Electronic device and syringe

Abstract

This electronic device comprises: a housing; a contact portion that is positioned at a bottom portion of the housing and comes into contact with an object to be contacted; a sensor portion that is provided in the contact portion and includes a first piezoelectric body and a second piezoelectric body; and a determination portion. In a bottom view, the first piezoelectric body and the second piezoelectric body are disposed so as not to overlap each other. The sensor portion outputs a first output signal that changes according to deformation of the first piezoelectric body, and a second output signal that changes according to deformation of the second piezoelectric body. The determination portion determines, on the basis of the first output signal and the second output signal, whether or not the contact portion is in contact with the object to be contacted at an appropriate angle.

Description

Electronic device and syringe

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a syringe.

[0002] As a conventional invention related to a syringe, for example, a pen needle delivery device described in Patent Document 1 is known. The pen needle delivery device described in Patent Document 1 includes a dose knob / button, an outer sleeve, and a cap. The dose knob / button enables a user to set the dosage of the drug to be injected. The outer sleeve is gripped by the user when injecting the drug. The cap safely holds the pen needle delivery device.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7128814

[0004] For example, in the treatment of diabetes, insulin injections may need to be performed frequently, and in some cases, patients themselves may perform insulin injections instead of medical professionals such as doctors or nurses. In the case of insulin injections, it is necessary to insert the needle perpendicularly into the skin. Even for those who are not accustomed to handling syringes, there is a need for a syringe that can easily confirm whether the part of the syringe that contacts the skin is in proper contact with the skin at a proper angle before inserting the needle. However, when using the pen needle delivery device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for the user to confirm whether the part of the pen needle delivery device that contacts the skin (contact target) is in proper contact with the skin (contact target) at a proper angle.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a syringe that can easily confirm whether the part that contacts the contact target is in proper contact with the contact target at a proper angle.

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing; a contact portion located at the bottom of the housing and in contact with an object to be contacted; a sensor portion provided at the contact portion and including a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element; and a determination unit, wherein, in a bottom view, the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element are arranged so as not to overlap each other; the sensor portion outputs a first output signal that changes due to the deformation of the first piezoelectric element and a second output signal that changes due to the deformation of the second piezoelectric element; and the determination unit determines, based on the first output signal and the second output signal, whether the contact portion is in contact with the object to be contacted at an appropriate angle.

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing; a contact portion located at the bottom of the housing and in contact with an object to be contacted; a holding member provided within the housing and supported by the housing; a sensor portion provided within the housing and held by the holding member; a determination unit; and a transmission unit supported by the housing, wherein the sensor portion includes a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element; the sensor portion outputs a first output signal that changes due to the deformation of the first piezoelectric element and a second output signal that changes due to the deformation of the second piezoelectric element; the transmission unit includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the bottom; the first transmission member deforms the first piezoelectric element when it receives a force from the object to be contacted; the second transmission member deforms the second piezoelectric element when it receives a force from the object to be contacted; and the determination unit determines, based on the first output signal and the second output signal, whether the contact portion is in contact with the object to be contacted at an appropriate angle.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is easy to confirm whether the part that contacts the object being contacted is in contact with the object at the correct angle.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the syringe 100. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the syringe 100 during injection. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first piezoelectric element 32. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second piezoelectric element 33. Figure 6 is a block diagram of the electronic device 1. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the sensor portion 3 in contact with the skin parallel to the skin. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 when the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to the skin. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the sensor portion 3 not in contact with the skin parallel to the skin. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 when the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin parallel to the skin. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the first output signal OS1, the first integral value IOS1, the second output signal OS2 and the second integral value IOS2 when the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to the skin. Figure 12 shows an example of the first output signal OS1, first integral value IOS1, second output signal OS2, and second integral value IOS2 when the contact portion CP does not contact the skin parallel to it. Figure 13 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP according to a second modified example. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the syringe 100c. Figure 15 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 related to the syringe 100c. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the syringe 100d. Figure 17 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 related to the syringe 100d. Figure 18 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 related to the syringe 100e. Figure 19 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP related to the syringe 100e. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the syringe 100e during injection. Figure 21 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 related to the syringe 100f. Figure 22 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP of syringe 100f. Figure 23 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 of syringe 100g. Figure 24 is a perspective view of syringe 100h. Figure 25 is a side view of syringe 100h. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram showing syringe 100h during injection. Figure 27 is a side view of syringe 100i. Figure 28 is a perspective view of syringe 100j. Figure 29 is a perspective view of laser irradiator 200.

[0010] [First Embodiment] Below, an electronic device 1 and a syringe 100 equipped with the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in each figure, wiring and the like have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of syringe 100. Hereafter, the direction from the top to the bottom of syringe 100 will be referred to as downward, and the direction from the bottom to the top of syringe 100 will be referred to as upward. Syringe 100 is, for example, an insulin syringe. Syringe 100 is used in the treatment of diabetes. The patient uses syringe 100 to replenish the deficient insulin from outside the body, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the syringe 100 comprises an electronic device 1, a cartridge 101, a needle 102, an injection button 103, a dial 104, and a cap 105. The electronic device 1 comprises a housing 2, a sensor unit 3, a determination unit 4, and an LED 5. In this embodiment, the syringe 100 is a cartridge-replaceable insulin syringe. The cartridge 101 contains the drug solution. The patient places the cartridge 101 inside the housing 2 beforehand and uses the syringe 100. Note that the syringe 100 is not limited to a cartridge-replaceable insulin syringe, but may also be a disposable insulin syringe. In the case of a disposable insulin syringe, the cartridge containing the drug solution is pre-installed inside the housing.

[0013] In this embodiment, the housing 2 is cylindrical in shape and extends in the vertical direction. The housing 2 has a bottom portion T1 and a top portion T2.

[0014] Furthermore, the entire housing 2 does not necessarily have to extend in the vertical direction; only a part of the housing 2 may extend in the vertical direction. Also, the housing 2 is not limited to a cylindrical shape; for example, it may be rectangular or other shapes.

[0015] The needle 102 extends downward from the bottom T1 of the housing 2. The needle 102 is very thin and long enough to reach the patient's subcutaneous tissue during injection.

[0016] The injection button 103 is located on the top surface T2 of the housing 2. The injection button 103 has a spring (not shown) inside and can be pressed downwards. When the patient presses the injection button 103 downwards, the liquid medicine in the cartridge 101 is released from the tip of the needle 102. By pre-adjusting the dial 104, the patient can adjust the amount of liquid medicine released (dosage).

