Liquid medicine administration device and control method therefor, liquid medicine administration system, and program

Abstract

This liquid medicine administration device is for administering, into the living body of a patient, a liquid medicine filled in a reservoir, and is equipped with a pump body. The pump body comprises: a pump for transferring, to the living body of the patient, the liquid medicine filled in the reservoir; a rechargeable battery for supplying power for driving the pump; a measurement unit for measuring a residual amount of the rechargeable battery; a detection unit for detecting whether or not the pump body is mounted on a cradle device which is attached to the skin of the patient; a notification unit for providing a notification of information to a user; and a control unit. In response to a detection, by the detection unit, of an insertion of the pump body into the cradle device or an extraction of the pump body from the cradle device, the control unit causes the notification unit to provide the notification of the residual amount of the rechargeable battery measured by the measurement unit.

Description

Chemical liquid administration device, its control method, chemical liquid administration system, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medicinal liquid administration device, a control method thereof, a medicinal liquid administration system, and a program.

[0002] A medical solution administration device for administering a medical solution such as insulin into a patient's body is known. Patent Document 1 describes a device in which a battery is provided in a disposable part and / or a reusable part and used as a power source.

[0003] JP 2014-039846 A

[0004] However, the conventional configuration leaves room for improvement in terms of effectively informing the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery of the drug solution administration device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to more effectively notify a user of the remaining charge of a rechargeable battery in a drug solution administration device.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the drug solution administration device is (1) a drug solution administration device comprising a pump body that administers a drug solution filled in a reservoir into the patient's body, wherein the pump body comprises: a pump that transfers the drug solution filled in the reservoir into the patient's body; a rechargeable battery that supplies power to drive the pump; a measuring unit that measures the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery; a detecting unit that detects whether the pump body is attached to a cradle device that is attached to the patient's skin; an alarm unit that notifies a user of information; and a control unit, wherein the control unit notifies the alarm unit of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to the detecting unit detecting that the pump body has been inserted into the cradle device or that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device.

[0007] (2) In the drug solution administration device of (1), the control unit may determine whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last charging of the rechargeable battery in response to detecting that the pump body has been inserted into the cradle device, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the last charging of the rechargeable battery, may notify the notification unit of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measurement unit.

[0008] (3) In the drug solution administration device of (1) or (2), the control unit may, in response to detecting that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device, determine whether the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and if it is not determined that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, cause the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit.

[0009] (4) In any of the drug solution administration devices (1) to (3), the control unit may cause the measuring unit to measure the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery at a predetermined sample timing, and if the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured at the sample timing is less than a predetermined threshold, cause the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit.

[0010] (5) In any of the drug solution administration devices (1) to (4), the control unit may determine whether the rechargeable battery is being charged, and if the rechargeable battery is being charged, may cause the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measurement unit.

[0011] (6) In any of the drug solution administration devices (1) to (5), the pump body comprises a disposable cartridge having the reservoir, and a reusable device body having the rechargeable battery, the measuring unit, the notification unit, and the control unit, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to the cartridge being connected to the device body or the cartridge being separated from the device body.

[0012] (7) In any of the drug solution administration devices (1) to (6), the pump body may include: a plunger provided in the reservoir and movable in the longitudinal direction of the reservoir; a movable part that can move within a movable area to engage with the plunger and press the plunger toward the tip of the reservoir; and a drive part that moves the movable part within the movable area.

[0013] (8) The drug solution administration device according to any one of (1) to (7) may further include a cradle device to which the pump body can be attached.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a medicinal liquid administration system includes: (9) the medicinal liquid administration device according to any one of (1) to (8); and a remote control for operating the medicinal liquid administration device.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the control method for a drug solution administration device is (10) a control method for a drug solution administration device including a pump body that administers a drug solution filled in a reservoir into the patient's body, wherein the pump body includes: a pump that transfers the drug solution filled in the reservoir into the patient's body; a rechargeable battery that supplies power to drive the pump; a measuring unit that measures the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery; a detecting unit that detects whether the pump body is attached to a cradle device that is attached to the patient's skin; an alarm unit that notifies a user of information; and a control unit, and the control unit includes a step of causing the alarm unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to the detecting unit detecting that the pump body has been inserted into the cradle device or that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device.

[0016] According to the present disclosure, the program is (11) a program for controlling a drug solution administration device having a pump body that administers a drug solution filled in a reservoir into the patient's body, wherein the pump body comprises: a pump that transfers the drug solution filled in the reservoir into the patient's body; a rechargeable battery that supplies power to drive the pump; a measuring unit that measures the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery; a detecting unit that detects whether the pump body is attached to a cradle device that is attached to the patient's skin; an alarm unit that notifies a user of information; and a control unit, wherein the control unit executes a procedure that notifies the alarm unit of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to the detecting unit detecting that the pump body has been inserted into the cradle device or that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery of the drug solution administration device can be more effectively notified to the user.

[0018] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a medicinal liquid administration system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the medicinal liquid administration device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the medicinal liquid administration device in a separated state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the pump body of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the pump body in a disassembled state. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge in a state where the nut portion is in a non-contact position. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge in a state where the nut portion is in a predetermined position. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to control of the medicinal liquid administration device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the remote control of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medicinal liquid administration device of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medicinal liquid administration device of FIG. 1.

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, duplicated descriptions of the same parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0020] (Configuration of medicinal liquid administration system) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a medicinal liquid administration system 100 according to one embodiment. The medicinal liquid administration system 100 administers a medicinal liquid such as insulin into the living body of a patient. The medicinal liquid administration system 100 includes a medicinal liquid administration device 1 and a remote control 90.

[0021] As will be described later with reference to Fig. 5 etc., the drug solution administration device 1 is a device that continuously or intermittently administers a drug solution filled in a reservoir (syringe) 18 into a living body by the pressing action of a plunger 20. The drug solution administration device 1 may be, for example, a portable device that can be attached to the abdomen or the like of a patient (patch type). However, the drug solution administration device 1 is not limited to the patch type and may also be a tube type or the like.

