Portable medical device

Abstract

To provide a portable medical device that is easy to clean and has a low risk of malfunction. [Solution] The system includes an intake pipe 13 that sucks in wastewater along with gas, and a gas-liquid separation tank 10 that separates wastewater from gas and stores the wastewater. It also includes an exhaust pipe 14 that exhausts the separated gas, a suction pump 30 that sucks in the gas from the exhaust pipe 14, and a tank storage section 5 that detachably houses the gas-liquid separation tank 10. The gas-liquid separation tank 10 has a container 11 made of a light-transmitting material and is equipped with a float 17 that moves up and down according to the water level of the stored wastewater W. The tank storage section 5 has an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of the float 17 using light that passes through the container 11. When the transmissive sensor 20 detects the rise of the float 17, it stops the operation of the suction pump 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable medical device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to provide home dental care for people undergoing home treatment, dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, and veterinarians (hereinafter referred to as dentists, etc.) carry a dedicated portable medical device that houses dental treatment instruments or driving equipment such as a compressor. For example, there is a home visit dental treatment device that stores treatment instruments and the like in a portable housing (see Patent Document 1). For example, there is a portable medical device that stores treatment instruments and the like in a portable housing.

[0003] Such a portable medical device incorporates a gas-liquid separation tank (gas-liquid separator tank) that can separate gas and water. By operating the suction device, sewage (washing water, saliva, blood, etc.) generated in the patient's oral cavity is suctioned and discharged into the gas-liquid separation tank. These sewage accumulate in the gas-liquid separation tank, and the air used for suction is discharged through the suction device.

[0004] In addition, a float is provided in the gas-liquid separation tank. When sewage accumulates in the main body of the gas-liquid separation tank and the gas-liquid separation tank is full of sewage, the float blocks the suction port of the exhaust side relay pipe, preventing the sewage from entering the vacuum device.

[0005] However, such a conventional portable medical device does not electrically detect that the gas-liquid separation tank is full of sewage and automatically stop the suction device. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that has two liquid level detection electrode rods on a lid member and automatically stops an intake device by detecting sewage in the container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-140733 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In a portable medical device that detects the amount of wastewater using an electrode rod for liquid level detection, the presence of electrical components in the lid interfered with cleaning the lid, making it impossible to thoroughly wash the lid. Furthermore, the two liquid level detection electrode rods provided on the lid come into direct contact with the wastewater inside the container. As a result, there is a risk that the wiring and electronic components connected to the liquid level detection electrode rods may break or short-circuit, causing malfunctions, and further improvements are needed. The present invention aims to provide a portable medical device that is easy to clean and has a low risk of malfunction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The portable medical device of the present invention comprises an intake pipe for sucking in wastewater together with gas, and a gas-liquid separation tank for separating the wastewater and gas flowing in from the intake pipe and storing the wastewater. The portable medical device also comprises an exhaust pipe for exhausting the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank, a suction pump for sucking in the gas from the exhaust pipe, and a tank housing for detachably housing the gas-liquid separation tank. Furthermore, the gas-liquid separation tank has a container made of a light-transmitting material, and the container is provided with a float that moves up and down according to the water level of the stored wastewater. The tank housing has an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of the float using light transmitted through the container, and when the optical sensor detects the rise of the float, it stops the operation of the suction pump. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a portable medical device that is easy to clean and has a low risk of malfunction is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of a portable medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the internal structure of the housing with the lid removed. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1, illustrating the configuration of the gas-liquid separation tank housed in the tank storage section. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken at the position corresponding to Figure 2, which illustrates the state inside the gas-liquid separation tank during intake. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view at the position corresponding to Figure 2, which illustrates how the rising float blocks the light. [Figure 5] This image shows the process of attaching and detaching the gas-liquid separation tank from the tank storage area, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the position corresponding to Figure 2. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the gas-liquid separation tank housed in the tank storage section of the portable medical device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This graph illustrates the pulse period of light that reduces the effects of external disturbances. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the gas-liquid separation tank housed in the tank storage section of the portable medical device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the lower part of the exhaust pipe in a portable medical device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the portable medical device of the third embodiment, taken at a position along line XX in Figure 8, illustrating the direction of wastewater flowing into the gas-liquid separation tank. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the portable medical device of the fourth embodiment, at a position corresponding to line XX in Figure 8, illustrating the direction of wastewater flowing into the gas-liquid separation tank. [Figure 12] This is a circuit diagram of a chatter elimination circuit that prevents chattering in a portable medical device according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a graph showing the operation of the chatter removal circuit in the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a control circuit diagram of a portable medical device according to the fifth embodiment, which is equipped with a chatter elimination circuit. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view explaining the structure of the gas-liquid separation tank stored in the tank storage part in the portable medical device of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view explaining the structure of the gas-liquid separation tank stored in the tank storage part in the portable medical device of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view explaining the state where the floated float blocks light and closes the intake pipe in the portable medical device of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view explaining the structure of the gas-liquid separation tank stored in the tank storage part in the portable medical device of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view explaining the state where two floated floats block light and close the intake pipe in the portable medical device of the eighth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the portable medical device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment includes a housing 3 in which a concave storage part 2 is formed, and a plurality of medical instruments such as a suction tip 4 stored in the storage part 2.

