Identification information adding device and identification information adding method

Abstract

This eliminates the need to attach identification labels when transferring liquids between medical devices, thereby improving efficiency. [Solution] The identification information addition device 14 includes an acquisition unit 72 that acquires first identification information attached to a first medical component having a first tube, and a control unit 74 that performs addition control to add second identification information corresponding to the first identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 72 to the second medical component when a second tube provided on the second medical component and a first tube provided on the first medical component are joined by a tube joining device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an identification information adding device and an identification information adding method for adding identification information to a medical component. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, to transfer a liquid contained in a first container of a first medical component to a second container of a second medical component, a tube connected to the first container and a tube connected to the second container are joined. In this case, the two tubes are fused and joined together. A tube joining device for joining two tubes together is known (for example, JP 2005-22126 A). To identify the second medical component, an identification label corresponding to the identification label attached to the first container is affixed to the second container. After the liquid is transferred from the first container to the second container, the tube is cut and the second medical component is separated from the first medical component. JP 2014-113333 A discloses affixing an identification label to each of a plurality of blood collection tubes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-22126 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-113333 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to eliminate the need to attach identification labels when transferring liquids between medical devices and to improve efficiency.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is an identification information adding device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires first identification information attached to a first medical component having a first tube; and a control unit that executes adding control to add second identification information corresponding to the first identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to a second medical component when a second tube provided on a second medical component and the first tube provided on the first medical component are joined by a tube joining device.

[0007] According to this configuration, the second identification information related to the first identification information of the first medical member is added to the second medical member, thereby eliminating the need to attach an identification label to the second medical member.

[0008] (2) The identification information adding device according to the above item (1) may further include a reading unit that reads the first identification information added to the first medical component.

[0009] (3) The identification information adding device according to the above item (1) or (2) may further include an adding unit that adds the second identification information to the second medical component.

[0010] (4) In the identification information adding device described in the above item (3), the adding unit may be arranged to add the second identification information to the second tube.

[0011] According to this configuration, the second tube can be easily positioned relative to the attachment portion, and therefore the second identification information can be easily attached to the second medical member.

[0012] (5) In the identification information adding device described in item (4) above, the location where the adding unit adds the second identification information to the second tube may be a portion between the portion of the second tube held by the tube connecting device and a container provided on the second medical component.

[0013] According to this configuration, the second identification information can be reliably added to the second tube joined to the first tube.

[0014] (6) The identification information adding device according to any one of the above items (1) to (3) may further include a gripping portion that stretches the portion of the second tube to which the second identification information is added.

[0015] According to this configuration, the second identification information can be added to the second tube while maintaining the portion of the second tube to which the second identification information is added in a straight line, thereby enabling the second identification information to be added to the surface of the second tube in a satisfactory manner.

[0016] (7) In the identification information adding device described in the above item (4), the adding unit may be provided in a holding unit that is provided in the tube connecting device and that holds the first tube and the second tube.

[0017] (8) In the identification information adding device described in the above item (3), the adding unit may add the second identification information to the second medical member by printing.

[0018] According to this configuration, the second identification information can be easily added to the second medical member by using existing printing technology.

[0019] (9) In the identification information addition device described in any one of items (1) to (8) above, in the addition control, the control unit may add the second identification information to the second medical component after the joining of the first tube and the second tube is completed.

[0020] With this configuration, the second identification information is added to the second medical component after the joining of the first tube and the second tube is confirmed, thereby improving the reliability of the second identification information added to the second medical component.

[0021] (10) In the identification information adding device according to any one of the above items (1) to (9), the first identification information may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and the second identification information may be a number.

[0022] (11) A second aspect of the present disclosure is an identification information adding method including: an acquisition step of acquiring first identification information attached to a first medical component having a first tube by an acquisition unit; and an addition step of executing addition control by a control unit to add second identification information corresponding to the first identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to the second medical component when a second tube provided on a second medical component and the first tube provided on the first medical component are joined by a tube joining device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, the second identification information related to the first identification information of the first medical component is added to the second medical component, thereby eliminating the need to attach an identification label to the second medical component. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a tube joining system including a tube joining device and an identification information adding device. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a first schematic explanatory diagram of a joint provided in a tube connecting device, and Figure 2B is a second schematic explanatory diagram of a joint provided in a tube connecting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a first closing portion and a second closing portion provided at a joint portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of an alignment mechanism provided at the joint. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the identification information adding device. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are schematic plan and side views of an adding unit provided in the identification information adding device. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an identification information adding method executed by the identification information adding device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 1, a tube joining system 10 includes a tube joining device 12 and an identification information adding device 14. The tube joining device 12 is a device for joining a first tube 104 provided in a first medical component 100 and a second tube 204 provided in a second medical component 200.

