Suction device for living body

Abstract

To provide a suction device for a living body that controls suction pressure finely.SOLUTION: A suction device for a living body includes: a suction tank communicated with a suction tube inserted into a living body of a suction object for applying negative pressure; an air suction part for applying suction pressure to the suction tank; and a control part for executing power control of the air suction part. The air suction part includes an air pump for sucking air from the suction tank and an ambient air adjusting valve for causing ambient air to flow into the suction tank. The control part includes a pump control part for performing power control of suction power of the air pump and drawing air from the suction tank and an ambient air adjusting part for performing downward adjustment of the suction pressure applied to the suction tank by power control for opening the ambient air adjusting valve temporarily.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for a living body suction device that sucks unnecessary matter (phlegm, nasal mucus, secretions, physiological saline, foreign bodies, etc.) from a living body. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is a known technique for a phlegm suction device that sucks up unwanted matter trapped in the airways and removes it as suction material.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that describes a "phlegm suction device comprising a storage container connected to a suction catheter for storing suctioned phlegm, and an air pump connected to the storage container for generating negative pressure in the suction catheter via the storage container." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-131356 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional living body suction devices, when the suction pressure is set low, depending on the amount and viscosity of the aspirate, the suction force may be insufficient, causing the suction catheter (suction tube) to easily become clogged.

[0006] On the other hand, if the suction pressure is set too high, the suction power of the suction tube may be too strong, causing it to stick to the surrounding mucous membrane, making it difficult for an unskilled user to handle the suction tube.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS An object of the present invention is to enable precise control of suction pressure in a living body suction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The living body suction device includes a suction tank that communicates with a suction tube inserted into a living body to be suctioned and applies negative pressure, an air suction unit that applies suction pressure to the suction tank, and a control unit that controls the power of the air suction unit. The air suction unit includes an air pump that sucks air from the suction tank, and an outside air adjustment valve that allows outside air to flow into the suction tank. The control unit includes a pump control unit that power controls the suction power of the air pump to draw air from the suction tank, and an outside air adjustment unit that adjusts the suction pressure applied to the suction tank downward by power control that temporarily opens the outside air adjustment valve. Effect of the Invention

[0009] In the living body suction device having the above-mentioned configuration, the suction pressure can be finely controlled by the dual control means of "control of the air pump" and "control of the outside air adjustment valve."

[0010] The details of the problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be described in the embodiments described later. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air system between the suction tank 110 and the air pump 121. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting portion of the suction tank 110. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external appearance of the suction device 100 for a living body. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating power supply by a mobile battery 560. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining power supply by the additional reel unit 500. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the main operation (first half) of the first embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the main operation (second half) of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the viscosity countermeasure mode. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the mechanism by which the pulsation pattern occurs. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the resonance control. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the blockage countermeasure mode. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the mechanism by which the power reduction pattern occurs. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a schematic example of a power reduction pattern. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for adding a pump. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air system between the suction tank 110 and the air pump 300 (a standard air pump 310 and an additional air pump 320). [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the main operation of the second embodiment (parts different from the first embodiment). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. EXAMPLES

[0013] Overview of the First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the system of the first embodiment is configured by detachably mounting an accumulation container 200 and a suction tube A to a suction device 100 for a living body.

[0014] Of these, the living body suction device 100 comprises a suction tank 110, a discharge section 111, an air suction section 120, a control section 130, a pressure detection section 140, a power monitoring section 150, a suction switch 160, a sound / display section 170, and a suction dial 180.

[0015] Further, the air suction unit 120 includes an air pump 121 , a pump drive circuit 121 a , an outside air adjustment valve 122 , a valve drive circuit 122 a , and a pipe 123 .

[0016] The control unit 130 also includes functions such as a pump control unit 131, an outside air adjustment unit 132, a pulsation determination unit 133, a viscosity countermeasure unit 134, a blockage determination unit 135, a blockage countermeasure unit 136, a first sensor 137, and a second sensor 138. The configuration of each part will be described below in order with reference to partial drawings.

[0017] <Air system configuration explanation> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air system between the suction tank 110 and the air pump 121. As shown in FIG.

[0018] 1 and 2, the suction tank 110 is an airtight container that communicates with the suction tube A inserted into the living body of the suction target and applies negative pressure to the suction tank 110. Furthermore, the suction tank 110 also serves as a primary container that receives the aspirate sucked by the suction tube A and temporarily stores it.

[0019] A filter 112 is provided on the upper surface of the suction tank 110. This filter 112 has the function of preventing the passage of liquid and allowing gas to pass through.

[0020] The suction tank 110 is connected to the pipe 123 via the filter 112. When the suction tank 110 is removed from the living body suction device 100 and washed, the connection between the suction tank 110 and the pipe 123 can be disconnected.

[0021] The air pump 121 is connected to the suction tank 110 via a pipe 123. The pump control unit 131 controls the suction power of the air pump 121 by providing a control signal to the pump drive circuit 121a. By controlling the power of the air pump 121, the suction pressure applied to the suction tank 110 is adjusted to increase or decrease.