[0012] The housing 3 has a box shape that is substantially rectangular when viewed from above, and is configured such that the upper opening of the storage part 2 is opened and closed by a lid (not shown). <00001​​Furthermore, a storage compartment 2 is recessed along the outer wall of the housing 3 around the suction pump 30 and the control unit 40. The storage compartment 2 houses an arm 60 pivotally supported by the housing 3, and a plurality of hoses 70 for connecting medical instruments such as suction tips 4 to the housing 3. A holder 80 is pivotally supported at the tip of the arm 60. The holder 80 holds the suction tip 4 and is housed in the storage compartment 2, and is configured to move upwards from the housing 3 as the arm 60 rotates.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the gas-liquid separation tank 10 includes a container 11 made of a light-transmitting material such as transparent resin, and a lid member 12 that is attached to the upper opening of the container 11 and opens and closes. Of these, the container 11 has a bottomed cylindrical shape, and its external dimensions are set to allow insertion and removal in the vertical direction to match the shape of the inner storage space of the tank storage section 5 in which it is housed. Furthermore, the vertical dimensions of the container 11 are set so that the upper opening periphery 11a protrudes upward when housed in the tank storage section 5.

[0015] Furthermore, the lid member 12 is circular in top view and is detachably fitted onto the opening periphery 11a of the container 11. The lid member 12 is connected to an intake pipe 13 that draws in wastewater along with gas, and an exhaust pipe 14 that exhausts the gas separated from the wastewater in the gas-liquid separation tank 10. In the first embodiment, the lower ends of the intake pipe 13 and the exhaust pipe 14 are extended so as to protrude into the internal space of the container 11.

[0016] Furthermore, the other end of the exhaust pipe 14 is connected to the suction pump 30. When the suction pump 30 is driven, the gas present in the upper space within the gas-liquid separation tank 10 is discharged from the gas-liquid separation tank 10 through the exhaust pipe 14 and the suction pump 30. At this time, the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 10 becomes negatively pressurized.

[0017] Furthermore, the other end of the intake pipe 13 is connected to the suction tip 4 via the hose 70. Therefore, the gas drawn in from the suction tip 4 flows into the gas-liquid separation tank 10 from the intake pipe 13 via the hose 70, along with the wastewater. Of this, the gas is separated from the wastewater and remains in the upper part of the space inside the gas-liquid separation tank 10. Also, the wastewater that flows down from the lower end of the intake pipe 13 is stored in the lower part of the container 11 by its own weight. As a result, the water level of the wastewater W, which is the water level in the stored container 11, rises as the inflow rate increases. As long as the wastewater W does not reach the lower end of the exhaust pipe 14, the wastewater will not be sucked inwards into the exhaust pipe 14.

[0018] Furthermore, the upper wall surface 12a of the lid member 12 on the container 11 side is provided with a cage 16 and a spherical float 17 housed within the cage 16. The cage body 16 has a cylindrical shape with an axial direction in the vertical direction. An optical aperture 16a is formed in the middle of the vertical direction on the side surface of the cage body 16. The optical aperture 16a has an opening size that allows the illumination light L emitted by the light emitter 18 (described later) to pass through the cage body 16 in the horizontal direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the cage body 16 is provided with small holes 16b that allow wastewater to pass through and have an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the float 17. Furthermore, the float 17 has buoyancy that allows it to move up and down in accordance with the water level W of the wastewater stored in the container 11. Then, wastewater flows in and out of the cage 16 through the small holes 16b or the light opening 16a, causing the wastewater level D inside the cage 16 to move up and down together with the wastewater level inside the container 11. In this way, the float 17 is configured to move up and down along the axial direction inside the cage 16 in accordance with the amount of wastewater stored in the container 11.

