Notification system

Abstract

To provide a notification system capable of suppressing occurrence of a failure when a fact that a joint is separated is not transmitted to a user.SOLUTION: A notification system includes a joint. The joint is connected to a tubular member. The joint includes first and second units connected to each other in a separable state. The first and second units form a flow path communicating with the tubular member. This notification system further includes a notification unit and an electric circuit. The notification unit notifies a user by receiving electric power supply. Before the first and second units are separated from each other, the electric circuit does not supply electric power to the notification unit. After the first and second units are separated from each other, the electric circuit continues supplying electric power to the notification unit irrespectively of whether the first and second units are connected to each other again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2011-226546 discloses a pipe joint. This pipe joint includes a female joint and a male joint. In this pipe joint, the female joint and the male joint are separable from each other (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-226546 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a separable joint as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible that the joint may separate at a timing not intended by the user. When such an event occurs, for example, if a person other than the user who should notice the separation of the joint reconnects the joint, the user will not notice that the joint has separated. Problems may occur when the user does not recognize that the joint has separated.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and its object is to provide an alarm system that can suppress the occurrence of problems caused by the fact that a joint has separated not being communicated to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An alarm system according to the present invention includes a joint. The joint is connected to a tubular member. The joint includes first and second units connected in a state in which they can be separated from each other. A flow path communicating with the tubular member is formed by the first and second units. The alarm system further includes an alarm unit and an electric circuit. The alarm unit receives a power supply to notify a user. The electric circuit does not supply power to the alarm unit before the first and second units are separated from each other, and continues to supply power to the alarm unit after the first and second units are separated from each other, regardless of whether the first and second units are connected to each other again.

[0007] In this notification system, once the first and second units are separated from each other, the notification by the notification unit continues regardless of whether the first and second units are reconnected to each other. Therefore, according to this notification system, even if the first and second units are separated from each other and then reconnected to each other, it is possible to continuously notify the user that the first and second units have been separated from each other. As a result, according to this notification system, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems caused by the fact that the first and second units have been separated from each other not being communicated to the user.

[0008] In the above-described notification system, the flow path in each of the first and second units may narrow in response to the application of force in a direction in which the tubular member is pulled out, and thereafter the first and second units may separate from each other.

[0009] In this notification system, as force is applied in a direction to pull out the tubular member, the flow path narrows in each of the first and second units, and then the first and second units separate from each other. Therefore, according to this notification system, for example, the flow path narrows in each of the first and second units before the first and second units separate from each other, so that liquid leakage due to breakage of the flow path can be suppressed.

[0010] In the above-mentioned alarm system, the electric circuit may be constituted by a self-holding circuit.

[0011] According to this notification system, the function of the electric circuit can be easily realized by the self-holding circuit.

[0012] In the above-mentioned notification system, the notification unit may be constituted by a light-emitting element.

[0013] According to this notification system, by continuously emitting light from the light-emitting element, it is possible to continuously notify the user that the first and second units have been separated from each other.

[0014] In the above-mentioned notification system, the tubular member may be constituted by a catheter placed in the patient, and the joint may be directly or indirectly connected to the tubular member.

[0015] In this notification system, for example, once the first and second units are separated from each other due to the patient's own removal of the catheter (hereinafter also referred to as "self-removal"), the notification by the notification unit continues regardless of whether the first and second units are reconnected to each other. Therefore, according to this notification system, even if the first and second units are separated from each other due to self-removal and then reconnected to each other, it is possible to continuously notify a user (for example, a medical professional such as a nurse) that the first and second units have been separated from each other. As a result, according to this notification system, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction caused by the fact that the first and second units have been separated from each other due to self-removal not being communicated to the user.

[0016] The notification system may further include a transmission unit that, in response to the first and second units being separated from each other, transmits data indicating that the first and second units have been separated from each other to a terminal of a medical staff member.

