Suction device and control method

Abstract

To realize a suction device having high safety.SOLUTION: A suction device (1) comprises: a tube to which a catheter is connected; a pump (31) which exhausts gas inside a communication space communicating with the tube; a solenoid valve (32) which establishes communication between the communication space and an external space in an open state; and a control unit (40) which stops an operation of the pump (31) and switches the solenoid valve (32) to the open state when receiving an instruction for stopping the operation of the pump (31).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device for sucking an object to be sucked. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known suction devices that aspirate secretions from the oral cavity of subjects such as patients undergoing surgery, elderly people with weak swallowing reflexes, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for aspirating secretions from the oral cavity by using a pump to generate a negative pressure that is lower than atmospheric pressure in a drainage tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-144060 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the suction device described in Patent Document 1, the drainage tube remains under negative pressure when suction by the pump is stopped, which may result in insufficient safety, such as the drainage tube adhering to the oral mucosa and damaging the mucosa.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a highly safe suction device or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a suction device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a tube to which a catheter having a suction hole for sucking up an aspirate is connected, a pump for exhausting gas from inside a communication space that is connected to the tube, and a negative pressure release mechanism for releasing the negative pressure inside the communication space when an instruction to stop operation of the pump is received.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for a suction device that includes a tube to which a catheter having a suction hole for sucking up an aspirate is connected, a pump for exhausting gas inside a communication space that is connected to the tube, and an electromagnetic valve that is connected to the communication space and can be switched between an open state and a closed state, and in the open state, connects the communication space with an external space, and when an instruction to stop operation of the pump is received, the control device stops operation of the pump and switches the electromagnetic valve to the open state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a highly safe suction device can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a suction device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the inside of the device body and the storage container of the suction device. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the suction device. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in a continuous suction mode of the suction device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing in an intermittent suction mode of the suction device. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic diagram of the inside of a device body and a storage container of a suction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a suction device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Fig. 1 is a front view of a suction device 1 in this embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the inside of a device body 10 of the suction device 1 and a storage container 20. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the suction device 1.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the suction device 1 includes a device main body 10, a storage container 20, a tube 2, a catheter 3, a suction unit 30, a control unit 40 (first control unit, control device), and a memory unit 4.

[0012] First, an outline of the function of the suction device 1 will be described. In the suction device 1, the suction unit 30, the interior of the storage container 20, the interior of the tube 2, and the interior of the catheter 3 are connected in this order. In the following description, the space where the suction unit 30, the interior of the storage container 20, the interior of the tube 2, and the interior of the catheter 3 are connected will be referred to as the connected space. When using the suction device 1, the catheter 3 is inserted into the oral cavity of a treatment recipient, and the gas inside the connected space is exhausted by the suction unit 30. This creates a negative pressure in the connected space, and oral secretions such as saliva and phlegm (hereinafter referred to as aspirates) are aspirated from the oral cavity of the treatment recipient through the catheter 3. The aspirate aspirated from the catheter 3 is sent to the storage container 20 via the tube 2 and stored in the storage container 20.

[0013] Next, each part of the suction device 1 will be described in detail.

[0014] The device body 10 is a housing that houses the suction unit 30. In this embodiment, the device body 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the shape of the device body 10 of the suction device 1 of the present invention is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0015] 1, an operation panel 11 is provided on the front of the device body 10. The operation panel 11 is provided with an operation unit 70 that accepts various operations from the user of the suction device 1, and a display unit 80 that displays the status of the suction device 1. Details of the operation unit 70 and the display unit 80 will be described later.

[0016] The storage container 20 is attached to one side of the device main body 10. The storage container 20 stores the aspirate that is aspirated from the catheter 3 and sent to the storage container 20 via the tube 2. The storage container 20 may be cylindrical and have a volume of 1000 mL, for example. The storage container 20 includes a first attachment part 24, a float 22, a float storage part 23, a second attachment part 21, a small container 25, and a transport tube 26.

