Dosing device and module

Abstract

A dosing device (10) comprises: a housing (30); and a substrate (40) disposed inside the housing (30). At least one of the housing (30) and the substrate (40) includes a biodegradable plastic material.

Description

Dose-taking devices and modules

[0001] The present invention relates to dosage devices and modules.

[0002] There is a need for a method to confirm whether a patient has taken the prescribed medication, and a method to confirm what biological reactions occur when a patient takes a medication. For this reason, development of medication devices that transmit signals from inside the body to outside the body after being ingested along with medication is underway.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes an ingestible sensor device that includes sensors including a sensor and a device for wirelessly transmitting information detected by the sensor, a group of substrates formed by stacking multiple rigid substrates, and a capsule that contains these.

[0004] Patent No. 6914567

[0005] The swallowing sensor device described in Patent Document 1 uses plastic materials for the capsules and other components. Global plastic production has increased approximately 20-fold since the 1960s to 400 million tons per year in 2019, and production is predicted to double again in 20 years. Only slightly less than 10% of this plastic is recycled, and approximately 80% of collected plastic waste is landfilled or dumped into the natural environment (oceans, etc.). If this trend continues, it is said that the weight of plastic in the ocean will exceed the weight of fish by 2050, and environmental pollution is becoming more serious. In response to this, interest in plastic resource recycling is growing in countries around the world, including the EU.

[0006] It is believed that in many cases, medication devices are simply disposed of in sewerage after being taken by subjects. The swallowing sensor device described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that, because the capsule, substrate, battery, etc. are made of poorly soluble materials, disposing of such devices as they are can cause environmental pollution. Furthermore, even when such medication devices are recovered, a large amount of energy is required for their decomposition process.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a medication device and module that can reduce the burden on the environment.

[0008] The dosing device of the present invention comprises a housing and a substrate disposed inside the housing, wherein at least one of the housing and the substrate comprises a biodegradable plastic material.

[0009] A first module of the present invention includes a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface, and an all-solid-state battery mounted on the first main surface, and at least one groove is provided in a region of the second main surface that overlaps with a region where the all-solid-state battery is mounted, as viewed in a thickness direction of the substrate.

[0010] The second module of the present invention includes a plurality of substrates and at least one all-solid-state battery connecting the plurality of substrates.

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a medication device and a module that can reduce the burden on the environment.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a medication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross section of the medication device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line A1-A1. FIG. 3 is a cross section schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the medication device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross section schematically showing an example of the internal structure of the medication device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross section of the medication device shown in FIG. 4 taken along line A2-A2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a medication device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross section of the medication device shown in FIG. 6 taken along line A3-A3. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a medication device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of a medication device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of a medication device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section along line A4-A4 of the module shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a module according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the module shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing another example of the module according to embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of a medication device according to embodiment 8 of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of a medication device according to embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0013] The medication device and module of the present invention are described below. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following configurations and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. In addition, a combination of multiple individual preferred configurations described below also constitutes the present invention.

[0014] The following embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. From the second embodiment onwards, descriptions of matters common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences will be mainly described. In particular, similar effects resulting from similar configurations will not be mentioned one after the other for each embodiment.

[0015] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, each embodiment will be referred to simply as the "medication device of the present invention."

[0016] In this specification, terms indicating the relationship between elements (e.g., "perpendicular," "parallel," "orthogonal," etc.) and terms indicating the shape of elements are not expressions that only express a strict meaning, but are expressions that also include a range of substantial equivalence, for example, a difference of about a few percent.

[0017] The drawings shown below are schematic diagrams, and the dimensions, aspect ratio, scale, etc. may differ from those of the actual product.

[0018] [Embodiment 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a medication device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section of the medication device shown in Fig. 1 taken along line segment A1-A1. In each figure, the X-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the medication device, and the Z-axis direction is the lateral direction of the medication device. The Y-axis is an axis perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Z-axis.

[0019] The ingestible device 10 shown in FIG. 1 can transmit information by vibrating the device itself. The ingestible device 10 is taken by a person with or without a drug. The ingestible device 10 may be taken by itself. The information transmitted from the ingestible device 10 is not particularly limited and may be a signal. Specific examples include a signal indicating that a drug has been taken or administered with the ingestible device 10, and biological information acquired within the body. The drug that can be taken with the ingestible device 10 is any drug. Specifically, for example, the drug may be taken by a person who has difficulty recognizing the act of taking a drug. In this case, the drug intake rate of such people can be improved. Furthermore, the burden on caregivers for such people can be reduced. In this specification, "transmission" is synonymous with "transmission" unless otherwise specified.