[0020] Furthermore, the tank storage section 5 has an optical sensor on the outside of its side wall that detects the presence or absence of the float 17 using light transmitted through the stored container 11. In the first embodiment, a through-type sensor 20 is provided, which has a light emitter 18 and a light receiver 19 facing each other as an optical sensor. The light emitter 18 and light receiver 19 of the through-type sensor 20 are fixed to a pair of side walls located on opposite radial sides of the tank housing 5, respectively, so as to face each other. The light emitter 18 and light receiver 19 of the through-type sensor 20 are connected to a control unit 40. The light L emitted by the light emitter 18 passes through the space inside the tank storage compartment 5 and is received by the light receiver 19 on the opposite side. The optical axis of the light L is set to pass below the lower end of the exhaust pipe 14.

[0021] Furthermore, when the gas-liquid separation tank 10 is housed in the tank storage section 5, the irradiation light L emitted from the light emitter 18 can pass through the container 11, which is made of transparent resin. Therefore, the light receiver 19 on the opposite side can receive the irradiation light L even when the gas-liquid separation tank 10 is housed in the tank storage section 5.

[0022] More specifically, the light emitter 18 emits illumination light L in accordance with a control signal sent from the connected control unit 40. The illumination light L from the light emitter 18 passes through one side of the container 11, which is made of transparent resin, and reaches the cage 16. The cage body 16 allows the irradiated light L to pass horizontally through the light openings 16a, 16a formed on its sides. As a result, the irradiated light L passes from the inside of the container 11 through the other side of the container 11, which is made of transparent resin, and enters the light receiver 19 fixed to the other side wall of the tank storage section 5.

[0023] The light receiver 19 detects the presence or absence of the irradiated light L. It then converts the amount of the received irradiated light into an electrical detection signal and outputs it to the control unit 40. For example, as shown in Figure 2, when the wastewater level W is low and the float 17 is below the cage 16, the light receiver 19 can detect the light L emitted from the light emitter 18. The light receiver 19 can then output an electrical signal to the control unit 40 indicating that it has detected the light L.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, when the float 17 inside the cage 16 rises to a predetermined height, the illumination light L is blocked by the float 17, and the light receiver 19 is unable to detect the illumination light L from the light emitter 18. Therefore, the light receiver 19 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit 40 indicating that there is no irradiating light L. Therefore, the control unit 40 can detect that the wastewater level W has risen to a predetermined position and the float 17 has blocked the irradiated light L. The control unit 40 is also configured to stop the operation of the suction pump 30 so that wastewater is not sucked in from the exhaust pipe 14.

[0025] In the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, the suction operation of wastewater is started using the suction tip 4 connected to the end of the hose 70 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the suction pump 30 is activated by the operation of a manual switch such as a foot switch, which turns on the control signal from the control unit 40. As a result, wastewater, along with gas, is drawn into the container 11 of the gas-liquid separation tank 10 via the hose 70.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, when the wastewater level D in the gas-liquid separation tank 10 rises due to the inflow of wastewater, the float 17 inside the cage 16 rises. As shown in Figure 4, when the raised float 17 blocks the illumination light L emitted from the light emitter 18, the light receiver 19 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 40 indicating that there is no illumination light L. This allows the control unit 40 to stop the operation of the suction pump 30 and prevent wastewater from flowing into the gas-liquid separation tank 10.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the through-type sensor 20 for detecting the amount of wastewater stored is fixed to the outside of the side wall of the tank storage section 5 and does not come into contact with the wastewater stored in the container 11. Therefore, by separating the container 11 of the gas-liquid separation tank 10 from the tank storage section 5 and removing it by pulling it upwards, the wastewater can be discarded from the container 11 and cleaned. In addition, the lid member 12 can be removed from the container 11 and washed thoroughly.

[0028] Therefore, the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment is easy to disassemble, and unlike conventional devices, electronic components do not hinder cleaning. Thus, the cleanability of the gas-liquid separation tank 10 can be improved. Furthermore, the through-type sensor 20 can detect the amount of wastewater from the outside of the transparent resin container 11 without contact. Therefore, wastewater does not come into contact with electronic components or the wiring connected to them. As a result, it can reduce malfunctions caused by disconnections or short circuits, thus exhibiting practically beneficial effects.

[0029] Figures 6 and 7 show a portable medical device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts identical to those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The description will focus on the differences in configuration and operation.

[0030] The portable medical device 100 shown in Figure 6 is equipped with a reflective sensor 20A as an optical sensor. The reflective sensor 20A is a non-contact sensor that has a light emitter and a light receiver (not shown) integrated into one unit and is fixed to one side wall of the tank storage section 5. Then, the light L1 emitted from the light emitter of the reflective sensor 20A towards the cage 16 is reflected by the surface of the float 17 as the amount of wastewater rises to a predetermined position. The reflected light L2, which is reflected in the direction of the reflective sensor 20A, is received by the light receiver of the reflective sensor 20A, and the system is configured to detect whether or not the reflected light has reached the light receiver that the float 17 has risen to the optical axis of the light L1.

