Magnetic device

Abstract

To provide a magnetizing device that can precisely magnetize a predetermined range of an object to be magnetized in the magnetization of a wire-shaped member.SOLUTION: A magnetizing device magnetizes a wire-shaped member. The magnetizing device includes a magnetizing yoke that has a first end portion and a second end portion located on the opposite side of the first end portion and in which the first end portion and the second end portion are curved so that they are spaced apart and facing each other, and a magnetizing coil that is wound around the magnetizing yoke and generates a magnetic field between the first end portion and the second end portion upon application of a voltage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetizing device. [Background technology]

[0002] A magnetizing device is used to magnetize a non-magnetized magnetic material. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetizing device that magnetizes a magnetic material from the outer periphery of a yoke housing to form a permanent magnet. Patent Document 2 discloses a magnetizing device that magnetizes an assembly made up of multiple non-magnetized magnetic materials. Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a magnetizing device that magnetizes multiple magnets held in a magnetic structure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-306714 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-201018 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-193404 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Meanwhile, development of technology is underway to confirm the position of a medical device inserted into a biological lumen by utilizing the magnetism emitted by the magnetized medical device. Here, when magnetizing a medical device, for example, it is conceivable to magnetize a portion of the medical device by placing it within a magnetizing coil. In this case, there is a problem in that not only the portion of the medical device located within the magnetizing coil but also the portion located outside the magnetizing coil is magnetized by magnetic flux leaking out of the magnetizing coil. This problem is common to all medical devices, such as guidewires, catheters, and injection needles. Hereinafter, these medical devices will also be referred to as "linear members."

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetizing device that is capable of magnetizing a predetermined magnetization target range with high accuracy when magnetizing a linear member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized in the following aspects.

[0007] (1) According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a magnetizing device for magnetizing a linear member, the magnetizing device including: a magnetizing yoke having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the magnetizing yoke being curved so that the first end and the second end face each other with a space between them; and a magnetizing coil wound around the magnetizing yoke to generate a magnetic field between the first end and the second end upon application of a voltage.

[0008] According to this configuration, by applying a voltage to the magnetizing coil, a magnetic field is generated between the first end and the second end, which are spaced apart. Therefore, when a part of the linear member is disposed between the first end and the second end and a voltage is applied to the magnetizing coil, a ring-shaped magnetic circuit (closed magnetic circuit) is formed by the linear member in the range disposed between the first end and the second end and the magnetizing yoke. Therefore, the range of the linear member disposed between the first end and the second end can be magnetized with high precision. In other words, according to the magnetizing device of this configuration, a predetermined range to be magnetized can be magnetized with high precision. Can be magnetized.

[0009] (2) In the magnetizing device of the above aspect, the first end may have a first accommodating portion that accommodates the linear member, and the second end may have a second accommodating portion that accommodates the linear member. With this configuration, when the linear member is accommodated in the first accommodation section and the second accommodation section, the linear member can be magnetized in the range between the first end and the second end. Therefore, the linear member can be magnetized while suppressing bias in the distribution of magnetic flux passing through the linear member during magnetization.

[0010] (3) The magnetizing device of the above form may further include a movement regulating section provided between the first accommodating section and the second accommodating section, which accommodates the linear member between the first accommodating section and the second accommodating section and regulates the movement of the linear member, and the first accommodating section and the second accommodating section may accommodate the linear member via the movement regulating section. According to this configuration, the linear member is accommodated in the first and second accommodation sections via a movement restriction section that restricts the movement of the linear member. When magnetizing, the linear member tends to convert the magnetic energy applied to the linear member into kinetic energy to prevent it from being magnetized, and move. Therefore, according to this configuration, since the linear member is accommodated in the movement restriction section, movement of the linear member caused by such magnetization can be restricted. Therefore, the conversion of magnetic energy into kinetic energy can be restricted, and the linear member can be magnetized efficiently. Furthermore, when magnetizing the range of the linear member located between the first end and the second end to impart a relatively strong magnetism to that range, the linear member in that range can be prevented from moving significantly and deforming. In other words, deformation of the magnetization target range can be suppressed.

[0011] (4) In the magnetizing device of the above form, the magnetizing yoke may have a rod-shaped first main body portion having the first end, a rod-shaped second main body portion having the second end, and a rod-shaped connecting portion connecting the first main body portion and the second main body portion, the connecting portion having the magnetizing coil wound therearound, and the angle formed by the first main body portion and the second main body portion may be greater than or equal to 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees. According to this configuration, the angle formed between the first body portion and the second body portion is greater than or equal to 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees. Therefore, the area of ​​the overlapping portion between the first body portion and the second body portion when projected in the direction in which the first end portion and the second end portion are spaced apart can be reduced. The larger the area of ​​the overlapping portion between the first body portion and the second body portion, the more easily magnetic flux leaks from the first body portion to the second body portion without passing through the linear member disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion during magnetization. Therefore, according to this configuration, the area is reduced, which can suppress the occurrence of leakage magnetic flux from the first body portion to the second body portion, thereby enabling efficient magnetization of the linear member.

[0012] (5) In the magnetizing device of the above aspect, the connecting portion may be configured to be extendable and retractable, and the distance between the first end and the second end may be adjusted by extending or contracting the connecting portion. According to this configuration, the distance between the first end and the second end can be adjusted arbitrarily, and therefore the magnetization target range of the linear member can be adjusted to a desired range. Therefore, it is possible to produce linear members with different magnetized ranges without preparing multiple magnetizers with different distances between the first end and the second end.