[0020] The medication device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a housing 30 and a substrate 40 disposed inside the housing 30 .

[0021] 1 and 2 show a so-called capsule-shaped, more specifically, cylindrical housing 30 with hemispherical ends in the longitudinal direction, but the external shapes of the medication device 10 and housing 30 are not particularly limited as long as they do not interfere with administration, and may be spherical, ellipsoidal, disc-shaped, cylindrical, tablet-shaped, polygonal columnar with rounded corners, etc. The ellipsoidal shape may be an oblate spheroid or an oblate spheroid.

[0022] Substantially all of the outer surface of the medication device 10 may be made up of the outer surface of the housing 30 .

[0023] The substrate 40 is disposed inside the housing 30. The number of substrates 40 disposed inside the housing 30 may be one or more.

[0024] The substrate 40 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the medication device 10. That is, the substrate 40 is arranged perpendicular to the short side direction of the medication device 10. The longitudinal direction of the medication device 10 is synonymous with the longitudinal direction of the housing 30, and the short side direction of the medication device 10 is synonymous with the short side direction of the housing 30. Although FIG. 2 shows the substrate 40 having a rectangular shape in a plan view, the planar shape of the substrate 40 is not particularly limited as long as it fits into the medication device 10, and may be circular, elliptical, or the like.

[0025] In the medication device 10, at least one of the housing 30 and the substrate 40 includes a biodegradable plastic material. In this specification, a biodegradable plastic material means a material that is eventually decomposed into water and carbon dioxide by the action of microorganisms. Examples of biodegradable plastic materials include aliphatic polyester resins such as polylactic acid (PLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH), polylactic acid / polycaprolactone copolymer, polylactic acid / polyether copolymer, polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyglycolic acid (PGA), butanediol / long-chain dicarboxylic acid copolymer, and polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA); aliphatic-aromatic copolymer polyester resins such as polybutylene terephthalate / succinate (PETS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polytetramethylene adipate terephthalate; polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose acetate (diacetate), PBAT / PLA compound, and starch polyester resin. These biodegradable plastic materials may be used singly or in combination.

[0026] The biodegradable plastic material may be artificially synthesized, naturally derived, or produced by genetically modified microorganisms, and the production method is not particularly limited.

[0027] In the dosage device of the present invention, at least one of the housing and the substrate contains a biodegradable plastic material, so even when the device is discarded as is, the biodegradable plastic material is naturally decomposed by microorganisms, reducing the burden on the environment. Even when the dosage device of the present invention is recycled, the biodegradable plastic material is naturally decomposed, reducing the energy required for the decomposition process.

[0028] The medication device 10 may be configured such that at least one of the housing 30 and the substrate 40 contains a biodegradable plastic material, and either the housing 30 or the substrate 40 may be formed from a material other than a biodegradable plastic material.

[0029] Materials other than biodegradable plastic materials that can be used for the housing include, for example, biocompatible resins other than biodegradable plastic materials, or general-purpose resins whose surfaces are coated with biocompatible materials, etc. Epoxy resins, for example, can be used as biocompatible resins.

[0030] Materials other than biodegradable plastic materials that can be used for the substrate include, for example, glass epoxy resin, FR-4, and the like.

[0031] At least one of the materials for the housing 30 and the substrate 40 is preferably biocompatible, and more preferably a biocompatible biodegradable plastic material. Since the oral device of the present invention is ingested by a person, it is preferable that at least the material constituting the outer surface of the housing 30 is a biocompatible material.

[0032] 2, the ingestible device 10 may include a piezoelectric element 20, a power receiving coil 50, a power supply unit 51, a biological information acquisition unit 52, and an A / D converter 53 (shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later). The piezoelectric element 20, the power receiving coil 50, the power supply unit 51, the biological information acquisition unit 52, and the A / D converter are housed in a housing 30 and disposed inside the housing 30.

[0033] The piezoelectric element 20 is mounted on the first main surface 40a of the substrate 40. The piezoelectric element 20 may be mounted on the second main surface 40b of the substrate 40.

[0034] The ingested device 10 drives the piezoelectric element 20 to generate an ultrasonic signal from the piezoelectric element 20. The ultrasonic signal generated from the piezoelectric element 20 propagates through a medium inside the ingested device 10 and is ultimately transmitted to the outside of the ingested device 10. That is, the ultrasonic signal generated from the piezoelectric element 20 also causes the ingested device 10 itself to vibrate, and information is transmitted as an ultrasonic signal to the outside of the ingested device 10, specifically to the inside of the body.

