Tube gap determination device and infusion pump

Abstract

This tube gap determination device is provided with: a main body part provided with a housing groove capable of housing a tube; a door section which is attached to the main body section so as to be openable and closable, and which is capable of pressing the tube housed in the housing groove toward the groove bottom of the housing groove in conjunction with a closing operation with respect to the main body section; a wave transmitting unit capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave or a sound wave to the tube housed in the housing groove, and a wave receiving unit capable of receiving the electromagnetic wave or the sound wave transmitted from the wave transmitting unit and transmitted through or reflected by the tube; and a control unit that determines the presence or absence of voids in the pipe on the basis of the intensity of the waves received by the wave receiving unit during the closing operation of the door unit with respect to the main body unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tube gap determination device and an infusion pump. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a tube void determination device that can determine the presence or absence of voids such as bubbles in a tube using ultrasonic waves, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses a bubble amount detection system as such a tube void determination device.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-084017

[0004] Sometimes, a tube is installed in a tube gap determination device while liquid, such as a pharmaceutical, adheres to its outer surface. If the portion of the tube with liquid adheres to the outer surface is installed in the tube gap determination device, a portion of the transmission from a transmitting unit, such as an ultrasonic transmitter, may not pass through the tube but instead propagate through the adhered liquid and reach a receiving unit, such as an ultrasonic receiver. This detour in transmission can prevent the tube gap determination device from accurately determining the presence of a gap in the tube, even in the case of a tube that is not filled with liquid (hereinafter referred to as an "empty tube"), for example. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tube gap determination device and an infusion pump that can determine that a tube is empty even when liquid is attached to the outer surface of the empty tube.

[0006] In the pipe gap determination device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0007] (1) A pipe gap determination device comprising:

[0008] a main body having a receiving groove capable of receiving the tube;

[0009] a door portion, which is openably and closably mounted relative to the main body portion and is capable of pressing the tube accommodated in the receiving groove toward the bottom of the receiving groove in conjunction with a closing action relative to the main body portion;

[0010] a wave transmitting portion and a wave receiving portion, wherein the wave transmitting portion can transmit electromagnetic waves or sound waves to the tube accommodated in the accommodation slot, and the wave receiving portion can receive the electromagnetic waves or sound waves transmitted from the wave transmitting portion and transmitted through the tube or reflected from the tube; and

[0011] The control unit determines whether there is a void in the tube based on the intensity of the waves received by the wave receiving unit during the closing operation of the door unit relative to the main body unit.

[0012] In the pipe gap determination device as one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0013] (2) The tube gap determination device according to (1) above, wherein:

[0014] The wave transmitting unit and the wave receiving unit are arranged to face each other in a radial direction of the tube with the tube accommodated in the accommodation groove interposed therebetween.

[0015] In the pipe gap determination device as one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0016] (3) The tube gap determination device according to (2) above, wherein:

[0017] The main body can clamp the tube between two opposite groove walls of the receiving groove.

[0018] The wave transmitting portion can transmit the electromagnetic wave or the sound wave to the tube through one of the two groove walls.

[0019] The wave receiving unit can receive the electromagnetic wave or the sound wave transmitted through the tube or reflected by the tube through the other of the two groove walls.

[0020] In the pipe gap determination device as one embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0021] (4) The tube gap determination device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein:

[0022] An opening / closing degree detection sensor is provided, which can detect the opening / closing degree of the door portion relative to the main body portion,

[0023] The control unit determines whether the gap exists in the tube based on the change and maximum value of the wave intensity received by the wave receiving unit during the closing operation of the door relative to the main body, and the degree of opening and closing of the door relative to the main body.

[0024] In the infusion pump according to the second aspect of the present disclosure,

[0025] (5) An infusion pump comprising:

[0026] The tube gap determination device according to any one of (1) to (4) above; and

[0027] The liquid infusion part is capable of delivering the liquid in the tube.

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tube gap determination device and an infusion pump capable of determining that a tube is empty even when liquid is attached to the outer surface of the empty tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a tube gap determination device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing an open state in which a door portion is opened relative to a main body portion.

[0030] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a closed state in which the door portion is closed relative to the main body portion in the tube gap determination device shown.

[0031] Figure 3 It means in Figure 1 The tube gap determination device shown in the open state is a diagram showing a state in which a full liquid tube with no liquid attached to the outer surface is accommodated in the receiving tank.

[0032] Figure 4 It means in Figure 2 The tube gap determination device shown in the closed state is a diagram of a state in which a full liquid tube with no liquid attached to the outer surface is accommodated in the accommodating tank.

[0033] Figure 5 It means in Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a state in which an empty tube with liquid attached to the outer surface is accommodated in a receiving tank of the tube gap determination device in an open state.

[0034] Figure 6 It means in Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a state in which an empty tube with liquid attached to the outer surface is accommodated in a receiving tank of a tube gap determination device in a closed state.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of changes in the wave receiving intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving unit during the closing operation of the door relative to the main body.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a void determination method performed by the control unit of the tube void determination device.

[0037] Figure 9 It means the installation has Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of an infusion line of an infusion pump as one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a tube gap determination device.

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A front side perspective view of the infusion pump is shown.

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 1 is a front view of the infusion pump shown in FIG. 1 , showing a closed state in which the door is closed relative to the main body.

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 91 is a front view of the infusion pump shown in FIG. 1 , showing a state in which the door is opened relative to the main body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the tube gap determination device and the infusion pump disclosed herein will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components.

[0042] Figure 1 、 Figure 2 FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a tube gap determination device 301 as one embodiment of the tube gap determination device disclosed herein. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the tube gap determination device 301 includes a main body 302 , a gate 303 , a wave transmitting unit 304 , a wave receiving unit 305 , and a control unit 306 .

[0043] The main body 302 includes a receiving groove 320 capable of receiving the tube 203. The door 303 is attached to the main body 302 so as to be openable and closable. Figure 1 The door portion 303 is shown in a state where it is opened relative to the main body portion 302 . Figure 2 The door 303 is shown closed relative to the main body 302. The door 303 is configured to press the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving groove 320 of the main body 302 toward the groove bottom 320a of the receiving groove 320 in conjunction with the closing operation relative to the main body 302.

