Portable medical equipment

Abstract

To provide a portable medical device that is easy to clean and has a low risk of breakdown. [Solution] The system includes an intake pipe (13) that sucks in wastewater together with gas, and a gas-liquid separation tank (10) that separates the wastewater from the 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 unit (5) that detachably stores the gas-liquid separation tank (10). The gas-liquid separation tank (10) has a container (11) made of a light-transmitting material and is provided with a float (17) that rises and falls depending on the water level of the stored wastewater surface (W). The tank storage unit (5) has an optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of the float (17) using light that passes through the container (11). When a transmission sensor (20) detects the rise of the float (17), the operation of the suction pump (30) is stopped.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] It has long been known that dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, and veterinarians (hereinafter referred to as dentists, etc.) carry dedicated portable treatment equipment containing dental treatment instruments or driving equipment such as compressors in order to provide dental treatment to people who are receiving treatment at home. For example, there is a dental treatment device for house calls 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 medical instruments and the like in a portable housing.

[0003] Such portable medical devices have a built-in gas-liquid separation tank (gas-liquid separation tank) that can separate gas and water. When the suction device is activated, wastewater (rinse water, saliva, blood) generated in the patient's mouth is sucked in and discharged into the gas-liquid separation tank. This wastewater accumulates in the gas-liquid separation tank, and the air used for suction is discharged through the suction device.

[0004] A float is provided inside the gas-liquid separation tank, and when wastewater accumulates inside the tank body and the tank becomes full, the float closes the suction port of the exhaust-side relay pipe, preventing wastewater from entering the vacuum device.

[0005] However, such conventional portable medical devices do not electrically detect when the gas-liquid separation tank is full of wastewater and automatically stop the suction device. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a device that has two electrodes for detecting the liquid level on the cover member, and automatically stops the suction device when it detects the presence of dirty water inside the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 9-140733 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a portable medical device that uses electrodes for detecting the liquid level to detect the amount of wastewater, the electrical components located in the lid member get in the way when cleaning the lid member, making it impossible to wash the lid member completely. In addition, the two electrodes attached to the lid for detecting the liquid level come into direct contact with the wastewater inside the container, which can lead to breakage or short circuits in the wiring and electronic components connected to the electrodes, resulting in malfunctions. An object of the present invention is 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 includes an intake pipe for sucking in sewage together with gas, a gas-liquid separation tank for separating the sewage flowing in from the intake pipe and the gas and storing the sewage, an exhaust pipe for exhausting the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank, and a suction pump for sucking in the gas in the exhaust pipe. a housing having a tank housing portion for detachably housing a gas-liquid separation tank; Furthermore, the tank storage area Pull the gas-liquid separation tank upward to remove it. The gas-liquid separation tank is a container made of a light-transmitting material. and a lid member that is attached to the upper opening of the container and opens and closes, and the upper wall surface of the lid member is provided with: The tank is equipped with a float that moves up and down depending on the level of the accumulated wastewater. A container stored inside the side wall is irradiated with light that passes through the container from the outside of the side wall, An optical sensor that detects the presence or absence of a float Inside the enclosure When the optical sensor detects the rise of the float, the operation of the suction pump is stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a portable medical device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the cover removed to show the internal configuration of the housing. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, illustrating the configuration of the gas-liquid separation tank housed in the tank housing section. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state inside the gas-liquid separation tank during intake air, taken at a position corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken at a position corresponding to FIG. 2, illustrating how the raised float blocks light. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the gas-liquid separation tank is attached to and detached from the tank housing section, taken at a position corresponding to FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a gas-liquid separation tank housed in a tank housing section in a portable medical device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a graph illustrating the pulse period of light that reduces the influence of disturbances. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a gas-liquid separation tank housed in a tank housing section in a portable medical device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lower part of the exhaust pipe in the portable medical device of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8, illustrating the direction of wastewater flowing into the gas-liquid separation tank in the portable medical device of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 8, illustrating the direction of wastewater flowing into the gas-liquid separation tank in the portable medical device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a chattering removal circuit that prevents chattering in the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a graph showing the operation of the chattering removal circuit in the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14]FIG. 10 is a control circuit diagram of a portable medical device according to a fifth embodiment, in which a chattering removal circuit is provided. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a gas-liquid separation tank housed in a tank housing section in a portable medical device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a gas-liquid separation tank housed in a tank housing section in a portable medical device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which the raised float blocks light and closes the intake pipe in the portable medical device of the seventh embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a gas-liquid separation tank housed in a tank housing section in the portable medical device of the eighth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how two raised floats block light and close the intake pipe in the portable medical device of the eighth embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a portable medical device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in Figure 1, the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment includes a housing 3 having a recessed storage section 2 formed therein, and a plurality of medical instruments such as suction tips 4 stored in the storage section 2.

