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

Abstract

This liquid medicine administration device includes a cartridge and a device body for administering a liquid medicine filled in a reservoir into a living body of a patient. The cartridge includes the reservoir. The device body includes: a movable part connected to a plunger movable in a longitudinal direction in the reservoir and capable of pressing the plunger to a tip side of the reservoir; a drive part for moving the movable part in a movable region; a battery for supplying power for driving the drive part; and a control part. The control part turns off a power source of the device body after separation of the cartridge from the device body and return of the movable part to an initial position are detected.

Description

Drug solution administration device, its control method, drug solution administration device set, program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drug solution administration device, its control method, a drug solution administration device set, and a program.

[0002] Drug solution administration devices that administer drug solutions such as insulin into a patient's body are known. Patent Document 1 describes a drug delivery device having a power source.

[0003] Japanese Patent Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2023 - 539746

[0004] However, the conventional configuration had room for improvement in appropriately controlling the on / off of the power source according to the operating state of the drug solution administration device.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to more appropriately control the on / off of the power source of the drug solution administration device.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a drug solution administration device is a drug solution administration device including a cartridge and a device main body that administer a drug solution filled in a reservoir into a living body of a patient, the cartridge includes the reservoir, the device main body includes a movable part connected to a plunger movable in the longitudinal direction in the reservoir and capable of pressing the plunger toward the tip side of the reservoir, a drive part that moves the movable part in a movable region, a battery that supplies electric power for driving the drive part, and a control part. The control part turns off the power source of the device main body after detecting detachment of the cartridge from the device main body and return of the movable part to an initial position.

[0007] (2)In the drug solution administration device of (1), the drug solution administration device further includes a first detection part that detects that the cartridge is connected to the device main body, and a second detection part that detects that the movable part is present at the initial position. The control part may turn off the power source of the device main body after the first detection part detects detachment of the cartridge from the device main body and the second detection part detects return of the movable part to the initial position.

[0008] (3) In the drug administration device of (1) or (2), the control unit may return the movable part to the initial position in response to the cartridge being detached from the device body.

[0009] (4) In any of the drug administration devices described in (1) to (3), the battery may be a secondary battery.

[0010] According to this disclosure, the drug administration device set comprises a drug administration device according to any of (5)(1) to (4), a cannula that is placed inside the body and is fluidly connected to the drug administration device, and a cannula holder that holds the cannula, and a cradle device on which the drug administration device is detachably mounted.

[0011] According to this disclosure, a method for controlling a drug administration device is a method for controlling a drug administration device comprising a cartridge and a device body for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir into a patient's body, wherein the cartridge comprises the reservoir, the device body comprises a movable part connected to a plunger that is longitudinally movable within the reservoir and capable of pressing the plunger toward the tip of the reservoir, a drive unit for moving the movable part within a movable range, a battery for supplying power to drive the drive unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit turns off the power to the device body after detecting the detachment of the cartridge from the device body and the return of the movable part to its initial position.

[0012] According to this disclosure, the program is a program for controlling a drug delivery device comprising a cartridge and a device body for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir into a patient's body, wherein the cartridge comprises the reservoir, the device body comprises a movable part connected to a plunger that is longitudinally movable within the reservoir and capable of pressing the plunger toward the tip of the reservoir, a drive unit for moving the movable part within a movable range, a battery for supplying power to drive the drive unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is instructed to perform a procedure to turn off the power to the device body after detecting the detachment of the cartridge from the device body and the return of the movable part to its initial position.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power on / off of the drug administration device can be controlled more appropriately.

[0014] This figure shows an example of a drug solution administration system according to one embodiment. This is a perspective view showing an example of the drug solution administration device of Figure 1. This is a perspective view showing an example of the drug solution administration device in a separated state. This is a perspective view showing an example of the pump body of Figure 3. This is a perspective view showing an example of the pump body in a disassembled state. This figure shows an example of the pump body with the nut in a non-contact position. This figure shows an example of the pump body with the nut in a predetermined position. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration related to the control of the drug solution administration device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller of Figure 1. This figure shows the relationship between the operating state of the drug solution administration device and the state of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. This figure shows the relationship between the operating state of the drug solution administration device and the state of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. This figure shows the relationship between the operating state of the drug solution administration device and the state of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. This figure shows the relationship between the operating state of the drug solution administration device and the state of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. This figure shows the relationship between the operating state of the drug solution administration device and the state of the first detection unit and the second detection unit. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the drug solution administration device of Figure 1.

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, parts having the same configuration or function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, redundant explanations of the same parts may be omitted or simplified as appropriate. In the present disclosure, in the drug administration device 10, the direction in which the plunger 20, described later, moves when the drug solution is administered into the body is referred to as the tip direction, and the direction opposite to the direction in which the plunger 20 moves when the drug solution is administered into the body is referred to as the proximal direction.

[0016] (Example of configuration of drug administration system 100) Figure 1 shows an example of a drug administration system 100 according to one embodiment. The drug administration system 100 administers a drug solution such as insulin into the patient's body. The drug administration system 100 comprises a drug administration device set 1 including a drug administration device 10 and a controller 90.

[0017] The drug administration device set 1 is a device that continuously or intermittently administers a drug solution filled in a reservoir (syringe) 18 into the body by the pressing action of a plunger 20. The drug administration device set 1 may be a portable device that can be attached (patch type) to the patient's abdomen, etc., together with the cradle device 11 described later. However, the drug administration device set 1 is not limited to a patch type and may be a tube type, etc.

[0018] The controller 90, as an information processing device in this embodiment, is a device for a user, such as a patient, to operate the drug administration device 10. The controller 90 notifies the user of information received from the drug administration device 10 and accepts user operations on the drug administration device 10. In this embodiment, the controller 90 is implemented by a dedicated device corresponding to the drug administration device 10, but it may also be implemented by a general-purpose computer such as a smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the controller 90 is responsible for the user interface, such as notifying the user of information and accepting information input from the user, but instead, the drug administration device 10 may be provided with all or part of the functions of the user interface. In this embodiment, the user of the drug administration system 100 is the patient themselves, but the user may also be a person other than the patient, including the patient's family, and medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.