[0013] The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, in the form of a magnetizing device, a system including a magnetizing device, a device for fixing a linear member for magnetization, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a magnetizing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a first end portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing magnetic flux generated when a voltage is applied to a magnetizing coil. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first end portion as viewed from the +X-axis direction side. [Figure 5]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a first end portion. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the area of ​​the overlapping portion between the first main body portion and the second main body portion. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the area of ​​the overlapping portion between the first main body portion and the second main body portion. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the area of ​​the overlapping portion between the first main body portion and the second main body portion. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a magnetization device 1 according to a first embodiment. The magnetization device 1 magnetizes a guidewire GW, which is a linear member. Examples of linear members that can be magnetized by the magnetization device 1 include a catheter and an injection needle, in addition to the guidewire GW. The magnetization device 1 includes a magnetization yoke 5 and a magnetization coil 40. The magnetization yoke 5 has a first end 12 and a second end 22 located opposite the first end 12. The magnetization yoke 5 is curved so that the first end 12 and the second end 22 face each other at a distance. The magnetization yoke 5 can be made of a known soft magnetic material such as permalloy, permendur, or an electromagnetic steel sheet. FIG. 1 illustrates X, Y, and Z axes, which are orthogonal to each other. The X axis corresponds to the width direction of the magnetization device 1, the Y axis corresponds to the depth direction of the magnetization device 1, and the Z axis corresponds to the height direction of the magnetization device 1.

[0016] The magnetizing yoke 5 has a first body portion 10, a second body portion 20, and a connecting portion 30. The connecting portion 30 is a rod-shaped member that extends along the X-axis direction and connects the first body portion 10 and the second body portion 20. A magnetizing coil 40 is wound around a central portion of the connecting portion 30 in the X-axis direction. The first body portion 10 is a rod-shaped member that is connected to one side of the connecting portion 30 and extends along the Z-axis direction. The first body portion 10 has a first end portion 12 on the side opposite to the side connected to the connecting portion 30.

[0017] 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the first end portion 12. FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) show the first end portion 12 as viewed from the +X-axis direction. The guidewire GW is not shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B). The first end portion 12 has a fixed portion 14, a movable portion 16, and a first housing portion 18. As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the movable portion 16 is configured to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion 14 by a hinge (not shown).

[0018] The first housing portion 18 is a through-hole that penetrates the first end portion 12 in the X-axis direction. The first housing portion 18 houses the guidewire GW, which is a linear member. Here, "housed" refers to a state in which the periphery of any cross section of the linear member is covered. In FIG. 1 , this means that the cross section (cross section in the YZ plane) of the portion of the guidewire GW that is arranged inside the first housing portion 18 is covered. As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the first housing portion 18 opens and closes in response to the rotation of the movable portion 16, and receives the guidewire GW from outside the magnetizing device 1 when in the state shown in FIG. 2(B). The guidewire GW housed in the first housing portion 18 is configured to be in contact with the inner surface of the first housing portion 18 over the entire circumference. Note that in this embodiment, the guidewire GW is in contact with the inner surface of the first housing portion 18 over the entire circumference, but this is not limiting, and half or more of the entire circumference of the guidewire GW may be in contact with the inner surface of the first housing portion 18. That's fine.

[0019] The second main body portion 20 is a rod-shaped member connected to the connecting portion 30 on the side opposite to the side to which the first main body portion 10 is connected and extending along the Z-axis direction. The second main body portion 20 has a second end portion 22 on the side opposite to the side connected to the connecting portion 30. The second end portion 22 has a fixed portion 24, a movable portion 26, and a second accommodating portion 28. The fixed portion 24 and the movable portion 26 are similar to the fixed portion 14 and the movable portion 16 at the first end portion 12. Like the first accommodating portion 18 at the first end portion 12, the second accommodating portion 28 is a through-hole penetrating the second end portion 22 in the X-axis direction and accommodates a guidewire GW, which is a linear member. Like the first accommodating portion 18, the guidewire GW accommodated in the second accommodating portion 28 is configured to contact the inner surface of the first accommodating portion 18 over the entire circumference. Note that with the second accommodating portion 28, it is sufficient that at least half of the entire circumference of the guidewire GW contacts the inner surface of the second accommodating portion 28. The second accommodating portion 28 accommodates a portion of the guidewire GW in the extension direction (the X-axis direction in FIG. 1) that is different from the portion accommodated in the first accommodating portion 18. That is, when the guidewire GW is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 18 and the second accommodating portion 28, a portion of the guidewire GW is disposed between the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 22.

[0020] FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram showing the direction of magnetic flux generated when a voltage is applied to the magnetizing coil 40. The magnetizing coil 40 is wound around the magnetizing yoke 5, and when a voltage is applied, a magnetic field is generated between the first end 12 and the second end 22. In FIG. 3A, as indicated by the outline arrows, the magnetic flux flows from one side of the magnetizing coil 40 through the first body portion 10, passes through the portion of the guidewire GW located between the first end 12 and the second end 22, and then passes through the second body portion 20 toward the other side of the magnetizing coil 40. In this manner, when a voltage is applied to the magnetizing coil 40, a loop-shaped magnetic circuit (closed magnetic circuit) is formed by the magnetizing yoke 5 and the portion of the guidewire GW located between the first end 12 and the second end 22. The magnetic flux flowing through this magnetic circuit passes through the portion of the guidewire GW located between the first end 12 and the second end 22, and this portion of the guidewire GW is magnetized.

