect to the external diameter of the central shaft of longitudinal direction.For example, shell 105 and shell 120 have wherein shell 105 and one of shell 120 mechanically (for example, screw-screw method or machinery-screw method) be attached to the structure on another.Specifically; For example, near the outer surface the opening of shell 105, form external screw thread, near the interior perimeter surface the opening of shell 120, form and the corresponding female thread of this external screw thread; When shell 105 was attached to shell 120, external screw thread and female thread interconnected.Therefore, control unit 104 can be from reservoir unit 102 dismountings.

Specifically, the following assembling of carrying out according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.Control unit 104 is attached on the reservoir unit 102 that is under the state shown in Figure 14 through being threaded etc.Then; With the space outerpace that is fetched into second communication passage 112 in the opening of anti-leak plug 119 from be formed on reservoir unit 102, this makes and can second communication passage 112 and space outerpace be changed into connected state to accomplish the assembling to body-insertable device.

Figure 15 illustrates the sketch map that control unit 104 wherein is attached to the state on the reservoir unit 102.Shown in figure 15, the shell 105 that constitutes reservoir unit 102 mechanically interconnects with the shell 120 that constitutes control unit 104, and this makes reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 be combined in the body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment.Owing between shell 105 and shell 120, be provided with watertight rubber component 118, invade inside so can prevent the coupling part that fluid is passed through between shell 105 and the shell 120.Shown in figure 15, when control unit 104 was attached to reservoir unit 102, extruded member 121 abutted against on the sheet element 107, and applied predetermined extruding force through extruded member 121.Therefore; As stated; Only if controlling organization 103 is controlled the feasible releasing action of carrying out; Otherwise sheet element 107 remains under the tight state of contact of an end of wherein sheet element 107 and second communication passage 112, and this makes and can anti-leak plug 119 be taken away from the other end of second communication passage 112.

Then, with the action of describing according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.Before will being incorporated in the object and after object is discharged this body-insertable device according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment; Shown in figure 14, it is separated from each other with control unit 104 that body-insertable device remains reservoir unit 102.On the other hand, shown in figure 15, when body-insertable device was introduced in the object and uses, this body-insertable device was attached under the state on the reservoir unit 102 at control unit 104 and uses.

Figure 16 is used to explain the sketch map by the release of fluid action of carrying out according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.The action of this body-insertable device will be described with reference to Figure 16 below.

The control circuit 125 that is included in the controlling organization 103 provides electric current to shape memory organization packets 122; Because shape memory member 122 is the conductive members with predetermined resistance; So shape memory member 122 generates Joule heat therein based on the electric current that is provided; Thereby the temperature of shape memory member 122 raises, and the shape of shape memory member 122 changes according to shape memory characteristic.Specifically, shape memory member 122 is pre-formed to making the length on the longitudinal direction shrink along with temperature raises.Shown in figure 16; Contraction according to shape memory member 122 length in a longitudinal direction; The extruded member 121 of an end that is fixed to shape memory member 122 is towards making the direction (direction to the right among Figure 16) that extruded member 121 and sheet element 107 are separated move, thereby the extruding force that imposes on sheet element 107 reduces or eliminates.

When the extruding force that imposes on sheet element 107 reduces or eliminates; Tight contact condition between the end of the sheet element 107 and second communication passage 112 is released; Shown in figure 16, this makes the end of second communication passage 112 and the end of first communication passage 111 in recessed region 113, be communicated with.As stated, the other end opening of second communication passage 112 is to space outerpace, and the other end opening of first communication passage 111 is to the inner space of reservoir 101.Therefore, through in recessed region 113, communicate with each other second communication passage 112 and first communication passage 111 inner space of reservoir 101 is communicated with the space outerpace of body-insertable device.Because constituting the balloon member 110 of the outside wall portions of reservoir 101 is processed by the elastomeric material such as rubber; So balloon member 110 is carried out contractive action so that the volume of the inner space of reservoir 101 reduces, and the fluid such as medicine that is stored in the inner space of reservoir 101 flows out to first communication passage 111 along with volumetrical reducing.As stated, first communication passage 111 is communicated with second communication passage 112 during releasing action.As a result, as shown in Figure 16, be discharged into the space outerpace (being discharged into object) of body-insertable device through first communication passage 111 and second communication passage 112 from reservoir 101 effusive fluids.

In releasing action, along with the contraction according to balloon member 110 of the inner space of reservoir 101 reduces, the volume in the air-gap zone 116 that is covered by the outer surface of balloon member 110 etc. increases.Because the volumetrical increase in air-gap zone 116; So in body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment; Shown in figure 16; Fluid (normally gas) through hole 114,115 and 127 from control unit 104 side inflows to air-gap zone 116, this reduces or has eliminated the negative pressure that occurs along with the volumetrical increase in air-gap zone 116.

Then, with the advantage of describing according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.Body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment has wherein reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 dismountable structures.For example, reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 during preservation remain separated from one another, and this body-insertable device is attached under the state on the reservoir unit 102 at control unit 104 in use and is introduced in the object.Owing in the 9th embodiment, adopted this structure, so have can be in the advantage that reduces to realize under the situation of operating cost body-insertable device for the 9th embodiment.

