JP2007185370A - Balloon controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a balloon controller for precision balloon control. <P>SOLUTION: The balloon controller is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of a first balloon installed at the insert part of an endoscope, or of a second balloon installed at an auxiliary insertion means to guide the insert part in its insertion into a human body, a flow sensor for detecting an air feed or exhaust volume to/from the first or second balloon, and a control means for controlling the balloons from the pressure and the air volume detected. The control means, for example, controls the first or second balloon by stopping the feeding or exhausting of air to/from the balloon. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a balloon control device, and more particularly to a balloon control device capable of controlling a balloon with high accuracy.

  Conventionally, in the field of endoscopes, from the viewpoint of fixing an endoscope insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity into the body cavity, a balloon that is inflated by air supply and deflated by exhaust is provided in the endoscope insertion portion. Endoscopes with balloons are known (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).

In an endoscope with a balloon, the internal pressure of the balloon is detected, and the balloon is controlled based on this detected pressure (Patent Document 1). Alternatively, an air supply flow rate (or intake flow rate) to the balloon may be detected, and the balloon may be controlled based on the detected flow rate.
JP 2002-301019 A JP 2005-261882 A

  However, in the conventional endoscope with a balloon, since the balloon is controlled based only on either the pressure or the flow rate, there is a problem that the balloon may not be controlled with high accuracy. For example, if the balloon is controlled based only on the pressure, air will continue to be supplied even though the balloon is torn. For example, if the balloon is controlled based on only the flow rate, it is difficult to maintain the balloon at an appropriate pressure.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a situation, and it aims at providing the balloon control apparatus which can control a balloon with sufficient precision.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the invention according to claim 1 is a first balloon mounted on an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or an insertion assist for guiding through the insertion portion. A pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of the second balloon mounted on the device, a flow rate sensor for detecting an air flow rate or an exhaust flow rate to the first and / or second balloon, and a pressure detected by the pressure sensor And a control means for controlling the first and / or second balloon based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the balloon is controlled based on both the pressure and the flow rate, it is more accurate than the conventional case where the balloon is controlled based only on either the pressure or the flow rate. It becomes possible to control the balloon well.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the control means controls to stop air supply or exhaust to the first and / or second balloon. .

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, air supply or exhaust is stopped based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor (hereinafter also referred to as detected pressure) and the flow rate detected by the flow sensor (hereinafter also referred to as detected flow rate). It becomes possible to do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or a second balloon attached to an insertion assisting tool that guides and inserts the insertion portion. And a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting an air flow rate to the first and / or second balloon, and a first air flow rate before the pressure detected by the pre-pressure sensor reaches a predetermined set pressure. The flow rate adjusting means is controlled so that the second air supply flow rate is smaller than the first air supply flow rate after the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a predetermined set pressure. Control means for controlling the flow rate adjusting means.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, initially, the air supply flow rate is increased, and the air supply flow rate is reduced midway (for example, when a predetermined set pressure is reached), thereby reducing the inflation rate of the balloon. It is possible to increase the speed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or a second balloon attached to an insertion assisting tool that guides and inserts the insertion portion. And a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting an exhaust flow rate from the first and / or second balloon, and before the pressure detected by the sensor reaches a predetermined set pressure, the first exhaust flow rate is set. After the flow rate adjusting means is controlled and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a predetermined set pressure, the flow rate adjusting means is set to a second exhaust flow rate smaller than the first air supply flow rate. And a control means for controlling.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, initially, the exhaust flow rate is increased, and the exhaust flow rate is decreased midway (for example, when a predetermined set pressure is reached), thereby increasing the balloon contraction speed. It becomes possible to do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or a second balloon attached to an insertion assisting tool that guides and inserts the insertion portion. And a first flow rate sensor for detecting an air flow rate or an exhaust flow rate to the first and / or second balloon, a pressure detected by the pressure sensor, and a flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor. And / or determination means for determining whether the second balloon is broken or the tube is detached.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since it is based on both the pressure and the flow rate, it is possible to accurately determine whether the balloon is broken or the tube is detached.