[0021] FIG. 3(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the direction of magnetic flux generated when a voltage is applied to a magnetizing device 1P of a comparative example. The magnetizing device 1P is a device that magnetizes a guidewire GW placed inside a magnetizing coil 40. In FIG. 3(B), as indicated by the outline arrows, the magnetic flux flows from one side to the other (+X-axis direction) inside the magnetizing coil 40 and from the other side to one side (-X-axis direction) outside the magnetizing coil 40. When a voltage is applied to the magnetizing coil 40, a magnetic circuit (open magnetic circuit) is formed in which the magnetic flux leaking from the inside to the outside of the magnetizing coil 40 returns to the inside of the magnetizing coil 40. In this magnetizing device 1P, not only a portion of the guidewire GW within the magnetizing coil 40, which is an area AR1, but also portions of the guidewire GW within the magnetizing coil 40, which are an area AR2 and an area AR3, are magnetized. Therefore, the accuracy of magnetizing a predetermined magnetization target area (e.g., area AR1) is low.

[0022] On the other hand, in the magnetizing device 1 shown in FIG. 3(A), as described above, the portion of the guidewire GW that is located between the first end 12 and the second end 22 is magnetized. In other words, it is possible to prevent the portion that is not located between the first end 12 and the second end 22 from being magnetized. Therefore, if the distance between the first end 12 and the second end 22 is designed to be equal to the magnetization target range of the guidewire GW, it is possible to magnetize a predetermined magnetization target range of the guidewire GW with high precision. Furthermore, compared to the magnetizing device 1P, the magnetizing device 1 can magnetize the guidewire GW without placing the guidewire GW inside the magnetizing coil 40, which allows for greater freedom in device design.

[0023] In addition, compared to magnetization device 1P, magnetization device 1 can magnetize guidewire GW more strongly. It has been confirmed through experiments that this is the case. In the magnetizing device 1P shown in FIG. 3(B), the magnetic flux flowing from one side to the other side (+X-axis direction side) inside the magnetizing coil 40 is considered to include magnetic flux passing through the guidewire GW disposed in the magnetizing coil 40 and magnetic flux passing through the space existing between the guidewire GW and the magnetizing coil 40. Therefore, it is considered that not all of the magnetic flux flowing from one side to the other side (+X-axis direction side) is concentrated on the guidewire GW. On the other hand, in the magnetizing device 1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 3(A), it is considered that all of the magnetic flux flowing from the first body portion 10 to the second body portion 20 is concentrated on the portion of the guidewire GW disposed between the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 22. It is considered that such concentration of magnetic flux improves the magnetization efficiency of the guidewire GW.

[0024] As described above, according to the magnetizing device 1 of the first embodiment, by applying a voltage to the magnetizing coil 40, a magnetic field is generated between the first end 12 and the second end 22, which are spaced apart. Therefore, when a part of the guidewire GW is disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 22 and a voltage is applied to the magnetizing coil 40, a ring-shaped magnetic circuit (closed magnetic circuit) is formed by the magnetizing yoke 5 and the guidewire GW in the range disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 22. Therefore, the range of the guidewire GW disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 22 can be magnetized with high precision. In other words, according to the magnetizing device 1 of the first embodiment, a predetermined magnetization target range can be magnetized with high precision.

[0025] Moreover, in this embodiment, the first end 12 has a first housing portion 18 that houses the guidewire GW, and the second end 22 has a second housing portion 28 that houses the guidewire GW. With this configuration, it is possible to magnetize the guidewire GW in a range disposed between the first end 12 and the second end 22 in a state in which the guidewire GW is housed in the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 28. Therefore, it is possible to magnetize the guidewire GW while suppressing bias in the distribution of magnetic flux passing through the guidewire GW during magnetization.

[0026] The suppression of bias in the distribution of magnetic flux will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4(A) illustrates the first end 12 as viewed from the +X-axis direction in a state in which the guidewire GW is housed in the first housing portion 18. On the other hand, FIG. 4(B) illustrates the first end 12P as viewed from the +X-axis direction in a state in which the guidewire GW is clamped in the first end 12P of a comparative example. At the first end 12P, the distance L between the gripping portions 14m and 14n can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment screw 19p. By adjusting this distance L, the guidewire GW is gripped between the gripping portions 14m and 14n. In FIG. 4(B), the circumference of the cross section of the guidewire GW is partially gripped by the gripping portions 14m and 14n, but not entirely. In this state, when magnetic flux flows into the guidewire GW through the first end 12P, the magnetic flux flows into the guidewire GW only from the portion of the cross section of the guidewire GW that is in contact with the gripping portions 14m and 14n (white arrows), which increases the possibility of a bias in the distribution of magnetic flux passing through the guidewire GW in the cross section of the guidewire GW. On the other hand, in FIG. 4(A), the periphery of the cross section of the guidewire GW is covered by the first housing portion 18. In this state, when magnetic flux generated by applying a voltage to the magnetizing coil 40 flows into the guidewire GW through the first end 12P, the magnetic flux flows into the guidewire GW from the entire periphery of the cross section of the guidewire GW (white arrows), which reduces the possibility of a bias in the distribution of magnetic flux passing through the guidewire GW in the cross section of the guidewire GW. Therefore, the magnetizing device 1 can magnetize the guidewire GW while suppressing a bias in the distribution of magnetic flux passing through the guidewire GW. As a result, it is possible to manufacture a guidewire GW that is uniformly magnetized all around. Note that, unlike this embodiment, even if the guidewire GW is not in contact with the inner surface of the first housing portion 18 and the inner surface of the second housing portion 28 all around, and half or more of the entire circumference of the guidewire GW is in contact with the inner surface of the first housing portion 18 and the inner surface of the second housing portion 28, the distribution of the magnetic flux passing through the guidewire GW can be similarly It is possible to magnetize the guidewire GW while suppressing bias in the distribution of magnetic flux. For example, at the first end 12e shown in FIG. 4(C), the guidewire GW is not in contact with the inner surface of the first housing portion 18e over the entire circumference, but more than half of the entire circumference is in contact with the inner surface of the first housing portion 18e. At the first end 12f shown in FIG. 4(D), the guidewire GW is not housed, but more than half of the entire circumference is in contact with the inner surface of the groove portion 17 (first end 12f). Thus, even at the first end 12e, f shown in FIGS. 4(C) and 4(D), bias in the distribution of magnetic flux can be suppressed compared to the first end 12P shown in FIG. 4(B). Of course, bias in the distribution of magnetic flux can be suppressed more effectively when the guidewire GW is in contact with the inner surfaces of the first housing portion 18 and the second housing portion 28 over the entire circumference.