Specifically, in body-insertable device, can irrespectively adopt identical control unit 104 with the kind of the medicine that doses will be provided according to the 9th embodiment.That is to say,,, for the doctor, preferably, prepare a plurality of reservoir unit 102 in advance according to the kind of medicine so control unit 104 kinds common and medicine are irrespectively used because reservoir unit 102 can be separated from each other with control unit 104.Therefore, when the body-insertable device that adopts according to the 9th embodiment, preparing a plurality of reservoir unit 102 just is enough to handle multiple medicine, and can only prepare the control unit 104 according to the quantity of the expectation usage degree of body-insertable device at most.Therefore; When with the body-insertable device (wherein must prepare a plurality of body-insertable devices) of routine when comparing according to the kind of medicine; Advantage according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment is that the quantity that can reduce pre-prepd control unit 104 reduces the operating cost of body-insertable device.In addition, owing to can reduce to want the quantity of pre-prepd control unit 104, so can reduce to be used to preserve the space of untapped body-insertable device.Therefore, the body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment also has the advantage that can reduce operating cost.

Specifically; In the assembly of controlling organization 103; Shape memory member 122 is processed by the marmem more expensive than ordinary metallic material, and control circuit 125 is formed by the predetermined electronic circuit that comprises radio function as required, and power subsystem 126 is formed by the one-shot battery with predetermined volumes.Therefore, compare, comprise that the manufacturing cost of the control unit 104 of controlling organization 103 increases usually with the reservoir 102 that comprises balloon member 110 grades.Yet, in body-insertable device, compare with the body-insertable device of routine according to the 9th embodiment, want the quantity of pre-prepd control unit 104 can reduce operating cost significantly through reducing.

Because control unit 104 is reusable at least, so, have the advantage that can reduce operating cost according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment from this point.Shown in figure 15, the controlling organization 103 that is included in the control unit 104 is covered by shell 120 and shell 105 in use, and this isolates controlling organization 103 and space outerpace.Therefore, in the control unit 104 of the 9th embodiment, when body-insertable device was introduced in the object, body fluid etc. will never stick on the surface except the outer surface of shell 120.Only the outer surface through sterilizing cleaning shell 120 just can easily utilize control unit 104 again after use.Therefore, all adopt the routine techniques of different body-insertable devices to compare during with each use, have the advantage that can reduce operating cost greatly according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.

Specifically, because the action of controlling organization 103 is reversible, so the 9th embodiment has the advantage that can more easily utilize again.As stated, controlling organization 103 has following structure: the shape through change shape memory member 122 based on the electric current from control circuit 125 outputs is come the sustained release action.In this, in shape memory member 122, the temperature rising that causes owing to the electric current supply makes the length on the longitudinal direction shrink.When stopping the electric current supply when reducing temperature, shape memory member 122 returns to the shape under the state that releasing action also do not begin.Therefore; After releasing action finishes; Identical value under the state that length on the longitudinal direction of shape memory member 122 becomes with releasing action does not also begin, and the position of extruded member 121 that is fixed to an end of shape memory member 122 also turns back to the position under the state that releasing action also do not begin.Therefore, in the 9th embodiment, because the action of the assembly of controlling organization 103 is reversible, so when utilizing control unit 104 again, needn't carry out physical location adjusting etc. to the assembly of controlling organization 103.Therefore, the 9th embodiment has the advantage that can easily utilize control unit 104 again.

In addition, the advantage according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment is that this body-insertable device can be preserved for a long time under unused state.Usually, the best storage condition that is stored in medicine in the reservoir 101 that constitutes reservoir unit 102 etc. not always with the best storage term harmonization of the control circuit 125 that constitutes control unit 104, power subsystem 126 etc.On the contrary; In body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment; Ground is independent to be preserved because reservoir unit 102 can be separated with control unit 104 each other, so each in reservoir unit 102 and the control unit 104 all can be preserved under the optimum condition relevant with temperature, humidity etc.Through under optimum condition, preserving reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 discretely separately, body-insertable device can be preserved for a long time under the situation that does not reduce performance.Therefore, in the body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment, can reduce the number of discarding the body-insertable device under unused state, this makes can reduce operating cost.

The structure that adopts air-gap zone 116 wherein and area of space in the control unit 104 to be communicated with according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment with sheet maintenance substrate 108.Therefore, can the fluid such as medicine that be stored in the reservoir 1 fully be discharged in the space outerpace basically.As stated, in the 9th embodiment, because balloon member 110 shrinks when releasing action, so the volume of the air-gap regional 116 that is formed by the inner surface of the outer surface of balloon member 110 and shell 105 etc. increases along with the carrying out of releasing action.Therefore, under the situation of the structure of therein air-gap zone 116 and other area of space being cut off, produce negative pressure according to volumetrical increase, this has hindered the contractive action of balloon member 110.

On the contrary, the 9th embodiment has adopted wherein through forming hole 114,115 and 127 and has made air-gap zone 116 remain on the structure under the state of air-gap zone 116 and other regional connectivities.Therefore, shown in figure 16, because the volume in air-gap zone 116 increases, the fluid (gas) that is present in other area of space flow into air-gap zone 116 through hole 114,115 and 127, produces negative pressure to be suppressed in the air-gap zone 116.As a result, prevented that the negative pressure in air-gap zone 116 from hindering the contractive action of balloon member 110, and the fluid such as medicine that is stored in the reservoir 101 can fully be discharged into the outside basically.

In the body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment,

hole

114 and 115 is formed the fluid that makes in the area of space of control unit 104 and flow into air-gap zone 116, and this also provides this advantage.That is, produce negative pressure, for example can air-gap zone 116 is configured to communicate with each other with space outerpace through in shell 105, forming the hole in order to be suppressed in the air-gap zone 116.Yet, in this case, be present in body fluid in the space outerpace (that is object) etc. and flow in the body-insertable device.