[0035] The piezoelectric element 20 functions as an ultrasonic oscillator that emits ultrasonic waves, and vibrates the piezoelectric element 20 to generate ultrasonic waves. The piezoelectric element 20 is also called a piezoelectric vibrator. The ultrasonic waves emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 are directional in the direction in which the vibration 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 for the piezoelectric element 20. In this case, the oral device 10 includes an IC (not shown), which controls the piezoelectric element 20. The ultrasonic signal emitted from the piezoelectric element 20 is received by a receiver attached to the user's body surface, such as the torso, neck, or wrist, using a fastener such as a belt. The receiver is attached so as to directly contact the body surface or so as to contact the body surface via an intervening material such as gel.

[0036] The shape of the piezoelectric element 20 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, and a cylindrical shape.

[0037] 2 shows a case where the vibration direction 21 of the piezoelectric element 20 is perpendicular to the first main surface 40a of the substrate 40, but the vibration direction 21 of the piezoelectric element 20 is not limited to a specific direction and can be any direction. For example, the vibration direction 21 of the piezoelectric element 20 may be a direction parallel to the first main surface 40a.

[0038] The receiving coil 50 is paired with the transmitting coil to perform wireless power transfer. The receiving coil 50 is made of, for example, copper. Wireless power transfer can be performed using electromagnetic induction technology or magnetic resonance technology. Note that magnetic resonance is a type of electromagnetic induction, as current flows through the receiving coil 50 in response to changes in the magnetic field created by the transmitting coil. The receiving coil 50 is connected to a power supply unit 51, which will be described later. The receiving coil 50 is mounted, for example, on the first main surface 40a of the substrate 40 on which the power supply unit 51 is provided. The receiving coil 50 may also be mounted on the second main surface 40b of the substrate 40. However, the location where the receiving coil 50 is provided is not particularly limited to the substrate 40 on which the power supply unit 51 is provided.

[0039] The power supply unit 51 is, for example, a secondary battery that can be charged with the power received by the power receiving coil 50. In this case, the power supply unit 51 is not particularly limited as long as it is a battery that can be charged and discharged, and may be, for example, an all-solid-state battery having a solid electrolyte.

[0040] When water enters the disposable device 10 through a crack in the housing 30 and comes into contact with the secondary battery, the voltage of the remaining secondary battery gradually drops, allowing the device to be disposed of in a low-energy state. Furthermore, since the secondary battery is in a low-energy state when precious metals mounted on the board are recovered, recovery can be carried out safely.

[0041] Since all-solid-state batteries do not leak, they are suitable for the ingested device 10. In addition, all-solid-state batteries deliquesce in water, which is preferable because they reduce the burden on the environment after the ingested device is disposed of.

[0042] Furthermore, the power supply unit 51 may be a primary battery as long as it is configured so that current flows through the medication device 10 immediately before administration. The power supply unit 51 is mounted, for example, on the first main surface 40a of the substrate 40. The power supply unit 51 may also be mounted on the second main surface 40b of the substrate 40.

[0043] The biological information acquisition unit 52 acquires biological information such as the internal position of the ingested ingested device 10 and vital signs such as internal body temperature, gastric and / or intestinal pH, and intestinal activity. The internal body temperature may be core body temperature. For example, the biological information acquisition unit 52 has a timekeeping means capable of measuring time, measures the elapsed time since the ingested device 10 was taken into the body, and estimates the internal position of the ingested device 10 based on the measured time. As another example, the biological information acquisition unit 52 includes sensors such as a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and an acceleration sensor, and detects vital signs such as internal body temperature, gastric and / or intestinal pH, and intestinal activity. The temperature sensor may include, for example, a thermistor. Note that biological information includes any information related to a living organism, and the biological information acquisition unit 52 can be configured to acquire any biological information. The biological information acquisition unit 52 is controlled by an IC. The biological information acquisition unit 52 is mounted, for example, on the first main surface 40a of the substrate 40. The biometric information acquisition unit 52 may be mounted on the second main surface 40 b of the substrate 40 .

[0044] When the biometric information acquisition unit 52 acquires biometric information, the frequency of the ultrasound waves oscillated from the piezoelectric element 20 may be changed for each type of biometric information to be acquired.

[0045] Under the control of the IC, the A / D converter converts the analog biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 52 into digital information and outputs the digital biometric information to the piezoelectric element 20. The digital biometric information converted by the A / D converter is then transmitted by the piezoelectric element 20 as an ultrasonic signal.