[0022] The outside air adjustment valve 122 is provided on the path of the piping 123. The outside air adjustment unit 132 electrically controls the opening and closing of the outside air adjustment valve 122 by providing a control signal to the valve drive circuit 122a. By electrically controlling the opening of the outside air adjustment valve 122 temporarily (intermittently) in this manner, outside air (atmospheric pressure) flows into the suction tank 110, and the suction pressure, which is the internal pressure, is adjusted downward.

[0023] The pressure detection unit 140 is provided on the path of the piping 123 between the suction tank 110 and the outside air adjustment valve 122. At this location, the pressure detection unit 140 detects the "suction pressure acting on the suction tank 110" by combining the pressure actions of the air pump 121 and the outside air adjustment valve 122.

[0024] The discharge part 111 includes a valve part 111a and a fastener 111b. The valve part 111a is screwed to the tip of the funnel-shaped bottom of the suction tank 110 while being held down by the fastener 111b.

[0025] The valve portion 111a of the discharge portion 111 is closed by the negative pressure of the suction tank 110. As a result, the negative pressure of the suction tank 110 does not escape from the discharge portion 111, and the negative pressure acts intensively on the suction tube A. In addition, due to the blockage of the discharge portion 111 (valve portion 111a), the aspirated material in the suction tube A does not pass through the discharge portion 111, and is temporarily accumulated in the suction tank 110.

[0026] The discharge unit 111 opens the valve unit 111a when the negative pressure in the suction tank 110 is released. As a result, the aspirate temporarily accumulated in the suction tank 110 flows down the funnel-shaped bottom surface of the suction tank 110 and is discharged from the discharge unit 111. The accumulation container 200 disposed at the discharge destination secondarily accumulates the discharged aspirate.

[0027] Configuration of the mounting portion of the suction tank 110 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mounting portion of the suction tank 110. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction tank 110 is detachably attached to a storage portion 100a of the living body suction device 100, and is fixed by a lock portion 100b.

[0028] The bottom surface of the storage section 100a is formed into a funnel shape to match the bottom surface of the suction tank 110. A through hole 100c is provided at the bottom of the tip of the funnel to allow the discharge section 111 to penetrate to the accumulation container 200 side.

[0029] A first sensor 137 for detecting the amount of suction substance accumulated in the suction tank 110 through a transparent portion of the suction tank 110 is provided in the storage portion 100a.

[0030] <<External configuration of the living body suction device 100>> FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external appearance of the suction device 100 for a living body. In FIG. 4, on the exterior of the living body suction device 100, there are arranged members for user operation, such as a suction switch 160, a sound / display unit 170, a suction dial 180, and a battery cover 100d.

[0031] <<Power supply of the living body suction device 100>> FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating power supply by a mobile battery 560. As shown in FIG. 5, a storage space 570 is provided on the rear side of the removable battery cover 100d. A rechargeable mobile battery 560 is detachably stored in this storage space 570.

[0032] By connecting the terminals of this mobile battery 560 to a power supply circuit (not shown) in the living body suction device 100, it becomes possible to use the mobile battery 560 as a power source.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining power supply by the additional reel unit 500. As shown in FIG. 6, a bottom cover 510a is removably provided on the bottom of the main body of the living body suction device 100. When the bottom cover 510a is removed, a lower expansion space 510 appears. In the lower expansion space 510, an expansion reel unit 500 is detachably stored (for example, added as an optional part).

[0034] The additional reel section 500 accommodates a cord 530 for connecting the living body suction device 100 to an external power source so as to be freely retractable.

[0035] The end of the cord 530 is extended to the outside from the cord outlet 510b (see FIG. 5) on the side of the main body. The end of this cord 530 is a general-purpose power supply terminal such as a USB terminal, and can be directly connected to a corresponding terminal of an external power supply.

[0036] Furthermore, a predetermined power adapter 540 can also be connected to the terminal end of this cord 530. This power adapter 540 can be replaced depending on the type of external power source to be connected (commercial outlet, cigarette lighter socket, etc.). In the lower extension space 510, this power adapter 540 is stored together with the extension reel unit 500.

[0037] The terminal end of the cord 530 on the main body side is connected to a power supply circuit (not shown) in the living body suction device 100. By the above cord connection, power supply via the additional reel unit 500 becomes possible.

[0038] Explanation of Main Operation of First Embodiment Next, the main operation of the first embodiment will be described. 7 and 8 are flow charts illustrating the main operation of the first embodiment. The operation will be described below in the order of the step numbers shown in FIGS.

[0039] Step S101: The pump control unit 131 waits in a power saving mode until the suction switch 160 is turned on. When the suction switch 160 is turned on, the pump control unit 131 advances the operation to step S102.

[0040] Step S102: The control unit 130 acquires the output of the second sensor 138. The second sensors 138 are arranged on a surface on which the accumulation container 200 is placed, and detect the load and load balance of the accumulation container 200. Based on the output of the second sensor 138, the control unit 130 determines whether the accumulation container 200 is normally placed at the discharge destination of the discharge unit 111.

[0041] Here, normal placement corresponds to an even load balance while the second sensor 138 detects the minimum load of the accumulation container 200. On the other hand, abnormal placement (not normal placement) refers to either the second sensor 138 not detecting the minimum load of the accumulation container 200 (the accumulation container 200 is not present) or the load balance is uneven (the accumulation container 200 is not inserted in the correct position).