[0017] The first attachment part 24 is a member for attaching a main tube 35 of the suction part 30 (described later) to the storage container 20. The first attachment part 24 is provided on the upper surface of the storage container 20. By attaching the main tube 35 to the first attachment part 24, the suction part 30 and the inside of the storage container 20 are in communication with each other.

[0018] The float 22 is stored in a float storage section 23 below the first mounting section 24, which allows liquid to enter the interior. The float 22 is a spherical member and is sized to block the hole in the first mounting section 24. The float 22 is formed from a member with a lower density than the aspirant. When the storage container 20 is filled with the aspirant and the aspirant enters the float storage section 23, the float 22 moves upward due to the aspirant and blocks the hole in the first mounting section 24. This prevents secretions inside the storage container 20 from flowing back into the main tube 35 of the suction section 30.

[0019] The storage container 20 is detachable from the device main body 10, and by removing it from the device main body 10, the stored aspirate can be discarded.

[0020] The second attachment portion 21 is a member for attaching the tube 2 to the storage container 20. The second attachment portion 21 is provided on the upper surface of the storage container 20. By attaching the tube 2 to the second attachment portion 21, the tube 2 and the interior of the storage container 20 are in communication with each other.

[0021] The small container 25 is installed inside the storage container 20 and stores the aspirate sent from the tube 2 via the second attachment part 21. The aspirate is transported from the second attachment part 21 to the small container 25 by a transport tube 26. The small container 25 is provided with a scale so that the volume of the aspirate that has been aspirated can be confirmed.

[0022] One end of the tube 2 is connected to the second attachment portion 21 of the storage container 20, and the other end is connected to the catheter 3.

[0023] One end of the catheter 3 is connected to the tube 2, and the inside of the catheter 3 is in communication with the inside of the tube 2. The catheter 3 has a suction hole 3A at the end opposite to the end connected to the tube 2, which sucks in the aspirate.

[0024] The suction unit 30 is a mechanism for exhausting gas from the inside of the communication space, and includes a pump 31, a solenoid valve 32, a vacuum gauge 33, a needle valve 34, a main tube 35, a first sub-tube 36, a second sub-tube 37, and a third sub-tube 38.

[0025] The pump 31 is a pump that discharges air from the communication space. As shown in FIG. 2, the pump 31 is connected to a main tube 35, one end of which is connected to the first mounting portion 24 of the storage container 20. When the pump 31 is operated, the air from the communication space is discharged and the communication space becomes negative pressure. The pump 31 is not particularly limited as long as it can create a negative pressure in the communication space, but may be, for example, a pump with a suction pressure of -20 to -80 kPa and a maximum flow rate of 20 L / min or more.

[0026] The solenoid valve 32 is a valve that switches the communication state between the communication space and the external space of the communication space. The solenoid valve 32 is connected to the main tube 35 via a first sub-tube 36. The solenoid valve 32 is a NO (Normally Open) type solenoid valve that can be switched between an open state in which the valve is open when not energized and a closed state in which the valve is closed when energized. When the solenoid valve 32 is in the closed state, the communication space is not in communication with the external space, and the communication space is airtight. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 32 is in the open state, the communication space is in communication with the external space.

[0027] The solenoid valve 32 in this embodiment is not limited to an NO type solenoid valve, but may be an NC (Normally Closed) type solenoid valve that can be switched between an open state in which the valve is open when power is applied and a closed state in which the valve is closed when power is not applied. However, as will be described later, in the suction device 1, the communication space and the external space are not connected to each other only when the pump 31 is operating, so that power consumption can be reduced by using an NO type solenoid valve as the solenoid valve 32.

[0028] The vacuum gauge 33 measures the negative pressure inside the communication space. The vacuum gauge 33 is connected to the main tube 35 via a second sub-tube 37. The negative pressure inside the communication space measured by the vacuum gauge 33 is displayed on a negative pressure display unit 85, which will be described later.