[0017] The cap 105 is capable of housing the bottom T1 of the housing 2 and the needle 102. When the syringe 100 is not in use, the bottom T1 of the housing 2 and the needle 102 are protected by housing them in the cap 105.

[0018] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the syringe 100 during injection. As shown in Figure 2, the needle 102 is inserted perpendicularly into the patient's skin. At this time, the bottom surface of the housing 2 must be in contact with the skin at an appropriate angle. An appropriate angle is, for example, a state in which the flat contact area CP and the skin are parallel. More specifically, the housing 2 includes a contact area CP that contacts the skin (the object to be contacted). The contact area CP is located at the bottom T1 of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the contact area CP is a flat surface and is the bottom surface of the housing 2. During injection, the contact area CP contacts the skin parallel to it. Figure 2 shows the state in which the contact area CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it. Note that the contact area CP does not necessarily need to be perfectly parallel to the skin during injection; it may contact the skin within a range of approximately ±5 degrees. In this embodiment, the contact area CP is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. For curved surfaces, the appropriate angle is when the angle between the tangent plane at the point where the curved surface protrudes most downwards and the surface is within a range of approximately ±5 degrees.

[0019] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP. As shown in Figure 3, the sensor portion 3 is provided on the contact portion CP of the housing 2. The sensor portion 3 includes a base material 31, a first piezoelectric element 32, and a second piezoelectric element 33. The base material 31 is flat and flexible. The material of the base material 31 is, for example, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). The base material 31 is attached to the contact portion CP. When viewed from above, the base material 31 is rectangular. When viewed from above, the needle 102 is provided at the center CPO of the contact portion CP, and a hole is provided in the center of the base material 31 for the needle 102 to be exposed.

[0020] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the first piezoelectric element 32. Hereinafter, the width direction (vertical direction) of the first piezoelectric element 32 will be described as the front-to-back direction, and the length direction (horizontal direction) will be described as the left-to-right direction. In this embodiment, the thickness direction (height direction) corresponds to the up-and-down direction.

[0021] The first piezoelectric element 32 is a flat film. As shown in Figure 4, the first piezoelectric element 32 is rectangular in shape when viewed in the vertical direction, with a long side extending in the left-right direction and a short side extending in the front-back direction. The first piezoelectric element 32 includes a piezoelectric film 321, a signal electrode 322, and a reference electrode 323.

[0022] The piezoelectric film 321 is in the shape of a flat film. The piezoelectric film 321 has opposing first main surface MS1 and second main surface MS2. The first main surface MS1 is located on top of the second main surface MS2. When viewed in the vertical direction, the piezoelectric film 321 is rectangular in shape, having a long side extending in the left-right direction and a short side extending in the front-back direction. The piezoelectric film 321 is an example of the first piezoelectric body according to the present invention. Note that the first piezoelectric body according to the present invention does not have to be in the shape of a flat film.

[0023] The piezoelectric film 321 becomes polarized due to deformation, generating a voltage between the first main surface MS1 and the second main surface MS2. The voltage generated between the first main surface MS1 and the second main surface MS2 depends on the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric film 321.

[0024] The piezoelectric film 321 contains a piezoelectric material, such as a chiral polymer. The chiral polymer is, for example, polylactic acid (PLA) such as L-type polylactic acid (PLLA) and D-type polylactic acid (PDLA). The main chain of PLA has a helical structure. PLA has piezoelectric properties when its molecules are oriented by uniaxial stretching. The piezoelectric film 321 has a piezoelectric constant of d14.

[0025] The PLA is stretched in a first stretching direction OD1. The first stretching direction OD1 of the PLA forms a 45-degree angle with respect to both the left-right and front-back directions. Note that 45 degrees may be within a range of approximately 45 degrees ± 10 degrees. The piezoelectric film 321 generates a voltage between the first main surface MS1 and the second main surface MS2 when stretched or compressed in the left-right or front-back direction. The polarity of the voltage generated by stretching in the left-right direction is opposite to the polarity of the voltage generated by compression in the left-right direction.

[0026] The signal electrode 322 is conductive. The material of the signal electrode 322 is, for example, copper. The signal electrode 322 is provided on the first main surface MS1 of the piezoelectric film 321. The signal electrode 322 covers the entire first main surface MS1. The signal electrode 322 functions as a signal electrode for outputting the voltage generated by the piezoelectric film 321 as a first output signal OS1. The first output signal OS1 changes due to the deformation of the piezoelectric film 321. Note that the signal electrode 322 does not necessarily have to cover the entire first main surface MS1.

[0027] The reference electrode 323 is conductive. The material of the reference electrode 323 is, for example, copper. The reference electrode 323 is provided on the second main surface MS2 of the piezoelectric film 321. The reference electrode 323 covers the entire second main surface MS2. By being connected to the ground potential, the reference electrode 323 functions as a reference electrode and a shielding conductor. Note that the reference electrode 323 does not necessarily have to cover the entire second main surface MS2.

[0028] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the second piezoelectric element 33. The second piezoelectric element 33 is a flat film. As shown in Figure 5, the second piezoelectric element 33 has a piezoelectric film 331, a signal electrode 332, and a reference electrode 333. The piezoelectric film 331 is a flat film. The piezoelectric film 331 has opposing third main surface MS3 and fourth main surface MS4. The signal electrode 332 is provided on the third main surface MS3. The signal electrode 332 functions as a signal electrode for outputting the voltage generated by the piezoelectric film 331 as a second output signal OS2. The second output signal OS2 changes due to the deformation of the piezoelectric film 331. The reference electrode 333 is provided on the fourth main surface MS4. The piezoelectric film 331 is an example of the second piezoelectric body according to the present invention. Note that the second piezoelectric body according to the present invention does not have to be a flat film. Note that since the second piezoelectric element 33 has the same structure as the first piezoelectric element 32, a detailed explanation is omitted. However, the second stretching direction OD2 of the PLA in the piezoelectric film 331 does not have to be in the same direction as the first stretching direction OD1 of the PLA in the piezoelectric film 321.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from above, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are arranged so as not to overlap each other. Each of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the directions in which the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 extend are parallel to each other. Also, when viewed from above, the center CPO of the contact portion CP is located between the piezoelectric film 321 and the piezoelectric film 331. Note that viewing from above corresponds to viewing from below according to the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 do not necessarily have to extend in directions perpendicular to the vertical direction. Also, the directions in which the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 extend do not necessarily have to be parallel to each other. Moreover, when viewed from above, the center CPO of the contact portion CP does not necessarily have to be located between the piezoelectric film 321 and the piezoelectric film 331.

