Suction devices and auxiliary devices for existing suction devices

Abstract

An auxiliary device is provided that can add a function for storing a usage history to an existing suction device. [Solution] The auxiliary device 20 of the present invention is a device that is attached to and used with an existing portable suction device 10 that has a tube extending from a space S to be made negative pressure and a pump 11 connected to the tube, and is equipped with an internal pressure sensor 30 that detects the internal pressure of the tube and outputs an internal pressure signal related to the internal pressure, a memory unit 32, a control unit 31 that, when the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal satisfies a predetermined first condition, or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure and a preset reference pressure satisfies a predetermined second condition, stores in the memory unit 32 the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal output thereafter or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure, and a power supply unit 36 ​​that supplies power to at least the control unit 31.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary device that is attached to an existing portable suction device and has a tube extending from a space to be made negative pressure and a pump connected to the tube, and to a suction device that has a tube extending from a space to be made negative pressure and a pump connected to the tube. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, suction devices have been used in various fields. For example, in the field of erectile dysfunction treatment, a suction device 10 as shown in FIG. 8 is used (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). The suction device 10 is a portable device operated by a patient, i.e., a user, and includes a manual pump 11, a flexible tube 12, a cover 13 that is attached to the human body so as to cover the penis, and a negative pressure release valve 14. According to this suction device 10, by operating the lever 11a of the manual pump 11 with the cover 13 attached, the space S (the space to be made negative pressure) in the cover 13 and the space in the tube 12 connected thereto can be made negative pressure, activating the blood flow in the penis and promoting an erection.

[0003] Suction devices are also used in the field of liposuction. In this case, the suction device is configured to include a cannula that is inserted into the part to be suctioned, a tube extending from the cannula, and a syringe (manual pump) provided at the tip of the tube. An electric pump may be used instead of the syringe. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] “Vigor2020”, [online], A&HB Co., Ltd., [Retrieved October 22, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / aandhb.com / vigor2020 / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional suction devices cannot store usage history. Therefore, users who are instructed by doctors to provide their usage history must take notes while using the suction device. In addition, doctors must judge whether the suction device is being used appropriately based on the user's notes, which may be inaccurate.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an objective of providing an auxiliary device that can add a function of storing usage history to an existing suction device, and to provide a suction device that can store usage history. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the auxiliary device of the present invention is a device that is attached to an existing portable suction device that has a tube extending from the space to be made negative pressure and a pump connected to the tube, and is equipped with an internal pressure sensor that measures the internal pressure of the tube and outputs an internal pressure signal related to the internal pressure, a memory unit, a control unit that, when the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal satisfies a predetermined first condition or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure and a preset reference pressure satisfies a predetermined second condition, stores in the memory unit the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal output thereafter or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure, and a power supply unit that supplies power to at least the control unit.

[0008] The storage unit of the auxiliary device is preferably a removable storage medium.

[0009] The auxiliary device may further include a display unit. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit causes the display unit to display information regarding the relationship between the time change of the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and a predetermined time change, or the relationship between the time change of the differential pressure and a predetermined time change.

[0010] The auxiliary device may further include a transceiver that receives a measurement signal related to one or more measurement values ​​measured by the external device and outputs the measurement signal to the control unit. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit stores in the storage unit the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure and the measurement value indicated by the measurement signal in association with each other.

[0011] In addition, in order to solve the above problems, the suction device of the present invention comprises a tube extending from the space to be made negative pressure, a pump connected to the tube, an internal pressure sensor that measures the internal pressure of the tube and outputs an internal pressure signal related to the internal pressure, a memory unit, and a control unit that, when the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal satisfies a predetermined first condition or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure and a preset reference pressure satisfies a predetermined second condition, stores in the memory unit the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal output thereafter or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure.

[0012] The storage unit of the suction device is preferably a removable storage medium.

[0013] The suction device may further include a display unit. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit causes the display unit to display information regarding the relationship between the time change of the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and the predetermined time change, or the relationship between the time change of the differential pressure and the predetermined time change.