[0029] The needle valve 34 is a valve that adjusts the magnitude of the negative pressure inside the communication space. The needle valve 34 is connected to the second sub-tube 37 via the third sub-tube 38. Therefore, the needle valve 34 is in communication with the communication space. Note that the needle valve 34 may be connected to the main tube 35 as long as it is in communication with the communication space.

[0030] The needle valve 34 is capable of changing the degree to which the needle is pressed into the valve, and the amount of needle pressing changes in response to a user operation received via a suction pressure adjustment dial 76 (described later). The needle valve 34 is capable of adjusting the flow rate of gas passing through the needle valve 34 in accordance with the amount of needle pressing.

[0031] Next, the operation unit 70 and the display unit 80 provided on the operation panel 11 of the device main body 10 will be described in detail.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the operation panel 11 has an operation unit 70 including a power switch 71, a continuous suction button 72, an intermittent suction button 73, a suction time setting dial 74, a stop time setting dial 75, and a suction pressure adjustment dial 76.

[0033] The power switch 71 receives an instruction from the user to switch ON / OFF the power of the suction device 1. When the power switch 71 is switched ON, the suction device 1 enters a standby mode in which the pump 31 does not perform a suction operation.

[0034] The continuous suction button 72 receives an instruction from the user to execute a continuous suction mode in which suction operation by the pump 31 is continuously performed. When the continuous suction button 72 is pressed while the suction device 1 is in standby mode, the continuous suction mode is executed. When the continuous suction button 72 is pressed while the suction device 1 is in the continuous suction mode, the continuous suction mode ends and the suction device enters standby mode. When the continuous suction button 72 is pressed continuously (in other words, continuously) while the suction device 1 is in the continuous suction mode, the pump 31 is temporarily stopped while the continuous suction button 72 is pressed.

[0035] The intermittent suction button 73 accepts an instruction to execute an intermittent suction mode (intermittent operation), which alternates between a suction mode in which the pump 31 is continuously operated for a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the first period) and a stop mode in which the pump 31 is continuously stopped for a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the second period). The lengths of the first period and the second period are pre-stored in the storage unit 4. When the intermittent suction button 73 is pressed while the suction device 1 is in standby mode, the intermittent suction mode is executed. In the intermittent suction mode, the pump 31 operates for a first period and then stops for a second period. When the intermittent suction button 73 is pressed while the suction device 1 is in intermittent suction mode, the intermittent suction mode ends and the suction device 1 enters standby mode. When the intermittent suction button 73 is pressed continuously (i.e., continuously) while the suction device 1 is in intermittent suction mode and the pump 31 is operating, the pump 31 temporarily stops while the intermittent suction button 73 is pressed. When the suction device 1 is in the intermittent suction mode and the pump 31 is stopped, if the intermittent suction button 73 is pressed continuously (in other words, continuously), the pump 31 will operate temporarily while the intermittent suction button 73 is pressed.

[0036] The suction time setting dial 74 accepts a change to the suction time in the intermittent suction mode, i.e., the first period, from the user. When a change to the first period is accepted from the user via the suction time setting dial 74, the length of the first period stored in the memory unit 4 is updated. The length of the first period can be changed while the pump 31 is stopped in the intermittent suction mode.

[0037] The pause time setting dial 75 accepts a change to the suction pause time in the intermittent suction mode, i.e., the second period, from the user. When a change to the second period is accepted from the user via the pause time setting dial 75, the length of the second period stored in the memory unit 4 is updated. The length of the second period can be changed while the pump 31 is operating in the intermittent suction mode.