[0046] The substrate 40 may be mounted with electronic components such as the piezoelectric element, receiving coil, power supply unit, and biometric information acquisition unit, as well as passive components such as diodes, capacitors, coils, and resistors, and active components such as transistors, regulators, and DC-DC converters.

[0047] Power is supplied to the piezoelectric element 20, the biometric information acquisition unit 52, the A / D converter, and other electronic components and ICs from a power supply unit 51. Although Fig. 2 shows a configuration in which the piezoelectric element 20, the power supply unit 51, and the biometric information acquisition unit 52 are provided on the same substrate 40, the locations where the piezoelectric element 20, the power supply unit 51, and the biometric information acquisition unit 52 are provided are not particularly limited to the substrate 40.

[0048] A sealant may be disposed inside the housing 30. The sealant may fill a portion of the space inside the housing 30, or may fill substantially all of the space.

[0049] Examples of materials that can be used for the sealant include epoxy resin, polyphenylsulfone (PPS), ceramic material, glass epoxy, and resin filled with filler such as metal or oxide.

[0050] [Embodiment 2] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of a medication device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0051] 3 further includes a stress generating unit 60. The stress generating unit 60 is housed in the housing 30 and disposed inside the housing 30.

[0052] 3 is mounted on the second main surface 40b of the substrate 40. The location where the stress generating unit 60 is disposed is not particularly limited, and the stress generating unit 60 may be mounted on the first main surface 40a of the substrate 40, or may be fixed to the inner wall surface 30a of the housing 30, as described below.

[0053] The stress generating unit 60 generates stress in a direction from inside the housing 30 toward the inner wall surface 30a of the housing 30, causing cracks or fractures in the housing 30 and promoting decomposition. In Fig. 3, the stress generating unit 60 generates stress, for example, in a direction toward the inner wall surface 30a on the side opposite the substrate 40. The stress generating unit 60 includes, for example, a porous material, a substance that expands when it absorbs water, or the like.

[0054] Porous materials have many pores on their surface, so when they get wet, tiny bubbles are generated. When the generated bubbles gather and the pressure increases, water containing a large number of bubbles is ejected.

[0055] Porous materials are not particularly limited as long as they have a large number of open pores, and are classified into microporous materials, mesoporous materials, and macroporous materials depending on the size of the pores. Examples of microporous materials include activated carbon and zeolite. Examples of mesoporous materials include MCM (mesoporous silica) and FSM (folded sheet mesoporous material). Examples of macroporous materials include pumice.

[0056] An example of a substance that expands when it absorbs water is a water-absorbing polymer, and a polymer before absorbing water can be used for the stress generating part 60. Examples of water-absorbing polymers include starch, cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose, polymers of acrylic acid or alkali metal acrylates or copolymers thereof, polyacrylates such as sodium polyacrylate, and polyacrylate graft polymers.

[0057] If the stress generating part 60 contains a porous material, a substance that expands when it absorbs water, or the like, stress will be generated when a crack or the like occurs in the housing 30, allowing external water to penetrate into the housing 30 and reach the stress generating part 60. It is preferable that the stress generating part contains a substance that expands when it absorbs water.

[0058] The shape of the stress generating part 60 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, and a cylindrical shape.

[0059] The stress generating unit 60 applies stress to the inner wall surface 30a of the housing 30 from inside the housing 30, causing further cracks and fractures in the housing 30. When further cracks and fractures occur in the housing 30, the housing 30 is more likely to break down into smaller pieces. If the housing 30 contains a biodegradable plastic material, the stress generating unit 60 causes the housing 30 to break down into smaller pieces, increasing the area of ​​the housing 30 that comes into contact with the outside air and water, and accelerating decomposition.

[0060] [Embodiment 3] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of a medication device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section along line A2-A2 of the medication device shown in Figure 4.

[0061] The medication device 10B shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 has a groove 42 formed in the base plate 40.

[0062] In the medication device 10B, the grooves 42 are formed in the substrate 40, so that when external pressure is applied after disposal of the medication device 10B, the substrate 40 is likely to be fragmented along the grooves 42. If the substrate 40 contains a biodegradable plastic material, fragmentation of the substrate 40 further promotes decomposition of the biodegradable plastic material.

[0063] When viewed from the Z direction, the medication device 10B is formed so that the groove 42 does not overlap with the piezoelectric element 20, the power receiving coil 50, the power supply unit 51, and the biological information acquisition unit 52. If the groove 42 is formed in a position that overlaps with the piezoelectric element 20, etc., and the piezoelectric element 20, etc., is not subdivided, the substrate 40 will not be subdivided either.