[0027] Second Embodiment 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device 1A of the second embodiment. The magnetizing device 1A of the second embodiment differs from the magnetizing device 1 of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in that it includes a magnetizing yoke 5a that is different from the magnetizing yoke 5.

[0028] The magnetizing yoke 5a includes a first main body portion 10a and a second main body portion 20a. The first main body portion 10a includes a left rod-shaped member 14a, a right rod-shaped member 16a, and an adjustment screw 19. The second main body portion 20a, like the first main body portion 10a, includes a left rod-shaped member 24a, a right rod-shaped member 26a, and an adjustment screw 29. The first main body portion 10a and the second main body portion 20a each have a first end portion 12a and a second end portion 22a on the side opposite to the side connected to the connection portion 30.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the first end portion 12a. FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) show the first end portion 12a as viewed from the +X-axis direction. At the first end portion 12a, the distance between the left rod-shaped member 14a and the right rod-shaped member 16a can be adjusted by rotating an adjustment screw 19. FIG. 6(A) shows a state in which the distance between the left rod-shaped member 14a and the right rod-shaped member 16a has been adjusted so that they are in contact. FIG. 6(B) shows a state in which the distance between the left rod-shaped member 14a and the right rod-shaped member 16a has been adjusted so that they are separated. Similarly, at the second main body portion 20a, the distance between the left rod-shaped member 24a and the right rod-shaped member 26a can be adjusted by rotating an adjustment screw 29.

[0030] At the first end 12a, the left rod-shaped member 14a and the right rod-shaped member 16a are formed with notches 14n and 16n, respectively. Similarly, at the second end 22a, the left rod-shaped member 24a and the right rod-shaped member 26a are formed with notches 24n and 26n, respectively (see FIG. 5). The left plate-shaped member 54 and the right plate-shaped member 56 are provided to fit into the notches 14n (24n) and 16n (26n). The left plate-shaped member 54 and the right plate-shaped member 56 are plate-shaped members extending in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 5), with one end (the -X-axis direction side in FIG. 5) fitting into the notches 14n and 16n, and the other end (the +X-axis direction side in FIG. 5) fitting into the notches 24n and 26n. As shown in FIG. 6(B), a recess 58h extending in the X-axis direction and recessed in the −Y-axis direction is formed on the surface of the left plate-shaped member 54 facing the right plate-shaped member 56. Meanwhile, a recess 58l extending in the X-axis direction and recessed in the +Y-axis direction is formed on the surface of the right plate-shaped member 56 facing the left plate-shaped member 54. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the recess 58h and the recess 58l form a hole 58 when the left rod-shaped member 14a and the right rod-shaped member 16a are in contact with each other. The hole 58 is a hole (indicated by the broken line in FIG. 5) extending in the X-axis direction and accommodates the guidewire GW. At this time, the movement of the portion of the guidewire GW accommodated in the hole 58 in the YZ plane is restricted. In the magnetization device 1A, the guide wire GW is fitted into either the recessed portion 58h or the recessed portion 58l in the state of FIG. 6(B), and then the state shifts to that of FIG. 6(A), whereby the guide wire GW is accommodated in the hole 58.

[0031] The left plate-like member 54, the right plate-like member 56, and the hole 58 (the recessed portion 58h, the recessed portion 58l) described above constitute the movement restricting portion 50. That is, the movement restricting portion 50 accommodates the guidewire GW through the hole 58. Therefore, the notches 14n and 16n at the first end 12a and the notches 24n and 26n at the second end 22a accommodate the guidewire GW via the movement restricting portion 50. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the notches 14n and 16n correspond to a first accommodating portion that accommodates the guidewire GW, and the notches 24n and 26n correspond to a second accommodating portion that accommodates the guidewire GW. Therefore, it can be said that the movement restricting portion 50 is provided between the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion, accommodates the guidewire GW therebetween, and restricts the movement of the guidewire GW. The movement restricting portion 50 is preferably made of a highly elastic material such as urethane. Note that, when the movement restricting part 50 is made of such a material, the recessed parts 58h and 58l do not have to be formed. That is, the surface of the left plate-shaped member 54 facing the right plate-shaped member 56 and the surface of the right plate-shaped member 56 facing the left plate-shaped member 54 may each be flat. In such a configuration, when the guidewire GW is sandwiched between the left plate-shaped member 54 and the right plate-shaped member 56, the recessed parts 58h and 58l (holes 58) are formed, and the guidewire GW is housed in the holes 58.

