Drug administration device, information acquisition system for drug administration device, and method for manufacturing drug administration device

Abstract

To provide a medicine taking device capable of improving and stabilizing the strength of an ultrasonic signal which is transmitted, to provide an information acquisition system which includes the medicine taking device, and to provide a manufacturing method of the medicine taking device capable of filling a sealant more surely at least in part of a region around a piezoelectric element.SOLUTION: A medicine taking device 10A which transmits information by a device 10A itself vibrating includes: a substrate 40 which has a first main surface 41 and a second main surface 42; a piezoelectric element 20 mounted on the second main surface 42; a housing 30 which stores the substrate 40 and the piezoelectric element 20; a first region 11 surrounded by the first main surface 41 and the first inner wall part 31a of the housing 30; a second region 12 which is the region 12 surrounded by the second main surface 42 and the second inner wall part 31b of the housing 30, and which is communicated with the first region 11 via an opening part provided at the substrate 40; and a sealant 54 provided at least inside the second region 12 so as to come into contact at least with the piezoelectric element 20 and the second inner wall part 31b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an ingestion device, an information acquisition system for an ingestion device, and a method for manufacturing an ingestion device.

Background Art

[0002] There is a need for a method to confirm whether a patient has taken a prescribed drug, and a method to confirm what kind of biological reaction occurs when the patient takes the drug. For this reason, the development of an ingestion device that transmits a signal from inside the body to the outside after being taken together with the drug has been promoted.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an ingestion sensor device including sensors including a sensor and a device for wirelessly transmitting information detected by the sensor, and a substrate group configured by stacking a plurality of rigid substrates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, since the ingestion sensor device described in Patent Document 1 communicates by radio wave, the signal is transmitted omnidirectionally regardless of whether it is inside or outside the body, and there is a possibility that it may be acquired by a third party, and there are problems in terms of security.

[0006] In contrast, one could consider using a drug-administered device equipped with a piezoelectric element that emits ultrasonic signals, and receiving the ultrasonic signals emitted from the piezoelectric element of the drug-administered device with a receiver attached to the surface of the user's body, for example. With this method, the ultrasonic signals emitted from the piezoelectric element basically propagate within the user's body, but are reflected at the interface between the body and the air, so almost none leaks into the air, thus reducing the possibility of them being acquired by a third party.

[0007] However, with the above-mentioned drug delivery device, if the casing is not sufficiently filled with sealant, the ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element may not be transmitted outside the device with sufficient signal strength. In that case, the signal strength transmitted by the drug delivery device may also vary. This is because if the casing is not sufficiently filled with sealant and air, or space, remains around the piezoelectric element, the ultrasonic waves will be reflected at the interface between that space and the sealant.

[0008] Therefore, when using piezoelectric elements for ultrasonic communication, there was room for improvement in how to more reliably fill the inside of the housing, particularly at least a portion of the area around the piezoelectric element, with a sealant, and how to improve and stabilize the intensity of the ultrasonic signal emitted from the drug-taking device.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a drug-taking device capable of improving and stabilizing the intensity of the emitted ultrasonic signal, an information acquisition system for a drug-taking device equipped with the drug-taking device, and a method for manufacturing a drug-taking device that can more reliably fill at least a portion of the area surrounding the piezoelectric element with a sealant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to a drug administration device that transmits information by vibrating itself, and comprises: a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface; a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface; a housing that houses the substrate and the piezoelectric element; a first region surrounded by the first main surface and a first inner wall portion of the housing; a second region surrounded by the second main surface and a second inner wall portion of the housing, which communicates with the first region through an opening provided in the substrate; and a sealant provided at least in the second region so as to be in contact with at least the piezoelectric element and the second inner wall portion.

[0011] The information acquisition system for a drug administration device of the present invention comprises a drug administration device of the present invention, a processing device, and a receiver that acquires information from the drug administration device by receiving an ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element and transmits the acquired information to the processing device.

[0012] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a drug-taking device, comprising the steps of: preparing a first divided housing and a second divided housing; preparing a substrate having an opening and on which a piezoelectric element is mounted; placing the substrate on the second divided housing such that the piezoelectric element is positioned between the second divided housing and the substrate; injecting a sealant through the opening into a region enclosed by the substrate and the inner wall of the second divided housing; curing the injected sealant; and joining the first divided housing and the second divided housing in which the sealant has been injected and cured. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a drug-taking device capable of improving and stabilizing the intensity of the emitted ultrasonic signal, an information acquisition system for a drug-taking device equipped with the drug-taking device, and a method for manufacturing a drug-taking device that can more reliably fill at least a portion of the area surrounding the piezoelectric element with a sealant. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a dosing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross-section along line segment A1 - A1 of the dosing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross-section along line segment A2 - A2 of the dosing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross-section of the housing along line segment A3 - A3 shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a state in which a substrate is arranged inside the housing shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in the dosing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross-section along line segment A4 - A4 of the dosing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing method of the dosing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in the dosing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in the dosing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing another example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in the dosing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of an information acquisition system of the dosing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the administration device of the present invention, the information acquisition system of the administration device, and the manufacturing method of the administration device will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following configurations, and may be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Also, combinations of a plurality of the individual preferred configurations described below are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0016] Each of the embodiments shown below is illustrative, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. In the second and subsequent embodiments, descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described. In particular, for the same operational effects due to the same configurations, they will not be sequentially mentioned for each embodiment.