[0064] In the medication device 10B, one groove 42 is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40, and one groove 42 is formed parallel to the lateral direction of the substrate 40. The direction of the grooves 42 is not particularly limited; for example, if the substrate 40 is rectangular, the grooves 42 may be formed in the diagonal direction. Since the grooves 42 are preferably formed in a position that does not overlap the mounting area of ​​the piezoelectric element 20, etc., in order to ensure as wide a mounting area as possible, the direction of the grooves 42 is preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40 or parallel to the lateral direction of the substrate 40.

[0065] In the medication device 10B, the grooves 42 are formed to have the same length as the longitudinal and lateral directions of the substrate 40, but the length of the grooves is not particularly limited. The grooves 42 may be linear or curved.

[0066] It is sufficient that at least one groove 42 is formed in the substrate 40, and the number of grooves 42 is not particularly limited.

[0067] In the medication device 10B, the grooves 42 are formed on the second main surface 40b side of the substrate 40. The grooves 42 may also be formed on the first main surface 40a side of the substrate 40.

[0068] The medication device 10B further includes a stress generating unit 60. The stress generating unit 60 is mounted on the second main surface 40b of the substrate 40, similar to the medication device 10A.

[0069] In the medication device 10B, the groove 42 is formed at a position communicating with the stress generating unit 60. As described above, if the stress generating unit 60 contains a porous material or a substance that expands when it contains water, water is required for the stress generating unit 60 to generate stress. When the groove 42 is in communication with the stress generating unit 60, water that has entered the housing 30 from the outside can easily move along the groove 42 to the stress generating unit 60, making it easier for the stress generating unit 60 to generate stress.

[0070] In the medication device 10B, two grooves 42 communicate with the stress generating portion 60, but the number of grooves 42 communicating with the stress generating portion 60 may be one, or three or more.

[0071] The medication device 10B does not have to include the stress generating unit 60, but it is preferable that the medication device 10B includes the stress generating unit 60, since this makes it easier to subdivide the medication device 10B.

[0072] [Embodiment 4] Fig. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a medication device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a cross section along line A3-A3 of the medication device shown in Fig. 6.

[0073] 6 and 7, grooves 42 are formed on the inner wall surface 30a of the housing 30. In the device 10C, one groove 42 is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 30, and one circular groove 42 is formed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the housing 30 and along the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion. The direction of the grooves 42 is not particularly limited.

[0074] There is no particular limitation on the length of the groove 42. The groove 42 may be linear or curved.

[0075] It is sufficient that at least one groove 42 is formed on the inner wall surface 30a of the housing 30, and the number of grooves 42 is not particularly limited.

[0076] The groove 42 may be formed on the outer wall surface 30 b of the housing 30 .

[0077] The medication device 10C further includes a stress generating unit 60. The stress generating unit 60 is fixed to the inner wall surface 30a of the cylindrical portion of the housing 30. The stress generating unit 60 shown in Fig. 7 generates stress in a direction toward the inner wall surface 30a with which the stress generating unit 60 is in contact, for example, on the side opposite the substrate 40.

[0078] In the medication device 10C, the groove 42 is formed at a position communicating with the stress generating unit 60. As described above, if the stress generating unit 60 contains a porous material or a substance that expands when it contains water, if the groove 42 communicates with the stress generating unit 60, water that has entered the housing 30 from the outside will be more likely to move along the groove 42 to the stress generating unit 60, making it easier for the stress generating unit 60 to generate stress.

[0079] In the medication device 10C, one groove 42 is in communication with the stress generating portion 60, but two or more grooves 42 may be in communication with the stress generating portion 60.

[0080] The medication device 10C has a groove 42 formed in the housing 30, which makes the housing 30 more likely to break down into smaller pieces when external pressure is applied after disposal of the medication device 10C. If the housing 30 contains a biodegradable plastic material, breaking down the housing 30 further promotes decomposition.

[0081] The medication device 10C does not have to include the stress generating unit 60, but it is preferable that the medication device 10C includes the stress generating unit 60, since this makes it easier to subdivide the medication device 10C.

[0082] [Embodiment 5] Fig. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a medication device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0083] The housing of the medication device of this embodiment is composed of multiple members each containing different materials. In the medication device 10D shown in FIG. 8, the housing 30A is composed of one first member 31 and two second members 32. The first member 31 and the second member 32 contain different materials. The first member 31 is cylindrical. The second member 32 has a shape in which a cylinder is connected to a hemisphere. The two second members 32 have the same shape. The two second members 32 may each have a different shape.