[0044] The door portion 303 of this embodiment is attached to the main body 302 via the hinge portion 321, but the attachment structure that enables opening and closing relative to the main body 302 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the door portion 303 of this embodiment includes a protrusion 303a. Furthermore, the protrusion 303a is configured to press the tube 203 when the door portion 303 is closed relative to the main body 302. However, as long as the tube 203 is pressed by the door portion 303 when the door portion 303 is closed, the structure of the portion of the door portion 303 that presses the tube 203 is not limited to the protrusion 303a of this embodiment.

[0045] The wave transmitting unit 304 is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves such as light or sound waves such as ultrasound to the tube 203 housed in the housing groove 320. Furthermore, the wave receiving unit 305 is configured to receive electromagnetic waves or sound waves transmitted from the wave transmitting unit 304 and transmitted through or reflected from the tube 203. The wave transmitting unit 304 may be, for example, an ultrasonic transmitter capable of transmitting ultrasound waves. The wave receiving unit 305 may be, for example, an ultrasonic receiver capable of receiving ultrasound waves. Specifically, the wave transmitting unit 304 and the wave receiving unit 305 may include, for example, piezoelectric elements.

[0046] However, the wave transmitting unit 304 and the wave receiving unit 305 are not limited to the ultrasonic transmitting unit and the ultrasonic receiving unit, and may be, for example, a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. As a light emitting unit, for example, it may be composed of a light emitting element that emits light, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or an LD (Laser Diode). As a light receiving unit, for example, it may be composed of a light receiving element, such as a PT (Photo Transistor) or a PD (Photo Diode). In this way, the tube gap determination device 301 may be a structure that utilizes sound waves such as ultrasonic waves, or a structure that utilizes electromagnetic waves such as light. As for the "wave receiving intensity" described below, in the case of a structure that utilizes ultrasonic waves, it refers to the receiving intensity of ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic receiving unit, and in the case of a structure that utilizes light, it refers to the receiving intensity of light received by the light receiving unit.

[0047] In addition, the wave receiving unit 305 of this embodiment is configured to receive electromagnetic waves or sound waves that have passed through the tube 203 , but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The wave receiving unit 305 may also be configured to receive electromagnetic waves or sound waves that have been reflected by the tube 203 .

[0048] The control unit 306 can determine whether there is a gap in the tube 203 based on the wave reception intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation of the door 303 relative to the main body 302. This will be described in detail below.

[0049] Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The diagram shows a state where the tube 203 , which has no liquid attached to its outer surface and is filled with the liquid X1 (hereinafter referred to as “full tube 203 a with no liquid attached to its outer surface”) is housed in the housing tank 320 . Figure 3 The door portion 303 is shown in a state where it is opened relative to the main body portion 302 . Figure 4 The closed state in which the door portion 303 is closed relative to the main body portion 302 is shown. The liquid X1 in the interior of the tube 203 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include medicines and nutrients.

[0050] In contrast, Figure 5 、 Figure 6 The diagram shows a state where a tube 203 (hereinafter referred to as “empty tube 203 b with liquid attached to the outer surface”) whose interior is not filled with liquid and has liquid X2 attached to the outer surface is housed in a housing tank 320 . Figure 5 The door portion 303 is shown in a state where it is opened relative to the main body portion 302 . Figure 6 The closed state in which the door portion 303 is closed relative to the main body portion 302 is shown. The liquid X2 adhering to the outer surface of the tube 203 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include medicines and nutrients.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the change in the intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation of the door 303 relative to the main body 302. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 ) to a state closed relative to the main body 302 (refer to Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6 ) performs a closing action, and the wave receiving intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving unit 305 changes. Figure 7 In FIG. 2 , the variation of the wave intensity during the closing operation of the full liquid pipe 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface is shown (refer to FIG. Figure 7 "Full pipe (no liquid attached to the outer surface)"). In addition, Figure 7 In FIG. 2 , the variation of the wave intensity during the closing operation of the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface is shown (refer to FIG. Figure 7 "Empty pipe (with liquid attached to the outer surface)").

[0052] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, in the closed state where the door 303 has completed its closing action relative to the main body 302, the wave receiving intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving portion 305 for the full tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface is substantially equal to the wave receiving intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving portion 305 for the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface. This means that even if the tube 203 is not filled with liquid, in the case of the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, ultrasonic waves propagate through the liquid X2 adhering to the outer surface and are received by the wave-receiving portion 305, and the wave intensity received by the wave-receiving portion 305 may sometimes increase. Therefore, by simply comparing the wave intensity received by the wave-receiving portion 305 in the closed state, it may be impossible to distinguish between a full tube 203a (with no liquid adhering to the outer surface) and an empty tube 203b (with liquid adhering to the outer surface).

[0053] In contrast, Figure 7 As shown, the fluctuation history of the wave intensity of the waves received by the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation differs between the full tube 203a (with no liquid attached to the outer surface) and the empty tube 203b (with liquid attached to the outer surface). In other words, the control unit 306 can distinguish between the full tube 203a (with no liquid attached to the outer surface) and the empty tube 203b (with liquid attached to the outer surface) by considering the fluctuation of the wave intensity of the waves received by the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the full liquid tube 203a (refer to Figure 7In the case of "full liquid tube (no liquid attached to the outer surface)"), since there is no liquid attached to the outer surface X2 (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ), so that no unexpected ultrasonic wave propagation occurs during the closing action. Figures 3 to 6 The tube 203 shown is pressed by the door portion 303 during the closing action, and deforms so that the contact area with the two opposing groove walls 320b1 and 320b2 of the receiving groove 320 is increased. Therefore, the full liquid tube 203a, whose outer surface is free of liquid, is pressed by the door portion 303 during the closing action, and becomes closed. This allows the position and posture of the liquid X1 inside to be accurately detected by the wave transmitting portion 304 and the wave receiving portion 305. That is, as Figure 7 As shown, in the case of the full liquid tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface, during the closing operation, the wave receiving intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving portion 305 gradually increases until it reaches the closed state.