[0022] The remote control 90 is a device used by a user, such as a patient, to operate the drug solution administration device 1. The remote control 90 notifies the user of information received from the drug solution administration device 1 and accepts user operations on the drug solution administration device 1. In this embodiment, the remote control 90 is implemented by a dedicated device compatible with the drug solution administration device 1, but it may also be implemented by a general-purpose information processing device such as a smartphone or tablet. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the remote control 90 serves as a user interface for notifying the user of information and accepting information input from the user. However, instead, all or part of the user interface functions may be provided by the drug solution administration device 1. In this embodiment, the user of the drug solution administration system 100 is the patient himself / herself. However, the user may also be a person other than the patient, including the patient's family members and medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.

[0023] The drug solution administration device 1 and the remote control 90 are communicably connected to each other via a wireless communication line, a wired communication line, or a combination thereof. An example in which the drug solution administration device 1 and the remote control 90 are communicably connected to each other via Bluetooth (registered trademark) will be described below.

[0024] (Configuration of the drug solution administration device) Fig. 2 is an example of a perspective view of the drug solution administration device 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an example of a perspective view of the drug solution administration device 1 of Fig. 1 when separated. The drug solution administration device 1 has a pump body 10, a cradle device 11 to which the pump body 10 is detachably attached, and a cannula port 106 attached to the cradle device 11. The pump body 10 and the cradle device 11 have a structure in which they engage with each other and can be repeatedly detached. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the pump body 10 of Fig. 3.

[0025] The pump body 10 includes a housing 111 that houses each component of the medicinal solution administration device 1, such as the reservoir 18 and the plunger 20. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 111 may be formed in a flat, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners. The top surface 121 of the housing 111 is one side of the pump body 10 that is located opposite the side that is attached to the cradle device 11. The top surface 121 may be formed in a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed from above. A front surface 123 and a back surface 124 that face each other are connected approximately vertically to an end of the top surface 121 in a first direction. A first side surface 125 and a second side surface 126 that face each other are connected approximately vertically to an end of the top surface 121 in a second direction.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pump body 10 includes a connector 75 and a notification unit 77 on the top surface 121. The connector 75 is a connector that can be connected to a charging cable connected to an external power source. When the charging cable is connected to the connector 75, the pump body 10 receives power from the power source via the charging cable and charges the rechargeable battery 42 (see FIG. 5 ) provided in the device main body 14. The connector 75 is, for example, a connector that complies with a general-purpose standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), but may be implemented using other methods that can receive power. In FIGS. 2 and 3 , the connector 75 is provided on the top surface 121, but it may also be provided at any position on the pump body 10 (e.g., on the side of the pump body 10, etc.). The connector 75 may also include a cap to prevent dust and other contaminants from entering while the charging cable is not connected. In this embodiment, the connector 75 can be connected to a wired charging cable, but it may also be configured to receive power via a wireless power supply method.

[0027] The notification unit 77 notifies the user of information. In this embodiment, the notification unit 77 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, but it may also be a speaker that outputs sound, a display that outputs images (e.g., a liquid crystal display), a vibrator, or a combination of these. In Figures 2 and 3, the notification unit 77 is provided on the top surface 121, but it may also be provided at any position on the pump body 10 (e.g., on the side of the pump body 10, etc.).

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pump body 10 may have an engagement structure at the first side surface portion 125 and the second side surface portion 126 that allows the pump body 10 and the cradle device 11 to be repeatedly detached from each other. The engagement structure may include, for example, a hook mechanism. Specifically, a first guide groove portion 135 and a first engagement hook portion 136 may be formed in the first side surface portion 125. A second guide groove portion 137 and a second engagement hook portion 138 may be formed in the second side surface portion 126. The first engagement hook portion 136 may be formed closer to the rear surface portion 124 than the first guide groove portion 135. The second engagement hook portion 138 may be formed closer to the rear surface portion 124 than the second guide groove portion 137. The first engagement hook portion 136 and the second engagement hook portion 138 may be detachably engaged with a pair of engagement receiving portions 162 of the cradle device 11, which will be described later.

[0029] The cradle device 11 is configured to be able to support the pump body 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cradle device 11 has a substantially flat mounting surface 141 and side walls 143, 144. The mounting surface 141 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with curved corners when viewed from above. When the pump body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the bottom surface 122 (see Figure 4) of the housing 111 of the pump body 10 is placed on the mounting surface 141.

[0030] A detection rail 152, a sliding rail 153, and a mounting portion 155 may be provided on one surface of the mounting surface portion 141. The cannula port 106 may be mounted on the mounting portion 155. The mounting portion 155 may be provided with an insertion hole through which the cannula of the cannula port 106 is inserted.

[0031] The detection rail 152 is a protrusion that protrudes from one surface of the mounting surface 141. The detection rail 152 is used by the pump main body 10 to detect the attachment of the cradle device 11. The thickness of the detection rail 152 gradually increases from the mounting surface 141 toward the side wall 144. The detection rail 152 extends a predetermined length parallel to the side wall 143. When the pump main body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the detection rail 152 enters the detection groove 134 provided in the pump main body 10 and presses the attachment detection switch 133. The pump main body 10 detects the attachment of the cradle device 11 based on the pressing of the attachment detection switch 133. In other words, the attachment detection switch 133 functions as a detector that detects whether the pump main body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11.

[0032] The slide rail 153 extends parallel to the side wall 143 on one surface of the mounting surface 141. When the pump body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the slide groove 132 provided on the bottom surface 122 of the pump body 10 is slidably fitted into the slide rail 153.

[0033] A side wall 144 extends substantially perpendicularly from the end of the mounting surface 141 in the first direction. Opposing side wall 143 extend substantially perpendicularly from the end of the mounting surface 141 in the second direction. When the pump body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the side wall 143 faces the first side surface 125 and the second side surface 126 of the housing 111 of the pump body 10. The side wall 144 faces the front surface 123 of the housing 111.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, cradle device 11 may have a fitting hole 154, which is an opening, in side wall portion 144. When pump body 10 is attached to cradle device 11, fitting protrusion 131 (see Figure 4) provided on front surface portion 123 of pump body 10 may fit into fitting hole 154.