[0042] If the result of the determination is that the accumulation container 200 is normally placed, the control unit 130 shifts the operation to step S104. On the other hand, if the accumulation container 200 is not normally placed, the control unit 130 shifts the operation to step S103 without operating the air pump 121.

[0043] Step S103: The control unit 130 notifies the user of the "arrangement abnormality" of the accumulation container 200 by sound or display (including light emission or blinking, the same applies below) via the audio / display unit 170. The user is prompted by this notification to properly arrange the accumulation container 200. After this user action, the control unit 130 returns the operation to step S101.

[0044] Step S104: The control unit 130 judges whether the accumulation amount of the accumulation container 200 exceeds the accumulation limit. The accumulation limit here corresponds to the "upper limit accumulation amount" obtained by subtracting a margin (the standard or maximum accumulation amount of the suction tank 110 in one suction) from the weight (including the container weight) of the suction container 200 when the suction material is accumulated to the maximum.

[0045] If the result of the determination is that the accumulation amount in the accumulation container 200 does not exceed the accumulation limit, the control unit 130 shifts the operation to step S106. On the other hand, if the suction operation is performed when the accumulation amount in the accumulation container 200 exceeds the accumulation limit, the accumulation container 200 may overflow later. Therefore, if the accumulation amount in the accumulation container 200 exceeds the accumulation limit, the control unit 130 shifts the operation to step S105 without operating the air pump 121.

[0046] Step S105: The control unit 130 notifies the user that the accumulation container 200 is “full” by voice or display via the audio / display unit 170. In response to this notification, the user is asked to replace the accumulation container 200 or discard the aspirated material in the accumulation container 200. After this user action, the control unit 130 returns the operation to step S101.

[0047] Step S106: The control unit 130 acquires the dial value of the suction dial 180 as information on the target value of the suction pressure set by the user (target value for constant value control).

[0048] Step S107: Before the air pump 121 starts suction, the outside air adjustment unit 132 closes the outside air adjustment valve 122 via the valve drive circuit 122a.

[0049] Step S108: The pump control unit 131 drives the air pump 121 for suction via the pump drive circuit 121a, and increases the suction pressure of the suction tank 110 to near the target value.

[0050] Step S109: Pump control unit 131 controls the suction power of air pump 121 upward and downward so that the detected value of the suction pressure falls near the target value. The power control here is performed, for example, by voltage value control, current value control, PWM control, etc. of air pump 121 by pump drive circuit 121a.

[0051] Step S110: The outside air adjustment unit 132 determines whether the detected suction pressure value exceeds the vicinity of the target value because the response speed is not fast enough to adjust the power control downward for the air pump 121. If the result of the determination is that the detected suction pressure value exceeds the vicinity of the target value, the outside air adjustment unit 132 proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, if the detected suction pressure value remains near the target value, the outside air adjustment unit 132 proceeds to step S112.

[0052] Step S111: The outside air adjustment unit 132 temporarily (intermittently) controls the opening and closing of the outside air adjustment valve 122 with power so as to adjust the detected value of the suction pressure downward to near the target value. The valve control here is performed, for example, by PWM control that adjusts the duty ratio between the period during which the outside air adjustment valve 122 is open and the period during which it is closed. After this operation, the outside air adjustment unit 132 returns the operation to step S110.

[0053] Step S112: The negative pressure in the suction tank 110 maintains the discharge part 111 closed. As a result, the aspirate from the suction tube A is temporarily accumulated in the suction tank 110.

[0054] Step S120: The control unit 130 executes a processing routine of a viscosity countermeasure mode (see FIG. 9) to guard against the occurrence of a viscous clogging of the suction tube A. The viscosity countermeasure mode will be described in detail later.

[0055] Step S121: The control unit 130 executes a processing routine of the blockage countermeasure mode (see FIG. 12) to guard against the occurrence of blockage in the suction tube A. The details of this blockage countermeasure mode will be described later.

[0056] Step S122: The control unit 130 determines whether the suction tank 110 has reached the upper accumulation limit based on the outputs of the first sensor 137 and the second sensor 138. The accumulation limit here is calculated as the smaller value between the full capacity of the suction tank 110 and the capacity of the empty part of the accumulation container 200.

[0057] Step S123: If the suction tank 110 does not reach the upper limit of accumulation, the control unit 130 proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if the suction tank 110 reaches the upper limit of accumulation, the control unit 130 notifies the user via the audio / display unit 170 that "the suction operation will be temporarily stopped and the suction tank 110 will be drained," and proceeds to step S125.

[0058] Step S124: The control unit 130 determines whether the suction switch 160 has been turned off. If the suction switch 160 remains on, the control unit 130 returns to step S106 and continues the suction operation. On the other hand, if the suction switch 160 has been turned off, the control unit 130 proceeds to step S125.

[0059] Step S125: The pump control unit 131 stops the suction operation of the air pump 121, releases the negative pressure, and opens the discharge unit 111.

[0060] Step S126: Furthermore, the outside air adjustment unit 132 fully opens the outside air adjustment valve 122 to rapidly reduce the negative pressure in the suction tank 110 to atmospheric pressure, thereby quickly opening the exhaust unit 111.

