Patent Application
20170135745
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-076592, filed on Apr. 3, 2014. The content of the aforementioned patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to ejection of liquid.
There is known a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid in a pulse-like manner to perform incision, excision, or the like of a target object (e.g., PTL 1). For example, in the medical field, the liquid ejection device is used as a medical apparatus that incises or excises a living tissue. The liquid ejection device includes a liquid chamber, the volume of which is changed by driving of a piezoelectric element. The liquid ejection device generates pulsation in a flow of the liquid to thereby eject the liquid from an ejection tube in a pulse-like manner at high speed. The ejection tube is attached to a gripping section. A user grips the gripping section and operates the ejection tube.
[PTL 1]
JP-A-2008-82202
A problem to be solved by the invention is to reduce the gripping section in weight. If the gripping section is reduced in weight, the operation of the gripping section is facilitated. In the related art, a device that generates a pulsed flow is incorporated in the gripping section. The related art has a problem in that the gripping section is heavy. Alternatively, the related art has a problem in that, when a function of an electric knife is added to the gripping section or a mechanism for sucking ejected liquid or the like is added to the gripping section, the gripping section is increased in weight because of structural interference with the device that generates a pulsed flow and electric protection measures. In particular, when the liquid ejection device is used as the medical apparatus, precise work is requested for a long time. Therefore, it has been desired to reduce the gripping section in weight. Besides, there have been demands for a reduction in the size, a reduction in costs, resource saving, facilitation of manufacturing, improvement of convenience of use, and the like of the device.
An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problem described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following aspects.
(1) An aspect of the invention provides a liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device includes: an ejection tube for ejecting liquid; a gripping section attached to the ejection tube and gripped by a user; a liquid chamber provided on the outside of the gripping section; a connection channel configured to connect the liquid chamber and the ejection tube; and a pulsed-flow generating section provided on the outside of the gripping section and configured to generate a pulsed flow in the liquid in the liquid chamber. According to this aspect, since the liquid chamber and the pulsed-flow generating section are provided on the outside of the gripping section, the gripping section is reduced in weight.
(2) In the aspect described above, the liquid ejection device may further include a power supply device configured to supply high-frequency power to an electrode provided in the gripping section. According to this aspect, it is possible to impart a function of an electric knife to the gripping section. Moreover, since the liquid chamber and the pulsed-flow generating section is provided on the outside of the gripping section, it is unnecessary to provide, in the gripping section, a member used for electric protection measures for the liquid chamber and the pulsed-flow generating section. Therefore, even if the function of the electric knife is imparted to the gripping section, it is easy to avoid an increase in the weight of the gripping section.
(3) In the aspect described above, the gripping section may include a connection terminal to which a cable is detachably attachable. The connection terminal and an electrode provided in the gripping section may conduct to each other. According to this aspect, by supplying high-frequency power to the electrode via the connection terminal, it is possible to impart a function of an electric knife to the gripping section. In addition, as in the aspect explained above, it is easy to avoid an increase in the weight of the gripping section. Moreover, since the cable is detachably attachable, when the function of the electronic knife is not used, it is possible to attain a reduction in weight by detaching the cable. Note that a power supply device that supplies the high-frequency power may or may not be included in the liquid ejection device.
(4) In the aspect described above, the electrode may be the distal end of the ejection tube. According to this aspect, since it is unnecessary to separately provide the electrode, an increase in the weight of the gripping section is suppressed.
(5) In the aspect described above, the gripping section may include a suction tube for sucking the liquid. The electrode may be the distal end of the suction tube. According to this aspect, since a function for sucking the liquid is imparted to the gripping section and it is unnecessary to separately provide the electrode, an increase in the weight of the gripping section is suppressed.
(6) In the aspect described above, the gripping section may further include a member that conducts to the connection terminal and forms the electrode. According to this aspect, it is easy to avoid carbide (burnt deposit), which occurs when the function of the electric knife is used, from adhering to the distal ends of the ejection tube and the suction tube.
(7) In the aspect described above, the gripping section and the ejection tube may be detachably attachable. According to this aspect, it is possible to separately replace and clean the gripping section and the ejection tube.