[0055] On the other hand, the empty tube 203b (refer to Figure 7 In the case of "empty tube (liquid attached to the outer surface)"), since there is liquid attached to the outer surface X2 (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ), so unexpected ultrasonic waves may be transmitted during the closing action. Figure 7 As shown, in the process that the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface is pressed by the door portion 303 through the closing action, the full liquid tube 203a (refer to Figure 7 In addition, when the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to its outer surface is pressed by the door portion 303 through the closing action, the attachment position of the liquid X2 attached to the outer surface of the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to its outer surface changes, and thus the propagation of the ultrasonic wave caused by the liquid X2 attached to the outer surface of the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to its outer surface may be reduced. That is, if Figure 7 As shown, in the case of an empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface, during the closing operation, the wave receiving intensity of the wave receiving portion 305 may decrease.

[0056] Thus, the fluctuation history of the wave intensity of the waves received by the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation differs between the full tube 203a (with no liquid attached to its outer surface) and the empty tube 203b (with liquid attached to its outer surface). Therefore, the control unit 306 can distinguish between the full tube 203a (with no liquid attached to its outer surface) and the empty tube 203b (with liquid attached to its outer surface) based on the fluctuation of the wave intensity of the waves received by the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation.

[0057] exist Figure 7 In the case of the example shown, the control unit 306 may, for example, determine the difference in the time period during which the intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving unit 305 gradually increases during the closing operation ( Figure 7 The difference between "T1" and "T2" is used to distinguish between the full tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface and the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface. Figure 7 In the example shown, the control unit 306 can also distinguish between a full tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface and an empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface based on whether the wave receiving intensity of the wave receiving unit 305 decreases during the closing action.

[0058] but, Figure 7 The fluctuation history of the wave intensity according to the opening and closing degree of the door portion 303 shown is an example. The fluctuation history of the wave intensity according to the opening and closing degree of the door portion 303 of the full liquid tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface and the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface is not limited to Figure 7 That is, the fluctuation of the wave intensity during the closing process of the full pipe 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface and the empty pipe 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface is sometimes also different from the fluctuation of the wave intensity during the closing process. Figure 7 The fluctuations shown are different. Even in this case, the fluctuations in the wave intensity during the closing operation differ between the full tube 203a (with no liquid attached to the outer surface) and the empty tube 203b (with liquid attached to the outer surface). Therefore, the control unit 306 can distinguish between the full tube 203a (with no liquid attached to the outer surface) and the empty tube 203b (with liquid attached to the outer surface) by comparing the fluctuations in the wave intensity during the closing operation.

[0059] In addition, the control unit 306 is for the liquid X2 attached to the outer surface (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ) and the interior is filled with liquid X1 (refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 ) filled tube 203 (hereinafter referred to as a "filled tube with liquid attached to its outer surface") can be identified using the maximum value of the wave intensity during the closing operation. In the case of a filled tube with liquid attached to its outer surface, the maximum value of the wave intensity during the closing operation is greater than the maximum value of the wave intensity during the closing operation for each of the filled tube 203a without liquid attached to its outer surface and the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to its outer surface. Therefore, if the maximum value of the wave intensity during the closing operation is greater than a predetermined first threshold value, the control unit 306 determines that the tube 203 housed in the housing tank 320 is a filled tube with liquid attached to its outer surface.

[0060] In addition, the control unit 306 determines that there is no liquid attached to the outer surface X2 (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ) and the interior is not filled with liquid X1 (refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 ) tube 203 (hereinafter referred to as "empty tube with no liquid attached to the outer surface") can also be distinguished using the maximum value of the wave intensity during the closing action. In the case of an empty tube with no liquid attached to the outer surface, the wave intensity during the closing action is almost zero, and its maximum value is smaller than the maximum value of the wave intensity during the closing action of each of the full tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface and the empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface. Therefore, when the maximum value of the wave intensity during the closing action is below a specified second threshold value, the control unit 306 determines that the tube 203 accommodated in the accommodation tank 320 is an empty tube with no liquid attached to the outer surface. The specified second threshold value is a value smaller than the above-specified first threshold value.

[0061] As described above, the control unit 306 can distinguish between a full tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface and an empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface based on the change in the wave receiving intensity of the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation of the door 303 relative to the main body 302. In addition, the control unit 306 uses the maximum value of the wave receiving intensity of the wave receiving unit 305 during the closing operation of the door 303 relative to the main body 302 to distinguish between a full tube 203a with liquid attached to the outer surface and an empty tube 203b with no liquid attached to the outer surface. Therefore, according to the control unit 306, regardless of whether there is liquid attached to the outer surface X2 (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ), based on the wave intensity of the wave receiving portion 305 during the closing action of the door portion 303 relative to the main body portion 302, it is possible to determine whether there is a gap in the tube 203. That is, regardless of whether there is liquid attached to the outer surface X2 (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ), the pipe gap determination device 301 can determine the empty pipe.

[0062] The control unit 306 controls and manages the entire tube gap determination device 301, including its various functional units. The control unit 306 includes at least one processor. The control unit 306 can be composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program defining the control steps, or a dedicated processor dedicated to processing each function. Such a program can be stored, for example, in the storage unit 309 (described later) or in a storage medium external to the tube gap determination device 301.

[0063] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 7, the pipe gap determination device 301 of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the tube gap determination device 301 of this embodiment, the wave transmitting unit 304 and the wave receiving unit 305 are arranged to face each other in the radial direction of the tube 203, with the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving groove 320 interposed therebetween. In this embodiment, the wave transmitting unit 304 transmits ultrasonic waves toward the opposing wave receiving unit 305. The wave receiving unit 305 receives the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the wave transmitting unit 304 and transmitted through the tube 203. Thus, by arranging the wave transmitting unit 304 and the wave receiving unit 305 to face each other, with the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving groove 320 interposed therebetween, the presence of a gap in the tube 203 can be determined more accurately.

[0065] In addition, if Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the main body 302 of this embodiment can hold the tube 203 between two opposing groove walls 320b1 and 320b2 of the receiving groove 320. The wave-transmitting portion 304 can transmit ultrasonic waves to the tube 203 through one of the two groove walls 320b1 and 320b2. The wave-receiving portion 305 can receive ultrasonic waves that have passed through the tube 203 through the other groove wall 320b2. Thus, the wave-transmitting portion 304 and the wave-receiving portion 305 are covered by the groove walls 320b1 and 320b2, respectively. This reduces damage to the wave-transmitting portion 304 and the wave-receiving portion 305 compared to a case where the wave-transmitting portion 304 and the wave-receiving portion 305 are exposed and uncovered by the groove walls 320b1 and 320b2. The two groove walls 320b1 and 320b2 are configured to allow the electromagnetic waves or acoustic waves to be transmitted therethrough. Specifically, the two groove walls 320b1 and 320b2 in this embodiment are formed of a resin that is permeable to ultrasonic waves.