[0026] The first medical device 100 has a first container 102 and a first tube 104. The first container 102 may be a bag. The form of the first container 102 is not limited to a bag, and it may be a container made of a hard material that does not substantially change shape during normal use. The first container 102 is a container that contains a medical liquid. First identification information 130 is attached to the first container 102. Specifically, an identification label 106 is attached to the first container 102. The first identification information 130 is displayed on the identification label 106. The first identification information 130 is identification information for identifying the medical liquid that is the content of the first container 102. The display form of the first identification information 130 may be, for example, a barcode. The display form of the first identification information 130 may also be a two-dimensional code, letters, numbers, etc.

[0027] Examples of medical liquids include blood products, medicines, and physiological saline. Examples of blood products include platelet products, red blood cell products, plasma products, and whole blood products. The first tube 104 is connected to the first container 102. The first tube 104 is a transparent medical tube made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride resin. One end of the first tube 104 is a connection end connected to the first container 102. The other end of the first tube 104 is a free end 104f that is not connected to any other member.

[0028] The second medical device 200 has a second container 202 and a second tube 204. The second container 202 may be a bag. The form of the second container 202 is not limited to a bag, and it may be a container made of a hard material whose shape does not substantially change during normal use. The second container 202 may be an empty container that does not initially contain any contents. The second container 202 may also be a container that initially contains a medical liquid. The second tube 204 is a transparent medical tube made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride resin. One end of the second tube 204 is a connected end connected to the second container 202. The other end of the second tube 204 is a free end 204f that is not connected to another member.

[0029] Here, specific examples of the first medical member 100 and the second medical member 200 will be described. For example, in the production process of blood products, a small amount of sample may be collected and cultured to ensure safety. In a culture test, the sample is collected in a culture bottle (sampling container), and the culture bottle is placed in an environment suitable for bacterial growth to detect the presence or absence of pathogens. In such a test, first, a tube of a small-capacity bag (separation bag) is connected to a tube of a product bag containing a blood product (e.g., a platelet product), and a portion of the blood product is transferred to the separation bag. Then, the separation bag is detached from the product bag. Next, the separation bag is connected to a tube extending from a sample collection tube, and a predetermined amount of the blood product is transferred from the separation bag to the sample collection tube. Then, two culture bottles are sequentially connected to the sample collection tube, and predetermined amounts of the platelet product are transferred to the two culture bottles. One of the two culture bottles is used for anaerobic culture, and the other is used for aerobic culture. In this case, for example, the first medical device 100 may be a preparation bag and the second medical device 200 may be a separation bag, or for example, the first medical device 100 may be a separation bag and the second medical device 200 may be a sample collection tube.

[0030] Alternatively, the blood product may be transferred from a product bag to a collection bag having multiple storage chambers. Alternatively, the blood product may be transferred from a separation bag to a collection bag. In this case, for example, the first medical device 100 may be a product bag, and the second medical device 200 may be a collection bag. Alternatively, for example, the first medical device 100 may be a separation bag, and the second medical device 200 may be a collection bag.

[0031] The tube joining device 12 includes a device main body 16 and a joining section 18. The device main body 16 has a housing 22 that forms the exterior of the device main body 16. A start button 23 is provided on the housing 22. The top surface of the housing 22 serves as a stage 24. The stage 24 includes a first stage 24a, a central stage 24b, and a second stage 24c. The first stage 24a, the central stage 24b, and the second stage 24c are arranged along the X direction. The X direction is a direction parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0032] The first stage 24a is located on one side in the X direction (X1 direction side) of the central stage 24b. The second stage 24c is located on the other side in the X direction (X2 direction side) of the central stage 24b. Therefore, the central stage 24b is located between the first stage 24a and the second stage 24c. The first stage 24a, the central stage 24b, and the second stage 24c are all at approximately the same height.