(8) In the aspect described above, the gripping section may include a suction tube for sucking the liquid. According to this aspect, it is possible to impart, to the gripping section, a function for sucking the liquid. Moreover, since the liquid chamber and the pulsed-flow generating section are provided on the outside of the gripping section, structural interference between the liquid chamber and the pulsed-flow generating section and the suction tube and a suction channel does not occur in the gripping section. Therefore, even if the gripping section includes the sucking function, it is easy to avoid the gripping section from being complicated and increased in weight. In addition, since the inside of the gripping section can be simply configured, it is easy to avoid the suction tube and the suction channel from being formed in a largely curved shape. Consequently, clogging of the suction tube and the suction channel is suppressed.
(9) In the aspect described above, at least a part of the connection channel may be a channel formed as an inner tube of a double tube, an outer tube of the double tube may be at least apart of a suction channel detachably attached to an end portion of the suction tube, and any one of the ejection tube and the connection channel may project from an end portion of the outer tube of the double tube. According to this aspect, it is possible to separate the ejection tube and the suction tube by detaching the gripping section from the suction channel. Consequently, it is possible to easily execute a change in the inner diameter of the suction tube.
(10) In the aspect described above, the gripping section may include a vibration absorbing member that absorbs vibration from the connection channel. According to this aspect, vibration of the gripping section is suppressed.
(11) Another aspect of the invention provides a liquid ejection device including: an ejection tube for ejecting liquid, a gripping section gripped by a user being attachable to the ejection tube; a connection channel configured to connect a liquid chamber and the ejection tube; and a pulsed-flow generating section configured to generate a pulsed flow in the liquid in the liquid chamber. According to this aspect, it is easy to design the gripping section such that, in a state in which the gripping section is attached to the ejection tube, the liquid chamber and the pulsed-flow generating section are located on the outside of the gripping section, that is, the gripping section does not include the liquid chamber and the pulsed-flow generating section. Consequently, it is easy to design the attached gripping section light in weight. In addition, it is possible to separately replace and clean the gripping section and the ejection tube.
(12) In the aspect described above, the ejection tube may include a combining member for the attachment, and the distal end of the ejection tube may conduct to at least a part of a site where the combining member is in contact with the gripping section. According to this aspect, by supplying high-frequency power via the gripping section, it is possible to cause the distal end of the ejection tube as an electrode of an electric knife.
In the aspect described above, the liquid ejection device may further include a suction tube coupled to the ejection tube to suck liquid, the attachment may be implemented via the suction tube, the suction tube may include a combining member for the attachment, and the distal end of the suction tube may conduct to at least apart of a site where the combining member is in contact with the gripping section. According to this aspect, while imparting a function of sucking the liquid to the gripping section, it is possible to impart a function of an electric knife to the gripping section even if an electrode is not separately provided.
(14) In the aspect described above, the liquid ejection device may further include a combining member coupled to the ejection tube and combined with the gripping section to attach the gripping section, and the distal end of the combining member and at least a part of a portion in contact with the gripping section may conduct to each other. According to this aspect, it is easy to avoid carbide, which occurs when the function of the electric knife is used, from adhering to the distal ends of the ejection tube and the suction tube.
(15) In the aspect described above, the gripping section may include a suction tube for sucking the liquid, at least a part of the connection channel may be a channel formed as an inner tube of a double tube, an outer tube of the double tube may be a suction channel, the attachment may be implemented by connecting the suction channel to an end portion of the suction tube, and any one of the ejection tube and the connection channel may project from an end portion of the outer tube of the double tube. According to this aspect, it is possible to separate the ejection tube and the suction tube by detaching the gripping section from the suction channel. Consequently, for example, it is possible to easily execute a change in the inner diameter of the suction tube.
(16) In the aspect described above, the liquid ejection device may further include a suction device configured to suck the liquid through the suction tube. According to this aspect, it is possible to suck the liquid.
(17) In the aspect described above, the pulsed-flow generating section may change the volume of the liquid chamber.
(18) In the aspect described above, the pulsed-flow generating section may generate air bubbles in the liquid chamber.
The invention can also be implemented as various aspects other than the aspects explained above. For example, the liquid ejection devices in the aspects can be implemented as medical apparatuses.