[0031] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the electronic device 1. As shown in Figure 6, the sensor unit 3 outputs a first output signal OS1 and a second output signal OS2. The first output signal OS1 is output from the signal electrode 322 and the reference electrode 323. The second output signal OS2 is output from the signal electrode 332 and the reference electrode 333. The determination unit 4 receives the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2. Based on the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2, the determination unit 4 determines whether the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it. The determination unit 4 is, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The method for determining whether the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it will be described later.

[0032] When the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the skin, the LED 5 provided on the outer surface OUS2 of the housing 2 lights up. When the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is not in contact parallel to the skin, the LED 5 turns off. The LED 5 notifies the patient whether or not the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the skin by lighting up and turning off. The LED 5 is an example of a notification unit according to the present invention. Note that the notification unit according to the present invention is not limited to the LED 5, but may also be a sound-emitting means such as a buzzer or a vibration means such as a vibrator. The patient corresponds to the user according to the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the LED 5 may light up if the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin parallel to it, and the LED 5 may turn off if the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it.

[0034] For example, if the notification unit according to the present invention is a sound-producing means, the notification unit emits a sound when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is in contact parallel to the skin. The notification unit does not emit a sound when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is not in contact parallel to the skin. However, the notification unit may emit a sound when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is not in contact parallel to the skin, and may not emit a sound when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is in contact parallel to the skin.

[0035] For example, if the notification unit according to the present invention is a vibration means, the notification unit vibrates when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is in contact parallel to the skin. The notification unit does not vibrate when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is not in contact parallel to the skin. However, the notification unit may vibrate when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is not in contact parallel to the skin, and may not vibrate when the determination unit 4 determines that the contact part CP is in contact parallel to the skin.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the sensor unit 3 in contact with the skin parallel to it. Note that in Figure 7, the needle 102 and the base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. As shown in Figure 7, when the sensor unit 3 is in contact with the skin parallel to it, both the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 are in contact with the skin. In this state, by pressing the contact part CP against the skin, the contact part CP can be made to be in contact with the skin parallel to it. Both the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 receive an upward force from the skin. As a result, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 each deform upward. At this time, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 each generate a voltage.

[0037] Figure 8 shows an example of the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 when the contact area CP is in contact parallel to the skin. In Figure 8, the horizontal axis is time t, and the vertical axis is the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2. When the contact area CP is in contact parallel to the skin, as shown in Figure 8, the first output signal OS1 has a peak value POS1. The second output signal OS2 has a peak value POS2. In this embodiment, the peak value POS1 is equal to the peak value POS2. The determination unit 4 calculates the peak value POS1 of the first output signal OS1 and the peak value POS2 of the second output signal OS2.

[0038] In this embodiment, the determination unit 4 uses peak value POS2 as the reference peak value and peak value POS1 as the comparison peak value when peak value POS2 is equal to or greater than peak value POS1. At this time, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is in contact parallel to the skin if peak value POS2 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold TH2 and peak value POS1 is within a predetermined range relative to peak value POS2. The predetermined range is, for example, ±10% of peak value POS2. In the example shown in Figures 7 and 8, since peak value POS2 is equal to or greater than threshold TH2, peak value POS1 is equal to peak value POS2, and is within ±10% of peak value POS2, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is in contact parallel to the skin. Therefore, the LED 5 lights up. This allows the patient to confirm that the contact area CP is in contact parallel to the skin.

[0039] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the sensor unit 3 is not in contact with the skin parallel to the skin. Note that in Figure 9, the needle 102 and the base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. In this embodiment, the state in which the sensor unit 3 is not in contact with the skin parallel to the skin refers to a state in which the sensor unit 3 is in contact with the skin but not parallel to it, and does not include a state in which neither the first piezoelectric element 32 nor the second piezoelectric element 33 is in contact with the skin.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9, when the sensor unit 3 is not in contact with the skin parallel to it, only one of the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 will be in contact with the skin. In this embodiment, the first piezoelectric element 32 is not in contact with the skin, and only the second piezoelectric element 33 is in contact with the skin. In this state, even if the contact part CP is pressed against the skin, the contact part CP3 will not be in contact with the skin parallel to it. Therefore, the first piezoelectric element 32 does not receive any force from the skin, while the second piezoelectric element 33 receives an upward force from the skin. As the second piezoelectric element 33 receives an upward force from the skin, the piezoelectric film 331 deforms upward and generates a voltage. On the other hand, since the first piezoelectric element 32 does not receive any force from the skin, the piezoelectric film 321 does not deform and does not generate a voltage.

[0041] Figure 10 shows an example of the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 when the contact portion CP is not in contact parallel to the skin. In Figure 10, the horizontal axis is time t, and the vertical axis is the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2. Since the piezoelectric film 321 does not generate voltage, the first output signal OS1 remains zero, as shown in Figure 10. On the other hand, the second output signal OS2 has a peak value POS2. In the example shown in Figures 9 and 10, since the peak value POS1 is outside the ±10% range of the peak value POS2, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is not in contact parallel to the skin. Therefore, the LED 5 is off.

[0042] When both the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 are in contact with the skin, the first output signal OS1 has a peak value POS1, and the second output signal OS2 has a peak value POS2. Even in this case, if the contact area CP is not in contact parallel to the skin, one peak value will be smaller than the other. For example, if the peak value POS2 is smaller than the peak value POS1, and the peak value POS2 is less than the threshold TH2, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is not in contact parallel to the skin. For example, if the peak value POS1 is smaller than the peak value POS2, and the peak value POS2 is greater than or equal to the threshold TH2, if the peak value POS1 is outside the ±10% range of the peak value POS2, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is not in contact parallel to the skin.

[0043] Furthermore, due to differences in the shape and arrangement of the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33, the peak value POS1 may differ from the peak value POS2. Also, the time at which the first output signal OS1 reaches its peak value POS1 does not have to coincide with the time at which the second output signal OS2 reaches its peak value POS2. In addition, the predetermined range is not limited to ±10% of the peak value POS2.