[0017] In the following description, when not particularly distinguishing each embodiment, it is simply referred to as "the administration device of the present invention".

[0018] In this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements (such as "vertical", "parallel", "orthogonal", etc.) and terms indicating the shape of elements are not expressions representing only strict meanings, but are expressions meaning including substantially equivalent ranges, for example, differences of about several percent.

[0019] The drawings shown below are schematic diagrams, and their dimensions, scales of aspect ratios, etc. may differ from those of actual products.

[0020] [Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the administration device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross-section along the line segment A1 - A1 of the administration device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross-section along the line segment A2 - A2 of the administration device shown in FIG. 1. In each figure, the X-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the administration device, and the Z-axis direction is the lateral direction of the administration device. Also, the Y-axis is an axis orthogonal to each of the X-axis and the Z-axis.

[0021] The medication device 10A shown in Figure 1 is capable of transmitting information by vibrating itself. The medication device 10A is taken by a person with or without medication. The medication device 10A may also be taken by the medication device 10A alone. The information transmitted from the medication device 10A is not particularly limited and may be a signal. Specifically, examples include a signal indicating that medication has been taken or administered together with the medication device 10A, or biometric information acquired within the body. Any medication can be taken together with the medication device 10A. Specifically, for example, it may be a medication taken by a person who has difficulty recognizing the act of taking medication itself. In this case, the medication intake rate of such people can be improved. It can also reduce the burden on people who care for such people. In this specification, "transmit" is synonymous with "send" unless otherwise specified.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the medication device 10A comprises a substrate 40, a piezoelectric element 20, a sealant 54, and a housing 30. The substrate 40 and the piezoelectric element 20 are housed within the housing 30 and are positioned inside the housing 30.

[0023] The substrate 40 has a first main surface 41 and a second main surface 42 that are opposite to each other in the Z-axis direction. The substrate 40 placed inside the housing 30 may be one or multiple substrates. As the material for the substrate 40, for example, glass epoxy resin, FR-4, etc. can be used.

[0024] The substrate 40 is positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the medication device 10A. That is, the substrate 40 is positioned perpendicular to the short direction of the medication device 10A. Note that the longitudinal direction of the medication device 10A is the same as the longitudinal direction of the housing 30, and the short direction of the medication device 10A is the same as the short direction of the housing 30.

[0025] The piezoelectric element 20 is mounted on the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40.

[0026] The drug administration device 10A drives a piezoelectric element 20, causing the piezoelectric element 20 to emit an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 propagates through the internal medium of the drug administration device 10A and is ultimately transmitted to the outside of the drug administration device 10A. In other words, the ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 causes the drug administration device 10A itself to vibrate, and transmits information as an ultrasonic signal to the outside of the drug administration device 10A, specifically into the body.

[0027] The piezoelectric element 20 functions as an ultrasonic oscillator that emits ultrasonic waves, and emits ultrasonic waves by vibrating the piezoelectric element 20. The piezoelectric element 20 is also called a piezoelectric vibrator. The ultrasonic waves emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 have directionality in the direction in which the vibrating surface of the piezoelectric element 20 vibrates. Materials such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate), BT (barium titanate), and KNN (potassium sodium niobate) can be used as materials for the piezoelectric element 20. In that case, the administration device 10A is equipped with IC56, and the piezoelectric element 20 is controlled by IC56. The ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 is received by a receiver attached to the body surface of the user, such as the torso, neck, or wrist, by a fastener such as a belt. The receiver is attached so as to be in direct contact with the body surface, or so as to be in contact with the body surface via an intermediary such as a gel.

[0028] The shape of the piezoelectric element 20 is not particularly limited, and examples include a cubic shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, a disc shape, etc.

[0029] The housing 30 is made of, for example, a biocompatible resin, or a resin coated with a biocompatible material on its surface. For example, epoxy resin can be used as the biocompatible resin. It is preferable that the material used for the housing 30 is such that the drug delivery device 10A is excreted from the body without being dissolved by stomach acid or the like after being taken into the body.

[0030] The entire outer surface of the medication device 10A may be composed of the outer surface of the housing 30.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 show a so-called capsule-shaped, more specifically, cylindrical housing 30 with hemispherical ends along its longitudinal direction. However, the external shape of the administration device 10A and housing 30 is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder administration, and may be spherical, ellipsoidal, disc-shaped, cylindrical, tablet-shaped, or a polygonal columnar shape with rounded corners. The ellipsoidal shape may also be an elongated sphere or an oblate sphere.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the capsule-shaped housing 30 is composed of a first divided housing 32a and a second divided housing 32b, which are divided in the middle of the housing 30 in the short direction along the longitudinal direction of the housing 30. In other words, the housing 30 is evenly divided in the middle of the housing 30 in the short direction along the longitudinal direction of the housing 30. To put it another way, the capsule-shaped housing 30 is divided in two along the longitudinal direction of the housing 30 at the position where the cross-sectional area is maximized.