[0014] The suction device may further include a transceiver that receives a measurement signal related to one or more measurement values ​​measured by an external device and outputs the measurement signal to the control unit. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit stores in the storage unit the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure and the measurement value indicated by the measurement signal in association with each other. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an auxiliary device that can add a function of storing a usage history to an existing suction device, and to provide a suction device that can store a usage history. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a suction device and an auxiliary device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of an auxiliary device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram of a suction device and an auxiliary device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a usage history stored by the suction device and the auxiliary device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the usage history stored by the suction device and the auxiliary device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a suction device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a suction device and an auxiliary device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional suction device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a suction device and an auxiliary device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] [First Example] 1 shows a suction device 100A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The suction device 100A is an existing suction device 10 equipped with a manual pump 11, a tube 12, a cover 13, and a negative pressure release valve 14, to which an auxiliary device 20, a connecting tube 40, and a branch tube 41 are attached. The suction device 100A is a portable device used to treat erectile dysfunction.

[0019] The manual pump 11 has a lever 11a and a connection part 11b. The manual pump 11 is configured so that when a user, who is a patient, pulls the lever 11a in the direction of the arrow, air is sucked in through the connection part 11b.

[0020] Cover 13 is attached to the human body so as to cover the penis, and has small-diameter opening end 13a and large-diameter opening end 13b. The penis is inserted into space S (the space to be made negative pressure) inside cover 13 from large-diameter opening end 13b.

[0021] The pipe 12 is flexible and has one end airtightly attached to the small diameter opening end 13a of the cover 13, and the other end airtightly attached to one end of the branch pipe 41 (main pipe 41a).

[0022] The connecting pipe 40 has one end airtightly attached to the other end of the branch pipe 41 (main pipe 41a), and the other end airtightly attached to one end of the negative pressure release valve 14. The connecting pipe 40 is preferably flexible.

[0023] The negative pressure release valve 14 has the one end described above and the other end airtightly attached to the connection part 11b of the manual pump 11. When the user operates the negative pressure release valve 14, the space S and the internal spaces of the connecting pipe 40, the branch pipe 41, and the pipe 12 connected to the space S are opened to the atmosphere, and the negative pressure is released.

[0024] The branch pipe 41 includes the above-mentioned main pipe 41a and a secondary pipe 41b extending from a middle portion of the main pipe 41a. It is preferable that the main pipe 41a and the secondary pipe 41b have flexibility.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the auxiliary device 20 includes a housing having an interface surface 21, a first surface 22 and a second surface .

[0026] On the interface surface 21, a display unit 34 made up of a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 33 made up of a number of buttons are arranged.

[0027] A secondary pipe connecting portion 24 that is airtightly connected to the tip of the secondary pipe 41b of the branch pipe 41 is disposed on the second surface 23.

[0028] The housing of the auxiliary device 20 further has a pump attachment portion 25 for attaching the auxiliary device 20 to the manual pump 11. The pump attachment portion 25 is a tunnel that opens on the first surface 22 and the second surface 23, and is configured such that when the manual pump 11 is inserted from the opening on the first surface 22 side, a part of the connection portion 11b is exposed from the opening on the second surface 23 side.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the support device 20 further includes an internal pressure sensor 30, a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a transmitting / receiving unit 35, and a power supply unit 36, in addition to the housing, operation unit 33, and display unit 34 described above.

[0030] The internal pressure sensor 30 measures the internal pressure of the secondary pipe 41b connected to the secondary pipe connection portion 24, i.e., the pressure (internal pressure) of the space S within the cover 13, and outputs an internal pressure signal related to the measured internal pressure to the control portion 31.

[0031] The control unit 31 is composed of a microcomputer (MCU, Micro Computer Unit). When the differential pressure (=reference pressure-internal pressure) between the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and the reference pressure set by calibration described later satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., being negative), the control unit 31 stores the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal output thereafter together with the current date and time in the memory unit 32 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every second). The control unit 31 also causes the display unit 34 to display the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure indicated by the latest internal pressure signal, i.e., the current differential pressure.

[0032] The storage unit 32 is made up of a removable storage medium (for example, an SD card).

[0033] The operation unit 33 is composed of a plurality of buttons as described above. The operation unit 33 is operated to switch the state of the control unit 31 from a power saving state (a state in which functions are limited compared to the normal state but which consumes low power) to a normal state. The operation unit 33 is also operated to perform calibration. Calibration is performed before the lever 11a of the manual pump 11 is operated, that is, when the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal is atmospheric pressure. When calibration is performed, the control unit 31 sets the internal pressure (atmospheric pressure) at that time as the reference pressure.