[0084] Materials for the first member 31 and the second member 32 include those exemplified as materials for the housing of embodiment 1, and it is preferable that at least one of the first member 31 and the second member 32 contains biodegradable plastic.

[0085] In the oral device 10D, the piezoelectric element 20 is fixed to the inner wall surface 31a of the first member 31. The first member 31 and the second member 32 each contain different materials, and therefore have different rigidities. The different rigidities result in different acoustic impedances, making it possible to control the sound pressure distribution emitted to the outside of the housing 30A. For example, the acoustic impedance of PZT, which is one type of material for the piezoelectric element, is 32 MPa·s / m ３ The acoustic impedance of the epoxy resin, which is one of the materials used for the housing, is 1.7 MPa·s / m ３ Typically, the material of the piezoelectric element has a higher acoustic impedance than the material of the housing. Therefore, if (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the first member 31) > (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the second member 32), then (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the piezoelectric element) > (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the first member 31) > (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the second member 32). The smaller the difference in acoustic impedance, the lower the reflectivity at the interface, so signals are preferentially transmitted from components made of materials with acoustic impedances closer to the acoustic impedance of the material of the piezoelectric element. In the oral device 10D, if (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the first member 31) > (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the second member 32), signals are transmitted from the center of the oral device 10D, i.e., from the position of the first member 31. Conversely, if (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the first member 31) < (acoustic impedance of the material constituting the second member 32), signals are transmitted from both ends of the oral device 10D, i.e., from the position of the second member 32.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of a medication device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The housing 30B shown in Fig. 9 is composed of one first member 31 and one second member 32. The first member 31 and the second member 32 contain different materials. The first member 31 and the second member 32 have the same shape, which is a hemisphere connected to a cylinder. The first member 31 and the second member 32 do not have to have the same shape; for example, the lengths of the cylindrical portions may be different from each other.

[0088] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing another example of the medication device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The housing 30C shown in FIG. 10 is composed of one first member 31 and one second member 32. The first member 31 and the second member 32 contain different materials. The second member 32 has a circular hole in a part of the housing 30 of embodiment 1, and the first member 31 has the same shape as the hole. In FIG. 10, most of the housing 30C is composed of the second member 32, and only a part of the hemispherical part is composed of the first member 31. The size, shape, and position of the first member 31 are not particularly limited. For example, the first member 31 may be located in the cylindrical part of the housing 30C.

[0090] In this embodiment, Figures 8, 9, and 10 show a housing having one first member and one or two second members, but the number of first members and the number of second members are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, Figures 8, 9, and 10 show an example of a housing made up of members each containing two different materials, but the housing of the medication device of this embodiment may be made up of multiple members each containing three or more materials.

[0091] [Embodiment 6] Fig. 11 is a plan view schematically showing an example of a module according to embodiment 6 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a view schematically showing an example of a cross section of the module shown in Fig. 11 taken along line A4-A4.

[0092] The module 100 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 includes a substrate 40 having a first main surface 40a and a second main surface 40b, and an all-solid-state battery 51A mounted on the first main surface 40a.

[0093] Although FIG. 11 shows the substrate 40 having a rectangular shape in plan view, the planar shape of the substrate 40 is not particularly limited, and may be a square, a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0094] The material of the substrate 40 may be the same as that exemplified in embodiment 1. In the module 100, the material of the substrate 40 is preferably a biodegradable plastic material.

[0095] When viewed from the thickness direction Z of the substrate 40, the module 100 has at least one groove 42 provided in a region of the second main surface 40b that overlaps with a region in which the all-solid-state battery 51A is mounted. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, one groove 42 is formed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the substrate 40, and one groove 42 is formed parallel to the lateral direction of the substrate 40. Since the all-solid-state battery 51A deliquesces in water, if the groove 42 is formed in a region that overlaps with a region in which the all-solid-state battery 51A is mounted, the substrate 40 will be divided along the groove 42 after the module 100 is discarded and the all-solid-state battery 51A deliquesces.

[0096] The grooves 42 may be provided in a region other than the region overlapping with the region where the all-solid-state battery 51A is mounted. The grooves 42 may be provided on the first main surface 40a.

[0097] 11 and 12, the center of the all-solid-state battery 51A is located at the center in the longitudinal direction X of the substrate 40. The position of the all-solid-state battery 51A is not particularly limited.