[0033] The first divided housing 32a and the second divided housing 32b are semi-capsule shaped with the opposing divided housing sides open, and both have a space inside that can accommodate other components. However, the space inside the first divided housing 32a does not have to exist. That is, the first divided housing 32a may be formed as a solid material.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the medication device 10A has a first region 11 surrounded by the first main surface 41 of the substrate 40 and the first inner wall portion 31a of the housing 30, and a second region 12 surrounded by the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40 and the second inner wall portion 31b of the housing 30. The first inner wall portion 31a of the housing 30 is composed of the entire inner wall portion of the first divided housing 32a and a part of the inner wall portion of the second divided housing 32b (the portion on the side of the first divided housing 32a). The second inner wall portion 31b of the housing 30 is composed of only a part of the inner wall portion of the second divided housing 32b (the portion opposite to the first divided housing 32a).

[0035] The first region 11 is a rectangular parallelepiped region adjacent to the first main surface 41 of the substrate 40, and corresponds to a region that extends the entire first main surface 41 of the substrate 40 in the short-side direction of the administration device 10A.

[0036] The second region 12 is a rectangular parallelepiped region adjacent to the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40, and corresponds to a region obtained by extending the rectangular region within the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40 in the short-side direction of the swallowing device 10A.

[0037] The shape and dimensions of the first region 11 are not particularly limited, as long as the electronic components mounted on the first main surface 41 of the substrate 40 do not interfere with the first inner wall portion 31a of the housing 30. For example, the portion of the first region 11 formed by the first divided housing 32a may have the same shape and dimensions as the internal space of the second divided housing 32b. This makes it possible to use the same type of component for the first divided housing 32a and the second divided housing 32b, thereby reducing the number of components.

[0038] Furthermore, the shape and dimensions of the second region 12 are not particularly limited as long as the piezoelectric element 20 mounted on the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40 can be arranged within the second region 12. For example, its planar shape may be a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0039] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the enclosure along the line segment A3-A3 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram showing an example of a state in which a circuit board is placed inside the enclosure shown in Figure 4. Note that encapsulants and other electronic components are not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the housing 30, in particular the second divided housing 32b, has a mounting surface 33 on which the substrate 40 is placed, and the second inner wall portion 31b of the housing 30 forms a recess 34 that is recessed from the mounting surface 33.

[0041] More specifically, the second divided housing 32b has multiple surfaces facing the first inner wall portion 31a, and these surfaces form a space with a two-tiered bottom, and it has a semi-capsule shape with the same external shape as the first divided housing 32a. Also, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the second divided housing 32b has a rectangular first bottom portion 35a, a rectangular annular or frame-shaped second bottom portion 35b located on the first divided housing 32a side of the first bottom portion 35a, a first side circumferential portion 35c connecting the peripheral edge of the first bottom portion 35a and the inner peripheral edge of the second bottom portion 35b, and a second side circumferential portion 35d rising from the outer peripheral edge of the second bottom portion 35b. The second bottom portion 35b corresponds to the mounting surface 33. The first bottom portion 35a and the first side circumferential portion 35c correspond to the second inner wall portion 31b and form a recess 34. The region within the recess 34 corresponds to the second region 12.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the substrate 40 is placed on the mounting surface 33 with the substrate 40 fitted into the opening formed by the second side periphery 35d of the second divided housing 32b.

[0043] The shape of the outer edge of the mounting surface 33 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it corresponds to the planar shape of the substrate 40.

[0044] However, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the planar shape of the substrate means the planar shape of the substrate assuming that there are no openings.

[0045] Furthermore, although Figure 5 shows a substrate 40 with a rectangular planar shape, the planar shape of the substrate in the drug administration device of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it fits within the drug administration device, and may be circular, elliptical, or the like.

[0046] Furthermore, the substrate 40 is positioned in the Z-axis direction in a way that shortens the distance between the inner wall of the housing 30 and the piezoelectric element 20, specifically offset from the center of the medication device 10A, or more precisely, from the center of the housing 30.

[0047] Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, the distance d2 from the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40 to the second inner wall portion 31b of the housing 30 is shorter than the distance d1 from the first main surface 41 of the substrate 40 to the first inner wall portion 31a of the housing 30. As a result, the distance between the housing 30 and the piezoelectric element 20 is shorter than when the substrate 40 is placed in the center of the drug delivery device 10A in the Z-axis direction, i.e., in the center of the housing 30, making it possible to increase the intensity of the ultrasonic signal emitted from the drug delivery device 10A.

[0048] Here, distance d1 is measured as the length of the perpendicular line drawn from any point on the first inner wall portion 31a of the housing 30, where the perpendicular line described later is longest, to the first main surface 41 of the substrate 40. Similarly, distance d2 is measured as the length of the perpendicular line drawn from any point on the second inner wall portion 31b of the housing 30, where the perpendicular line described later is longest, to the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40.