The liquid ejection device 1 includes a liquid supply unit 20, a liquid suction unit 80, a power supply unit 90, and a hand piece 101.
The liquid supply unit 20 includes a pulsed-flow generating unit 30, a liquid supply mechanism 50, a channel 51, a channel 52, a connection channel 53, a liquid container 59, a control device 70, a signal line 71, a signal line 72, and a footswitch 75.
The liquid supply mechanism 50 sucks, via the channel 51, liquid stored in the liquid container 59 and supplies the liquid to the pulsed-flow generating unit 30 via the channel 52. The liquid is saline. The pulsed-flow generating unit 30 generates a pulsed flow in the supplied liquid. The liquid, in which the pulsed-flow is generated, is supplied to the hand piece 101 via the connection channel 53. The connection channel 53 is formed of PEEK (registered trademark) resin. The PEEK resin is an insulator. The PEEK resin has flexibility and, on the other hand, has high rigidity.
The hand piece 101 is an instrument that a user of the liquid ejection device 1 holds with a hand and operates. The hand piece 101 includes an ejection tube 155 and a suction tube 185. The hand piece 101 is connected to a connection channel 53 and a suction channel 84 included in the liquid suction unit 80.
As shown in
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The connection channel 53 and the suction channel 84 are formed of the insulator as explained above in order to insulate the high-frequency power. The liquid flowing on the insides of the connection channel 53 and the suction channel 84 is a conductor because the liquid is saline. However, the impedance of the saline generally interrupts the high-frequency power. Therefore, the high-frequency power hardly affects the pulsed-flow generating unit 30 and the suction device 83.
As shown in
The liquid chamber 42 is a space between a first case 34 and the diaphragm 32. The liquid chamber 42 forms a channel between the channel 52 and the connection channel 53. The diaphragm 32 is a disk-like metal thin plate. The diaphragm 32 is fixed with the outer circumferential portion thereof sandwiched between the first case 34 and a second case 36.
The piezoelectric element 33 is an actuator that operates with a drive voltage applied from the control device 70. The piezoelectric element 33 varies the volume of the liquid chamber 42 formed between the diaphragm 32 and the first case 34 to thereby vary the pressure of the liquid in the liquid chamber 42. The piezoelectric element 33 is a stacked piezoelectric element. One end of the piezoelectric element 33 is fixed to the diaphragm 32 and the other end thereof is fixed to a third case 38.
When the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 33 increases, the piezoelectric element 33 expands. The diaphragm 32 is pushed by the piezoelectric element 33 to bend to the liquid chamber 42 side. When the diaphragm 32 bends to the liquid chamber 42 side, the volume of the liquid chamber 42 decreases. The liquid in the liquid chamber 42 is pushed out from the liquid chamber 42 to the connection channel 53.
On the other hand, when the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 33 decreases, the piezoelectric element 33 contracts. The volume of the liquid chamber 42 increases. The liquid flows into the liquid chamber 42 from the channel 52.
The drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 33 from the control device 70 repeats ON (a maximum voltage) and OFF (0 V) at a predetermined frequency (e.g., 400 Hz). Therefore, the increase and the decrease of the volume of the liquid chamber 42 are repeated. A pulsed flow is generated in the liquid.
A waveform in the rising period of the drive voltage is a waveform for a half cycle of a sine waveform that is offset in a positive voltage direction and phase-shifted by −90 degrees. A waveform in the falling period of the drive voltage is a waveform for the half cycle of the sine waveform that is offset in the positive voltage direction and phase-shifted by +90 degrees. The cycle of the sine waveform in the falling period is larger than the cycle of the sine waveform in the rising period.
When the magnitude of the drive voltage is changed, the maximum of the waveform shown in
At the time (c), since the drive voltage is the maximum, the length of the piezoelectric element 33 is also the maximum and the volume of the liquid chamber 42 is the minimum. In the falling period (d), since the drive voltage decreases, the piezoelectric element 33 starts to return to the original size and the volume of the liquid chamber 42 starts to return to the original size. In the quiescent period (e), since the drive voltage is not applied, the piezoelectric element 33 returns to the original size and the volume of the liquid chamber 42 returns to the original size. The series of operation indicated by (a) to (e) is repeated, whereby a pulsed-flow is generated in the liquid in the liquid chamber 42.
