Drug injection device

Abstract

The medicine capsule includes: a cylinder (11) having a cylindrical space extending in a longitudinal direction; a sealing gasket (13) supported in the space so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction; a medicine (14) held in the space and comprising at least a first liquid component; and a first temperature sensor and an RF tag (16) disposed on a side surface of the cylinder. The RF tag (16) stores medicine information including at least information indicating the type of medicine, and the RF tag (16) wirelessly transmits at least information indicating the type of medicine and first temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor to the outside in response to an external command.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a medical drug capsule, a storage box for storing the drug capsule, a drug injection device and a drug injection system. Background Art

[0002] Patients with specific diseases are sometimes prescribed medications such as insulin and growth hormones, which they must inject several times a day. Patients self-inject such medications (also known as self-injection), and various medication injection devices, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1, are now in practical use.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-516634 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Medication capsules sometimes contain doses of medication for multiple injections, depending on the specifications or prescription. In such cases, proper medication management is desirable. Furthermore, multiple daily injections can sometimes be tedious for patients, for various reasons. In light of these circumstances, the present application provides medication capsules, storage cartridges, medication injection devices, and medication injection systems that enable proper management of medications and injections, or reduce the burden on the operator.

[0008] Solutions to Problems

[0009] A medicine capsule in a certain embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a cylinder having a cylindrical space extending in a longitudinal direction; a sealing gasket supported in the space so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction; a medicine held in the space and comprising at least a first component of a liquid; and a first temperature sensor and an RF tag, which are arranged on the side of the cylinder, the RF tag storing medicine information, the medicine information including at least information indicating the type of the medicine, and the RF tag wirelessly transmitting the information indicating at least the type of the medicine and the first temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor to the outside according to an instruction from the outside.

[0010] A drug injection device according to a certain embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a device frame having a frame space and a frame opening connected to the frame space, the frame space accommodating at least a portion of a storage box accommodating a drug capsule having a first temperature sensor and an RF tag; a piston movably supported in the frame space; a motor driving the piston; a motor driver generating a drive signal for driving the motor; an antenna arranged adjacent to the frame space; a transceiver circuit for transmitting radio waves from the antenna and receiving radio waves received by the antenna; and a display device. Outputs information related to the injection operation; and a control device, which controls the motor driver, the transceiver circuit and the display device. When the frame space is filled with the medicine capsule, the control device causes the transceiver circuit to receive via the antenna the medicine information including information indicating the type of medicine in the medicine capsule, and the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor, which is sent from the RF tag of the medicine capsule, and determines the driving power of the motor obtained based on the first temperature information, and controls the motor driver to output the determined driving power.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a drug injection device capable of appropriate management is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a drug injection system including a cartridge, a drug injection device, and a charger.

[0014] Figure 2 (a) Figure 2 (b) Figure 2 (c) is a three-dimensional view illustrating the storage of the medicine capsule into the storage box.

[0015] Figure 3 (a) Figure 3 (b) Figure 3 (c) is a perspective view illustrating the storage of the cartridge into the drug injection device.

[0016] Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (b) is a perspective view illustrating a state in which injection is performed.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a circuit of a drug injection device.

[0018] Figure 6A This is a diagram illustrating a state where the drug injection device is combined with a charger.

[0019] Figure 6BThis is a front view showing a state where the drug injection device is assembled with the charger.

[0020] Figure 7A This is a cross section parallel to the length direction of the medicine capsule.

[0021] Figure 7B It is a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the medicine capsule.

[0022] Figure 8A is a schematic plan view of an RF tag.

[0023] Figure 8B is a schematic plan view of another RF tag.

[0024] Figure 9A Schematic cross-sections of other drug capsules are shown.

[0025] Figure 9B express Figure 9A Schematic cross-section of other dosage capsules at line 9B-9B.

[0026] Figure 10 (a) Figure 10 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of liquid components.

[0027] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the protective cover of the storage box.

[0028] Figure 12 (a) Figure 12 (b) is a diagram illustrating the assembly of the needle unit to the storage box.

[0029] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of the drug injection device with the device housing removed.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the drug injection device showing the arrangement of the RF-ID antenna.

[0031] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of the piston drive mechanism.

[0032] Figure 16A This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the RF tag and antenna of a drug capsule in a drug injection device.

[0033] Figure 16B This is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the RF tag and antenna of a drug capsule in a drug injection device.

[0034] Figure 17 This is an example of driving information obtained based on PWM.

[0035] Figure 18AAn example of the starting current generated when PWM control is not performed is shown.

[0036] Figure 18B An example of the starting current obtained by PWM control in this embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 19A This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the drug injection device during an injection operation.

[0038] Figure 19B This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the drug injection device during an injection operation.

[0039] Figure 19C It is a flowchart explaining the reminder action.

[0040] Figure 20 An example of detection results of the touch sensor is shown.

[0041] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the injection operation of a drug injection device using a contact sensor.

[0042] Figure 22 It is a schematic diagram explaining the directions of the three axes of the acceleration sensor.

[0043] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion where air is difficult to be discharged during air discharge.

[0044] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a posture suitable for removing air.

[0045] Figure 25 This is a flowchart illustrating the air removal operation using an acceleration sensor.

[0046] Figure 26 It is a flowchart explaining the mixing action.

[0047] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram showing zones used in a mixing operation.

[0048] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the air removal action.

[0049] Figure 29 This is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the piston drive mechanism including the rotary encoder.

[0050] Figure 30 This is a plan view of the encoder board.

[0051] Figure 31 An example of a pulse signal is shown.

[0052] Figure 32 This is a block diagram showing an example of a failure determiner.

[0053] Figure 33 An example of an image displaying information stored in an RF tag is shown.

[0054] Figure 34 (a) to Figure 34 (c) shows an example of an image displayed during the air exclusion operation.

[0055] Figure 35 (a) and Figure 35 (b) shows an example of an image that urges the operator to maintain the same state until the operation of the drug injection device is completed.

[0056] Figure 36 (a) to Figure 36 (f) shows an example of an image that prompts the installation of the needle unit and the removal of the needle case.

[0057] Figure 37 (a) to Figure 37 (f) shows an example of an image displayed during injection.

[0058] Figure 38A This is a front view showing the state of loading a drug capsule into the drug injection device.

[0059] Figure 38B This is a front view showing the state of loading a drug capsule into the drug injection device.

[0060] Figure 38C This is a front view showing the state of loading a drug capsule into the drug injection device.

[0061] Figure 39 This is a diagram illustrating a state in which a needle unit is attached to a drug capsule loaded in a drug injection device and a used injection needle is removed.

[0062] Figure 40 This is a diagram illustrating a state in which a needle unit is attached to a drug capsule loaded in a drug injection device and a used injection needle is removed.

[0063] Figure 41 This is a diagram illustrating a state in which a needle unit is attached to a drug capsule loaded in a drug injection device and a used injection needle is removed.

[0064] Figure 42 This is a diagram illustrating how an injection is performed using a drug injection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] In the case of a drug capsule containing multiple doses of a drug, it is preferable to store the drug capsule or drug injection device, which still contains drug during use, in a refrigerator or other cold storage to prevent degradation of the drug. However, when the drug is stored in a cold storage, the viscosity of the drug increases due to the low temperature. Therefore, when the drug capsule or drug injection device is removed from the cold storage and immediately injected, the high-viscosity drug needs to be discharged from the small-diameter injection needle, which makes it difficult to properly control the drive of the motor used for injection, such as by applying a large load. In addition, there are also patients who feel pain when injecting a low-temperature drug.

[0066] Therefore, it is generally recommended to take the drug capsule or drug injection device out of the cold storage and leave it at room temperature for several tens of minutes to allow the drug temperature to rise to room temperature before injection.

[0067] However, the waiting time until the injection can be made is essentially included in the time required for one injection, so for the patient, the waiting time is preferably short. In addition, the pain of the injection is preferably small. On the other hand, it is preferred that the drug injection device performs appropriate control corresponding to the viscosity of the drug.

[0068] Based on such a problem, the inventors of the present application have devised a drug capsule, a cartridge, a drug injection device, and a drug injection system that enable appropriate management and reduce the burden on the operator. The drug capsule, cartridge, drug injection device, and drug injection system disclosed herein are as follows.

[0069] [Project 1]

[0070] A medicine capsule comprising:

[0071] A cylinder having a cylindrical space extending in a longitudinal direction;

[0072] a sealing gasket supported in the cylindrical space so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction;

[0073] a medicine held in the cylindrical space and comprising at least a first liquid component; and

[0074] The first temperature sensor and the RF tag are arranged on the side of the cylinder,

[0075] The RF tag stores drug information including at least information indicating the type of the drug, and the RF tag wirelessly transmits the information indicating at least the type of the drug and first temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor to the outside according to an instruction from the outside.

[0076] [Project 2]

[0077] The medicine capsule according to item 1, wherein

[0078] The RF tag is a passive tag.

[0079] [Item 3]

[0080] The medicine capsule according to item 1, wherein

[0081] The RF tag further stores at least one of information indicating an expiration date of the drug and information indicating an initial amount of the drug.

[0082] [Item 4]

[0083] A storage box is used to store medicine capsules and is loaded into a medicine injection device, wherein:

[0084] The storage box has:

[0085] a cartridge body having a cartridge cylindrical space, an injection needle assembly portion, and a main body opening, wherein the cartridge cylindrical space is capable of accommodating at least a portion of a medicine capsule, the injection needle assembly portion is located at a front end of the cartridge cylindrical space and is capable of detaching and removing the injection needle, and the main body opening is located at a rear end of the cartridge cylindrical space and is capable of accessing the cartridge cylindrical space;

[0086] a storage box cover supported near the rear end of the storage box body so as to be capable of opening and closing the body opening; and

[0087] A shield including a shield body, a needle hiding member, and a biasing member, wherein the shield body is supported on the cartridge body in a manner rotatable between a first position covering the injection needle mounting portion of the cartridge body and a second position exposing the injection needle mounting portion, the needle hiding member is supported on the shield body in a manner movably between a protruding position in which the needle hiding member protrudes relative to the shield body and a retracted position in which at least a portion of the member is retracted from the shield body, and the biasing member biases the needle hiding member toward the protruding position.

[0088] [Item 5]

[0089] The storage box according to item 4, wherein

[0090] A portion of the needle hiding part is transparent.

[0091] [Item 6]

[0092] The storage box according to item 5, wherein

[0093] The needle hiding part includes a transparent first part and a translucent second part.

[0094] [Item 7]

[0095] A cartridge according to any one of items 4 to 6, wherein

[0096] The shield includes an arm portion that extends toward a side opposite to the shield body relative to the rotation fulcrum and is connected to the shield body.

[0097] [Item 8]

[0098] A drug injection device, wherein:

[0099] The drug injection device comprises:

[0100] a device housing having a housing space and a housing opening communicating with the housing space, the housing space accommodating at least a portion of a storage box containing a medicine capsule having a first temperature sensor and an RF tag, or at least a portion of a medicine capsule having a first temperature sensor and an RF tag but not accommodated in the storage box;

[0101] a piston movably supported within the frame space;

[0102] a motor that drives the piston;

[0103] a motor driver that generates a drive signal for driving the motor;

[0104] an antenna, which is arranged adjacent to the frame space;

[0105] a transceiver circuit configured to transmit radio waves from the antenna and receive radio waves received by the antenna;

[0106] a display device that outputs information related to the operation of the injection; and

[0107] a control device for controlling the motor driver, the transceiver circuit, and the display device;

[0108] When the frame space is filled with the medicine capsule, the control device causes the transceiver circuit to receive, via the antenna, medicine information including information indicating the type of medicine in the medicine capsule, and first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor, which is sent from the RF tag of the medicine capsule, and determines the driving power of the motor obtained based on the first temperature information, and controls the motor driver to output the determined driving power.

[0109] [Item 9]

[0110] A drug injection device, wherein:

[0111] The drug injection device comprises:

[0112] a device housing having a housing space and a housing opening communicating with the housing space, the housing space accommodating at least a portion of a storage box containing a medicine capsule having a first temperature sensor and an RF tag, or at least a portion of a medicine capsule having a first temperature sensor and an RF tag but not accommodated in the storage box;

[0113] a piston movably supported within the frame space;

[0114] a motor that drives the piston;

[0115] a motor driver that generates a drive signal for driving the motor;

[0116] an antenna, which is arranged adjacent to the frame space;

[0117] a transceiver circuit configured to transmit radio waves from the antenna and receive radio waves received by the antenna;

[0118] a memory storing control information for controlling the motor for each of a plurality of medicines, wherein the control information for each medicine includes a combination of control parameters of the motor for each of a plurality of temperature ranges;

[0119] a display device that outputs information related to the operation of the injection; and

[0120] A control device controls the motor driver, the transceiver circuit, the memory, and the display device.

[0121] [Item 10]

[0122] The drug injection device according to item 9, wherein

[0123] The RF tag stores drug information, the drug information including at least information indicating the type of the drug.

[0124] When the frame space is filled with the medicine capsule, the control device performs the following processing:

[0125] causing the transceiver circuit to transmit a control signal via the antenna;

[0126] causing the transceiver circuit to receive, via the antenna, first temperature information and medicine information outputted from the first temperature sensor and the RF tag of the medicine capsule;

[0127] Based on the first temperature information and the medicine information, determining a control parameter combination according to the control information stored in the memory; and

[0128] The motor is controlled using the determined combination of control parameters.

[0129] [Item 11]

[0130] The drug injection device according to item 10, wherein

[0131] The motor driver generates a drive signal based on pulse width modulation and outputs the drive signal to the motor.

[0132] [Item 12]

[0133] The drug injection device according to item 11, wherein

[0134] In the control information regarding each medicine, the higher the lower limit temperature of the temperature range of the combination of the motor control parameters, the smaller the duty ratio of the drive signal obtained by pulse width modulation in the combination of the motor control parameters.

[0135] [Item 13]

[0136] The drug injection device according to item 11 or 12, wherein

[0137] In the control information about each medicine, the control parameter combination of the motor in each temperature range includes the initial value and the increase range of the duty cycle of the drive signal obtained by pulse width modulation,

[0138] The control device causes the motor driver to generate the drive signal so as to increase the current flowing to the motor in stages.

[0139] [Item 14]

[0140] The drug injection device according to any one of items 10 to 13, wherein:

[0141] The control device does not drive the motor when the first temperature information is within a first temperature range, the first temperature range being a temperature range lower than a first temperature or higher than a second temperature.

[0142] [Item 15]

[0143] The drug injection device according to item 14, wherein

[0144] The control device controls the display device to display information indicating a waiting time for injection when the first temperature information is within a second temperature range that is equal to or higher than the first temperature and lower than a third temperature that is lower than the second temperature.

[0145] [Item 16]

[0146] The drug injection device according to item 15, wherein

[0147] The control device controls the display device to display information indicating that injection is possible when the first temperature information is within a third temperature range, which is a temperature range of not less than the third temperature and less than the second temperature.

[0148] [Item 17]

[0149] The drug injection device according to item 15, wherein

[0150] The drug injection device further includes a second temperature sensor that is provided in the device housing and outputs second temperature information indicating a temperature inside the device housing.

[0151] [Item 18]

[0152] The drug injection device according to item 17, wherein

[0153] When the second temperature information is above a specified temperature, the control device successively obtains the first temperature information at specified time intervals, and successively calculates a predicted time until injection is possible based on the first temperature information and the second temperature information, and controls the display device to display information indicating the calculated predicted time.