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in the drug administration device shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-section along the line segment A4-A4 of the drug administration device shown in Figure 1.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, the piezoelectric element 20 is soldered to a pair of lands 43 provided on the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the substrate 40 is provided with an opening 44 that penetrates the substrate 40 in the thickness direction, and as shown in Figure 5, the first region 11 and the second region 12 are in communication through the opening 44. That is, each opening 44 is provided in a position where at least a part of it does not overlap with the mounting surface 33, the first region 11 is connected to the region within the opening 44, and the region within the opening 44 is connected to the second region 12. For this reason, for example, by the manufacturing method described later, it is possible to more reliably fill the region around the piezoelectric element 20 with the sealant 54 from the opening side of the second divided housing 32b through the opening 44.

[0052] As a result, as shown in Figure 7, the sealant 54 is provided in at least the second region 12 so as to be in contact with at least the piezoelectric element 20 and the second inner wall portion 31b. Therefore, the sealant 54 is sufficiently filled in at least a portion of the area surrounding the piezoelectric element 20. Consequently, it is possible to improve and stabilize the intensity of the ultrasonic signal emitted from the drug administration device 10A. This is because it is possible to suppress the reflection of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 at unwanted interfaces caused by space.

[0053] As the material for the encapsulant 54, for example, epoxy resin, polyphenylsulfone (PPS), ceramic material, glass epoxy, metal, oxide, or other filler-filled resin can be used.

[0054] In Figures 2, 3, and 7, the sealant 54 is provided so as to be in contact with the entire exposed surface of the piezoelectric element 20 and the entire surface of the second inner wall portion 31b. However, the sealant 54 only needs to be provided between the piezoelectric element 20 and the second inner wall portion 31b so as to be in contact with at least a portion of the exposed surface of the piezoelectric element 20 and at least a portion of the surface of the second inner wall portion 31b. Preferably, the sealant 54 is provided so as to be in contact with at least a portion of the exposed surface of the piezoelectric element 20 and at least a portion of the surface of the second inner wall portion 31b in the direction of vibration of the piezoelectric element 20. The exposed surface of the piezoelectric element 20 refers to the surface of the piezoelectric element 20 that is exposed to the air immediately before the injection of the sealant 54 before curing. In Figure 2, the sealant 54 is also provided so as to be in contact with the biological information acquisition unit 52, which will be described later, but it is sufficient that it is in contact with at least the piezoelectric element 20 and the second inner wall portion 31b.

[0055] Furthermore, in Figures 2, 3, and 7, the encapsulant 54 is filled in at least the second region 12 and the opening 44 of the substrate 40. More specifically, the encapsulant 54 is filled only in the second region 12 and the opening 44 of the substrate 40, that is, it is provided to fill the space surrounded by the substrate 40 and the second divided housing 32b and the opening 44 of the substrate 40. However, the encapsulant 54 does not necessarily need to fill the entire area of ​​the second region 12 and the entire area of ​​the opening 44, but may be filled in at least a part of the second region 12 and at least a part of the area of ​​the opening 44. In addition, the encapsulant 54 may also be provided in at least a part of the first region 11. For example, it may be provided to cover the first main surface 41 of the substrate 40, or it may be filled within the first region 11. In the latter case, when the vibration direction of the piezoelectric element 20 is perpendicular to the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40, it is possible to effectively emit ultrasonic waves from the piezoelectric element 20 not only on the second region 12 side but also on the first region 11 side.

[0056] Furthermore, although Figure 6 shows that four openings 44 are provided on one substrate 40, the number of openings 44 provided on one substrate 40 is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0057] Furthermore, the planar shape of each opening 44 is not particularly limited to the rectangle shown in Figure 6, but may also be a polygon other than a rectangle, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon.

[0058] Furthermore, each opening 44 may be a through-hole surrounded entirely by the substrate 40, unlike in the case shown in Figure 6, but it is preferable that at least one opening 44 is a notch with a portion of its periphery open, as shown in Figure 6. This makes it easier for the sealant 54 before curing to flow along the second side periphery 35d of the second divided housing 32b into the second region 12, thereby shortening the time required to inject the sealant 54.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the medication device 10A may include a battery 51, a power receiving coil (not shown), a biometric information acquisition unit 52, and an A / D converter 53.

[0060] The battery 51 is, for example, a secondary battery that can be charged with power received by the receiving coil. In this case, the battery 51 is not particularly limited as long as it is a rechargeable battery, and may be, for example, an all-solid-state battery having a solid electrolyte. All-solid-state batteries are suitable for the medication device 10A because they do not leak. Alternatively, the battery 51 may be a primary battery if the device is configured so that current flows through the medication device 10A immediately before administration. The battery 51 is provided, for example, on the substrate 40 on which the piezoelectric element 20 is provided. However, the location where the battery 51 is provided is not particularly limited to the substrate 40 on which the piezoelectric element 20 is provided.