[0019] The drug dispensing device 10 and the controller 90 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a wireless communication line, a wired communication line, or a combination thereof. Below, an example in which the drug dispensing device 10 and the controller 90 are connected so as to be able to communicate via Bluetooth® will be described.

[0020] (Example of configuration of drug administration device set 1) Figure 2 is an example of a perspective view of drug administration device set 1 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an example of a perspective view of drug administration device set 1 of Figure 1 when separated. Drug administration device set 1 includes a drug administration device 10 (pump body 10), a cradle device 11 to which the pump body 10 is detachably mounted, and a cannula report 106 mounted on the cradle device 11. The pump body 10 and the cradle device 11 have a structure that allows them to engage with each other and be repeatedly attached and detached. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the pump body 10 of Figure 3.

[0021] The pump body 10 includes a housing 111 that accommodates various components such as the reservoir 18 and the plunger 20. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 111 may be formed in a flattened, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with curved corners. The upper surface 121 of the housing 111 is one surface of the pump body 10 that is opposite to the side that is mounted on the cradle device 11. The upper surface 121 may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape with curved corners when viewed from above. At the first end of the upper surface 121, a front surface 123 and a rear surface 124 are continuously connected substantially vertically to each other. At the second end of the upper surface 121, a first side surface 125 and a second side surface 126 are continuously connected substantially vertically to each other.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the power source of the pump body 10 is a rechargeable battery 42 (see Figure 6), it is equipped with a connector section 75 and an alert section 76 on its upper surface 121. The connector section 75 is a connector to which a power supply can be connected. The power supply is any device for charging the rechargeable battery 42. The power supply is, for example, a charging cable connected to an external power source, but it may also be any connection terminal provided on the external power source. The following explanation will focus on an example in which a charging cable connected to an external power source is used as the power supply.

[0023] When a charging cable is connected to the connector 75, the pump body 10 receives power from the power source via the charging cable and charges the rechargeable battery 42 (see Figure 6) provided in the device body 14. The connector 75 is, for example, a connector conforming to a general-purpose standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), but it may be implemented by other methods capable of receiving power. In Figures 2 and 3, the connector 75 is provided on the top surface 121, but it may be provided at any position on the pump body 10 (for example, on the side of the pump body 10). The connector 75 may be equipped with a plug to prevent dust and other debris from entering when the charging cable is not connected. In this embodiment, the connector 75 can be connected to a wired charging cable, but the drug dispensing device 10 may have a configuration for receiving power by a wireless power supply method.

[0024] The notification unit 76 notifies the user of information. In this embodiment, the notification unit 76 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp, but it may also be a speaker that outputs sound, a display that outputs images (for example, a liquid crystal display), a vibrator, or a combination thereof. When a charging cable is connected to the connector unit 75, the notification unit 76 may inform the user of the charging status, etc., by the color and state of the LED lamp (for example, lit, blinking, etc.). The notification unit 76 may also include an LED lamp that displays a pattern indicating an action to be encouraged or prohibited by the user. In Figures 2 and 3, the notification unit 76 is provided on the top surface 121, but it may also be provided at any position on the pump body 10 (for example, on the side of the pump body 10, etc.).

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pump body 10 may have a reusable engagement structure at the first side portion 125 and the second side portion 126 that allows the pump body 10 and the cradle device 11 to be repeatedly attached and detached. The engagement structure may include, for example, a hook mechanism. Specifically, the first side portion 125 may have a first guide groove portion 135 and a first engagement hook portion 136. The second side portion 126 may have a second guide groove portion 137 and a second engagement hook portion 138. The first engagement hook portion 136 may be formed closer to the rear portion 124 than the first guide groove portion 135. The second engagement hook portion 138 may be formed closer to the rear portion 124 than the second guide groove portion 137. The first engagement hook portion 136 and the second engagement hook portion 138 may be reusably engaged with a pair of engagement receiving portions 162 of the cradle device 11, which will be described later.

[0026] The cradle device 11 is configured to support the pump body 10. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cradle device 11 has a substantially flat mounting surface portion 141 and side wall portions 143 and 144. The mounting surface portion 141 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with curved corners when viewed from above. When the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11, the bottom surface portion 122 (see Figure 4) of the housing 111 of the pump body 10 is placed on the mounting surface portion 141.

[0027] A detection rail 152, a sliding rail 153, and a mounting portion 155 may be provided on one side of the mounting surface 141. A cannula report 106 may be mounted on the mounting portion 155. The mounting portion 155 may be provided with an insertion hole through which the cannula of the cannula report 106 is inserted.

[0028] The detection rail 152 is a protruding portion that extends from one surface of the mounting surface 141. The detection rail 152 is used to detect when the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11. The thickness of the detection rail 152 gradually increases from the mounting surface 141 towards the side wall 144. The detection rail 152 extends parallel to the side wall 143 for a predetermined length. When the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11, the detection rail 152 enters into a detection groove 134 provided on the pump body 10 and presses the mounting detection switch 133. The pump body 10 detects that the cradle device 11 is mounted based on the pressing of the mounting detection switch 133. In other words, the mounting detection switch 133 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11.

[0029] The sliding rail 153 extends parallel to the side wall 143 on one surface of the mounting surface 141. When the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11, the sliding groove 132 provided on the bottom surface 122 of the pump body 10 slides into the sliding rail 153.

[0030] A side wall portion 144 is continuously attached to the end of the mounting surface portion 141 in a first direction, extending substantially perpendicularly. Two opposing side wall portions 143 are continuously attached to the end of the mounting surface portion 141 in a second direction, extending substantially perpendicularly. When the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11, the side wall portion 143 faces the first side portion 125 and the second side portion 126 of the housing 111 of the pump body 10. The side wall portion 144 faces the front portion 123 of the housing 111.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the cradle device 11 may have a fitting hole 154, which is an opening, in the side wall portion 144. When the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11, a fitting projection 131 (see Figure 4) provided on the front portion 123 of the pump body 10 may fit into the fitting hole 154.