[0154] [Item 19]

[0155] The drug injection device according to any one of claims 8 to 18, wherein:

[0156] The antenna includes a first part and a second part, and the first part and the second part are capable of receiving signals from the outside independently.

[0157] The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to and orthogonal to the frame space.

[0158] [Item 20]

[0159] The drug injection device according to any one of items 8 to 19, wherein

[0160] The drug injection device further comprises:

[0161] a user interface including an injection button and accepting instructions from an operator; and

[0162] Surface charge transfer contact sensor,

[0163] The device housing has a skin contact surface that contacts the operator's skin during injection.

[0164] The contact sensor is disposed on the skin contact surface.

[0165] [Item 21]

[0166] The drug injection device according to item 20, wherein

[0167] The control device controls the motor driver to perform the injection operation when the control device acquires a signal based on the pressing of the injection button while the control device acquires a detection signal based on skin contact from the contact sensor.

[0168] When the contact sensor detects separation of the skin during the injection operation, the control device causes the display device to display information indicating abnormality.

[0169] [Item 22]

[0170] The drug injection device according to any one of items 8 to 21, wherein

[0171] The drug injection device further includes a sensor having a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis that are orthogonal to each other and for detecting acceleration along the axis or angle around the axis, the sensor being arranged in the housing such that one of the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis is aligned with the moving direction of the piston.

[0172] The control device causes the display device to display information related to the posture of the drug injection device based on the detection signal of the sensor.

[0173] [Item 23]

[0174] The drug injection device according to any one of items 8 to 22, wherein:

[0175] The drug injection device further includes a rotary encoder including an encoder plate mounted on the rotating shaft of the motor and a pulse encoder.

[0176] The encoder plate includes a reference blade portion and a plurality of normal blade portions, wherein the reference blade portion and the plurality of normal blade portions are arranged on a circumference and respectively have a notch and a blade.

[0177] The circumferential lengths of the blades of the plurality of normal blade portions are equal to each other, and the circumferential lengths of the notches of the plurality of normal blade portions are equal to each other,

[0178] The circumferential length of the blade of the reference blade portion and the circumferential length of the notch are different from the circumferential length of the blade of the plurality of normal blade portions and the circumferential length of the notch.

[0179] The pulse encoder includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the light-receiving element is configured to receive light emitted from the light-emitting element. The reference blade portion and the multiple normal blade portions of the encoder plate that rotate in unison with the rotation of the motor cross the optical path between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, thereby generating a pulse signal that includes pulses corresponding to the blades of the reference blade portion and pulses corresponding to the blades of the multiple normal blade portions.

[0180] [Item 24]

[0181] The drug injection device according to item 23, wherein

[0182] The circumferential length of the blade of the reference blade portion is greater than the circumferential length of the blade of the normal blade portion, and the circumferential length of the notch of the reference blade portion is smaller than the circumferential length of the notch of the normal blade portion.

[0183] [Item 25]

[0184] The drug injection device according to item 23 or 24, wherein

[0185] The control device controls the motor driver based on the pulse signal.

[0186] [Item 26]

[0187] The drug injection device according to any one of items 23 to 25, wherein

[0188] The control device calculates the number of blades in the reference blade part and the number of blades in the multiple normal blade parts per rotation of the encoder plate based on the pulse signal, and causes the display device to display information indicating a fault when the calculated result is different from a specified value.

[0189] [Item 27]

[0190] The drug injection device according to item 22, wherein

[0191] The control device reverses the orientation of information displayed on the display device based on the detection signal of the sensor.

[0192] [Item 28]

[0193] The drug injection device according to any one of items 8 to 27, wherein:

[0194] The control device causes the display device to display the medicine information.

[0195] [Item 29]

[0196] The drug injection device according to any one of items 8 to 28, wherein

[0197] The control device displays a theme color corresponding to the type of the medicine in common on a plurality of operation screens.

[0198] [Item 30]

[0199] The drug injection device according to item 8 or 9, wherein

[0200] The device frame includes a front end portion, the front end portion including a convex portion extending in the longitudinal direction, a skin contact surface located on the upper surface of the convex portion, a device recessed portion adjacent to the skin contact surface and having the frame opening disposed at the bottom, and an injection needle assembly portion covering the frame opening and having an inner space for inserting the front end of the drug capsule.

[0201] The frame space is suitable for storing at least a portion of the medicine capsules not stored in the storage box.

[0202] The drug injection device further includes a shield, which is located in the device recess and is rotatably mounted relative to the device frame, and includes a shield body, a needle-hiding part, and a force-applying member, wherein the needle-hiding part is supported in a movably manner relative to the shield body, and the force-applying member applies force to the needle-hiding part in the direction of the protruding position.

[0203] The shield is rotatable between a first position covering the injection needle mounting portion and a second position exposing the injection needle mounting portion.

[0204] [Item 31]

[0205] A drug injection system, wherein:

[0206] The drug injection system comprises:

[0207] The storage box of any one of items 4 to 7; and

[0208] The drug injection device according to any one of items 8 to 29.

[0209] [Item 32]

[0210] The drug injection system according to item 31, wherein:

[0211] The drug injection system further comprises a drug capsule as described in any one of items 1 to 3,

[0212] The medicine capsule is accommodated in the cylindrical space of the storage box.

[0213] [Item 33]

[0214] A drug injection system, wherein:

[0215] The drug injection system comprises:

[0216] The medicament capsule according to any one of items 1 to 3;

[0217] a storage box comprising a storage box columnar space accommodating at least a portion of the medicine capsule; and

[0218] The drug injection device according to any one of items 8 to 29.

[0219] [Item 34]

[0220] The drug injection system according to item 31 or 32, wherein:

[0221] The drug injection device comprises:

[0222] secondary batteries; and

[0223] A charging terminal is provided on the device frame.

[0224] The device frame has a front end portion, the front end portion including a convex portion extending in the longitudinal direction, a skin contact surface located on the upper surface of the convex portion, and a device recess adjacent to the skin contact surface, the frame opening is located on the bottom surface of the device recess,

[0225] When the cartridge is loaded in the housing space of the drug injection device, a portion of the shield of the cartridge is exposed to the outside in the recess of the device housing, and the other portion of the shield is located in the device housing, thereby preventing the shield from rotating.

[0226] [Item 35]

[0227] The drug injection system according to item 34, wherein:

[0228] The drug injection system further includes a charger including a power supply circuit for charging the secondary battery of the drug injection device and a charger housing housing the power supply circuit.

[0229] The charger housing includes: a charger recess having a space into which the front end portion of the drug injection device can be inserted; a step provided at the bottom of the charger recess and having a shape corresponding to the recess of the housing of the drug injection device; and a supply terminal located in the recess and connected to the power supply circuit.

[0230] When the storage box is not loaded on the drug injection device, the charger frame can accommodate the front end portion of the drug injection device in the charger recess so that the charging terminal of the drug injection device is connected to the supply terminal. When the storage box is loaded on the drug injection device, the front end portion of the drug injection device cannot be accommodated in the charger recess due to interference between the storage box and the step of the charger frame.

[0231] (First embodiment)

[0232] (Brief description of the drug injection system)

[0233] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a drug injection system 400 including a cassette 100 , a drug injection device 200 , and a charger 300 . The cassette 100 stores a drug capsule 10 . Figure 2 (a) to Figure 2 (c) is a perspective view illustrating the storage of the medicine capsule 10 into the storage box 100. Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 (c) is a perspective view illustrating the storage of the cartridge 100 into the drug injection device 200 . Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 (b) is a perspective view illustrating a state in which injection is performed. Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing an example circuit configuration of a drug injection device 200. These figures provide a brief description of the drug injection system. It should be noted that the drug injection system disclosed herein is typically used for self-injection by the patient. However, if the patient is young or operating the drug injection system themselves is inappropriate, the drug injection system can be operated by a person other than the patient, such as a caregiver.

[0234] The medicine capsule 10 contains, for example, multiple doses of medicine to be injected into a patient or other operator. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the storage box 100 includes a storage box body 110 , a storage box cover 130 , and a hood 140 .

[0235] The cartridge body 110 comprises a cylindrical space 110c capable of accommodating at least a portion of the medication capsule 10; a needle mounting portion 110h located at the front end 110a of the cylindrical space 110c, allowing for insertion and removal of the needle; and a main body opening 110e located at the rear end 110b of the cylindrical space, providing access to the cylindrical space. A cartridge cover 130 is supported near the rear end 110b of the cartridge body 110, allowing for opening and closing of the main body opening 110e. The shield 140 comprises a shield body 141 and a needle retaining member 142. The needle retaining member 142 is supported on the shield body 141 so as to be movable between a protruding position relative to the shield body 141 and a retracted position in which at least a portion of the needle retaining member is retracted.

[0236] like Figure 2 As shown in (b), by opening the storage box cover 130, inserting the medicine capsule 10 into the storage box columnar space 110c, and closing the storage box cover 130, the medicine capsule 10 is loaded into the storage box 100. If medicine still remains in the medicine capsule 10 after the new medicine capsule 10 is used, the storage box 100 can be stored in a cold storage such as a refrigerator, for example, by placing the medicine capsule 10 into a housing (not shown).

[0237] As will be described in detail below, in this embodiment, the drug capsule 10 includes a first temperature sensor and an RF tag. First temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor 15 is transmitted to the drug injection device 200 via the RF tag.

[0238] like Figure 12 As shown, the injection needle 21 can be attached and detached from the injection needle assembly 110h of the cartridge 100. The injection needle 21 is a disposable needle, for example, as a needle unit 20, and is handled separately from the cartridge 100 except when in use. The needle unit 20 includes the injection needle 21, a needle cover 24, and a needle housing 25. The injection needle 21 has a needle 22 and a connecting portion 23 that supports the needle 22 and is detachably mounted to the injection needle assembly 110h of the cartridge 100. For example, the front end of the injection needle assembly 110h may be provided with an external thread, while the connecting portion 23 of the injection needle 21 may be provided with an internal thread. The needle cover 24 is cylindrical and covers the needle 22. The needle housing 25 houses the injection needle 21 while the needle cover 24 covers the needle 22.

[0239] It should be noted that if Figure 1As shown, the drug capsule 10, the cartridge 100, and the drug injection device 200 each have a length direction L. In this application, the end of the drug capsule 10, the cartridge 100, and the drug injection device 200, at which the injection needle 21 is mounted, is referred to as the front end, the front end portion, or the front end portion. Furthermore, the end of the drug capsule 10, the cartridge 100, and the drug injection device 200 opposite to the front end in the length direction is referred to as the rear end, the rear end portion, or the rear end portion.

[0240] The drug injection device 200 includes a device housing 201. The device housing 201 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, having a thickness that allows the operator to easily grasp it with one hand. In this embodiment, the device housing 201 has an oblong shape in a cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, making it easy for the operator to grasp. However, the shape of the device housing 201 is not limited to this and may also have a cylindrical or prismatic shape.

[0241] The front end 201a, one of the two longitudinal ends of the device housing 201, includes a longitudinally extending convex portion 201t and a device recess 201r. The device recess 201r is adjacent to the convex portion 201t and is formed by cutting out a portion of the end surface and a portion of the side surface of the cylindrical shape of the device housing 201 to form a cylindrical shape, thereby forming the convex portion 201t and the device recess 201r. The upper surface of the convex portion 201t is referred to as the skin contact surface 201e. A housing opening 201d is provided on the bottom surface of the device recess 201r, into which the cartridge 100 can be inserted. The drug injection device 200 includes a housing space 201c within the device housing 201, which is capable of accommodating at least a portion of the cartridge 100. The housing space 201c is connected to the housing opening 201d.

[0242] The drug injection device 200 includes a power button 255, a select button 256, a decision button 257, an injection button 258, a discharge lever 209, and a display device 259 on the surface of the device housing 201. The surface on which these buttons and the display device 259 are located is referred to as the front surface. The power button 255, the select button 256, the decision button 257, and the injection button 258 are examples of a user interface for receiving instructions from the operator. Part or all of the user interface may also be a touch panel provided on the display device 259. A charging terminal 201g is located on the front end 201a of the device housing 201, described later.

[0243] When the drug injection system 400 is used, when the power button 255 is pressed to start the drug injection device 200, the display device 259 displays the operation steps of the drug injection device 200, the drug information of the drug capsule 10 in the loaded cartridge 100, the injection history, etc.

[0244] like Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 As shown in (c), the cartridge 100 equipped with the needle unit 20 is loaded into the drug injection device 200 through the frame opening 201d, and the needle housing 25 and the needle cover 24 are removed. In this state, the needle 22 is located in the space surrounded by the needle storage member 142, and the front end of the needle 22 does not protrude from the needle storage member 142.

[0245] After pressing the selection button 256 and the decision button 257 appropriately and deciding the operation of the drug injection device 200, the drug injection operation is performed. The drug injection device 200 of this embodiment is a semi-automatic type, and the insertion and removal of the needle are performed manually, that is, by the operator. Figure 4 (a) Figure 4 As shown in (b), when the drug injection device 200 is placed against the skin with the tip of the needle retaining member 142 in contact with the skin, the needle retaining member 142 retracts into the shield body 141. As a result, the tip of the needle 22 contacts the skin, and the injection needle 22 is inserted into the skin to a predetermined depth. Next, when the injection button 258 is pressed, a predetermined amount of drug is injected from the drug capsule 10.

[0246] When the operator removes the drug injection device 200 from the skin after the drug injection is completed, the injection needle 21 is pulled out from the skin. Thereafter, the ejection lever 209 is operated to eject the cartridge 100 from the drug injection device 200.

[0247] like Figure 5 As shown, the drug injection device 200 includes: a control unit 251 including a CPU and other computing units; a secondary battery 253 as a power source; a charging unit 252 including a charging circuit for charging the secondary battery 253; a memory 254 for storing computer programs, data, etc.; and a timer 261. The control unit 251 and the memory 254 constitute a control device 280. The control unit 251 reads the program stored in the memory 254 and controls the operation of the drug injection device according to the steps of the computer program. Figure 5 The steps of the computer program are shown in the following description and the flowcharts in the accompanying drawings. The drug injection device 200 may further include a buzzer 260 for notifying the operator through sound.

[0248] The drug injection device 200 further includes a motor driver 263, a motor 264, and a rotary encoder 265. The motor driver 263, the motor 264, and the rotary encoder 265 constitute a part of the piston drive mechanism as will be described later.

[0249] The drug injection device 200 also includes various detectors for detecting the status of various components of the drug injection device 200. Specifically, the drug injection device 200 includes a piston origin detector 271, a cartridge loading detector 272, a discharge rod detector 274, a contact sensor 275, and an acceleration sensor 276. The drug injection device 200 may also include a second temperature sensor 273.

[0250] The drug injection device 200 includes an RF-ID reader 277. The drug injection device 200 may also include an RF-ID recorder. The RF-ID reader 277 reads the first temperature information transmitted from the first temperature sensor 15 by the RF tag 16 of the drug capsule 10, as well as drug information, including information indicating the type of drug, stored in the memory of the RF tag 16. The read information is input to the control unit 251, which uses the acquired first temperature information to control the motor and thus the operation of the drug injection device 200.

[0251] The drug injection device 200 may also be provided with a communication unit 262. The communication unit 262 transmits and receives information to and from the outside through, for example, infrared communication, wireless communication, etc. Specifically, the communication unit 262 may also be a transceiver that utilizes a short-range wireless communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth is a registered trademark). For example, when in use, the memory 254 may store the time when the operator used the drug injection device 200, the type of drug, the injection amount, etc., and use the communication unit 262 at a specified time to send this information to external devices such as portable devices such as smart phones and tablet terminals, and dedicated devices for managing the drug injection device 200. In addition, the aforementioned information may also be sent from the portable device to a server of a hospital, a drug manufacturer, etc. via a portable telephone line or an Internet line.