[0033] The joining unit 18 is a mechanism that joins the first tube 104 and the second tube 204. The joining unit 18 is disposed on the upper surface (central stage 24b) of the apparatus main body 16. The joining unit 18 includes a pair of holding units 26, 28 and a cutting mechanism 30. Hereinafter, of the pair of holding units 26, 28, one holding unit 26 will be referred to as the "first holding unit 26" and the other holding unit 28 will be referred to as the "second holding unit 28." The first holding unit 26 and the second holding unit 28 are arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0034] The first holding unit 26 holds the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 in a substantially parallel state. The first holding unit 26 has a first base portion 261 and a first cover portion 262. The first base portion 261 constitutes the lower part of the first holding unit 26. The first cover portion 262 constitutes the upper part of the first holding unit 26. The first cover portion 262 is rotatably connected to the first base portion 261 via a hinge 263. The first cover portion 262 can be opened and closed relative to the first base portion 261. When the first cover portion 262 is closed, the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are sandwiched and held between the first base portion 261 and the first cover portion 262.

[0035] The second holding unit 28 holds the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 in a substantially parallel state. The second holding unit 28 has a second base portion 281 and a second cover portion 282. The second base portion 281 constitutes the lower part of the second holding unit 28. The second cover portion 282 constitutes the upper part of the second holding unit 28. The second cover portion 282 is rotatably connected to the second base portion 281 via a hinge 283. The second cover portion 282 can be opened and closed relative to the second base portion 281. When the second cover portion 282 is closed, the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are sandwiched and held between the second base portion 281 and the second cover portion 282.

[0036] The first holding unit 26 holds a portion of the first tube 104 between the holding area held by the second holding unit 28 and the first container 102. The first holding unit 26 also holds a portion of the second tube 204 between the free end 204f and the holding area held by the second holding unit 28. The second holding unit 28 holds a portion of the first tube 104 between the free end 104f and the holding area held by the first holding unit 26. The second holding unit 28 also holds a portion of the second tube 204 between the holding area held by the first holding unit 26 and the second container 202.

[0037] The first holding unit 26 is disposed so as to be displaceable in the Y direction relative to the apparatus body 16. The Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the vertical direction (Z direction). The second holding unit 28 is disposed so as to be displaceable in the X direction relative to the apparatus body 16. As shown in FIG. 2A , the joining unit 18 further includes a first driving unit 31 and a second driving unit 32. The first driving unit 31 can displace the first holding unit 26 in the Y direction. The second driving unit 32 can displace the second holding unit 28 in the X direction. Each of the first driving unit 31 and the second driving unit 32 may include an actuator such as a motor. As will be described later, the displacement of the first holding unit 26 in the Y direction and the displacement of the second holding unit 28 in the X direction are operations for joining the first tube 104 and the second tube 204.

[0038] The first holding unit 26 further includes a first closing portion 34a. As shown in FIG. 3, the first closing portion 34a includes a lower clamping member 36 and an upper clamping member 38. The lower clamping member 36 is provided on a first base portion 261. The lower clamping member 36 includes a first groove 361 and a second groove 362 that are recessed downward. The first groove 361 and the second groove 362 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The first groove 361 and the second groove 362 each include a lower inclined surface 360 ​​that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are disposed in the first groove 361 and the second groove 362, respectively.

[0039] The upper clamping member 38 is provided on the first cover portion 262. The upper clamping member 38 has a first protrusion 381 and a second protrusion 382 that protrude downward. The first protrusion 381 and the second protrusion 382 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. Each of the first protrusion 381 and the second protrusion 382 has an upper inclined surface 380 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. When the first cover portion 262 is closed relative to the first base portion 261, the upper inclined surface 380 faces the lower inclined surface 360 ​​in a substantially parallel relationship.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2A, the second holding unit 28 further includes a second closing section 34b. The second closing section 34b has the same configuration as the first closing section 34a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the second closing section 34b includes a lower clamping member 36 and an upper clamping member 38. The lower clamping member 36 and the upper clamping member 38 of the second closing section 34b have the same configuration as the lower clamping member 36 and the upper clamping member 38 of the first closing section 34a, respectively.