[0012] The housing 3 has a generally rectangular box shape when viewed from above, and is configured so that the upper opening of the storage section 2 can be opened and closed by a lid (not shown). The center of the housing 3 is provided with a gas-liquid separation tank 10 and a cylindrical tank housing section 5 that detachably houses the gas-liquid separation tank 10. The housing 3 also includes a suction pump 30 (see FIG. 2) adjacent to the tank housing section 5, a control section 40 that controls the operation of the suction pump 30, and a liquid crystal display section 50 that also serves as manual switches and operation switches.

[0013] Additionally, a storage section 2 is recessed along the outer wall of the housing 3 around the suction pump 30 and the control section 40. The storage section 2 houses an arm 60 pivotally supported by the housing 3 and a plurality of hoses 70 that connect medical instruments such as the suction tip 4 to the housing 3. A holder 80 is pivotally supported at the tip of the arm 60. The holder 80 is stored in the storage section 2 while holding the suction tip 4, and is configured to move above the housing 3 when the arm 60 rotates.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the gas-liquid separation tank 10 has a container 11 made of a light-transmitting material such as transparent resin, and a lid member 12 that is attached to the top opening of the container 11 to open and close. Of these, the container 11 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and its outer dimensions are set so that it can be inserted and removed in the vertical direction according to the shape of the inner storage space of the tank storage section 5 in which it is stored. The vertical dimensions of the container 11 are set so that the upper opening rim 11a protrudes upward when it is stored in the tank storage section 5.

[0015] The lid member 12 is circular in top view and is detachably fitted onto the opening periphery 11a of the container 11. An intake pipe 13 that sucks in wastewater together with gas, and an exhaust pipe 14 that exhausts gas separated from the wastewater in the gas-liquid separation tank 10 are connected to the lid member 12. 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] The other end of the exhaust pipe 14 is connected to a suction pump 30. When the suction pump 30 is driven, the gas present in the upper space inside the gas-liquid separation tank 10 is discharged from the gas-liquid separation tank 10 via the exhaust pipe 14 and the suction pump 30. At this time, the inside of the gas-liquid separation tank 10 becomes negative pressure.

[0017] Furthermore, the other end of the intake pipe 13 is connected to the suction tip 4 via a hose 70 . Therefore, the gas sucked through the suction tip 4 flows into the gas-liquid separation tank 10 from the intake pipe 13 via the hose 70 together with the wastewater. Of these, the gas is separated from the wastewater and remains in the upper part of the space within the gas-liquid separation tank 10. Furthermore, the wastewater that flows down from the lower end of the intake pipe 13 is stored in the lower part of the container 11 due to its own weight. Therefore, as the inflow rate increases, the water level of the wastewater surface W, which is the surface of the water stored in the container 11, rises. Unless the wastewater surface W reaches the lower end of the exhaust pipe 14, the wastewater will not be sucked into the exhaust pipe 14.

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

[0019] Further, the bottom surface of the cage body 16 is provided with small holes 16b that allow sewage to pass through and have an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the float 17. Furthermore, float 17 has buoyancy that causes it to rise and fall according to the water level of the sewage surface W stored in container 11. Sewage flows in and out of cage body 16 through small holes 16b or optical opening 16a, causing the sewage surface D in cage body 16 to move up and down together with the sewage surface in container 11. As a result, float 17 is configured to move up and down along the axial direction within cage body 16 according to the amount of sewage stored in container 11.