  The invention according to claim 6 further comprises notification means for notifying that when it is determined in the invention according to claim 5 that the first and / or second balloon is torn or the tube is detached. It is characterized by that.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is easy to confirm that the balloon is broken or the tube is detached.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the balloon control apparatus which can control a balloon with sufficient precision.

  A preferred embodiment of a balloon control device for an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an endoscope system to which a balloon control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system mainly includes an endoscope 10, an insertion assisting tool 70, and a balloon control device 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 10 includes a hand operation unit 14 and an insertion unit 12 connected to the hand operation unit 14 and inserted into a body cavity. A universal cable 16 is connected to the hand operation unit 14, and an LG connector 18 is provided at the tip of the universal cable 16. The LG connector 18 is detachably connected to the light source device 20, thereby sending illumination light to an illumination optical system 54 (see FIG. 2) described later. In addition, an electrical connector 24 is connected to the LG connector 18 via a cable 22, and the electrical connector 24 is detachably coupled to the processor 26.

  The hand operation unit 14 is provided with an air / water supply button 28, a suction button 30, a shutter button 32, and a function switching button 34, and a pair of angle knobs 36 and 36. A balloon air supply port 38 is formed at the proximal end portion of the hand operation unit 14 by a tube bent in an L shape. By supplying or sucking fluid such as air to the balloon air supply port 38, the first balloon 60 described later can be inflated or deflated.

  The insertion portion 12 is composed of a flexible portion 40, a bending portion 42, and a distal end portion 44 in order from the hand operation portion 14 side. The bending portion 42 is remotely controlled by rotating the angle knobs 36, 36 of the hand operation portion 14. Bending operation. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 44 can be turned to a desired direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an observation optical system 52, illumination optical systems 54 and 54, an air / water supply nozzle 56, and a forceps port 58 are provided on the distal end surface 45 of the distal end portion 44. A CCD (not shown) is disposed behind the observation optical system 52, and a signal cable (not shown) is connected to a substrate that supports the CCD. The signal cable is inserted into the insertion portion 12, the hand operating portion 14, the universal cable 16, and the like of FIG. 1, extends to the electrical connector 24, and is connected to the processor 26. Therefore, the observation image captured by the observation optical system 48 is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD and converted into an electric signal, and this electric signal is output to the processor 26 via the signal cable and converted into a video signal. Is done. Thereby, an observation image is displayed on the monitor 50 connected to the processor 26.

  An exit end of a light guide (not shown) is disposed behind the illumination optical systems 54 and 54 in FIG. The light guide is inserted through the insertion portion 12, the hand operating portion 14, and the universal cable 16 of FIG. 1, and an incident end is disposed in the LG connector 18. Therefore, by connecting the LG connector 18 to the light source device 20, the illumination light emitted from the light source device 20 is transmitted to the illumination optical systems 54 and 54 via the light guide, and irradiated forward from the illumination optical systems 54 and 54. Is done.

  The air / water supply nozzle 56 in FIG. 2 is connected to a valve (not shown) operated by the air / water supply button 28 in FIG. 1, and this valve is also connected to the air / water supply connector provided in the LG connector 18. 48 is communicated. An air / water supply means (not shown) is connected to the air / water supply connector 48 to supply air or water. Therefore, by operating the air / water supply button 28, air or water can be ejected from the air / water supply nozzle 56 toward the observation optical system 52.

  The forceps port 58 in FIG. 2 communicates with the forceps insertion portion 46 in FIG. Therefore, by inserting a treatment tool such as a forceps from the forceps insertion portion 46, the treatment tool can be led out from the forceps port 58. The forceps port 58 communicates with a valve (not shown) operated by the suction button 30, and this valve is further connected to the suction connector 49 of the LG connector 18. Therefore, by connecting a suction means (not shown) to the suction connector 49 and operating the valve with the suction button 30, a lesioned part or the like can be sucked from the forceps opening 58.