[0252] The charger 300 includes a charging housing 301 and a power supply circuit disposed in the charging housing 301. The charging housing 301 has a charger recess 301r having a space into which the distal end portion 201a of the drug injection device 200 can be inserted.

[0253] The charging frame 301 includes a step 301s at the bottom of the charger recess 301r, corresponding in shape to the device recess 201r located at the front end 201a of the drug injection device 200; a space 301u within the charger recess 301r, adjacent to the step 301s; and a supply terminal 301e located within the charger recess 301r and connected to the charging circuit. The side surfaces of the charger recess 301r are provided with a plurality of ribs 301d extending in the depth direction of the charger recess 301r.

[0254] Figure 6A 1 is a diagram for explaining how the drug injection device 200 is combined with the charger 300. Figure 6B This is a front view showing the state where the drug injection device 200 is assembled with the charger 300. When the drug injection device 200 is charged by the charger 300, the cartridge 100 is removed from the drug injection device 200 and the front end 201a of the drug injection device 200 is inserted into the charger recess 301r of the charger 300. At this time, the device recess 201r of the drug injection device 200 corresponds to the step 301s, so as shown in FIG. Figure 6B By inserting the protrusion 201t into the space 301u next to the step 301s without interference, the entire front end 201a can be inserted into the charger recess 301r. This allows the front end 201a of the drug injection device 200 to be housed within the charger recess 301r, with the charging terminal 201g and the supply terminal 301e of the drug injection device 200 in contact. Furthermore, at this point, the side surfaces of the front end 201a of the drug injection device 200 contact the ribs 301d of the charger 300. Consequently, a space is formed between the side surfaces of the charger recess 301r and the side surfaces of the front end 201a of the drug injection device 200. This space allows the heat generated by the secondary battery during charging to be dissipated outside the charger recess 301r.

[0255] In addition, if Figure 6B As shown, the charger 300 can hold the drug injection device 200 in an upright position. Thus, the charger 300 functions as a storage location for the drug injection device 200 outside of use. Compared to storing the drug injection device 200 lying down or charging the drug injection device 200 while it is stored in a housing, the drug injection device 200 can be stored in a less conspicuous location.

[0256] On the other hand, when the cartridge 100 is loaded into the drug injection device 200, a portion of the cartridge 100 protrudes into the device recess 201r. Therefore, even if the tip 201a of the drug injection device 200 is inserted into the charger recess 301r of the charger 300, the cartridge 100 interferes with the step 301s of the charger recess 301r. Consequently, the protrusion 201t cannot be inserted into the space 301u next to the step 301s, and the entire tip 201a cannot be inserted into the charger recess 301r. Consequently, the tip 201a of the drug injection device 200 cannot be accommodated within the charger recess 301r, and the drug injection device 200 cannot be assembled with the charger 300.

[0257] Thus, according to the drug injection system 400 of this embodiment, the drug injection device 200 cannot be loaded into the charger 300 while the cartridge 100 remains inserted. Therefore, the cartridge 100 must be removed during charging, which can prevent the drug in the cartridge 100 from deteriorating due to heat generated by the drug injection device 200 during charging.

[0258] In the drug injection system of this embodiment, the drug capsule 10 is equipped with a first temperature sensor 15, which can measure the temperature of the drug contained in the drug capsule 10. This information can be used to estimate the viscosity of the drug, drive the motor with a driving force corresponding to the viscosity, determine whether the temperature is suitable for injection, and control the operation of the drug injection device 200. The drug capsule 10, the cartridge 100, and the drug injection device 200 are described in detail below.

[0259] (Medicine capsule 10)

[0260] An example of the medicine capsule 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 7A It is a cross section parallel to the length direction of the medicine capsule 10. Figure 7B This is a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the medicine capsule 10. The medicine capsule 10 includes a cylinder 11, a cylinder cover 12, a sealing gasket 13, medicine 14, and an RF tag 16.

[0261] The cylinder 11 has a first end 11a and a second end 11b separated in the longitudinal direction, and a cylindrical space 11c located between the first and second ends 11a and 11b. The first end 11a allows for insertion and removal of the needle 22 of the injection needle 21. For example, the cylinder 11 is tapered toward the first end 11a, with a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical space 11c becoming smaller. The opening of the cylindrical space 11c on the first end 11a side is sealed by a rubber cylinder cap 12 at the first end 11a. The cylinder 11 has a cylinder opening 11d at the second end 11b, which is connected to the cylindrical space 11c.

[0262] The gasket 13 is inserted into the cylinder columnar space 11 c from the cylinder opening 11 d and is supported by the inner wall of the cylinder 11 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction.

[0263] The first end 11a and the second end 11b of the cylindrical space 11c are sealed by a cylinder cover 12 and a gasket 13. The sealed cylindrical space 11c is filled with a medicine 14. The medicine 14 contains at least a first liquid component and is liquid at room temperature.

[0264] Figure 8A and Figure 8BThis is a schematic plan view of an RF tag 16. The RF tag 16 is a device that stores identification information of the object to which it is attached and wirelessly transmits this identification information. In this embodiment, the RF tag 16 stores pharmaceutical information, including at least information indicating the type of pharmaceutical within the cylindrical space 11c. In response to external commands, the RF tag 16 wirelessly transmits this information indicating the type of pharmaceutical and first temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor.

[0265] RF tag 16 can be either an active or passive tag. In this embodiment, RF tag 16 is a passive tag and includes a temperature sensor. For example, RF tag 16 includes antenna 16a and IC 16b. Antenna 16a transmits and receives electromagnetic waves in the longwave, shortwave, or microwave bands. IC 16b includes a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, and a power rectifier. In this embodiment, IC 16b also includes a first temperature sensor.

[0266] like Figure 8B As shown, the RF tag 16' may also include an antenna 16a and an IC 16c that does not include a temperature sensor. In this case, the drug capsule 10 also includes a first temperature sensor 15 electrically connected to the IC 16c. The RF tag 16, or the RF tag 16' and the first temperature sensor 15, are attached to a bottle label 17, for example, and supported by a laminate or the like. The bottle label 17 is attached to the outer surface of the cylinder 11. The name of the drug 14, etc., may also be written on the outside of the attached bottle label 17. In addition, the drug information described later may also be written using text, graphics, etc.

[0267] The first temperature sensor detects the temperature around the second temperature sensor. In this embodiment, IC 16b, which includes the first temperature sensor, is attached to cylinder 11 along with the bottle label, and thus directly detects the temperature of cylinder 11. The temperature of cylinder 11 is the same as the temperature of the medicine within cylinder columnar space 11c. Therefore, it can be said that the first temperature sensor detects the temperature of the medicine in medicine capsule 10.

[0268] The storage unit stores drug information related to the drug within the cylindrical space 11c. The drug information includes at least information indicating the type of drug. The drug information may also include information indicating the drug's expiration date, information indicating the initial amount of the unused drug, manufacturing-related information such as the drug's manufacturing batch, unique identification information for the drug capsule 10, and information related to the drug's viscosity.

[0269] In the RF tag 16, when antenna 16a receives a signal transmitted from the drug injection device 200 (described later), resonance generates an electromotive force. The power rectifier unit of IC 16b rectifies the electromotive force, generating power to drive the RF tag 16. This activates IC 16b and reads drug information stored in the memory unit and first temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor. The transmitter converts the readout information into electromagnetic waves and transmits them externally from antenna 16a. This transmitted information is received by the drug injection device, as described later, and used to control the drug injection device.

[0270] The drug capsule 10 is equipped with a first temperature sensor, thereby being able to detect the temperature of the drug in response to a request from the drug injection device 200. Thus, a drug injection device can be implemented that, when a drug capsule stored at a low temperature is used for injection, can use the temperature of the drug to determine whether it is at a suitable temperature for injection, estimate the viscosity of the drug corresponding to the temperature, and inject the drug with an appropriate driving force.

[0271] The drug capsule 10 contains only a liquid component, but the drug capsule of the present disclosure may also contain a solid component and a liquid component. Figure 9A FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross section of a medicine capsule 10 ′ containing a medicine in which a liquid component and a solid component are separated and retained in an unused state. Figure 9B express Figure 9A 9B-9B line section.

[0272] The medicine capsule 10' includes a cylinder 11', a first gasket 13A, a second gasket 13B, and a liquid component 14A containing a first component and a solid component 14B containing a second component of the medicine 14. Liquid component 14A is liquid at room temperature, while solid component 14B is solid at room temperature. Solid component 14B is supported, for example, by contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 11'. A bottle label 17 and an RF tag 16 are located on the side of the cylinder 11'.

[0273] The cylinder 11 ′ has a cylindrical space 11 c including a first region 11 c 1 located on the first end 11 a side, a second region 11 c 2 located on the second end 11 b side, and a third region 11 c 3 sandwiched between the first and second regions 11 c 1 and 11 c 2 .

[0274] The side surface of the cylinder 11' includes a protrusion 11t in the third region 11c3 that protrudes outward relative to the axis 11j. This protrusion 11t extends in the longitudinal direction and, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, defines a bypass space 11e adjacent to the cylindrical space 11c. The longitudinal length Lb of the bypass space 11e is longer than the longitudinal length Lg of the second gasket 13B in contact with the inner side surface of the cylinder 11' (Lb > Lg).

[0275] In the unused initial state of medication capsule 10', at least a portion of second gasket 13B is located in second region 11c2. First gasket 13A is located within cylindrical space 11c, on the second end 11b side of second region 11c2. Liquid medication component 14A is located in second region 11c2, sandwiched between first gasket 13A and second gasket 13B. Meanwhile, solid medication component 14B is located in first region 11c1 of cylindrical space 11c.

[0276] In the medication capsule 10 ′, the solid component 14B is dissolved by the liquid component 14A before use. Figure 10 (a) Figure 10 (b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the movement of liquid component 14A during the dissolution of solid component 14B. When cartridge 100, with drug capsule 10' inserted, is loaded into drug injection device 200, piston 210 of drug injection device 200 advances first gasket 13A. While the rear end of second gasket 13B is within second region 11c2, the space between first and second gaskets 13A and 13B is sealed. Therefore, as first gasket 13A advances, second gasket 13B and liquid component 14A also advance.

[0277] like Figure 10 As shown in (a), when the rear end of second gasket 13B reaches third region 11c3, the longitudinal length Lg of second gasket 13B is shorter than the longitudinal length Lb of bypass space 11e. Therefore, first region 11c1, located forward of second gasket 13B, and second region 11c2, located rearward of second gasket 13B, are connected via bypass space 11e. As a result, liquid component 14A flows into first region 11c1 through bypass space 11e. During this period, even if first gasket 13A advances, second gasket 13B does not move; only liquid component 14A moves toward first region 11c1. As a result, liquid component 14A comes into contact with solid component 14B, dissolving solid component 14B in liquid component 14A.

[0278] like Figure 10 As shown in (b), when all the liquid component 14A moves to the first region 11c1, the first gasket 13A and the second gasket 13B come into contact with each other. Therefore, thereafter, the first gasket 13A and the second gasket 13B move forward together in the contact state.

[0279] As will be described later, the solid component 14B in contact with the liquid component 14A is dissolved in the liquid component 14A due to the entire drug capsule 10 ′ being swung by an operator's operation.

[0280] In this way, even if the medicine contained in the medicine capsule contains both solid and liquid components, the storage unit of the RF tag 16 can store the medicine information. Therefore, by transmitting the stored medicine information and the first temperature information of the medicine to the medicine injection device 200, the medicine injection device 200 can be controlled using a different procedure than for medicine capsules containing only liquid components, and the dissolution operation can be performed according to the temperature of the medicine.

[0281] (Storage box 100)

[0282] As reference Figure 2 As described above, the cartridge 100 includes the cartridge body 110, the cartridge cover 130, and the shield 140. The cartridge 100 of this embodiment includes the shield 140, which allows the operator to more safely operate the cartridge 100 or the drug injection device 200 equipped with the cartridge 100 when the injection needle 21 is attached.

[0283] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view of the shield 140 of the storage box 100. The shield 140 includes a shield body 141, a needle hiding part 142 and a force-applying member 143. The needle hiding part 142 has a roughly U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the shield body 141 also has a portion having a roughly U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The needle hiding part 142 is supported relative to the shield body 141 in a manner that allows it to move along the longitudinal direction. The force-applying member 143 applies force to the needle hiding part 142 in a direction protruding from the shield body 141. In this embodiment, the force-applying member 143 is a spring, but it may also be other elastic members.

[0284] At least a portion of needle concealment member 142 is transparent. In this embodiment, needle concealment member 142 comprises a transparent first portion 142c and a translucent second portion 142d. More specifically, first portion 142c is a region extending along the longitudinal direction, for example, located at the bottom of a generally U-shaped cross-section in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Second portion 142d is positioned so as to sandwich first portion 142c.

[0285] The shield body 141 is rotatably supported on the cartridge body 110 at its rear end 141b in the longitudinal direction. This allows the shield 140 to rotate between a first position covering the needle mounting portion and a second position exposing the needle mounting portion. Furthermore, the shield body 141 has an arm portion 141c connected to the rear end 141b and extending in the longitudinal direction toward the side opposite to the shield body 141. The shield body 141 is made of, for example, an opaque material. Transparency and opacity can be colorless or colored.

[0286] Figure 12 (a) Figure 12(b) is a diagram illustrating the assembly of the needle unit 20 to the storage box 100. The drug capsule 10 is pre-inserted into the storage box 100. Figure 12 As shown in (a), first, the shield 140 is rotated to the second position. In this state, the shield 140 does not cover the injection needle assembly part 110h of the storage box 100, and the injection needle assembly part 110h is exposed. In particular, the shield 140 is located below (on the rear end side) the injection needle assembly part 110h. Therefore, for example, when the operator installs the needle unit 20 to the injection needle assembly part 110h, the hand will not touch the shield 140, and the installation is easy. Figure 12 As shown in (b), after the needle unit 20 is mounted, the shield 140 is rotated to the first position. As a result, the portion of the needle unit 20 other than the distal end portion 201a is covered by the shield 140 from three directions.

[0287] like Figure 3 As shown in (a) of FIG. 2 , in this state, the cartridge 100 is inserted from the housing opening 201 d of the drug injection device 200 into the housing space 201 c . Figure 3 (b) shows the state in which the cartridge 100 is fully loaded. In this state, a portion of the shield 140 is exposed in the device recess 201r at the front end 201a, while a portion is located within the frame opening 201d. Specifically, at least the arm portion 141c of the shield body 141 is located within the frame opening 201d. Therefore, in this state, even if the operator rotates the shield 140 to the second position, i.e., opens the shield 140 to expose the needle unit 20, the arm portion 141c will abut against the internal frame of the drug injection device 200 within the frame space 201c, preventing the shield 140 from rotating. When the cartridge 100 is loaded into the drug injection device 200, a portion of the shield body 141 surrounds the device recess 201r at the front end 201a. Therefore, during medication administration, the drug injection device 200 can be stably held against the skin.

[0288] like Figure 3 As shown in (c), in this state, when the operator pulls the needle housing 25 of the needle unit 20, the needle cover 24 and the needle housing 25 are removed from the needle unit 20, and the injection needle 21 is exposed. The front end of the exposed injection needle 21 is at a position lower than the front end of the needle hiding part 142.