[0017] In this notification system, as the first and second units separate from each other, data indicating that the first and second units have been separated from each other is transmitted to the terminal of the medical staff. Therefore, this notification system allows the medical staff to recognize that the first and second units have been separated from each other. Furthermore, this notification system allows the medical staff to further reduce the possibility that the medical staff will not recognize that the first and second units have been separated from each other, since the notification unit continues to notify once the first and second units have been separated from each other, even if the communication environment is poor. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a notification system that can suppress the occurrence of problems caused by a user not being notified that a joint has separated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of a notification system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating schematic external configurations of joints included in the notification system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic circuit configuration of the notification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a notification system according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a joint included in a notification system according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a schematic circuit configuration of a notification system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are given the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated. Also, each drawing is drawn in a schematic manner with objects appropriately omitted or exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0021] [1. First Embodiment] <1-1. Overall configuration of the notification system> A catheter (e.g., a central venous catheter) may be placed in a patient's body for treatment. For example, when a patient is in a delirious state, the patient's act of pulling out the catheter (self-removal) becomes a problem in the medical field. If the patient self-removes the catheter, for example, the catheter must be inserted again. That is, the patient must endure the pain of the insertion again, and the medical staff must perform the insertion operation again. The notification system 10 according to the first embodiment is devised to deal with such problems. The notification system 10 will be described in detail below.

[0022] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an alarm system 10 according to the present embodiment 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the alarm system 10 includes a joint 100, a catheter 200, a tube 300, an infusion bottle 400, and an alarm device 500.

[0023] A catheter 200 is connected to one end of the joint 100, and a tube 300 is connected to the other end. The catheter 200 is inserted into the patient's body via, for example, a treatment unit FI1. The catheter 200 is fixed to the patient at the treatment unit FI1 by, for example, an adhesive tape or the like. The tube 300 is connected to an infusion bottle 400.

[0024] The joint 100 includes a first unit 110 and a second unit 120, and a flow path is formed inside each of the first unit 110 and the second unit 120. The infusion bottle 400 contains a liquid such as a medicinal solution or a nutrient, and the liquid contained in the infusion bottle 400 is supplied into the patient's body through the tube 300, the joint 100, and the catheter 200.

[0025] The joint 100 is configured such that the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 separate from each other when the tube 300 is pulled by a patient attempting self-removal. In other words, the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are configured to separate from each other when, for example, a force equal to or greater than a predetermined force is applied in the direction in which the catheter 200 is removed. The predetermined force is, for example, smaller than the force with which an adhesive tape or the like fixes the catheter 200 to the patient. When a force equal to or greater than the predetermined force is applied to the joint 100, the joint 100 separates before the catheter 200 is removed from the patient. Therefore, the joint 100 can prevent the catheter 200 from being removed from the patient by the patient pulling the tube 300.

[0026] Moreover, each of the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 is configured to narrow the flow path before separation. For example, a first gripper (not shown) that pinches the catheter 200 before separation of the joint 100 may be provided inside the first unit 110. Also, a second gripper (not shown) that pinches the tube 300 before separation of the joint 100 may be provided inside the second unit 120. For example, the first gripper and the second gripper may pinch the catheter 200 and the tube 300, respectively, as the patient pulls the tube 300, thereby closing the flow path. According to the joint 100, the flow path is narrowed before separation of the joint 100, so that liquid leakage due to separation of the joint 100 can be suppressed.

[0027] The notification device 500 is configured to notify a medical professional or the like (a user of the notification system 10) that the joint 100 has been separated. Specifically, the notification device 500 notifies the medical professional or the like that the joint 100 has been separated by emitting light. The notification device 500 is placed, for example, on a bed used by a patient or near an entrance to a hospital room. The medical professional or the like can recognize whether or not the joint 100 has been separated by checking the light emission state of the notification device 500.

[0028] The notification device 500 includes a power supply unit 510, an electric circuit 520, and a light-emitting element 530. The power supply unit 510 is configured, for example, by a secondary battery (battery) such as a lithium ion battery. The power supply unit 510 supplies, for example, power to the light-emitting element 530. The light-emitting element 530 is configured, for example, by an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The light-emitting element 530 emits light by receiving a supply of power from the power supply unit 510.

[0029] The electric circuit 520 is configured to supply power from the power supply unit 510 to the light-emitting element 530 in response to separation of the joint 100. The light-emitting element 530 emits light when power is supplied from the power supply unit 510 to the light-emitting element 530. That is, the light-emitting element 530 emits light in response to separation of the joint 100. A medical professional or the like can recognize that separation of the joint 100 has occurred by visually confirming that the light-emitting element 530 is emitting light.

[0030] Suppose that when the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are reconnected after being separated, the light emitting element 530 stops emitting light. In this case, a medical professional or the like who visually checks the alarm device 500 after the light emitting element 530 stops emitting light cannot recognize that separation of the joint 100 has occurred. However, if the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are reconnected by the patient himself / herself, problems such as contamination of the medicinal solution or air getting into the catheter 200 may occur, so the medical professional or the like should recognize that separation of the joint 100 has occurred even after reconnection of the joint 100.