[0020] The tank storage section 5 also has an optical sensor on the outside of the side wall that detects the presence or absence of the float 17 using light that passes through the stored container 11. In the first embodiment, a transmission type sensor 20 having an opposing light emitter 18 and a light receiver 19 is provided as an optical sensor. The light emitter 18 and the light receiver 19 of the transmission type sensor 20 are fixed to face a pair of side walls located on opposite sides in the radial direction of the tank storage section 5. The light emitter 18 and the light receiver 19 of the transmission type sensor 20 are connected to a control section 40. The irradiated light L emitted by the light emitter 18 passes through the space inside the tank storage section 5 and is received by the light receiver 19 on the opposite side. The optical axis of the irradiated 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 housing section 5, the irradiated light L emitted from the light emitter 18 can pass through the container 11 made of transparent resin. Therefore, the light receiver 19 on the opposite side can receive the irradiated light L even when the gas-liquid separation tank 10 is housed in the tank housing section 5.

[0022] Specifically, light emitter 18 emits irradiation light L in response to a control signal sent from connected control unit 40. Irradiation light L from light emitter 18 passes through one side of container 11 made of transparent resin and reaches cage body 16. The cage body 16 allows the irradiated light L to pass horizontally through the light openings 16a, 16a formed on the side surface thereof. As a result, the irradiated light L passes from the inside of the container 11 through the other side surface of the container 11 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. Then, the light receiver 19 converts the amount of the received irradiated light into an electrical detection signal and outputs it to the control unit 40. For example, when the sewage level W is low and the float 17 is below the cage body 16 as shown in Figure 2, the light receiver 19 can detect the light L emitted by the light emitter 18. The light receiver 19 can then output an electrical signal indicating that the light L has been detected to the control unit 40.

[0024] Also, as shown in Figure 4, when the float 17 inside the cage body 16 rises to a predetermined height, the irradiated light L is blocked by the float 17, and the light receiver 19 cannot detect the irradiated light L from the light emitter 18. Therefore, the light receiver 19 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit 40 indicating that the irradiated light L is not present. Therefore, the control unit 40 can detect that the sewage 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 sewage is not sucked from the exhaust pipe 14.

[0025] In the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, the suction operation of the dirty water is started using the suction tip 4 connected to the tip of the hose 70 shown in FIG. 2, when a manual switch such as a foot switch is operated, a control signal from the control unit 40 is turned on for the suction pump 30. As a result, wastewater together with gas is sucked into the container 11 of the gas-liquid separation tank 10 via the hose 70.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, when the sewage level D in the gas-liquid separation tank 10 rises due to the inflow of sewage, the float 17 in the cage body 16 rises. As shown in FIG. 4, when the raised float 17 blocks the irradiated light L emitted from the light emitter 18, the light receiver 19 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 40 indicating that the irradiated light L is not present. As a result, the control unit 40 can stop the driving of the suction pump 30 and stop the inflow of wastewater into the gas-liquid separation tank 10.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission sensor 20 for detecting the amount of stored wastewater is fixed to the outside of the side wall of the tank storage section 5 and is not in 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 housing section 5 and removing it by pulling it upward, it is possible to discard the wastewater from the container 11 and clean it. In addition, the lid member 12 can be removed from the container 11 and washed completely.

[0028] Therefore, the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment can be easily disassembled, and unlike conventional devices, electronic components do not hinder cleaning, thereby improving the cleaning properties of the gas-liquid separation tank 10. Furthermore, the transmission sensor 20 can detect the amount of wastewater from outside the transparent resin container 11 without contact. This prevents wastewater from coming into contact with electronic components or the wiring connected to the electronic components. This provides practically beneficial effects such as reducing breakdowns due to broken wires and short circuits.

[0029] 6 and 7 show a portable medical device 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same parts as those in the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted, and the following description will focus on parts with different configurations and effects.