[0289] The translucent second portion 142d of the needle concealing member 142 faces the same direction as the front surface of the drug injection device 200, where the display device 259 and other components are located. Therefore, when the operator performs an injection, they can visually confirm the injection needle 21 through the second portion 142d of the needle concealing member 142. Because the second portion 142d is translucent, the operator cannot clearly discern the shape of the injection needle 21, but can still recognize that the needle 22 is installed. This allows the operator to confirm that the injection needle 21 is correctly installed without clearly identifying the needle 22, thereby minimizing fear.

[0290] Furthermore, the first portion 142c of the needle concealing member 142 is transparent and faces the same direction as the side of the drug injection device 200. Therefore, the operator can clearly visually confirm the injection needle 21 through the first portion 142c. As will be described later, for example, when de-airing the drug capsule 10, the operator can confirm the drug seeping out of the tip of the injection needle 21 through the first portion 142c, thereby confirming that de-airing is complete.

[0291] Furthermore, during injection, when the tip of the needle-hiding member 142 is brought into contact with the skin and the drug injection device 200 is pressed, the needle-hiding member 142 retracts and is housed within the shield body 141, causing the injection needle 21 to protrude from the tip of the needle-hiding member 142. Thus, the injection needle 21 is inserted into the skin before the skin-contacting surface 201e of the convex portion 201t of the drug injection device 200 contacts the skin.

[0292] When the injection is completed and the drug injection device 200 is removed from the skin, the needle hiding part 142 protrudes toward the front end side under the action of the urging member 143 and covers the injection needle 21 again.

[0293] While the cartridge 100 storing the medicine capsule 10 has been described above, the cartridge of this embodiment can also be configured similarly when storing the aforementioned medicine capsule 10 ′.

[0294] (Medicine injection device 200)

[0295] Figure 13 This is an exploded perspective view of the drug injection device 200 with the device housing 201 removed. Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the drug injection device 200 showing the arrangement of the RF-ID antenna. Figure 15It is an exploded perspective view of the piston drive mechanism 220 of the medicament injection device 200. The medicament injection device 200 further includes a piston 210 and a piston drive mechanism 220 in addition to the aforementioned device housing 201 and control device 280. In the present embodiment, the medicament injection device 200 further includes an inner housing 202, a main board 290, a first sub-board 291, and a second sub-board 292. The inner housing 202 supports the piston drive mechanism 220. The control device 280 and the motor driver 263 are formed on the main board 290. In addition, an acceleration sensor 276 is also arranged on the main board 290.

[0296] The RF-ID reader 277 includes an antenna 278 and a transceiver circuit 279. The transceiver circuit 279 is formed, for example, on the main board 290. A selection button 256, a determination button 257, an injection button 258, and a second temperature sensor 273 are arranged on the second sub-board 292. The second temperature sensor 273 is preferably arranged at a position where it is not easily affected by the heat generated by various components within the device housing 201 during operation.

[0297] In the state where the cassette 100 inserted with the medicament cartridge 10 is loaded in the medicament injection device 200, the RF-ID reader 277 reads the first temperature information transmitted from the medicament cartridge 10 and the medicament information including the information indicating the type of the medicament stored in the memory of the RF tag 16. Based on these information, the medicament injection device 200 moves the piston 210, thereby injecting the medicament in the medicament cartridge 10 to the operator. Hereinafter, the structures of the RF-ID reader 277 and the piston drive mechanism 220 of the medicament injection device 200 will be mainly described.

[0298] <RF-ID reader 277>

[0299] As described above, the RF-ID reader 277 includes an antenna 278 and a transceiver circuit 279. As Figure 14 shown, the antenna 278 includes a first part 278A and a second part 278B that can independently receive signals from the outside. The first part 278A and the second part 278B of the antenna 278 are arranged adjacent to the housing space 201c. Preferably, the first part 278A and the second part 278B each include a substantially planar radiation conductor and are arranged orthogonally to each other.

[0300] Figure 16A and Figure 16B Schematically shows the positional relationship between the RF tag 16 and the first part 278A and the second part 278B of the antenna 278 in the state where the cassette 100 inserted with the medicament cartridge 10 is loaded in the medicament injection device 200. In Figure 16A and Figure 16BIn the figure, the cartridge 100 is not shown. In this embodiment, the drug capsule 10 has a cylindrical shape, with a cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal direction having a generally circular shape. Therefore, the drug capsule 10 can be inserted in any orientation (angle) around the axis of the cartridge's cylindrical space 110c. Therefore, when the cartridge 100 is loaded into the drug injection device 200, the flat-plate RF tag 16 can be oriented in any direction.

[0301] On the other hand, the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 has a generally planar shape and is directional. Specifically, the antenna 16a transmits electromagnetic waves having a high electric field intensity distribution in a direction perpendicular to the planar shape. Therefore, if the antenna 278 of the RF-ID reader 277 has high reception sensitivity in only one direction, the direction in which the antenna 278 has high reception sensitivity may be orthogonal to, or nearly orthogonal to, the direction in which the electric field intensity of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 is high, thereby preventing the reader from properly receiving the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the RF tag 16.

[0302] In this embodiment, the first portion 278A and the second portion 278B of the antenna 278 are arranged orthogonally to each other, so that the antenna 278 has high sensitivity in two orthogonal directions. Figure 16A As shown in FIG. 2 , when the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 extends substantially perpendicularly to the y direction, the antenna 278 cannot receive the electromagnetic waves from the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 with high sensitivity using the first portion 278A, but can receive the electromagnetic waves from the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 with sufficient sensitivity using the second portion 278B. Figure 16B As shown, when the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 extends approximately perpendicular to the x-direction, the antenna 278 cannot receive the electromagnetic waves from the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 with high sensitivity using the second portion 278B, but can receive the electromagnetic waves from the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 with sufficient sensitivity using the first portion 278A. Figure 16A and Figure 16B Even in directions other than those shown, the electromagnetic waves from the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 can be received with sufficiently high sensitivity by the first portion 278A or the second portion 278B of the antenna 278. Therefore, according to the drug injection device 200 of this embodiment, the first temperature information and the drug information including the information indicating the type of drug stored in the memory of the RF tag 16 can be read more reliably from the drug capsule 10 in the cartridge 100.

[0303] Information from the RF tag 16 attached to the medicine capsule 10 is read by the RF-ID reader 277, for example, through the following steps. First, to generate power for the RF tag 16 to transmit information, the transceiver circuit 279 of the RF-ID reader 277 generates an activation signal, and electromagnetic waves are transmitted from the first portion 278A and / or the second portion 278B of the antenna 278. When the antenna 16a of the RF tag 16 receives the electromagnetic waves, resonance generates an electromotive force. This generated electromotive force activates the IC 16b, which reads the information stored in the memory and converts it into a signal. Furthermore, the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is converted into a signal. The generated signal is transmitted from the IC 16b to the antenna 16a, which then transmits the electromagnetic wave. The RF-ID reader 277 receives the electromagnetic wave from the RF tag 16 using the first portion 278A or the second portion 278B of the antenna 278, and the transceiver circuit 279 converts it into a signal. This makes it possible to obtain the first temperature information and the drug information including the information indicating the type of drug stored in the memory of the RF tag 16 . These pieces of information are sent to the control device 280 .

[0304] <Piston Drive Mechanism 220>

[0305] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 The piston 210 includes a front end portion 211 and a main body 212 connected to the front end portion 211. The front end portion 211 is located on the first end 210a side. In this embodiment, the front end portion 211 has an I-cut shape, obtained by cutting a cylinder along two parallel planes along the axis. The front end portion 211 has a shape corresponding to the lid opening 130d provided in the reservoir lid 130 of the reservoir 100.

[0306] The piston 210 includes a drive protrusion 213 located on the side of the main body 212. The drive protrusion 213 is engaged with a guide 231 provided on the piston drive mechanism 220 as described later, thereby limiting rotation according to the shape of the guide 231. In this embodiment, the drive protrusion 213 is a rib provided on the side of the piston 210, and the rib is a ridge-shaped protrusion extending parallel to the axis of the piston 210. In this embodiment, the piston 210 has two drive protrusions 213 arranged on the second end 210b side of the side of the main body. The main body 212 of the piston 210 is provided with an internal thread 214, which is located on the inner side of the hole 210h extending along the axis of the piston 210.

[0307] The piston drive mechanism 220 includes a motor 264 , a gear box 221 , a drive gear 222 , a drive rod 235 , and a piston guide 230 . The motor 264 , the gear box 221 , the drive gear 222 , and the piston guide 230 are supported by the internal frame 202 .

[0308] The motor 264 rotates forward or reverse based on the control of the control device 280. Here, forward rotation refers to rotation in a direction to advance the piston 210, and reverse rotation refers to rotation in a direction to retract the piston 210.

[0309] A rotary encoder 265 is attached to the rotating shaft of motor 264 as a rotation detector. Rotary encoder 265 detects the rotation amount (rotation speed) of motor 264. Rotary encoder 265 includes an encoder plate 266 and a pulse encoder 267. Pulse encoder 267 includes a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. Rotary encoder 265 is described in detail below.

[0310] The gear box 221 includes at least one gear attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 264. The gear box 221 may include two or more gears in order to reduce the rotation speed of the motor 264.

[0311] The driving gear 222 meshes with the gear of the gear box 221 and is rotatably supported by the inner frame 202 via a bearing 223. A hole is provided in the shaft of the driving gear 222, and one end of the driving rod 235 is inserted and fitted.

[0312] The driving rod 235 has a rod shape and has a side surface formed with an external thread 236. The external thread 236 is configured such that the height, shape, and pitch of the thread protrusion are engaged with the internal thread 214 provided on the piston 210.

[0313] The piston guide 230 has a hole 230h for inserting the piston 210. A guide 231 is provided on the inner side of the hole 230h. The guide 231 engages with the driving protrusion 213 of the piston 210 to guide the piston 210 forward or backward without rotating the piston 210 about its axis.

[0314] In this embodiment, the guide 231 is a linear groove extending parallel to the axis of the hole 230h and is inserted into a rib, which is a driving protrusion 213 provided on the side of the piston 210. The piston guide 230 includes two guides 231 corresponding to the two driving protrusions 213 of the piston 210.

[0315] When motor 264 rotates forward in response to a command from control device 280, drive gear 222 rotates via gearbox 221, causing drive rod 235 to rotate. As drive rod 235 rotates, internal threads 214 of piston 210, which engage external threads 236 of drive rod 235, are subjected to a rotational force about the axis. Because drive protrusion 213 of piston 210 is inserted into the groove of guide 231, guide 231 restricts rotation of piston 210 about the axis. As drive rod 235 rotates, piston 210 advances without rotating.

[0316] When the motor 264 rotates in the reverse direction according to the command of the control device 280, the gear 222 is driven to rotate via the gear box 221, and the drive rod 235 rotates in the opposite direction. The external thread 236 of the drive rod 235 meshes with the internal thread 214 of the piston 210, and the rotation around the axis is restricted, thereby retracting the piston 210 so as not to rotate around the axis.

[0317] <Control of Piston Drive Mechanism 220>

[0318] As mentioned above, the viscosity of the liquid medicine 14 changes according to the temperature. Generally, the higher the temperature of the medicine, the lower the viscosity. In addition, the viscosity varies according to the type of medicine. Moreover, even if the same medicine is contained in the medicine capsule, when the diameter of the cylinder 11 is different due to the different capacity of the cylinder 11, the load required to move the gasket 13 may also be different. In previous medicine injection devices, regardless of the type of medicine or the capacity of the medicine capsule 10, in order to enable a smooth injection operation, a sufficiently high driving voltage is supplied to the motor that can cope with the corresponding medicine and the medicine with the highest viscosity in the medicine capsule and the medicine capsule with the largest load. However, in this case, a secondary battery with a large maximum output is required. Therefore, the volume of the secondary battery also becomes larger, and the medicine injection device becomes larger and heavier. In addition, the motor is always driven with more electricity than necessary, so the power consumption becomes larger.

[0319] Furthermore, conventional drug injection devices address the issue of pain sometimes experienced when injecting cold medications by leaving the medication capsule in a room for a certain period of time before the operator administers the injection. However, managing this timeframe is cumbersome for the operator, and the room temperature during the injection may vary depending on the season and location. Therefore, even if the capsule is left in the room for the same period of time, it may not always reach the same temperature.

[0320] In this embodiment, RF-ID reader 277 receives medication information, including information indicating the type of medication within the medication capsule, transmitted from RF tag 16 of the medication capsule, as well as first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor. It determines the driving power of the motor based on the first temperature information and controls the motor driver to output the determined driving power. Furthermore, if the temperature indicated by the first temperature information falls within a certain temperature range, the motor 264 is not driven, judging that it is not suitable for injection, and the injection process is not initiated.

[0321] To perform such control, control information for controlling the motor 264 for each of a plurality of medicines is stored in the memory 254. The control information for each medicine includes a combination of motor control parameters for each of a plurality of temperature ranges.

[0322] Table 1 shows an example of a combination of motor control parameters stored in the memory 254. As an example of a plurality of medicines, medicine A and medicine B are shown. The viscosity of medicine B is higher than that of medicine A. In addition, as a plurality of temperature ranges, temperature ranges of less than 0°C, 0°C or higher and less than 10°C, 10°C or higher and less than 20°C, 20°C or higher and less than 38°C, and 38°C or higher are shown. 0°C, 38°C, and 10°C are examples of the first temperature, the second temperature, and the third temperature, respectively. When the medicine capsule 10 is not inserted into the storage box 100, the RF-ID reader 277 cannot obtain any information about the medicine information and the first temperature information. The memory 254 may also include a combination of motor control parameters for the case where such a medicine capsule is not present.

[0323] [Table 1]

[0324]

[0325] When the first temperature information is less than 0°C, the medicine may freeze. In addition, when the first temperature information is above 38°C, the medicine may deteriorate due to high-temperature storage. When the first temperature information is within these two temperature ranges, it is preferably not to be injected. Therefore, regardless of whether the type of medicine in the medicine information is A or B, the driving information C is assigned. The driving information C can be, for example, information such as not driving the motor 264. When the medicine capsule is not inserted into the storage box 100, the injection cannot be performed in any temperature range, so the driving information C is assigned to all temperature ranges. In the temperature ranges of above 0°C and below 10°C, above 10°C and below 20°C, and above 20°C and below 38°C, the control parameter combinations of driving information A1, A2, A3 and driving information B1, B2, B3 are assigned to medicine A and medicine B, respectively.

[0326] Table 2 shows a specific example of a combination of control parameters for drive information A1, A2, A3, and drive information B1, B2, and B3. The motor's drive power can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the applied voltage or by other methods. In this embodiment, the motor is controlled by adjusting the drive power using PWM (pulse width modulation). Figure 17 An example of a PWM-based drive signal and the rotational speed of a motor driven by the drive signal is shown. The drive information defining the PWM-based drive signal includes, for example, an initial duty cycle value, a duty cycle increase range, an increase period, a maximum increase waiting time, and a target duty cycle.

[0327] The viscosity of medicine B is higher than that of medicine A throughout the entire temperature range. Therefore, when comparing the various temperature ranges, the initial value of the duty cycle of medicine B is greater than the initial value of the duty cycle of medicine A. This is because a large amount of driving power is required to drive the high-viscosity medicine. In this embodiment, the increase period and maximum increase waiting time of medicine B are shorter than those of medicine A, and the target duty cycle of medicine B is greater than the target duty cycle of medicine A in each temperature range.

[0328] Furthermore, for each agent, parameter values ​​decrease as the temperature range increases. Specifically, the higher the lower limit of each temperature range, the smaller the initial duty cycle value, the duty cycle increase amplitude, the increase duration, the maximum increase wait time, and the target duty cycle. This is because the viscosity of the agent decreases as the temperature increases, reducing the power required for driving the agent.