[0038] The suction pressure adjustment dial 76 receives an adjustment of the suction pressure from the user while the pump 31 is operating. The amount by which the needle valve 34 is pressed changes depending on the amount by which the user turns the suction pressure adjustment dial 76, thereby changing the flow rate of the gas passing through the needle valve 34. This adjusts the suction pressure of the suction unit 30.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the control panel 11 is provided with a display 80 including a continuous suction mode lamp 81 indicating that the suction device 1 is in the continuous suction mode, an intermittent suction mode lamp 82 indicating that the suction device 1 is in the intermittent suction mode, a suction time display 83 indicating the remaining time of the operation period of the pump 31 in the intermittent suction mode, a stop time display 84 indicating the remaining time of the stop period of the pump 31 in the intermittent suction mode, a negative pressure display 85 indicating the negative pressure in the communication space, and an open state indicator lamp 86 indicating that the solenoid valve 32 is in the open state.

[0040] The control unit 40 comprehensively controls each part of the suction device 1. The control unit 40 includes a pump control unit 41, a solenoid valve control unit 42, and a display control unit 43 that controls the display of each part of the display unit 80.

[0041] The pump control unit 41 controls the pump 31 based on a user operation received via the operation unit 70. The control of the pump 31 by the pump control unit 41 will be described in detail later.

[0042] The solenoid valve control unit 42 controls the solenoid valve 32 based on a user operation received via the operation unit 70. The solenoid valve control unit 42 controls the switching of the solenoid valve between an open state and a closed state by switching the supply of power to the solenoid valve 32. Details of the control of the solenoid valve 32 by the solenoid valve control unit 42 will be described later.

[0043] Next, we will explain the operation of the suction device 1. First, we will explain the operation of the suction device 1 in the continuous suction mode, and then we will explain the operation of the suction device 1 in the intermittent suction mode.

[0044] (Continuous suction mode) The operation of the suction device 1 in the continuous suction mode will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the suction device 1 in the continuous suction mode.

[0045] As a premise, the suction device 1 is in a standby mode, in which the pump 31 is stopped and the solenoid valve 32 is open.

[0046] 4, in the continuous suction mode, first, during standby mode, the control unit 40 receives an instruction to start the continuous suction mode from the user via pressing the continuous suction button 72 (step S1). Upon receiving the instruction to start the continuous suction mode, the pump control unit 41 operates the pump 31, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 supplies power to the solenoid valve 32, thereby switching the solenoid valve 32 to a closed state (step S2). This causes gas to be exhausted from the communication space, creating a negative pressure in the communication space, and starting suction of the aspirate through the suction hole 3A of the catheter 3. Furthermore, upon receiving the instruction to start the continuous suction mode, the display control unit 43 turns on the continuous suction mode lamp 81.

[0047] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the continuous suction button 72 has been pressed (step S3). If the continuous suction button 72 has not been pressed (NO in step S3), step S3 is repeated. On the other hand, if the continuous suction button 72 has been pressed (YES in step S3), the pump control unit 41 stops the pump 31, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 stops the supply of power to the solenoid valve 32, thereby switching the solenoid valve 32 to an open state (step S4). With the solenoid valve 32 in an open state, the communication space and the external space are connected to each other, and gas flows from the external space into the communication space through the solenoid valve 32. As a result, the pressure inside the communication space becomes atmospheric pressure, and the negative pressure is released. Also, in step S4, the display control unit 43 (notification unit) lights up the open state indicator lamp 86 to notify the user that the solenoid valve 32 is in an open state. This allows the user to recognize that the solenoid valve 32 is in an open state and that the communication space is at atmospheric pressure.

[0048] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the continuous suction button 72 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S4 (step S5). If the continuous suction button 72 has not been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S4 (NO in step S5), the continuous suction mode ends, the device enters standby mode, and the process returns to step S1. At this time, the display control unit 43 turns off the continuous suction mode lamp 81.

[0049] On the other hand, if the continuous suction button 72 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S4 (YES in step S5), the control unit 40 determines whether the continuous suction button 72 is still being pressed (step S6). If the continuous suction button 72 is still being pressed (YES in step S6), step S6 is repeated. On the other hand, if the continuous suction button 72 is released from being pressed (NO in step S6), the pump control unit 41 operates the pump 31, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to the closed state (step S7). At this time, the display control unit 43 turns off the open state indicator lamp 86. Thereafter, the process returns to step S3.