[0032] Guide rails 151, posture correction parts 156, and engagement receiving parts 162 may be formed on the side wall portion 143. The engagement receiving parts 162 may be an opening cut out in a substantially rectangular shape from the side wall portion 143. The engagement receiving parts 162 may be provided on the side wall portion 143 facing each other, depending on the arrangement of the first engagement hook portion 136 and the second engagement hook portion 138. When the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11, the first engagement hook portion 136 and the second engagement hook portion 138 may be detachably engaged with the engagement receiving parts 162.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the guide rail 151 is a protruding portion formed on the side wall portion 143. The guide rail 151 does not necessarily have to be a continuous protruding portion. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a notch 158 may be appropriately provided in the middle of the guide rail 151. The guide rail 151 may be provided for each of the opposing side wall portions 143. When the pump body 10 is mounted on the cradle device 11, the guide rail 151 engages with the first guide groove portion 135 provided on the first side portion 125 and the second guide groove portion 137 provided on the second side portion 126 of the pump body 10. This guides the mounting direction of the pump body 10.

[0034] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the posture correction portion 156 is a pair of plate-shaped projections extending upward from the side wall portion 143. The posture correction portion 156 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the connection portion (corner) between the upper surface portion 121 of the housing 111 of the pump body 10 and the first side portion 125 and the second side portion 126.

[0035] The cradle device 11 may be provided with an adhesive sheet that can be attached to the patient's skin. The adhesive sheet may be attached to the other side of the mounting surface 141 of the cradle device 11, opposite to one side. The adhesive sheet may have an opening through which the cannula of the cannula report 106, described later, can pass. The adhesive sheet may be made of a flexible material. The adhesive sheet may form an adhesive layer on the side opposite to the mounting surface 141 that can be attached to the patient's skin. Before being attached to the patient's skin, the adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet may be covered with release paper.

[0036] The cannula report 106 may have a port body 181 capable of holding a cannula inside. The port body 181 may have a cylindrical connector. When a cannula is connected, the inside of the connector (cylindrical hole), the port body 181, and the cannula are in communication. A stopper 182 is attached to the tip of the connector, and the other end of the connector is connected to the port body 181. The stopper 182 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber and seals the tip opening of the connector. As a result, the inside of the cannula report 106 is isolated from the external environment.

[0037] When the cannula report 106 is attached to the mounting section 155 of the cradle device 11 using a puncture mechanism (not shown), the cannula, together with the puncture needle, penetrates the mounting surface 141 and protrudes to the other side of the mounting surface 141 (the side that is attached to the skin). The cannula, together with the puncture needle, is then punctured into the body. After that, the cannula is left in the body by removing the puncture needle.

[0038] The connection portion of the port body 181 may face the upstream side in the mounting direction. The fluid delivery port 112 (see Figure 4), which is exposed to the outside of the pump body 10, is fluidly connected to the outlet tube 29. The fluid delivery port 112 is connected to the port body 181 via the stopper 182. This connects the port body 181 to the outlet tube 29 (see Figure 6, etc.) of the pump body 10, and the outlet tube 29 is fluidly connected to the cannula. The drug solution stored in the reservoir 18 of the pump body 10 is then sent to the cannula report 106 via the outlet tube 29 and administered to the patient through the cannula when the drive unit 40 (see Figure 6, etc.) is driven. In other words, the outlet tube 29 is connected to the reservoir 18 and also acts as a flow path for guiding the drug solution out of the reservoir 18. If the liquid delivery port 112 is connected to the outlet pipe 29, the flow path of the drug delivery device 10 may include the outlet pipe 29 and the liquid delivery port 112.

[0039] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of the pump body 10, viewed from a direction that shows the bottom surface 122, the front surface 123, and the first side surface 125. The bottom storage section 127 is formed at the corners of the bottom surface 122, the first side surface 125, and the front surface 123 of the housing 111. The bottom storage section 127 is a recessed space of a predetermined length (thickness) and a predetermined area (width) extending from the bottom surface 122 to the top surface 121.

[0040] A cylindrical connection port 128 is formed in the wall surface 127a on the rear side 124 in the first direction of the bottom storage section 127. The connection port 128 has a cylindrical hole 128a that protrudes from the wall surface 127a toward the front side 123 in the first direction (i.e., toward the mounting direction). A liquid supply port 112 is positioned in the cylindrical hole 128a of the connection port 128. The cylindrical hole 128a protects the liquid supply port 112 by protruding from the wall surface 127a so as to surround the liquid supply port 112. In addition, the liquid supply port 112 protrudes from the wall surface 127a toward the front side 123 in the first direction ( toward the mounting direction) within the cylindrical hole 128a. That is, the direction in which the connection port 128 protrudes from the wall surface 127a is parallel to the first direction.

[0041] When the pump body 10 is attached to the cradle device 11, the cannula report 106 attached to the cradle device 11 is housed in the bottom storage compartment 127. Furthermore, the port body 181 and stopper 182 of the cannula report 106 are inserted into the cylindrical hole 128a of the connection port 128. The fluid delivery port 112 protrudes from the wall surface 127a within the cylindrical hole 128a toward the front part 123 in the first direction (i.e., toward the mounting direction). That is, the direction in which the fluid delivery port 112 protrudes from the wall surface 127a is parallel to the first direction.

[0042] (Example of the configuration of the pump body 10) Figure 5 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the pump body 10 (drug dispensing device 10) shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the pump body 10 in a state where the nut portion 24 is in a non-contact position. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the pump body 10 in a state where the nut portion 24 is in a predetermined position.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the pump body 10 comprises a disposable cartridge 12 and a reusable device body 14. In this embodiment, the cartridge 12 comprises a reservoir 18 and a plunger 20. The device body 14 comprises the components of the pump body 10 other than the reservoir 18 and the plunger 20. This arrangement of components is just an example, and the cartridge 12 may also comprise components other than the reservoir 18 and the plunger 20. For example, the cartridge 12 may comprise a reservoir 18, a plunger 20, a discharge pipe 29 and a liquid delivery port 112, and may be detachably mounted on a device body 14 that includes a drive unit 40. In this case, the discharge pipe 29, made of metal, may be connected to a discharge port 28 integrally molded with the reservoir 18, or the discharge pipe 29, discharge port 28, and reservoir 18 may each be molded from resin material members and then integrally connected and combined.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus main body 14 includes a base portion 16 having a flat box shape with one side open. The base portion 16 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The base portion 16 may be detachably provided with respect to the cradle device 11 that can be attached to the patient's skin. The base portion 16 is provided with a feed screw shaft 22 and a nut portion (movable portion) 24 screwed to the feed screw shaft 22. The disposable cartridge 12 is used by connecting to the apparatus main body 14 such that the plunger 20 and the feed screw shaft 22 are coaxially arranged.