[0041] The cross-sectional shape of each of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 in its natural state is substantially circular. When the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are clamped by the lower clamping member 36 and the upper clamping member 38 in each of the first holding unit 26 and the second holding unit 28, the cross-sectional shape of each of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is elastically deformed into a flat shape between the lower inclined surface 360 ​​and the upper inclined surface 380. As a result, the flow path of each of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is closed, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the second holding unit 28 further includes an alignment mechanism 40. The alignment mechanism 40 is a mechanism for aligning the respective axial centers of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 at predetermined positions. The alignment mechanism 40 includes a first pressing member 41, a second pressing member 42, and an alignment drive unit 44. The first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 are each configured in a U-shape. The first pressing member 41 includes a base 410 and a pair of arm portions 412. The pair of arm portions 412 protrude upward from both ends of the base 410. The second pressing member 42 includes a base 420 and a pair of arm portions 422. The pair of arm portions 422 protrude upward from both ends of the base 420.

[0043] The first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 are each disposed so as to be displaceable in the Y direction. A first tube 104 is disposed between one arm portion 412 of the first pressing member 41 and one arm portion 422 of the second pressing member 42. A second tube 204 is disposed between the other arm portion 412 of the first pressing member 41 and the other arm portion 422 of the second pressing member 42.

[0044] The alignment drive unit 44 can displace the first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 by the same distance in opposite directions. The alignment drive unit 44 may include, for example, an actuator such as a motor. When the first pressing member 41 and the second pressing member 42 are displaced in directions approaching each other, as shown in FIG. 4, the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are pressed from both sides in the Y direction and elastically deformed. As a result, the cross-sectional shape of each of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 becomes slightly elongated in the vertical direction. This causes the axial centers of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 to align at predetermined positions.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting mechanism 30 has a heating cutter 46. The heating cutter 46 is a cutting blade that can melt and cut the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 between the first holding unit 26 and the second holding unit 28. The heating cutter 46 is disposed in the apparatus body 16 so as to be vertically displaceable. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cutting mechanism 30 further has a cutter driving unit 48. The cutter driving unit 48 is capable of displacing the heating cutter 46 in the vertical direction. The cutter driving unit 48 may include, for example, an actuator such as a motor.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the tube joining device 12 further includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 controls the joining section 18. Specifically, the control unit 20 controls the first drive section 31 and the second drive section 32 (FIG. 2A), the alignment drive section 44 (FIG. 4), and the cutter drive section 48 (FIG. 2A). Although details are omitted, the control unit 20 includes a calculation section and a storage section. The calculation section is configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In other words, the calculation section is configured by a processing circuitry.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the identification information adding device 14 includes a reading unit 50, an adding unit 52, and a control device 54. As shown in FIG. 1, the reading unit 50 can read the first identification information 130 attached to the first medical component 100. The reading unit 50 is, for example, a barcode reader or a two-dimensional code reader. The reading unit 50 may also be an imaging camera. The reading unit 50 is fixed to, for example, a support frame 55. The support frame 55 is installed on a table or floor on which the tube connecting device 12 is placed. The support frame 55 may be attached to the tube connecting device 12.

[0048] The adding unit 52 can add second identification information to the second medical device 200. The second identification information is identification information corresponding to the first identification information 130. As described above, the first identification information 130 is identification information for identifying the medical liquid that is the content of the first container 102. Therefore, the medical liquid that is the content to be transferred into the second container 202 can be identified by the second identification information corresponding to the first identification information 130. The display form of the second identification information can be, for example, numbers. The display form of the second identification information may also be characters, barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the adding unit 52 is arranged to add the second identification information to the second tube 204. The adding unit 52 is placed on the upper surface of the device main body 16. The location where the adding unit 52 adds the second identification information to the second tube 204 is the portion of the second tube 204 between the portion held by the tube connecting device 12 (second holding unit 28) and the second container 202.

[0050] The adding unit 52 can add the second identification information to the second medical member 200 by printing or processing the second medical member 200. When the second identification information is added to the second medical member 200 by printing, the adding unit 52 can be, for example, an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or a thermal printer. When the adding unit 52 is a thermal printer, thermal paper is attached to the surface of the second tube 204.

[0051] When the second identification information is added to the second medical device 200 by processing, the adding unit 52 may be a laser marker that prints or the like by heating the surface of the object with laser light. When the adding unit 52 is a laser marker, if necessary to prevent the generation of gas or the like from the second tube 204, a protective sheet may be attached to the surface of the second tube 204. In this case, the adding unit 52, which is a laser marker, irradiates the protective sheet with laser light.