[0030] The portable medical device 100 shown in Fig. 6 is provided with a reflective sensor 20A as an optical sensor. The reflective sensor 20A is a non-contact sensor that has an integrated light emitter and light receiver (not shown), and is fixed to one side wall of the tank storage section 5. The irradiated light L1 emitted from the light emitter of the reflective sensor 20A toward the cage body 16 is reflected by the surface of the float 17 as the amount of wastewater rises to a predetermined position. The reflected light L2 reflected toward the reflective sensor 20A enters the light receiver of the reflective sensor 20A, and it is possible to detect whether the float 17 has risen to the optical axis of the irradiated light L1 based on whether the reflected light enters the light receiver.

[0031] The light emitter and light receiver of the transmission sensor 20 are connected to a control unit 40. The control unit 40 is configured to transmit a control signal for controlling the irradiated light to the light emitter and to receive a detection signal 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 light method using irradiation light L1 with a constant period as shown in FIG. The period of the irradiated light L1 emitted from the light emitter at a constant period is compared with the period of the reflected light entering the light receiver, and only pulses that are the same are used for detection to determine whether the float 17 has risen to a predetermined position. This allows the position of the dirty water 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 manner has the same effects as the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, and further has a reflective sensor 20A having an integrated light emitter and light receiver that can detect the position of the float 17, which moves up and down depending on the water level of the stored wastewater surface W, and can stop 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 reflective sensor 20A, which detects reflected light L2 reflected at a constant period as shown in the graph of Figure 7, and determines the position of the float 17 based on whether or not there is incoming light with synchronized pulses. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, the portable medical device 100 of the second embodiment further uses a modulation type optical sensor as the reflective sensor 20A, which makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection due to disturbance light such as ambient illumination light in 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, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] 8 to 10 show a portable medical device 200 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same parts as those in the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted, and the following description will focus on parts with different configurations and effects. The portable medical device 200 has a buffer portion 216 at the lower portion 214 of the intake pipe 213 as an example of a chattering prevention function that prevents chattering caused by shaking of the wastewater surface W of the gas-liquid separation tank 10. The buffer section 216 is configured to reduce the force of the wastewater flowing from the intake pipe 213 into the gas-liquid separation tank 10 .

[0036] That is, a bottom member (cap) that closes the lower side of the intake pipe 213 is provided at the lower portion 214 of the buffer portion 216 of the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the lower part of intake pipe 213 is formed to have a larger diameter than the upper part. The side wall of the lower part is formed with an inlet 215 that is partially cut out and opens toward the inner wall surface of container 11, as shown in FIG.

[0037] In the portable medical device 200 of the third embodiment configured in this manner, in addition to the effects of the portable medical device 1, the lower side of the intake pipe 213 is blocked by a bottom member. Therefore, the wastewater flowing down into the container 11 does not directly come into vertical contact with the stored wastewater surface W and shake it up and down. As shown in FIG. 10, the intake pipe 213 smoothly introduces wastewater in a vortex shape along the inner surface of the container 11 from an inlet 215 formed at the bottom.

[0038] In the portable medical treatment device 200 of the third embodiment configured as described above, the bottom member that closes the lower surface side of the lower part and the inlet 215 formed in the side wall part reduce the force of the sewage. That is, the buffer section 216 of the third embodiment can suppress the shaking of the sewage surface W by sucking in the sewage surface W so as not to shake it, through the inlet 215 that opens into the side wall portion of the lower portion 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 sewage surface W. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] 11 shows a portable medical device 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same parts as those of the portable medical devices 1 and 200 according to the first and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted, and the following description will focus on parts with different configurations and effects. The portable medical device 300 is provided with a chattering prevention function at the lower part 314 of the intake pipe to prevent chattering caused by shaking of the wastewater surface W of the gas-liquid separation tank 10.

[0040] The anti-chattering function of the fourth embodiment is provided by a bottom member that closes the underside of the lower portion 314 and an inlet 315 formed in the side wall portion, as in the intake pipe 213 of the third embodiment shown in Figure 10, and further by a swirl cap 317 shown in Figure 11. The swirl cap 317 has a guide protrusion 316 as a part of a buffer that guides the vortex flowing down into the relatively large-diameter lower portion 314. The guide protrusion 316 is formed to bulge inward toward the flow path.