[0031] Therefore, the electric circuit 520 is configured to continue supplying power to the light emitting element 530 after the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are separated from each other, regardless of whether the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are reconnected to each other or not. Therefore, according to the notification system 10, even if the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are separated from each other and then reconnected to each other, it is possible to continuously notify a medical professional or the like that the joint 100 has been separated. The circuit configuration of the electric circuit 520 will be described in detail later.

[0032] <1-2. Appearance of the joint> Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic external configuration of a joint 100 included in the notification system 10 according to the present embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the joint 100 includes a first unit 110 and a second unit 120. The first unit 110 is a female joint, and the second unit 120 is a male joint.

[0033] An electric wire EL1 is connected to the first unit 110, and an electric wire EL2 is connected to the second unit 120. Each of the electric wires EL1 and EL2 is connected to an alarm device 500 (FIG. 1). When the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are connected to each other, the electric wires EL1 and EL2 are electrically connected to each other. On the other hand, when the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are not connected to each other, the electric wires EL1 and EL2 are not electrically connected to each other. In the above-mentioned electric circuit 520 (FIG. 1), the conductive state of the electric wires EL1 and EL2 functions as a switch (joint separation switch SW2 described later). Next, the electric circuit 520 will be described in detail.

[0034] <1-3.Circuit configuration of the notification system> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic circuit configuration of the notification system 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the notification system 10 includes a power supply unit 510, an electric circuit 520, and a light-emitting element 530. The electric circuit 520 is a so-called self-holding circuit, and includes a relay RL1 and a relay RL2. Each of the relays RL1 and RL2 is formed of, for example, an electromagnetic relay. The relay RL1 is a so-called normally closed relay, and the relay RL2 is a so-called normally open relay. The relay RL1 includes a coil portion X1 and a contact portion X1b1. The contact portion X1b1 is a so-called break contact (b contact). The relay RL2 includes a coil portion X2 and contact portions X2a1 and X2a2. Each of the contact portions X2a1 and X2a2 is a so-called make contact (a contact).

[0035] The positive electrode of the power supply unit 510 is connected to the electric wire EL3, and the negative electrode of the power supply unit 510 is connected to the electric wire EL4. A main switch SW1 is provided between the electric wires EL3 and EL5. The main switch SW1 is provided in the alarm device 500, for example.

[0036] Of the multiple (three) connection points provided on the electric wire EL5, the electric wire EL1 is connected to a connection point P1 located closest to the main switch SW1. Also, of the multiple (two) connection points provided on the electric wire EL4, the electric wire EL6 is connected to a connection point P2 that is closer to the power supply unit 510. A joint separation switch SW2 is provided between the electric wires EL1 and EL2, and a coil unit X1 is provided between the electric wires EL2 and EL6. The joint separation switch SW2 is in an on state when the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are connected to each other, and is in an off state when the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are not connected to each other.

[0037] Of the multiple connection points provided on the electric wire EL5, the electric wire EL7 is connected to a connection point P3 which is located next to the connection point P1 and closest to the main switch SW1. Also, of the multiple connection points provided on the electric wire EL4, the electric wire EL9 is connected to a connection point P4 which is farthest from the power supply unit 510. A contact portion X1b1 is provided between the electric wires EL7 and EL8, and a coil portion X2 is provided between the electric wires EL8 and EL9.

[0038] Among the multiple connection points provided on the electric wire EL5, the electric wire EL10 is connected to the connection point P5 located at the farthest position from the main switch SW1. The electric wire EL11 is connected to the connection point P6 provided on the electric wire EL8, and a contact point X2a1 is provided between the electric wires EL10 and EL11. A contact point X2a2 is provided between the electric wires EL5 and EL12, and a resistor R1 is provided between the electric wires EL4 and EL13. A light-emitting element 530 is provided between the electric wires EL12 and EL13.

[0039] <1-4. Operation of the notification system> First, consider a case where the joint separation switch SW2 is in an on state (a state in which the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are connected to each other) and has never been in an off state (a state in which the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are separated from each other). In this case, when the main switch SW1 is in an on state, the relay RL1 is normally closed and a current flows through the coil portion X1, so the contact portion X1b1 is in an open state. Since the contact portion X1b1 is in an open state, no current flows through the coil portion X2. Since the relay RL2 is normally open, each of the contact portions X2a1 and X2a2 is in an open state. Since the contact portion X2a2 is in an open state, no current flows through the light-emitting element 530, and the light-emitting element 530 does not emit light.