[0050] As described above, in the suction device 1, when an instruction to stop the operation of the pump 31 is received, the pump control unit 41 stops the pump 31, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to an open state to release the negative pressure inside the communication space. In other words, the suction device 1 includes the solenoid valve 32, the pump control unit 41, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 as a negative pressure release mechanism that releases the negative pressure inside the communication space when an instruction to stop the operation of the pump 31 is received. According to the above configuration, when the pump 31 stops operating, the solenoid valve 32 opens, thereby connecting the communication space to the outside space and releasing the negative pressure inside the communication space. This reduces the possibility that the suction hole 3A of the catheter 3 will adhere to the oral mucosa and damage the oral mucosa, thereby improving safety.

[0051] Furthermore, in the suction device 1, in the continuous suction mode, while the pump 31 is operating, if the continuous suction button 72 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer, in other words, while instructions to stop the pump 31 are continuously being received, control (first control) can be performed to temporarily stop the operation of the pump 31. In other words, the pump 31 can be temporarily stopped at any timing and for any period of time. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be performed according to the condition of the subject being treated by the suction device 1, thereby improving safety.

[0052] (Intermittent suction mode) The operation of the suction device 1 in the intermittent suction mode will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the suction device 1 in the intermittent suction mode.

[0053] As a premise, the suction device 1 is in a standby mode, in which the pump 31 is stopped and the solenoid valve 32 is open.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, in the intermittent suction mode, first, during standby mode, the control unit 40 receives an instruction to start the intermittent suction mode from the user via pressing the intermittent suction button 73 (step S21). Upon receiving the instruction to start the intermittent suction mode, the pump control unit 41 operates the pump 31, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to a closed state (step S22). This causes gas to be exhausted from the communication space, creating a negative pressure in the communication space, and suction of the aspirate through the suction hole 3A of the catheter 3 begins. Furthermore, upon receiving the instruction to start the intermittent suction mode, the display control unit 43 turns on the intermittent suction mode lamp 82. When the operation of the pump 31 begins, the control unit 40 calculates the remaining time of the operation period of the pump 31 by subtracting the operation time of the pump 31 from the first period previously stored in the memory unit 4, and the display control unit 43 displays the calculated remaining time on the suction time display unit 83. This operation is continued while the pump 31 is operating.

[0055] When the operation of the pump 31 starts, the control unit 40 determines whether the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed (step S23). If the intermittent suction button 73 has not been pressed (NO in step S23), the control unit 40 determines whether the remaining time of the operation period of the pump 31 has reached 0 (step S24). If the remaining time of the operation period of the pump 31 has not reached 0 (NO in step S24), step S24 is repeated. On the other hand, if the remaining time of the operation period of the pump 31 has reached 0 (YES in step S24), the suction mode in the intermittent suction mode is temporarily ended, so the pump control unit 41 stops the pump 31 and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to an open state (step S25).

[0056] Next, the control unit 40 calculates the remaining time of the stop period of the pump 31 by subtracting the stop period of the pump 31 from the second period previously stored in the storage unit 4, and causes the display control unit 43 to display the calculated remaining time on the stop period display unit 84. This operation is continued while the pump 31 is stopped.

[0057] When the pump 31 starts to stop, the control unit 40 determines whether the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed (step S26). If the intermittent suction button 73 has not been pressed (NO in step S26), the control unit 40 determines whether the remaining time of the stop period of the pump 31 has reached 0 (step S27). If the remaining time of the stop period of the pump 31 has not reached 0 (NO in step S27), step S27 is repeated. On the other hand, if the remaining time of the stop period of the pump 31 has reached 0 (YES in step S27), the stop mode in the intermittent suction mode is temporarily ended, and the process returns to step S22, where the suction operation is performed again.

[0058] Returning to step S23, if the control unit 40 detects that the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed after the pump 31 has started operating (YES in step S23), the pump control unit 41 stops the pump 31 and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to an open state (step S28).