[0044] In addition, when the peak value POS1 is greater than or equal to the peak value POS2, the determination unit 4 may use the peak value POS1 as the reference peak value and the peak value POS2 as the comparison peak value. In this case, when the peak value POS1 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold value TH1 and the peak value POS2 is within a predetermined range with respect to the peak value POS1, the determination unit 4 may determine that the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin.

[0045] According to the electronic device 1, it becomes possible to easily confirm whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the patient's skin (contact target). More specifically, the sensor unit 3 including the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 is provided in the contact portion CP. In a bottom view, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are arranged so as not to overlap each other. If the contact portion CP is not in parallel contact with the skin, only one of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 contacts the skin and is deformed. If the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin, both of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 contact the skin and are deformed. The determination unit 4 can determine whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin based on the first output signal OS1 that changes due to the deformation of the piezoelectric film 321 and the second output signal OS2 that changes due to the deformation of the piezoelectric film 321. As a result, according to the electronic device 1, it becomes possible to easily confirm whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the patient's skin.

[0046] Also, in a bottom view, the center CPO of the contact portion CP is located between the piezoelectric film 321 and the piezoelectric film 331. Therefore, the determination unit 4 determines whether or not a wider portion of the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin, not just a part of the contact portion CP. As a result, according to the electronic device 1, the determination unit 4 can accurately determine whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin.

[0047] In addition, the electronic device 1 includes an LED 5 that notifies the patient whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the patient's skin. Thereby, the patient can easily confirm whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin.

[0048] Further, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are each in a flat film shape. Therefore, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are thin and easily deformable. Thereby, the sensitivity of the sensor unit 3 can be improved.

[0049] Further, when the peak value POS2 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value TH2 and the peak value POS1 is within a predetermined range with respect to the peak value POS2, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin. When both the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 contact the skin, the first output signal OS1 has a peak value POS1, and the second output signal OS2 has a peak value POS2. Even in this case, if the contact portion CP is not in parallel contact with the skin, one peak value becomes smaller than the other peak value. For example, when the peak value POS2 is smaller than the peak value POS1, if the peak value POS2 is less than the threshold value TH2, the determination unit 4 can determine that the contact portion CP is not in parallel contact with the skin. For example, when the peak value POS1 is smaller than the peak value POS2, even if the peak value POS2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH2, if the peak value POS1 is outside the range of ±10% of the peak value POS2, the determination unit 4 can determine that the contact portion CP is not in parallel contact with the skin. Therefore, the determination unit 4 can accurately determine whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin.

[0050] Further, the electronic device 1 is used for the syringe 100 handled by the patient himself / herself. The patient is not necessarily a person who is accustomed to handling a syringe like a medical worker such as a doctor or a nurse. By using the syringe 100, the patient can easily confirm whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin. Therefore, by using the syringe 100, even a person who is not accustomed to handling a syringe can easily confirm whether or not the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the patient's skin before inserting the needle 102, which makes it easier to perform an injection correctly.

[0051] Furthermore, the determination unit 4 may determine the contact angle between the contact portion CP and the skin, not limited to whether the contact portion CP is in parallel contact with the skin, based on the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2. In this case, the notification unit according to the present invention may be a liquid crystal panel or the like that displays the contact angle between the contact portion CP and the skin determined by the determination unit 4.

[0052] [First Modification] Below, an electronic device 1a and a syringe 100a equipped with the electronic device 1a according to the first modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 11 shows an example of the first output signal OS1, first integral value IOS1, second output signal OS2, and second integral value IOS2 when the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the skin. Figure 12 shows an example of the first output signal OS1, first integral value IOS1, second output signal OS2, and second integral value IOS2 when the contact portion CP is not in contact parallel to the skin. In Figures 11 and 12, the horizontal axis is time t, and the vertical axis is the first output signal OS1, first integral value IOS1, second output signal OS2, and second integral value IOS2. Note that only the parts of the electronic device 1a and syringe 100a that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0053] Electronic device 1a differs from electronic device 1 in that it has a different method for determining whether or not the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it.

[0054] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 11, the determination unit 4 integrates the first output signal OS1 to calculate the first integral value IOS1. The determination unit 4 also integrates the second output signal OS2 to calculate the second integral value IOS2. In this modified example, the first integral value IOS1 is equal to the second integral value IOS2. If the second integral value IOS2 is greater than or equal to the first integral value IOS1, the determination unit 4 uses the second integral value IOS2 as the reference integral value and the first integral value IOS1 as the comparison value. At this time, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the skin if the second integral value IOS2 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold TH4 and the first integral value IOS1 is within a predetermined range relative to the second integral value IOS2. The predetermined range is, for example, ±10% of the second integral value IOS2. In the example shown in Figure 11, the second integral value IOS2 is greater than or equal to the threshold TH4, and the first integral value IOS1 is equal to the second integral value IOS2 and within ±10% of the second integral value IOS2. Therefore, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it. Accordingly, the LED 5 lights up. This allows the patient to confirm that the contact portion CP is in contact with their skin parallel to it.

[0055] Since the piezoelectric film 321 does not generate voltage, the first output signal OS1 remains zero, as shown in Figure 12. Consequently, the first integral value IOS1 also remains zero. On the other hand, the second integral value IOS2 increases over time. In the example shown in Figure 12, since the first integral value IOS1 is outside the ±10% range of the second integral value IOS2, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is not in parallel contact with the skin. Consequently, the LED 5 is off.

[0056] When both the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 are in contact with the skin, the first integral value IOS1 and the second integral value IOS2 will each increase over time. Even in this case, if the contact area CP is not in contact parallel to the skin, one integral value will be smaller than the other. For example, if the second integral value IOS2 is smaller than the first integral value IOS1, and the second integral value IOS2 is less than the threshold TH4, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is not in contact parallel to the skin. For example, if the first integral value IOS1 is smaller than the second integral value IOS2, and the second integral value IOS2 is greater than or equal to the threshold TH4, if the first integral value IOS1 is outside the ±10% range of the second integral value IOS2, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is not in contact parallel to the skin.

[0057] Furthermore, due to differences in the shape and arrangement of the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33, the first integral value IOS1 may differ from the second integral value IOS2. Also, the predetermined range is not limited to ±10% of the second integral value IOS2.

[0058] Furthermore, the determination unit 4 may use the first integral value IOS1 as the reference integral value and the second integral value IOS2 as the comparison integral value if the first integral value IOS1 is greater than or equal to the second integral value IOS2. In this case, the determination unit 4 may determine that the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the skin if the first integral value IOS1 is greater than or equal to a preset threshold TH3 and the second integral value IOS2 is within a predetermined range relative to the first integral value IOS1.