As stated, in the 9th embodiment, utilized control unit 104 at least again.From utilizing the angle of control unit 104 easily again, must adopt the fluid that prevents to flow in the air-gap zone 116 to flow into the structure in the control unit 104 such as body fluid.Therefore, when on shell 5, forming the hole, obviously to adopt the structure of wherein having omitted hole 114 and 115.In addition, for example, not only sheet keeps substrate 108 to be formed by the watertight member, and the contact portion between the inner surface of the side of the end of sheet maintenance substrate 108 and shell 105 must adopt watertight structure.Therefore, possibly increase the manufacturing cost of reservoir unit 102.On the contrary, the 9th embodiment has adopted air-gap zone 116 wherein not to be communicated with space outerpace but the structure that is communicated with area of space in the control unit 104, the feasible labyrinth that needn't adopt sheet maintenance substrate 108 grades with watertight.Therefore, the 9th embodiment has the advantage that can prevent to increase manufacturing cost.

In the 9th embodiment, can adopt wherein sheet element 107 and the fixing all the time also tight each other contacting structure of extruded member 121.Specifically, for example,, extruded member 121 and sheet element 107 are moved integratedly through the jointing material such as bonding sheet is set in the contact surface between sheet element 107 and extruded member 121.In this case, when extruded member 121 according to the alteration of form of shape memory member 122 and when extruded member 121 and sheet keep substrate 108 isolating directions to move, between sheet element 107 and sheet maintenance substrate 108, produced chamber portion reliably.Therefore, improved the definitiveness of the connected state between first communication passage 111 and second communication passage 112.

Modified example

Then, with the modified example of describing according to the body-insertable device of the 9th embodiment.Although this modified example is equal to the 9th embodiment basically in the structure aspects of body-insertable device, in this modified example, reservoir unit 102 has been carried out following design: when reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 are separated, more effectively suppressed fluidic inflow and outflow.

Figure 17 is the sketch map that reservoir unit 102 is shown and when preserving reservoir unit 102, is attached to the anti-leak squeeze unit 128 on the reservoir unit 102.Shown in figure 17, anti-leak squeeze unit 128 has the structure of wherein from control unit 104, having omitted shape memory member 122, control circuit 125 and power subsystem 126.Anti-leak squeeze unit 128 has wherein when attached reservoir unit 102 structure that applies extruding force to sheet element 107 continuously.Specifically, anti-leak squeeze unit 128 comprises shell 129, extruded member 121 and spring member 123.In shell 129, opening has the part of attached reservoir unit 102.When anti-leak squeeze unit 128 is attached to 102 last times of reservoir unit, extruded member 121 is towards making sheet element 107 keep the direction of substrate 108 that sheet element 107 is applied extruding force near sheet.123 pairs of extruded member of spring member, 121 biasing contractilities.As utilize the control unit 104, shell 129 has the external diameter with respect to the central shaft of the longitudinal direction of reservoir unit 102 (horizontal direction among Figure 17), and the external diameter of shell 129 equates with reservoir unit 102 basically.Shell 129 has wherein, and shell 129 can be attached to the structure on the reservoir unit 102 according to the mechanical system such as screw-screw method or machinery-screw method.

Then, in this modified example, with the advantage of describing through comprising that anti-leak squeeze unit 128 obtains.Shown in figure 17, near the structure being attached to the part on the reservoir unit 102 in anti-leak squeeze unit 128, anti-leak squeeze unit 128 has the structure substantially the same with control unit 104.Therefore; When reservoir unit 102 and control unit 104 are kept in the memory space etc. with being separated, reservoir unit 102 is kept under the state identical with the state that wherein is attached with control unit 104 through anti-leak squeeze unit 128 is attached to.Therefore, except the effect of anti-leak plug 119, can also prevent fluidic leakage more reliably.The advantage of this modified example is, not only can preserve body-insertable device for a long time, and can prevent reliably owing to the vibration that in transportation, produces causes escape of liquid.

The tenth embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the tenth embodiment.Figure 18 is that the body-insertable device that illustrates according to the tenth embodiment is divided into a plurality of unitary sketch maps.Shown in figure 18, have reservoir unit 102 various structure in the wherein reservoir unit 130 and the 9th embodiment according to the body-insertable device of the tenth embodiment.In the tenth embodiment, unless otherwise specified, otherwise the assembly of being represented by title identical with the 9th embodiment and label has the 26S Proteasome Structure and Function identical with the 9th embodiment.This also sets up for describing the 11 and the 12 embodiment after a while.

Shown in figure 18, reservoir unit 130 comprises shell 131 and is arranged on the assembly in the shell 131.Shell 131 has opening at the part place of attached control unit 104.Specifically, the inside of shell 131 comprises that piston component 133, spring member 134 and sheet keep substrate 135.Piston component 133 is provided with along the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction among Figure 18) of body-insertable device movably, and the part of piston component 133 and shell 131 has together constituted the part of the outside wall portions of reservoir 132.Spring member 134 is to piston component 133 biasing contractilities.Sheet keeps substrate 135 fixing these spring members 134, and sheet keeps substrate 135 retention tab members 107.

Piston component 133 constitutes the part of the outside wall portions of reservoir 132; And in release of fluid action, piston component 133 has through piston component 133 is moved the function of release of fluid in the space outerpace towards the direction that the volume of the inner space that makes reservoir 132 reduces.Specifically; In this structure; Piston component 133 is to be made up of the plate body that is provided with movably along the longitudinal direction and the end abuts against on the lateral inner surface on the longitudinal direction of shell 131, and piston component 133 is according to the contractility that is applied by spring member 134 and the direction that the volume towards the inner space that makes reservoir 132 reduces moves.