[0061] Step S127: By opening the discharge part 111, the aspirated material temporarily accumulated in the suction tank 110 is discharged from the discharge part 111. The aspirated material discharged from the discharge part 111 is secondarily accumulated in the accumulation container 200.

[0062] Step S128: The control unit 130 judges whether the increase in the accumulated amount in the accumulation container 200 has stopped and stabilized based on the output of the second sensor 138. If the increase in the accumulated amount in the accumulation container 200 has stopped, the control unit 130 judges that the discharge of the aspirated material has been completed, and proceeds to step S129. If the accumulated amount in the accumulation container 200 is increasing, the control unit 130 judges that the aspirated material is in the middle of being discharged, and returns to step S127. Note that if the suction switch 160 is changed to the ON state again during this waiting period, the control unit 130 returns to step S106 and resumes the suction operation.

[0063] Step S129: The outside air adjustment unit 132 closes the outside air adjustment valve 122 in preparation for the next suction operation.

[0064] The above series of main operations completes one suction operation by the living body suction device 100. The control unit 130 returns the operation to step S101, and enters a standby mode (energy saving mode) with minimum power consumption, to prepare for the next suction operation.

[0065] Between such suction operations, the user may attach or detach the suction tube A or the collection container 200, or may clean the suction tube A or the inside of the device by suctioning or immersing in a cleaning liquid (such as water).

[0066] <Explanation of the operation of the viscosity control mode> Next, the operation of the above-mentioned viscosity countermeasure mode (see step S120 in FIG. 8) will be specifically described.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the viscosity countermeasure mode. The following will explain the steps in the order of the step numbers shown in FIG.

[0068] Step S200: The pulsation determination unit 133 collects time-series data of the suction pressure detected by the pressure detection unit 140. The pulsation determination unit 133 determines whether or not the time-series data of the suction pressure corresponds to a pulsation pattern that occurs when the suction tube A is clogged with a viscous aspirate.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the mechanism by which this pulsation pattern occurs. 10(P1), when the suction tube A is clogged with a viscous suction material, the suction tube A is temporarily narrowed or blocked. At this time, the amount of suction air passing through the suction tube A decreases, causing the suction pressure applied to the suction tank 110 to increase slightly.

[0070] On the other hand, when suction is performed in this clogged state, part of the viscous suction material is instantaneously torn off from the inner wall of the suction tube A. At this time, as shown in (P2) of Fig. 10, the air passage temporarily widens and the amount of suction air passing through the suction tube A increases for just a moment. As a result, the suction pressure applied to the suction tank 110 drops slightly.

[0071] Such intermittent repetition of increases and decreases in the suction pressure causes the time-series data of the suction pressure to exhibit a pulsating pattern in which the fluctuations in the suction pressure have repeated peaks and valleys, as shown in (P3) of FIG.

[0072] Step S201: If it is determined that the pattern is a pulsating pattern, the pulsating determination unit 133 determines that a viscous clogging has occurred, and proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the pattern is a pulsating pattern, the pulsating determination unit 133 leaves the processing routine of the viscosity countermeasure mode and returns to the original main operation (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

[0073] Step S202: The viscosity countermeasure unit 134 instructs the outside air adjustment unit 132 to maintain the outside air adjustment valve 122 in a closed state during this mode. Also, during this mode, the allowable range around the target value in the constant value control of the suction pressure is temporarily expanded.

[0074] Step S203: The viscosity countermeasure unit 134 temporarily increases the target value of the suction pressure from the current value to increase the negative pressure acting on the suction tube A. The viscous suction material is peeled off by the instantaneously increased negative pressure.

[0075] Step S204: The pulsation determination unit 133 determines whether the pulsation pattern has been eliminated. If the pulsation pattern has been eliminated, the pulsation determination unit 133 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if the pulsation pattern has not been eliminated, the pulsation determination unit 133 proceeds to step S205.

[0076] Step S205: For the temporary increase in suction pressure (see step S203), an upper limit on the number of attempts is preset. The pulsation determination unit 133 determines whether the number of attempts to increase the suction pressure has reached the upper limit of the number of attempts. If the upper limit of the number of attempts has not been reached, the pulsation determination unit 133 returns to the operation of step S203 and repeats the temporary increase in the suction pressure. On the other hand, if the upper limit of the number of attempts has been reached, the pulsation determination unit 133 advances the operation to step S206 to move on to the next attempt.

[0077] Step S206: The viscosity countermeasure unit 134 increases the suction pressure of the air pump 121 in synchronization with the peaks of the suction pressure of the pulsation pattern. Also, the viscosity countermeasure unit 134 returns the suction pressure of the air pump 121 in synchronization with the valleys of the suction pressure of the pulsation pattern (hereinafter referred to as "resonance control").

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining this resonance control. In (Q1) of FIG. 11, the suction tube A is narrowed or blocked by a viscous clog. The pulsation determination unit 133 detects the timing of this narrowing or blockage from the peak of the suction pressure (peak of the upward fluctuation) that appears in the pulsation pattern. The viscosity countermeasure unit 134 increases the suction pressure of the air pump 121 via the pump control unit 131 in synchronization with the timing of this peak. Then, in the case of a narrowed or blocked clog, there is little air leakage, so the suction pressure works efficiently. As a result, the viscous clog advances little by little inside the suction tube A toward the suction tank 110.