[0031] Furthermore, the light emitter and light receiver of the through-type sensor 20 are connected to the control unit 40. The control unit 40 is configured to transmit control signals to the light emitter to control the illumination light and to receive detection signals from the light receiver. Therefore, by reducing the number of parts, the configuration can be simplified and the risk of failure can be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, the reflective sensor 20A of the second embodiment employs a modulation method to reduce the influence of ambient light. The modulation method of the second embodiment is a pulse-modulated optical method that uses irradiation light L1 with a constant period, as shown in Figure 7. Then, the period of the illumination light L1 emitted from the light emitter at a fixed interval is compared with the period of the reflected light that enters the light receiver, and only pulses that are identical are used for detection to determine whether or not the float 17 has risen to a predetermined position. This allows the position of the wastewater surface W to be detected without being affected by ambient light present around the portable medical device 100.

[0033] The portable medical device 100 of the second embodiment, configured in this way, has the added benefit of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, plus the ability of a reflective sensor 20A, which has a light emitter and a light receiver integrated into one unit, to detect the position of a float 17 that moves up and down according to the water level of the stored wastewater surface W, thereby stopping the operation of the suction pump 30.

[0034] In this case, the portable medical device 100 of the second embodiment employs a pulse-modulated light type reflective sensor 20A. As shown in the graph in Figure 7, the reflected light L2 reflected at a constant period is detected by the light receiver, and the position of the float 17 is determined based on whether or not there is incoming light that is synchronized with the pulse. Therefore, the portable medical device 100 of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects and advantages of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, further uses a modulated optical sensor as the reflective sensor 20A. This makes it possible to prevent false detections caused by ambient light such as ambient illumination at the location where the portable medical device 100 is installed. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0035] Figures 8 to 10 show a portable medical device 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Parts identical to those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The description will focus on the differences in configuration and operation. The portable medical device 200 has a buffer section 216 at the lower part 214 of the intake pipe 213 as an example of a chatter prevention function to prevent chattering caused by fluctuations in the wastewater surface W of the gas-liquid separation tank 10. The buffer section 216 is configured to mitigate the force of the wastewater flowing from the intake pipe 213 into the gas-liquid separation tank 10.

[0036] In other words, the lower part 214 of the buffer portion 216 in the third embodiment is provided with a bottom member (cap) that closes the lower side of the intake pipe 213, as shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the lower part of the intake pipe 213 is formed with a larger diameter than the upper part. And, as shown in Figure 10, an inlet 215 is formed in the lower side wall, opening outwards toward the inner wall surface of the container 11 by cutting out a portion of it.

[0037] In the portable medical device 200 of the third embodiment configured in this way, in addition to the effects and advantages of the portable medical device 1, the lower side of the intake pipe 213 is further sealed by the bottom member. Therefore, the wastewater flowing down into the container 11 does not directly come into contact with the stored wastewater surface W perpendicularly and shake in the vertical direction. Then, as shown in Figure 10, the intake pipe 213 smoothly directs wastewater in a swirling motion along the inner surface of the container 11 from the inlet 215 formed at its lower part.

[0038] In the portable medical device 200 of the third embodiment configured in this way, the bottom member that closes the lower side and the inlet 215 formed in the side wall reduce the force of the wastewater. In other words, the buffer section 216 of the third embodiment can suppress the shaking of the wastewater surface W by sucking it in a way that prevents the wastewater surface W from shaking during suction, through the inlet 215 that opens on the side wall of the lower part 214 toward the inner wall surface of the container 11 shown in Figure 10. Therefore, the portable medical device 200 can prevent the suction pump 30 from being turned on and off due to excessive fluctuations in the wastewater level W. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0039] Figure 11 shows a portable medical device 300 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Parts similar to those of the portable medical device 1,200 of the first and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The description will focus on the parts that differ in configuration and operation. The portable medical device 300 is equipped with a chatter prevention function at the lower part 314 of the inhalation tube to prevent chattering caused by fluctuations in the wastewater surface W of the gas-liquid separation tank 10.

[0040] The chattering prevention function of the fourth embodiment is provided with a bottom member that closes the lower side of the lower part 314 and an inlet 315 formed in the side wall, similar to the intake pipe 213 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 10, and further includes a spiral cap 317 as shown in Figure 11. The spiral cap 317 has a guide projection 316 which serves as part of a buffer to guide the vortex flowing down into the relatively large-diameter lower section 314. The guide projection 316 is formed to bulge in the direction inward of the flow path.