Spring member 134 is the members to piston component 133 biasing contractilities.Specifically; Spring member 134 is arranged in the air-gap zone 139; This air-gap zone 139 is that sheet keeps the area of space between substrate 135 and the piston component 133; The end of spring member 134 is fixed to piston component 133 and sheet and keeps substrate 135 on both, and spring member 134 is set to compress to such an extent that be shorter than natural length.Spring member 134 has towards the function of the direction that the volume that makes reservoir 132 reduces (that is the direction left among Figure 18) to piston component 133 biasing contractilities.

The sheet that is similar among the 9th embodiment keeps substrate 108; Keep in the structure of substrate 135 at sheet; Be formed with recessed region 113; And form porosely 114, and this sheet keeps substrate 135 to have the function of retention tab member 107, and this sheet element 107 is provided so that recessed region 113 is covered by this sheet element 107.Sheet keeps substrate 135 also to have the identical functions with communication passage formation portion.

Specifically, sheet keeps substrate 135 to have the structure that wherein is formed with first communication passage 137 and second communication passage 138.First communication passage 137 is extended along the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device, and an end opening of first communication passage 137 is to the inner space of reservoir 132, and other end opening is to recessed region 113.Extend perpendicular to the direction of the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device on second communication passage, 138 main edges, and an end opening of second communication passage 138 is to recessed region 113, and other end opening is to space outerpace.Shown in figure 18; Under the state that reservoir unit 130 and control unit 104 are separated each other; In order to prevent to be stored in escape of liquid in the reservoir 132 in space outerpace,, the opening of second communication passage 138 preserves reservoir unit 130 under being inserted with the situation of anti-leak plug 140 in the end of space outerpace.Can adopt with sheet keeps the different independently clavate member of substrate 135 as the member that constitutes first communication passage 137.

In the tenth embodiment, control unit 104 is similar to reservoir unit 102 and the means for attachment between the control unit 104 among the 9th embodiment to the means for attachment of reservoir unit 130.Specifically; In the shell 120 of shell that constitutes reservoir unit 130 131 and formation control unit 104; External diameter with respect to the central shaft of longitudinal direction is similar each other basically, and in shell 131 and the shell 120 one for example can be attached on another according to the mechanical system such as screw-screw method or machinery-screw method.Be attached under the state on the reservoir unit 130 at control unit 104, between shell 131 and shell 120, watertight rubber component 118 be set, thereby anti-fluid is invaded from space outerpace through the coupling part between shell 131 and the shell 120.

Then, with the action of briefly describing according to the body-insertable device of the tenth embodiment.In the tenth embodiment, control unit 104 has the structure identical with the 9th embodiment.Before carrying out releasing action, extruded member 121 abuts against on the sheet element 107, and extruded member 121 is blocked the connected state between first communication passage 137 and second communication passage 138 through applying predetermined extruding force.On the other hand, when carrying out releasing action, the position of extruded member 121 changes according to the electric current from control circuit 125 outputs, thereby the extruding force that imposes on sheet element 107 reduces or eliminates.Therefore, discharged the tight contact condition between the end of the sheet element 107 and first communication passage 137, win communication passage 137 and second communication passage 138 are communicated with each other in recessed region 113.

As stated, the other end opening of first communication passage 137 is to the inner space of reservoir 132, and the other end opening of second communication passage 138 is to space outerpace.Therefore, communicate with each other through in recessed region 113, making first communication passage 137 and second communication passage 138, and make the inner space of reservoir 132 and the space outerpace of body-insertable device communicate with each other.In this; The direction that action through spring member 134 makes the volume of piston component 133 towards the inner space that makes reservoir 132 reduce moves, and this makes it possible to the fluid that is stored in the reservoir 132 is released in the space outerpace through first communication passage 137 and second communication passage 138.

Then, with the advantage of describing according to the body-insertable device of the tenth embodiment.At first; Have according to the body-insertable device of the tenth embodiment that wherein control unit 104 can be from the structure of reservoir unit 130 dismountings; And the similar of control unit 104 makes the tenth embodiment can obtain the same advantage of in the 9th embodiment, describing for control unit in the 9th embodiment.

Be similar to the reservoir unit 102 among the 9th embodiment; In body-insertable device according to the tenth embodiment; In the release of fluid action; The volume in air-gap zone 139 reduces with reservoir 132 volumetrical and increases, and reservoir unit 130 has the structure that the area of space in air-gap zone 139 and control unit 104 wherein is communicated with through hole 114.Therefore, be similar to the 9th embodiment, be that according to the advantage of the body-insertable device of the tenth embodiment body fluid etc. can not flow into inside from space outerpace etc.

The 11 embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 11 embodiment.In the structure according to the body-insertable device of the 11 embodiment, control unit comprises the pump machanism as the part of controlling organization, and the release of fluid action is what to carry out through the action of pump machanism.

Figure 19 is that the body-insertable device that illustrates according to the 11 embodiment is divided into a plurality of unitary sketch maps.Shown in figure 19, constitute by reservoir unit 141 and control unit 142 according to the body-insertable device of the 11 embodiment, control unit 142 is formed can be from reservoir unit 141 dismountings.Compare with the tenth embodiment, reservoir unit 141 has the structure of wherein having omitted spring member 134, and the controlling organization 143 that is included in the control unit 142 has the pump 149 of release of fluid to space outerpace.