[0066] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the pipe gap determination device 301 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the main body 302 , door 303 , wave transmitting unit 304 , wave receiving unit 305 and control unit 306 described above, an opening / closing degree detection sensor 307 , a reporting unit 308 and a storage unit 309 .

[0067] The opening / closing degree detection sensor 307 is configured to detect the degree of opening / closing of the door 303 relative to the main body 302. The control unit 306 obtains the opening / closing degree data of the door 303 from the opening / closing degree detection sensor 307. The control unit 306 associates the opening / closing degree data of the door 303 obtained from the opening / closing degree detection sensor 307 with the wave receiving intensity data obtained from the wave receiving unit 305, and stores the data in the storage unit 309 or the like. The control unit 306 compares the wave receiving intensity fluctuation data corresponding to the opening / closing degree of the tube 203 housed in the housing tank 320 based on the obtained opening / closing degree data and wave receiving intensity data with the wave receiving intensity fluctuation data corresponding to the opening / closing degree of the door 303 for the full liquid tube 203a with no liquid attached to its outer surface, which is pre-stored in the storage unit 309 or the like. Thus, the control unit 306 determines whether there is a gap in the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving tank 320, and determines whether the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving tank 320 is a full tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface or an empty tube 203b with liquid attached to the outer surface.

[0068] The opening / closing degree detection sensor 307 may be, for example, a Hall effect sensor including a Hall element capable of detecting the rotation angle of the door portion 303 relative to the main body portion 302. However, the opening / closing degree detection sensor 307 is not limited to a Hall effect sensor. The opening / closing degree detection sensor 307 may also be, for example, a potentiometer, a millimeter wave sensor, a laser sensor, or the like.

[0069] The tube gap determination device 301 may further include an opening / closing sensor capable of detecting whether the door 303 is in a closed state relative to the main body 302. Based on the detection of the closed state by the opening / closing sensor, the control unit 306 may compare fluctuation data of the wave reception intensity corresponding to the degree of opening / closing of the door 303.

[0070] Alternatively, the tube gap determination device 301 may include an opening / closing sensor but not an opening / closing degree detection sensor 307. In this case, the control unit 306 may compare the wave intensity data at a predetermined time before the moment the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state. Specifically, the opening / closing degree of the door 303 may be replaced with time, and the time history of the wave intensity data may be used to determine whether the tube 203 housed in the storage tank 320 is a full tube 203a with no liquid attached to its outer surface or an empty tube 203b with liquid attached to its outer surface. In this case, the time history of the wave intensity of the full tube 203a with no liquid attached to its outer surface may be pre-stored in the storage unit 309 as a reference. However, in order to accurately compare the fluctuations in wave intensity corresponding to the opening / closing degree of the door 303, it is preferable to include the opening / closing degree detection sensor 307.

[0071] Reporting unit 308 is capable of reporting the determination results of control unit 306 to the outside. Reporting unit 308 can be configured in any manner that allows reporting the determination results to the outside. For example, reporting unit 308 can be configured with a light-emitting element, which can output the determination results to the outside based on the color of the light, the lighting state, or the flashing state. Alternatively, reporting unit 308 can be configured with a speaker, for example, which can output the determination results to the outside through sounds such as alarm sounds or voice announcements. Alternatively, reporting unit 308 can be configured with a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electro-luminescence display (OELD), or an inorganic electro-luminescence display (IELD), which can output the determination results to the outside through various displays. Alternatively, reporting unit 308 can be configured with a vibrator, for example, which can output the determination results to the outside based on a vibration pattern. Reporting unit 308 can also be configured in a manner other than the specific examples shown here. Furthermore, reporting unit 308 can be configured by combining multiple methods.

[0072] The storage unit 309 can be composed of a semiconductor memory or a magnetic memory. The storage unit 309 stores various data, such as the wave receiving intensity data obtained from the wave receiving unit 305, the opening and closing degree data obtained from the opening and closing degree detection sensor 307, the fluctuation data of the wave receiving intensity corresponding to the opening and closing degree of the door 303 in the full liquid tube 203a with no liquid attached to the outer surface, and a program for operating the tube gap determination device 301.

[0073] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, in the pipe gap determination device 301 of this embodiment, the main body 302 includes a wave transmitting unit 304, a wave receiving unit 305, a control unit 306, an opening and closing degree detection sensor 307, a reporting unit 308, and a storage unit 309. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the wave transmitting unit 304, the wave receiving unit 305, the control unit 306, the opening and closing degree detection sensor 307, the reporting unit 308, and the storage unit 309 may be included in the door 303. Furthermore, the wave transmitting unit 304, the wave receiving unit 305, the control unit 306, the opening and closing degree detection sensor 307, the reporting unit 308, and the storage unit 309 may be provided separately from the main body 302 and the door 303.

[0074] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a gap determination method performed by the control unit 306 of this embodiment. Figure 8As shown, the gap determination method performed by the control unit 306 of this embodiment includes a wave receiving intensity acquisition step S1, an opening and closing degree acquisition step S2, a gap determination step S3, and a reporting step S4. Specifically, in the wave receiving intensity acquisition step S1, the control unit 306 of this embodiment acquires wave receiving intensity data from the wave receiving unit 305. In the opening and closing degree acquisition step S2, the control unit 306 acquires opening and closing degree data of the door 303 from the opening and closing degree detection sensor 307. The wave receiving intensity acquisition step S1 and the opening and closing degree acquisition step S2 may be performed in the opposite order or simultaneously.

[0075] Next, in the gap determination process S3, the control unit 306 of this embodiment generates change data of the wave intensity corresponding to the opening and closing degree of the door part 303 of the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving groove 320 based on the opening and closing degree data and the wave intensity data obtained in the wave intensity acquisition process S1 and the opening and closing degree acquisition process S2.

[0076] Furthermore, in the gap determination step S3, the control unit 306 of this embodiment compares the maximum value of the wave intensity in the generated variation data with a predetermined first threshold value. Thus, the control unit 306 determines whether the tube 203 housed in the housing tank 320 is a full tube with liquid adhering to its outer surface.