  A first balloon 60 made of an elastic material such as rubber is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12. The first balloon 60 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends narrowed. After the insertion portion 12 is inserted and the first balloon 60 is disposed at a desired position, the first balloon 60 is disposed as shown in FIG. The first balloon 60 is fixed to the insertion portion 12 by fitting rubber fixing rings 62 and 62 into both ends of the 60.

  A vent hole 64 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12 where the first balloon 60 is attached. The ventilation hole 64 communicates with a balloon air supply port 38 provided in the hand operation unit 14 of FIG. 1, and is connected to the balloon control device 100 via a tube 110 described later. Therefore, the first balloon 60 can be inflated and deflated by supplying air (hereinafter also referred to as air supply) and suction (hereinafter also referred to as exhaust) by the balloon control device 100. The first balloon 60 is inflated into a substantially spherical shape by supplying air, and sticks to the outer surface of the insertion portion 12 by sucking air.

  On the other hand, the insertion assisting tool 70 shown in FIG. 1 is formed in a cylindrical shape, has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 12, and has sufficient flexibility. A rigid gripping portion 72 is provided at the proximal end of the insertion assisting tool 70, and the insertion portion 12 is inserted from the gripping portion 72.

  A second balloon 80 is mounted near the distal end of the insertion assisting tool 70. The second balloon 80 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends narrowed, and is attached in a state where the insertion assisting tool 70 is penetrated, and is fixed by winding a thread (not shown). A tube 74 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 is communicated with the second balloon 80, and a connector 76 is provided at the proximal end portion of the tube 74. A tube 120 is connected to the connector 76, and is connected to the balloon control device 100 via the tube 120. Therefore, the second balloon 80 can be inflated and deflated by supplying and sucking air with the balloon control device 100. The second balloon 80 is inflated into a substantially spherical shape by air supply, and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 by exhaust.

  An injection port 78 is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion assisting tool 70. The injection port 78 communicates with an opening (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70. Therefore, the lubricant can be supplied into the insertion aid 70 by injecting the lubricant (for example, water) from the injection port 78 with a syringe or the like. Therefore, when the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the insertion assisting tool 70, the friction between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion assisting tool 70 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 12 can be reduced, and the relative relationship between the insertion portion 12 and the insertion assisting tool 70 can be reduced. Movement can be performed smoothly.

  The balloon control device 100 is a device that supplies and sucks fluid such as air to the first balloon 60 and supplies and sucks fluid such as air to the second balloon 80. The balloon control device 100 mainly includes a device main body 102 and a hand switch 104 for remote control.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch SW1, a stop switch SW2, a first pressure display unit 106, a second pressure display unit 108, a first function stop switch SW3, and a second function stop switch are provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 102. SW4 is provided. The first pressure display unit 106 and the second pressure display unit 108 are panels for displaying the pressure values of the first balloon 60 and the second balloon 80, respectively. When an abnormality such as balloon breakage occurs, the pressure display units 106 and 108 are displayed. An error code is displayed.

  The first function stop switch SW3 and the second function stop switch SW4 are switches for turning on / off the functions of an endoscope control system A and an insertion assisting tool control system B, which will be described later. When only one of the two balloons 80 is used, the function stop switches SW3 and SW4 which are not used are operated to turn off the function. In the control system A or B in which the function is turned off, air supply and suction are completely stopped, and the pressure display unit 106 or 108 of the system is also turned off. The function stop switches SW3 and SW4 can be set to an initial state by turning off both of them. For example, the calibration with respect to the atmospheric pressure is performed by turning off both function stop switches SW3 and SW4 and simultaneously pressing all the switches SW5 to SW9 of the hand switch 104.

  An air supply / exhaust tube 110 to the first balloon 60 and an air supply / exhaust tube 120 to the second balloon 80 are connected to the front surface of the apparatus main body 102. The connection portions between the tubes 110 and 120 and the apparatus main body 102 are provided with backflow prevention units 112 and 122 for preventing backflow of body fluid when the first balloon 60 or the second balloon 80 is torn. The backflow prevention units 112 and 122 are configured by incorporating a gas-liquid separation filter in a hollow disk-like case (not shown) that is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 102. The filter prevents the liquid from flowing in.