[0041] The portable medical device 300 of the fourth embodiment configured in this manner has the same effects as the portable medical devices 1 and 200 of the first and third embodiments, and furthermore, the guide protrusion 316 of the spiral cap 317 provided on the lower part 314 smoothly guides the wastewater flowing out from the inlet 215 along the inner surface of the container 11. Therefore, the shaking of the sewage surface W is further suppressed, and excessive on / off operation of the suction pump 30 can be prevented. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical treatment device 1, 200 of the first and third embodiments, and therefore will not be described.

[0042] 12 to 14 show a portable medical device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same parts as those in the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, and the explanation will focus on parts that differ in configuration and effects. First, FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram of a chattering removal circuit 44 that electrically prevents chattering as another means of the chattering prevention function used in the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment. The chattering elimination circuit 44 has a Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 for preventing chattering. The Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 is connected to the photodetector 19 shown in FIG. 2 and receives as input an electrical signal output from the photodetector 19 upon receiving light. The voltage fluctuation that causes chattering is alleviated and the on / off signal is output to a pump drive output unit 45 (see FIG. 14), which will be described later. As a result, the chattering elimination circuit 44 can prevent chattering by suppressing switching of the on / off signal that turns on / off the suction pump.

[0043] Fig. 13 is a graph specifically illustrating the operation of the chattering elimination circuit 44. The graph shown in Fig. 13 shows the fluctuations in voltage at points A, B, and C shown in Fig. 12 over time. In other words, when the sewage level W drops and the incident light L is received, the electrical signal output from the photodetector 19 to the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 may fluctuate up and down in a short period of time due to fluctuations in the sewage level W at point A. In this case, even if the voltage at point A is not stabilized due to repeated on-off switching in a short period of time, the capacitor in the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 starts discharging, and the voltage at point B can be gradually reduced. 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 entering. Therefore, it is possible to delay the timing at which an on signal is output to the pump drive output unit 45 by the switch ON operation at point C.

[0044] Furthermore, when the sewage level W rises and the incident light L disappears, the electrical signal output from the photodetector 19 to the Schmitt trigger NOT circuit 120 may fluctuate up and down in a short period of time at point A due to fluctuations in the sewage level W. In this case, even if the voltage at point A is not stabilized due to repeated on-off switching in a short period of time, charging by the capacitor of 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 until the voltage at point B rises to the recognition level of "H", which indicates that no light is being received. Therefore, 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 elimination circuit 44 can suppress switching of the on / off signal even if the sewage surface W shakes frequently, thereby preventing excessive on / off operation of the suction pump.

[0045] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit 40 to which a chattering removal circuit 44 is applied in a portable medical device according to the fifth embodiment. The control circuit 40 of the portable medical device in Figure 14 has an external light prevention unit 41, a chattering removal circuit 44 that inputs an electrical signal from the external light prevention unit 41, and a pump drive output unit 45 that controls the drive of the suction pump 30 in accordance with the electrical signal output from the chattering removal circuit 44.

[0046] Of these, the disturbance light prevention section 41 is provided 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. The comparison circuit 43 is connected to the light receiver 19 and is configured to receive an electrical signal generated by the incident 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 pass only electrical signals with the same pulse.

[0047] In the control unit 40 shown in Figure 14 provided in the portable medical device of the fifth embodiment configured in this manner, in addition to the effects of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, the comparison circuit 43 of the ambient light prevention unit 41 prevents the effects of ambient light by allowing only electrical signals of the same pulse to pass. Furthermore, chattering of the electrical signal sent from the ambient light prevention unit 41 is removed by a chattering removal circuit 44 shown in Fig. 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 prevented. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] 15 shows the configuration of a portable medical device 400 of the sixth embodiment. Note that the same parts as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof are omitted, and the following description focuses on parts with different configurations and effects.