[0041] The portable medical device 300 of the fourth embodiment, configured in this way, offers the advantages and benefits of the portable medical device 1,200 of the first and third embodiments, plus the guide projection 316 of the spiral cap 317 provided at the lower part 314, which smoothly guides the wastewater flowing out from the inlet 215 along the inner surface of the container 11. Therefore, the fluctuation of the wastewater surface W is further suppressed, preventing excessive on / off operation of the suction pump 30. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1,200 in the first and third embodiments, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0042] Figures 12 to 14 show a portable medical device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Parts identical to those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The description will focus on the parts that differ in configuration and operation. First, Figure 12 is a circuit diagram of a chatter suppression circuit 44 that electrically prevents chattering as an alternative means of preventing chattering used in the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment. The debouncing circuit 44 includes a Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 to prevent chattering. The Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 is connected to a photodetector 19 as shown in Figure 2, and receives an electrical signal output from the photodetector 19 upon receiving light. The system is then connected to mitigate voltage fluctuations that cause chattering and to output an on / off signal to the pump drive output unit 45, which will be described later (see Figure 14). As a result, the dechattering circuit 44 can prevent chattering by suppressing the switching of the on / off signal that controls the on / off operation of the suction pump.

[0043] Figure 13 is a graph that specifically illustrates the operation of the debouncing circuit 44. The graph in Figure 13 shows the voltage fluctuations at points A, B, and C, as indicated in Figure 12, in a time series. In other words, when the irradiating light L enters the water due to a decrease in the wastewater level W, the electrical signal output from the light receiver 19 to the Schmidt trigger NOT circuit 120 may fluctuate up and down at point A in a short period of time due to the change in the wastewater level W. In this case, even if the voltage at point A repeatedly switches on and off for a short time and does not stabilize, the discharge by the capacitor of the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 can start, gradually lowering the voltage at point B. Therefore, there is a delay in the time it takes for the voltage at point B to drop to the "L" recognition level, which indicates that light is being received. Consequently, the timing until the ON signal is output to the pump drive output unit 45 by the switch ON operation at point C can be delayed.

[0044] Furthermore, when the incoming light L ceases due to a rise in the wastewater level W, the electrical signal output from the light receiver 19 to the Schmidt trigger NOT circuit 120 may fluctuate up and down at point A in a short period of time due to the change in the wastewater level W. In this case, even if the voltage at point A repeatedly switches on and off for a short time and does not stabilize, the charging of the capacitor in the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 begins, and the voltage at point B can be gradually increased. Therefore, there is a delay in the time it takes for the voltage at point B to rise to the "H" recognition level, which indicates that there is no incoming light. Consequently, the timing until the off signal is output to the pump drive output unit 45 by the switch OFF operation at point C can be delayed. As a result, the chattering removal circuit 44 can suppress the switching of the on / off signal even if the wastewater surface W is frequently shaken, thereby preventing excessive on / off operation of the suction pump.

[0045] Figure 14 shows a schematic block diagram of the configuration of the control circuit 40 to which the chattering removal circuit 44 is applied in the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment. The control circuit 40 of the portable medical device shown in Figure 14 includes an ambient light suppression unit 41, a chattering removal circuit 44 that receives electrical signals from the ambient light suppression unit 41, and a pump drive output unit 45 that controls the drive of the suction pump 30 according to the electrical signals output from the chattering removal circuit 44.

[0046] Of these, the ambient light suppression unit 41 is equipped with a pulse oscillation circuit 42 and a comparison circuit 43. The pulse oscillation circuit 42 is connected to the light emitter 18 and periodically outputs an output signal of the irradiated light. Furthermore, the comparison circuit 43 is connected to the light receiver 19 and is configured to receive the electrical signal generated by the incoming light. The comparison circuit 43 is configured to compare the pulse of the electrical signal input from the photodetector 19 with the pulse of the output signal from the pulse oscillation circuit 42, and to allow only electrical signals with identical pulses to pass through.

[0047] In the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment configured in this way, the control unit 40 shown in Figure 14, in addition to the effects of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, further prevents the influence of ambient light by allowing only electrical signals of the same pulse to pass through the comparison circuit 43 of the ambient light prevention unit 41. Furthermore, chattering of the electrical signal sent from the ambient light prevention unit 41 is eliminated by the chattering removal circuit 44 shown in Figure 12. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, excessive on / off operation of the suction pump 30 is also prevented. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0048] Figure 15 shows the configuration of the portable medical device 400 of the sixth embodiment. Parts identical to those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The explanation will focus on the parts that differ in configuration and function.