[0077] In the void determination step S3, the control unit 306 of this embodiment compares the maximum value of the wave intensity in the generated variation data with a predetermined second threshold value. Thus, the control unit 306 determines whether the tube 203 accommodated in the accommodation tank 320 is an empty tube with no liquid attached to the outer surface.

[0078] When the control unit 306 of this embodiment determines that the tube 203 accommodated in the storage tank 320 is neither a full tube with liquid attached to its outer surface nor an empty tube with no liquid attached to its outer surface, the control unit 306 compares the generated variation data with variation data of the wave receiving intensity corresponding to the degree of opening and closing of the door 303 for the full tube 203a with no liquid attached to its outer surface, which is pre-stored in the storage unit 309, etc. The control unit 306 thereby determines whether the tube 203 accommodated in the storage tank 320 is a full tube 203a with no liquid attached to its outer surface or an empty tube 203b with liquid attached to its outer surface.

[0079] The control unit 306 performs the above series of determinations in the gap determination step S3, thereby determining whether or not there is liquid adhesion X2 (see Figure 5 、 Figure 6 ), it is possible to determine whether there is a gap in the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving groove 320. That is, whether there is liquid attached to the outer surface X2 (refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6), the control unit 306 can determine whether it is a full tube or an empty tube.

[0080] In addition, the control unit 306 may also determine whether there is a gap in the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving groove 320 by further considering the ambient temperature, for example. The hardness of the tube 203 can vary according to the ambient temperature. Therefore, the deformation amount and deformation posture of the tube 203 when it is pressed by the door portion 303 and deformed can vary according to the ambient temperature. That is, the wave receiving intensity of the wave received by the wave receiving portion 305 can also vary according to the ambient temperature. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned wave receiving intensity, the control unit 306 may also determine whether there is a gap in the tube 203 accommodated in the receiving groove 320 based on the ambient temperature. The ambient temperature can be detected by a temperature detection sensor, for example.

[0081] In the reporting step S4, the control unit 306 of this embodiment reports the determination result of the void determination step S3 to the outside using the reporting unit 308. Specifically, if the control unit 306 of this embodiment determines that there is a void in the tube 203, the reporting unit 308 reports that the tube 203 is empty. Conversely, if the control unit 306 of this embodiment determines that there is no void in the tube 203, the reporting unit 308 reports that the tube 203 is full.

[0082] Here, the receiving slot 320 may contain tubes 203 of varying diameters and materials. Furthermore, the placement of the tubes 203 within the receiving slot 320 may vary depending on the user. Furthermore, there are individual differences in the output of the wave transmitting unit 304 and the sensitivity of the wave receiving unit 305. These variations can also affect the accuracy of the determination by the tube gap determination device 301. As mentioned above, the output value from the wave receiving unit 305 to the control unit 306 varies depending on the presence or absence of a gap within the tube 203, but also varies depending on the various factors listed above, such as the tube diameter. If it can be determined that the variation in the output value from the wave receiving unit 305 to the control unit 306 is caused by the various factors listed above, then variations in the output value from the wave receiving unit 305 to the control unit 306 due to differences in tube 203 diameter, tube material, etc., can be corrected, for example, by automatically adjusting the sensitivity of the wave receiving unit 305. By correcting variations in the output value from the wave receiving unit 305 to the control unit 306 in this manner, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of void determination within the tube 203 due to differences in tube diameter, etc. Conversely, if it cannot be determined whether variations in the output value from the wave receiving unit 305 to the control unit 306 are caused by the various factors listed above, the possibility exists that variations are caused by the presence or absence of voids within the tube 203, making it impossible to automatically adjust the sensitivity of the wave receiving unit 305. Therefore, by using the tube void determination device 301 to pre-determine whether the tube 203 housed in the storage tank 320 is full or empty, it is possible to automatically adjust the sensitivity of the wave receiving unit 305 as described above. While automatic adjustment of the sensitivity of the wave receiving unit 305 is illustrated here, automatic adjustment of the output of the wave transmitting unit 304 is also possible. Furthermore, both the sensitivity of the wave receiving unit 305 and the output of the wave transmitting unit 304 may be automatically adjusted.

[0083] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 12 Next, an infusion pump 1 as one embodiment of the infusion pump of the present disclosure, which is provided with the tube gap determination device 301 described above, will be described. Figure 9 It is a diagram showing an infusion line 210 to which the infusion pump 1 is attached. Figure 9 The infusion pump 1 shown is an infusion pump, Figure 9 The shown infusion line 210 is an infusion line.

[0084] Figure 9 The illustrated infusion line 210 is constructed by connecting an infusion container 201 containing a liquid such as a medication to an indwelling needle 202, which is placed in a patient's position while being inserted into the patient's body, via an infusion tube 203. Hereinafter, the infusion container 201 side of the infusion line 210 may be referred to as the "upstream side of the flow path." Alternatively, the indwelling needle 202 side of the infusion line 210 may be referred to as the "downstream side of the flow path." Furthermore, the direction from the upstream side of the flow path of the infusion line 210 toward the downstream side may be referred to as the "infusion direction A."

[0085] Figure 9 The infusion container 201 shown is suspended from a bracket 250 and is connected to an indwelling needle 202 via a tube 203. Figure 9 The tube 203 of the infusion line 210 is provided with an infusion pump 1. The infusion pump 1 is fixed to the rod of the bracket 250. Figure 9 A clamp 230 is attached to the tube 203 of the infusion line 210 shown in the figure, at a position on the downstream side of the flow path relative to the infusion pump 1 .

[0086] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The infusion pump 1 is shown in a front perspective view. Figure 11 、 Figure 12 yes Figure 9 The front view of the infusion pump 1 shown. Figures 10 to 12 In FIG. 1 , the tube 203 attached to the infusion pump 1 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0087] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the infusion pump 1 includes a main body 2 and a door 3 attached to the main body 2 so as to be openable and closable. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The door 3 is shown in a state where it is closed relative to the main body 2 . Figure 12 Indicates the state where the door 3 is opened relative to the main body 2. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the infusion pump 1 can hold the tube 203 at a position between the main body 2 and the door 3. Figure 9 ) of the liquid such as medicine is transported by the infusion pump 1 through the tube 203 in the infusion direction A and is passed through the indwelling needle 202 (refer to Figure 9 ) is injected into the patient's blood vessels.