[0034] When the user operates the operation unit 33, the state of the control unit 31 may be switched to the normal state, and then the calibration may be performed automatically (that is, without requiring any additional operation by the user).

[0035] The transmitter / receiver 35 is connected to an external device or the cloud via wired or wireless (for example, WiFi, Bluetooth) connection, and receives various signals from them and transmits various signals to them.

[0036] An example of an external device that can be connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 35 is an environmental sensor that measures atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity. When an environmental sensor is connected, the transmitting / receiving unit 35 receives an environmental signal related to the atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity from the environmental sensor and outputs the environmental signal to the control unit 31. When the transmitting / receiving unit 35 is outputting an environmental signal, the control unit 31 stores the differential pressure and the measurement values ​​(atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity) indicated by the environmental signal together with the current date and time in the memory unit 32 at predetermined time intervals.

[0037] Another example of an external device that can be connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 35 is a health sensor that measures the body temperature and heart rate of a user who is a patient. When a health sensor is connected, the transmitting / receiving unit 35 receives a health signal related to the body temperature and heart rate from the health sensor and outputs the health signal to the control unit 31. When the transmitting / receiving unit 35 is outputting a health signal, the control unit 31 stores the differential pressure and the measurement values ​​(body temperature, heart rate) indicated by the health signal together with the current date and time in the memory unit 32 at predetermined time intervals.

[0038] When an environmental sensor and a health sensor are not connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 35, a usage history as shown in Fig. 4 is stored in the memory unit 32. On the other hand, when an environmental sensor and a health sensor are connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 35, a usage history as shown in Fig. 5 is stored in the memory unit 32.

[0039] Yet another example of an external device that can be connected to the transmission / reception unit 35 is an external storage device capable of storing a large amount of data. When an external storage device is connected to the transmission / reception unit 35, the control unit 31 may store in the external storage device the same information as the information stored in the storage unit 32. Similarly, when the transmission / reception unit 35 is connected to a cloud, the control unit 31 may store in the cloud the same information as the information stored in the storage unit 32.

[0040] The power supply unit 36 ​​is made up of a primary battery or a secondary battery. The power supply unit 36 ​​supplies the necessary power to each component of the auxiliary device 20.

[0041] According to the auxiliary device 20 of this embodiment, it is possible to store a detailed usage history of the existing suction device 10 in an SD card (storage unit 32), an external storage device, and the cloud. In other words, according to the auxiliary device 20 of this embodiment, it is possible to update the existing suction device 10 to a suction device 100A having a function of storing a detailed usage history.

[0042] The SD card is submitted to a doctor. The doctor can refer to the usage history stored in the SD card using a computer or the like and provide advice on the level of negative pressure (for example, "the internal pressure is too low") and advice on the time for which negative pressure is maintained (for example, "it is not advisable to maintain a negative pressure state for more than 15 minutes"). The doctor can also provide advice based on the usage history stored in an external storage device or the cloud.

[0043] [Second Example] 6 shows a suction device 100B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The suction device 100B is a stationary device used for liposuction of the human body, and includes a cannula 16 inserted into a part to be suctioned, a main tube 42a of a branch tube 42 extending from the cannula 16, an electric pump 15 provided at the tip of the main tube 42a, and a housing (not shown). The branch tube 42 includes a sub-tube 42b extending from the main tube 42a.

[0044] When the electric pump 15 is operated, the space S inside the cannula 16 (the space to be made negative pressure) and the internal space of the branch pipe 42 communicating with the space S become negative pressure.

[0045] The suction device 100B further includes an internal pressure sensor 50, a control unit 51, a memory unit 52, an operation unit 53, a display unit 54, and a transmission / reception unit 55. These are disposed in the aforementioned housing together with the secondary pipe 42b and a part of the main pipe 42a. The remaining part of the main pipe 42a (i.e., the part exposed from the housing) is flexible.

[0046] The internal pressure sensor 50 measures the internal pressure of the secondary tube 42b, that is, the pressure (internal pressure) of the space S within the cannula 16, and outputs to the control unit 51 an internal pressure signal relating to the measured internal pressure.