[0040] Next, consider the case where the joint separation switch SW2 is in the off state. In this case, when the main switch SW1 is turned on, the relay RL1 is normally closed and no current flows through the coil portion X1, so the contact portion X1b1 is in the closed state. Since the contact portion X1b1 is in the closed state, a current flows through the coil portion X2. Since the relay RL2 is normally open, each of the contact portions X2a1 and X2a2 is in the closed state. Since the contact portion X2a2 is in the closed state, a current flows through the light-emitting element 530, causing the light-emitting element 530 to emit light.

[0041] Next, consider a case where the main switch SW1 is maintained in the on state and the joint separation switch SW2 is turned off once and then turned on again. Even if the joint separation switch SW2 is switched from the off state to the on state, the contact portion X2a1 is in the closed state, so a current continues to flow through the coil portion X2. Since a current flows through the coil portion X2, The contacts X2a1 and X2a2 are maintained in the closed state. Because the contact X2a2 is in the closed state, a current flows through the light emitting element 530, and the light emitting element 530 continues to emit light.

[0042] <1-5.Features> As described above, in the notification system 10 according to the first embodiment, once the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are separated from each other, the light emitting element 530 continues to emit light, regardless of whether the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are reconnected to each other. Therefore, according to the notification system 10, even if the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are separated from each other and then reconnected to each other, it is possible to continuously notify the user (medical worker, etc.) that the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 have been separated from each other. As a result, according to the notification system 10, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction caused by the fact that the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 have been separated from each other not being communicated to the user.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the notification system 10, even if the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 become separated from each other due to the patient's own removal, and then the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are reconnected to each other, the notification system 10 can continuously notify a user (e.g., a medical professional such as a nurse) that the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 have become separated from each other.

[0044] [2. Second Embodiment] In the notification system 10 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, the desired function is realized by the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 3. However, the specific circuit configuration is not limited to that shown in Fig. 3. In the notification system 10A according to the second embodiment, the desired function is realized by a circuit configuration different from the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 3. The following will mainly describe the points that are different from the first embodiment, and will not repeat the description of the parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0045] <2-1. Overall configuration of the notification system> Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic diagram of an alarm system 10A according to the present embodiment 2. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the alarm system 10A includes a joint 100A, a catheter 200, a tube 300, an infusion bottle 400, and an alarm device 500A.

[0046] In the joint 100A, a catheter 200 is connected to one end, and a tube 300 is connected to the other end. The joint 100A includes a first unit 110A and a second unit 120A, and a flow path is formed inside each of the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A. The joint 100A is configured so that the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are separated from each other when the tube 300 is pulled by a patient attempting self-removal. In addition, each of the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A is configured to narrow the flow path before separation.

[0047] The notification device 500A is configured to notify a medical professional or the like (a user of the notification system 10A) that the joint 100A has been separated. Specifically, the notification device 500A notifies the medical professional or the like that the joint 100A has been separated by emitting light. The notification device 500A includes a power supply unit 510, an electric circuit 520A, and a light-emitting element 530.

[0048] The electric circuit 520A is configured to supply power from the power supply unit 510 to the light emitting element 530 in response to separation of the joint 100A. The light emitting element 530 emits light when power is supplied from the power supply unit 510 to the light emitting element 530. That is, the light emitting element 530 emits light in response to separation of the joint 100A. The electric circuit 520A is configured to continue supplying power to the light emitting element 530 after the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are separated from each other, regardless of whether the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are connected to each other again.

[0049] <2-2. Appearance of the joint> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a joint 100A included in a notification system 10A according to the present embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 5, the joint 100A includes a first unit 110A and a second unit 120A. The first unit 110A is a female joint, and the second unit 120A is a male joint.

[0050] An electric wire EL1A is connected to the first unit 110A. A spring portion 111 is provided in the first unit 110A, and an electric wire EL2A is fixed to the spring portion 111. An insulating portion 121 is provided in the second unit 120A. The insulating portion 121 is made of, for example, rubber or resin. In a state in which the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are connected to each other, the spring portion 111 biases the electric wire EL2A so that the electric wire EL2A is pressed against the insulating portion 121. Each of the electric wires EL1A and EL2A is connected to an alarm device 500A (FIG. 4).