[0059] The same effect is achieved in electronic device 1a. Furthermore, in electronic device 1a, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the object being contacted if one of the integral values ​​of the first integral value IOS1 and the second integral value IOS2 is greater than or equal to the integral value of the other, using one integral value as the reference integral value and the other integral value as the comparison integral value, and if the reference integral value is greater than or equal to a preset threshold and the comparison integral value is within a predetermined range relative to the reference integral value. Even if the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 contain random noise, the average value of the random noise is approximately zero, so by integrating the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 respectively, the occurrence of misjudgments due to random noise can be suppressed. Accordingly, with electronic device 1a, the determination unit 4 can determine with greater accuracy whether or not the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the skin.

[0060] [Second Modification] Below, an electronic device 1b and a syringe 100b equipped with the electronic device 1b according to a second modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 13 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP according to the second modification. Note that only the parts of the electronic device 1b and syringe 100b that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0061] Electronic device 1b differs from electronic device 1 in that it has two base materials 31, as shown in Figure 13. In other words, the base materials 31 do not necessarily have holes.

[0062] Electronic device 1b produces the same effect as electronic device 1.

[0063] [Third Modification] Below, an electronic device 1c and a syringe 100c equipped with the electronic device 1c according to a third modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the syringe 100c. Note that in Figure 14, the cap 105 is omitted for the sake of clarity. Figure 15 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 related to the syringe 100c. Note that in Figure 15, the needle 102 and the base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Only the parts of the electronic device 1c and syringe 100c that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100 will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0064] As shown in Figure 14, electronic device 1c differs from electronic device 1 in the shape of the bottom T1 of the housing 2.

[0065] As shown in Figure 15, in this modified example, the contact portion CP has a shape that protrudes downward. In this modified example, the contact portion CP is curved so as to protrude downward. The piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are each provided on the contact portion CP in a state where they are stretched from their natural length by tension. In this modified example, the left portions of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are each provided on the contact portion CP in a state where they are stretched to the left from their natural length by tension along the contact portion CP. Also, the right portions of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are each provided on the contact portion CP in a state where they are stretched to the right from their natural length by tension along the contact portion CP. Note that the direction in which the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 stretch from their natural length by tension is not limited to these directions.

[0066] The central portion C321 of the piezoelectric film 321 is located below the left end L321 and the right end R321 of the piezoelectric film 321. Similarly, the central portion C331 of the piezoelectric film 331 is located below the left end L331 and the right end R331 of the piezoelectric film 331. In this modified example, the second piezoelectric element 33 overlaps with the first piezoelectric element 32 when viewed in the front-to-back direction, but the second piezoelectric element 33 does not necessarily have to overlap with the first piezoelectric element 32 when viewed in the front-to-back direction.

[0067] The same effect is achieved in electronic device 1c as in electronic device 1. Furthermore, electronic device 1c can suppress differences in the polarity of the voltage generated by the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 due to differences in the contact points between the contact point CP and the skin. More specifically, if the deformation direction of the piezoelectric film 321 differs due to differences in the contact points between the contact point CP and the skin, differences in the polarity of the voltage generated by the piezoelectric film 321 may occur, making it difficult to use the voltage signal generated by the piezoelectric film 321 for various control signals. Similarly, if the deformation direction of the piezoelectric film 331 differs due to differences in the contact points between the contact point CP and the skin, differences in the polarity of the voltage generated by the piezoelectric film 331 may occur, making it difficult to use the voltage signal generated by the piezoelectric film 331 for various control signals.

[0068] Therefore, in the electronic device 1c, the contact portion CP has a shape that protrudes downward. The piezoelectric film 321 is provided on the contact portion CP in a state stretched from its natural length by tension. The central portion C321 of the piezoelectric film 321 is located below the left end portion L321 and the right end portion R321 of the piezoelectric film 321. Therefore, when the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin, the piezoelectric film 321 is deformed to protrude upward. Similarly, the piezoelectric film 331 is also provided on the contact portion CP in a state stretched from its natural length by tension. The central portion C331 of the piezoelectric film 331 is also located below the left end portion L331 and the right end portion R331 of the piezoelectric film 331. Therefore, when the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin, the piezoelectric film 331 is also deformed to protrude upward.

[0069] During injection, even if the center of the contact area CP comes into contact with the skin, the deformation direction of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 remains upward. Similarly, even if the left or right side of the contact area CP comes into contact with the skin, the deformation direction of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 remains upward. Therefore, even if the contact point between the contact area CP and the skin differs, the deformation direction of the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 remains upward. As a result, the electronic device 1c can suppress differences in the polarity of the voltage generated by the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 due to differences in the contact point between the contact area CP and the skin.

[0070] [Fourth Modification] Below, an electronic device 1d and a syringe 100d equipped with the electronic device 1d according to a fourth modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the syringe 100d. Note that in Figure 16, the cap 105 is omitted for the sake of clarity. Figure 17 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 related to the syringe 100d. Note that in Figure 17, the needle 102 and the base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Only the parts of the electronic device 1d and syringe 100d that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0071] As shown in Figure 16, the electronic device 1d differs from the electronic device 1 in the shape of the bottom T1 of the housing 2.

[0072] As shown in Figure 17, in this modified example, as in the third modified example, the contact portion CP has a shape that protrudes downward. In this modified example, the contact portion CP is bent so as to protrude downward. The way in which the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are attached to the contact portion CP in this modified example is the same as in the third modified example, so a description is omitted.

[0073] The same effect is achieved in electronic device 1d as in electronic device 1. Furthermore, with electronic device 1d, similar to electronic device 1c, it is possible to suppress differences in the polarity of the voltage generated by the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 due to differences in the contact points between the contact area CP and the skin.

[0074] [Fifth Modification] Below, an electronic device 1e and a syringe 100e equipped with the electronic device 1e according to the fifth modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 18 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 of the syringe 100e. Note that in Figure 18, the needle 102 and base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Figure 19 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP of the syringe 100e. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the syringe 100e during injection. Note that in Figure 20, the needle 102 and base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Only the parts of the electronic device 1e and syringe 100 that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0075] As shown in Figure 18, electronic device 1e differs from electronic device 1 in the shape of the bottom T1 of the housing 2.