[0035] The side wall portion 143 may be formed with a guide rail 151, a posture correction portion 156, and an engagement receiving portion 162. The engagement receiving portion 162 may be an opening formed by cutting out a substantially rectangular shape from the side wall portion 143. The engagement receiving portions 162 may be provided on the side wall portion 143 facing each other depending on the arrangement of the first engagement hook portion 136 and the second engagement hook portion 138. When the pump body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the first engagement hook portion 136 and the second engagement hook portion 138 may detachably engage with the engagement receiving portion 162.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3 , the guide rail 151 is a protrusion formed on the side wall portion 143. The guide rail 151 does not necessarily have to be a continuous protrusion. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , a notch 158 may be appropriately provided midway along the guide rail 151. A guide rail 151 may be provided on each of the opposing side wall portions 143. When the pump body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the guide rail 151 engages with a first guide groove 135 provided on the first side surface portion 125 and a second guide groove 137 provided on the second side surface portion 126 of the pump body 10. This guides the attachment direction of the pump body 10.

[0037] 2 and 3 , posture correcting portion 156 is a plate-shaped protrusion extending upward from side wall portion 143. Posture correcting portion 156 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the connection portion (corner) between top surface portion 121 of housing 111 of pump body 10 and first side surface portion 125 and second side surface portion 126.

[0038] The cradle device 11 may be provided with an adhesive sheet to be attached to the patient's skin. The adhesive sheet may be attached to the other surface opposite to one surface of the mounting surface portion 141 of the cradle device 11. The adhesive sheet may have an opening formed therein through which a cannula of the cannula port 106 described below passes. The adhesive sheet may be made of a flexible material. The adhesive sheet may form an adhesive layer to be attached to the patient's skin on the surface opposite to the mounting surface portion 141. Before being attached to the patient's skin, the adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet may be covered with release paper.

[0039] The cannula port 106 may have a port body 181 capable of holding a cannula therein. The port body 181 may have a cylindrical connection portion. When a cannula is connected, the interior of the connection portion (cylindrical bore), the port body 181, and the cannula are in communication. A cap 182 is attached to the tip of the connection portion, and the other end of the connection portion is connected to the port body 181. The cap 182 seals the tip opening of the connection portion. This isolates the interior of the cannula port 106 from the external environment.

[0040] When the cannula port 106 is attached to the attachment portion 155 of the cradle device 11 using a puncture mechanism (not shown), the cannula penetrates the mounting surface 141 together with the puncture needle and protrudes to the other surface of the mounting surface 141 (the surface that is attached to the skin). The cannula is then inserted into the living body together with the puncture needle. The puncture needle is then removed, leaving the cannula in the living body.

[0041] The connection portion of the port body 181 may face upstream in the installation direction. The connecting needle 112 (see FIG. 4 ) exposed to the outside of the pump body 10 is fluidly connected to the outlet tube 29. The connecting needle 112 punctures the septum surface of the cap 182 and enters the bore. This connects the port body 181 to the outlet tube 29 (see FIG. 6 , etc.) of the pump body 10, and fluidly connects the outlet tube 29 to the cannula. When the drive unit 40 (see FIG. 6 , etc.) is driven, the medicinal liquid stored in the reservoir 18 of the pump body 10 is sent to the cannula port 106 via the outlet tube 29 and administered to the patient from the cannula. In other words, the outlet tube 29 connects to the reservoir 18 and functions as a flow path for delivering the medicinal liquid to the outside of the reservoir 18. When the connecting needle tube 112 is connected to the outlet tube 29 , the flow path of the drug solution administration device 1 may include the outlet tube 29 and the connecting needle tube 112 .

[0042] 4 shows a perspective view of an example of pump body 10, viewed from a direction that allows bottom surface portion 122, front surface portion 123, and first side surface portion 125 to be seen. Bottom surface storage portion 127 is formed at the corners of bottom surface portion 122, first side surface portion 125, and front surface portion 123 of housing 111. Bottom surface storage portion 127 is a recessed space that extends from bottom surface portion 122 toward top surface portion 121 with a predetermined length (thickness) and a predetermined area (width).

[0043] A cylindrical connection port 128 is formed in a wall surface 127a of the bottom storage portion 127 on the side of the rear surface 124 in the first direction. The connection port 128 has a tubular hole 128a that protrudes from the wall surface 127a toward the front surface 123 in the first direction (i.e., in the installation direction). The connection needle tube 112 is disposed in the tubular hole 128a of the connection port 128. The tubular hole 128a protrudes from the wall surface 127a so as to surround the periphery of the connection needle tube 112, thereby protecting the connection needle tube 112. Furthermore, the connection needle tube 112 protrudes from the wall surface 127a within the tubular hole 128a toward the front surface 123 in the first direction (in the installation direction). In other words, the direction in which the connection port 128 protrudes from the wall surface 127a is parallel to the first direction.

[0044] When the pump body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the cannula port 106 attached to the cradle device 11 is housed in the bottom storage compartment 127. Furthermore, the port body 181 and cap 182 of the cannula port 106 are inserted into the cylindrical bore 128a of the connection port 128. Furthermore, the connecting needle tube 112 protrudes from the wall surface 127a within the cylindrical bore 128a toward the front surface 123 in the first direction (i.e., in the attachment direction). In other words, the direction in which the connecting needle tube 112 protrudes from the wall surface 127a is parallel to the first direction.

[0045] (Configuration of Pump Main Body) Fig. 5 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the pump main body 10 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the cartridge 12 in a state where the nut portion 24 is in a non-contact position. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the cartridge 12 in a state where the nut portion 24 is in a predetermined position.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the pump body 10 includes a disposable cartridge 12 and a reusable device body 14. The cartridge 12 includes a base portion 16 that is shaped like a flat box and has an opening on one side. The base portion 16 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. The base portion 16 may be detachably attached to a cradle device 11 that can be attached to the patient's skin.

[0047] 5, the base portion 16 is provided with a reservoir 18 filled with a medicinal solution, a plunger 20 provided in the reservoir 18, a feed screw shaft 22 disposed coaxially with the plunger 20, and a nut portion (movable portion) 24 threaded onto the feed screw shaft 22. The base portion 16 is configured as a disposable member.