  In addition, the pressure display units 106 and 108, the function stop switches SW3 and SW4, and the backflow prevention units 112 and 122 are always arranged in a constant manner for the endoscope 10 and the insertion assisting tool 70. That is, the pressure display unit 106 for the endoscope 10, the function stop switch SW3, and the backflow prevention unit 112 are respectively connected to the pressure display unit 108, the function stop switch SW4, and the backflow prevention unit 122 for the insertion assisting tool 70. Are arranged on the right side.

  On the other hand, the hand switch 104 includes a stop switch SW5 similar to the stop switch SW2 on the apparatus main body 102 side, an ON / OFF switch SW6 for instructing pressurization / decompression of the first balloon 60, and the pressure of the first balloon 60. A pause switch SW7 for holding, an ON / OFF switch SW8 for supporting pressurization / decompression of the second balloon 80, and a pause switch SW9 for holding the pressure of the second balloon 80 are provided. The hand switch 104 is electrically connected to the apparatus main body 102 via the cord 130. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the hand switch 104 is provided with a display unit that indicates an air supply state or an exhaust state of the first balloon 60 or the second balloon 80.

  Next, the internal configuration of the balloon control device 100 (device main body 102) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the balloon control device 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the balloon control device 100 mainly includes a control device (not shown) such as a CPU that controls the entire system, a control system A, and a control system B.

  The control system A is for controlling the first balloon 60 mounted on the endoscope 10. The control system A includes an air supply / exhaust switching electromagnetic valve VA3 controlled by a control device such as a CPU (not shown). When the electromagnetic valve VA3 is switched to the air supply side, an air supply conduit is set between the first balloon 60 and the air supply (pressurization) pump PA1. Therefore, when the air supply pump PA1 is operated, air is supplied to the first balloon 60 through the set air supply conduit. Thereby, the first balloon 60 starts to expand.

  On the other hand, when the solenoid valve VA3 is switched to the exhaust side, an exhaust pipe line is set between the first balloon 60 and the exhaust (decompression) pump PA2. Therefore, when the exhaust pump PA2 is operated, the exhaust is performed from the first balloon 60 through the set exhaust conduit. As a result, the first balloon 60 starts to contract.

  A flow rate controller 140 that is controlled by a control device such as a CPU (not shown) is provided between the electromagnetic valve VA3 and the air supply pump PA1 (in the middle of the piping). As the controller 140, for example, a needle-type flow control valve can be considered. The flow rate controller 140 can adjust the flow rate (air flow rate) in the air supply pipeline.

  In addition, an electromagnetic valve VA1 for opening and closing controlled by a control device such as a CPU (not shown) is provided between the electromagnetic valve VA3 and the air supply pump PA1 (in the middle of the piping). When the electromagnetic valve VA1 is closed, the air supply line between the first balloon 60 and the first balloon 60 is set as a closed line. That is, by closing the electromagnetic valve VA1, it is possible to keep the inside of the air supply conduit (and consequently the internal pressure of the first balloon 60) at a constant pressure.

  Further, a flow rate controller 140 controlled by a control device such as a CPU (not shown) is also provided between the electromagnetic valve VA3 and the exhaust pump PA2 (in the middle of the piping).

  Between the solenoid valve VA3 and the backflow prevention unit 112 (in the middle of the conduit), a pressure sensor 142 for detecting the pressure in the common conduit (and thus the internal pressure of the first balloon 60) is provided via the manifold 141. Is provided. The pressure sensor 142 is connected to a control device such as a CPU (not shown).

  Further, a flow meter 143 (also referred to as a flow sensor) for detecting the flow rate (air supply flow rate, exhaust flow rate) in the common pipe line between the solenoid valve VA3 and the backflow prevention unit 112 (in the middle of the pipe line). Is provided. The flow meter 143 is connected to a control device such as a CPU (not shown).

  The control system B is for controlling the second balloon 80 attached to the endoscope insertion assisting tool 70, but since it has the same configuration as the control system A, the same reference numerals are given, The description is omitted.