[0076] In this modified example, the contact portion CP has a shape that protrudes downward. In this modified example, the contact portion CP is bent so as to protrude downward. The entire first piezoelectric element 32 is located above the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP. Therefore, the entire piezoelectric film 321 of the first piezoelectric element 32 is located above the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP. Similarly, the entire second piezoelectric element 33 is also located above the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP. Therefore, the entire piezoelectric film 331 of the second piezoelectric element 33 is also located above the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP.

[0077] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 19, the base material 31 is annular in shape, surrounding the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP.

[0078] As shown in Figure 20, during injection, the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP first comes into contact with the skin. At this time, the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 are not in contact with the skin. Therefore, the piezoelectric film 321 of the first piezoelectric element 32 and the piezoelectric film 331 of the second piezoelectric element 33 do not deform and do not generate voltage. The determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin parallel to it. Therefore, the LED 5 is off.

[0079] The patient confirms that LED 5 is off and realizes that the contact area CP is not in parallel contact with the skin. Therefore, the patient presses the lower end E1 of the contact area CP further against the skin. As a result, a portion of the skin in contact with the lower end E1 of the contact area CP sinks in, and the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 come into contact with the skin. As a result, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 deform upward. Consequently, if the contact area CP is in parallel contact with the skin, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 each generate a voltage, and the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is in parallel contact with the skin. As a result, LED 5 lights up. Thus, the patient can confirm that the contact area CP is in parallel contact with the skin.

[0080] The same effect is achieved in electronic device 1e as in electronic device 1. Furthermore, in electronic device 1e, the entire piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are located above the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP. Therefore, even if the patient applies weak force to the contact portion CP against their skin, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 do not deform. Consequently, the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin parallel to it, and the LED 5 is turned off.

[0081] The patient confirms that LED 5 is off and recognizes that the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin parallel to it. Therefore, the patient increases the force with which they press the lower end E1 of the contact portion CP against their skin. If the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 will deform, and the determination unit 4 will determine that the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it. Thus, according to the electronic device 1e, the patient applies a relatively large force to the contact portion CP against their skin. This stabilizes the position of the housing 2 during injection. Consequently, the operation of the sensor unit 3 becomes stable. As a result, according to the electronic device 1e, the determination unit 4 can determine with greater accuracy whether or not the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it.

[0082] [Sixth Modification] Below, an electronic device 1f and a syringe 100f equipped with the electronic device 1f according to the sixth modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 21 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 of the syringe 100f. Note that in Figure 18, the needle 102 and the base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Figure 22 is a bottom view of the contact portion CP of the syringe 100f. Note that only the parts of the electronic device 1f and syringe 100f that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0083] As shown in Figure 21, the electronic device 1f differs from the electronic device 1 in the shape of the bottom T1 of the housing 2.

[0084] In this modified example, as in the fifth modified example, the contact portion CP has a shape that protrudes downward. In this modified example, the contact portion CP has a slope. The piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are provided on the slope of the contact portion CP.

[0085] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 22, a hole is provided in the center of the substrate 31 for the needle 102 to be exposed. The way in which the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are provided on the contact portion CP in this modified example is the same as in the fifth modified example, so a description is omitted.

[0086] Electronic device 1f achieves the same effect as electronic device 1. Furthermore, with electronic device 1f, the posture of the housing 2 during injection is stabilized, similar to electronic device 1e. Consequently, with electronic device 1f, the operation of the sensor unit 3 is stabilized, and the determination unit 4 can more accurately determine whether the contact unit CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it.

[0087] [Seventh Modification] Below, an electronic device 1g and a syringe 100g equipped with the electronic device 1g according to the seventh modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 23 is a side view of the bottom T1 of the housing 2 of the syringe 100g. Note that in Figure 22, the needle 102 and the base material 31 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Only the parts of the electronic device 1g and syringe 100g that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0088] As shown in Figure 23, electronic device 1g differs from electronic device 1 in the shape of the bottom T1 of the housing 2.

[0089] In this modified example, as in the fifth modified example, the contact portion CP has a shape that protrudes downward. In this modified example, the contact portion CP is curved so as to protrude downward. The way in which the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are attached to the contact portion CP in this modified example is the same as in the fifth modified example, so a description is omitted.

[0090] Electronic device 1g also produces the same effect as electronic device 1. Furthermore, with electronic device 1g, the posture of the housing 2 during injection is stabilized, similar to electronic device 1e. Consequently, with electronic device 1g, the operation of the sensor unit 3 is stable, and the determination unit 4 can more accurately determine whether the contact unit CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it.

[0091] [Second Embodiment] Below, an electronic device 1h and a syringe 100h equipped with the electronic device 1h according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the syringe 100h. Note that in Figure 24, the cap 105 is omitted for the sake of clarity. Figure 25 is a side view of the syringe 100h. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram showing the syringe 100h during injection. Note that in Figures 25 and 26, the cartridge 101 and needle 102 are omitted for the sake of clarity. Only the parts of the electronic device 1h and syringe 100h that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0092] Electronic device 1h differs from electronic device 1 in that it further includes a holding member 6 and a transmission unit 7, as shown in Figure 24.

[0093] As shown in Figure 25, the retaining member 6 is provided inside the housing 2. The retaining member 6 is also supported on the inner surface of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the retaining member 6 is plate-shaped and has opposing upper and lower main surfaces. However, the shape of the retaining member 6 is not limited to a plate shape.

[0094] The sensor unit 3 is located inside the housing 2. The sensor unit 3 is also supported by the holding member 6. In this embodiment, the first piezoelectric element 32 and the second piezoelectric element 33 are each located on the lower main surface of the holding member 6. In a bottom view, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are arranged so as not to overlap each other.

[0095] The transmission unit 7 is supported by the housing 2. The transmission unit 7 includes a first transmission member 71 and a second transmission member 72. The first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72 are each supported by the housing 2. The first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72 are each rod-shaped and extend in the vertical direction. In a bottom view, the first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72 are arranged so as not to overlap each other. In this embodiment, the first transmission member 71 is located below the first piezoelectric element 32. The second transmission member 72 is located below the second piezoelectric element 33. As shown in Figure 24, in a bottom view, the center CPO of the contact portion CP is located between the first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72.

[0096] In this embodiment, the first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72 are each rigid bodies and are movable along the vertical direction. When the syringe 100h is not in use, the upper end of the first transmission member 71 is located below the first piezoelectric element 32 and is not in contact with the first piezoelectric element 32. The lower end of the first transmission member 71 is located below the contact portion CP of the housing 2 and is exposed from the housing 2.