[0048] The reservoir 18 extends cylindrically in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 16. The outer and inner diameters of the distal end of the reservoir 18 taper toward the distal end. The distal end of the reservoir 18 is formed with an introduction port 26 for introducing the medicinal liquid into the reservoir 18 and an outlet port 28 (see FIG. 6 ) for discharging the medicinal liquid from the reservoir 18. The outlet port 28 is connected to an outlet tube 29 that guides the medicinal liquid from the reservoir 18 to the cannula.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 6 , the plunger 20 is integrally molded from a resin material or the like and is disposed within the reservoir 18 so as to be slidable liquid-tightly along the axial direction of the reservoir 18. The plunger 20 includes a plunger body 30 constituting the tip side and a pusher 32 disposed on the plunger body 30 and constituting the rear end side. A seal member (sealing member) 34 is attached to the cylindrical rear end side of the plunger body 30. The seal member 34 is attached to the outer surface of the plunger body 30. The seal member 34 presses against the inner wall surface of the reservoir 18 to prevent leakage of the medicinal solution filled in the reservoir 18. The seal member 34 moves back and forth along the inner wall surface of the reservoir 18 in the left-right direction in FIGS. 6 and 7 while engaging with the cylindrical inner wall surface to prevent leakage of the medicinal solution from the boundary between the plunger body 30 and the inner wall surface of the reservoir 18. The size of the internal space of reservoir 18 that contains the medicinal liquid varies depending on the position of plunger body 30 in reservoir 18. In this embodiment, seal member 34 is configured by an O-ring, but is not limited to this as long as it can prevent the medicinal liquid in reservoir 18 from leaking from plunger body 30. Seal member 34 may be configured by an elastic material, such as silicone rubber.

[0050] The pusher 32 has a pair of extensions 36 that extend rearward from the plunger body 30 to the outside of the reservoir 18, and a pair of claws 38 provided at the rear ends of the extensions 36. One end of the feed screw shaft 22 is journaled by a bearing 39, and constitutes a drive unit 40 that moves the nut portion 24 within the movable range.

[0051] The drive unit 40 further includes a rechargeable battery 42 as a power source, a motor 44 driven by the rechargeable battery 42, a gearbox (power transmission mechanism) 46 that reduces the rotational driving force of the motor 44 and transmits it, and a transmission shaft 52 to which a spur gear 50 that meshes with an output gear 48 of the gearbox 46 is fixed and which is engaged with the feed screw shaft 22 so as to be able to rotate integrally with the feed screw shaft 22.

[0052] In this embodiment, the transmission shaft 52 is provided in the cartridge 12, and the rechargeable battery 42, motor 44, and gear box 46 are provided in the device main body 14. By providing the rechargeable battery 42, motor 44, and gear box 46 in the device main body 14 in this way, the cost of the cartridge 12 can be reduced.

[0053] The rechargeable battery 42 is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The rechargeable battery 42 is provided with terminals 54 that are electrically connected to the motor 44 of the device body 14 when the device body 14 is connected to the cartridge 12. The transmission shaft 52 is supported by a pair of bearings 56 provided in the base portion 16 and is disposed coaxially with the feed screw shaft 22.

[0054] When the motor 44 rotates, its rotational force is transmitted to the feed screw shaft 22, and the rotation of the feed screw shaft 22 moves the nut portion 24 toward or away from the reservoir 18. Hereinafter, rotation of the motor 44 to move the nut portion 24 toward the reservoir 18 is referred to as forward rotation (forward rotation). Rotation in the direction opposite to the forward direction is referred to as reverse rotation (reverse rotation). The motor 44 is configured to be capable of rotating in both the forward and reverse directions. The motor 44 is configured so that if a force greater than a certain level is applied to the forward or reverse rotation, the rotational drive force is not transmitted to the gear box 46 and subsequent components. For example, a stepping motor may be used as the motor 44. If a stepping motor is used, when a force greater than a certain level is applied to the forward or reverse rotation, the motor 44 loses synchronization with the input pulses and no longer transmits the rotational drive force (out of step). Even if the motor 44 rotates in the reverse direction while the nut portion 24 is in contact with the bearing 56 due to step-out, it is possible to prevent damage due to excessive force being applied to mechanisms such as the motor 44, gear box 46, and transmission shaft 52. A rotary encoder (not shown) is provided on the output shaft of the motor 44, and it is possible to determine whether the motor 44 has become out of synchronization with the input pulse (step-out) by detecting the rotation of the motor 44 with the rotary encoder. The operating state of the motor 44 is transmitted to the control unit 71 as a rotary encoder output.

[0055] The nut portion 24 is integrally molded from a resin material and has a nut portion main body 58 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a slide portion 60 provided on the nut portion main body 58. The nut portion main body 58 is formed with a threaded hole 62 into which the feed screw shaft 22 screws, and a pair of through holes 64 formed on either side of the threaded hole 62 and through which the claw portions 38 pass. A reinforcing cover 66 made of, for example, a metal material or the like is attached to the outer surface of the nut portion main body 58.

[0056] The slide portion 60 slides relative to a guide wall 68 that is provided on the base portion 16 and extends along the axial direction of the plunger 20. That is, before use, the nut portion 24 is in a non-contact position where it does not contact the plunger 20 (see FIG. 6), and the rotation of the feed screw shaft 22 moves it from the non-contact position to a contact position where the nut portion 24 and plunger 20 are engaged. After contacting the plunger 20, further rotation of the feed screw shaft 22 causes the nut portion 24 to press the plunger 20 toward the distal end (see FIG. 7). The guide wall 68 may be provided with a restricting portion that functions as a stopper to prevent the slide portion 60 from moving further backward.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , the device main body 14 includes a lid detachably attached to the base 16 so as to close the opening of the base 16, as well as a control unit 71, a memory unit 72, and a communication unit 73. The lid may be provided on the top surface 121 of the housing 111. The control unit 71 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 42, the motor 44, the memory unit 72, the communication unit 73, the charging circuit unit 74, the connector unit 75, the measurement unit 76, and the notification unit 77 via a bus 79 (see FIG. 8 ). The control unit 71 controls each unit of the medicinal liquid administration device 1 to perform processing related to the operation of the medicinal liquid administration device 1. For example, the control unit 71 controls the drive of the motor 44 based on information related to medicinal liquid administration transmitted from the remote control 90.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration related to control of the drug solution administration device 1 of Fig. 1. As described above, the rechargeable battery 42, the motor 44, the memory unit 72, the communication unit 73, the charging circuit unit 74, the connector unit 75, the measurement unit 76, and the notification unit 77 are electrically connected to the control unit 71 via the bus 79.