[0079] On the other hand, in (Q2) of FIG. 11, a part of the viscous clog momentarily peels off from the suction tube A, temporarily widening the air passage. The pulsation determination unit 133 detects the timing of this partial peeling from a valley (peak of downward fluctuation) of the suction pressure that appears in the pulsation pattern. In synchronization with the timing of this valley, the viscosity countermeasure unit 134 controls the outside air adjustment valve 122 (or the air pump 121) via the outside air adjustment unit 132 (or the pump control unit 131) to lower the suction pressure. This causes the airflow near the clog to become turbulent, and the peeled part becomes blocked again. This causes a transition to the state of (Q1) of FIG. 11.

[0080] By performing resonance control that repeats (Q1) and (Q2) in FIG. 11, the viscosity countermeasure unit 134 attempts to eliminate the blockage caused by viscosity.

[0081] Step S207: The pulsation determination unit 133 determines whether the pulsation pattern is eliminated after the resonance control. If the pulsation pattern is eliminated, the pulsation determination unit 133 proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, if the pulsation pattern is not eliminated, the pulsation determination unit 133 proceeds to step S208.

[0082] Step S208: For resonance control (see step S206), an upper limit on the number of trials is set in advance. The pulsation determination unit 133 determines whether the number of trials of resonance control has reached the upper limit. If the upper limit of the number of trials has not been reached, the pulsation determination unit 133 returns the operation to step S206 and repeats the resonance control. On the other hand, if the upper limit of the number of trials has been reached, the pulsation determination unit 133 gives up on clearing the blockage here and proceeds to step S209.

[0083] Step S209: The viscosity countermeasure unit 134 notifies the user via the audio / display unit 170 that the viscosity blockage has not been cleared, and recommends the user to take measures to clear the blockage (such as replacing or cleaning the suction tube A).

[0084] Step S210: The viscosity countermeasure unit 134 returns the suction pressure and its target value changed in the viscosity countermeasure mode to the state before the mode was started. After that, the process exits the viscosity countermeasure mode processing routine and returns to the original main operation (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

[0085] Through the series of processes in the viscosity countermeasure mode described above, "automatic detection of viscous clogging" and "countermeasure action to resolve the clogging" are completed.

[0086] <<Explanation of Blockage Countermeasure Mode Operation>> Next, the operation of the blockage countermeasure mode (see step S121 in FIG. 8) will be specifically described.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the blockage countermeasure mode. The following description will be given in the order of the step numbers shown in FIG.

[0088] Step S300: The blockage determination unit 135 collects time-series data of the suction power of the air pump 121 (air suction unit 120) detected by the power monitoring unit 150. The blockage determination unit 135 determines whether or not this time-series data of the suction power indicates a power reduction pattern that occurs when the suction tube A is blocked, while the suction pressure is controlled to a constant value near a target value.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the mechanism by which this power reduction pattern occurs. 13, the horizontal axis indicates the amount of suction air (air volume) of the suction tube A. The vertical axis indicates the suction pressure (static pressure) applied to the suction tank 110. On the other hand, the coordinate plane consisting of these two axes shows multiple "air volume-static pressure characteristic curves" when the suction power parameter is changed.

[0090] Here, the pump control unit 131 repeats constant value control for controlling the power of the air pump 121 so that the detected value of the suction pressure falls within the vicinity of the target value. As a result, power control of the suction power (α, β, γ, δ, etc.) is performed according to the amount of suction air (airflow) of the suction tube A so that the suction pressure (static pressure) falls within a range (hatched range shown in FIG. 13) near the target value.

[0091] Among these, suction power α is the power value required to maintain the suction pressure at the target value while aspirating air through the open suction tube A. The range of suction power β to γ ​​is the range of variation of the power value required to maintain the suction pressure near the target value while normally aspirating the aspirated material (such as phlegm) through the suction tube A. Suction power δ is the power value required to maintain the suction pressure near the target value when the suction tube A is blocked (amount of aspirated air: zero).

[0092] If the suction power falls within the range of approximately β to γ ​​during constant value control near the target value, the suction tube A is not blocked and can be said to be within the normal power range. On the other hand, if the power reduction of approximately δ deviates from this normal power range and continues beyond a predetermined time (the grace period during which self-recovery is expected), it is determined that the blockage of the suction tube A will not be resolved. Figure 14 is a diagram that shows a typical example of the power reduction pattern that occurs due to such a mechanism.

[0093] Step S301: When a power reduction pattern is detected during constant value control near the target value, the blockage determination unit 135 proceeds to step S302 to resolve the blockage. On the other hand, if the power reduction pattern is not detected, the blockage determination unit 135 exits the processing routine of the blockage countermeasure mode and returns to the original main operation (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

[0094] Step S302: The blockage countermeasure unit 136 temporarily suspends the constant value control of the suction pressure. In this state, the blockage countermeasure unit 136 instructs the outside air adjustment unit 132 to open the outside air adjustment valve 122 and allow outside air (atmospheric pressure) to flow into the suction tank 110. As a result, the suction pressure of the suction tank 110 decreases, and blockage of the suction tube A (due to sticking to mucous membrane, etc.) is eliminated.