[0329] [Table 2]

[0330]

[0331] For example, when the medicine information is medicine A and the first temperature information is 15° C., the control device 280 reads the drive information A2 from the memory 254 and drives the motor driver 263 using the parameters included in the drive information A2.

[0332] Regardless of Table 2 and Figure 17 As shown, by selecting which drive information, A1-A3 or B1-B3, the duty cycle is gradually increased. Consequently, control device 280 generates a drive signal for the motor driver to gradually increase the current flowing to the motor. Once the duty cycle reaches the target duty cycle, drive is continued at the target duty cycle. By performing PWM control at motor startup, with an initial duty cycle value corresponding to the viscosity of the drug and gradually increasing the duty cycle, the peak value of the starting (starting) current (current overshoot) can be reduced.

[0333] Figure 18A Indicates the starting current generated without PWM control, Figure 18B An example of the starting current obtained by PWM control in this embodiment is shown. Figure 18A As shown, when PWM control is not performed, a peak current of approximately 800 mA flows at maximum. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the peak current can be suppressed to approximately 400 mA.

[0334] Using an initial duty cycle value that corresponds to the viscosity of the drug is particularly helpful in shortening the time it takes for motor 264 to reach a stable state. Even if the initial duty cycle value is not changed according to the viscosity of the drug, if motor 264 is driven by a pulse signal with a step-by-step increase in the duty cycle, the overshoot of the current at startup can be suppressed. However, if an appropriate initial duty cycle value corresponding to the viscosity is not used, the time required for the sealing gasket of the drug capsule 10 to start and move at a certain speed may sometimes become very long. Therefore, considering the time required for injection becomes longer, it becomes impractical and the burden on the operator increases.

[0335] In the present embodiment, the overall parameters of the PWM control, such as the initial value of the duty cycle, are set by taking into account the difference in viscosity based on the type of medicine and the difference in viscosity based on temperature, thereby preventing the time taken for the motor 264 to reach a stable state from becoming longer and reducing the starting current. As a result, the maximum discharge current can be reduced, and thus the capacity of the secondary battery can be reduced. Thus, a medicine injection device can be realized, in which even if a secondary battery of a smaller capacity is installed, injection can be performed with an appropriate driving force. According to the medicine injection device of this embodiment, the battery capacity can be reduced by, for example, 20 to 30% compared to the case where the driving power is not adjusted. Therefore, a small and lightweight medicine injection device can be realized, which can provide excellent operability that is easy to operate.

[0336] As described above, the first temperature information transmitted from the RF tag 16 of the medicine capsule 10 can also be used to determine whether the temperature is suitable for injection. Figure 19A and Figure 19B FIG. 2 shows an example of an injection operation in which the first temperature information is also used to determine whether the injection is appropriate. Figure 19A and Figure 19B Flowchart 200 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the drug injection device 200 during the injection operation. Figure 5 and these figures to illustrate the injection action.

[0337] When the operator loads the drug injection device 200 with the cartridge 100, the control device 280 causes the transceiver circuit of the RF-ID reader 277 to transmit a signal to the RF tag 16 to generate an electromotive force for transmitting information (S1). If the RF-ID reader 277 cannot receive the signal from the RF tag 16, this means that the drug capsule 10 is not inserted into the cartridge 100. In this case, the control device 280 reads the drive information C from the memory 254 (S2) and drives the motor 264 using the drive information C (S3). The drive information C is, for example, information for controlling the motor driver 263 to maintain the motor 264 in a stopped state.

[0338] When the RF-ID reader 277 receives a signal from the RF tag 16 (S4), the control device 280 stores the drug information, including information indicating the type of drug in the drug capsule 10, and the first temperature information detected by the first temperature sensor, as T0 in the memory 254. T0 is also used as the initial temperature for predicting the time until the drug reaches the appropriate temperature, as described later.

[0339] The control device 280 compares the temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature information with a reference temperature (S5). The reference temperatures are 0°C (first temperature), 20°C (third temperature), and 38°C (second temperature). If the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is less than 0°C or greater than 38°C (first temperature range), the medicine in the medicine capsule 10 may freeze or deteriorate due to the high temperature. Therefore, the control device 280 causes the display device 259 to display a screen urging the replacement of the medicine capsule 10 (S6), and then terminates the medicine injection operation.

[0340] When the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is above 0°C and below 20°C (the second temperature range), the temperature of the medicine may be low and pain may be felt during injection. Therefore, the control device 280, for example, causes the display device 259 to display a screen urging the operator to wait for injection before the temperature of the medicine rises (S7). In this case, considering that the operator determines that he wants to inject early even if he feels some pain, the input of whether to choose to inject or wait is accepted (S8). If the operator chooses to wait, the process of the reminder action is entered. On the other hand, if the operator chooses to inject, the process of the medication action is entered.

[0341] When the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is 20° C. or higher and lower than 38° C. (third temperature range), injection is possible. Therefore, the flow of the medication operation begins.

[0342] like Figure 19BAs shown, in the process of the drug administration operation, the control device 280 first determines whether the drug information is drug A or drug B (S11). If the drug information is drug A, the first temperature information is compared with the reference temperature (S12), and the driving information corresponding to the comparison result is read from the memory 254. As shown in Tables 1 and 2, when the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is greater than 0°C and less than 10°C, the driving information A1 is read from the memory 254; when the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is greater than 10°C and less than 20°C, the driving information A2 is read from the memory 254; and when the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is greater than 20°C and less than 38°C, the driving information A3 is read from the memory 254 (S14, S15, S16). If the drug information is drug B, the first temperature information is also compared with the reference temperature (S13), and the driving information corresponding to the comparison result is read from the memory 254. When the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is greater than 0°C and less than 10°C, the driving information B1 is read from the memory 254; when the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is greater than 10°C and less than 20°C, the driving information B2 is read from the memory 254; when the temperature indicated by the first temperature information is greater than 20°C and less than 38°C, the driving information B3 is read from the memory 254 (S17, S18, S19).

[0343] The control device 280 controls the motor driver 263 using the parameters of the selected drive information, and rotates the motor 264 by PWM control as described above.

[0344] Next, the reminder operation will be described. When the temperature of the medicine is low and the operator has selected to wait for injection until the temperature of the medicine reaches an appropriate temperature, the control device 280 of the medicine injection device 200 performs a reminder operation. Figure 19C This is a flowchart showing an example of a reminder operation.

[0345] During the reminder operation, the control device 280 sequentially acquires first temperature information from the first temperature sensor 15 attached to the medication capsule 10 and reports this fact when the medication temperature reaches the desired temperature. In this embodiment, the time required for the medication to reach the desired temperature is further estimated and reported. Therefore, the control device 280 acquires second temperature information from the second temperature sensor 273. When the second temperature information is above a predetermined temperature, the control device 280 sequentially acquires first temperature information at predetermined time intervals. Based on the acquired first and second temperature information, the control device 280 sequentially calculates the predicted time until the medication is ready for injection and controls the display device to display information indicating the calculated predicted time.

[0346] Specifically, the control device 280 first obtains second temperature information from the second temperature sensor 273 and determines whether the second temperature information is above 20°C (S21). The second temperature information output by the second temperature sensor 273 directly represents the temperature within the device housing 201. However, if the second temperature sensor 273 is not easily affected by heat emitted from components within the device housing 201, the second temperature information will generally coincide with the ambient temperature in which the drug injection device 200 is used. The temperature of the drug rises to room temperature after the drug capsule 10 is removed from a refrigerator or the like and stored indoors. Therefore, if the room temperature is below 20°C, even if the drug capsule 10 is stored indoors, the drug temperature will be difficult to reach 20°C, a temperature suitable for injection. Therefore, if the second temperature information is below 20°C, the control device 280, for example, causes the display device 259 to display a screen notifying that the injection cannot be performed due to the low room temperature (S35), and ends the reminder operation.

[0347] If the second temperature information is 20°C or higher, the control device 280 stores the initially acquired temperature T0 of the drug capsule as T1 (S22). Furthermore, the control device 280 adjusts the timing of acquiring the first temperature information. If one minute has passed since the last or initial acquisition of the first temperature information, the process proceeds to the next step (S23).

[0348] The control device 280 determines the power state of the drug injection device 200 (S24). If the power is off due to automatic power off, the control device 280 turns the power on (S25) and proceeds to the next step. If the power is on, the control device 280 directly proceeds to the next step.

[0349] The control device 280 obtains the first temperature information and stores the first temperature information as the current measured value T2 (S26). Next, the difference between T2 and T1, which is the measured value of the first temperature information immediately before (the previous time), is calculated (S27). When the difference between T2 and T1 is greater than 1, the temperature of the agent rises sharply, and it is difficult to properly predict the time required for the agent to reach the appropriate temperature. Therefore, waiting is performed until a certain time has passed again. Specifically, first, the latest first temperature information T2 is stored as T1 (S31), and the state of the power supply is determined (S32). In the case of automatic power setting mode, the power supply is disconnected (S33), and the step of waiting for 1 minute (S23) is returned. In the case of not automatic power setting mode, the state of the power supply does not change, and the step of waiting for 1 minute is returned (S23).

[0350] When the difference between T2 and T2 is less than 1 ( S27 ), the control device 280 calculates how long it will take for the temperature of the medicine capsule 10 , in other words, the temperature of the medicine to reach the appropriate temperature.

[0351] The inventors of this application have discovered through detailed research that when a drug capsule 10, stored at a low temperature, is kept indoors at the ambient temperature of the injection site, for example, the rate of temperature rise immediately afterward may vary depending on the size of the drug capsule 10, the amount of drug contained, and other factors. However, if the rate of temperature rise decreases, the subsequent rate of temperature rise becomes approximately the same, independent of the size of the drug capsule 10 and the amount of drug. More specifically, they have discovered that when the difference between T2 and T1 becomes less than 1°C, the subsequent rate of temperature rise remains approximately the same, independent of the size of the drug capsule 10 and the amount of drug, and the drug temperature can be approximated by the time elapsed from the time the initial temperature TO is acquired.

[0352] For example, when the difference between T2 and T1 is less than 1° C., the temperature f(x) of the medicine estimated based on the elapsed time when the elapsed time is x is expressed by the following function based on the temperature range of the second temperature information called the ambient temperature.

[0353] (1) When the second temperature information is 25°C or higher and lower than 30°C

[0354] [Number 1]

[0355] f(x)=0.00005x 3 0.04x 2 +1.3x+1.6 Formula (1)

[0356] (2) When the second temperature information is 20°C or higher and lower than 25°C

[0357] [Number 2]

[0358] f(x)=0.00002x 3 0.025x 2 +0.96x+1.6 Formula (2)

[0359] For example, when the second temperature information is 25°C, the temperature of the medicine after the time when the difference between T2 and T1 becomes less than 1°C can be predicted using the elapsed time using formula (1). The elapsed time from the time when the initial temperature TO is obtained when the difference between T2 and T1 becomes less than 1°C is t n Indicates that. n The time of every 1 minute is set as t n+1 , t n+2 , t n+3 、···t n+i And t n The first temperature information T2 is set to T2 n In the case of t nThe temperature T(i) of the medicine predicted i minutes later is expressed by the following formula.

[0360] [Number 3]

[0361] T(i)=T2 n +(f(t n+i )-f(t n )) Formula (3)

[0362] When the temperature of the drug suitable for injection is set to 20° C. or higher, for example, the control device 280 uses the elapsed time t when the difference between T2 and T1 becomes less than 1. n And formula (1) to find f(t n ). In addition, find f(t n+1 ). And according to these two values ​​and the first temperature information T2 n T(1) is calculated. If T(1) is less than 20°C, the control device 280 increases i one by one and performs the same calculation until T(i) reaches 20°C or higher. If T(i) reaches 20°C or higher, the control device 280 determines i at that time as the expected time.

[0363] The control device 280 determines the first temperature information T2 at this time (current) n If the temperature is less than 20°C (S29), control device 280 causes display device 259 to display a screen indicating the predicted time, i.e., the time the medicine will reach the desired temperature in minutes (S30). The predicted time is not limited to being displayed on display device 259. Control device 280 may also use communication unit 262 to transmit the predicted time to a portable device such as an operator's smartphone or tablet terminal, and cause the portable device to display the predicted time.

[0364] Afterwards, the latest first temperature information T2 is stored as T1 (S31), and the state of the power supply is determined (S32). In the case of the automatic power setting mode, the power supply is turned off (S33), and the process returns to the step of waiting for 1 minute (S23). In the case of not the automatic power setting mode, the state of the power supply does not change, and the process returns to the step of waiting for 1 minute (S23). Furthermore, steps S23 to S29 are repeated to predict the time until the temperature reaches the appropriate temperature. When the time until the temperature reaches the appropriate temperature is predicted for the second or subsequent time, the time t elapsed from the moment the initial temperature TO is obtained is used. n , and first temperature information T2 n By using the first temperature information T2 which is a new measured value in the time prediction n , enabling more accurate predictions.

[0365] In the second and subsequent time predictions, the control device 280 determines the first temperature information T2 n Is the temperature less than 20°C (S29), if it is above 20°C, the display device 259 displays a screen indicating that the temperature is suitable (S34), and the reminder action is terminated. Figure 19A As shown, enter the drug administration action.

[0366] An example of calculation is shown in Table 3. It is assumed that the difference between T2 and T1 becomes less than 1°C after 5 minutes (n=5) from the time when the initial temperature TO is acquired, and the first temperature information T25 at this time is set to 13.45°C.

[0367] [Table 3]

[0368] t i <![CDATA[T25]]> <![CDATA[f(t5)]]> <![CDATA[f(t 5+i )]]> T(i) 5 0 13.45 7.1625 7.1625 13.45 6 1 13.45 7.1625 8.068 14.3555 .... .... .... .... .... 14 9 13.45 7.1625 13.332 19.6195 15 10 13.45 7.1625 13.7875 20.075

[0369] When i = 1, that is, one minute after this point (six minutes after obtaining the initial temperature TO), the predicted temperature of the agent is 14.3555°C. When i = 10, the predicted temperature of the agent is 20.075°C. Since this temperature is 20°C or higher, the predicted time to reach the optimum temperature is determined to be 10 minutes later. As described above, when the time prediction calculation is repeated after one minute has passed, the actual measured value T26 is used.

[0370] As described above, according to the present embodiment, since it is notified that the medicine will reach the appropriate temperature and can be injected in a few minutes, the operator can decide how to use the medicine based on the time until the medicine reaches the appropriate temperature.

[0371] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the predicted time until the medicine reaches the appropriate temperature is calculated during the reminder action. However, this predicted time may not be calculated and reported. In other words, the first temperature information may be obtained at a predetermined time interval, and when the first temperature information reaches a predetermined temperature or above, the medicine reaches the appropriate temperature, and a notification indicating that it is ready for injection is issued.

[0372] <Contact sensor 275>

[0373] like Figure 1 and Figure 13 As shown, a contact sensor 275 is disposed on the skin contact surface 201e of the convex portion 201t of the drug injection device 200. This allows detection of the skin contact surface 201e in secure contact with the skin, and allows detection of improper holding conditions such as shaking of the drug injection device 200 before the needle 22 completely leaves the skin during injection. The contact sensor 275 will be described in detail below.