[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 for forced shuttering, which rises together with the sewage surface W to close the exhaust pipe 14 . A ring-shaped seal surface portion 413 is provided inside the exhaust pipe 14. The seal surface of the seal surface portion 413 has a sealing surface on its lower surface that contacts the shutter float 411 that has risen inside the pipe to seal. While the figure shows the seal surface of the seal surface portion 413 as being tapered, this is not a limitation. That is, the seal surface of the seal surface portion 413 may have a tapered shape with any inclination angle. Furthermore, the seal surface may have a different shape, and the shape of the seal 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 a central position in the radial direction of the exhaust pipe 14. The small hole 412 has a size that allows gas to pass through 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 portion of the cage body 16. The stopper portion 401 is configured to abut the float 17, which rises inside the cage body 16 as the wastewater level W rises, against its underside, and to stop the float 17 at a position that blocks the irradiated light L from the light emitter 18 so that the suction pump 30 does not operate again if the float 17 rises beyond the appropriate stopping position.

[0051] The portable medical device 400 of the sixth embodiment configured in this manner has the same functions and effects as the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, and further includes a valve mechanism 410. The valve mechanism 410 is provided with a shutter float 411 for a forced shutter on the exhaust pipe 14 side. Therefore, when the sewage level W rises, the shutter float 411 rises along with the sewage level W and abuts against the sealing surface portion 413 from below, sealing and closing the small hole 412 in a circular shape. Therefore, even if the suction pump remains on, sewage will not enter the suction pump. Therefore, even if the optical sensor or control circuit fails, sewage overflow can be prevented.

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

[0053] A stopper portion 401 is provided on the upper portion of the cage body 16. As a result, the shutter float 411 rises in response to the rise in the sewage 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 shutter float 411 from rising beyond the appropriate stopping position and causing the suction pump 30 to operate again. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] 16 and 17 show the configuration of the valve mechanism 510 provided in the portable medical device 500 of the seventh embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in the portable medical devices 1 and 400 of the first and sixth embodiments are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted, and the following description will focus on parts that differ in configuration and effects.

[0055] The valve mechanism 510 of the portable medical device 500 of the seventh embodiment has an oval spherical composite float 511 that is housed in a cage body 515 extended to the lower part of the exhaust pipe 14 so that it can move up and down freely, and that functions as a shutter float for a forced shutter by rising together with the sewage surface W and closing the exhaust pipe 14. The valve mechanism 510 is provided with a ring-shaped sealing surface 513, e.g., tapered, with a small hole 512 formed in the center, and as shown in Figure 17, the hemispherical upper surface of the composite float 511 abuts against it to form a ring-shaped seal, thereby reliably blocking the exhaust pipe 14.

[0056] The composite float 511 of the seventh embodiment is set so that the vertical length dimension is larger than the outer diameter of the upper surface portion, and also serves as a float detected by the transmission sensor 20. 16, in the valve mechanism 510 of the seventh embodiment, a composite float 511 having a vertically long dimension is housed inside a cylindrical body below a cage body 515. This allows the composite float 511 to move stably in the vertical direction together with the sewage surface W.

[0057] In the valve mechanism 510 of the seventh embodiment configured as described above, the composite float 511 for the forced shutter also serves as the float 17 of the first embodiment that controls the on / off operation (activation / stop) of the suction pump 30. The composite float 511 has an oval spherical shape, which 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. In addition, the number of tubes connected to the cover member 12 of the portable medical device 1 can be reduced, thereby simplifying the structure. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] 18 and 19 illustrate a portable medical device 600 according to an eighth embodiment. Note that the same parts as those in the portable medical device 500 according to the seventh embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again, and the following description will focus on parts that differ in configuration and effects. As shown in FIG. 18, in the portable medical device 600 of the eighth embodiment, a cage body is connected to the lower part of the exhaust pipe 14 in the gas-liquid separation tank. Also housed within the cage are a float 611 for stopping the suction pump and a shutter float 612.

[0059] Of these, the shutter float 612 is disposed in the upper part of the cage body, and the float 611 is disposed below the shutter float 612.