Specifically, as for the tenth embodiment, reservoir unit 141 comprises reservoir 132 and piston component 133 in shell 131.Reservoir unit 141 has newly comprised substrate 144, rather than sheet keeps substrate 135.Substrate 144 has in the following areas with sheet and keeps the identical structure of substrate 135: wherein form porose 114, first communication passage 137 and second communication passage 146.Yet, in the structure of substrate 144, upper shed that an end that does not form an end and second communication passage 146 of recessed region 113, the first communication passage 137 (is attached with the surface on the side of control unit 142) on the surface of substrate 144.More particularly; On this surface of substrate 144; Be formed with annular slot part 145 to be communicated with the outlet 151 (describing after a while) of pump 149; The center of this annular slot part 145 is arranged on the central shaft of longitudinal direction of body-insertable device, and second communication passage 146 is formed through slot part 145 and is communicated with this face side of substrate 144.Reservoir unit 141 has following structure: anti-leak plug 147 and 148 is inserted into respectively in the end of the slot part 145 and first communication passage 137.In this, being communicated with between the space outerpace of this face side of anti-leak plug 147 blocking-up substrates 144 and second communication passage 146.Anti-leak plug 148 prevents the escape of liquid that reservoir 132 is preserved when reservoir unit 141 and control unit 142 are separated.

Except power subsystem 126 with the control circuit 125, control unit 142 also comprises pump 149 and keeps substrate 154 as controlling organization 143.Keep substrate 154 to keep pump 149.In the 11 embodiment, power subsystem 126 has following structure: driving electric not only offers control circuit 125 but also offers pump 149, and the driving condition of control circuit 125 control pumps 149.In keeping substrate 154, form porose 155.Be similar to the hole 127 among the 9th embodiment etc., this hole has following function: control unit 142 being attached to 141 last times of reservoir unit, make the fluid that is arranged in the area of space that is provided with control circuit 125 grades flow into air-gap zone 139.

Pump 149 comprises and is used to suck fluidic inlet 150 and is used for discharging this fluidic outlet 151.In the 11 embodiment; Outlet 151 has annular shape; Its center be formed on the central axis that slot part 145 in the reservoir unit 141 is arranged on the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device accordingly, inlet 150 is formed the central axis that is positioned at the longitudinal direction of body-insertable device with first communication passage 137 accordingly.Because outlet 151 150 has above structure with inlet, thus when control unit 142 being attached to 141 last times of reservoir unit, export 151 and be coupled in the slot part 145, and enter the mouth and 150 be coupled in the end of first communication passage 137.When control unit 142 separated with reservoir unit 141, in order to protect inlet 150 and outlet 151, pump 149 had the structure that wherein in inlet 150 and outlet 151, is combined with

protection plug

152 and 153 respectively.

Control unit 142 is substantially similar to the 9th embodiment etc. to the means for attachment of reservoir unit 141.Yet, in body-insertable device according to the 11 embodiment,

anti-leak plug

147 and 148 and

protection plug

152 and 153 be not arranged in the outer surface of shell 131 etc., and be arranged in the zone of the inside that becomes body-insertable device.Therefore, before control unit 142 is attached on the reservoir unit 141, anti-leak plug 147 grades are unloaded from slot part 145 grades, through being threaded etc. control unit 142 is attached on the reservoir unit 141 then.

Then, with the action of briefly describing according to the body-insertable device of the 11 embodiment.Be attached in the body-insertable device that is introduced under the situation on the reservoir unit 141 in the object at control unit 142; When this body-insertable device arrives the presumptive area in the object; Control circuit 125 is carried out predetermined control; For example, execution provides electric current to carry out the release of fluid action to piston component 133.Start the driving to pump 149 based on this control, pump 149 is carried out suction action, wherein through the 150 fluidic whiles of input of inlet, the fluid of being imported is discharged through outlet 151 once more.As stated, when control unit 142 being attached to 141 last times of reservoir unit, inlet 150 is engaged in first communication passage 137, is engaged in the slot part 145 and export 151.Therefore; Through starting driving to pump 149; Be input in the pump 149 through first communication passage 137 and the fluid that inlet 150 will be stored in the reservoir 132 such as medicine temporarily, this fluid through export 151, slot part 145 and second communication passage 146 be released to space outerpace.Because piston component 133 is along with being stored in release of fluid in the reservoir 132 to outside and direction that volume towards the inner space of reservoir 132 reduces moves, so increased the volume of air-gap regional 139.Work along with volumetrical increase with hole 155 in hole 114.Specifically, the fluid that is present in the area of space of control unit 142 flow into air-gap zone 139 through hole 155 and hole 114, and this prevents to produce the negative pressure that is caused by the volumetrical increase in air-gap zone 139.

Therefore, even adopted controlling organization 143 wherein to comprise the structure of pump 149, the structure that can dismantle each other through reservoir unit 141 wherein and control unit 142 also can obtain the advantage of the present invention in the 9th and the tenth embodiment, described.Specifically, therefore common pump 149 costliness of comparing with other groups comprises that through utilization again the controlling organization 143 of pump 149 can significantly reduce operating cost.

Modified example

Then, with the modified example of describing according to the body-insertable device of the 11 embodiment.Figure 20 is the body-insertable schematic representation of apparatus that illustrates according to this modified example.Shown in figure 20, comprise inlet 150a and anti-leak plug 148a according to the body-insertable device of this modified example.Inlet 150a therein the guiding end that contacts with first communication passage 137 of this inlet 150a locate to have pointed, the inlet 150 among inlet porting 150a rather than the 11 embodiment.Adopt anti-leak plug 148a rather than anti-leak plug 148, anti-leak plug 148a is fixed to the opening of first communication passage 137 in the control unit side.