[0047] The control unit 51 is composed of a microcomputer (MCU). Like the control unit 31, when the differential pressure (=reference pressure-internal pressure) between the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and the reference pressure set by calibration satisfies a predetermined condition (e.g., being negative), the control unit 51 stores the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal output thereafter together with the current date and time at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every second) in the storage unit 52. The control unit 51 also displays the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure indicated by the latest internal pressure signal, i.e., the current differential pressure, on the display unit 54 consisting of a liquid crystal display.

[0048] The storage unit 52 is made up of a removable storage medium (for example, an SD card).

[0049] The operation unit 53 is composed of a plurality of buttons or a touch panel. The operation unit 53 is operated to start / stop suction and change various settings. The operation unit 53 is also operated to perform calibration.

[0050] When an operation to start suction is performed on the operation unit 53, the control unit 51 activates the electric pump 15. On the other hand, when an operation to stop suction is performed on the operation unit 53, the control unit 51 stops the electric pump 15.

[0051] The transceiver 55, like the transceiver 35, is connected to an external device or the cloud via a wired or wireless connection, and receives various signals from them and transmits various signals to them.

[0052] An example of an external device that can be connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 55 is the above-mentioned environmental sensor. When the transmitting / receiving unit 55 is connected to the environmental sensor, the transmitting / receiving unit 55 receives an environmental signal from the environmental sensor and outputs the environmental signal to the control unit 51. When the transmitting / receiving unit 55 outputs an environmental signal, the control unit 51 stores the differential pressure and the measurement value indicated by the environmental signal together with the current date and time in the memory unit 52 at predetermined time intervals.

[0053] Another example of an external device that can be connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 55 is the health sensor described above. When a health sensor is connected, the transmitting / receiving unit 55 receives a health signal from the health sensor and outputs the health signal to the control unit 51. When the transmitting / receiving unit 55 outputs a health signal, the control unit 51 stores the differential pressure and the measurement value indicated by the health signal together with the current date and time in the memory unit 32 at predetermined time intervals.

[0054] Yet another example of an external device that can be connected to the transmission / reception unit 55 is an external storage device. When an external storage device is connected to the transmission / reception unit 55, the control unit 51 may store in the external storage device the same information as the information stored in the storage unit 52. Similarly, when the transmission / reception unit 55 is connected to a cloud, the control unit 51 may store in the cloud the same information as the information stored in the storage unit 52.

[0055] According to the suction device 100B of this embodiment, the usage history can be saved in an SD card (storage unit 52), an external storage device, and the cloud.

[0056] [Variations] Although the embodiment of the suction device and the auxiliary device according to the present invention has been described above, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0057] For example, the assist device according to the present invention may be attached to a suction device other than a portable suction device used to treat erectile dysfunction, and the suction device according to the present invention is not limited to a portable device used to treat erectile dysfunction or a stationary device used for liposuction.

[0058] The assisting device and the suction device according to the present invention may further include an environmental sensor 37, 57, as in the assisting device 20' and the suction device 100A', 100B' shown in Fig. 7. In this case, the control unit 31', 51' stores the differential pressure, the measurement values ​​(atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity) indicated by the environmental signal output by the environmental sensor 37, 57, and the measurement values ​​(e.g., body temperature, heart rate) indicated by the measurement signal (e.g., health signal) output by the transmitting / receiving unit 35, 55 together with the current date and time in the memory unit 32, 52 at predetermined time intervals.

[0059] Moreover, the auxiliary device 20, 20' according to the present invention may further include a means for detecting that the lever 11a of the manual pump 11 has been operated. In this case, the control unit 31, 31' may be triggered to switch from a power saving state to a normal state when the lever 11a is operated, and may be capable of storing the usage history in the memory unit 32, etc. Similarly, each unit other than the control unit 31, 31' constituting the auxiliary device 20, 20' may also be triggered to perform its respective function when the lever 11a is operated. In addition, if a metal member is configured to move inside the pump mounting portion 25 in response to the operation of the lever 11a, the operation of the lever 11a can be detected by providing a sensor for detecting the movement of the metal member near the pump mounting portion 25.