[0059] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S23 (step S29). If the intermittent suction button 73 has not been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S23 (NO in step S29), the intermittent suction mode ends, the device enters standby mode, and the process returns to step S21. At this time, the display control unit 43 turns off the intermittent suction mode lamp 82.

[0060] On the other hand, if the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S23 (YES in step S29), the control unit 40 determines whether the intermittent suction button 73 is still being pressed (step S30). If the intermittent suction button 73 is still being pressed (YES in step S30), step S30 is repeated. On the other hand, if the intermittent suction button 73 is no longer pressed (NO in step S30), the process returns to step S22.

[0061] Returning to step S26, if the control unit 40 detects that the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed after the pump 31 has started to stop (YES in step S26), the pump control unit 41 operates the pump 31 and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to a closed state (step S31).

[0062] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S26 (step S32). If the intermittent suction button 73 has not been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S26 (NO in step S32), the pump control unit 41 stops the pump 31, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to an open state (step S33). This ends the intermittent suction mode, switches to standby mode, and returns to step S21. At this time, the display control unit 43 turns off the intermittent suction mode lamp 82.

[0063] On the other hand, if the intermittent suction button 73 has been pressed for a predetermined time or longer in step S26 (YES in step S32), the control unit 40 determines whether the intermittent suction button 73 is still being pressed (step S34). If the intermittent suction button 73 is still being pressed (YES in step S34), step S34 is repeated. On the other hand, if the intermittent suction button 73 is no longer pressed (NO in step S34), the pump control unit 41 stops the pump 31, and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to an open state (step S35). Then, the process returns to step S26.

[0064] As described above, even in the intermittent suction mode, when the suction device 1 receives an instruction to stop the operation of the pump 31, the pump control unit 41 stops the pump 31 and the solenoid valve control unit 42 switches the solenoid valve 32 to the open state to release the negative pressure inside the communication space, as in steps S25, S28, S33, and S35. According to the above configuration, when the pump 31 stops operating, the solenoid valve 32 opens, thereby connecting the communication space to the outside space and releasing the negative pressure inside the communication space. This reduces the possibility that the suction hole 3A of the catheter 3 will adhere to the oral mucosa and damage the oral mucosa, thereby improving safety.

[0065] Furthermore, in the intermittent suction mode, the suction device 1 can perform a control (first control) to temporarily stop the operation of the pump 31 while the continuous suction button 72 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer while the pump 31 is operating, in other words, while instructions to stop the pump 31 are continuously received. Furthermore, in the intermittent suction mode, the suction device 1 can perform a control (second control) to temporarily operate the pump 31 while the continuous suction button 72 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer while the pump 31 is stopped, in other words, while instructions to operate the pump 31 are continuously received. That is, in the intermittent suction mode in which the suction mode time and the stop mode time are preset, the suction device 1 can temporarily operate or temporarily stop the pump at any timing and for any interval. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be performed according to the condition of the subject being treated by the suction device 1, thereby improving safety.

[0066] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0067] In the suction device 1 of the first embodiment, the negative pressure inside the communication space is released by a negative pressure release mechanism composed of the solenoid valve 32 and the control unit 40 (specifically, the pump control unit 41 and the solenoid valve control unit 42). In contrast, the suction device 1A of the present embodiment releases the negative pressure inside the communication space by a negative pressure release mechanism different from the negative pressure release mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0068] 6 is a schematic diagram of the inside of device body 10 and storage container 20 of suction device 1A. As shown in FIG. 6, suction device 1A differs from suction device 1 in embodiment 1 in that a communication section 90 serving as a negative pressure release mechanism is formed in main tube 35. Suction device 1A also differs from suction device 1 in embodiment 1 in that solenoid valve 32 is not included. Although not shown, suction device 1A also differs from suction device 1 in embodiment 1 in that control section 40 does not include solenoid valve control section 42.