Control unit 142 is being attached to 141 last times of reservoir unit, inlet 150a not only has the fluid that is stored in the reservoir 132 is input to the function of pump 149 through first communication passage 137, and as the liberation port that discharges anti-leak plug 148a.Specifically, shown in figure 20, the inlet 150a that its guiding end is sharpened has when guiding the end to contact with anti-leak plug 148a through getting into the function that anti-leak plug 148a is interconnected first communication passage 137 and pump 149.According to the setting of inlet 150a, anti-leak plug 148a is set to be fixed to first communication passage 137, and anti-leak plug 148a is formed by the member that gets into when the inlet 150a contact anti-leak plug 148a and be used for the anti-leak function.

Therefore, in this modified example, when control unit 142 is attached to 141 last times of reservoir unit, the inlet 150a and first communication passage 137 can communicate with each other under the situation of not taking out anti-leak plug 148a in advance.In structure shown in Figure 20; Although adopted the structure identical with anti-leak plug 147 with the 11 embodiment to exporting 151; Yet; Outlet 151 can be formed the sharp structure that is similar to inlet 150a, and anti-leak plug 147 can be fixed to slot part 145 and form by being similar to the member that anti-leak plug 148a opens.

Also can omit anti-leak plug 147.Even omitted anti-leak plug 147, obviously reservoir unit 141 can not cause adverse effect to preventing the escape of liquid of preserving in the reservoir 132 with separating yet of control unit 142.

The 12 embodiment

Then, with the body-insertable device of describing according to the 12 embodiment.According to the body-insertable device of the 9th to the 11 embodiment be be stored in advance in the reservoir such as the release of fluid of the medicine device in the space outerpace.On the other hand, the body-insertable device according to the 12 embodiment is to utilize predetermined mechanism that the fluid from outside space such as body fluid of object is drawn into the device in the reservoir.Body-insertable device in the purpose that is used for the 12 embodiment; The direction that fluid moves is and the opposite direction of flow direction according to the body-insertable device of the 9th to the 11 embodiment, therefore through making the mechanism according to the body-insertable device of the 9th to the 11 embodiment turn to the body-insertable device that can realize according to the 12 embodiment.Below the example that has adopted according to the body-insertable device of second embodiment will be described.Yet, obviously through adopting the 9th to the 11 embodiment also can realize absorbing fluidic body-insertable device such as body fluid from space outerpace.

Figure 21 is that the body-insertable device that illustrates according to the 12 embodiment is divided into a plurality of unitary sketch maps.Shown in figure 21; Although the body-insertable device according to the 12 embodiment has and the structure identical according to the body-insertable device of the tenth embodiment basically, has the structure that wherein in reservoir unit 156, adopts the spring member 134 among spring member 157 rather than the tenth embodiment according to the body-insertable device of the 12 embodiment.

Specifically, reservoir unit 156 comprises spring member 157.Spring member 157 is not arranged on piston component 133 and sheet and keeps between the substrate 135, keeps relative piston component 133 1 sides of substrate 135 and be arranged on sheet, that is, the left side among Figure 21, this spring member 157 is compressed to and is shorter than natural length.Spring member 157 has towards making piston component 133 keep the function of the direction (that is the direction that, the volume of the inner space of reservoir 132 is increased) of substrate 135 to piston component 133 biasing contractilities near sheet.

Reservoir unit 156 has following structure: be provided with weight 158 on the part of shell 131 and in second communication passage 138 near the opening of space outerpace.For example, weight 158 is formed by the member of proportion greater than the proportion of the member that constitutes shell 131, and weight 158 is used to make second communication passage 138 to the opening of space outerpace vertically down.Realize that the structure of this operation is not limited to be provided with the situation of weight 158.For example, can the setting of assembly be designed to make that the center of gravity of whole body-insertable device is positioned at second communication passage 138 near the opening of space outerpace.Driven angle of mechanics, this structure can be considered to be provided with weight 158 and second communication passage 138 to the opening of space outerpace down situation vertically.

Below the action according to the body-insertable device of the 12 embodiment will be described.At first; Be similar to the tenth embodiment; Through the tight contact condition between the end of the control unit 104 releasing piece members 107 and first communication passage 137, and the inner space of reservoir 132 is communicated with space outerpace through first communication passage 137 and second communication passage 138.

Then, piston component 133 keeps the direction of substrate 135 to move to increase the volume of reservoir 132 towards sheet under the effect of spring member 157.Because volumetrical increase makes and in the inner space of reservoir 132, produces negative pressure.Be present in fluid in the space outerpace that the inner space with reservoir 132 of body-insertable device is communicated with through the inner space of second communication passage 138 with first communication passage, 137 inflow reservoirs 132.Therefore, can the fluid such as body fluid be drawn in the reservoir 132.

Not only in having the body-insertable device of release of fluid function, and as the body-insertable device of the 12 embodiment with fluid sampling function in, adopting wherein, reservoir unit 156 is useful with control unit 104 dismountable structures.Comparison as from Figure 18 and Figure 21 is visible, in the body-insertable device according to the 12 embodiment, can reduce operating cost through adopting demountable structure.

At the body-insertable device that is used for flow liquid is taken a sample, it also is useful that hole 114 is set.In the 12 embodiment, when carrying out the fluid sampling action, as stated, change the volume of (increases) reservoir 132, and the volume of air-gap regional 139 reduces with the volumetrical change of reservoir 132.Therefore, when hole 114 was not set, the air in the air-gap zone 139 was owing to volumetrical reducing is compressed, thereby increased air-gap zone 139 pressure inside, and this possibly hinder piston component 133 and keep the mobile of substrate 135 towards sheet.On the contrary, in the 12 embodiment since keep forming in the substrate 135 at sheet porose 114, so air-gap zone 139 has kept the connected state between the area of space in air-gap zone 139 and the control unit 104.Therefore, the pressure that can alleviate in the air-gap zone 139 raises, and can suppress the obstruction that moves to piston component 133, and can suppress the obstruction of samples fluid action.