[0032] As in the first embodiment, the magnetizing device 1A of the second embodiment described above can accurately magnetize the range of the guidewire GW between the first end 12a and the second end 22a. Furthermore, according to the magnetizing device 1A of the second embodiment, the guidewire GW is accommodated in the first accommodating portion (the notches 14n, 16n) and the second accommodating portion (the notches 24n, 26n) via the movement restricting portion 50 that restricts the movement of the guidewire GW. During magnetization, a linear member such as the guidewire GW tends to convert magnetic energy applied to the linear member into kinetic energy to prevent it from being magnetized, and thus move. Therefore, according to the magnetizing device 1A of the second embodiment, since the guidewire GW is accommodated in the movement restricting portion 50, movement of the guidewire GW due to such magnetization can be restricted. Therefore, since the conversion of magnetic energy into kinetic energy can be suppressed, the guidewire GW can be efficiently magnetized. Furthermore, when magnetizing the guidewire GW to impart a relatively strong magnetism to the range located between the first end 12a and the second end 22a, the magnetic energy is converted into kinetic energy, which can prevent the guidewire GW in that range from moving significantly and deforming, or damage to the portions in contact with the first end 12a and the second end 22a. That is, deformation and damage to the magnetized range can be prevented.

[0033] Third Embodiment Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device 1B of the third embodiment. The magnetizing device 1B of the third embodiment differs from the magnetizing device 1 (Fig. 1) of the first embodiment in that it includes a magnetizing yoke 5b that is different from the magnetizing yoke 5. In Fig. 7, the axis passing through the center of the guidewire GW is represented by an axis line O (dotted line).

[0034] The first body portion 10b and the second body portion 20b of the magnetizing yoke 5b are rod-shaped members extending in a direction inclined from the Z-axis direction. Similar to the first body portion 10 of the first embodiment, the first body portion 10b has a first end portion 12b on the side opposite to the side connected to the connection portion 30. The first end portion 12b has a fixed portion 14b, a movable portion 16b, and a first housing portion 18b. Similar to the movable portion 16 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the movable portion 16b is configured to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion 14b by a hinge (not shown). Similar to the first housing portion 18 of the first embodiment, the first housing portion 18b is a through-hole penetrating the first end portion 12b in the X-axis direction and houses the guidewire GW.

[0035] The second main body portion 20b has a second end portion 22b on the side opposite to the side connected to the connection portion 30, similar to the second main body portion 20 of the first embodiment. The second end portion 22b has a fixed portion 24b, a movable portion 24b, and a second end portion 22b. The second end 22b has a fixed portion 24b and a movable portion 26b and a second accommodating portion 28b. The fixed portion 24b and the movable portion 26b are similar to the fixed portion 14b and the movable portion 16b at the first end 12b. Similarly to the first accommodating portion 18b, the second accommodating portion 28b is a through-hole that penetrates the second end 22b in the X-axis direction and accommodates the guidewire GW.

[0036] Fig. 8 shows the first main body portion 10b and the second main body portion 20b as viewed in the direction of extension of the axis O in a state in which the guidewire GW is housed in the first housing portion 18b and the second housing portion 28b (the state shown in Fig. 7). In Fig. 8, the second end portion 22b overlaps the first end portion 12b. Note that in Fig. 8, the line indicating the boundary between the fixed portion 14b (24b) and the movable portion 16b (26b) is omitted for ease of explanation (the same applies to Fig. 9, which will be described later). The dotted hatched portions inside the first housing portion 18b and the second housing portion 28b indicate the guidewire GW.

[0037] Angle α1 is the angle formed between the central axis O1 of first body portion 10b and the central axis O2 of second body portion 20b, and is 90 degrees in FIG. 8. That is, the angle formed between first body portion 10b and second body portion 20b is 90 degrees. In this case, when first body portion 10b and second body portion 20b are projected in the direction in which first end portion 12b and second end portion 22b are separated from each other (the extension direction of axis O), area DM1 (the area hatched with diagonal lines in FIG. 8) of the overlapping portion between first body portion 10b and second body portion 20b is smaller than area DM1 when angle α1 is an angle between 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates the area DM1 when the angle α1 is different from that illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 9(A) illustrates an example of the area DM1 when the angle α1 is equal to or greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees. FIG. 9(B) illustrates an example of the area DM1 when the angle α1 is equal to or greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 9(B), as the angle α1 decreases from 90 degrees to 0 degrees, the overlapping portion other than the first end 12b and the second end 22b increases, and therefore the area DM1 tends to increase. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 9(A), when the angle α1 is 90 degrees or greater, the area DM1 tends to decrease because only the first end 12b and the second end 22b overlap. Therefore, it is preferable that the angle α1 be equal to or greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0039] As in the first embodiment, the magnetizing device 1B of the third embodiment described above can accurately magnetize the area of ​​the guidewire GW between the first end 12b and the second end 22b. Furthermore, the magnetizing device 1B of the third embodiment can reduce the area DM1 of the overlapping portion between the first body portion 10b and the second body portion 20b. The larger the area DM1, the more likely magnetic flux will leak from the first body portion 10b to the second body portion 20b during magnetization without passing through the guidewire GW disposed between the first end 12b and the second end 22b. Therefore, the magnetizing device 1B of the third embodiment has a reduced area DM1, which can suppress the occurrence of magnetic flux leakage from the first body portion 10b to the second body portion 20b, thereby efficiently magnetizing the guidewire GW.