[0061] The receiving coil is paired with the transmitting coil to perform wireless power transfer and is provided on the substrate 40. The receiving coil is made of, for example, copper. Wireless power transfer can be performed using electromagnetic induction technology or magnetic field resonance technology. Magnetic field resonance is a type of electromagnetic induction because current flows in the receiving coil in response to changes in the magnetic field created by the transmitting coil. The receiving coil is connected to the battery 51. The receiving coil is provided on, for example, the substrate 40 on which the piezoelectric element 20 is provided. However, the location where the receiving coil is provided is not particularly limited to the substrate 40 on which the piezoelectric element 20 is provided.

[0062] The biometric information acquisition unit 52 acquires biometric information such as the position of the ingested drug device 10A inside the body, body temperature, pH of the stomach and / or intestines, and vital signs such as intestinal activity. Body temperature may be core body temperature. For example, the biometric information acquisition unit 52 has a timing means capable of measuring time, and measures the time elapsed since the drug device 10A was taken into the body, and estimates the position of the drug device 10A inside the body according to the measured time. As another example, the biometric information acquisition unit 52 is equipped with sensors such as a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and an acceleration sensor, and detects vital signs such as body temperature, pH of the stomach and / or intestines, and intestinal activity. The temperature sensor may include, for example, a thermistor. Note that biometric information includes all information related to the body, and the biometric information acquisition unit 52 can be configured to acquire any biometric information. The biometric information acquisition unit 52 is controlled by IC 56.

[0063] When acquiring biological information using the biological information acquisition unit 52, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 may be changed depending on the type of biological information to be acquired.

[0064] The A / D converter 53, under the control of the IC 56, converts the analog biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit 52 into digital information and outputs the converted biological information to the piezoelectric element 20. The biological information converted into digital information by the A / D converter 53 is then transmitted as an ultrasonic signal by the piezoelectric element 20.

[0065] The piezoelectric element 20, IC 56, biometric information acquisition unit 52, and A / D converter 53 are powered by a battery 51. Figure 2 shows a configuration in which the IC 56, biometric information acquisition unit 52, and A / D converter 53 are provided on the substrate 40 on which the piezoelectric element 20 is provided. However, the location where the IC 56, biometric information acquisition unit 52, and A / D converter 53 are provided is not particularly limited to the substrate 40 on which the piezoelectric element 20 is provided.

[0066] The drug administration device 10A can be manufactured by the following method.

[0067] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the drug administration device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0068] First, a first divided housing 32a, a second divided housing 32b, and a substrate 40 on which an opening 44 is provided are prepared. A piezoelectric element 20 is mounted on the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40.

[0069] As shown in Figure 8, for the first divided housing 32a, first, the first divided housing 32a is fixed in a predetermined location in order to inject the sealant (S10), then, the sealant is injected into the first divided housing 32a before curing, i.e., in liquid form (S11), then, the sealant injected into the first divided housing 32a before curing is degassed (S12), and then, the degassed sealant is cured and solidified (S13).

[0070] If the first divided housing 32a is formed from a solid material, these steps (S10 to S13) are omitted. Also, if the first divided housing 32a is in the shape of a semi-capsule with one side open, these steps (S10 to S13) may be omitted. In other words, the inner region of the semi-capsule-shaped first divided housing 32a may be left hollow.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, the second divided housing 32b is first fixed in place in order to inject the sealant (S20).

[0072] Next, the substrate 40 is placed on the second divided housing 32b such that the piezoelectric element 20 is positioned between the second divided housing 32b and the substrate 40, that is, so that the piezoelectric element 20 is positioned on the side of the substrate 40 facing the second divided housing 32b (S21). The substrate 40 is placed on the mounting surface 33 of the second divided housing 32b. At this time, the substrate 40 may be fixed to the mounting surface 33 with an adhesive or the like, or it may not be fixed to the mounting surface 33.

[0073] Next, it is preferable to degas the uncured, i.e., liquid sealant injected into the second divided housing 32b (S22). This effectively suppresses the generation of air bubbles in the sealant injected into the second divided housing 32b, thereby enabling more reliable filling of at least a portion of the area around the piezoelectric element 20 with the sealant 54.

[0074] Next, the uncured sealant is injected into the second region 12, which is surrounded by the substrate 40 and the second inner wall portion 31b of the second divided housing 32b, through the opening 44 (S23). This makes it possible to more reliably fill at least a portion of the area around the piezoelectric element 20 with the sealant 54 through the opening 44. At this time, the sealant may be injected until it fills at least the second region 12 and each opening 44. Alternatively, the sealant may be injected into the second divided housing 32b until it overflows from the opening 44, or until it covers the first main surface 41 of the substrate 40.

[0075] Furthermore, the uncured sealant injected into the second segmented housing 32b may be degassed (S24).

[0076] The above degassing steps (S12, S22, and S24) can be carried out, for example, under vacuum.

[0077] Then, the sealant injected into the second segmented housing 32b is cured and solidified (S25).