[0088] like Figures 10 to 12 As shown, a display unit 110 , an operating unit 120 , a door lock lever 130 , and an operation indicator 140 are provided on the front side of the infusion pump 1 .

[0089] Various information is displayed on the display unit 110. Specifically, the display unit 110 of this embodiment can display various information regarding the infusion pump 1, including the set and actual values ​​of the flow rate per unit time (infusion rate (mL / h)), the scheduled and accumulated amounts of medication administered to the patient, various alarms related to the operating status of the infusion pump 1, the set level of sensitivity for detecting clogging of the tube 203 by the downstream clogging sensor 172 (described later), whether the infusion pump 1 is connected to an AC power source, and the remaining amount of the built-in battery. The display unit 110 can be configured, for example, as an image display device such as a color liquid crystal display. In addition, various alarms displayed on the display unit 110 include, for example: a bubble signal displayed when bubbles are detected in the tube 203 by the bubble sensor 170 described later, a battery signal displayed when the voltage of the built-in battery of the infusion pump 1 decreases, a blockage signal displayed when the tube 203 is determined to be blocked by the upstream blockage sensor 171 or the downstream blockage sensor 172 described later, a door signal displayed when the door portion 3 becomes open relative to the main body 2, a completion signal displayed when the infusion is completed, etc.

[0090] The operation unit 120 is provided with operation switches. Specifically, the operation unit 120 of this embodiment includes a fast-forward switch 122 that enables infusion at an infusion rate faster than the set prescribed infusion rate (mL / h) while being pressed, a start switch 123 that starts infusion by being pressed, a stop switch 124 that stops infusion by being pressed, a power switch 125 for turning the power of the infusion pump 1 on and off, a menu selection switch 126, and a mode switching switch 127 that switches to silent mode by being pressed. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, a setting dial 121 is provided on a side surface of the main body 2 , and by rotating the setting dial 121 , the infusion rate, the predetermined amount, and the like can be changed.

[0091] The door lock lever 130 is used when the door 3 is opened and closed relative to the main body 2, and is configured to be locked when the door 3 is closed. Specifically, the door lock lever 130 is used to open and close the door 3. The door lock lever 130 is locked when the door 3 is closed relative to the main body 2 (see FIG. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 ), the door portion 3 is locked relative to the main body 2 so that the door portion 3 will not open relative to the main body 2. In addition, from the state where the door portion 3 is closed relative to the main body 2 (refer to Figure 10 、 Figure 11 ), by operating the door lock lever 130, the locked state of the door portion 3 relative to the main body portion 2 can be released. By releasing the locked state of the door portion 3, an operation of opening the door portion 3 relative to the main body portion 2 can be performed.

[0092] The operation indicator 140 illuminates, extinguishes, or flashes depending on the operating state of the infusion pump 1 to indicate the operating state to the outside world. Specifically, in this embodiment, the operation indicator 140 includes built-in LEDs that emit red and green light. For example, the operation indicator 140 flashes green when the infusion pump is being infused at a normal speed or in fast-forward mode. It turns off when the pump is in a stopped state with no alarms or infusions being performed. It flashes red when the pump is in a stopped state due to an alarm. It flashes alternately green and red during self-tests, etc.

[0093] Next, the structure of the inner surface of the door portion 3 of the infusion pump 1 and the structure of the main body portion 2 of the infusion pump 1 will be described.

[0094] like Figure 12 As shown, the door portion 3 is rotatably mounted to the main body portion 2 via a hinge portion 4. Thus, the door portion 3 can be opened and closed relative to the main body portion 2.

[0095] On the inner surface of the door portion 3, there are provided a sealing component 160 for preventing liquids such as medicines from penetrating into the main body 2 when the door portion 3 is closed, a tube pressing portion 161 for pressing the tube 203 toward the respective fingers 181a to 181f of the main body 2, an upstream pressing portion 162 for clamping the tube 203 between the upstream blockage sensor 171 of the main body 2, a downstream pressing portion 163 for clamping the tube 203 between the downstream blockage sensor 172 of the main body 2, and a pressing portion 165 for pressing the tube 203 housed in the receiving groove 190 of the bubble sensor 170 of the main body 2 toward the groove bottom 190a side of the receiving groove 190 when the door portion 3 is closed relative to the main body 2.

[0096] The sealing member 160 is formed of a resin material such as an elastomer, and seals the portion between the main body 2 and the door 3 when the door 3 is closed relative to the main body 2 to prevent foreign matter such as liquid from entering the space between the main body 2 and the door 3 from the outside.

[0097] When the fingers 181a to 181f press the tube 203, the tube pressing portion 161 supports the back surface of the tube 203 opposite to the surface on the finger 181a to 181f side, thereby achieving peristaltic motion of the tube 203 due to the pressing of the fingers 181a to 181f.

[0098] The main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 is provided with a bubble sensor 170 capable of detecting the presence of bubbles in the tube 203. The bubble sensor 170 includes an ultrasonic transmitter 170a as a wave transmitter 304 and an ultrasonic receiver 170b as a wave receiver 305. The main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 is provided with an upstream clogging sensor 171 and a downstream clogging sensor 172 that detect changes in the internal pressure of the tube 203. The main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 is provided with a clamp 173 that automatically clamps the tube 203 and blocks the flow path within the tube 203 when the door 3 is opened, and a release lever 174 that releases the clamp 173 from clamping the tube 203. The main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 is provided with an anti-overflow mechanism 175. This anti-overflow mechanism 175 includes a clamp that clamps the tube 203 and blocks the flow path within the tube 203 when the door 3 is opened, and is removable from the main body 2. The main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 is provided with a pump mechanism 180 including fingers 181 a to 181 f , and performs an infusion operation in the infusion direction A via the tube 203 .