[0095] The blockage countermeasure unit 136 may reduce the suction pressure by pausing the suction operation of the air pump 121, thereby eliminating blockage of the suction tube A (due to sticking to the mucous membrane, etc.).

[0096] Step S303: The clog countermeasure unit 136 resumes constant value control of the suction pressure after a period of time required for eliminating the clog.

[0097] Step S304: The blockage determination unit 135 determines whether the power reduction pattern is eliminated in the constant value control near the target value. If the power reduction pattern is eliminated, the blockage determination unit 135 exits the processing routine of the blockage countermeasure mode and returns to the original main operation (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). On the other hand, if the power reduction pattern is not eliminated, the blockage determination unit 135 proceeds to step S305.

[0098] Step S305: For the countermeasure operation for blockage, an upper limit of the number of attempts is set in advance. The blockage determination unit 135 determines whether or not the number of attempts of this countermeasure operation has reached the upper limit of the number of attempts. If the upper limit of the number of attempts has not been reached, the blockage determination unit 135 returns to the operation of step S302 and repeats the attempt of the countermeasure operation. On the other hand, if the upper limit of the number of attempts has been reached, the blockage determination unit 135 gives up on resolving the blockage and proceeds to step S306.

[0099] Step S306: The blockage countermeasure unit 136 notifies the user via the audio / display unit 170 that the blockage has not been resolved, and recommends a measure to resolve the blockage (such as replacing or cleaning the suction tube A). After that, the process exits from the blockage countermeasure mode processing routine and returns to the original main operation (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

[0100] Through the series of processes in the blockage countermeasure mode described above, "automatic detection of blockage" and "countermeasure operation for resolving blockage" are completed.

[0101] Effects of Example 1 The effects achieved by the first embodiment will be described below.

[0102] (1) In the conventional technology of Patent Document 1, the suction pressure is controlled in a direction to increase by the suction action of the air pump. Therefore, it is difficult to control the suction pressure to quickly decrease it, and it is not possible to precisely control the suction pressure.

[0103] In contrast, the first embodiment has dual control means, namely, "control of the air pump 121" and "control of the outside air adjustment valve 122." Therefore, it is possible to control the suction pressure in a direction to quickly lower the suction pressure by opening the outside air adjustment valve 122. Therefore, the first embodiment is superior in that it can finely control the suction pressure by performing "control of the outside air adjustment valve 122" in addition to "control of the air pump 121."

[0104] (2) In the first embodiment, when the suction pressure exceeds the vicinity of the target value, the outside air adjustment valve 122 is immediately opened to quickly lower the suction pressure. Therefore, the first embodiment is superior in that it can prevent a situation in which the suction pressure exceeds the upper limit and rises too high.

[0105] (3) In the conventional technology of Patent Document 1, when the suction pressure is set low, depending on the amount and viscosity of the object to be aspirated, the suction force may be insufficient, causing the suction tube to easily become clogged.

[0106] In contrast, in the first embodiment, the time series data of the suction pressure is judged to determine whether or not it is a pulsation pattern that occurs when a viscous aspirate is clogged in the suction tube A. Therefore, the first embodiment is superior in that it can automatically detect the situation in which a viscous aspirate is clogged in the suction tube A.

[0107] (4) In Example 1, when a pulsation pattern is determined, the suction pressure is increased to eliminate the viscous blockage in the suction tube A. Therefore, Example 1 is superior in that when a viscous blockage is determined, the suction pressure is automatically increased to eliminate the viscous blockage.

[0108] (5) Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the suction pressure is increased or decreased in synchronization with the peaks and valleys of the suction pressure of the pulsation pattern, thereby efficiently eliminating viscous blockages, as shown in Fig. 11. Therefore, the first embodiment is superior in that, when a viscous blockage is determined, the viscous blockage is eliminated by automatically implementing the resonance control.

[0109] (6) In the conventional technology of Patent Document 1, when the suction pressure is set high, the suction power of the suction tube becomes too strong, and the tube tends to stick to the surrounding mucous membrane, making it difficult for an unskilled user to handle the suction tube.

[0110] In contrast, in the first embodiment, the time series data of the suction power is judged to be a power reduction pattern that occurs when the blockage of the suction tube is not resolved. Therefore, the first embodiment is superior in that it can automatically detect the blockage occurring in the suction tube A.

[0111] (7) Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the power reduction pattern is determined, the suction pressure is lowered to eliminate the obstructive clogging of the suction tube. Therefore, the first embodiment is superior in that, when the obstruction clogging is determined, the suction pressure is automatically lowered to eliminate the obstructive clogging.

[0112] (8) In the first embodiment, the additional reel unit 500 for winding and storing the power cord 530 is detachably disposed inside the body of the living body suction device 100. Therefore, the first embodiment is superior in that the power source of the living body suction device 100 can be used in any place where an external power source can be secured by extending the cord 530 from the additional reel unit 500 and connecting it to an external power source. EXAMPLES

[0113] Next, a second embodiment in which the pump can be added will be described. In the second embodiment, configurations common to the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as in the description of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 14), and duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0114] <Pump expansion configuration> FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration for adding a pump. In FIG. 15, an air pump 300 of the second embodiment is configured as a combination of a standard air pump 310 built into the main body and an additional air pump 320 that can be additionally installed on the side of the main body.