[0051] In a state where the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are connected to each other, the insulating portion 121 is present between the first unit 110A (for example, a conductive member such as metal) and the electric wire EL2A, so that the electric wire EL1A and the electric wire EL2A are not electrically conducted. On the other hand, in a state where the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are not connected to each other, the electric wire EL2A is biased by the spring portion 111, so that the electric wire EL2A and the first unit 110A come into contact with each other, so that the electric wire EL1A and the electric wire EL2A are electrically conducted to each other. In the above-mentioned electric circuit 520A (FIG. 4), the conductive state between the electric wire EL1A and the electric wire EL2A functions as a switch (joint separation switch SW3 described later). Next, the electric circuit 520A will be described in detail.

[0052] <2-3.Circuit configuration of the notification system> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic circuit configuration of the notification system 10A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the notification system 10A includes a power supply unit 510, an electric circuit 520A, and a light-emitting element 530. The electric circuit 520A is a so-called self-holding circuit, and includes a relay RL2. The circuit configuration is different from that of the notification system 10 according to the first embodiment in that the electric wires EL1 and EL6, the coil unit X1, and the joint separation switch SW2 are omitted, and that the electric wires EL1A and EL2A and the joint separation switch SW3 are provided instead of the electric wires EL7 and EL8 and the contact unit X1b1. The joint separation switch SW3 is in an OFF state when the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are connected to each other, and is in an ON state when the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are not connected to each other.

[0053] <2-4. Operation of the notification system> First, consider a case where the joint separation switch SW3 is in the off state (a state in which the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are connected to each other) and has never been in the on state (a state in which the first unit 110 and the second unit 120 are separated from each other). In this case, when the main switch SW1 is turned on, the relay RL2 is normally open and no current flows through the coil portion X2, so that each of the contact portions X2a1 and X2a2 is in an open state. Because the contact portion X2a2 is in an open state, no current flows through the light-emitting element 530, and the light-emitting element 530 does not emit light.

[0054] Next, consider the case where the joint separation switch SW3 is in the on state. In this case, when the main switch SW1 is in the on state, the relay RL2 is normally open and a current flows through the coil portion X2, so that the contact portions X2a1 and X2a2 are in the closed state. Since the contact portion X2a2 is in the closed state, a current flows through the light-emitting element 530, and the light-emitting element 530 emits light.

[0055] Next, consider a case where the main switch SW1 is maintained in the on state and the joint separation switch SW3 is turned on once and then turned off again. Even if the joint separation switch SW3 is switched from the on state to the off state, the contact portion X2a1 is in the closed state, so a current continues to flow through the coil portion X2. Since a current flows through the coil portion X2, The contacts X2a1 and X2a2 are maintained in the closed state. Because the contact X2a2 is in the closed state, a current flows through the light emitting element 530, and the light emitting element 530 continues to emit light.

[0056] <2-5.Features> As described above, in the notification system 10A according to the second embodiment, once the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are separated from each other, the light emitting element 530 continues to emit light, regardless of whether the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are reconnected to each other. Therefore, according to the notification system 10A, even if the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are separated from each other and then reconnected to each other, it is possible to continuously notify the user (medical worker, etc.) that the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A have been separated from each other. As a result, according to the notification system 10A, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction caused by the fact that the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A have been separated from each other not being communicated to the user.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the notification system 10A, even if the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A become separated from each other due to the patient's own removal, and then the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A are reconnected to each other, the notification system 10A can continuously notify a user (e.g., a medical professional such as a nurse) that the first unit 110A and the second unit 120A have become separated from each other.

[0058] 3. Other embodiments The concept of the above embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described above. Hereinafter, an example of another embodiment to which the concept of the above embodiment can be applied will be described.

[0059] <3-1> Each of the notification systems (10, 10A) according to the first and second embodiments may further include a sensor that detects that the first unit (110, 110A) and the second unit (120, 120A) have been separated from each other. Each of the notification systems (10, 10A) may further include a transmitter that transmits data indicating that the joints have been separated to a communication terminal of a medical professional or the like in response to detection of separation of the joints (100, 100A). The transmitter may be formed of a communication module, such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) module.