Therefore; As the body-insertable device that is used for the body fluid of space outerpace etc. is taken a sample according to the body-insertable device of the 12 embodiment in, can obtain to discharge such as the identical advantage of the fluidic body-insertable device of medicine with being used to of in the 9th to the 12 embodiment, describing.That is to say; In body-insertable device of the present invention, the reservoir unit that comprises the reservoir that wherein stores predetermined fluid adopts wherein reservoir unit and the dismountable structure of control unit with the control unit that comprises controlling organization (this controlling organization is regularly controlled at least one the action in the input fluid of reservoir and the output fluid).The release of fluid that scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to be used for such as medicine arrives outside body-insertable device.Not only can carry out in release of fluid action and the fluid sampling action, and can carry out that release of fluid is moved and fluid sampling moves both.For example, in the 12 embodiment, can adopt pump 149 so that can make fluid moving direction reverse (that is, through enter the mouth 150 export) through exporting the fluid of 151 inputs.In body-insertable device according to the 9th embodiment, omitted hole 114 and 115, on the part of shell 105, form through hole, and can be with the fluid storage of being taken a sample in air-gap zone 116.

Shown in figure 21, have wherein in second communication passage 138 near the structure that is provided with weight 158 opening of space outerpace according to the body-insertable device of the 12 embodiment.When near the opening of second communication passage 138, being provided with weight 158, can remain on opening down the state vertically that makes second communication passage 138 in the object through acting on of weight 158 according to the body-insertable device of the 12 embodiment.In this; Common body-insertable device is when mobile; The part that is positioned at the below with vertical direction as the body-insertable device in edge in the inwall of the digestive system of path contact, thus according to the body-insertable device of the 12 embodiment opening through keeping second communication passage 138 wherein vertically down state and can carry out fluid sampling to the inwall that has a lot of body fluid etc. of digestive system and move.

Thus, the 9th to the 12 embodiment of the present invention has been described.The present invention should not be limited to above embodiment, and those skilled in the art can make various embodiments and modification.For example, can adopt any controlling organization, as long as this controlling organization can be just passable to controlling such as the input action of the predetermined fluid of medicine and body fluid and/or output action, this controlling organization is not necessarily limited to the controlling organization 103 shown in Figure 14 grade etc.Specifically, as shown in the 9th and the 12 embodiment, this controlling organization can be the controlling organization that the input and output of convection cell are regularly controlled.In addition, as shown in the 11 embodiment, this controlling organization can be not only to control input and output regularly but also comprise the controlling organization of the pump that is used to produce fluidic flow regime.

In the 9th to the 12 embodiment, the anti-leak plug has been blocked the connected state between the space outerpace and second communication passage etc.Yet this anti-leak plug can have the escape of liquid that prevents to be stored in the reservoir and arrive outside function.Therefore, can adopt following check-valves as the anti-leak plug: this check-valves can make the fluid from outside space move towards reservoir, anti-simultaneously fluid from reservoir towards outside spatial movement.In this case; For example; In the time will being injected in the reservoir in advance such as the fluid of medicine before use; Body-insertable device has following advantage: can prevent the escape of liquid injected through inserting the anti-leak plug, even under the situation of having inserted the anti-leak plug, also can inject fluid simultaneously.

In addition, can in the 9th to the 11 embodiment, near the opening of space outerpace the weight 158 among the 12 embodiment be set in second communication passage.In this case, advantage is to be stored in can be discharged into the inner wall part of digestive system reliably such as the fluid of medicine in the reservoir.Weight 158 is not arranged on the pre-position, but the center of gravity of whole body-insertable device is constructed to be positioned at second communication passage near the opening of space outerpace, and this makes that also opening can be vertically down.

Remarks 1

A kind of method that is used to assemble body-insertable device; This body-insertable device comprises reservoir unit, controlling organization and is formed can be from the control unit of said reservoir unit dismounting, and said reservoir unit has: the reservoir that wherein stores predetermined fluid; And communication passage (for example; First communication passage among first embodiment); Wherein an end opening is to the space outerpace of body-insertable device, and this communication passage can be communicated with reservoir and space outerpace, and said controlling organization is controlled the connected state between the space outerpace of reservoir and communication passage; The assembly method of said body-insertable device is characterised in that and comprises: attached processing is used for said control unit is attached to said reservoir unit; And open to handle, after attached said control unit, take away and be inserted into the anti-leak plug of said communication passage in the opening of space outerpace.

Remarks 2

A kind of method that is used to assemble body-insertable device; This body-insertable device comprises reservoir unit, controlling organization and is formed can be from the control unit of said reservoir unit dismounting, and said reservoir unit has: the reservoir that wherein stores predetermined fluid; And communication passage (for example; First communication passage among the 3rd embodiment); Wherein an end opening is to the inside of said reservoir, and other end opening is to the inside of said body-insertable device, when between the space outerpace of said reservoir and said body-insertable device, carrying out the input of predetermined fluid and/or exporting; This communication passage forms at least a portion of the path of predetermined fluid; Said controlling organization is controlled the connected state between reservoir and the space outerpace, and the assembly method of said body-insertable device is characterised in that and comprises: open and handle, take away the anti-leak plug in the other end that is inserted into said communication passage; And attached processing, after taking away the anti-leak plug, said control unit is attached on the said reservoir unit.