  Next, the operation (pressurizing process) of the balloon control device 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the pressurizing process.

  The following operation (pressurizing process) is realized by turning on the power switch SW1 in the balloon control device 100, reading a predetermined program into its internal memory, and executing a predetermined program by a control device such as a CPU (not shown). Shall be. Hereinafter, processing in the control system A will be described.

  In the balloon control device 100, when the switch SW6 is operated and a pressurizing instruction for the first balloon 60 is input (step S10: Yes), a pressurizing operation is started at the flow rate R1 (step S12). That is, when the electromagnetic valve VA3 is switched to the air supply side and the electromagnetic valve VA1 is opened, an air supply line is set between the first balloon 60 and the air supply (pressurization) pump PA1. The At the same time, the air supply (pressurization) pump PA1 is operated, and the flow rate controller 140 is controlled so that the air supply flow rate becomes a predetermined flow rate R1.

  Accordingly, the first balloon 60 is supplied with the flow rate R1 through the set air supply conduit. Thereby, the first balloon 60 starts to expand.

  When the internal pressure of the first balloon 60 detected by the pressure sensor 142 reaches a preset set pressure P1 (step S14: Yes), the air supply flow rate is a predetermined flow rate R2 (smaller than the flow rate R1). Thus, the flow controller 140 is controlled. Thus, by initially increasing the air supply flow rate (flow rate R1) and decreasing the air supply flow rate halfway (flow rate R2), the inflation speed of the first balloon 60 can be increased.

  Next, when the internal pressure of the first balloon detected by the pressure sensor 142 reaches a preset set pressure P2 (larger than the set pressure P1) (step S18: Yes), the pressurization operation is stopped (step S18). S20). That is, the electromagnetic valve VA1 is closed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, the flow controller 140 is controlled so that the flow rate decreases with time.

  Thereby, a closed pipe line is set between the electromagnetic valve VA1 (or the flow rate controller 140) and the first balloon 60. That is, by closing the electromagnetic valve VA1, it is possible to keep the inside of the air supply conduit (and consequently the internal pressure of the first balloon 60) at a constant pressure (set pressure P2).

  As described above, according to the pressurizing process, initially, the air supply flow rate is increased (flow rate R1), and the air supply flow rate is decreased (flow rate R2) from the middle (after reaching the set pressure P1). It becomes possible to increase the inflation speed of the first balloon 60.

  In the control system B, the pressurizing process of the second balloon 80 is executed, but since it is the same process as the control system A, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation (decompression process) of the balloon control device 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the decompression process.

  The following operation (decompression process) is realized in the balloon control device 100 when the power switch SW1 is turned on, a predetermined program is read into its internal memory, and a control device such as a CPU (not shown) executes the predetermined program. Shall be. Hereinafter, processing in the control system A will be described.

  In the balloon control device 100, when the switch SW6 is operated and a pressure reduction instruction for the first balloon 60 is input (step S30: Yes), the pressure reduction operation is started at the flow rate R3 (step S32). That is, the solenoid valve VA3 is switched to the exhaust side, the solenoid valve VA1 is closed, and the solenoid valve VA2 is opened, so that the exhaust pipe is provided between the first balloon 60 and the exhaust (decompression) pump PA2. A road is set up. At the same time, the exhaust (pressure reduction) pump PA2 is operated, and the flow rate controller 140 is controlled so that the exhaust flow rate becomes a predetermined flow rate R3.

  Therefore, the first balloon 60 is exhausted at the flow rate R3 through the set exhaust conduit. As a result, the first balloon 60 starts to contract.

  When the internal pressure of the first balloon 60 detected by the pressure sensor 142 reaches a preset set pressure P3 (step S34: Yes), the exhaust flow rate becomes a predetermined flow rate R4 (smaller than the flow rate R3). Thus, the flow controller 140 is controlled. Thus, by initially increasing the exhaust flow rate (flow rate R3) and decreasing the exhaust flow rate halfway (flow rate R4), the contraction speed of the first balloon 60 can be increased.