[0052] In the following, in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the adding unit 52 is configured to add the second identification information to the second medical device 200 by printing. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the adding unit 52 has a base member 56, a lid member 58, and a print head 60. The second tube 204 is placed on the upper surface of the base member 56. The lid member 58 is openable and closable relative to the base member 56. When the lid member 58 is closed, the lid member 58 covers the base member 56 from above. The print head 60 is supported by the lid member 58. When the lid member 58 is closed, the print head 60 faces the second tube 204. As shown in FIG. 6B, the adding unit 52 further includes a head driving unit 62. The head driving unit 62 can move the print head 60.

[0053] The application unit 52 further includes a gripping unit 64. The gripping unit 64 can stretch the portion of the second tube 204 to which the second identification information is added. The gripping unit 64 has a pair of gripper members 640 spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. Each gripper member 640 holds the second tube 204 in a pressing state. One gripper member 640 is movable relative to the other gripper member 640 in the Y direction. The gripping unit 64 can stretch the second tube 204 by pulling the second tube 204 in the axial direction while holding the second tube 204 with the pair of gripper members 640. The gripping unit 64 may be provided with a member (e.g., a spring, a motor, etc.) that generates a force for stretching the second tube 204. The gripping unit 64 may not be provided in the application unit 52, but may be provided as a mechanism independent (separate) from the application unit 52. The pair of gripper members 640 may press the second tube 204 in the Z direction (thickness direction) to elastically deform the second tube 204 into a flattened shape. This ensures that the area of ​​the target portion of the second tube 204 (the portion facing the print head 60) is sufficient when adding the second identification information to the second tube 204, making it easier to add the second identification information to the second tube 204.

[0054] 5, the control device 54 has a calculation unit 66 and a storage unit 68. The calculation unit 66 is configured by a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU), i.e., a processing circuitry. The calculation unit 66 has a determination unit 70, an acquisition unit 72, and a control unit 74. The determination unit 70, the acquisition unit 72, and the control unit 74 can be realized by the calculation unit 66 executing a program stored in the storage unit 68.

[0055] At least a part of the determination unit 70, the acquisition unit 72, and the control unit 74 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. Also, at least a part of the determination unit 70, the acquisition unit 72, and the control unit 74 may be configured by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0056] The storage unit 68 is composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). The volatile memory is used as a working memory for the processor and temporarily stores data necessary for processing or calculation. Examples of the non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory and stores programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a part of the storage unit 68 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above.

[0057] The determination unit 70 determines whether or not the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 by the tube joining device 12 has been completed. The determination unit 70 is capable of communicating with, for example, the control unit 20 (FIG. 1) of the tube joining device 12. The determination unit 70 can determine whether or not the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 has been completed by receiving a signal from the control unit 20 indicating that the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 shown in FIG. 1 has been completed.

[0058] 5, the acquiring unit 72 acquires the first identification information 130 attached to the first medical member 100. Specifically, the acquiring unit 72 acquires the first identification information 130 read by the reading unit 50.

[0059] The control unit 74 controls the adding unit 52. The control unit 74 can control the adding unit 52 by wireless communication or wired communication. Therefore, the control unit 74 has a communication function. The control unit 74 executes adding control to add the second identification information to the second medical member 200. Details of the adding control will be described later.

[0060] The control device 54 may be realized as part of the function of the control unit 20 (FIG. 1) of the tube connecting device 12. The control device 54 may be provided in the reading unit 50. The reading unit 50 may be connected to the tube connecting device 12 by a communication cable. The adding unit 52 may be connected to the tube connecting device 12 by a communication cable.

[0061] The tube joining system 10 shown in FIG. 1 operates as follows.

[0062] In Fig. 1, a first tube 104 of a first medical member 100 and a second tube 204 of a second medical member 200 are attached to a joint 18. Specifically, the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are held substantially parallel to each other by a first holding unit 26, and the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are held substantially parallel to each other by a second holding unit 28. As shown in Fig. 3, the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are blocked by a first blocking portion 34a and a second blocking portion 34b. As shown in Fig. 4, the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are aligned by an alignment mechanism 40.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the first container 102 is placed on the first stage 24a. In this case, the first container 102 is placed in a position where the first identification information 130 can be read by the reading unit 50. The second container 202 is placed on the second stage 24c. The second tube 204 is set in a predetermined position on the attachment unit 52. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second tube 204 is held by the holding unit 64, and the second tube 204 is in an expanded state.