Industrial usability

As stated, body-insertable device according to the present invention can be used for being introduced in the human body to observe the medical observation device in zone to be measured.The present invention be particularly useful for comprise predetermined reservoir and between reservoir and space outerpace, carry out the release of convection cell and suck at least a body-insertable device in through the structure that is designed for the pipeline that reservoir and space outerpace are communicated with each other realize can miniaturization body-insertable device.

Claims

1. body-insertable device, this body-insertable device are introduced in the object to carry out to this object input predetermined fluid and at least a operation from this object output predetermined fluid, and this body-insertable device comprises:

Reservoir, it is arranged on length direction one distolateral of said body-insertable device, wherein stores said predetermined fluid;

First communication passage, one of which end opening are to the inside of said reservoir, and this first communication passage is extended along the length direction of said body-insertable device, and around it, disposes said reservoir;

Second communication passage; The one of which end opening is to the space outerpace of said body-insertable device; This second communication passage is extended along parallel with said first communication passage basically direction, and said second communication passage partly is parallel to said first communication passage extension; And

Controlling organization, its another of length direction that is arranged on said body-insertable device is distolateral, controls the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage.

2. body-insertable device according to claim 1; This body-insertable device also comprises the connection governor motion; This connection governor motion is regulated the opening at the other end place that is formed on said first communication passage and the connected state that is formed between the opening at other end place of said second communication passage

Wherein, said controlling organization is controlled the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage through the driving condition of controlling said connection governor motion.

3. body-insertable device according to claim 1, wherein, said first communication passage and said second communication passage are formed by same member.

4. body-insertable device according to claim 1, wherein, said second communication passage is formed on the central shaft of longitudinal direction of said body-insertable device basically.

5. body-insertable device according to claim 2, wherein, said reservoir, said first communication passage and said second communication passage constitute reservoir unit, and

Said controlling organization, said connection governor motion and said reservoir unit are successively set in the said body-insertable device.

6. body-insertable device according to claim 5, wherein, said reservoir unit is formed can be from other partial dismantling of said body-insertable device.

7. body-insertable device according to claim 6, wherein,

In said reservoir, store the said predetermined fluid that outputs to said object in advance, said reservoir is formed and makes the volume in the zone wherein store said predetermined fluid change with the output of said predetermined fluid, and

Said reservoir unit also has the air-gap zone that volume changes with the volume in said zone, and said reservoir unit is formed and makes that other area of space in the said air-gap zone and said body-insertable device remain connected state when said reservoir unit being installed on the said body-insertable device.

8. body-insertable device according to claim 1; This body-insertable device also comprises weight; This weight is arranged near the opening of said second communication passage; The opening of said second communication passage by opening to the space outerpace of said body-insertable device, said weight be used for making said opening in said object under shed.

9. body-insertable device according to claim 1, wherein, said body-insertable device is formed near the opening of the space outerpace that arrives said body-insertable device that makes center of gravity be positioned at said second communication passage.

10. body-insertable device according to claim 1; Wherein, The other end of said first communication passage is at the inner precalculated position opening of said body-insertable device; The other end of said second communication passage is opening near the peristome of the other end of said first communication passage, and

This body-insertable device comprises: be communicated with governor motion; It is regulated the connected state between the opening of the said other end of the opening of the said other end of said first communication passage and said second communication passage, and said controlling organization is controlled the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage through said connection governor motion.

11. body-insertable device according to claim 10, wherein, the said opening at the said opening at the said other end place of said first communication passage and the said other end place of said second communication passage is formed on the same basically plane.

12. body-insertable device according to claim 10; Wherein, Said first communication passage and said second communication passage are extended along parallel direction near the said other end of each in said first communication passage and said second communication passage at least

Said connection governor motion comprises sheet element, and this sheet element is provided so that each the opening at said other end place in said first communication passage and said second communication passage is covered by this sheet element, and

Said controlling organization abuts the said other end place of said first communication passage near the parallel direction of the direction of extending the said other end and along said sheet element through edge and said first communication passage and said second communication passage said opening and the direction in the said opening at the said other end place of said second communication passage at least one apply variable extruding force to said sheet element, control the connected state between said first communication passage and said second communication passage.

13. body-insertable device according to claim 12, wherein, said connection governor motion also comprises extruded member, and this extruded member produces the extruding force that applies through said sheet element.

14. body-insertable device according to claim 10; Wherein, said first communication passage and said second communication passage are formed at least near the said other end of the said other end of said first communication passage and said second communication passage and extend along the direction of the longitudinal axis that is arranged essentially parallel to said body-insertable device.

15. body-insertable device according to claim 10, wherein, said connection governor motion is the pump that fluid is moved to the said other end of said second communication passage from the said other end of said first communication passage.

16. body-insertable device according to claim 12 wherein, is provided with the watertight member between the said opening of at least one in said sheet element and said first communication passage and said second communication passage.

17. body-insertable device according to claim 12, wherein, said sheet element is the connecting elements of said opening at said other end place of said opening and said second communication passage that connects the said other end place of said first communication passage.

18. body-insertable device according to claim 13, wherein, to be shape one of flow through the deformable member that changes with variations in temperature and electric current to said extruded member.

19. body-insertable device according to claim 12, wherein, to be shape one of flow through the deformable sheet that changes with variations in temperature and electric current to said sheet element.

20. body-insertable device according to claim 18, wherein, said extruded member also comprises the elastic component that produces extruding force, and

When driving said deformable member, this deformable member is along the direction distortion that discharges the extruding force that is produced by said elastic component.