[0098] The module 100 may further include a piezoelectric element 20, a receiving coil 50, a biometric information acquisition unit 52, and an A / D converter 53. When viewed from the Z direction, the module 100 is formed so that the groove 42 does not overlap with the piezoelectric element 20, the receiving coil 50, the biometric information acquisition unit 52, and the A / D converter 53. If the groove 42 is formed in a position that overlaps with the piezoelectric element 20, etc., and the piezoelectric element 20, etc., is not subdivided, the substrate 40 will not be subdivided either.

[0099] In Figures 11 and 12, the piezoelectric element 20, the receiving coil 50, the biometric information acquisition unit 52, and the A / D converter 53 are mounted on the first main surface 40a, but they may also be mounted on the second main surface 40b.

[0100] Seventh Embodiment Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the module shown in Fig. 13 .

[0101] The module of this embodiment includes a plurality of substrates and at least one all-solid-state battery connecting the plurality of substrates. The module 101 shown in Figures 13 and 14 includes three substrates 40 and two all-solid-state batteries 51A connecting them. The all-solid-state batteries 51A not only physically connect the plurality of substrates 40 but also electrically connect them. The connection between the all-solid-state batteries 51A and the substrates 40 can be achieved, for example, by connecting the external electrodes of the all-solid-state batteries 51A to the pads of the substrates 40 with solder.

[0102] Since the all-solid-state battery 51A deliquesces in water, after the module 101 is discarded and the all-solid-state battery 51A deliquesces, the plurality of substrates 40 are separated from each other and the module 101 is divided into pieces.

[0103] The module of this embodiment preferably further includes electronic components mounted on the substrates. In Figures 13 and 14, the module 101 has the piezoelectric element 20, the power receiving coil 50, and the IC 54 mounted as electronic components on the three substrates 40, respectively.

[0104] The piezoelectric element 20, the receiving coil 50, and the IC 54 are mounted on the first main surface 40a of the substrate 40. The all-solid-state battery 51A is mounted on the second main surface 40b of the substrate 40, and one all-solid-state battery 51A connects the two substrates 40. Some electronic components may be mounted on the second main surface 40b.

[0105] In Fig. 13 , the all-solid-state battery 51A connects the substrates 40 arranged adjacently in the X direction parallel to the XY plane, but as shown in Fig. 15 , the all-solid-state battery 51A may connect the substrates 40 arranged adjacently in the Y direction parallel to the XY plane. Fig. 15 is a plan view schematically showing another example of the module according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The all-solid-state battery 51A may connect the substrates 40 in the X direction and the Y direction, and in that case, one all-solid-state battery 51A may connect three or more substrates 40.

[0106] In the module 101, all of the electronic components and all of the all-solid-state batteries 51A may be mounted on the same first main surface 40a; however, it is preferable that the electronic components and the all-solid-state batteries 51A are mounted on different main surfaces, since this makes it easier to design the entire module smaller.

[0107] The planar shape of the substrate 40 is not particularly limited, and may be rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, or the like.

[0108] The material of the substrate 40 may be the same as that exemplified in embodiment 1. In the module 101, the material of the substrate 40 is preferably a biodegradable plastic material.

[0109] The substrate 40 may have a groove formed on the first major surface 40a or the second major surface 40b.

[0110] [Eighth Embodiment] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of an oral device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] The medication device of this embodiment is a medication device including the module of embodiment 6. The medication device 10E shown in Fig. 16 includes a housing 30, and a module 100 is disposed inside the housing 30. The medication device 10E has the same configuration as embodiment 1, except that it includes a module 100 instead of the board shown in embodiment 1 and the electronic components such as piezoelectric elements mounted on the board.

[0112] [Embodiment 9] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the internal structure of an oral device according to embodiment 9 of the present invention.

[0113] The medication device of this embodiment is a medication device including the module of embodiment 7. The medication device 10F shown in Fig. 17 includes a housing 30, and a module 101 is disposed inside the housing 30. The medication device 10F has the same configuration as embodiment 1, except that it includes a module 101 instead of the board shown in embodiment 1 and the electronic components such as piezoelectric elements mounted on the board.

[0114] The present specification discloses the following:

[0115] <1> A dosage device comprising: a housing; and a substrate disposed inside the housing, wherein at least one of the housing and the substrate comprises a biodegradable plastic material.

[0116] <2> The medication device described in <1>, further comprising a stress generating unit that generates stress in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the inner wall surface of the housing.

[0117] <3> The medication device according to <2>, wherein the stress generating unit is fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing.