[0045] When the cartridge 12 is attached to the apparatus main body 14, the reservoir 18 extends in a cylindrical shape in the longitudinal direction of the base portion 16. The distal end portion of the reservoir 18 has a reduced outer diameter and inner diameter toward the distal end. A discharge port 28 (see FIG. 6) for introducing the chemical solution into the reservoir 18 and discharging the chemical solution in the reservoir 18 is formed at the distal end portion of such a reservoir 18. The cartridge 12 is attached to the apparatus main body 14 such that the discharge port 28 communicates with a lead-out tube 29 that leads the chemical solution in the reservoir 18 to the cannula.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, the plunger 20 is integrally formed of a resin material or the like, and is provided in the reservoir 18 so as to be slidable in a liquid-tight manner along the axial direction of the reservoir 18. The plunger 20 has a plunger body 30 constituting the tip side and a pusher 32 provided on the plunger body 30 and constituting the rear end side. A seal member (sealing member) 34 is attached to the rear end side of the plunger body 30 formed in a cylindrical shape. The seal member 34 is attached to the outer surface of the plunger body 30. The seal member 34 is in pressure contact with the inner wall surface of the reservoir 18 to prevent leakage of the chemical solution filled in the reservoir 18. The seal member 34 fits into the cylindrical inner wall surface while advancing and retreating in the left-right direction of FIGS. 6 and 7 along the inner wall surface of the reservoir 18 so that the chemical solution does not leak from the boundary between the plunger body 30 and the inner wall surface of the reservoir 18. The size of the internal space of the reservoir 18 for storing the chemical solution changes according to the position of the plunger body 30 in the reservoir 18. In the present embodiment, the seal member 34 is constituted by an O-ring, but is not limited thereto as long as it can prevent the chemical solution in the reservoir 18 from leaking between the plunger body 30 and the inner surface of the reservoir 18. The seal member 34 may be constituted by an elastic material, for example, may be constituted by silicone rubber or the like.

[0047] The pusher 32 includes a pair of extending portions 36 extending rearward from the plunger body 30 to the outside of the reservoir 18, and a pair of claw portions 38 provided at the rear end portions of the extending portions 36. One end of the feed screw shaft 22 of the apparatus main body 14 is pivotally supported by a bearing 39, and constitutes a drive unit 40 that moves the nut portion 24 in the movable region.

[0048] The drive unit 40 further includes a rechargeable battery 42 as a power source, a motor 44 driven by the rechargeable battery 42, a gear box (power transmission mechanism) 46 that decelerates and transmits the rotational driving force of the motor 44, and a transmission shaft 52 to which a spur gear (gear) 50 meshing with an output gear (gear) 48 of the gear box 46 is fixed and integrally rotatably locked to the feed screw shaft 22.

[0049] In this embodiment, the rechargeable battery 42, motor 44, and gearbox 46 are provided on the main body 14 of the device. By providing the rechargeable battery 42, motor 44, and gearbox 46 on the main body 14 in this way, the cost of the cartridge 12 can be reduced.

[0050] The rechargeable battery 42 is a secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The rechargeable battery 42 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, but may also be other types of secondary batteries such as lithium-ion solid-state batteries, high-energy-density batteries, organic cathode secondary batteries, sodium-ion batteries, or potassium-ion batteries. The rechargeable battery 42 is provided with terminals 54 for electrical connection to the motor 44. The transmission shaft 52 is supported by a pair of bearings 56 provided on the base portion 16, and is arranged coaxially with the lead screw shaft 22.

[0051] When the motor 44 rotates, its rotational force is transmitted to the lead screw shaft 22, and the rotational action of the lead screw shaft 22 causes the nut portion 24 to move either toward the reservoir 18 or toward the reservoir 18. Hereinafter, the rotation of the motor 44 that causes the nut portion 24 to move toward the reservoir 18 will be called forward rotation (forward rotation). Rotation in the opposite direction to the forward direction will be called reverse rotation (reverse rotation). The motor 44 is configured to be able to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. The motor 44 is configured such that if a force exceeding a certain level is applied to the forward or reverse rotation, the rotational driving force is not transmitted to the gearbox 46 and the components below. For example, a stepping motor may be used as the motor 44. If a stepping motor is used, when a force exceeding a certain level is applied to the forward or reverse rotation, the motor 44 will no longer synchronize with the input pulse and will not transmit the rotational driving force (loosening of steps). Even if the motor 44 rotates in the reverse direction while the nut portion 24 is in contact with the bearing 56 due to step loss, excessive force can be applied to the motor 44, gearbox 46, transmission shaft 52, and other mechanisms, preventing damage. A rotary encoder (not shown) is provided on the output shaft of the motor 44, and it is possible to determine when the motor 44 has lost synchronization with the input pulse (step loss) by detecting the rotation of the motor 44 using the rotary encoder. The operating state of the motor 44 is transmitted to the control unit 71 as the output of the rotary encoder.

[0052] The nut portion 24 is integrally molded from a resin material and has a nut portion body 58 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a slide portion 60 provided on the nut portion body 58. The nut portion body 58 has a screw hole 62 into which the feed screw shaft 22 is screwed, and a pair of through holes 64 formed on both sides of the screw hole 62 through which the claw portion 38 is inserted. A reinforcing cover 66 made of, for example, a metal material is attached to the outer surface of the nut portion body 58.

[0053] The sliding portion 60 slides against a guide wall 68 provided on the base portion 16 and extending along the axial direction of the plunger 20. That is, in the state before use, the nut portion 24 is in a non-contact position where it does not contact the plunger 20 (see Figure 6), and the rotational action of the lead screw shaft 22 moves it from the non-contact position to a contact position where the nut portion 24 and the plunger 20 are connected (for example, locked). After contacting the plunger 20, the nut portion 24 presses the plunger 20 toward the tip as the lead screw shaft 22 rotates further (see Figure 7). A restricting portion may be provided on the guide wall 68 to act as a stopper to prevent the sliding portion 60 from retracting any further.