[0064] 1, when a user presses the start button 23, the tube joining device 12 begins operation. First, in FIG. 2A, the heating cutter 46 cuts the first tube 104 and the second tube 204. Specifically, the heating cutter 46, whose temperature has risen to a level equal to or higher than the melting points of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204, rises, thereby melting and cutting the first tube 104 and the second tube 204. Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first holding unit 26 moves a predetermined distance in the Y1 direction, so that the cut surface of the first tube 104 and the cut surface of the second tube 204 face each other via the heating cutter 46.

[0065] Next, the heating cutter 46 is lowered, thereby retracting from between the first tube 104 and the second tube 204. Next, the second holding unit 28 moves in the X1 direction, thereby bringing the cut surface of the first tube 104 and the cut surface of the second tube 204 into contact with each other. Then, the contact portion between the cut surface of the first tube 104 and the cut surface of the second tube 204 solidifies, thereby welding the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 together. This completes the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204.

[0066] As the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are joined, the identification information adding device 14 (FIGS. 1 and 5) adds second identification information to the second medical member 200. In this case, the identification information adding device 14 executes the steps shown in FIG. 7. In the following, reference will be made mainly to FIG. 7, but also to FIGS. 1 and 5 as appropriate.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S1, the determination unit 70 determines whether or not joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is complete. If joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is not complete (step S1: NO), the determination unit 70 repeats step S1. If joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is complete (step S1: YES), the process proceeds to step S2. Note that in step S1, instead of using as the determination criterion whether or not joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is complete, the determination criterion may be whether or not the flow path of the second tube 204 is blocked. In this case, the determination unit 70 determines whether or not the flow path of the second tube 204 is blocked, and if the determination unit 70 determines that the flow path of the second tube 204 is blocked, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0068] In step S2, the acquisition unit 72 acquires the first identification information 130 attached to the first medical member 100 (acquisition step). Specifically, first, the reading unit 50 reads the first identification information 130 attached to the first medical member 100. The reading unit 50 supplies the first identification information 130 to the acquisition unit 72. As a result, the acquisition unit 72 acquires the first identification information 130 read by the reading unit 50. After step S2, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0069] In step S3, the control unit 74 executes additional control to add second identification information corresponding to the first identification information 130 acquired by the acquisition unit 72 to the second medical component 200 (addition process). As described above, step S2 is executed after the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is completed. Furthermore, step S3 is executed after step S2. Therefore, in the additional control, the control unit 74 adds the second identification information to the second medical component 200 after the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is completed.

[0070] Specifically, the control unit 74 transmits the second identification information to the addition unit 52. The addition unit 52 adds the second identification information to the second medical member 200. In this embodiment, the addition unit 52 prints the second identification information on the second tube 204 using the print head 60 (FIG. 6A). Note that in the addition control, the control unit 74 may add the second identification information to the second medical member 200 before the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is completed.

[0071] 1 completes joining the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 by the tube joining device 12 and adding the second identification information to the second medical member 200 by the identification information adding device 14. Thereafter, the joined first tube 104 and second tube 204 are detached from the first holding unit 26 and the second holding unit 28. As a result of this detachment, the first holding unit 26 moves in the Y2 direction, and the second holding unit 28 moves in the X2 direction. As a result, the first holding unit 26 and the second holding unit 28 each return to their initial positions.

[0072] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0073] When the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 are joined by the tube joining device 12, the identification information adding device 14 adds second identification information corresponding to the first identification information 130 acquired by the acquiring unit 72 to the second medical member 200. With this configuration, the second identification information related to the first identification information 130 of the first medical member 100 is added to the second medical member 200, so the effort of affixing an identification label to the second medical member 200 can be eliminated.

[0074] The attachment unit 52 is arranged to attach the second identification information to the second tube 204. With this configuration, the second tube 204 can be easily positioned relative to the attachment unit 52, making it possible to easily attach the second identification information to the second medical device 200. In another aspect, the attachment unit 52 may be configured and arranged to attach the second identification information to the second container 202 of the second medical device 200.

[0075] The location where the second identification information is added to the second tube 204 by the adding unit 52 is the portion between the portion of the second tube 204 held by the tube connecting device 12 and the container (second container 202) provided in the second medical device 200. With this configuration, the second identification information can be reliably added to the second tube 204 connected to the first tube 104.