[0374] The touch sensor 275 is a surface charge transfer touch sensor. It includes a sensor capacitor Cx located on the skin contact surface 201e, a sampling capacitor Cs incorporated into the control device 280, and a control circuit. The control circuit of the touch sensor 275 first discharges the sensor capacitor Cx and the sampling capacitor Cs, resetting the touch sensor 275. The control circuit then charges the sensor capacitor Cx and transfers the charge stored in the sensor capacitor Cx to the sampling capacitor Cs. This charging and transfer process is repeated, gradually accumulating charge in the sampling capacitor Cs. The control circuit monitors the voltage of the sampling capacitor Cs. When the voltage exceeds a predetermined value, it outputs the number of transfers N that have been repeated up to that point. This number of transfers N is inversely proportional to the capacitance of the sensor capacitor Cx; as the capacitance of the sensor capacitor Cx increases, the number of transfers N decreases. When the skin contact surface 201e of the convex portion 201t of the drug injection device 200 contacts the skin of an operator, etc., the capacitance of the sensor capacitor Cx increases, thereby increasing the charge stored in the sensor capacitor Cx. Consequently, the amount of charge transferred to the sampling capacitor Cs in a single transfer operation also increases. Consequently, the number of transfers N required until the voltage of the sampling capacitor Cs exceeds a predetermined value decreases.

[0375] Figure 20 An example of the result of checking the detection sensitivity of the touch sensor 275 using the drug injection device 200 is shown. Figure 20 The result when N is about 900 times indicates the result when the skin contact surface 201e is in contact with the skin, and the result when N is about 1300 times indicates the result when the skin contact surface 201e is not in contact with the skin. Figure 20 It can be seen that there is a significant difference in the number of transmissions N when the skin contact surface 201e is in contact with the skin and when it is not. Using the number of transmissions N, it is possible to clearly determine whether the skin is in contact. In the above example, for example, if the number of transmissions is 1050 or less, it can be determined that the skin is in contact, and if it is 1100 or more, it can be determined that the skin is away.

[0376] The time required for one transfer operation in a surface charge transfer type contact sensor is, for example, approximately 0.5 to 4 microseconds, and the time required for the voltage of the sampling capacitor Cs to exceed a predetermined value is approximately 2 to 8 milliseconds. Considering that the skin contact surface 201e is relatively small, and the position of the drug injection device 200 during injection may be difficult to maintain stable depending on the injection site, for example, if skin contact is detected five to eight times in a row, it may be determined that the drug injection device 200 is properly held and ready for injection. For example, if the number of transfers is detected five times in a row (1050 or less), it may be determined that the contact sensor 275 has detected skin contact; in other cases, it may be determined that the contact sensor 275 has detected skin separation.

[0377] Surface charge transfer contact sensors are less susceptible to noise than conventional vibration contact sensors. Therefore, they can more reliably detect the contact of skin with the skin contact surface 201e, enabling safer and more reliable operation of the drug injection device.

[0378] Figure 21 FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the injection operation of the drug injection device 200 using the contact sensor 275. Figure 21 As shown, after the injection preparation operation is started, the control device 280 checks whether the contact sensor 275 is connected through the control circuit of the contact sensor 275 (S101). If not, the display device 259 displays that there is a fault or abnormality (S102).

[0379] When the contact sensor 275 is properly connected, the skin contact surface 201e is brought into contact with the skin, and the display device 259 displays images, text, and other information urging the user to hold the drug injection device 200 in the ready-for-injection state (S103). The control device 280 sequentially acquires detection signals from the control circuit of the contact sensor 275. If, for example, the control device 280 receives detection signals indicating a transmission count of 1050 or less five times in a row (hereinafter referred to as "skin contact detection" (S104), the control device 280 displays a message urging the user to press the injection button 258 on the display device 259 (S105).

[0380] When the control device 280 detects a signal indicating that the injection button 258 has been pressed (S106), it controls the motor driver 263 to perform the aforementioned injection operation, i.e., to inject the drug (S107). During the drug injection operation, the control device 280 sequentially acquires detection signals from the control circuit of the contact sensor 275. If skin contact cannot be detected, i.e., if the contact sensor 275 detects that the skin has been removed (S108), the control device 280 interrupts the injection operation and causes the display device 259 to display a message indicating that the drug injection device 200 has been removed from the injection site, as well as a message prompting the user to interrupt or continue the injection (S110).

[0381] When the control device 280 detects a signal indicating that the injection button 258 has been pressed (S111), it confirms that the contact sensor 275 has detected contact with the skin (S112) and returns to the injection process (S113). If the operator inputs an interruption of the injection (e.g., by pressing the enter button 257), the control device 280 terminates the injection process.

[0382] The completion of the injection operation is determined by the control device 280 based on the number of pulses or the rotation speed detected by the rotary encoder 265 ( S109 ), for example, and the injection operation is completed.

[0383] <Acceleration Sensor 276>

[0384] The drug injection device 200 of this embodiment includes an acceleration sensor 276 . This allows the posture of the drug injection device 200 to be detected, and the operator can be urged to change the posture of the drug injection device 200 .

[0385] like Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 2 , the acceleration sensor 276 can be configured on the main board 290, for example. The acceleration sensor 276 preferably has a first, second, and third axis that are orthogonal to each other, and can detect acceleration along the axis or angular acceleration around the axis. In addition, it is preferred that one of the first, second, and third axes is configured in the frame in a manner consistent with the moving direction of the piston. In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor 276 detects acceleration along the first, second, and third axes. For example, Figure 22 As shown, in the drug injection device 200, the movement direction of the piston 210 and the forward direction of the piston are aligned with the positive direction of the y-axis, and the direction of the normal vector of the surface on which the display device 259 is located is aligned with the z-axis. In this case, the x-axis is aligned with the direction of the normal vector of the right side surface when the drug injection device 200 is held facing upward. The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are fixed to the drug injection device 200. The acceleration sensor 276 can detect gravitational acceleration along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can therefore detect the posture of the drug injection device 200, such as the tilt of the y-axis from the vertical.

[0386] The result of such posture detection can be utilized in various operations and actions of the drug injection device 200. For example, it is preferable to remove air (or also called exhaust) in advance before performing an injection to remove the air in the drug capsule 10. This operation moves the piston 210 while the needle 22 is pointing upward, thereby removing the air trapped above the drug capsule 10 from the needle 22. However, when the front end of the drug injection device 200 is not pointing straight up but tilted, as in Figure 23 As shown, air may accumulate at corners 11h of the cylindrical space 11c, where air is difficult to be removed, depending on the shape of the cylindrical space 11c of the drug capsule 10. In such cases, the use of the acceleration sensor 276 can guide the operator to hold the drug injection device 200 in a posture suitable for removing air.

[0387] The degree to which the air is preferably exhausted in the state in which the drug injection device 200 is erected without being tilted also depends on the cylindrical space 11c of the drug capsule 10, but if approximately Figure 24 As shown, in the coordinate system with the vertical direction fixed as the y' axis, if the y-axis of the drug injection device 200 is +70° from the vertical direction, that is, within the range of 70° to 110° relative to the x' axis, the operator will not find it difficult to adjust the posture (adjust the direction) and can generally discharge the air correctly.

[0388] Figure 25 A flowchart showing the use of the acceleration sensor 276 to perform an air removal action. When the operator selects the air removal action, or when the operator inputs an injection instruction, when the control device 280 performs the air removal, the control device 280 causes the display device 259 to display information urging the operator to keep the drug injection device 200 facing upward (information related to the posture of the drug injection device) (S201). The control device 280 obtains the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 276, specifically, the acceleration information in the x, y, and z axis directions, calculates the angle of inclination of the y axis from the horizontal direction, and performs a judgment related to the inclination (S202). When the inclination angle is an angle other than 70° to 110°, the drug injection device 200 is tilted, so the control device 280 causes the display device 259 to display information indicating that the drug injection device 200 is tilted and urging the operator to keep it facing upward correctly (S203).

[0389] When the calculated angle is between 70° and 110°, the control device 280 controls the motor driver 263 to drive the motor 264 to advance the piston 210, thereby starting the air expelling operation (S204).

[0390] During the movement of the piston, the control device 280 sequentially acquires detection signals from the acceleration sensor 276 and determines whether the device is tilted (S205). If the tilt angle falls outside the range of 70° to 110°, the control device 280 stops driving the motor 264 and displays on the display device 259 a message indicating that the drug injection device 200 is tilted and urging the operator to keep it facing upward (S207). Furthermore, after the tilt angle reaches 70° to 110° (S208), the control device 280 resumes driving the motor 264 (S208).

[0391] The completion of the air purge operation is determined by the control device 280 based on the number of pulses or the rotation speed detected by the rotary encoder 265 ( S206 ), for example, and the air purge operation is completed.

[0392] By detecting the posture of the drug injection device 200 using the acceleration sensor 276 in this manner, it is possible to present information related to more appropriate operation of the drug injection device 200 to the operator.

[0393] As described above, the drug injection device 200 of this embodiment also corresponds to the drug capsule 10' containing the drug in which the liquid component and the solid component are separated and maintained in the unused state. Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B 、 Figure 10 (a) Figure 10 As described in (b) of the present invention, the liquid component 14A is brought into contact with the solid component 14B before use. However, there is a case where the solid component 14B does not immediately dissolve in the liquid component 14A simply by bringing the liquid component 14A into contact with the solid component 14B. Therefore, it is preferred that the operator move the drug injection device 200 to mix (stir) the liquid component 14A and the solid component 14B. The posture detection of the drug injection device 200 by the acceleration sensor 276 is also suitable for performing such a mixing action. The following describes the mixing action of the drug using the acceleration sensor 276.

[0394] Figure 26 It is a flow chart of the mixing action. In the movement of the medicine, for example, it is also considered to shake the medicine injection device 200 up and down. However, when such an action is performed, the liquid component 14A is easy to bubble, and it is considered that it cannot be injected immediately after mixing. In addition, it is also possible that the medicine injection device 200 hits the furniture such as the table due to the movement of the medicine injection device 200 up and down, which is not preferred. In this embodiment, in order to prevent bubbles and slowly mix the medicine, Figure 22 In the embodiment, the medicine injection device 200 is tilted left and right as shown by the arrow. Figure 22 The y-axis of the drug injection device 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 27The x'y' coordinates are fixed regardless of the posture of the drug injection device 200. Figure 27 As shown in the figure, the positive direction of the x' axis is set to 0°, and is represented by ±180°. Figure 27 As shown, a range of -45° to 45° is defined as segment 1, a range of 45° to 135° is defined as segment 2, and a range of -180° to -135° or 135° to 180° is defined as segment 3.

[0395] The control device 280 determines whether the operator has correctly swung the drug injection device 200 and mixed the drug by determining that the y-axis angle of the drug injection device 200 calculated using the acceleration sensor 276 enters the range of section 1, the range of section 2, and the range of section 3 in the prescribed order.

[0396] like Figure 26 As shown, first, before use, the liquid component 14A and the solid component 14B are brought into contact (automatic dissolution operation), and the control device 280 causes the display device 259 to display a message for urging the above-mentioned swinging operation (S301). Then, in order to count the number of swings, the count is reset (S302). The operator Figure 28 As shown, the drug injection device 200 is tilted left and right in the order of P1, P2, P3, P4, and P1. At this time, the control device 280 obtains the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 276 and determines whether the y-axis tilt is within the respective ranges in the order of segment 1 (-45° to 45°) (S303), segment 2 (45° to 135°) (S304), segment 3 (-180° to -135° or 135° to 180°) (S305), segment 2, and segment 1.

[0397] Afterwards, the control device 280 adds 1 to the count number and determines whether the count number reaches a specified value (S309). For example, the specified value is 5. If the count value is below the specified value, the above-mentioned detection action (S303 to S308) is repeated.

[0398] If the device does not enter any of the segments, it is determined that the swing is not being performed correctly, and the posture detection is performed again from the state where the posture returns to segment 1. When the count number reaches a predetermined value (S309), the mixed operation is terminated.

[0399] By performing such an operation, the control device 280 can detect that the operator has correctly performed the mixing operation.

[0400] It should be noted that, according to the control of the above-mentioned mixing action, if the posture of the drug injection device 200 is not detected, especially when entering the section 1 and section 3, it is not counted as one reciprocating swing. Therefore, it is also considered that if the operator repeatedly performs inappropriate swinging operations, the swinging action will not be easy to complete. In such a case, the display device 259 can also be sequentially displayed. Figure 28 The images corresponding to the actions shown in P1 to P4 are shown. For example, images representing actions P1 to P4 can be displayed before the determinations in S303, S304, S305, S306, and S307 of the flowchart. This display allows the operator to easily move the drug injection device 200 in accordance with the display, preventing inappropriate operations such as reducing the tilt angle. Furthermore, by receiving specific operational instructions, the operator can confirm that the operation is correct and the movement is appropriate, allowing them to use the drug injection device 200 with greater peace of mind.

[0401] <Rotary encoder 265>

[0402] Rotary encoder 265 detects the rotational speed (drive amount) of motor 264. The amount of injected medication is set by the rotational speed of motor 264, so accurately measuring the rotational speed of motor 264 is important. Therefore, it is important that rotary encoder 265 can accurately measure the rotational speed of motor 264. The rotary encoder 265 of this embodiment has a structure that allows it to accurately detect a malfunction if it fails.

[0403] Figure 29 This is an exploded perspective view showing a portion of the piston drive mechanism 220 including the rotary encoder 265. As described above, the rotary encoder 265 includes an encoder plate 266 attached to the rotating shaft of the motor, and a pulse encoder 267 including a light emitting element 267c and a light receiving element 267d. Figure 30 This is a plan view of encoder plate 266. Encoder plate 266 includes one reference blade portion 266S and multiple normal blade portions 266N arranged on the circumference. In this embodiment, encoder plate 266 includes five normal blade portions 266N. Reference blade portion 266S has blades 266Sf and notches 266Sc. Furthermore, each normal blade portion 266N has blades 266Nf and notches 266Nc.

[0404] The circumferential lengths of the blades 266Nf of the normal blade portion 266N are equal to each other. Furthermore, the circumferential lengths of the notches 266Nc of the normal blade portion 266N are equal to each other. In contrast, the circumferential lengths of the blades 266Sf and the notches 266Sc of the reference blade portion 266S are different from the circumferential lengths of the blades 266Nf and the notches 266Nc of the normal blade portion 266N.

[0405] In this embodiment, the center angles of the blades 266Nf and the notches 266Nc of the normal blade portion 266N are each 30°. Meanwhile, the center angles of the blades 266Sf of the reference blade portion 266S are 45°, and the center angles of the notches 266Sc are 15°. By setting the center angles of the blades 266Sf of the reference blade portion 266S to approximately 1.5 times the center angles of the blades 266Nf of the normal blade portion 266N, it is easier to detect the difference between the reference blade portion 266S and the normal blade portion 266N. Furthermore, as the size of the blades 266Sf increases, the notches 266Sc decrease. When the notches 266Sc are approximately 1.5 times the center angles, the notches 266Sc can be detected with sufficient accuracy.

[0406] The encoder plate 266 is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 264 , and the encoder plate 266 also rotates once when the motor rotates once.

[0407] Light receiving element 267d of pulse encoder 267 is positioned at a position where light emitted from light emitting element 267c is incident. Pulse encoder 267 detects changes in the amount of light generated by reference blade portion 266S and normal blade portion 266N of encoder plate 266, which rotate in unison with the rotation of motor 264, crossing the optical path between light emitting element 267c and light receiving element 267d, and generates a pulse signal. Figure 31 An example of a pulse signal is shown. Figure 31 In the example shown, Figure 30 The signal obtained when encoder plate 266 rotates counterclockwise is shown. Pulse signal P includes pulses Ps corresponding to blades 266Sf of reference blade section 266S and pulses Pn corresponding to blades 266Nf of multiple normal blade sections 266N. The rising edge of each pulse is called a control edge, and the falling edge is called a check edge. The control edge and the check edge can be distinguished by whether the amount of light detected by the light receiving element increases or decreases.