[0040] <Fourth embodiment> 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device 1C of the fourth embodiment. The magnetizing device 1C of the fourth embodiment differs from the magnetizing device 1 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment in that it includes a magnetizing yoke 5c that is different from the magnetizing yoke 5.

[0041] The magnetizing yoke 5c includes a first main body portion 10c and a second main body portion 20c. The first main body portion 10c has a first end portion 11, a first intermediate portion 13, and a first other end portion 15. The first end portion 11 is a rod-shaped member that is connected to one side of the connecting portion 30 and extends along the Y-axis direction. The first intermediate portion 13 is a rod-shaped member that is connected to the side of the first end portion 11 opposite to the side to which the connecting portion 30 is connected. The first other end portion 15 is a rod-shaped member connected to the side of the first intermediate portion 13 opposite to the side to which the first one end portion 11 is connected and extending along the Z-axis direction. The first other end portion 15 has a first end portion 12c on the side opposite to the side to which the first intermediate portion 13 is connected.

[0042] The first end portion 12c has a fixed portion 14c, a movable portion 16c, and a first accommodating portion 18c. Similar to the movable portion 16 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the movable portion 16c is configured to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion 14c by a hinge (not shown). Similar to the first accommodating portion 18 of the first embodiment, the first accommodating portion 18c is a through-hole that penetrates the first end portion 12c in the X-axis direction and accommodates the guidewire GW.

[0043] Similar to the first main body portion 10c, the second main body portion 20c has a second one end portion 21, a second intermediate portion 23, and a second other end portion 25. The second one end portion 21 is a rod-shaped member connected to the other side of the connecting portion 30 and extending along the Y-axis direction. The second intermediate portion 23 is a rod-shaped member connected to the side of the second one end portion 21 opposite to the side to which the connecting portion 30 is connected and extending along the Z-axis direction. The second other end portion 25 is a rod-shaped member connected to the side of the second intermediate portion 23 opposite to the side to which the second one end portion 21 is connected and extending along the Y-axis direction. Similar to the first other end portion 15, the second other end portion 25 has a second end portion 22c on the side opposite to the side connected to the second intermediate portion 23.

[0044] Similar to the first end 12c, the second end 22c has a fixed portion 24c, a movable portion 26c, and a second accommodating portion 28c. Similar to the movable portion 16 of the first embodiment shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the movable portion 26c is configured to be rotatable relative to the fixed portion 24c by a hinge (not shown). Similar to the first accommodating portion 18c, the second accommodating portion 28c is a through-hole that penetrates the second end 22c in the X-axis direction and accommodates the guidewire GW.

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates the first main body portion 10c and the second main body portion 20c as viewed from the direction of extension of the axis O (the +X-axis direction in FIG. 10) in a state in which the guidewire GW is housed in the first housing portion 18c and the second housing portion 28c (the state illustrated in FIG. 10). In FIG. 11, the second end portion 22c overlaps the first end portion 12c. Note that, in FIG. 11, as in FIGS. 8 and 9, the line indicating the boundary between the fixed portion 14c (24c) and the movable portion 16c (26c) is omitted for ease of explanation. The dotted hatched portions inside the first housing portion 18c and the second housing portion 28c indicate the guidewire GW.

[0046] Angle α2 is the angle formed between the central axis o1 of first main body portion 10c and the central axis o2 of second main body portion 20c, and is 180 degrees in FIG. 8. That is, the angle formed between first other end portion 15 (first main body portion 10c) and second other end portion 25 (second main body portion 20c) is 180 degrees. In this case, when first main body portion 10c and second main body portion 20c are projected in the direction in which first end portion 12c and second end portion 22c are separated from each other (extension direction of axis O), area DM2 (region hatched with diagonal lines in FIG. 11) of the overlapping portion between first main body portion 10c and second main body portion 20c is smaller than area DM2 when angle α2 is an angle between 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0047] As in the first embodiment, the magnetizing device 1C of the fourth embodiment described above can accurately magnetize the area of ​​the guidewire GW between the first end 12c and the second end 22c. Furthermore, as in the third embodiment, the magnetizing device 1B of the fourth embodiment can reduce the area DM2 of the overlapping portion between the first body portion 10c and the second body portion 20c. Therefore, leakage flux from the first body portion 10c to the second body portion 20c can be suppressed, and the guidewire GW can be efficiently magnetized.

[0048] Fifth Embodiment 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device 1D of the fifth embodiment. The magnetizing device 1D of the fifth embodiment differs from the magnetizing device 1 (FIG. 1) of the first embodiment in that it includes a magnetizing yoke 5d that is different from the magnetizing yoke 5.

[0049] The magnetizing yoke 5d includes a connection portion 30d that is different from the connection portion 30 of the first embodiment. The connection portion 30d is configured to be extendable and contractible in the X-axis direction, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 12 . Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, by extending and contracting the connection portion 30d, the distance between the first main body portion 10 and the second main body portion 20 connected to the connection portion 30d can be adjusted. In other words, the distance between the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 22 can be adjusted.