[0054] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the main body of the device 14 includes a lid that is detachably attached to the base portion 16 so as to close the opening of the base portion 16, as well as a control unit 71, a storage unit 72, and a communication unit 73. The lid may be provided on the upper surface 121 of the housing 111. The control unit 71 is electrically connected to a rechargeable battery 42, a motor 44, a storage unit 72, a communication unit 73, a charging circuit unit 74, a connector unit 75, a notification unit 76, a first detection unit 77, and a second detection unit 78 via a bus 79 (see Figure 8). The control unit 71 controls each part of the drug dispensing device 10 and executes processes related to the operation of the drug dispensing device 10. For example, the control unit 71 drives the motor 44 based on drug dispensing information transmitted from the controller 90.

[0055] The first detection unit 77 detects that the reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12 has been attached to the device body 14. The first detection unit 77 is, for example, a switch sensor that mechanically detects the attachment of the reservoir 18. When the reservoir 18 presses against the first detection unit 77, the first detection unit 77 detects that the attachment of the reservoir 18 to the device body 14 is complete. The first detection unit 77 can employ any mechanism as long as the syringe barrel of the reservoir 18 can press the button of the first detection unit 77. The type of first detection unit 77 is arbitrary; for example, the first detection unit 77 may be an optical sensor such as a photoreflector sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetic force of a magnet provided on the reservoir 18. Hereinafter, the state in which the first detection unit 77 has detected the attachment of the reservoir 18 will be referred to as the first detection unit 77 "on," and the state in which the attachment of the reservoir 18 has not been detected will be referred to as the first detection unit 77 "off."

[0056] The second detection unit 78 detects that the nut portion 24 is in its initial position, as shown in Figure 6. The second detection unit 78 is, for example, a switch sensor that mechanically detects that the nut portion 24 is in its initial position. The completion of the movement of the nut portion 24 to its initial position is detected when a part of the nut portion 24 presses against the second detection unit 78, but any mechanism can be used, not limited to this. The type of second detection unit 78 is arbitrary; for example, the second detection unit 78 may be an optical sensor such as a photoreflector sensor, or a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetic force of a magnet provided on the nut portion 24. Hereinafter, the state in which the second detection unit 78 detects the nut portion 24 may be referred to as the second detection unit 78 "on," and the state in which the nut portion 24 is not detected may be referred to as the second detection unit 78 "off."

[0057] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration related to the control of the drug administration device 10 shown in Figure 1. As described above, the control unit 71 is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery 42, motor 44, memory unit 72, communication unit 73, charging circuit unit 74, connector unit 75, notification unit 76, first detection switch 77, and second detection switch 78 via the bus 79.

[0058] The control unit 71 is one or more processors. The control unit 71 is communicatively connected to each component constituting the drug solution dispensing device 10 and controls the operation of the entire drug solution dispensing device 10. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 71 may include one or more dedicated circuits, or one or more processors in the control unit 71 may be replaced with one or more dedicated circuits. A dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0059] The storage unit 72 is one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 72 functions, for example, as a main memory, auxiliary memory, or cache memory. For example, the storage unit 72 may store information from the control unit 71. The information stored in the storage unit 72 may also be transmitted to the controller 90 via the communication unit 73 under the control of the control unit 71.

[0060] The communication unit 73 is a communication interface for communicating with the controller 90. In this embodiment, the communication unit 73 communicates with the controller 90 via Bluetooth®, but is not limited to this, and may communicate via other wireless communication paths such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or a wired cable.

[0061] The charging circuit section 74 is an electrical circuit for transferring power supplied from the power source connected to the connector section 75 to the rechargeable battery 42. The charging circuit section 74 is equipped with a switch that can switch between electrical connection and disconnection between the connector section 75 and the rechargeable battery 42.

[0062] The configuration of the rechargeable battery 42, motor 44, connector unit 75, notification unit 76, first detection unit 77, and second detection unit 78 is as described above.

[0063] The drug dispensing device 10 may be controlled by executing a program on a processor included in the control unit 71. In other words, the control of the drug dispensing device 10 may be implemented by software. In this case, the program causes the computer to execute the processing steps included in the operation of the drug dispensing device 10, thereby enabling the computer to implement the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the drug dispensing device 10 may be implemented by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 71. In other words, some or all of the functions of the drug dispensing device 10 may be implemented by hardware.

[0064] (Example of Controller 90 Configuration) Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller 90 shown in Figure 1. The controller 90 comprises a control unit 91, a storage unit 92, a communication unit 93, an input unit 94, an output unit 95, and a bus 99.

[0065] The control unit 91 is one or more processors. The control unit 91 is communicated with each component constituting the controller 90 via the bus 99 and controls the operation of the entire controller 90. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The control unit 91 may include one or more dedicated circuits, or one or more processors in the control unit 91 may be replaced with one or more dedicated circuits. A dedicated circuit is, for example, an FPGA.

[0066] The memory unit 92 is one or more semiconductor memories, one or more magnetic memories, one or more optical memories, or a combination of at least two of these. The semiconductor memory is, for example, RAM or ROM. The RAM is, for example, SRAM (Static RAM) or DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The ROM is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM). The memory unit 92 functions, for example, as a main memory, an auxiliary memory, or a cache memory.

[0067] The communication unit 93 is a communication interface for communicating with the drug dispensing device 10. The communication unit 93 communicates with the drug dispensing device 10 to transmit information entered by the user to the drug dispensing device 10 and to receive information from the drug dispensing device 10. The communication unit 93 communicates with the drug dispensing device 10 by, for example, Bluetooth®, but is not limited to this, and may communicate by other wireless communication paths such as wireless LAN or wired cables.

[0068] The input unit 94 includes one or more input interfaces that receive user input operations and acquire input information based on the user operations. The input unit 94 is, for example, a touchscreen integrated with the display (display device) of the output unit 95, but is not limited to this, and may also be a physical key (e.g., an external numeric keypad), a capacitive key, a pointing device, or a microphone that accepts voice input.

[0069] The output unit 95 includes one or more output interfaces that output information to the user and notify the user. For example, the output unit 95 is a display, LED, speaker, or vibrator that outputs information by displaying an image, but is not limited to these. The input unit 94 and the output unit 95 act as an input / output unit, which is an interface between the user and the drug administration device 10. In this embodiment, an example is described in which such an input / output unit is provided in the controller 90, but it may also be provided in the drug administration device 10 or other devices.