[0059] The control unit 71 is one or more processors. The control unit 71 is communicably connected to each component of the medicinal solution administration device 1 and controls the operation of the entire medicinal solution administration device 1. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The control unit 71 may include one or more dedicated circuits, or one or more processors in the control unit 71 may be replaced with one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0060] The storage unit 72 is one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The storage unit 72 functions as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. For example, the storage unit 72 may store information from the control unit 71. Furthermore, the information stored in the storage unit 72 may be transmitted to the remote control 90 via the communication unit 73 under the control of the control unit 71.

[0061] The communication unit 73 is a communication interface for communicating with the remote control 90. In this embodiment, the communication unit 73 communicates with the remote control 90 via Bluetooth (registered trademark), but this is not limiting, and communication may be via, for example, another wireless communication path such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired cable.

[0062] The charging circuit unit 74 is an electric circuit for transferring power supplied from a power source connected to the connector unit 75 to the rechargeable battery 42. The charging circuit unit 74 includes a switch that can electrically connect and disconnect the connector unit 75 and the rechargeable battery 42.

[0063] The measurement unit 76 measures the remaining charge (remaining capacity) of the rechargeable battery 42. The measurement unit 76 may measure the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 using any method, such as a voltage measurement method, a coulomb counter method, a battery cell modeling method, or an impedance track method.

[0064] The control of the chemical solution administration device 1 may be performed by executing a program on a processor included in the control unit 71. That is, the control of the chemical solution administration device 1 may be realized by software. In this case, the program causes a computer to execute processing of steps included in the operation of the chemical solution administration device 1, thereby causing the computer to realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the chemical solution administration device 1 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 71. That is, some or all of the functions of the chemical solution administration device 1 may be realized by hardware.

[0065] (Configuration of Remote Control) Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the remote control 90 in Fig. 1. The remote control 90 includes a control unit 91, a storage unit 92, a communication unit 93, an input unit 94, an output unit 95, and a bus 99.

[0066] The control unit 91 is one or more processors. The control unit 91 is communicably connected to each component of the remote control 90 via a bus 99 and controls the operation of the entire remote control 90. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 91 may include one or more dedicated circuits, or the one or more processors in the control unit 91 may be replaced with one or more dedicated circuits. The dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA.

[0067] The storage unit 92 is one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memories are, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The storage unit 92 functions, for example, as a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory.

[0068] The communication unit 93 is a communication interface for communicating with the medicinal solution administration device 1. The communication unit 93 communicates with the medicinal solution administration device 1 to transmit information input by a user to the medicinal solution administration device 1 and to receive information from the medicinal solution administration device 1. The communication unit 93 communicates with the medicinal solution administration device 1 via Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example, but is not limited to this, and communication may also be via another wireless communication path such as a wireless LAN or a wired cable, for example.

[0069] The input unit 94 includes one or more input interfaces that accept input operations from a user and acquire input information based on the user operations. The input unit 94 is, for example, a touch screen that is integrated with the display (display device) of the output unit 95, but is not limited to this and may also be physical keys (for example, an external numeric keypad), capacitance keys, a pointing device, a microphone that accepts voice input, or the like.

[0070] The output unit 95 as a display unit includes one or more output interfaces that output information to the user and notify the user. For example, the output unit 95 is a display that outputs information by image display, an LED, a speaker, a vibrator, etc., but is not limited to these. The input unit 94 and the output unit 95 act as an input / output unit that is an interface between the user and the medicinal solution administration device 1. In this embodiment, an example in which such an input / output unit is provided in the remote control 90 will be described, but it may also be provided in the medicinal solution administration device 1 or another device.

[0071] The functions of the remote control 90 may be realized by executing a program according to this embodiment on a processor included in the control unit 91. That is, the functions of the remote control 90 may be realized by software. In this case, the program causes a computer to execute processing of steps included in the operation of the remote control 90, thereby causing the computer to realize functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the remote control 90 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 91. That is, some or all of the functions of the remote control 90 may be realized by hardware.

[0072] (Operation of the drug solution administration device) When operating the drug solution administration device 1 according to this embodiment, the user first removes the cartridge 12 from the packaging container. In this state, the reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12 is not filled with drug solution, and the nut portion 24 is in a non-contact position where it does not contact the plunger 20 (see FIG. 6 ).

[0073] Next, the user adjusts the position of plunger 20 relative to reservoir 18, and fills a desired amount of medicinal liquid into reservoir 18 through introduction port 26 from a medicinal liquid container, such as a vial, in which the medicinal liquid is sealed. Thereafter, the user connects device main body 14 to cartridge 12. As a result, power from rechargeable battery 42 of cartridge 12 is supplied to the components of device main body 14, and output gear 48 of gear box 46 of device main body 14 meshes with spur gear 50 of cartridge 12. Control unit 71, memory unit 72, etc. are started up by receiving power from this rechargeable battery 42.

[0074] Next, the user fills the cartridge 12 removed from the packaging container with the medicinal liquid, connects the cartridge 12 to the device main body 14, and then primes the medicinal liquid administration device 1. Priming refers to an operation of engaging the nut portion 24 of the medicinal liquid administration device 1 with the plunger 20 and filling the flow path of the medicinal liquid administration device 1, including the outlet tube 29, with the medicinal liquid. Specifically, the user operates the remote control 90 to rotate the motor 44 in the forward direction. As a result, the rotational driving force of the motor 44 is transmitted to the feed screw shaft 22 via the gear box 46, the spur gear 50, and the transmission shaft 52, causing the feed screw shaft 22 to rotate and the nut portion 24 to slide along the guide wall 68 and advance toward the plunger 20.

[0075] As the nut portion 24 advances toward the distal end of the reservoir 18, the pair of claws 38 abut against the wall surfaces defining the through-hole 64 of the nut portion 24, causing the pair of extensions 36 to bend toward each other. Then, as the claws 38 pass through the through-hole 64, the extensions 36 return from their bent state to their original state, and the nut portion 24 engages with the rear end of the plunger 20. This enables the nut portion 24 to press the plunger 20 toward the distal end. Subsequently, by further advancing the nut portion 24, the medicinal liquid in the reservoir 18 is pressed against the plunger 20, filling the inner bore of the outlet tube 29 with the medicinal liquid, thereby completing priming. This priming is completed when the user visually confirms that the medicinal liquid has been discharged from the connecting needle tube 112, which is fluidly connected to the outlet tube 29 and exposed to the outside of the medicinal liquid administration device 1. When the user visually confirms that the medicinal solution has been discharged from the connecting needle tube 112, the user instructs the medicinal solution administration device 1 to stop priming. For example, the remote control 90 may display an image of a priming stop button on the display of the output unit 95, and notify the medicinal solution administration device 1 to stop the motor 44 in response to the user selecting the priming stop button.