[0097] Similarly, in this embodiment, when the syringe 100h is not in use, the upper end of the second transmission member 72 is located below the second piezoelectric element 33 and is not in contact with the second piezoelectric element 33. Also, the lower end of the second transmission member 72 is located below the contact portion CP of the housing 2 and is exposed from the housing 2.

[0098] The first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72 may each be elastic and deformable along the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the syringe 100h is not in use, the upper end of the first transmission member 71 may be in contact with the first piezoelectric element 32. Also, when the syringe 100h is not in use, the upper end of the second transmission member 72 may be in contact with the second piezoelectric element 33.

[0099] As shown in Figure 26, during injection, the lower ends of the first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72 first come into contact with the skin. When the patient presses the lower ends of the first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72 against the skin, the first transmission member 71 receives an upward force F1 from the skin, causing the upper end of the first transmission member 71 to move upward and come into contact with the first piezoelectric element 32. The second transmission member 72 also receives an upward force F2 from the skin, causing the upper end of the second transmission member 72 to move upward and come into contact with the second piezoelectric element 33. As a result, the first transmission member 71 deforms the piezoelectric film 321 of the first piezoelectric element 32 upward. The second transmission member 72 also deforms the piezoelectric film 331 of the second piezoelectric element 33 upward. Therefore, if the transmission part 7 is in contact parallel to the skin, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 each generate a voltage, and the determination unit 4 determines that the transmission part 7 is in contact parallel to the skin. As a result, LED 5 lights up. Therefore, the patient can confirm that the contact part CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it. In other words, in this embodiment, the determination unit 4 determines whether or not the transmission unit 7 is in contact with the skin parallel to it, based on the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2.

[0100] The same effect is achieved in electronic device 1h as in electronic device 1. Furthermore, with electronic device 1h, the sensor part 3 does not necessarily need to be exposed from the contact part CP. Therefore, the design and layout flexibility of syringe 100h can be improved.

[0101] [Eighth Modification] Below, an electronic device 1i and a syringe 100i equipped with the electronic device 1i according to the eighth modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 27 is a side view of the syringe 100i. Note that in Figure 27, the needle 102 is omitted for the sake of clarity. Only the parts of the electronic device 1i and syringe 100i that differ from the electronic device 1h and syringe 100h will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0102] As shown in Figure 27, the electronic device 1i differs from the electronic device 1 in the shape of the first transmission member 71 and the second transmission member 72.

[0103] In this modified example, the lower end of the first transmission member 71 extends in the rearward direction. Furthermore, the lower end of the first transmission member 71 is located above the contact portion CP of the housing 2 and is exposed from the outer surface OUS 2 of the housing 2. Similarly, the lower end of the first transmission member 71 extends in the forward direction. Furthermore, the lower end of the second transmission member 72 is located above the contact portion CP of the housing 2 and is exposed from the outer surface OUS 2 of the housing 2.

[0104] In this modified version, the contact portion CP comes into contact with the skin during injection. When the patient presses the contact portion CP against the skin, the first transmission member 71 receives an upward force F1 from the skin via the outer surface OUS2 of the housing 2, causing the upper end of the first transmission member 71 to move upward and come into contact with the first piezoelectric element 32. The second transmission member 72 also receives an upward force F2 from the skin via the outer surface OUS2 of the housing 2, causing the upper end of the second transmission member 72 to move upward and come into contact with the second piezoelectric element 33. As a result, the first transmission member 71 deforms the piezoelectric film 321 of the first piezoelectric element 32 upward. The second transmission member 72 also deforms the piezoelectric film 331 of the second piezoelectric element 33 upward. Therefore, if the contact portion CP is in contact parallel to the skin, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 each generate a voltage, and the determination unit 4 determines that the transmission portion 7 is in contact parallel to the skin. As a result, LED 5 lights up. Therefore, the patient can confirm that the contact area CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it. In other words, in this embodiment, the determination unit 4 determines whether or not the contact area CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it, based on the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2.

[0105] The same effect is achieved in electronic device 1i as in electronic device 1. Furthermore, with electronic device 1i, the transmission part 7 does not necessarily need to be exposed from the contact part CP. Therefore, the design and layout flexibility of the syringe 100h can be further improved.

[0106] [Ninth Modification] Below, an electronic device 1j and a syringe 100j equipped with the electronic device 1j according to the ninth modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 28 is a perspective view of the syringe 100j. Note that in Figure 28, the cap 105 is omitted for the sake of clarity. Only the parts of the electronic device 1j and syringe 100j that differ from the electronic device 1 and syringe 100, respectively, will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0107] Electronic device 1j differs from electronic device 1 in that it further includes a switch 8, as shown in Figure 28.

[0108] Switch 8 is located on the outer surface OUS2 of the housing 2 and is exposed from the housing 2. Switch 8 is a switch that can be switched between an on state and an off state, and the patient switches between the on state and the off state by operating switch 8. In the off state, the determination unit 4 does not use the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 to determine whether the contact part CP is in contact parallel to the skin. At this time, LED 5 is off. When the patient presses switch 8 during injection, it switches from the off state to the on state. In the on state, the determination unit 4 uses the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2 to determine whether the contact part CP is in contact parallel to the skin. At this time, LED 5 blinks.

[0109] Electronic device 1j achieves the same effect as electronic device 1. Furthermore, with electronic device 1j, by operating the switch 8, the determination unit 4 can avoid using the unnecessary first output signal OS1 and second output signal OS2, which are not used during injection, to determine whether the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it. Therefore, with electronic device 1j, it is possible to determine with even greater accuracy whether the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it.

[0110] [Third Embodiment] Below, an electronic device 1 and a laser irradiator 200 equipped with the electronic device 1 according to the ninth modification of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 29 is a perspective view of the laser irradiator 200.

[0111] As shown in Figure 29, the laser irradiator 200 comprises an electronic device 1, a xenon lamp 201, and an irradiation button 202. The laser irradiator 200 is a home-use light hair removal device. The laser irradiator 200 works by irradiating the user's skin with light, which is absorbed by the black hairs growing on the skin and converted into heat, and this heat is used to treat the hair on the skin. When the user presses the irradiation button 202, the xenon lamp 201 located inside the housing 2 emits light. The laser irradiator 200 irradiates the user's skin (the object of contact) with pulsed light emitted by the xenon lamp 201 from the emission port OP located in the contact part CP that comes into contact with the user's skin (the object of contact).