[0050] As with the first embodiment, the magnetizing device 1D of the fifth embodiment described above can accurately magnetize the range of the guidewire GW located between the first end 12 and the second end 22. Furthermore, the magnetizing device 1D of the fifth embodiment can arbitrarily adjust the distance between the first end 12 and the second end 22, thereby adjusting the magnetization target range of the guidewire GW to a desired range. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture guidewires GW with different magnetized ranges without preparing multiple magnetizing devices with different distances between the first end 12 and the second end 22. Furthermore, it has been experimentally confirmed that even if the magnetization target range is adjusted to increase the magnetization length of the guidewire GW, the magnetized range is magnetized with a constant strength regardless of the magnetization length. This is believed to be due to the fact that the amount of magnetic flux passing through the cross section of the guidewire GW is constant regardless of the magnetization length.

[0051] Sixth Embodiment 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device 1E of the sixth embodiment. The magnetizing device 1E of the sixth embodiment differs from the magnetizing device 1 of the first embodiment (FIG. 1) in that it includes a magnetizing yoke 5e that is different from the magnetizing yoke 5.

[0052] Like the magnetizing yoke 5 of the first embodiment, the magnetizing yoke 5e has a first end 12 and a second end 22 located on the opposite side of the first end 12, and is curved so that the first end 12 and the second end 22 are spaced apart and face each other. On the other hand, the magnetizing yoke 5e is a curved member formed by integrally molding members corresponding to the first main body portion 10, the second main body portion 20, and the connecting portion 30 of the first embodiment. The magnetizing device 1E of the fifth embodiment including such a magnetizing yoke 5e can also accurately magnetize the range of the guidewire GW located between the first end 12 and the second end 22, as in the first embodiment.

[0053] Seventh Embodiment 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetizing device 1F of the seventh embodiment. The magnetizing device 1F of the seventh embodiment differs from the magnetizing device 1A of the second embodiment (FIG. 5) in that it includes a magnetizing yoke 5f that is different from the magnetizing yoke 5a.

[0054] The magnetizing yoke 5f has a movement restricting portion 50f that is different from the movement restricting portion 50 (FIG. 5) of the second embodiment. The movement restricting portion 50f is composed of a left plate-shaped member 54f, a right plate-shaped member 56f, and a hole 58f. The left plate-shaped member 54f and the right plate-shaped member 56f are plate-shaped members extending in the X-axis direction, with one end (the −X-axis side in FIG. 5) positioned closer to the +X-axis direction than the other end (the +X-axis side in FIG. 5) fitted into the notch portions 14n and 16n, and a position closer to the −X-axis direction than the other end (the +X-axis side in FIG. 5) fitted into the notch portions 24n and 26n. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, the left plate-shaped member 54f and the right plate-shaped member 56f extend along the X-axis direction from the outer side (the −X-axis side) of the first end 12a to the outer side (the +X-axis side) of the second end 22a. The hole 58f formed by the left plate-like member 54f and the right plate-like member 56f is The guide wire GW is housed in the hole 58f, and the movement of the guide wire GW in the YZ plane is restricted in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0055] As with the first embodiment, the magnetizing device 1F of the seventh embodiment described above can accurately magnetize the range of the guidewire GW located between the first end 12a and the second end 22a. Furthermore, as with the second embodiment, the magnetizing device 1F of the seventh embodiment accommodates the guidewire GW in the movement restricting portion 50f. This restricts the movement of the guidewire GW caused by the magnetization, thereby enabling efficient magnetization of the guidewire GW and preventing deformation or damage to the magnetized range. Furthermore, the magnetizing device 1F of the seventh embodiment restricts the movement of the guidewire GW over a wider range than the second embodiment, thereby preventing conversion of magnetic energy to kinetic energy over a wider range. This allows the magnetizing device 1F of the seventh embodiment to magnetize the guidewire GW with equal or greater efficiency than the second embodiment.

[0056] <Modification of this embodiment> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

[0057] [Variation 1] In the first to seventh embodiments, the configurations of the magnetizing devices 1, 1A to 1F have been illustrated. However, various modifications to the configuration of the magnetizing device are possible. For example, the magnetizing device may magnetize a linear member disposed between the first end and the second end without accommodating the linear member. Furthermore, the movement restricting portion (second and seventh embodiments) may be a member independent of the magnetizing yoke. In this case, the movement restricting portion is fitted into the magnetizing yoke during magnetization. Furthermore, the movement restricting portion (second and seventh embodiments) may be a member in which the left plate-shaped member, the right plate-shaped member, and the hole are integrally formed. In this case, the linear member is accommodated in the movement restricting portion by being inserted from one end of the hole to the other end. Furthermore, in the third embodiment (FIG. 7), the first main body portion 10b and the second main body portion 20b may be rotatable relative to the connecting portion 30 or may be adjustable in any direction relative to the connecting portion 30. In addition, the components corresponding to the first one end portion 11, the first intermediate portion 13, and the first other end portion 15 (the second one end portion 21, the second intermediate portion 23, and the second other end portion 25) in the fourth embodiment (FIG. 10) may be integrally molded curved components.