[0049] The portable medical device 400 of the sixth embodiment further includes a valve mechanism 410 in addition to the configuration of the portable medical device 1. The valve mechanism 410 has a spherical shutter float 411 that rises with the wastewater level W to close the exhaust pipe 14 as a forced shutter. An annular sealing surface portion 413 is provided inside the exhaust pipe 14, having a sealing surface on its lower side that contacts and seals the shutter float 411 as it rises inside the pipe. In the figure, the sealing surface of the sealing surface portion 413 is shown to be tapered, but it is not limited to this. That is, the sealing surface of the sealing surface portion 413 may have any angle of inclination of tapered shape. In addition, the sealing surface may have other shapes, and the shape of the sealing surface portion 413 is not limited to the tapered shape shown in the figure. Furthermore, a small hole 412 is formed on the inner edge of the sealing surface portion 413 at the central position in the radial direction of the exhaust pipe 14. The small hole 412 is sized to allow gas to flow when the exhaust pipe 14 is not closed by the shutter float 411.

[0050] Furthermore, the portable medical device 400 of the sixth embodiment is provided with a stopper portion 401 on the upper part of the cage 16. The stopper portion 401 is configured to stop the float 17, which rises inside the cage 16 due to the rise of the wastewater level W, in a position that blocks the light L emitted from the light emitter 18, so that the float 17 does not pass the proper stopping position and rise further, thereby preventing the suction pump 30 from being driven again.

[0051] The portable medical device 400 of the sixth embodiment, configured in this way, has, in addition to the effects and advantages of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, a valve mechanism 410. The valve mechanism 410 is provided with a shutter float 411 for forced shuttering on the exhaust pipe 14 side. Therefore, when the wastewater level W rises, the shutter float 411 rises along with the wastewater level W and contacts the sealing surface 413 from below, sealing and closing the area around the small hole 412 in an annular shape. Consequently, even if the suction pump remains in the ON position, wastewater will not enter the suction pump. Thus, wastewater overflow can be prevented even if the optical sensor or control circuit malfunctions.

[0052] Furthermore, the valve mechanism 410 can forcibly prevent wastewater from entering the suction pump 30. This makes it possible to prevent wastewater from overflowing due to inertial rotation immediately after the suction pump 30 stops.

[0053] Furthermore, a stopper portion 401 is provided at the top of the cage body 16. As a result, the shutter float 411 rises in conjunction with the rise in the wastewater level W and comes into contact with the lower end surface of the stopper portion 401, stopping at a position that blocks the light emitted from the light emitter 18. This prevents the suction pump 30 from being driven again by the shutter float 411 rising further past its proper stopping position. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0054] Figures 16 and 17 show the configuration of the valve mechanism 510 provided in the portable medical device 500 of the seventh embodiment. Parts similar to those in the portable medical device 1,400 of the first and sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The explanation will focus on the parts that differ in configuration and function.

[0055] The valve mechanism 510 of the portable medical device 500 of the seventh embodiment has an ellipsoidal composite float 511 that is housed in a cage 515 extending from the lower part of the exhaust pipe 14 so as to be able to move up and down, and functions as a shutter float for a forced shutter by rising together with the wastewater level W to close the exhaust pipe 14. The valve mechanism 510 is provided with an annular sealing surface portion 513, for example, a tapered shape with a small hole 512 formed in the center, and as shown in Figure 17, the hemispherical upper surface portion of the composite float 511 abuts against it to form an annular seal, thereby reliably sealing the exhaust pipe 14.

[0056] The composite float 511 of the seventh embodiment has a vertical length dimension that is larger than the outer diameter of the upper surface, and also serves as a float detected by the through-type sensor 20. As shown in Figure 16, in the valve mechanism 510 of the seventh embodiment, a composite float 511 with a vertically elongated dimension is housed inside a cylindrical body below the cage 515. This allows the composite float 511 to move stably in the vertical direction together with the wastewater surface W.

[0057] In the valve mechanism 510 of the seventh embodiment configured in this way, the composite float 511 for the forced shutter also serves as the float 17 of the first embodiment, which controls the on / off operation (operation / stop) of the suction pump 30. The composite float 511, by having an ellipsoidal shape, prevents the lower part of the composite float 511 from passing beyond the optical axis of the light emitted by the light emitter 18 during inertial rotation until the pump stops. Furthermore, the structure can be simplified by reducing the number of tubular bodies connected to the lid member 12 of the portable medical device 1. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0058] Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the portable medical device 600 of the eighth embodiment. Parts identical to those of the portable medical device 500 of the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The explanation will focus on the differences in configuration and operation. As shown in Figure 18, the portable medical device 600 of the eighth embodiment has a cage connected below the exhaust pipe 14 in the gas-liquid separation tank. Furthermore, the cage contains a float 611 for stopping the suction pump and a shutter float 612.