[0060] In the portable medical treatment device 600 of the eighth embodiment configured as above, as shown in FIG. 18, the float 611 and the shutter float 612 are housed in a single cage body, lined up in series in the vertical direction. 19, when the sewage level W rises, the transmission sensor 20 first detects the rise of the float 611 and turns off the suction pump 30. Then, when the sewage level W rises further, the shutter float 612 closes the exhaust pipe 14. This reliably prevents sewage from flowing into the suction pump 30.

[0061] In addition, in the portable medical device 600, the float 611 and the shutter float 612 are housed in a single cage body, lined up in series in the vertical direction. Therefore, the travel distance of the float 611 or the shutter float 612, or the relative position in the up and down direction such as the sealing position of the shutter float can be easily set by changing the shape of a single cage body. Therefore, the off operation of the suction pump 30 and the timing at which the shutter float 612 closes the exhaust pipe 14 can be coordinated while being made different, thereby reliably preventing sewage from flowing into the suction pump 30. Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the portable medical device 1,500 of the first and seventh embodiments, and therefore will not be described.

[0062] As described above, the portable medical device 1 of the present invention includes an intake pipe 13 that sucks in wastewater together with gas, and a gas-liquid separation tank 10 that separates the wastewater from the gas and stores the wastewater. The portable medical device 1 also includes an exhaust pipe 14 that exhausts the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank 10, a suction pump 30 that sucks in the gas in the exhaust pipe 14, and a tank storage unit 5 that detachably stores 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 provided with a float 17 that rises and falls according to the water level of the stored wastewater surface 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 transmission sensor 20 detects the rise of the float 17, the operation of the suction pump 30 is stopped.

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

[0064] More specifically, the container 11 of the gas-liquid separation tank 10 in which 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 transmission sensor 20 can detect the presence or absence of the float 17 that 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] 1, the container 11 is detachably housed in the tank housing portion 5. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the container 11 can be removed from the tank housing portion 5 and easily washed, providing good washability. Furthermore, since the container 11 to be cleaned is removed, there is no need to clean the tank housing section 5. Therefore, it is possible to exert a practically beneficial effect, such as reducing the risk of electronic devices such as the light emitter 18 and light receiver 19 of the transmission sensor 20 left in the tank housing section 5 or the wiring connecting these devices becoming wet with contaminated water and breaking down due to a short circuit or the like.

[0066] 2, the optical sensor is a transmission type sensor 20 having an opposing light emitter 18 and light receiver 19. This makes it possible to detect the position of the sewage surface W without contacting the sewage.

[0067] 6, the optical sensor is a reflective sensor 20A that has an integrated light emitter and light receiver. This allows the position of the sewage surface W to be detected from one side of the container 11 without contacting the sewage, making it possible to simplify the structure.

[0068] Furthermore, the reflective sensor 20A shown in FIG. 6 is a modulation type (see the pulse waveform in FIG. 7). This makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection due to ambient light.

[0069] 8 to 14, the portable medical treatment device 200 and the like are provided with a chattering prevention function that prevents chattering caused by shaking of the wastewater surface W of the gas-liquid separation tank 10. In the example shown in FIG. This prevents excessive on / off operation of the suction pump even if the sewage surface W vibrates.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, the chattering prevention function has 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, the shaking of the sewage surface W is suppressed, and excessive on / off operation of the suction pump 30 can be prevented.

[0071] The chattering prevention function includes a chattering removal circuit 44 as shown in FIG. 12, which prevents chattering by suppressing switching of the on / off signal that turns on / off the suction pump 30. As a result, even if the sewage surface W frequently vibrates, the chattering elimination circuit 44 can suppress switching of the on / off signal, thereby preventing excessive on / off operation of the suction pump 30.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the exhaust pipe 14 has a shutter float 411 that rises together with the sewage surface W to close the exhaust pipe 14. As a result, when the sewage level W rises, the shutter float 411 rises together with the sewage level W, closing the exhaust pipe 14. Therefore, sewage does not enter the suction pump 30 even if the suction pump 30 remains in the on state.