[0060] Furthermore, the control units 31, 31', 51, and 51' may store the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal, instead of the differential pressure, in the storage units 32 and 52, the external storage device, and the cloud.

[0061] The control unit 31, 31', 51, 51' may also display information on the relationship between the time change of the differential pressure or the internal pressure and the predetermined time change on the display unit 34, 54. For example, the control unit 31, 31', 51, 51' may display a mark on the display unit 34, 54 indicating whether the differential pressure or the internal pressure is higher or lower than the ideal differential pressure or the internal pressure. In this case, the user who is the patient can know from the mark whether the pump 11, 15 should be operated further or not. The control unit 31, 31', 51, 51' may also display a mark on the display unit 34, 54 indicating that the time during which the negative pressure was maintained has exceeded the ideal time. In this case, the user who is the patient can operate the negative pressure release valve 14 or stop the pump 15 when the mark is displayed.

[0062] Furthermore, sensors that can be connected to the transceivers 35 and 55 are not limited to environmental sensors and health sensors. Any sensor that outputs a measurement signal related to a measurement value at regular intervals (including the above-mentioned environmental signal and health signal) can be connected to the transceivers 35 and 55.

[0063] Furthermore, the suction devices 100A and 100A' (auxiliary devices 20 and 20') may not include the transceiver 35. Similarly, the suction devices 100B and 100B' may not include the transceiver 55. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 10 (Existing) Suction Device 11 Manual Pump 11a Lever 11b Connection 12 tubes 13 Cover 13a Small diameter opening end 13b Large diameter opening end 14 Negative pressure release valve 15 Electric Pump 16 Cannula 20 Auxiliary equipment 21 Interface Surface 22 Page 1 23 Side 2 24 Sub-pipe connection 25 Pump mounting part 30,50 Internal pressure sensor 31,51 Control section 32,52 Storage part 33,53 Operation section 34,54 Display section 35,55 Transmitter / receiver 36 Power supply section 37,57 Environmental Sensors 40 Connecting pipe 41 Branch Pipe 41a Master 41b Secondary pipe 42 Branch Pipe 42a master 42b Secondary pipe 100A, 100B (pertaining to the present invention) Suction device S Space that should be under negative pressure

Claims

1. An auxiliary device that is attached to a portable existing suction device that includes a tube extending from a space to be negatively pressurized and a pump connected to the tube, an internal pressure sensor that measures the internal pressure of the pipe and outputs an internal pressure signal related to the internal pressure; A storage unit; a control unit which, when a differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and a preset reference pressure becomes negative, continuously stores in the storage unit the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal output thereafter or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure; A power supply unit that supplies power to at least the control unit; An auxiliary device comprising:

2. The storage unit is a removable storage medium.

2. An auxiliary device as claimed in claim 1.

3. Further comprising a display unit, The control unit causes the display unit to display information regarding a relationship between a time change of the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and a predetermined time change, or a relationship between a time change of the differential pressure and a predetermined time change.

2. An auxiliary device as claimed in claim 1.

4. a transmitting / receiving unit that receives a measurement signal related to one or more measurement values ​​measured by an external device and outputs the measurement signal to the control unit, The control unit stores the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure and the measurement value indicated by the measurement signal in the storage unit in association with each other. An auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A tube extending from the space to be made negative pressure; a pump connected to the tube; an internal pressure sensor that measures the internal pressure of the pipe and outputs an internal pressure signal related to the internal pressure; A storage unit; a control unit which, when a differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and a preset reference pressure becomes negative, continuously stores in the storage unit the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal output thereafter or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure; A suction device comprising:

6. The storage unit is a removable storage medium.

6. The suction device according to claim 5.

7. Further comprising a display unit, The control unit causes the display unit to display information regarding a relationship between a time change of the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal and a predetermined time change, or a relationship between a time change of the differential pressure and a predetermined time change.

6. The suction device according to claim 5.

8. a transmitting / receiving unit that receives a measurement signal related to one or more measurement values ​​measured by an external device and outputs the measurement signal to the control unit, The control unit stores the internal pressure indicated by the internal pressure signal or the differential pressure calculated from the internal pressure and the measurement value indicated by the measurement signal in the storage unit in association with each other. The suction device according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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