[0099] The front portion of the main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 is provided with a tube mounting portion 5 to which the tube 203 can be mounted. Disposed in this tube mounting portion 5, from the upstream side of the flow path toward the downstream side, are a bubble sensor 170, an upstream occlusion sensor 171, fingers 181a to 181f, a downstream occlusion sensor 172, an anti-overflow mechanism 175, and a clamp 173. Furthermore, a concave first tube guide 176 is provided between the upstream occlusion sensor 171 and the fingers 181a to 181f in the tube mounting portion 5. This first tube guide 176 receives the tube 203 and assists in its installation. Furthermore, a concave second tube guide 177 is provided between the fingers 181a to 181f and the downstream occlusion sensor 172 in the tube mounting portion 5. This second tube guide 177 receives the tube 203 and assists in its installation. Furthermore, the tube attachment portion 5 is provided with a housing groove 190 for holding the tube 203 between the ultrasonic transmitter 170 a and the ultrasonic receiver 170 b of the bubble sensor 170 .

[0100] The bubble sensor 170 detects bubbles in the mixing pipe 203. Figure 10 The display unit 110 shown lights up a bubble signal to report the situation. The bubble sensor 170 of this embodiment can detect bubbles in the tube 203 using ultrasonic waves.

[0101] The upstream clogging sensor 171 can detect Figure 12 The internal pressure of the tube 203 is measured by moving the plunger portion 171 a in the radial direction of the tube 203 .

[0102] The plunger 171a is positioned so as to constantly contact the outer surface of the tube 203. If the internal pressure of the tube 203 fluctuates, causing the outer diameter of the tube 203 to change, the plunger 171a moves in proportion to the change. For example, if the internal pressure of the tube 203 increases, causing the tube 203 to expand, the plunger 171a is pushed and moves radially outward from the tube 203. Similarly, if the internal pressure of the tube 203 decreases, causing the tube 203 to contract, the plunger 171a moves radially inward from the tube 203. The internal pressure of the portion of the tube 203 in contact with the plunger 171a is detected based on the amount of movement of the plunger 171a.

[0103] The structure of the upstream clogging sensor 171 is not particularly limited as long as it can measure the internal pressure of the tube 203. The downstream clogging sensor 172 also has the same structure as the upstream clogging sensor 171. Specifically, the downstream clogging sensor 172 includes a plunger 172a having the same structure as the plunger 171a.

[0104] When the door 3 is opened relative to the main body 2, the clamp 173 automatically presses and closes the tube 203 located in the tube mounting portion 5. Specifically, when the door 3 is opened relative to the main body 2, the release lever 174 moves in conjunction with the opening of the door 3, pressing and closing the tube 203. Conversely, when the door 3 is closed relative to the main body 2, the clamp 173 automatically releases the pressurized state of the tube 203 located in the tube mounting portion 5. Specifically, when the door 3 is closed relative to the main body 2, the release lever 174 moves in conjunction with the closing of the door 3, releasing the pressurized state of the tube 203.

[0105] The clamp of the anti-overflow mechanism 175 is removably attachable to the tube mounting portion 5. When the door portion 3 is opened relative to the main body 2 while the anti-overflow mechanism 175 is attached to the tube mounting portion 5, the clamp automatically closes the tube 203 located in the tube mounting portion 5, similar to the clamp portion 173 described above. Furthermore, when the door portion 3 is closed relative to the main body 2, the clamp of the anti-overflow mechanism 175 automatically releases the closed state of the tube 203 located in the tube mounting portion 5.

[0106] The pump mechanism 180 includes: a plurality of fingers 181a to 181f, which are arranged along the extension direction of the tube 203 of the tube mounting portion 5 mounted on the main body 2 (in this embodiment, the infusion direction A and the opposite direction); a cam shaft, which includes a plurality of eccentric cams that enable the plurality of fingers 181a to 181f to move forward and backward independently relative to the tube 203; and a drive motor that drives the cam shaft to rotate.

[0107] The pump mechanism 180 includes six fingers arranged in order from upstream to downstream: a first finger 181a, a second finger 181b, a third finger 181c, a fourth finger 181d, a fifth finger 181e, and a sixth finger 181f. Furthermore, the camshaft is provided with six eccentric cams, namely a first eccentric cam, a sixth eccentric cam, and a first eccentric cam arranged to face each of the fingers 181a to 181f.

[0108] In the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment, the pump mechanism 180 of the main body 2 and the tube pressing portion 161 of the door 3 constitute an infusion unit 191. The infusion unit 191 enables the liquid within the tube 203 to be transported in the infusion direction A. However, the structure of the infusion unit 191 is not limited to that shown in this embodiment.

[0109] The door portion 3 covers the pipe mounting portion 5 when closed relative to the main body portion 2. Figure 10 、 Figure 11 As shown, the tube 203 is held between the main body 2 and the door 3. Figure 9 As shown, the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment is mounted on the bracket 250 such that the tube 203 mounted on the tube mounting portion 5 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0110] Specifically, a bracket mounting portion that can be mounted on bracket 250 is provided on the back of the main body 2 of the infusion pump 1. When the bracket mounting portion is mounted on bracket 250, the tube 203 mounted on the tube mounting portion 5 extends horizontally. The bracket mounting portion of the main body 2 is formed, for example, by a rod clamp, and in this embodiment, is configured to be detachable from other parts of the main body 2.

[0111] As described above, the infusion pump 1 includes the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 More specifically, the main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment also serves as the main body 302 of the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 The receiving groove 190 in the main body 2 of the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment also serves as the receiving groove 320 in the main body 302 of the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 The door portion 3 of the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment also serves as the door portion 303 of the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 The ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 170a of the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment also serves as the wave transmitting unit 304 of the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 The ultrasonic wave receiving unit 170b of the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment also serves as the wave receiving unit 305 of the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 The control unit 150 of the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment (see Figure 12) also serves as the control unit 306 of the tube gap determination device 301 (refer to Figure 1 The display unit 110 and the operation indicator 140 of the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment also serve as the notification unit 308 of the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 In addition, the opening and closing degree detection sensor 151 (see Figure 12 ) and storage unit 152 (refer to Figure 12 ) also serves as the opening and closing degree detection sensor 307 of the tube gap determination device 301 (refer to Figure 1 etc.) and storage unit 309 (see Figure 1 wait).

[0112] That is, the infusion pump 1 comprises: a main body 2 having a receiving groove 190 capable of receiving a tube 203; and a door 3 which is mounted to the main body 2 so as to be openable and closable and which can move the tube 203 received in the receiving groove 190 toward the groove bottom 190a of the receiving groove 190 in conjunction with the closing operation of the main body 2 (see FIG. Figure 12 In this embodiment, during the closing operation of the door portion 3, the pressing portion 165 protruding toward the inner surface of the door portion 3 presses the tube 203 in the receiving groove 190 toward the groove bottom 190a.