  Next, when the internal pressure of the first balloon 60 detected by the pressure sensor 142 reaches a preset pressure P4 (smaller than the preset pressure P3) (step S38: Yes), the pressure reduction operation is stopped (step S38). S40). That is, the electromagnetic valve VA2 is closed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, the flow controller 140 is controlled so that the flow rate decreases with time.

  Thereby, a closed pipe line is set between the electromagnetic valve VA2 (or the flow rate controller 140) and the first balloon 60. That is, by closing the electromagnetic valve VA2, it is possible to keep the inside of the exhaust pipe line (and consequently the internal pressure of the first balloon 60) at a constant pressure (set pressure P4).

  As described above, according to the decompression process, the exhaust flow rate is initially increased (flow rate R3), and the exhaust flow rate is decreased (flow rate R4) from the middle (after reaching the set pressure P3). The contraction speed of the balloon 60 can be increased.

  Note that, in the control system B, the decompression process of the second balloon 80 is executed, but since it is the same process as the control system A, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the balloon control device 100 (balloon break / tube disconnection determination process) will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the flow rate to the first balloon 60 is increased, the internal pressure of the balloon also increases and eventually reaches the set pressure.

  However, if the tube 110 of the first balloon 60 is disconnected, as shown in FIG. 10, the internal pressure of the first balloon 60 does not increase even though the flow rate to the first balloon 60 increases. In addition, when the first balloon 60 is broken, the internal pressure of the first balloon 60 is not stabilized although the flow rate to the first balloon 60 is increased as shown in FIG.

  Therefore, the balloon breakage / tube deviation determination process shown in FIG. 12 is performed. This balloon breakage / tube disconnection determination processing is based on the internal pressure (pressure fluctuation) of the first balloon detected by the pressure sensor 142 and the flow rate (integrated flow rate to the first balloon 60) detected by the flow meter 143. Thus, it is intended to determine whether the balloon is broken or the tube is disconnected.

  In the following operation (balloon break / tube disconnection determination process), the power supply switch SW1 is turned on in the balloon control device 100, a predetermined program is read into its internal memory, and a control device such as a CPU (not shown) executes the predetermined program. To be realized. Hereinafter, processing in the control system A will be described.

  In the balloon control device 100, when the switch SW6 is operated and a pressurizing instruction for the first balloon 60 is input (step S50: Yes), the pressurizing operation is started at the flow rate R1. At the same time, the internal pressure of the first balloon is detected by the pressure sensor 142 (step S52), and a pressure fluctuation value of a certain time width is calculated (step S54). Further, the flow rate is detected by the flow meter 143 (step S52), and the integrated flow rate to the first balloon 60 is calculated based on this flow rate (step S56).

  Next, the calculated pressure fluctuation value is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and the calculated integrated flow rate is compared with a predetermined threshold value in order to determine whether or not there is tube detachment / balloon breakage. (Step S58). As a result, for example, (1) the pressure fluctuation value is less than a predetermined threshold value, (2) the integrated flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and (3) a set pressure at which the current detected pressure is set in advance. If it is determined that the tube has not been reached (see, for example, FIG. 10), it is determined that the tube is displaced (step S60: Yes), and the fact is notified (step S62). For example, the fact is displayed on the monitor 50 or the pressure display unit 106, or is output by voice. The pressurizing operation may be stopped together with this notification.

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison in step S58, for example, (1) the pressure fluctuation value is less than a predetermined threshold, (2) the integrated flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold, and (3) the current detected pressure is If it is determined that the preset pressure has been set in advance (see, for example, FIG. 11), it is determined that balloon breakage has occurred (step S60: Yes), and that fact is notified (step S62). . For example, the fact is displayed on the monitor 50 or the pressure display unit 106, or is output by voice. The pressurizing operation may be stopped together with this notification.

  As a result of the comparison in step S58, if it is determined that there is no tube detachment / balloon breakage and the pressurizing operation is continued (step S60: No, step S64: Yes), the processing from step S52 onward is performed. repeat. On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the first balloon 60 has reached the set pressure (step S64: No), this balloon break / tube disconnection determination process ends.