[0115] Of these, the standard air pump 310 is the same as the air pump 121 described in the first embodiment.

[0116] On the other hand, the additional air pump 320 is attached (removably added) to the side surface of the main body of the living body suction device 100 via an additional lock part 321.

[0117] A pump drive circuit 320a is built into the additional air pump 320. This pump drive circuit 320a is electrically connected to the control unit 130 and a power circuit (not shown) built into the main body side by contact with a contact point accompanying locking of the additional lock unit 321, manual cord connection, or the like.

[0118] <Air system configuration explanation> FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air system between the suction tank 110 and the air pump 300 (a standard air pump 310 and an additional air pump 320).

[0119] In FIG. 16, an air connector 311 is a Y-shaped connector for sucking air from the suction tank 110 by combining the suction of the standard air pump 310 and the suction of the additional air pump 320 .

[0120] The air connector 311 is connected to a standard air pump 310 via a pipe 123. The power of the standard air pump 310 is controlled by the control unit 130 via a pump drive circuit 310a.

[0121] Furthermore, a connection portion 311a of the air connector 311 is connected to an additional air pump 320 via a detachable additional pipe 322. The additional air pump 320 is power-controlled by the control unit 130 via a pump drive circuit 320a.

[0122] If additional air pump 320 is not installed, the hole in connecting portion 311a is closed with a sealing means (such as a lid, a valve, or a valve) so as not to be exposed to the outside air.

[0123] Furthermore, the air connector 311 is connected to the suction tank 110 via a detachable joint pipe 312 .

[0124] The outside air adjustment valve 122 is provided on the path of the piping 123. By controlling the temporary opening and closing of this outside air adjustment valve 122, outside air (atmospheric pressure) flows in, and the suction pressure acting on the suction tank 110 is adjusted downward.

[0125] The pressure detection unit 140 is located on the path of the piping 123 between the air connector 311 and the outside air adjustment valve 122. At this position, the pressure detection unit 140 detects the "suction pressure acting on the suction tank 110" by combining the pressure actions of the air pump 300 (the standard air pump 310 and the additional air pump 320) and the outside air adjustment valve 122.

[0126] Explanation of Main Operation of Second Embodiment Next, the main operation of the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the main operation of the second embodiment (parts different from the first embodiment).

[0127] 17, the main operation of the second embodiment is characterized in that steps S400 to S402 are performed instead of steps S108 to S109 in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 7 to 8). The remaining operations of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment (FIGS. 7 to 9 and 12), and therefore will not be described here. The operations in steps S400 to S402 will be explained in order below.

[0128] Step S400: The control unit 130 determines whether or not the additional air pump 320 has been added by attempting signal communication with the pump drive circuit 320a. If signal communication with the pump drive circuit 320a is possible, the control unit 130 determines that the additional air pump 320 has been added, and proceeds to step S401. On the other hand, if signal communication with the pump drive circuit 320a is not possible, the control unit 130 determines that the additional air pump 320 is not added (unusable), and proceeds to the main operation of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0129] Step S401: During the period when the detected value of the suction pressure increases toward the target value, the control unit 130 (pump control unit 131) drives both the standard air pump 310 and the additional air pump 320. As a result, the upper limit of the amount of suction air is increased compared to when the pump is used alone, and air in the suction tank 110 is sucked in at high speed.

[0130] Step S402: During the period in which the detected value of the suction pressure is maintained near the target value and is controlled to a constant value, the control unit 130 stops driving the additional air pump 320 (or the standard air pump 310). The stopped pump side is sealed by closing an attached or equivalent check valve, for example, to prevent air leakage. In this state, the control unit 130 drives one of the standard air pumps 310 (or the additional air pump 320) alone.

[0131] The subsequent control of the pump as a single unit is the same as the control of the air pump 121 in the first embodiment, so a duplicated description will be omitted here.

[0132] Effects of Example 2 The second embodiment provides the following effects in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above.

[0133] (1) Once the suction pressure (negative pressure) in the suction tank 110 is released, air at atmospheric pressure flows into the suction tank 110. In order to start the suction operation again from this state, air must be sucked from the suction tank 110 to increase the suction pressure (negative pressure) to near the target value. During that time, the user cannot perform the suction operation in the living body and must wait. Therefore, in the second embodiment, during the period when the suction pressure is increasing, both the standard air pump 310 and the additional air pump 320 are driven. As a result, the upper limit of the amount of air that can be sucked per unit time (amount of sucked air) is increased, and it becomes possible to suck air from the suction tank 110 at high speed. Therefore, the second embodiment is superior in that it can shorten the user's waiting time until the suction operation becomes possible.

[0134] (2) On the other hand, during the period when the suction pressure of the suction tank 110 is controlled to a constant value near the target value, it is sufficient to suction a small amount of air from the thin suction tube A from the suction tank 110. In that case, there is no need to increase the upper limit of the suction air amount. Therefore, in the second embodiment, during the period when the suction pressure is controlled to a constant value near the target value, either the standard air pump 310 or the additional air pump 320 is driven. Therefore, the second embodiment is superior in that power consumption can be reduced by switching to driving only one pump. Furthermore, the second embodiment is also superior in that the driving noise of the pump can be reduced by switching to driving only one pump.