[0076] Next, the user attaches the cradle device 11 to a predetermined location on the skin (e.g., the patient's abdomen), uses the puncture mechanism to place the cannula of the cannula port 106 inside the body, and engages the cannula port 106 with the cradle device 11. Next, the user attaches the pump body 10, to which the cartridge 12 and device body 14 are connected, to the cradle device 11, thereby connecting the outlet tube 29 to the cannula. In this state, the control unit 71 controls the rotation of the motor 44, thereby continuously or intermittently administering the medicinal solution from the reservoir 18 into the body. The control unit 71 controls the rotation of the motor 44 according to a medicinal solution administration schedule instructed via the remote control 90, and administers the medicinal solution at various rates, such as a basal rate or a bolus, depending on the patient's condition. The basal rate is the amount of medicinal solution per unit time that corresponds to the basal secretion of insulin. The bolus is the amount of medicinal solution that corresponds to the additional secretion of insulin in response to a meal or an increase in blood glucose level.

[0077] The reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12 is filled with an amount of medicinal liquid to be administered in an administration cycle of a certain number of days. After the medicinal liquid filled in the reservoir 18 is administered into the body over, for example, three days to one week, the cartridge 12 is replaced and discarded. The cartridge 12 is replaced with a new cartridge after each administration cycle. Each time the cartridge 12 is replaced, the reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12 is filled with medicinal liquid, the cartridge 12 is connected to the device main body 14, and a priming operation is performed. After these operations, while the medicinal liquid is being administered, the medicinal liquid administration device 1 can estimate the amount of medicinal liquid to be administered based on, for example, the number of rotations of the motor 44 performed during priming and liquid delivery. The medicinal liquid administration device 1 according to this embodiment includes a disposable cartridge 12 and a reusable device main body 14, thereby reducing running costs.

[0078] The amount of medicinal solution filled into the reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12 varies depending on the age and condition of the patient, even if the length of the administration cycle is the same. For example, if the reservoir 18 is filled with a three-day amount of medicinal solution, the cartridge 12 for adults will be filled with more medicinal solution than the cartridge 12 for children.

[0079] As described above, the medicinal solution administration device 1 according to this embodiment includes, as a power source, the rechargeable battery 42 that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The rechargeable battery 42 is provided in the reusable device body 14. Therefore, to prevent the device from stopping during medicinal solution administration, the medicinal solution administration device 1 needs to notify the user at an appropriate time of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 and notify the user when charging is necessary.

[0080] Therefore, the medicinal solution administration device 1 causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 measured by the measurement unit 76 in response to detection that the pump main body 10 has been inserted into the cradle device 11 or that the pump main body 10 has been removed from the cradle device 11. Generally, when inserting or removing the pump main body 10 into or from the cradle device 11, the user often turns their eyes to the medicinal solution administration device 1. In such a situation where the user's attention is likely to be drawn to the device, the medicinal solution administration device 1 notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 from the notification unit 77, making it possible to more effectively notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42.

[0081] When the notification unit 77 is configured with a single LED lamp, the notification unit 77 may notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 by the color of the LED lamp. For example, when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 exceeds a certain value, the notification unit 77 may indicate the remaining charge in white, blue, green, or the like. Alternatively, when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is below a certain value, the notification unit 77 may indicate the remaining charge in red, orange, or the like. Alternatively, when the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is low and the need for charging the rechargeable battery 42 is particularly high, the notification unit 77 may flash a light of a predetermined color. Furthermore, when the notification unit 77 is configured with multiple LED lamps, the notification unit 77 may indicate the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 by the number of lit LED lamps. When the notification unit 77 is configured with a display, the notification unit 77 may indicate the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 by displaying a numerical value, a graph, or the like. If the notification unit 77 is equipped with a speaker or a vibrator, the notification unit 77 may indicate the need for charging by sound or vibration in addition to the LED lamp or display. If the notification unit 77 issues a sound, the tone or scale may be changed depending on the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42. Furthermore, the notification unit 77 may issue a non-auditory notification using at least one of the LED lamp, display, and vibrator depending on the surrounding conditions.

[0082] Furthermore, when the pump main body 10 is inserted into the cradle device 11, the medicinal solution administration device 1 may cause the notification unit 77 to notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 if a predetermined time has elapsed since the last charging. Generally, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the last charging, the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is likely to be low, and it is highly necessary to check the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42. In this way, the medicinal solution administration device 1 notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 when there is a high need for notification of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42, and therefore it is possible to more effectively notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42.

[0083] Furthermore, when the pump main body 10 is removed from the cradle device 11, the medicinal solution administration device 1 may cause the notification unit 77 to notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 if the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is less than a certain value. The pump main body 10 is removed from the cradle device 11, for example, when the cartridge 12 is replaced. When replacing the cartridge 12, it is generally considered that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is reduced after the medicinal solution administration operation has ended. In such cases, if the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is less than a certain value, it is considered highly necessary for the medicinal solution administration device 1 to notify the user of the remaining battery charge. In this way, the medicinal solution administration device 1 notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 when there is a high need for notification of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42, and therefore, it is possible to more effectively notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42.

[0084] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the chemical liquid administration device 1 of Figure 1. The operation of the chemical liquid administration device 1 described with reference to Figures 10 and 11 may correspond to one of the control methods for the chemical liquid administration device 1. The operation of each step in Figures 10 and 11 may be executed based on the control by the control unit 71 of the chemical liquid administration device 1.

[0085] In steps S1 to S3 in FIG. 10, the control unit 71 performs a process of notifying the user of the remaining battery power while the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged.

[0086] In step S1, the control unit 71 determines whether the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged. Specifically, the control unit 71 may measure the voltage or current of a part of the charging circuit unit 74 to determine whether power is being supplied to the rechargeable battery 42 and determine whether the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged. Alternatively, the control unit 71 may determine whether the charging terminal is connected based on the voltage or current. If the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged (YES in step S1), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S2, and if not (NO in step S1), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S4.

[0087] In step S2, the control unit 71 measures the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 42 using the measurement unit 76.