[0070] The functions of the controller 90 may be realized by executing the program according to this embodiment on a processor included in the control unit 91. In other words, the functions of the controller 90 may be realized by software. In this case, the program causes the computer to execute the processing of steps included in the operation of the controller 90, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to the processing of those steps on the computer. Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the controller 90 may be realized by a dedicated circuit included in the control unit 91. In other words, some or all of the functions of the controller 90 may be realized by hardware.

[0071] (Example of operation of drug administration system 100) When operating the drug administration system 100 according to this embodiment, first the user removes the cartridge 12 from the packaging container. In this state, the reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12 is not filled with drug solution, and the plunger 20 is pushed in as far as it can go within the reservoir 18. On the other hand, the nut portion 24 attached to the device body 14 is in its initial position furthest from the reservoir 18 (see Figure 6, and Figure 10A described later). In this state, the user attaches the cartridge 12 to the device body 14. The first detection unit 77 detects the attachment of the cartridge 12 to the device body 14. When the first detection unit 77 detects the attachment of the cartridge 12, the drug administration device 10 turns on the power.

[0072] Next, the user uses a drug filling device to draw the required amount of drug solution from a drug solution container, such as a vial, in which the drug solution is sealed and stored, to be filled into the reservoir 18. The drug filling device may be configured to include, for example, a syringe (reservoir) with a port at its tip for introducing and discharging the drug solution, and a plunger that can slide longitudinally within the syringe. The user connects the port of the syringe to the drug solution container and pulls the plunger from the syringe. This reduces the pressure inside the syringe, drawing the drug solution from the drug solution container into the syringe of the drug filling device.

[0073] After collecting the required amount of liquid from the reservoir 18, the user removes the liquid filling device from the liquid container. The user connects the syringe port of the liquid filling device to the liquid delivery port 112 (see Figure 4) of the pump body 10 and pushes the plunger against the syringe. This pressurizes the syringe, and the liquid is pushed out from the syringe of the liquid filling device into the reservoir 18 of the pump body 10 via the outlet tube 29 and discharge port 28.

[0074] Because the drug solution in the syringe of the drug solution filling device is pressurized, as the drug solution is pushed out of the drug solution filling device into the plunger 20, the plunger 20, which was pushed to the deepest part of the reservoir 18, moves backward from the tip side of the reservoir 18. As the drug solution filling progresses, the extension 36 of the plunger 32 approaches the nut portion 24.

[0075] Next, the user connects the cartridge 12 to the main body 14 of the device and then performs priming of the drug dispensing device 10. Priming refers to the operation of filling the flow path of the drug dispensing device 10, including the outlet tube 29, with the drug solution. Specifically, the user operates the controller 90 to rotate the motor 44 in the forward direction. As a result, the rotational driving force of the motor 44 is transmitted to the lead screw shaft 22 via the gearbox 46, spur gear 50, and transmission shaft 52, causing the lead screw shaft 22 to rotate and the nut portion 24 to slide along the guide wall 68 and advance toward the plunger 20.

[0076] When the extension portion 36 of the plunger 32 advances to the position of the nut portion 24, the pair of claw portions 38 contact the wall surface forming the through hole 64 of the nut portion 24, causing the pair of extension portions 36 to bend so that they are close to each other. Then, when the claw portions 38 pass through the through hole 64, the extension portion 36 returns from its bent state to its original state, and the nut portion 24 is connected to the rear end of the plunger 20. As a result, the nut portion 24 is connected to the plunger 20 and can press the plunger 20 toward the tip (see Figure 10B described later). Once the nut portion 24 is connected to the plunger 20, the filling of the drug solution is complete, and the user removes the drug solution filling device from the liquid delivery port 112. The drug solution filling device is not limited to a configuration with a syringe and a plunger, but may be composed of any device capable of introducing the drug solution into the plunger 20.

[0077] Next, the user performs priming, filling the flow path from the outlet pipe 29 to the liquid delivery port 112 with the drug solution and removing air. Specifically, the user operates the controller 90 to rotate the motor 44 in the forward direction. As a result, the rotational force of the motor 44 is transmitted to the lead screw shaft 22 via the gearbox 46, spur gear 50, and transmission shaft 52, causing the lead screw shaft 22 to rotate and the nut portion 24 to slide along the guide wall 68 and advance toward the plunger 20. As the nut portion 24 advances, the drug solution in the reservoir 18 is pressed against the plunger 20, and air is discharged from the lumen of the outlet pipe 29. As a result, the inner hole of the outlet pipe 29 is filled with the drug solution and priming is completed (see Figure 10C below). Priming may also be completed when the user visually confirms that the drug solution has been discharged from the liquid delivery port 112, which is fluidically connected to the outlet pipe 29 and exposed to the outside of the drug solution administration device 10. When the user visually confirms that the drug solution has been discharged from the fluid delivery port 112, they instruct the drug solution dispensing device 10 to stop priming. For example, the controller 90 may display an image of the priming stop button on the display of the output unit 95, and in response to the user selecting the priming stop button, notify the drug solution dispensing device 10 to stop the motor 44.

[0078] Next, the user attaches the cradle device 11 to a predetermined location on the skin (for example, the patient's abdomen), uses the puncture mechanism to implant the cannula of the cannula report 106 into the body, and locks the cannula report 106 to the cradle device 11. Then, the user attaches the pump body 10, to which the cartridge 12 and the device body 14 are connected, to the cradle device 11, thereby connecting the outlet tube 29 and the cannula. In this state, the control unit 71 controls the rotation of the motor 44, so that the drug solution in the reservoir 18 is continuously or intermittently administered into the body. The control unit 71 controls the rotation of the motor 44 according to the drug solution administration schedule instructed by the controller 90, and administers the drug solution at various rates such as the basal rate or bolus, according to the patient's condition. The basal rate is the amount of drug solution per unit time corresponding to the basal secretion of insulin. The bolus is the amount of drug solution corresponding to the additional secretion of insulin in response to a meal or an increase in blood glucose levels.