[0135] Other supplementary information In the above-described embodiment, the suction tube A is inserted from the oral cavity or nasal cavity. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be any tube in which the suction tube A is inserted into a living body. For example, the suction tube A may be inserted into a living body in combination with a tracheotomy cannula, an artificial respirator, an endoscope, a laparoscope, or the like.

[0136] In the second embodiment described above, when one of the standard air pump 310 and the additional air pump 320 breaks down, only the normal pump may be selectively driven to continue the suction operation.

[0137] In the second embodiment described above, the operation of both pumps may be appropriately switched so that the accumulated operation time of the standard air pump 310 and the accumulated operation time of the additional air pump 320 are approximately equal. In this case, by making the accumulated operation times of both pumps equal, it is possible to extend the mean time between failures of one pump without biasing the operation of either one.

[0138] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0139] For example, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in its entirety in order to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations and steps described.

[0140] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the type of each component (for example, parts such as a sensor). For example, each component may be replaced with a different type of component having an equivalent function.

[0141] Also, individual elements of the embodiments may be partially combined. Furthermore, other configurations or other steps may be added or substituted to the embodiments. Also, some configurations or some steps may be deleted from the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 100... Living body suction device, 100a... Storage portion, 100b... Lock portion, 100c... Through hole, 100d... Battery cover, 110... Suction tank, 111... Discharge portion, 111a... Valve portion, 111b... Fastener, 112... Filter, 120... Air suction portion, 121... Air pump, 121a... Pump drive circuit, 122... Outside air adjustment valve, 122a... Valve drive circuit, 123... Pipe, 130... Control portion, 131... Pump control portion, 132... Outside air adjustment portion, 133... Pulsation determination portion, 134... Viscosity countermeasure portion, 135... Blockage determination portion, 136... Blockage countermeasure portion, 137... First sensor, 138... Second sensor, 140... Pressure detection unit, 150...power monitoring unit, 160...suction switch, 170...audio / display unit, 180...suction dial, 200...accumulation container, 300...air pump, 310...standard air pump, 310a...pump drive circuit, 311...air connector, 311a...connection unit, 312...junction pipe, 320...additional air pump, 320a...pump drive circuit, 321...additional lock unit, 322...additional pipe, 500...additional reel unit, 510...lower additional space, 510a...bottom cover, 510b...cord outlet, 530...cord, 540...power adapter, 560...mobile battery, 570...storage space, A...suction tube

Claims

1. a suction tank that communicates with a suction tube that is inserted into a living body to be suctioned and applies negative pressure; an air suction unit that applies suction pressure to the suction tank; A control unit that controls power to the air suction unit, The air suction unit is an air pump that draws air from the suction tank; an outside air adjustment valve for allowing outside air to flow into the suction tank; The control unit is a pump control unit that controls the suction power of the air pump to draw air from the suction tank; and an outside air adjustment unit that adjusts downward the suction pressure applied to the suction tank by power control that temporarily opens the outside air adjustment valve. A living body suction device characterized by:

2. The living body suction device according to claim 1, a pressure detection unit that detects the suction pressure applied to the suction tank, The control unit is a pulsation determination unit that determines whether the time series data of the suction pressure detected by the pressure detection unit corresponds to a pulsation pattern that occurs when a viscous aspirate is clogged in the suction tube; and a viscosity countermeasure unit that increases the suction pressure in response to the determination of the pulsation pattern to eliminate viscosity clogging of the suction tube. A living body suction device characterized by:

3. The living body suction device according to claim 2, The viscosity countermeasure unit performs control (hereinafter referred to as "resonance control") to increase the suction pressure in synchronization with the peaks of the suction pressure of the pulsation pattern and to decrease the suction pressure in synchronization with the valleys of the suction pressure of the pulsation pattern. A living body suction device characterized by:

4. The living body suction device according to claim 1, a power monitoring unit for detecting the suction power, The control unit is a blockage determination unit that determines whether or not the time-series data of the suction power monitored by the power monitoring unit shows a power reduction pattern of the suction power that occurs when the blockage of the suction tube is not resolved, while the suction pressure is controlled to a constant value near a target value by the control unit; and a blockage countermeasure unit that reduces the suction pressure in response to the determination of the power reduction pattern to eliminate blockage of the suction tube. A living body suction device characterized by:

5. The living body suction device according to claim 1, an additional reel unit for freely winding and accommodating a cord for connecting the main body of the living body suction device to an external power source; The additional reel portion is housed in the main body so as to be freely attached and detached. A living body suction device characterized by:

6. The living body suction device according to claim 1, The air suction unit serves as the air pump. Standard air pump in standard position and an additional air pump that can be detachably added, The control unit drives the additional air pump together with the standard air pump to raise the upper limit of the amount of suction air compared to when the standard air pump is used alone. A suction device for living organisms.

7. The living body suction device according to claim 6, The control unit drives both the standard air pump and the additional air pump during a period in which the suction pressure is increasing, and drives either the standard air pump or the additional air pump during a period in which the suction pressure is controlled to a constant value near a target value by the control unit. A suction device for living organisms.

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