[0058] [Variation 2] The configurations of the magnetizers 1, 1A to 1F of the first to seventh embodiments and the configurations of Modification 1 may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the magnetizers 1A, 1C to 1F of the second, fourth to seventh embodiments, the first main body portion and the second main body portion may each extend along a direction inclined from the Z-axis direction as described in the third embodiment. In addition, in the magnetizers 1B to 1E of the third to sixth embodiments, the linear member may be accommodated via a movement restricting portion as described in the second embodiment. In addition, in the magnetizer 1D of the fifth embodiment, the first and second main body portions may each have a first (or second) one end portion, a first (or second) intermediate portion, and a first (or second) other end portion as described in the fourth embodiment. In addition, in the magnetizers 1A to 1C and 1F of the second to fourth and seventh embodiments, the connecting portion may be configured to be extendable and contractible as described in the fifth embodiment.

[0059] This aspect has been described above based on embodiments and modifications. However, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of this aspect and are not intended to limit this aspect. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in this aspect. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it may be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1,1A~F…Magnetizing device 5, 5a~f...Magnetizing yoke 10, 10a to 10c...First main body part 11...First end part 12,12a~c,e,f...first end 13...First intermediate section 14,14b,14c...Fixed part 14a...Left rod-shaped member 14n...Notch 15...First other end 16,16b,16c...Movable part 16a...Right rod-shaped member 16n...Notch 17...Groove 18, 18b, 18c, e...First storage section 19...Adjustment screw 20, 20a-c...Second main body part 21…Second one end 22...Second storage section 22,22a~c…Second end 23...Second intermediate section 24,24b,24c…Fixed part 24a...Left rod-shaped member 24n...Notch 25…Second other end 26,26b,26c...Movable part 26a...Right rod-shaped member 26n...Notch 28, 28b, 28c...Second storage section 29...Adjustment screw 30,30d...Connection 40...Magnetizing coil 50,50f...Movement control section 54, 54f...Left plate-shaped member 56, 56f...Right plate-shaped member 58,58f…hole 58h, 58l...recessed area

Claims

1. A magnetizing device for magnetizing a linear member, a magnetizing yoke having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the magnetizing yoke being curved so that the first end and the second end are spaced apart and face each other; a magnetizing coil wound around the magnetizing yoke, the magnetizing coil generating a magnetic field between the first end and the second end when a voltage is applied thereto; A magnetizing device (excluding devices having the function of attracting ferromagnetic materials by magnetic force) equipped with the above.

2. A magnetizing device for magnetizing a linear member, a magnetizing yoke having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the magnetizing yoke being curved so that the first end and the second end are spaced apart and face each other; a magnetizing coil wound around the magnetizing yoke, the magnetizing coil generating a magnetic field between the first end and the second end when a voltage is applied thereto; Equipped with the first end portion has a first housing portion that houses the linear member, The second end has a second housing portion that houses the linear member.

3. The magnetizing device according to claim 2, further comprising: a movement restriction portion provided between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, which restricts movement of the linear member by accommodating the linear member between the first housing portion and the second housing portion; The first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion accommodate the linear member via the movement restricting portion.

4. A magnetizing device for magnetizing a linear member, a magnetizing yoke having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the magnetizing yoke being curved so that the first end and the second end are spaced apart and face each other; a magnetizing coil wound around the magnetizing yoke, the magnetizing coil generating a magnetic field between the first end and the second end when a voltage is applied thereto; Equipped with The magnetizing yoke is a rod-shaped first body portion having the first end; a rod-shaped second body portion having the second end; a rod-shaped connecting portion that connects the first body portion and the second body portion, the connecting portion having the magnetizing coil wound therearound; a magnetizing device, wherein an angle formed between the first body portion and the second body portion is greater than or equal to 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees;

5. A magnetizing device for magnetizing a linear member, a magnetizing yoke having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the magnetizing yoke being curved so that the first end and the second end are spaced apart and face each other; a magnetizing coil wound around the magnetizing yoke, the magnetizing coil generating a magnetic field between the first end and the second end when a voltage is applied thereto; Equipped with The connecting portion is configured to be expandable and contractible, A magnetizing device that adjusts the distance between the first end and the second end by expanding and contracting the connecting portion.

6. A magnetizing device for magnetizing a linear member, a magnetizing yoke having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end, the magnetizing yoke being curved so that the first end and the second end are spaced apart and face each other; a magnetizing coil wound around the magnetizing yoke, the magnetizing coil generating a magnetic field between the first end and the second end when a voltage is applied thereto; A magnetizing device (excluding devices with a demagnetizing function) equipped with the above.

7. A magnetizing device as described in any one of claims 2, 4, 5 and 6 (excluding devices having the function of attracting ferromagnetic materials by magnetic force).

8. A magnetizing device according to any one of claims 1 or 3 to 6, the first end portion has a first housing portion that houses the linear member, The second end has a second housing portion that houses the linear member.

9. A magnetizing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 and 6, The magnetizing yoke is a rod-shaped first body portion having the first end; a rod-shaped second body portion having the second end; a rod-shaped connecting portion that connects the first body portion and the second body portion, the connecting portion having the magnetizing coil wound therearound; a magnetizing device, wherein an angle formed between the first body portion and the second body portion is greater than or equal to 90 degrees and less than or equal to 180 degrees;

10. A magnetizing device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, The connecting portion is configured to be expandable and contractible, A magnetizing device that adjusts the distance between the first end and the second end by expanding and contracting the connecting portion.

11. A magnetizing device as described in any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5 (excluding devices having a demagnetizing function).

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