[0060] In this notification system (10, 10A), data indicating that the joint (100, 100A) has been separated is transmitted to a communication terminal of a medical professional or the like in response to the first unit (110, 110A) and the second unit (120, 120A) being separated from each other. Therefore, this notification system (10, 10A) can cause a medical professional or the like to recognize that the joint (100, 100A) has been separated. Furthermore, according to this notification system (10, 10A), even if the communication environment is not good, the light emitting element 530 continues to emit light once the joint (100, 100A) is separated, so that it is possible to further reduce the possibility that a medical professional or the like will not recognize that the joint (100, 100A) has been separated.

[0061] <3-2> In each of the notification systems (10, 10A) according to the above-described first and second embodiments, the light-emitting element 530 emits light to notify that the joint (100, 100A) has been separated. However, the means for notifying that the joint (100, 100A) has been separated is not limited thereto. For example, each of the notification systems (10, 10A) may include an audio output member such as a buzzer instead of the light-emitting element 530, and may notify that the joint (100, 100A) has been separated by outputting audio.

[0062] <3-3> In each of the notification systems (10, 10A) according to the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, the power supply unit 510 is configured by a secondary battery (battery) such as a lithium ion battery. However, the power supply unit 510 does not necessarily have to be configured by a battery. The power supply unit 510 may be realized by, for example, a power supply circuit that generates DC power based on AC power supplied from a commercial power source. In this case, the configuration of the electric circuits 520, 520A may be appropriately changed so as to realize the same function.

[0063] <3-4> In each of the notification systems (10, 10A) according to the first and second embodiments, each of the relays RL1, RL2 may be formed of a semiconductor relay.

[0064] <3-5> The notification systems (10, 10A) according to the first and second embodiments are not necessarily used in the medical field. The notification systems (10, 10A) may be used in the industrial field, for example, by connecting pipes (tubes) of general industrial equipment to both ends of the joint (100, 100A). For example, in general industrial equipment, when a pipe is reconnected after being separated, foreign matter, air, or the like may enter the pipe, or the pipe may be connected incorrectly. Therefore, by applying the notification systems (10, 10A) to general industrial equipment and continuously notifying that the joint (100, 100A) has been separated even after the joint (100, 100A) is reconnected, the damage caused by the above problem can be prevented from spreading.

[0065] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention by way of example. That is, the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are disclosed for the purpose of illustrative description. Therefore, some components described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings may be non-essential components for solving the problem. Therefore, just because the non-essential components are described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, it should not be immediately determined that the non-essential components are essential.

[0066] Moreover, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention in every respect. Various improvements and modifications of the above-described embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, at least a part of the configuration of any of the embodiments may be combined with at least a part of the configuration of any of the other embodiments. In other words, in implementing the present invention, specific configurations can be appropriately adopted according to the embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10. Notification System 100,100A fittings 110,110A 1st unit 111 Spring part 120,120A 2nd unit 121 Insulation 200 Catheter (an example of a "tubular member") 300 Tube (an example of a "tubular member") 400 Infusion Bottles 500 Notification device 510 Power supply section 520,520A Electrical Circuit 530 Light-emitting element (an example of an "alert unit") EL1,EL1A,EL2,EL2A,EL3,EL4,EL5,EL6,EL7,EL8,EL9,EL10,EL11,EL12,EL13,EL14 Wire FI1 Treatment section P1,P2,P3,P4,P5,P6 connection points R1 Resistor RL1, RL2 Relay SW1 Main switch SW2, SW3 coupling isolation switch X1, X2 coil section X1b1, X2a1, X2a2 contact points

Claims

1. a coupling for connection to the tubular member; the joint includes first and second units separably connected to one another; a flow path communicating with the tubular member is formed by the first and second units, a notification unit that notifies a user when power is supplied; an electrical circuit that does not supply power to the alarm unit before the first and second units are separated from each other, and that continues to supply power to the alarm unit after the first and second units are separated from each other regardless of whether the first and second units are reconnected to each other.

2. The alarm system according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path narrows in each of the first and second units in response to a force being applied in a direction in which the tubular member is removed, and then the first and second units are separated from each other.

3. 3. The alarm system according to claim 1, wherein the electric circuit is constituted by a self-holding circuit.

4. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit is configured with a light-emitting element.

5. the tubular member is a catheter placed in a patient, The alarm system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joint is directly or indirectly connected to the tubular member.

6. The notification system according to claim 5 , further comprising a transmitting unit configured to transmit data indicating that the first and second units have been separated from each other to a terminal of a medical staff member in response to the first and second units being separated from each other.

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