[0408] The control device 280 obtains a pulse signal P from the rotary encoder 265 and controls the motor driver 263 based on the pulse signal P. Specifically, the control device 280 controls the rotation speed of the motor 264 based on the pulse signal P. Furthermore, the control device 280 detects a fault in the rotary encoder 265 and stops the rotation of the motor 264 if a fault is detected. One of the main faults that should be detected in the rotary encoder 265 is a broken or damaged blade of the encoder plate 266. A broken blade refers to a blade breaking off near the root of the blade. When a blade is broken, the number of pulses generated per rotation of the encoder plate 266 decreases. Conversely, when a blade is damaged, two or more pulses are generated at one blade, and the number of pulses generated per rotation of the encoder plate 266 increases. In either case, errors will occur in the measurement of the rotation speed and rotation angle of the motor 264, affecting the dosage of the drug, so it is preferable to detect these faults early.

[0409] Therefore, the control device 280 is as follows Figure 32 As shown, the system includes a fault determination unit 281. The fault determination unit 281 includes a blade information acquisition unit 282, a breakage detection unit 283, a speed stability determination unit 284, a reference blade detection unit 285, a blade number detection unit 286, and a breakage / damage detection unit 287.

[0410] The blade information acquisition unit 282 acquires the pulse signal from the pulse encoder 267 and measures the timing of the control edge and the detection edge of the pulse Ps and the pulse Pn in the pulse signal P based on, for example, a reference timer of the control device 280 .

[0411] The breakage detection unit 283 successively calculates the blade ratio and outputs a detection signal indicating an abnormality when the blade ratio falls below a reference value. Specifically, the breakage detection unit 283 detects an abnormality in which one or more blades 266Sf or 266Nf break and fall off the encoder plate 266. This is because when one or more blades fall off completely, the number of pulses per rotation is more reliably reduced compared to when a blade is partially broken and falls off, and the error in the dosage of the drug increases. The blade ratio refers to the ratio of the width of each pulse in the pulse signal P, that is, the time width from the control edge to the detection edge of each pulse, to the time from the control edge of each pulse (Ps, Pn) to the control edge of the next pulse. As shown in Table 4, the blade ratio of pulse Ps is 75% (75 / 100), and the blade ratio of pulse Pn is 50% (50 / 100). If one blade adjacent to normal blade portion 266N (for example, blade 266Nf corresponding to pulse Pn2 adjacent to pulse Pn1) is broken, the blade ratio is 25% (50 / 200). If one blade adjacent to reference blade portion 266S (blade 266Nf corresponding to pulse Pn1) is broken, the blade ratio is 37.5% (75 / 200). Furthermore, if two blades adjacent to normal blade portion 266N are broken, the blade ratio is 16.7% (50 / 300). If two blades adjacent to reference blade portion 266S are broken, the blade ratio is 25% (75 / 300). Therefore, for example, 37.5% may be used as a reference value, and if the blade ratio is 37.5% or less, it is determined that one or more blade portions are broken.

[0412] The reference value used by breakage detection unit 283 in its determination may also be another value. If the reference value is set to a value less than 25%, for example, 24%, it can be determined that two or more blades have fallen off consecutively. If two or more blades have fallen off consecutively, the number of pulses per rotation of encoder plate 266 decreases further, thereby increasing the error in the dosage of the drug. Furthermore, the reference value is not limited to the values ​​shown in Table 4; it may also be determined to take into account the margin provided by fluctuations in the rotational speed of motor 264.

[0413] [Table 4]

[0414]

[0415] Each time the fracture detection unit 283 detects the control edge of each pulse Ps or Pn, it calculates the blade ratio using the timing of the control edge and the detection edge of the immediately preceding pulse. If the value falls within the aforementioned range, a signal indicating a fault is output. As previously mentioned, in the case of blade fracture, the decrease in the number of pulses is highly accurate, which results in significant errors in the measurement of the rotational speed and rotational angle of motor 264. Therefore, if the fracture detection unit 283 outputs a signal indicating an abnormality, the control device 280 directly controls the motor driver 263 to immediately stop the motor 264, without utilizing the determination result of the speed stability determination unit 284, described later.

[0416] The speed stability determination unit 284 determines whether the rotation speed of the encoder plate 266 is stable. This can be determined, for example, by measuring the length of the pulse interval (the time interval between the control edges of two adjacent pulses). However, in the case of a blade breakage or damage, the pulse interval changes. Specifically, in the case of a blade being partially damaged, the pulse width may become shorter and the pulse interval may become longer. In the case of a blade breakage, that is, the blade completely breaks off and falls off, the pulse interval also becomes longer. In the case of blade damage, one pulse becomes two, and thus the pulse interval becomes shorter in two places. That is, the pulse interval obtained by rotating the encoder plate 266 once may include a pulse interval that becomes longer or shorter due to a blade defect, breakage, or damage. Therefore, the speed stability determination unit 284 excludes these pulse intervals and successively obtains and outputs the average time of the pulse interval.

[0417] Let n be the number of blades on encoder plate 266. If a blade is damaged, the number of pulses generated by one rotation is n+1, and the interval between pulses is short. When pulses corresponding to r rotations of encoder plate 266 are detected, the number of short pulse intervals is (2 / (n+1))×(nr). Similarly, if a blade is damaged, the number of long pulse intervals is (1 / (n-1))×(nr).

[0418] Therefore, if the number of blades n is 6 and a pulse signal of 18 pulses (the equivalent of three rotations) is obtained, then (2 / (6+1))×(18)=5.14, including 5 to 6 short pulse intervals. Similarly, (1 / (6-1))×(18)=3.6, including 3 to 4 long pulses.

[0419] Therefore, to determine the correct rotational speed even if a blade is damaged or broken, the pulse intervals for the 18 pulses acquired are sorted in order of length, and the data for the four longest and six shortest pulse intervals are excluded. Stability is then determined based on the eight pulse intervals. For example, the standard deviation of the eight pulse intervals is calculated. If the standard deviation is greater than a specified value, a signal indicating unstable rotational speed is output. Alternatively, if the standard deviation is less than a specified value, a signal indicating stable rotational speed is output.

[0420] The reference blade detection unit 285 detects a pulse Ps based on the reference blade portion 266S in the pulse signal P, and outputs a detection signal. The above-mentioned blade ratio can be used for the detection.

[0421] The blade number detection unit 286 detects the pulses Ps and Pn in the pulse signal and outputs a detection signal.

[0422] The breakage / damage detection unit 287 receives signals from the speed stability determination unit 284, the reference blade detection unit 285, and the blade number detection unit 286, and determines whether a blade has broken or been damaged. For example, if the speed stability determination unit 284 receives a signal indicating that the rotational speed is stable, the number of pulses per rotation is calculated based on the detection signal output from the reference blade detection unit 285 and the detection signal from the blade number detection unit 286. If the number of pulses is not six, it is determined that a blade has broken or been damaged (hereinafter referred to as a "failure"), and a signal indicating a failure is output. If the speed stability determination unit 284 does not receive a signal indicating that the rotational speed is stable, or if the speed stability determination unit 284 receives a signal indicating that the rotational speed is unstable, the detection signal from the blade number detection unit 286 may be inaccurate, and therefore no detection result is output. Alternatively, the breakage / damage detection unit 287 outputs a signal indicating that the measurement was inaccurate. This can prevent erroneous detection of blade breakage or damage of encoder plate 266 due to unstable rotation speed of motor 264. When control device 280 receives a signal indicating a failure from breakage / damage detection unit 287, it controls motor driver 263 to stop motor 264.

[0423] It should be noted that while the fault determination by blade number detection unit 286 utilizes the determination results of speed stability determination unit 284, even if speed stability determination unit 284 outputs a signal indicating stable rotational speed, it is possible that a fault may be erroneously detected due to unstable rotational speed. In other words, there is a significant possibility of erroneous fault detection in a single fault determination by blade number detection unit 286. In such cases, the probability of erroneous fault detection can be further reduced by using the detection results of breakage / damage detection unit 287 multiple times. For example, it is possible to set the number of fault detections used in a single determination to multiple times, or to accumulate the number of fault determinations.

[0424] For example, it is assumed that N consecutive detection results are used in one determination by the breakage / damage detection unit 287 , and the determinations by the breakage / damage detection unit 287 are accumulated M times.

[0425] When the rotational speed of motor 264 is highly stable and the accuracy of the drug dosage is strictly required, the likelihood of false detection by breakage / damage detector 287 is inherently low. Furthermore, if there is a possibility that the drug dosage may be inaccurate, it is preferable not to administer the drug. Therefore, it is preferable to determine a failure when N=1 and M=1. In other words, it is preferable that even if breakage / damage detector 287 detects a single failure, motor 264 is stopped or the injection process is interrupted.

[0426] On the other hand, when there is a margin for the accuracy of the dosage of the drug and the possibility of an unfavorable influence on the operator even if the dosage is a little less or more is low, it is preferable to make N and M a value greater than 1 to further reduce the probability of false detection. For example, if N=2 and M=2, false detection is determined based on the results of four detections. Such an example is shown in Table 5. In Table 5, a fault (the fault shown in F in Table 5) was detected in the 2nd and 4th times, but it was not detected twice in succession (N=1), so it was not determined as a fault (M is not counted). In the 5th and 8th times, two faults were detected in succession, and by implementing the 8th inspection, it was cumulatively determined to be two faults. Therefore, through the 8th detection, the breakage / breakage detection unit 287 outputs a signal indicating that it is determined to be a fault.

[0427] [Table 5]

[0428]

[0429] The aforementioned fault detection of the rotary encoder 265 may be configured to be performed constantly while the drug injection device 200 is operating and the motor 264 is rotating. Alternatively, if it is not desirable to stop the motor 264 to interrupt or terminate the injection due to a fault detected during the injection, fault detection may not be performed during the injection operation. Alternatively, fault detection may be performed during the injection operation, but the motor 264 may be stopped after the injection is completed.

[0430] When any control is performed, the control device 280 causes the display device 259 to display information indicating the failure when a failure is detected. This allows the operator to recognize the abnormality.

[0431] <User Interface>

[0432] Information obtained from the various detection devices included in drug injection device 200 can be displayed on display device 259, or information prompting the operator to operate drug injection device 200 using the detection devices can be displayed on display device 259. Examples of images displayed on display device 259 by control device 280 are described below.

[0433] Figure 33 An example of information of the RF tag 16 of the medicine capsule 10 displayed on the display device 259 is shown. Figure 33 As shown, the image 310 includes a first area 310a, a second area 310b, and a third area 310c. In the first area 310a, text information indicating the operation instructed to the operator and the status of the drug injection device 200 is displayed. Figure 33 In the example shown, the text "Information" is displayed to indicate information about the medicine stored in the RF tag 16. The second area 310b is colored in a theme color corresponding to the type of medicine, for example. The third area 310c displays detailed information about the medicine.

[0434] In this embodiment, for example, if the drug is XXXXX, the second area 310b is colored blue. Furthermore, the third area 310c displays the drug name, the dosage per dose, and the remaining amount of drug (number of injections possible) along with an image of the drug capsule 10. The remaining amount of drug can be stored in the RF tag 16 or in the memory of the drug injection device 200. By displaying the image of the drug capsule 10 together, the operator can easily recognize that the text information is related to the drug capsule 10. Figure 33 The information of the medicine shown is displayed, for example, after the cartridge 100 is loaded and after the injection operation is performed.

[0435] By using the format of image 310 for other operations, the operator can easily identify what information is displayed where on the screen of display device 259. In this case, it is preferable that second area 310b is colored in the drug theme color on the screen of any operation. This allows the operator to identify the type of drug being injected regardless of the operation state.

[0436] Figure 34 (a) to Figure 34 (c) shows an example of an image displayed during the air expelling operation using the acceleration sensor 276 . Figure 34 (a) shows an image 311 that urges the operator to turn over and hold the drug injection device 200 before the air is exhausted. Figure 34 (b) shows an image 312 immediately before the operator starts to remove air by turning over the drug injection device 200 and holding it with the front end facing upward. Figure 34 In (a), the first area 311a is displayed on the rear end side of the drug injection device 200 on the display device 259, but Figure 34 In (b), first region 312a is displayed on display device 259 on the front end side of drug injection device 200. Specifically, when drug injection device 200 is held in an inverted position, control device 280 reverses the orientation of image 312 displayed on display device 259 based on the detection signal from acceleration sensor 276. By aligning the orientation of image 312 displayed on display device 259 with the posture of drug injection device 200, easily recognizable information can be presented to the operator.

[0437] Afterwards, while the control device 280 is performing the air removal operation, the control device 280 may also Figure 34 As shown in FIG. 5( c ), an animation indicating that air is being exhausted is displayed on the image 313 arranged in the third area 313 c .

[0438] Figure 35 (a) and Figure 35 (b) shows an example of images 314 and 315 urging the operator to maintain the same state until the operation of the drug injection device 200 is completed. Because the waiting time is not constant, the waiting time is not displayed. Instead, a circular graphic is flashed, creating an animation that appears to move. This animation helps the operator recognize that the drug injection device 200 is operating normally.

[0439] Figure 36 (a) to Figure 36(f) shows an example of images 316 to 321 that urge the operator to assemble the needle unit 20 and remove the needle housing 25 after assembly. Before the operator removes the needle housing 25, the images 316 to 321 are displayed repeatedly in sequence. Figure 36 (a) to Figure 36 By using the image shown in (f), the operator can easily understand how to perform the operation and to what extent the operation should be performed.

[0440] Figure 37 (a) to Figure 37 (f) shows an example of images 322 to 327 that urge the user to place the drug injection device 200 against the skin and press the injection button 258 during injection. The image 322 to 327 are repeatedly displayed until the contact sensor 275 detects contact with the skin. Figure 37 (a) to Figure 37 Then, when the contact sensor 275 detects contact with the skin, a prompt to press the injection button 258 is displayed. Figure 37 During the injection of the drug, the image (d) is displayed repeatedly. Figure 37 (e) and Figure 37 It is also possible that during the injection of the drug, if the contact sensor 275 detects that the skin is separated, the image (f) is repeatedly displayed again. Figure 37 (a) to Figure 37 Image of (c).

[0441] As described above, according to the drug injection device 200 of this embodiment, by utilizing the information of the first temperature sensor, the information of the RF tag 16, and the detection signals of the acceleration sensor 276, the contact sensor 275, etc., it is possible to provide the operator with easier operability.

[0442] (Second embodiment)

[0443] The drug injection device of the present disclosure may also be configured to directly accommodate the drug capsule 10 without using the cartridge 100. Hereinafter, an embodiment of a drug injection system including a drug injection device 500 that does not use the cartridge 100 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0444] Figures 38A to 38C This is a front view showing a state where the drug capsule 10 is loaded into the drug injection device 500 . Figures 39 to 41 This figure explains how the needle unit 20 is attached to the drug injection device 500 loaded with a drug capsule and how the used injection needle 21 is removed from the drug injection device 500 . Figure 42 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating a state of injection using the drug injection device 500. The structure and operation of the drug injection device 500 will be described with reference to these diagrams.