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

[0074] As shown in FIG. 16, the shutter float 411 is a composite float 511 that also serves as a float detected by the transmission sensor 20. As a result, when the sewage level W rises, the composite float 511 closes the exhaust pipe 14 . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, when the transmission sensor 20 detects the rise of the composite float 511, the suction pump 30 is turned off, thereby preventing the inflow of wastewater into the suction pump 30.

[0075] Furthermore, the composite float 511 has a hemispherical upper surface that, as it rises, comes into contact with and seals the sealing surface 513 provided on the exhaust pipe 14. The vertical length of the composite float 511 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 reliable sealing.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 18, the gas-liquid separation tank is provided with a cage body connected to an exhaust pipe 14, The shutter float 612 is disposed in the upper part of the cage, and the float 611 is disposed in the lower part of the cage.

[0077] 19, when the sewage level W rises, the shutter float 612 closes the exhaust pipe 14. Also, when the transmission sensor 20 detects the rise of the float 611 for stopping the suction pump 30, the suction pump 30 is turned off, preventing the inflow of sewage into the suction pump 30. Therefore, it is possible to provide a portable medical device that is easy to clean and has a low risk of malfunction, which is a practically beneficial effect.

[0078] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. The above-described embodiments are provided as examples to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to delete part of the configuration of each embodiment, or to add or replace other configurations. Possible modifications of the above-described embodiments include, for example, the following.

[0079] The composite float 511 of the seventh embodiment has an oval spherical shape, but is not limited to this. For example, as long as the composite float 511 does not pass through the optical axis, it may be an ellipsoidal sphere, or may have a hemispherical structure on the upper surface and a cylindrical structure on the lower surface, and any combination of the shape, number, material, and functions of the float may be configured. [Explanation of symbols]

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

Claims

1. an intake pipe that sucks in the wastewater together with the gas; a gas-liquid separation tank that separates the wastewater and gas flowing in from the intake pipe and stores the wastewater; an exhaust pipe for exhausting the gas separated in the gas-liquid separation tank; a suction pump that sucks gas from the exhaust pipe; a housing having a tank housing portion that detachably houses the gas-liquid separation tank, The tank storage section is configured to allow the gas-liquid separation tank to be pulled upward and removed, The gas-liquid separation tank has a container made of a light-transmitting material and a lid member attached to an upper opening of the container to open and close, A float that moves up and down according to the water level of the accumulated wastewater is provided on the upper wall surface of the lid member, an optical sensor disposed within the housing that detects the presence or absence of the float by irradiating the container housed inside the side wall of the tank housing with light that passes through the container from the outside of the side wall; A portable medical device characterized in that, when the optical sensor detects the rise of the float, the operation of the suction pump is stopped.

2. The optical sensor is a transmission type sensor having a light emitter and a light receiver facing each other.

2. The portable medical device according to claim 1.

3. The optical sensor is a reflective sensor that has an integrated light emitter and light receiver.

2. The portable medical device according to claim 1.

4. The optical sensor is of a modulation type.

2. The portable medical device according to claim 1.

5. Equipped with a chattering prevention function that prevents chattering caused by fluctuations in the water surface of the gas-liquid separation tank 2. The portable medical device according to claim 1.

6. The chattering prevention function has a buffer section that reduces the force of the wastewater flowing from the intake pipe into the gas-liquid separation tank.

6. The portable medical device according to claim 5.

7. The chattering prevention function includes a chattering removal circuit that prevents chattering by suppressing switching of an on / off signal that turns on / off the suction pump.

6. The portable medical device according to claim 5.

8. The exhaust pipe has a shutter float that rises with the water surface to close the exhaust pipe.

2. The portable medical device according to claim 1.

9. The shutter float is a composite float that also serves as the float detected by the optical sensor.

9. The portable medical device according to claim 8.

10. The composite float has a hemispherical upper surface that rises and comes into contact with a sealing surface provided on the exhaust pipe to close it, and the length in the vertical direction is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the upper surface.

10. The portable medical device according to claim 9.

11. a cage body connected to an exhaust pipe in the gas-liquid separation tank; The shutter float is disposed in the upper part of the cage body, The float is disposed below the shutter float within the cage.

9. The portable medical device according to claim 8.

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