[0069] The communication section 90 communicates with the external space. In this embodiment, the communication section 90 is a hole formed in the main tube 35. In the suction device 1A, when the pump 31 exhausts gas from the communication space, the volume of gas sucked into the communication space through the communication section 90 is smaller than the volume of gas exhausted from the communication space by the pump 31.

[0070] With the suction device 1A of this embodiment having the above configuration, the suction object can be suctioned by reducing the pressure in the communication space while the pump 31 is operating, and when the pump 31 stops, gas is sucked into the communication space from the external space via the communication part 90, thereby releasing the negative pressure inside the communication space. This reduces the possibility that the suction hole 3A of the catheter 3 will adhere to the oral mucosa and damage the oral mucosa, thereby improving safety.

[0071] In the suction device 1A of the present embodiment, the communication part 90 is configured as a hole formed in the main tube 35, but this is not limited to this. In the suction device 1A of one aspect of the present embodiment, the communication part 90 may be configured as a hole formed in any of the first sub-tube 36, the second sub-tube 37, and the third sub-tube 38. In the suction device 1A of one aspect of the present embodiment, the communication part 90 may be configured as a needle valve or the like other than a hole.

[0072] [Embodiment 3] Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. A suction device 1B in this embodiment releases the negative pressure inside the communication space by a negative pressure release mechanism different from the negative pressure release mechanism in the first or second embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of suction device 1B. As shown in Fig. 7, suction device 1B includes pump 31A and control unit 40A (second control unit) instead of pump 31 and control unit 40 in embodiment 1. Also, suction device 1B differs from suction device 1 in embodiment 1 in that it does not include solenoid valve 32.

[0074] The pump 31A is switchable between a first operation for discharging gas from the inside of the communication space and a second operation as a negative pressure releasing mechanism for supplying gas into the inside of the communication space.

[0075] The control unit 40A includes a pump control unit 41A instead of the pump control unit 41 in the first embodiment. The control unit 40A also differs from the suction device 1 in the first embodiment in that it does not include the solenoid valve control unit 42 in the first embodiment.

[0076] When the pump control unit 41A receives an instruction to stop the gas exhaust operation (i.e., the first operation) by the pump 31A, it controls the pump 31A to perform the operation of supplying gas into the communication space (i.e., the second operation).

[0077] The suction device 1B of this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and when the pump 31A stops, the pump 31A sucks gas from the external space into the communication space. This releases the negative pressure inside the communication space. As a result, the possibility that the suction hole 3A of the catheter 3 will adhere to the oral mucosa and damage the oral mucosa can be reduced, thereby improving safety.

[0078] Furthermore, the above configuration will help prevent infections from occurring at the damaged site by reducing damage to the oral mucosa, and will also contribute to achieving Goal 3 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0080] (summary) The suction device according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure comprises a tube to which a catheter having a suction hole for sucking an aspirate is connected, a pump for exhausting gas from inside a communication space communicating with the tube, and a negative pressure release mechanism for releasing the negative pressure inside the communication space when an instruction to stop the operation of the pump is received.

[0081] The suction device according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 1 to include, as the negative pressure release mechanism, an electromagnetic valve connected to the communication space and switchable between an open state and a closed state, which in the open state connects the communication space with an external space, and a first control unit that, when receiving an instruction to stop operation of the pump, stops operation of the pump and switches the electromagnetic valve to the open state.

[0082] The suction device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure may be configured in the second aspect above, further comprising a notification unit that notifies that the solenoid valve is in the open state.

[0083] The suction device according to aspect 4 of the present disclosure may be configured in the above-mentioned aspect 1 such that the negative pressure release mechanism includes a communication part that connects the communication space with an external space, and when the pump is discharging gas from inside the communication space, the volume of gas sucked into the communication space through the communication part is smaller than the volume of gas discharged from the communication space by the pump.

[0084] A suction device according to aspect 5 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in aspect 1 above, the pump is capable of switching between a first operation of exhausting gas from inside the communication space and a second operation as the negative pressure release mechanism of supplying gas to the inside of the communication space, and is provided with a second control unit that causes the pump to perform the second operation when an instruction to stop the gas exhaust operation by the pump is received.