[0118] <4> The medication device described in <2>, wherein the stress generating unit is fixed to the substrate.

[0119] <5> The medication device according to any one of <2> to <4>, wherein the stress generating section contains a substance that expands when it absorbs water.

[0120] <6> A medication device described in any one of <1> to <5>, wherein at least one groove is formed on the inner wall surface of the housing.

[0121] <7> A medication device described in any one of <1> to <6>, wherein at least one groove is formed in the substrate.

[0122] <8> The medication device described in <6>, further comprising a stress generating unit that generates stress in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the inner wall surface of the housing, the stress generating unit being fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing, and the groove of the housing being connected to the stress generating unit.

[0123] <9> The medication device described in <7>, further comprising a stress generating unit that generates stress in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the inner wall surface of the housing, the stress generating unit being fixed to the substrate, and the groove of the substrate being connected to the stress generating unit.

[0124] <10> The medication device according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the housing is made up of a plurality of members each containing a different material.

[0125] <11> The medication device described in any one of <1> to <10>, further comprising a power supply unit mounted on the substrate, wherein the power supply unit is an all-solid-state battery.

[0126] <12> A module comprising: a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface; and an all-solid-state battery mounted on the first main surface, wherein at least one groove is provided in a region of the second main surface that overlaps with a region where the all-solid-state battery is mounted, as viewed in a thickness direction of the substrate.

[0127] <13> A module comprising: a plurality of substrates; and at least one all-solid-state battery connecting the plurality of substrates.

[0128] <14> The module according to <13>, further comprising an electronic component mounted on the substrate.

[0129] <15> The module according to <14>, wherein the plurality of substrates have a first main surface and a second main surface, the electronic component is mounted on the first main surface, and the all-solid-state battery is mounted on the second main surface.

[0130] <16> The module according to any one of <13> to <15>, wherein the all-solid-state battery electrically connects a plurality of the substrates.

[0131] <17> The module according to any one of <12> to <16>, wherein the substrate contains a biodegradable plastic material.

[0132] <18> A medication device including the module according to any one of <12> to <17>.

[0133] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Ingestion device 20 Piezoelectric element 21 Vibration direction 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Housing 30a Inner wall surface of housing 30b Outer wall surface of housing 31 First member of housing 31a Inner wall surface of first member of housing 32 Second member of housing 40 Substrate 40a First main surface of substrate 40b Second main surface of substrate 42 Groove 50 Receiving coil 51 Power supply unit 51A All-solid-state battery 52 Biometric information acquisition unit 53 A / D converter 54 IC 60 Stress generation unit 100, 101 Module

Claims

1. A dosage device comprising: a housing; and a substrate disposed inside the housing, wherein at least one of the housing and the substrate comprises a biodegradable plastic material.

2. The medication device of claim 1, further comprising a stress generating section that generates stress in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the inner wall surface of the housing.

3. The medication device according to claim 2, wherein the stress generating portion is fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing.

4. The medication device of claim 2, wherein the stress generating portion is fixed to the substrate.

5. A medication device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the stress generating portion contains a substance that expands when it absorbs water.

6. A dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one groove is formed on the inner wall surface of the housing.

7. A dosing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the substrate has at least one groove formed therein.

8. The medication device of claim 6, further comprising a stress generating unit that generates stress in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the inner wall surface of the housing, the stress generating unit being fixed to the inner wall surface of the housing, and the groove of the housing being connected to the stress generating unit.

9. The medication device of claim 7, further comprising a stress generating unit that generates stress in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the inner wall surface of the housing, the stress generating unit being fixed to the substrate, and the groove of the substrate being connected to the stress generating unit.

10. A medication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing is made up of multiple members each containing a different material.

11. The medication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a power supply unit mounted on the substrate, wherein the power supply unit is an all-solid-state battery.

12. A module comprising: a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface; and an all-solid-state battery mounted on the first main surface, wherein at least one groove is provided in a region of the second main surface that overlaps with a region on which the all-solid-state battery is mounted, as viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate.

13. A module comprising: a plurality of substrates; and at least one all-solid-state battery connecting the plurality of substrates.

14. The module of claim 13, further comprising electronic components mounted on said substrate.

15. The module according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of substrates have a first main surface and a second main surface, the electronic components are mounted on the first main surface, and the all-solid-state battery is mounted on the second main surface.

16. The module according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the all-solid-state battery electrically connects a plurality of the substrates.

17. The module of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the substrate comprises a biodegradable plastic material.

18. A dosing device comprising a module according to any one of claims 12 to 17.

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