[0445] The drug injection device 500 does not contain a cartridge 100 containing drug capsules 10, but rather directly contains drug capsules 10. Furthermore, the drug injection system does not include a cartridge 100. Aside from this, the drug injection device 500 has the same structure and functions as the drug injection device 200 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the drug injection device 500 is also identical in that it includes an RF-ID reader 277, a piston drive mechanism 220, a contact sensor 275, an acceleration sensor 276, a rotary encoder 265, and the like, and controls using these components as described in the first embodiment, with a user interface utilizing the display device 259. Therefore, the following primarily discusses differences from the first embodiment.

[0446] like Figure 38A As shown, the drug injection device 500 includes a capsule holder 204, a shield 140', and an injection needle assembly portion 110h'. In addition, the drug injection device 500 has a frame space 201c' within the device frame 201', and the frame space 201c' can accommodate at least a portion of the drug capsule 10 that is not housed in the storage box. The frame space 201c' is suitable for accommodating a portion of the drug capsule 10 supported by the capsule holder 204 described later. The device frame 201' has a holder opening 201j connected to the frame space 201c'. The holder opening 201j is a frame opening provided on the side of the device frame 201'. In the drug injection device 500, the drug capsule 10 that is not housed in the storage box is supported by the capsule holder 204 and loaded from the holder opening 201j.

[0447] The capsule holder 204 includes a door portion 204c and a holder portion 204d. The door portion 204c has a shape corresponding to the holder opening 201j so as to be able to block the holder opening 201j. The holder portion 204d has an inner space for supporting the medicine capsule 10. The capsule holder 204 is rotatably mounted on the device frame 201' so that the door portion 204c can be in a state of opening the holder opening 201j or in a state of blocking the holder opening 201j. Figure 38B As shown, when the door portion 204c opens the holder opening 201j, the medicine capsule 10 is inserted into the holder portion 204d from the first end 11a, thereby supporting the medicine capsule 10 on the capsule holder 204. In addition, the medicine capsule 10 supported on the holder portion 204d can be removed. When the medicine capsule 10 is inserted into the holder portion 204d, the capsule holder 204 is rotated, and the holder opening 201j is closed by the door portion 204c. Figure 38C As shown, with the door 204c blocking the holder opening 201j, a portion of the drug capsule 10 is disposed in the housing space 201c'. The distal end of the drug capsule 10, including the first end 11a, is housed in the needle attachment portion 110h.

[0448] The needle assembly 110h' has a space for accommodating the front end of the drug capsule 10 and is arranged to cover the housing opening 201d at the bottom of the device recess 201r of the device housing 201'. The needle assembly 110h' has the same structure as the needle assembly 110h of the cartridge 100.

[0449] The shield 140' does not have the arm portion 141c ( Figure 11 The shield 140' is located in the device recess 201r of the frame 201' and is mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the frame 201'. The shield 140' covers the injection needle mounting portion 110h' and can be moved along the device frame 201'. Figure 38A Specifically, it can be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow. Specifically, it can be rotated between a first position covering the injection needle assembly portion 110h' and a second position exposing the injection needle assembly portion 110h'. When the injection needle assembly portion 110h' is exposed from the shield 140', the operator can easily install the needle unit 20 on the injection needle assembly portion 110h' and remove the needle unit 20 engaged with the injection needle assembly portion 110h'. The needle hiding member 142 is shown in FIG. Figure 11 As described, at least a portion may be transparent.

[0450] Next, the operation of attaching the needle unit 20 to the drug injection device 500 loaded with the drug capsule 10 and performing the injection will be described. Figure 39 As shown in (a), first, the shield 140' is rotated to expose the injection needle assembly portion 110h' from the shield 140'. Figure 39 As shown in (b), the needle unit 20 containing the injection needle 21 is mounted on the injection needle mounting portion 110h'. Figure 39 As shown in (c), the needle housing 25 is removed.

[0451] like Figure 40 As shown in (a), the shield 140 'is returned to its original position, as shown in Figure 40 As shown in (b), press the needle hiding member 142. Next, remove the needle cover 24 to expose the needle 22 of the injection needle 21. Thus, the injection is possible.

[0452] As described in the first embodiment, when performing injection, Figure 42 As shown in (a), the drug injection device 500 is held in such a manner that the front end of the needle 22 is downward. The needle 22 is covered by the shield body 41 and the needle hiding part 142. Figure 42As shown in (b), in this state, the skin contact surface 201e contacts the skin 510. When the drug injection device 500 is further pressed against the skin, the needle hidden part 142 retreats while the needle 22 pierces the skin 510. Thereafter, the injection button 258 is pressed to inject the drug.

[0453] After the injection is completed, when the drug injection device 500 is removed from the skin 510, Figure 42 As shown in (c), the needle hiding member 142 moves forward and covers the needle 22.

[0454] After the injection is completed, the injection needle 21 is covered by the needle housing 25 while the needle 22 is covered by the shield 140'. Figure 41 As shown in (a), while the shield 140' is rotated, the needle housing 25 is rotated and pulled, thereby Figure 41 As shown in FIG. 1( b ), the injection needle 21 is pulled out from the injection needle mounting portion 110 h ′ together with the needle case 25 .

[0455] By restoring the shield 140' Figure 42 As shown in FIG. (d), the injection needle mounting portion 110h' is covered with the shield 140'. The capsule holder 204 is then rotated to remove the drug capsule 10, thereby completing the injection.

[0456] As described above, the drug injection device 500 can perform the following functions in the same manner as the first embodiment: temperature management of the drug using the RF-ID reader 277; control of the motor corresponding to the type of drug using the piston drive mechanism 220; determination of skin contact using the contact sensor 275; posture control of the drug injection device 500 using the acceleration sensor 276; and determination of faults using the rotary encoder 265.

[0457] The charger corresponding to the drug injection device 500 of this embodiment may also include a space that prevents the tip of the drug injection device 500 from being inserted when the drug capsule 10 is loaded into the drug injection device 500. Although not illustrated, any mechanism can be added to change the appearance or shape of the device housing 201' by installing the drug capsule 10, thereby hindering its connection to the charger. By hindering the connection to the charger, degradation of the drug caused by heat generated during charging can be avoided.

[0458] Alternatively, the charger may include a space that prevents the tip of the drug injection device 500 from being inserted when, for example, the needle unit 20 is attached to the first end 11a of the drug capsule 10. This configuration not only prevents drug degradation caused by heat generated during charging, but also facilitates miniaturization of the drug injection device and charger, and prevents infection caused by reuse of injection needles.

[0459] According to the drug injection device 500 of this embodiment, it is possible to provide operability that is easy for the operator to use as described in the first embodiment without using the cartridge 100 .

[0460] The drug injection device 500 of this embodiment is suitable for use in a case where the drug capsule 10 contains a single amount of drug to be injected into a patient or other operator, for example. The used drug capsule 10 is discarded, so there is no need to use the storage box 100 and it is stored in a cold storage such as a refrigerator. Therefore, the cost required for the injection can be reduced. However, the drug capsule 10 can also contain multiple doses of drug. In this case, a storage shell can be prepared separately and the drug capsule 10 containing the remaining drug can be stored in a refrigerator, etc., or each drug injection device 500 equipped with the drug capsule 10 can be stored in a refrigerator, etc. However, when each drug injection device 500 is stored in a cold storage, the drug injection device 500 itself is also cooled, so the reminder action described in the first embodiment becomes difficult.

[0461] (Other forms)

[0462] The above embodiment is an example of the drug injection device disclosed herein and is capable of various modifications. The illustrated shapes of the drug capsule 10, storage box 100, drug injection device 200, charger 300, and their components are examples and may also have other shapes. The drug injection device 200 may not include all of the various sensors. Furthermore, the injection action, air removal action, and mixing action corresponding to the drug temperature described with reference to the flowchart are examples and may also omit some of the steps and execute them in a different order, including other steps.

[0463] The time it takes for the agent to reach the optimal temperature can be estimated based on calculations other than equations (1) to (3), or the time it takes to reach the optimal temperature can be directly calculated as a function of elapsed time. Furthermore, the fault determiner 281 can include other functional blocks and can perform signal processing different from that in the above-described embodiment to determine a fault.

[0464] Industrial applicability

[0465] The cartridge, drug injection device, and drug injection system disclosed herein are suitably used in devices for injecting various drugs.

[0466] Description of Reference Numerals

[0467] 10, 10' medicine capsule

[0468] 11 cylinders

[0469] 11' cylinder

[0470] 11a First end

[0471] 11b Second end

[0472] 11c cylindrical space

[0473] 11c1 First Area

[0474] 11c2 Second Area

[0475] 11c3 Third Area

[0476] 11d Cylinder opening

[0477] 11e bypass space

[0478] 11h angle

[0479] 11j shaft

[0480] 11t protrusion

[0481] 12 cylinder head

[0482] 13 Sealing gasket

[0483] 13A First sealing gasket

[0484] 13B Second sealing gasket

[0485] 14 Potions

[0486] 14A Liquid ingredients

[0487] 14B solid content

[0488] 15. First temperature sensor

[0489] 16, 16' RF tag

[0490] 16a Antenna

[0491] 17 Bottle Sign

[0492] 20-pin unit

[0493] 20a front end

[0494] 20c frame space

[0495] 20t convex part

[0496] 21 Injection needle

[0497] 22 pins

[0498] 23 Connection

[0499] 24-pin cover

[0500] 25 pin housing

[0501] 31 Charging frame

[0502] 100 Storage Boxes

[0503] 110 Storage box body

[0504] 110a front end

[0505] 110b backend

[0506] 110c Storage Box Column Space

[0507] 110e main body opening

[0508] 110h, 110h' Injection needle assembly department

[0509] 130 Storage box cover

[0510] 130d cover opening

[0511] 140, 140' shroud

[0512] 141 Shield body

[0513] 141b backend

[0514] 141c Arm

[0515] 142 needle hidden parts

[0516] 142c Part 1

[0517] 142d Part 2

[0518] 143 Force-applying member

[0519] 200 Drug injection device

[0520] 200a front end

[0521] 201 device frame

[0522] 201a Front end

[0523] 201c, 201c' frame space

[0524] 201d frame opening

[0525] 201e Skin contact surface

[0526] 201g charging terminal

[0527] 201r concave part

[0528] 201t convex part

[0529] 202 Internal frame

[0530] 202d Gear Area

[0531] 202f Piston guide area

[0532] 202g convex part

[0533] 202h Storage box area

[0534] 203 First guide

[0535] 204 Capsule Stent

[0536] 204c Door

[0537] 204d Bracket

[0538] 209 discharge rod

[0539] 210 piston

[0540] 210a First end

[0541] 210b Second end

[0542] 210h hole

[0543] 211 front end

[0544] 212 Subject

[0545] 213 driving protrusion

[0546] 214 internal thread

[0547] 220 Piston drive mechanism

[0548] 221 Gearbox

[0549] 222 drive gear

[0550] 223 bearings

[0551] 230 Piston guide

[0552] 230g slot

[0553] 230h hole

[0554] 231 guide

[0555] 235 drive rod

[0556] 236 external thread

[0557] 251 Control Department

[0558] 252 Charging Department

[0559] 253 Secondary Battery

[0560] 254 memory

[0561] 255 Power button

[0562] 256 Select Button

[0563] 257 Decision Button

[0564] 258 injection button

[0565] 259 Display Device

[0566] 260 Buzzer

[0567] 261 Timer

[0568] 262 Ministry of Communications

[0569] 263 Motor Driver

[0570] 264 Motor

[0571] 265 Rotary Encoder

[0572] 266 encoder board

[0573] 266N Usually blade part

[0574] 266Nc Gap

[0575] 266Nf blade

[0576] 266S reference blade section

[0577] 266Sc Gap

[0578] 266Sf Blade

[0579] 267 Pulse Encoder

[0580] 267c Light-emitting element

[0581] 267d light receiving element

[0582] 270C transceiver circuit

[0583] 271 Piston origin detector

[0584] 272 Cartridge filling detector

[0585] 273 Second temperature sensor

[0586] 274 Ejection Rod Detector

[0587] 275 contact sensor

[0588] 276 Accelerometer

[0589] 277 RF-ID reader

[0590] 278 Antenna

[0591] 278A Part 1

[0592] 278B Part 2

[0593] 279 Transceiver Circuit

[0594] 280 Control Device

[0595] 281 Fault Determinator

[0596] 282 Blade Information Acquisition Unit

[0597] 283 Fracture Detection Unit

[0598] 284 Speed ​​stability determination unit

[0599] 285 Reference Blade Detection Unit

[0600] 286 Blade number detection unit

[0601] 287 Testing Department

[0602] 290 Motherboard

[0603] 291 First Subplate

[0604] 292 Second Subplate

[0605] 300 charger

[0606] 301 Charging frame

[0607] 301d rib

[0608] 301e supply terminal

[0609] 301r charger recess

[0610] 301s steps

[0611] 301u Space

[0612] 310 images

[0613] 310a, 311a, 312a First area

[0614] 310b Second Area

[0615] 310c Third Area

[0616] Images 311, 312, 313

[0617] 400 Chemical injection system.

Claims

1. A drug injection device, wherein: The drug injection device comprises: a device housing having a housing space and a housing opening communicating with the housing space, the housing space accommodating at least a portion of a storage box containing a medicine capsule having a first temperature sensor and an RF tag, or at least a portion of a medicine capsule having a first temperature sensor and an RF tag but not accommodated in the storage box; a piston movably supported within the frame space; a motor that drives the piston; a motor driver that generates a drive signal for driving the motor; an antenna, which is arranged adjacent to the frame space; a transceiver circuit configured to transmit radio waves from the antenna and receive radio waves received by the antenna; a memory storing control information for controlling the motor for each of a plurality of medicines, wherein the control information for each medicine includes a combination of control parameters of the motor for each of a plurality of temperature ranges; a display device that outputs information related to the operation of the injection; as well as a control device that controls the motor driver, the transceiver circuit, the memory, and the display device; in, The RF tag stores drug information, the drug information including at least information indicating the type of the drug. In a state where the medicine capsule is loaded in the frame space, the control device performs the following processing: causes the transceiver circuit to transmit a control signal via the antenna; causes the transceiver circuit to receive first temperature information and medicine information output from the first temperature sensor and the RF tag of the medicine capsule via the antenna; determines a control parameter combination based on the first temperature information and medicine information according to the control information stored in the memory; and controls the motor using the determined control parameter combination. The control device does not drive the motor when the first temperature information is within a first temperature range, wherein the first temperature range is a temperature range lower than a first temperature or higher than a second temperature higher than the first temperature. The control device controls the display device to display a message for the user to select whether to wait for injection when the first temperature information is within a second temperature range, wherein the second temperature range is a temperature range that is greater than the first temperature and less than a third temperature that is lower than the second temperature. The drug injection device further includes a second temperature sensor, which is provided in the device housing and outputs second temperature information indicating the temperature in the device housing. When the second temperature information is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control device successively obtains the first temperature information at predetermined time intervals, successively calculates a predicted time until injection is possible, and controls the display device to display information indicating the calculated predicted time. When the second temperature information is lower than the predetermined temperature, the control device does not calculate the predicted time and controls the display device to display that injection is not possible.

2. The drug injection device according to claim 1, wherein The control device calculates the predicted time until injection is possible when the difference between consecutive temperatures successively acquired by the first temperature sensor is less than 1°C.

3. The drug injection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device controls the display device to display information indicating that injection is possible when the first temperature information is within a third temperature range, which is a temperature range of not less than the third temperature and less than the second temperature.

4. The drug injection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device transmits the predicted time to the portable device and causes the portable device to display the predicted time.

5. The drug injection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control device controls the display device to display that the temperature has reached the appropriate temperature when the first temperature information reaches the third temperature.

Images