[0059] Of these, the shutter float 612 is positioned at the top of the cage body. The float 611 is positioned below the shutter float 612.

[0060] In the portable medical device 600 of the eighth embodiment configured in this way, as shown in Figure 18, the float 611 and the shutter float 612 are arranged in series in the vertical direction within a single cage. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19, when the wastewater level W rises, the through-type sensor 20 first detects the rise of the float 611 and turns off the suction pump 30. Subsequently, if the wastewater level W rises further, the shutter float 612 closes the exhaust pipe 14. This reliably prevents wastewater from flowing into the suction pump 30.

[0061] Furthermore, in the portable medical device 600, the float 611 and shutter float 612 are housed in a single cage, arranged in series in the vertical direction. Therefore, the relative vertical positions, such as the travel distance of the float 611 or the shutter float 612, or the sealing position of the shutter float, can be easily set by changing the shape of a single cage. Therefore, the timing of the suction pump 30's off operation and the shutter float 612 closing the exhaust pipe 14 can be coordinated while being different, thereby reliably preventing wastewater from flowing into the suction pump 30. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1,500 in the first and seventh embodiments, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0062] As described above, the portable medical device 1 of the present invention comprises an intake pipe 13 for sucking up wastewater together with gas, and a gas-liquid separation tank 10 for separating wastewater from gas and storing the wastewater. The portable medical device 1 also comprises an exhaust pipe 14 for exhausting the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank 10, a suction pump 30 for sucking up the gas from the exhaust pipe 14, and a tank storage section 5 for detachably housing the gas-liquid separation tank 10. The gas-liquid separation tank 10 has a container 11 made of a light-transmitting material. Furthermore, the container 11 is equipped with a float 17 that moves up and down according to the water level of the stored wastewater W. The tank storage unit 5 has an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of the float 17 using light transmitted through the container 11. When the transmissive sensor 20 detects the rise of the float 17, it stops the operation of the suction pump 30.

[0063] The portable medical device 1 of the present invention provides a portable medical device that is easy to clean and has a low risk of malfunction.

[0064] More specifically, the container 11 of the gas-liquid separation tank 10, where the wastewater is stored, is made of a light-transmitting material. Therefore, by using the irradiated light L that passes through the container 11, the through-type sensor 20 can detect the presence or absence of the float 17, which rises along with the water level of the stored wastewater surface D, without coming into contact with the wastewater, and the operation of the suction pump 30 can be stopped.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the container 11 is detachably stored in the tank storage section 5. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the container 11 can be easily removed from the tank storage section 5 and thoroughly washed, resulting in excellent cleanability. Furthermore, since the container 11 to be cleaned is removed from the tank storage section 5, there is no need to clean it. Therefore, the risk of electronic equipment such as the light emitter 18 and light receiver 19 of the transmissive sensor 20, or the wiring connecting them, getting wet with contaminated water and malfunctioning due to short circuits, can be reduced, thus providing practically beneficial effects.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2, the optical sensor is a transmissive sensor 20 having a light emitter 18 and a light receiver 19 facing each other. This makes it possible to detect the position of the wastewater surface W without contact with the wastewater.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the optical sensor is a reflective sensor 20A that has a light emitter and a light receiver integrated into one unit. This makes it possible to detect the position of the wastewater surface W from one side of the container 11 without contact with the wastewater, and simplifies the structure.

[0068] Furthermore, the reflective sensor 20A shown in Figure 6 is a modulated type (see pulse waveform in Figure 7). This prevents false detections caused by ambient light.

[0069] Furthermore, portable medical devices 200, as shown in Figures 8 to 14, are equipped with a chatter prevention function to prevent chattering caused by fluctuations in the wastewater surface W of the gas-liquid separation tank 10. This prevents excessive on / off operation of the suction pump even when the wastewater surface W is fluctuating.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8, the chattering prevention function includes a buffer section 216 that reduces the force of the wastewater flowing from the intake pipe 213 into the gas-liquid separation tank 10. Therefore, fluctuations in the wastewater surface W are suppressed, preventing excessive on / off operation of the suction pump 30.

[0071] Furthermore, the chattering prevention function includes a chattering removal circuit 44, as shown in Figure 12, which suppresses the switching of the on / off signal that controls the on / off operation of the suction pump 30, thereby preventing chattering. As a result, even if the wastewater surface W fluctuates frequently, the chattering removal circuit 44 suppresses the switching of the on / off signal, preventing excessive on / off operation of the suction pump 30.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the exhaust pipe 14 has a shutter float 411 that rises with the wastewater level W to close the exhaust pipe 14. As a result, when the wastewater level W rises, the shutter float 411 rises along with the wastewater level W, closing the exhaust pipe 14. Therefore, even if the suction pump 30 remains in the ON position, wastewater will not enter the suction pump 30.