[0078] In the curing process described above (S13 and S25), the sealant is cured by using, for example, a heat-curing sealant or a moisture-curing sealant.

[0079] Furthermore, after the sealant injected into the second segmented enclosure 32b has hardened, it may be possible to check whether air bubbles are present in the hardened sealant.

[0080] Finally, the first divided housing 32a and the second divided housing 32b, which has been injected and cured with a sealant, are joined together (S30). For example, the first divided housing 32a and the second divided housing 32b are joined together with an adhesive. Alternatively, the first divided housing 32a and the second divided housing 32b may be joined together by ultrasonic welding.

[0081] As a result of the above, an oral administration device 10A can be obtained.

[0082] [Embodiment 2] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in an oral medication device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0083] In the medication device 10B shown in Figure 9, the planar shape of the substrate 40 is rectangular, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0084] Furthermore, at least one opening 44 is provided in the short-side direction of the substrate 40, that is, in a direction parallel to the short side of the substrate 40, relative to the portion on which the piezoelectric element 20 is mounted. Preferably, at least one opening 44 is provided on each side of the piezoelectric element 20 in the short-side direction of the substrate 40. By providing the opening 44 in the vicinity of the piezoelectric element 20 in this way, the distance from the opening 44 to the piezoelectric element 20 is shortened, making it easier for the sealant before curing to flow in and cover the piezoelectric element 20.

[0085] Furthermore, although encapsulants generally have a lower Young's modulus than substrates, filling the opening 44 near the piezoelectric element 20 with such an encapsulant makes it possible to create a region around the piezoelectric element 20 within its mounting surface where the Young's modulus is relatively low, i.e., vibrations are relatively difficult to transmit, and a region where the Young's modulus is relatively high, i.e., vibrations are relatively easy to transmit. As a result, the vibration of the piezoelectric element 20 can be controlled, and characteristics such as the intensity of the ultrasonic waves emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 can be controlled.

[0086] More specifically, the vibration direction 21 of the piezoelectric element 20 may be parallel to the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40, and may also be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40, i.e., the long side of the substrate 40. In this case, as shown in Figure 9, by providing at least one opening 44 in the short-side direction of the substrate 40 relative to the piezoelectric element 20, vibration of the piezoelectric element 20 in the short-side direction of the substrate 40 can be suppressed. Therefore, the intensity of the ultrasonic waves emitted in the vibration direction 21 of the piezoelectric element 20 can be improved.

[0087] Here, "vibration direction of the piezoelectric element" refers to the direction in which the displacement is greatest at the frequency being driven.

[0088] The vibration direction 21 of the piezoelectric element 20 may be parallel to the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40 and also parallel to the short side direction of the substrate 40. In this case, it is preferable that at least one opening 44 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40 with respect to the portion on which the piezoelectric element 20 is mounted. More preferably, at least one opening 44 is provided on each side of the piezoelectric element 20 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40. In this case, the opening 44 may be a notch, but from the viewpoint of being located near the piezoelectric element 20, it is preferable that it be a through hole.

[0089] Furthermore, the vibration direction 21 of the piezoelectric element 20 may be perpendicular to the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40. In that case, at least one opening 44 may be provided around the portion on which the piezoelectric element 20 is mounted. Preferably, multiple openings 44 are provided evenly around the portion on which the piezoelectric element 20 is mounted.

[0090] [Embodiment 3] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in a drug-taking device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0091] In the medication device 10C shown in Figure 10, the planar shape of the substrate 40 is rectangular, similar to Embodiment 1.

[0092] Furthermore, at least one opening 44 is provided in the short-side direction of the substrate 40 relative to the portion on which the piezoelectric element 20 is mounted, and at least one opening 44 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40 relative to the portion on which the piezoelectric element 20 is mounted. Preferably, at least one opening 44 is provided on each side of the piezoelectric element 20 in the short-side direction of the substrate 40, and at least one opening 44 is provided on each side of the piezoelectric element 20 in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40. This allows the elastic force of the substrate 40 to be used for the vibration of the piezoelectric element 20 when the vibration direction of the piezoelectric element 20 is perpendicular to the second main surface 42 of the substrate 40, thereby improving the intensity of the ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element 20. This is because multiple, preferably four, substrate portions located between adjacent openings 44 can be arranged around the piezoelectric element 20 and function as a beam structure that enhances the vibration of the piezoelectric element 20.

[0093] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a substrate and a piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface of the substrate in a drug-taking device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0094] As shown in Figure 11, it is preferable that the opening 44 has a curved shape in at least a part of it when viewed from above. This allows the sealant 54 before curing to flow throughout the entire area of ​​the opening 44, thus enabling more effective use of the opening 44. This is because a fluid flowing through an opening with corners in the cross-section of a rectangular parallelepiped or the like will stagnate in the corner sections due to the resistance of the walls, etc., and will mainly flow in the central rounded section.

[0095] Examples of shapes with curves in at least part include, if the opening 44 is a through hole, a circular shape (see Figure 11), an ellipse, or a polygon with rounded corners; and if the opening 44 is a notch, a semicircular shape, a semiellipse, or a semi-oblong shape (see Figure 11). Examples of polygons include triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons.