[0079] The reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12 is filled with the amount of drug solution to be administered in a fixed administration cycle. After the drug solution filled in the reservoir 18 is administered into the body over, for example, 3 days to a week, the cartridge 12 is replaced and discarded. The cartridge 12 is replaced with a new cartridge after each administration cycle. Each time the cartridge 12 is replaced, the drug solution is filled into the reservoir 18 of the cartridge 12, the cartridge 12 is connected to the device body 14, and a priming operation is performed. Through these operations, while the drug solution is being administered, the drug solution administration device 10 can estimate the amount of drug solution administered, for example, based on the rotation speed of the motor 44 performed during priming and fluid delivery. Since the drug solution administration device 10 according to this embodiment is equipped with a disposable cartridge 12 and a reusable device body 14, running costs can be reduced.

[0080] The amount of medication filled into the reservoir 18 of cartridge 12 varies depending on the patient's weight, even if the length of the administration cycle is the same. For example, if the reservoir 18 is filled with medication equivalent to three days' worth, an adult patient will be filled with more medication than a child patient.

[0081] As described above, the drug dispensing device 10 comprises a disposable cartridge 12 and a reusable device body 14, and operates based on power supplied by a rechargeable battery 42. Such a drug dispensing device 10 needs to appropriately control the on / off state of its power supply according to its operating status.

[0082] For example, if the user manually switches the power on or off by operating a switch on the controller 90 or the main unit 14, there is a possibility that the user may forget to turn off the power to the main unit 14 after use. Also, for example, if the system is designed to switch the power on or off depending on whether the cartridge 12 is connected or not, if the cartridge 12 becomes detached from the main unit 14 during fluid delivery for any reason, the power to the main unit 14 will turn off in that state. As a result, there is a possibility that untransmitted data to the controller 90 and past data on fluid delivery volume may be lost.

[0083] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the removal of the cartridge 12 from the device body 14 is detected by the first detection unit 77 after drug administration is complete, the power to the device body 14 remains on. In other words, even if the reservoir 18 (cartridge 12) is unintentionally removed from the device body 14, the power to the drug administration device 10 does not immediately turn off. When the device body 14 detects that the cartridge 12 has been removed, it transmits the data held in the storage unit 72 to the controller 90 and then turns off the power to the device body 14. This makes it possible to improve the manageability of data related to the amount of liquid delivered by the drug administration device 10.

[0084] Furthermore, when the cartridge 12 is removed from the main body 14 of the drug dispensing device 10, the second detection unit 78 detects that the nut portion 24 has returned to its initial position, and then the device automatically turns off the power to the main body 14. This makes power management of the main body 14 easier. Also, when the drug dispensing device 10 is used again, the nut portion 24 has already been pulled back to its initial position, which reduces the effort required for preparation and shortens the time required for preparation. While the nut portion 24 is pulled back to its initial position, the data held in the storage unit 72 as described in the previous paragraph may be transmitted to the controller 90.

[0085] Figures 10A to 10F show the relationship between the operating state of the drug solution dispensing device 10 and the detection state of the first detection unit 77 and the second detection unit 78. In the example shown in Figures 10A to 10F, the reservoir 18 can be filled with 200 U (200 units) of drug solution.

[0086] Figure 10A shows the state in which the cartridge 12 is attached to the main body 14 of the device with the nut portion 24 in its initial state (cartridge attached state). In the state shown in Figure 10A, the first detection unit 77 and the second detection unit 78 are in the "on" state. The drug dispensing device 10 turns on the power of the drug dispensing device 10 (main body 14) in response to both the first detection unit 77 and the second detection unit 78 being "on".

[0087] Figure 10B shows the state in which the liquid is filled from the liquid delivery port 112, the nut portion 24 retracts, and the reservoir 18 is connected to the nut portion 24 (filled state). In the state shown in Figure 10B, the first detection unit 77 and the second detection unit 78 are in the "on" state, with the first detection unit 77 being "on" and the second detection unit 78 being "on".

[0088] Figure 10C shows the state in which the nut portion 24 has been advanced and liquid delivery has started (liquid delivery start state). In the state shown in Figure 10C, the first detection unit 77 and the second detection unit 78 are in the "on" state, and the first detection unit 77 is in the "off" state.

[0089] Figure 10D shows the state after liquid delivery is complete (liquid delivery completed state). In the state shown in Figure 10D, the first detection unit 77 is in the "on" state and the second detection unit 78 is in the "off" state. After liquid delivery is complete, the motor 44 of the device body 14 may be rotated in the reverse direction to retract the nut portion 24 by a certain distance, making it easier to remove the cartridge 12 from the device body 14.

[0090] Figure 10E shows the state in which the cartridge 12 has been removed from the main body 14 of the device (cartridge removed state). In the state shown in Figure 10E, the first detection unit 77 and the second detection unit 78 are in the "off" state. When the first detection unit 77 is turned "off", the main body 14 begins to return the nut portion 24 to its initial position.

[0091] Figure 10F shows the state in which the nut portion 24 has been returned to its initial position (nut portion retracted state) in the main body of the device 14. In the state shown in Figure 10F, the first detection unit 77 is in the "off" state and the second detection unit 78 is in the "on" state. The drug dispensing device 10 turns off its power supply in response to the detection of the first detection unit 77 being "off" and the second detection unit 78 being "on". In this way, the drug dispensing device 10 turns off the power supply to the main body of the device 14 in response to the first detection unit 77 being "off" detecting the removal of the reservoir 18 and the second detection unit 78 being "on" detecting the return of the nut portion 24 to its initial position. The second detection unit 78 is positioned closer to the base end than the position where the base end of the plunger 20 (for example, the claw portion 38) is moved to the base end side. This prevents the nut portion 24 from interfering with the spur gear 50, etc.

[0092] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the drug dispensing device 10 shown in Figure 1. The operation of the drug dispensing system 100 described with reference to Figure 11 may correspond to one of the control methods for the drug dispensing device 10. The operation of each step in Figure 11 may be performed based on control by the control unit 71 of the drug dispensing device 10. The drug dispensing device 10 performs the following processing while driving the motor 44 to deliver the liquid.

[0093] The following process begins with the cartridge 12 not yet attached to the device body 14, the nut portion 24 in its initial position at the most proximal end, and the drug administration device 10 powered off, as shown in Figure 10F. First, the user attaches the empty cartridge 12 to the device body 14 (see Figure 10A).