[0088] In step S3, the control unit 71 causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 in accordance with the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 measured in step S2. Specific examples of remaining charge notification are as described above. After completing the processing of step S3, the control unit 71 returns to step S1. In this way, the medicinal solution administration device 1 notifies the remaining battery charge as needed while the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged. This allows the user to continue charging the rechargeable battery 42 until charging is complete.

[0089] In steps S4 to S8, the control unit 71 measures the remaining battery capacity of the rechargeable battery 42 at a fixed sampling rate (for example, every 10 seconds), and when the remaining battery capacity falls below a predetermined lower limit, performs processing to notify the user of the remaining battery capacity.

[0090] In step S4, the control unit 71 determines whether it is time to sample the remaining battery power. For example, if the remaining battery power is measured every 10 seconds, the control unit 71 determines whether it is time to measure the remaining battery power. If it is time to sample the remaining battery power (YES in step S4), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S5, and if it is not (NO in step S4), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S9.

[0091] In step S5 , the control unit 71 measures the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 using the measurement unit 76 .

[0092] In step S6, the control unit 71 determines whether the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 measured in step S5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit (threshold value). If the remaining charge is equal to or greater than the lower limit (YES in step S6), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S9, and if not (NO in step S6), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S7.

[0093] In step S7, the control unit 71 causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 42 in accordance with the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 42 measured in step S5. Specific examples of remaining amount notification are as described above.

[0094] In step S8, the control unit 71 determines whether the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged. The determination of whether the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged can be performed in the same manner as in step S1. If the rechargeable battery 42 is being charged (YES in step S8), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S1; if not (NO in step S8), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S5. In this way, the medicinal solution administration device 1 measures the remaining battery charge of the rechargeable battery 42 at a constant sampling rate and notifies the user of the remaining battery charge when it falls below a predetermined lower limit. This allows the user to easily know when there is a high need to charge the rechargeable battery 42.

[0095] In steps S9 to S11, the control unit 71 performs a process of notifying the remaining battery power of the rechargeable battery 42 in response to the pump main body 10 being inserted into or removed from the cradle device 11.

[0096] In step S9, the control unit 71 determines whether or not it has detected that the pump main body 10 has been inserted into or removed from the cradle device 11. Such insertion or removal of the pump main body 10 into or from the cradle device 11 can be detected by the attachment detection switch 133. If the control unit 71 detects that the pump main body 10 has been inserted or removed from the cradle device 11 (YES in step S9), it proceeds to step S10, and if not (NO in step S9), it returns to step S1.

[0097] In step S10 , the control unit 71 measures the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 using the measurement unit 76 .

[0098] In step S11, the control unit 71 causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 in accordance with the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 measured in step S10. Specific examples of remaining charge notification are as described above. After completing the processing of step S11, the control unit 71 returns to step S1. In this way, the medicinal solution administration device 1 notifies the remaining battery charge of the rechargeable battery 42 in accordance with the insertion and removal of the pump main body 10 into and from the cradle device 11. This allows the user to effectively know the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42.

[0099] Figure 11 shows an example of processing in the flowchart of Figure 10 in which the procedure for notifying the remaining battery level is different when the pump main body 10 is inserted into the cradle device 11 and when the pump main body 10 is removed from the cradle device 11. In Figure 11, the processing contents of steps S1 to S8 are the same as steps S1 to S8 in Figure 10.

[0100] In step S9, the control unit 71 determines whether or not it has detected that the pump main body 10 has been inserted into or removed from the cradle device 11. Such insertion or removal of the pump main body 10 into or from the cradle device 11 can be detected by the attachment detection switch 133. If the control unit 71 detects that the pump main body 10 has been inserted or removed from the cradle device 11 (YES in step S9), it proceeds to step S21; otherwise (NO in step S9), it returns to step S1.

[0101] In step S21, the control unit 71 determines whether the operation detected in step S9 is insertion of the pump main body 10 into the cradle device 11. If the operation is insertion (YES in step S21), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S22, and if not (NO in step S21), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S25.

[0102] In step S22, the control unit 71 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous charging of the rechargeable battery 42. That is, the control unit 71 determines whether the rechargeable battery 42 was charged within a certain period of time before the pump main body 10 was inserted into the cradle device 11. The fact that the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous charging of the rechargeable battery 42 corresponds to the fact that the rechargeable battery 42 was not charged within a certain period of time before the pump main body 10 was inserted. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous charging of the rechargeable battery 42 (YES in step S22), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S23; if not (NO in step S22), the control unit 71 returns to step S1.

[0103] In step S23, the control unit 71 measures the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 42 using the measurement unit 76.

[0104] In step S24, the control unit 71 causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 in accordance with the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 measured in step S23. Specific examples of remaining charge notification are as described above. Thus, when the pump main body 10 is inserted into the cradle device 11, the control unit 71 causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last charging of the rechargeable battery 42. In this manner, the medicinal solution administration device 1 notifies the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 when a certain time has elapsed since the last charging and there is a possibility that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is low, thereby effectively notifying the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42. In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of preventing malfunctions such as electric leakage, charging of the rechargeable battery 42 is performed when the pump main body 10 is not attached to the cradle device 11.

[0105] In step S24, the control unit 71 may continuously, for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), cause the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42. In this way, by continuously notifying the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 for a certain period of time, the medicinal solution administration device 1 can effectively notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42.

[0106] After completing the process of step S24, the control unit 71 returns to step S1.

[0107] In step S25, the control unit 71 measures the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 42 using the measurement unit 76.

[0108] In step S26, the control unit 71 determines whether the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 measured in step S26 is equal to or greater than a predetermined lower limit (threshold value). If the remaining charge is equal to or greater than the lower limit (YES in step S26), the control unit 71 returns to step S1. If not (NO in step S26), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S24 and causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 in accordance with the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 measured in step S25. Specific examples of remaining charge notification are as described above. In this way, when the pump main body 10 is removed from the cradle device 11 and there is a possibility that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 is low, the medicinal solution administration device 1 notifies the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42, thereby effectively notifying the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42. In step S24, the control unit 71 may cause the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), as in the case where the pump main body 10 is inserted into the cradle device 11.

[0109] After completing the process of step S24, the control unit 71 returns to step S1.