[0096] Figure 11 shows a case where each opening 44 has a curved shape in at least part of its form when viewed from above. However, only some of the multiple openings 44 may have a curved shape in at least part of their form when viewed from above. In other words, there may be a mixture of openings 44 that have a curved shape in at least part of their form when viewed from above and openings 44 that have a shape consisting only of straight lines when viewed from above.

[0097] Furthermore, both the administration devices 10B and 10C can be manufactured using the same method as the administration device 10A.

[0098] [Embodiment 4] Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of an information acquisition system for a drug administration device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0099] The information acquisition system 100 for the medication device shown in Figure 12 is a system that acquires information from the medication device 110, and comprises the medication device 110, a processing unit 120, and a receiver 130.

[0100] The medication device 110, for example, is similar to the medication device 10 described above, and includes a piezoelectric element 111, a battery 112, a biometric information acquisition unit 113, and an A / D converter 114. The medication device 110 also includes a control unit 115 that controls the timing of acquiring biometric information and controls the processing of the acquired information and transmission to the receiving unit of the receiver 130.

[0101] The drug administration device 110 may also include a memory unit 116, for example, biological information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit 113 may be stored in the memory unit 116.

[0102] The receiver 130 acquires information from the medication device 110 by receiving an ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element 111 of the medication device 110, and transmits the acquired information to the processing unit 120. The receiver 130 is used by being attached to the body surface of the user, such as the torso, neck, or wrist, using a fastener such as a belt. The receiver 130 is attached so as to be in direct contact with the body surface, or so as to be in contact with the body surface via an intermediary such as a gel.

[0103] The receiver 130 includes, for example, a receiving unit 131, a transmitting unit 132, a battery 133, and a display unit 134.

[0104] The receiving unit 131 receives an ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element 111 of the medication device 110. As a result, the receiver 130 acquires information from the medication device 110, such as biological information.

[0105] The receiving unit 131 consists of an ultrasonic receiver that receives ultrasonic waves. The principle of ultrasonic wave reception by the ultrasonic receiver is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the ultrasonic receiver is equipped with a piezoelectric element, and that the piezoelectric element generates a voltage when it receives ultrasonic waves. The piezoelectric element provided in the receiving unit 131 is also called a piezoelectric transducer. Materials such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate), BT (barium titanate), and KNN (potassium sodium niobate) can be used as materials for the piezoelectric element.

[0106] The transmitting unit 132 transmits information acquired from the medication device 110 to the processing unit 120 via wireless communication. Wireless communication can be, for example, a data communication line using mobile phone radio waves, an internet line, Bluetooth®, etc. However, communication between the transmitting unit 132 and the processing unit 120 is not limited to wireless communication; it may also be a wired connection such as a USB cable connection, an Ethernet cable connection, or a serial cable connection.

[0107] The battery 133 supplies power to various parts of the receiver 130 and may be a rechargeable secondary battery. The specific type of battery 133 is not particularly limited.

[0108] The display unit 134 is configured to display information acquired from, for example, the medication device 110. Examples of the display unit 134 include a liquid crystal display.

[0109] The processing unit 120 acquires information transmitted from the transmitter 132 of the receiver 130, that is, information from the drug administration device 110. Based on the acquired information, the processing unit 120 performs various data processing and data management. Specifically, for example, it manages and analyzes biological information acquired from the drug administration device 110, and manages medications taken together with the drug administration device 110.

[0110] The drug administration device information acquisition system 100 confirms, for example, whether the patient has taken the prescribed medication by the following method:

[0111] First, the administration device 110 is configured to automatically turn on when it is removed from its sealed container, and once powered on, the administration device 110 continuously emits an ultrasonic signal of a constant frequency from the piezoelectric element 111.

[0112] Simultaneously, the receiver 130 continues to receive the ultrasonic signal emitted from the medication device 110. When the medication device 110 is taken by the patient along with the medication, the frequency of the ultrasonic signal received by the receiver 130 changes as the medication device 110 enters the body. By detecting this change in frequency, it is possible to detect that the medication has been taken along with the medication device 110.

[0113] When the receiver 130 detects that the medication and the medication device 110 have been taken, it transmits information to the processing unit 120 indicating this, and the processing unit 120, upon receiving this information, manages whether the medication has been taken, the time of administration, etc.

[0114] This specification discloses the following:

[0115] <1> It is a medication device that transmits information by vibrating itself. A substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface, A piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface, The substrate and the housing for the piezoelectric element, A first region enclosed by the first main surface and the first inner wall portion of the housing, A region enclosed by the second main surface and the second inner wall portion of the housing, the second region communicating with the first region through an opening provided in the substrate, A sealant provided in at least the second region so as to be in contact with at least the piezoelectric element and the second inner wall, A drug administration device characterized by comprising the following features.

[0116] <2> The sealing agent is filled in at least the second region and the opening. <1> The medication device described above.