[0073] Therefore, it is possible to prevent wastewater from overflowing due to the inertial rotation of the suction pump 30. Furthermore, even if the optical sensor malfunctions and the suction pump 30 does not stop, the shutter float 411 rises and closes the exhaust pipe 14. Therefore, wastewater overflow can be prevented.

[0074] As shown in Figure 16, the shutter float 411 is a composite float 511 that also serves as a float detected by the through-type sensor 20. As a result, when the wastewater level W rises, the composite float 511 closes the exhaust pipe 14. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, when the through-type sensor 20 detects the rise of the composite float 511, the suction pump 30 can be turned off to prevent wastewater from flowing into the suction pump 30.

[0075] Furthermore, the composite float 511 has a hemispherical upper surface that, as it rises, contacts and seals the sealing surface 513 provided on the exhaust pipe 14. The length dimension of the composite float 511 in the vertical direction is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the upper surface. Therefore, the composite float 511 can be shaped to stabilize its vertical movement and ensure a reliable seal.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the gas-liquid separation tank is equipped with a cage connected to the exhaust pipe 14, The shutter float 612 is positioned at the top of the cage, and the float 611 is positioned below the shutter float 612 within the cage.

[0077] As a result, as shown in Figure 19, when the wastewater level W rises, the shutter float 612 closes the exhaust pipe 14. In addition, when the through-type sensor 20 detects the rise of the float 611 for stopping the suction pump 30, the suction pump 30 is turned off to prevent wastewater from flowing into the suction pump 30. Therefore, practical benefits such as being able to provide a portable medical device that is easy to clean and has a low risk of malfunction can be achieved.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. The embodiments described above are illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those comprising all the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace parts of the configuration of one embodiment with those of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add configurations from other embodiments to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to delete parts of the configuration of each embodiment, or to add or replace other configurations. Possible modifications to the above embodiments are as follows, for example.

[0079] The composite float 511 of the seventh embodiment is ellipsoidal in shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the composite float 511 may be an oblong sphere or have a hemispherical structure on the top surface and a cylindrical structure on the bottom surface, as long as it does not pass through the optical axis, and the shape, number, material and combination of functions of the floats may be configured in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 1. Portable medical device 5. Tank storage compartment 10. Gas-liquid separation tank 11 Container 13 Intake pipe 14 Exhaust pipe 17 Floats

Claims

1. An intake pipe that draws in wastewater along with gas, A gas-liquid separation tank separates wastewater and gas flowing in from the intake pipe and stores the wastewater, An exhaust pipe for exhausting the gas separated in the aforementioned gas-liquid separation tank, A suction pump for drawing gas from the exhaust pipe, It comprises a tank storage section for detachably housing the aforementioned gas-liquid separation tank, The aforementioned gas-liquid separation tank has a container made of a light-transmitting material, The container is equipped with a float that moves up and down according to the water level of the stored wastewater. The tank storage section has an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a float using light transmitted through the container. When the optical sensor detects the rise of the float, it stops the operation of the suction pump. A portable medical device characterized by the following features.

2. The optical sensor is a transmissive sensor having a light emitter and a light receiver facing each other. The portable medical device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

3. The optical sensor is a reflective type sensor having a light emitter and a light receiver integrated into one unit. The portable medical device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

4. The optical sensor is of the modulation type. The portable medical device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

5. The aforementioned gas-liquid separation tank is equipped with a chatter prevention function to prevent chattering caused by fluctuations in the water surface. The portable medical device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

6. The chatter prevention function includes a buffer that reduces the force of the wastewater flowing from the intake pipe into the gas-liquid separation tank. The portable medical device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a portable medical device.

7. The chattering prevention function includes a chattering removal circuit that suppresses the switching of the on / off signal that controls the on / off operation of the suction pump, thereby preventing chattering. The portable medical device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a portable medical device.

8. The exhaust pipe has a shutter float that rises with the water level to close the exhaust pipe. The portable medical device according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

9. The shutter float is a composite float that also serves as the float detected by the optical sensor. The portable medical device according to claim 8.

10. The composite float has a hemispherical upper portion that, upon rising, contacts and seals the sealing surface provided on the exhaust pipe, and its vertical length is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the upper portion. The portable medical device according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned gas-liquid separation tank is equipped with a cage connected to the exhaust pipe, The shutter float is positioned at the top of the cage, The float is located within the cage below the shutter float. The portable medical device according to claim 8.

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