According to the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain at least effects explained below.
(1A) The hand piece 101 is lighter than in the past. This is because the pulsed-flow generating unit 30 is disposed on the outside of the hand piece 101.
(1B) It is possible to impart the function of the electric knife to the hand piece 101.
(1C) Even if the function of the electric knife is imparted to the hand piece 101, since the pulsed-flow generating unit 30 is disposed on the outside of the hand piece 101, it is possible to implement electric protection without complicating the configuration in the hand piece 101. Consequently, an increase in the weight of the hand piece 101 is suppressed.
(1D) Even if the function of the electric knife is imparted to the hand piece 101, since the end portion 186 of the suction tube 185 is used as the electrode, it is unnecessary to separately provide an electrode member. Consequently, an increase in the weight of the hand piece 101 is suppressed.
(1E) When the function of the electric knife is not used, the hand piece 101 is further reduced in weight by detaching the cable 91.
(1F) It is possible to suppress vibration from the connection channel 53 with the vibration absorbing members 121 and 131.
(1G) Since the suction tube 185 has a linear shape, clogging in the tube is suppressed and manufacturing costs are reduced.
(1H) It is possible to separately replace and clean the pulsed-flow generating unit 30 and the hand piece 101.
According to the second embodiment, even if the function of the electric knife is used, adhesion of carbide to the end portion 186 of the suction tube 185 is suppressed. In addition, since the electrode of the electric knife can be freely disposed, it is easy to perform design corresponding to a use or preference of a surgeon.
In the hand piece 103, compared with the hand piece 101, the vibration absorbing member 131 is disposed closer to the end portion 156 of the ejection tube 155. This disposition makes use of the fact that the suction tube 185 is not provided. With this disposition, vibration is further reduced.
According to the third embodiment, since the hand piece 103 does not include the suction tube 185, the hand piece 103 is further reduced in weight. In addition, the hand piece 103 is easy to use because an ejection position and the electrode of the electric knife are the same.
According to the fourth embodiment, even if a function of an electric knife is used, it is possible to suppress adhesion of carbide to the end portion 156 of the ejection tube 155.
According to the fifth embodiment, since the hand piece 105 does not include the wire 161 and the connection terminal 193, the hand piece 105 is further reduced in weight.
According to the sixth embodiment, since the hand piece 106 does not include the suction tube 185, the wire 161, and the connection terminal 193, the hand piece 106 is further reduced in weight.
The liquid supply unit 20a is different from the liquid supply unit 20 in the first embodiment in that the liquid supply unit 20a includes a connection channel 53a instead of the connection channel 53. The other components are the same as the components of the liquid supply unit 20. The liquid suction unit 80a is different from the liquid suction unit 80 in the first embodiment in that the liquid suction unit 80a includes a suction channel 84a instead of the suction channel 84. The other components are the same as the components of the liquid suction unit 80.
As shown in
The hand piece 107 includes a wire 167. The wire 167 causes the connection terminal 193 and the vicinity of the bottom section of the hole 180 to conduct to each other. The protrusion 86 is made of metal. Therefore, when the protrusion 86 is pushed into the depth of the hole 180, the connection terminal 193 and the suction tube 85 conduct to each other. If the connection terminal 92 is connected to the connection terminal 193, an end portion of the suction tube 85 receives supply of high-frequency power from the power supply unit 90 and functions as an electrode of an electric knife. The supply of the high-frequency power from the power supply unit 90 is executed while a switch 170 provided in the hand piece 107 is pushed.
According to the seventh embodiment, it is possible to obtain at least effects explained below.
(7A) A substantial increase in the weight of the hand piece 107 is avoided. This is because it is possible to design the hand piece 107 not to include the pulsed-flow generating unit 30.
(7B) It is possible to replace and clean the ejection tube 55 and the suction tube 85 separately from the hand piece 107. For example, it is possible to replace the connection channel 53a, the ejection tube 55, the suction channel 84a, and the suction tube 85 in every surgical operation and clean the hand piece 107 in every surgical operation.
(7C) Since a handle of an existing electric knife can be used as the hand piece 107, it is possible to inexpensively prepare the hand piece 107.