[0112] In this embodiment, the entire housing 2 does not extend in the vertical direction. The contact portion CP is located at the bottom T1 of the housing 2. During irradiation, the contact portion CP contacts the skin parallel to it.

[0113] The sensor unit 3 is provided on the contact unit CP. Viewed from below, the piezoelectric films 321 and 331 are arranged so as not to overlap each other. Viewed from below, the center CPO of the contact unit CP is located between the piezoelectric film 321 and the piezoelectric film 331.

[0114] In this embodiment as well, the determination unit 4 determines whether the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it, based on the first output signal OS1 and the second output signal OS2. If the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it, the LED 5 provided on the side of the housing 2 lights up. If the determination unit 4 determines that the contact portion CP is not in contact with the skin parallel to it, the LED 5 turns off. The LED 5 notifies the user whether the contact portion CP is in contact with the skin parallel to it by lighting up and turning off.

[0115] Furthermore, if the determination unit 4 determines that the contact area CP is not in contact parallel to the skin, the laser irradiator 200 does not need to emit light from the xenon lamp 201 even if the user presses the irradiation button 202. In other words, the determination result of the determination unit 4 may function as an interlock for whether or not irradiation is permitted.

[0116] The laser irradiator 200 is not limited to electronic device 1, but may also include electronic devices 1a to 1j.

[0117] Furthermore, the electronic device 1 is not limited to a syringe 100 or a laser irradiator 200, but may also be used as a facial beauty device or a scalp massager, etc.

[0118] [Other Embodiments] The electronic device according to the present invention is not limited to electronic devices 1, 1a to 1j, but can be modified within the scope of its gist. Furthermore, the structures of electronic devices 1, 1a to 1j may be combined arbitrarily.

[0119] The syringe according to the present invention is not limited to syringes 100, 100a to 100j, but can be modified within the scope of its essence. Furthermore, the structures of syringes 100, 100a to 100j may be combined in any way.

[0120] 1, 1a-1j: Electronic device 2: Housing 3: Sensor part 4: Judgment part 5: LED 6: Holding member 7: Transmission part 8: Switch 31: Substrate 32: First piezoelectric element 33: Second piezoelectric element 71: First transmission member 72: Second transmission member 100, 100a-100j: Syringe 101: Cartridge 102: Needle 103: Injection button 104: Dial 105: Cap 200: Laser irradiator 201: Xenon lamp 202: Irradiation button 321, 331: Piezoelectric film 322, 332: Signal electrode 323, 333: Reference electrode C321, C331: Center part CP: Contact part CPO: Center E1: Lower end F1, F2: Force IOS1: First integral value IOS2: Second integral value L321, L331: Left end MS1: First main surface MS2: Second main surface MS3: Third main surface MS4: Fourth main surface OD1: First extension direction OD2: Second extension direction OP: Outlet OS1: First output signal OS2: Second output signal OUS2: Outer surface POS1, POS2: Peak value R321, R331: Right end T1: Bottom T2: Top surface TH1 to TH4: Threshold

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a housing; a contact portion located at the bottom of the housing and in contact with an object to be contacted; a sensor portion provided at the contact portion and including a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element; and a determination unit, wherein, in a bottom view, the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element are arranged so as not to overlap each other; the sensor portion outputs a first output signal that changes due to the deformation of the first piezoelectric element and a second output signal that changes due to the deformation of the second piezoelectric element; and the determination unit determines, based on the first output signal and the second output signal, whether or not the contact portion is in contact with the object to be contacted at the appropriate angle.

2. The contact portion has a shape that protrudes downward, the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element are each provided in the contact portion in a state that is stretched from their natural length by tension, the central portion of the first piezoelectric element is located below the end portion of the first piezoelectric element, and the central portion of the second piezoelectric element is located below the end portion of the second piezoelectric element, as described in claim 1.

3. In a bottom view, the center of the contact portion is located between the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the contact portion has a shape that protrudes downward, and the entirety of the first piezoelectric element and the entirety of the second piezoelectric element are each located above the lower end of the contact portion.

5. Electronic device comprising: a housing; a contact portion located at the bottom of the housing and in contact with an object to be contacted; a holding member provided within the housing and supported by the housing; a sensor portion provided within the housing and held by the holding member; a determination unit; and a transmission unit supported by the housing, wherein the sensor portion includes a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element; the sensor portion outputs a first output signal that changes due to the deformation of the first piezoelectric element and a second output signal that changes due to the deformation of the second piezoelectric element; the transmission unit includes a first transmission member and a second transmission member arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the bottom; the first transmission member deforms the first piezoelectric element when it receives a force from the object to be contacted; the second transmission member deforms the second piezoelectric element when it receives a force from the object to be contacted; and the determination unit determines, based on the first output signal and the second output signal, whether the contact portion is in contact with the object to be contacted at the correct angle.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein, in a bottom view, the center of the contact portion is located between the first transmission member and the second transmission member.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user whether or not the contact portion is in contact with the object to be contacted at the appropriate angle.

8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element are each in the form of a flat film.

9. The determination unit calculates the peak value of the first output signal and the peak value of the second output signal; if the peak value of one of the peak values ​​of the first output signal and the second output signal is greater than or equal to the peak value of the other, it sets the one peak value as the reference peak value and the other peak value as the comparison peak value; and if the reference peak value is greater than or equal to a preset threshold and the comparison peak value is within a predetermined range relative to the reference peak value, it determines that the contact part is in contact with the object to be contacted at the appropriate angle, according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The determination unit calculates a first integral value by integrating the first output signal, calculates a second integral value by integrating the second output signal, and if one of the first and second integral values ​​is greater than or equal to the other integral value, it sets the first integral value as the reference integral value and the other integral value as the comparison integral value, and if the reference integral value is greater than or equal to a preset threshold and the comparison integral value is within a predetermined range with respect to the reference integral value, it determines that the contact portion is in contact with the object to be contacted at the appropriate angle, according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an ON state in which the first output signal and the second output signal are used to determine whether the contact portion is in contact with the contact object at the appropriate angle, and an OFF state in which the first output signal and the second output signal are not used to determine whether the contact portion is in contact with the contact object at the appropriate angle, wherein the switch is exposed from the housing.

12. A syringe comprising the electronic device described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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