[0110] As described above, the medicinal liquid administration device 1 causes the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 in response to, for example, the insertion or removal of the pump main body 10 into or from the cradle device 11. Therefore, the medicinal liquid administration device 1 makes it possible to more effectively notify the user of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery 42 of the medicinal liquid administration device 1.

[0111] The medicinal solution administration device 1 may cause the notification unit 77 to notify the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 42 measured by the measurement unit 76 in response to the cartridge 12 being coupled to the device body 14 or the cartridge 12 being separated from the device body 14. In this way, by notifying the user of the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 42 while the user is paying attention to the cartridge 12 and the device body 14, it is possible to more effectively inform the user of the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery 42. To achieve such a configuration, the medicinal solution administration device 1 may include a configuration for detecting whether the cartridge 12 and the device body 14 are coupled to each other.

[0112] In addition, in the present embodiment, the pump body 10 that delivers the medicinal liquid into the patient's body is configured as a syringe pump, but the principle of medicinal liquid administration is not limited to a syringe. For example, the pump body 10 may be a roller pump, a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) pump, or other pumps.

[0113] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or one block may be divided. Multiple steps shown in the flowcharts may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capabilities of the device executing each step, or as needed, instead of being executed in chronological order as described. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, the configuration and operation of the drug solution administration device 1 may be distributed among multiple computers that can communicate with each other. Furthermore, for example, some or all of the components of the drug solution administration device 1 may be provided in another device such as a remote control 90.

[0115] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Drug solution administration device 10 Pump body 11 Cradle device 12 Cartridge 14 Device body 16 Base portion 18 Reservoir 20 Plunger 22 Feed screw shaft 24 Nut portion 26 Inlet port 28 Outlet port 29 Outlet pipe 30 Plunger body 32 Pusher 34 Seal member 36 Extension portion 38 Claw portion 39 Bearing 40 Drive portion 42 Rechargeable battery 44 Motor 46 Gear box 48 Output gear 50 Spur gear 52 Transmission shaft 54 ​​Terminal 56 Bearing 58 Nut portion body 60 Slide portion 62 Threaded hole 64 Through hole 66 Reinforcement cover 68 Guide wall 71 Control unit 72 Memory unit 73 Communication unit 74 Charging circuit unit 75 Connector unit 76 Measurement unit 77 Notification section 79 Bus 106 Cannula port 111 Housing 112 Connection needle tube 121 Top surface section 122 Bottom surface section 123 Front surface section 124 Back surface section 125 First side surface section 126 Second side surface section 127 Bottom storage section 127a Wall surface 128 Connection port 128a Cylinder hole 131 Fitting protrusion 132 Slide groove section 133 Mounting detection switch 134 Detection groove section 135 First guide groove section 136 First engaging hook section 137 Second guide groove section 138 Second engaging hook section 141 Placement surface section 143 Side wall section 144 Side wall section 151 Guide rail 152 Detection rail 153 Slide rail 154 Fitting hole 155 Mounting section 156 Posture correction section 158 Notch 162 Engagement receiving section 181 Port body 182 Cap 90 Remote control 91 Control section 92 Memory section 93 Communication section 94 Input section 95 Output section 99 Bus100 Drug administration system

Claims

1. A drug solution administration device comprising a pump body for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir into the body of a patient, the pump body comprising: a pump for transporting the drug solution filled in the reservoir into the body of the patient; a rechargeable battery for supplying power to drive the pump; a measuring unit for measuring the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery; a detection unit for detecting whether the pump body is attached to a cradle device that is attached to the skin of the patient; an alarm unit for notifying a user of information; and a control unit, wherein the control unit causes the alarm unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to detection by the detection unit that the pump body has been inserted into the cradle device or that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device.

2. The drug solution administration device of claim 1, wherein the control unit, in response to detection of insertion of the pump body into the cradle device, determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last charging of the rechargeable battery, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the last charging of the rechargeable battery, causes the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit.

3. The drug solution administration device of claim 1, wherein the control unit, in response to detection that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device, determines whether or not the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and if it is not determined that the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, causes the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit.

4. The drug solution administration device of claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the measuring unit to measure the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery at a predetermined sample timing, and if the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured at the sample timing is less than a predetermined threshold, causes the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit.

5. The drug solution administration device of claim 1, wherein the control unit determines whether the rechargeable battery is being charged, and if the rechargeable battery is being charged, causes the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measurement unit.

6. The drug solution administration device of claim 1, wherein the pump body comprises a disposable cartridge having the reservoir, and a reusable device body having the rechargeable battery, the measuring unit, the notification unit, and the control unit, and the control unit causes the notification unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to the cartridge being connected to the device body or the cartridge being separated from the device body.

7. The drug solution administration device according to claim 1, wherein the pump body comprises: a plunger provided within the reservoir and movable in the longitudinal direction of the reservoir; a movable part that moves within a movable range to engage with the plunger and press the plunger against the tip side of the reservoir; and a drive part that moves the movable part within the movable range.

8. The drug solution administration device according to claim 1, further comprising a cradle device to which the pump body can be attached.

9. A medicinal liquid administration system comprising: a medicinal liquid administration device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a remote control for operating the medicinal liquid administration device.

10. A control method for a drug solution administration device comprising a pump body which administers a drug solution filled in a reservoir into the patient's body, the pump body comprising: a pump which transports the drug solution filled in the reservoir into the patient's body; a rechargeable battery which supplies power to drive the pump; a measuring unit which measures the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery; a detection unit which detects whether the pump body is attached to a cradle device which is attached to the patient's skin; an alarm unit which notifies a user of information; and a control unit, the control unit including a step of causing the alarm unit to notify the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to detection by the detection unit that the pump body has been inserted into the cradle device or that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device.

11. A program for controlling a drug solution administration device having a pump body for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir into the body of a patient, the pump body comprising: a pump for transporting the drug solution filled in the reservoir into the body of the patient; a rechargeable battery for supplying power to drive the pump; a measuring unit for measuring the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery; a detection unit for detecting whether the pump body is attached to a cradle device that is attached to the skin of the patient; an alarm unit for notifying a user of information; and a control unit; and the program causes the control unit to execute a procedure for notifying the alarm unit of the remaining charge of the rechargeable battery measured by the measuring unit in response to detection by the detection unit that the pump body has been inserted into the cradle device or that the pump body has been removed from the cradle device.