[0117] <3> The housing has a mounting surface on which the substrate is placed, The second inner wall portion forms a recess that is recessed from the surface described above. <1> or <2> The medication device described above.

[0118] <4> The planar shape of the aforementioned substrate is rectangular. The opening is provided at least once in the short-side direction of the substrate with respect to the portion on which the piezoelectric element is mounted. <1> ~ <3> A medication device as described in one of the following.

[0119] <5> At least one of the openings is also provided in the longitudinal direction of the substrate relative to the portion on which the piezoelectric element is mounted. <4> The medication device described above.

[0120] <6> The opening has a curved shape in at least part of it when viewed from above. <1> ~ <5> A medication device as described in one of the following.

[0121] <7> The substrate is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing, The distance from the second main surface of the substrate to the second inner wall portion is shorter than the distance from the first main surface of the substrate to the first inner wall portion of the housing. <1> ~ <6> A medication device as described in one of the following.

[0122] <8> <1> ~ <7> A medication device described in any one of the following, Processing device and A receiver that receives an ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element to acquire information from the drug-taking device and transmits the acquired information to the processing device, A system for acquiring information from a drug administration device, characterized by comprising the following features.

[0123] <9> The process involves preparing the first and second segmented enclosures, A step of preparing a substrate with an opening and a piezoelectric element mounted on it, A step of placing the substrate on the second divided housing such that the piezoelectric element is positioned between the second divided housing and the substrate, The process involves injecting a sealant through the opening into the region enclosed by the substrate and the inner wall portion of the second divided housing, A step of curing the injected sealant, A step of joining the first divided housing and the second divided housing into which the sealant has been injected and cured, A method for manufacturing a drug-taking device, characterized by including the following:

[0124] <10> The process further includes a step of degassing the sealant before it hardens, before injecting it into the second segmented housing. <9> A method for manufacturing the medication device described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 10A, 10B, 10C, 110 Medication Devices 11 First area 12 Second area 20, 111 Piezoelectric elements 21 Vibration direction 30 cabinets 31a 1st inner wall part 31b 2nd inner wall part 32a First Split Enclosure 32b Second Split Enclosure 33 Mounting surface 34 recess 35a First bottom 35b Second bottom 35c First side circumference 35d Second side circumference 40 circuit boards 41. First Main Surface 42 Second Main Surface 43 Rand 44 openings 51, 112, 133 batteries 52, 113 Biological Information Acquisition Unit 53, 114 A / D converters 54 Sealing agent 56 IC 100 Information Acquisition System 115 Control Unit 116 Memory section 120 Processing Units 130 Receiver 131 Receiving Unit 132 Transmitter 134 Display section

Claims

1. It is a medication device that transmits information by vibrating itself. A substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface, The piezoelectric element mounted on the second main surface, A housing comprising a first divided housing and a second divided housing, which houses the substrate and the piezoelectric element, A first region enclosed by the first main surface and the first inner wall portion of the housing, A region enclosed by the second main surface and the second inner wall portion of the housing, the second region communicating with the first region through an opening provided in the substrate, A sealant provided in at least the second region so as to be in contact with at least the piezoelectric element and the second inner wall portion, Equipped with, The swallowing device is characterized in that the sealing agent is filled from the opening side of the second divided housing through the opening into at least a portion of the area surrounding the piezoelectric element.

2. The swallowing device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing agent is filled in at least the second region and the opening.

3. The housing has a mounting surface on which the substrate is placed, The drug administration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second inner wall portion forms a recessed area that is recessed from the aforementioned surface.

4. The planar shape of the aforementioned substrate is rectangular. The drug administration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one opening is provided on each side of the piezoelectric element in the short direction of the substrate.

5. The drug administration device according to claim 4, wherein at least one opening is provided on each side of the piezoelectric element in the longitudinal direction of the substrate.

6. The swallowing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening has a curved shape in at least a portion of it when viewed from above.

7. The first main surface and the second main surface of the substrate are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing. The drug administration device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance from the second main surface of the substrate to the second inner wall portion is shorter than the distance from the first main surface of the substrate to the first inner wall portion of the housing.

8. The drug administration device according to claim 1 or 2, Processing device and A receiver that receives an ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element to acquire information from the drug-taking device and transmits the acquired information to the processing device, A system for acquiring information from a drug administration device, characterized by comprising the following features.

9. A method for manufacturing a drug-taking device that transmits information by vibrating itself, The process involves preparing the first and second sectional enclosures, A step of preparing a substrate with an opening and a piezoelectric element mounted on it, A step of placing the substrate on the second divided housing such that the piezoelectric element is positioned between the second divided housing and the substrate, The process involves injecting a sealant through the opening into the region enclosed by the substrate and the inner wall portion of the second divided housing, A step of curing the injected sealant, A step of joining the first divided housing and the second divided housing into which the sealant has been injected and cured, A method for manufacturing a drug-taking device, characterized by including the following:

10. A method for manufacturing a drug-taking device according to claim 9, further comprising the step of degassing the sealant before it hardens before injecting it into the second divided housing.

Images