According to the ninth embodiment, since the suction tube 85 is not coupled to the hand piece 107, it is easier to operate the hand piece 107.
The liquid supply unit 20b is different from the liquid supply unit 20 in the first embodiment in that the liquid supply unit 20b includes a connection channel 53b instead of the connection channel 53. The other components are the same as the components of the liquid supply unit 20. The liquid suction unit 80b is different from the liquid suction unit 80 in the first embodiment in that the liquid suction unit 80b includes a suction channel 84b instead of the suction channel 84. The other components are the same as the components of the liquid suction unit 80.
A suction tube 185b pierces through the hand piece 111 and forms an end portion 850 located on the opposite side of a suction port. When the hand piece 111 is connected from a separated state, the ejection tube 55b is inserted into the suction tube 185b from the end portion 850.
According to the eleventh embodiment, it is possible to obtain at least effects explained below.
(11A) A great increase in the weight of the hand piece 111 is avoided. This is because the pulsed-flow generating unit 30 is disposed on the outside of the hand piece 111.
(11B) Since the ejection tube 55b and the suction tube 185b have linear shapes, clogging in the tubes is suppressed and manufacturing costs are reduced.
(11C) It is possible to replace only the hand piece 111 and the suction tube 185b. Consequently, if a plurality of the hand pieces 111 including the suction tubes 185b respectively having different inner diameters are prepared, it is possible to easily change the inner diameter of the suction tube 185b.
(11D) Since an existing suction tube can be used as the hand piece 111, it is possible to inexpensively prepare the hand piece 111. The “existing suction tube” is known as a surgical instrument in which members equivalent to the hand piece 111 and the suction tube 185b are integrally molded.
The air-bubble generating section 400 intermittently generates air bubbles in a liquid chamber incorporated therein to thereby generate a pulsed flow in liquid in the liquid chamber. The air-bubble generating section 400 generates air bubbles in the liquid chamber using an optical maser. According to the twelfth embodiment, it is possible to generate a pulsed flow using the optical maser.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments, the examples, and the modifications of this specification and can be implemented as various configurations without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, the examples, and the modifications corresponding to the technical features in the aspects described in the summary of the invention can be interchanged or combined as appropriate in order to solve apart or all of the problems explained above or in order to attain a part of all of the effects explained above. If the technical features are not explained as essential features in this specification, the technical features can be deleted as appropriate. For example, technical features explained below are illustrated.
When the gripping section includes the suction tube, a suction adjustment hole may be provided in the gripping section. The suction adjustment hole is a hole that opens the suction tube to the atmosphere separately from the distal end of the suction tube. By closing the suction adjustment hole with a finger and opening the suction adjustment hole, it is possible to adjust a suction force at the end portion of the suction tube.
The cable for supplying high-frequency power may be connected to the hand piece not via the connection terminal. For example, the cable may be fixed to the hand piece.
The gripping section does not have to be the hand piece and may be, for example, a flexible tube used in an endoscope. The flexible tube is a hollow member that can be bent by remote operation. Insertion of the ejection tube or insertion of the ejection tube and the suction tube into the inside of the flexible tube is included in “attachment of the gripping section and the ejection tube” in this application.
The liquid ejection device explained as being used using the detachably configured hand piece 107 may be used without using the hand piece 107. For example, the user may directly grip the ejection tube or the suction tube.
When the detachably configured hand piece 107 is used, the connection channel 53a and the suction channel 84a may be fastened to the hand piece 107 using a fastening band or the like.
The air-bubble generating section may generate air bubbles using a heater.
The materials of the ejection tube, the suction tube, the connection channel, the suction channel, and the like may be changed as appropriate.
Only one vibration absorbing member may be provided, three or more vibration absorbing member may be provided, or no vibration absorbing member may be provided.
The liquid to be ejected may be pure water, chemical, or the like.
The liquid ejection device may be used in an apparatus other than the medical apparatus.
For example, the liquid ejection device may be used in a cleaning apparatus that removes stain with ejected liquid.
The liquid ejection device may be used in a drawing apparatus that draws lines and the like with ejected liquid.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-076592 | Apr 2014 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2015/001895 | 4/2/2015 | WO | 00 |