  As described above, according to the balloon breaking / displacement determination process, the first balloon 60 is controlled based on both the detection pressure and the detection flow rate. The balloon can be controlled with higher accuracy than in the prior art where the control is performed.

  In addition, since the presence or absence of balloon breakage or tube detachment is determined based on both pressure and flow rate, it can be accurately determined, and when there is a balloon breakage or tube detachment, it is possible to notify that fact. Become.

  In the control system B, the balloon break / tube detachment determination process for the second balloon 80 is executed, but the process is the same as that of the control system A, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The above embodiment is merely an example in all respects. The present invention is not construed as being limited to these descriptions. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

1 is a system configuration diagram showing an endoscope system to which a balloon control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part of an endoscope insertion part. It is a front view of a balloon control device. It is a circuit diagram for demonstrating the internal structure of a balloon control apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a pressurization process. It is a graph for demonstrating the flow volume adjustment pattern by a flow volume controller. It is a flowchart for demonstrating pressure reduction processing. It is a graph for demonstrating the flow volume adjustment pattern by a flow volume controller. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal pressure change (at the time of normal) of a 1st balloon by the flow volume increase. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal pressure change (at the time of tube disconnection) of the 1st balloon by the flow volume increase. It is a figure for demonstrating the internal pressure change (at the time of balloon tearing) of the 1st balloon by the flow volume increase. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a balloon tear and tube deviation determination process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Endoscope, 12 ... Insertion part, 14 ... Hand operation part, 20 ... Light source device, 26 ... Processor, 50 ... Monitor, 60 ... 1st balloon, 70 ... Insertion aid, 80 ... 2nd balloon, 100 ... Balloon control device, 102 ... device main body, 104 ... hand switch, 106 ... first pressure display unit, 108 ... second pressure display unit, 140 ... flow controller, 142 ... pressure sensor, 143 ... flow meter (flow sensor), PA1 , PA2 ... Pump, VA1, VA2, VA3 ... Solenoid valve

Claims (6)

A pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first balloon mounted on an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or a second balloon mounted on an insertion aid for inserting and guiding the insertion portion;
A flow rate sensor for detecting an air flow rate and / or an exhaust flow rate to the first and / or second balloon;
Control means for controlling the first and / or second balloon based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the flow rate detected by the flow sensor;
A balloon control device comprising:   The balloon control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to stop air supply or exhaust to the first and / or second balloon. A pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first balloon mounted on an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or a second balloon mounted on an insertion aid for inserting and guiding the insertion portion;
Flow rate adjusting means for adjusting an air flow rate to the first and / or second balloon;
Before the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a predetermined set pressure, the flow rate adjusting means is controlled so as to be the first air supply flow rate, and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is predetermined. After reaching the set pressure, control means for controlling the flow rate adjusting means so that the second air supply flow rate is smaller than the first air supply flow rate;
A balloon control device comprising: A pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first balloon mounted on an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or a second balloon mounted on an insertion aid for inserting and guiding the insertion portion;
Flow rate adjusting means for adjusting an exhaust flow rate from the first and / or second balloon;
Before the pressure detected by the pressure sensor reaches a predetermined set pressure, the flow rate adjusting means is controlled to be the first exhaust flow rate, and the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is set to a predetermined setting. Control means for controlling the flow rate adjusting means so that the second exhaust flow rate is smaller than the first air supply flow rate after reaching the pressure;
A balloon control device comprising: A pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure of a first balloon mounted on an insertion portion of an endoscope and / or a second balloon mounted on an insertion aid for inserting and guiding the insertion portion;
A flow rate sensor for detecting an air flow rate or an exhaust flow rate to the first and / or second balloon;
A determination means for determining whether or not the first and / or second balloon is torn or the tube is detached based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and the flow rate detected by the flow sensor;
A balloon control device comprising:   The balloon control device according to claim 5, further comprising notification means for notifying that the first and / or second balloon is broken or the tube is disconnected.

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