[0113] The ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 170a can transmit ultrasonic waves to the tube 203 accommodated in the accommodation tank 190. The ultrasonic wave receiving unit 170b can receive ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 170a and transmitted through the tube 203.

[0114] Furthermore, the control unit 150 can determine whether there is a gap in the tube 203 based on the reception intensity, which is the wave reception intensity, of the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic wave receiving unit 170 b during the closing operation of the door 3 relative to the main body 2 .

[0115] The arrangement positions of the ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 170 a and the ultrasonic wave receiving unit 170 b in this embodiment may be reversed.

[0116] Thus, the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment includes the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 More specifically, in the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 wait).

[0117] The structures of the receiving groove 190, the ultrasonic transmitter 170a, and the ultrasonic receiver 170b in the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment and their relative positional relationship are similar to those of the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1etc.) in the receiving groove 320 (see Figures 1 to 6 ), the wave sending unit 304 (refer to Figures 1 to 6 ) and the wave receiving portion 305 (refer to Figures 1 to 6 ) Their respective structures and their relative positional relationships are the same, so their description is omitted here.

[0118] In addition, as described above, in the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment, each component in the infusion pump 1 also serves as the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 The infusion pump 1 may also be provided with the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 As an example, the infusion pump 1 may also include, in addition to the control unit 150 that controls each part of the infusion pump 1, the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 This is also true for the wave transmitting unit 304, the wave receiving unit 305, etc. However, as in this embodiment, the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 etc.) is constituted by utilizing the bubble sensor 170 of the infusion pump 1, thereby being able to suppress the new tube gap determination device 301 (refer to Figure 1 etc.) and thus the structure of the infusion pump 1 becomes complicated.

[0119] Thus, the infusion pump 1 of this embodiment includes the tube gap determination device 301 (see Figure 1 etc.), it is possible to determine whether a full liquid pipe or an empty pipe is installed in the pipe installation portion 5.

[0120] The tube gap determination device and the infusion pump disclosed in the present invention are not limited to the specific structures shown in the above embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. Figure 9 As shown, the infusion pump 1 is mounted on the bracket 250 such that the tube 203 mounted on the tube mounting portion 5 extends horizontally, but the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the infusion pump may be mounted on the bracket 250 such that the tube 203 mounted on the tube mounting portion 5 extends vertically.

[0121] Industrial applicability

[0122] The present disclosure relates to a tube gap determination device and an infusion pump.

[0123] Description of Reference Numerals

[0124] 1...Infusion pump; 2...Main unit; 3...Door; 4...Hinge; 5...Tube mounting; 110...Display; 120...Operation unit; 121...Setting dial; 122...Fast forward switch; 123...Start switch; 124...Stop switch; 125...Power switch; 126...Menu selection switch; 127...Mode switch; 130...Door lock lever; 140...Action indicator; 150...Control unit; 151...Opening / closing degree detection sensor; 152...Memory 160...Seal member; 161...Tube pressing portion; 162...Upstream pressing portion; 163...Downstream pressing portion; 165...Pressing portion (an example of a portion of the infusion unit); 170...Bubble sensor; 170a...Ultrasonic wave transmitting portion (an example of a wave transmitting portion); 170b...Ultrasonic wave receiving portion (an example of a wave receiving portion); 171...Upstream clogging sensor; 171a...Plunger portion; 172...Downstream clogging sensor; 172a...Plunger portion; 173...Clamp portion; 174... Release lever; 175... Anti-overflow mechanism; 176... First tube guide; 177... Second tube guide; 180... Pump mechanism; 181a-181f... First to sixth fingers; 190... Receiving tank; 190a... Bottom of receiving tank; 191... Infusion unit; 201... Infusion container; 202... Indwelling needle; 203... Tube; 203a... Full tube with no liquid attached to the outer surface; 203b... Empty tube with liquid attached to the outer surface; 210... Infusion line; 230... Clamp; 2 50...bracket; 301...tube gap determination device; 302...main body; 303...door; 304...wave transmitting portion; 305...wave receiving portion; 306...control portion; 307...opening / closing degree detection sensor; 308...reporting portion; 309...storage portion; 320...receiving tank; 320a...bottom of the receiving tank; 320b1, 320b2...walls of the receiving tank; 321...hinge portion; A...infusion direction; X1...liquid in the tube; X2...liquid adhering to the outer surface of the tube.

Claims

1. A pipe gap determination device, characterized in that: have: a main body having a receiving groove capable of receiving the tube; a door portion, which is openably and closably mounted relative to the main body portion and is capable of pressing the tube accommodated in the receiving groove toward the bottom of the receiving groove in conjunction with a closing action relative to the main body portion; a wave transmitting portion and a wave receiving portion, wherein the wave transmitting portion can transmit electromagnetic waves or sound waves to the tube accommodated in the accommodation slot, and the wave receiving portion can receive the electromagnetic waves or sound waves transmitted from the wave transmitting portion and transmitted through the tube or reflected from the tube; and The control unit determines whether there is a void in the tube based on the intensity of the waves received by the wave receiving unit during the closing operation of the door unit relative to the main body unit.

2. The tube gap determination device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wave transmitting unit and the wave receiving unit are arranged to face each other in a radial direction of the tube with the tube accommodated in the accommodation groove interposed therebetween.

3. The tube gap determination device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main body can clamp the tube between two opposite groove walls of the receiving groove. The wave transmitting portion can transmit the electromagnetic wave or the sound wave to the tube through one of the two groove walls. The wave receiving unit can receive the electromagnetic wave or the sound wave transmitted through the tube or reflected by the tube through the other of the two groove walls.

4. The tube gap determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: An opening / closing degree detection sensor is provided, which can detect the opening / closing degree of the door portion relative to the main body portion, The control unit determines whether the gap exists in the tube based on the change and maximum value of the wave intensity received by the wave receiving unit during the closing operation of the door relative to the main body, and the degree of opening and closing of the door relative to the main body.

5. An infusion pump, characterized in that: have: The pipe gap determination device according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and The liquid infusion part is capable of delivering the liquid in the tube.

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