[0085] The control device according to aspect 6 of the present disclosure is a control device for a suction device comprising: a tube to which a catheter having a suction hole for sucking up an aspirate is connected; a pump for exhausting gas inside a communication space connected to the tube; and an electromagnetic valve connected to the communication space and switchable between an open state and a closed state, the electromagnetic valve connecting the communication space with an external space in the open state; and when an instruction to stop operation of the pump is received, the control device stops operation of the pump and switches the electromagnetic valve to the open state.

[0086] The control device according to aspect 7 of the present disclosure may be configured in aspect 6 above to perform at least one of a first control that temporarily stops the operation of the pump while instructions to stop the pump are continuously received while the pump is operating, and a second control that temporarily operates the pump while instructions to operate the pump are continuously received while the pump is stopped.

[0087] A control device according to aspect 8 of the present disclosure may be configured such that, in aspect 7 above, the suction device is capable of performing intermittent operation by repeatedly switching between a suction mode in which the pump is operated continuously for a first period and a stop mode in which the pump is stopped continuously for a second period, and during the suction mode, at least one of the following controls is performed: a first control in which the operation of the pump is temporarily stopped while the stop instruction is continuously received; and a second control in which the pump is temporarily operated while the operation instruction is continuously received during the stop mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1, 1A, 1B Suction device 2 tubes 3 Catheter 3A suction hole 31, 31A pump 32 Solenoid valve 40, 40A control unit (first control unit, second control unit, control device) 41, 41A Pump control section 42 Solenoid valve control section 90 Communication part

Claims

1. a tube to which a catheter having a suction hole for suctioning an aspirate is connected; a pump that exhausts gas from a communication space that communicates with the tube; a negative pressure release mechanism that releases the negative pressure inside the communication space when an instruction to stop operation of the pump is received.

2. The negative pressure release mechanism includes: a solenoid valve connected to the communication space and switchable between an open state and a closed state, the solenoid valve communicating the communication space with an external space in the open state; The suction device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first control unit that, when receiving an instruction to stop the operation of the pump, stops the operation of the pump and switches the solenoid valve to the open state.

3. The suction device according to claim 2 , further comprising an alarm unit that notifies that the electromagnetic valve is in the open state.

4. The negative pressure release mechanism includes a communication section that communicates the communication space with an external space, 2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein when the pump is discharging gas from the communication space, the volume of gas sucked into the communication space through the communication portion is smaller than the volume of gas discharged from the communication space by the pump.

5. The pump can switch between a first operation of exhausting gas from inside the communication space and a second operation as the negative pressure release mechanism of supplying gas into the communication space, The suction device according to claim 1 , further comprising a second control unit that causes the pump to perform the second operation when an instruction to stop the gas exhaust operation by the pump is received.

6. A control device for a suction device comprising: a tube connected to a catheter having a suction hole for suctioning an aspirate; a pump for exhausting gas inside a communication space communicating with the tube; and a solenoid valve connected to the communication space, switchable between an open state and a closed state, the solenoid valve communicating the communication space with an external space in the open state, a control device that, when receiving an instruction to stop the operation of the pump, stops the operation of the pump and switches the solenoid valve to the open state;

7. 7. The control device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of a first control for temporarily stopping the operation of the pump while a stop instruction for the pump is continuously received while the pump is operating, and a second control for temporarily operating the pump while a stop instruction for the pump is continuously received while the pump is stopped is performed.

8. the suction device is capable of performing an intermittent operation in which a suction mode in which the pump is continuously operated for a first period and a stop mode in which the pump is continuously stopped for a second period are repeatedly performed; 8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first control, which is a control for temporarily stopping operation of the pump while the stop instruction is continuously received during the suction mode, and the second control, which is a control for temporarily operating the pump while the operation instruction is continuously received during the stop mode, is performed.

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