[0076] 6A and 6B, the identification information adding device 14 includes a gripping unit 64 that stretches the portion of the second tube 204 to which the second identification information is to be added. With this configuration, the second identification information can be added to the second tube 204 while maintaining the portion of the second tube 204 to which the second identification information is to be added in a straight line. This allows the second identification information to be added to the surface of the second tube 204 in a satisfactory manner.

[0077] The adding unit 52 adds the second identification information to the second medical member 200 by printing. With this configuration, the second identification information can be easily added to the second medical member 200 by using existing printing technology.

[0078] In the additional control, the control unit 74 (FIG. 5) adds the second identification information to the second medical member 200 after the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is completed. With this configuration, the second identification information is added to the second medical member 200 after the joining of the first tube 104 and the second tube 204 is confirmed, thereby improving the reliability of the second identification information added to the second medical member 200.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 1 , in the above-described embodiment, the adding portion 52 is provided in a form independent (separate) from the joint portion 18. Instead of this configuration, the adding portion 52A may be provided at the joint portion 18, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 3 . In this case, for example, the print head 60A of the adding portion 52A is disposed near the lower clamping member 36 of the second holding unit 28 (second closing portion 34b) along the lower inclined surface 360 ​​that abuts against the second tube 204. The print head 60A faces the second tube 204 in the direction in which the second tube 204 is flattened by the second closing portion 34b. This allows the print head 60A to face the substantially flat surface of the second tube 204, making it easier to apply the second identification information to the second tube 204.

[0080] As another example of providing the addition portion 52A on the joint 18, the addition portion 52A may be provided on the alignment mechanism 40 of the second holding unit 28, as shown by the imaginary lines in FIG. 4. In this case, for example, the print head 60A of the addition portion 52 is disposed near the first pressing member 41, along one arm portion 422 of the second pressing member 42 that abuts against the second tube 204. The print head 60A faces the second tube 204 in the direction in which it is pressed by the alignment mechanism 40. As a result, the surface of the second tube 204 that faces the print head 60A has a smaller curvature than the second tube 204, which has a substantially circular cross section, making it easier to apply the second identification information to the second tube 204.

[0081] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10...Tube joining system 12...Tube joining device 14...Identification information adding device 18...Joint 26...First holding unit 28...Second holding unit 50...Reading unit 52, 52A...Addition unit 60, 60A...print head 72...acquisition unit 74...control unit 100...first medical component 102...first container 104...first tube 200... Second medical member 202... Second container 204...Second tube

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires first identification information attached to a first medical member including a first tube; an identification information adding device comprising: a control unit that executes adding control to add second identification information corresponding to the first identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to the second medical component when a second tube provided on a second medical component and the first tube provided on the first medical component are joined by a tube joining device.

2. 2. The identification information adding device according to claim 1, The identification information adding device further comprises a reading unit that reads the first identification information added to the first medical component.

3. 2. The identification information adding device according to claim 1, An identification information adding device further comprising an adding unit that adds the second identification information to the second medical member.

4. 4. The identification information adding device according to claim 3, The adding unit is arranged to add the second identification information to the second tube.

5. 5. The identification information adding device according to claim 4, An identification information adding device, wherein the location where the adding unit adds the second identification information to the second tube is the portion between the portion of the second tube that is held by the tube connecting device and a container provided on the second medical component.

6. 2. The identification information adding device according to claim 1, The identification information adding device further comprises a gripping portion that stretches the portion of the second tube to which the second identification information is added.

7. 5. The identification information adding device according to claim 4, The adding unit is provided in the tube connecting device and in a holding unit that holds the first tube and the second tube.

8. 4. The identification information adding device according to claim 3, The adding unit adds the second identification information to the second medical component by printing.

9. 2. The identification information adding device according to claim 1, In the addition control, the control unit adds the second identification information to the second medical member after the joining of the first tube and the second tube is completed.

10. The identification information adding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the first identification information is a barcode or a two-dimensional code, The identification information adding device, wherein the second identification information is a number.

11. an acquiring step of acquiring, by an acquiring unit, first identification information attached to a first medical member including a first tube; an adding step of executing adding control by a control unit to add second identification information corresponding to the first identification information acquired by the acquisition unit to the second medical component when a second tube provided on a second medical component and the first tube provided on the first medical component are joined by a tube joining device.

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