[0094] In step S1, the control unit 71 determines whether the cartridge 12 has been attached to the device body 14. If the cartridge 12 has been attached (YES in step S1), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S2; otherwise (NO in step S1), it does not perform any further processing.

[0095] In step S2, the control unit 71 turns on the power to the main body of the device 14. The processes in steps S1 and S2 may be realized, for example, by the drug administration device 10 having a mechanical structure such that the power is turned on when the switch of the first detection unit 77 is pressed by a reservoir 18 or the like provided in the cartridge 12 attached to the main body of the device 14.

[0096] In step S3, the control unit 71 determines whether the second detection unit 78 is ON or OFF. As described above, if the nut portion 24 is in the initial position, the second detection unit 78 is ON. If the second detection unit 78 is ON (YES in step S3), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S4. Otherwise (NO in step S3), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S9. If the power to the drug solution administration device 10 is ON in step S2 but NO in step S3, the controller 90 may be prevented from receiving commands related to priming, administration, etc. This is to prevent the drug solution from being filled with a specified amount because the nut portion 24 is not in the initial position, and to prevent the drug solution administration device 10, which is not filled with drug solution, from being mounted on the cradle device 11 and administration starting.

[0097] In step S4, the control unit 71 can identify that the user is able to fill the reservoir 18 with the drug solution. For example, the control unit 71 may notify the user that filling with the drug solution is possible using the notification unit 76 and the output unit 95 of the controller 90, or it may not need to provide any special notification. The user fills the reservoir 18 with the drug solution using a drug solution filling tool such as a syringe from the liquid delivery port 112 or any dedicated port not shown. As the reservoir 18 is filled with the drug solution, the plunger 20 moves toward the base end. When a predetermined amount of drug solution is filled into the reservoir 18, the nut portion 24 connects (for example, locks) to the rear end of the plunger 20 in its initial position (see Figure 10B).

[0098] In step S5, the control unit 71 performs priming. Specifically, the control unit 71 may display an operation button to start priming on the display unit 95 of the controller 90, and receive a priming instruction from the user. The control unit 71 rotates the motor 44 in the forward direction in response to the priming instruction from the user and performs priming. As the nut portion 24 moves with the plunger 20 from its initial position toward the tip side during priming, the second detection unit 78 turns off (see Figure 10C). After priming is complete, the user attaches the cradle device 11 to the patient's skin and then attaches the pump body 10 to the cradle device 11.

[0099] In step S6, the control unit 71 determines whether the first detection unit 77 is in the ON state. The first detection unit 77 is ON when the cartridge 12 is attached to the device body 14. If the cartridge 12 is detached from the device body 14 for any reason, the first detection unit 77 turns OFF. If the first detection unit 77 is ON (YES in step S6), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S7; otherwise (NO in step S6), it proceeds to step S9.

[0100] In step S7, the control unit 71 performs fluid delivery. Specifically, it drives the motor 44 to rotate in the forward direction according to a predetermined administration schedule to deliver the fluid. When all the drug solution in the plunger 20 has been administered, the fluid delivery is complete (see Figure 10D). The control unit 71 notifies the user of the completion of fluid delivery via the notification unit 76 or the output unit 95 of the controller 90. When the fluid delivery of the drug solution in the plunger 20 is complete, the user removes the cartridge 12 from the device body 14. When the cartridge 12 is removed from the device body 14, the state of the first detection unit 77 turns off (see Figure 10E).

[0101] In step S8, the control unit 71 determines whether the first detection unit 77 is in the ON state. If the first detection unit 77 is ON (YES in step S8), the control unit 71 waits until the cartridge 12 is removed and the first detection unit 77 turns ON; otherwise (NO in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.

[0102] In step S9, the control unit 71 pulls the nut portion 24 back to its initial position. Specifically, the control unit 71 rotates the motor 44 in the reverse direction to move the nut portion 24 away from the tip of the plunger 20. When the nut portion 24 returns to its initial position, the state of the second detection unit 78 turns ON (see Figure 10F). Similarly, if the cartridge 12 detaches from the device body 14 during liquid delivery, the state of the first detection unit 77 also turns OFF. The control unit 71 may pull the nut portion 24 back to its initial position in response to the state of the first detection unit 77 turning OFF during liquid delivery. In this case, the control unit 71 may notify the user that the cartridge 12 has detached during liquid delivery.

[0103] In step S10, the control unit 71 determines whether the second detection unit 78 is in the ON state. If the second detection unit 78 is ON (YES in step S10), the control unit 71 proceeds to step S11; otherwise (NO in step S10), it returns to step S9. For example, even if the cartridge 12 is attached to the device body 14 while the nut portion 24 is being retracted (first detection unit 77 "ON"), if the nut portion 24 is not in the initial position (NO in step S10), the retraction of the nut portion 24 will continue (step S9).

[0104] In step S11, the control unit 71 turns off the power to the main unit 14 of the device. Then, the control unit 71 terminates the process shown in the flowchart of Figure 11.

[0105] As described above, the drug administration device 10 comprises a cartridge 12 and a device body 14 for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir 18 into the patient's body. Here, the cartridge 12 comprises a reservoir 18. The device body 14 comprises a nut portion 24, a drive unit 40, a rechargeable battery 42, and a control unit 71. The nut portion 24 engages with a plunger 20 that is movable longitudinally within the reservoir 18, and can press the plunger 20 toward the tip of the reservoir 18. The drive unit 40 moves the nut portion 24 within its movable range. The rechargeable battery 42 supplies power to drive the drive unit 40. Here, the drug administration device 10 turns off the power after detecting the detachment of the cartridge 12 from the device body 14 and the return of the nut portion 24 to its initial position.

[0106] Thus, when the removal of the cartridge 12 is detected, the drug dispensing device 10 turns off the power after detecting that the nut portion 24 has returned to its initial position. Therefore, when the drug dispensing device 10 is used again, the nut portion 24 will be in its initial position, so when attaching a new empty cartridge 12 to the device body 14, the operation of pulling the nut portion 24 back to its initial position can be omitted, thus reducing the time required.

[0107] Furthermore, if the user manually switches the power on and off by operating the controller 90 or the drug dispensing device 10, there is a possibility that the user may forget to turn off the power after use. The drug dispensing device 10 can prevent users from forgetting to turn off the power by having the device body 14 control the power on and off.

[0108] The drug dispensing device 10 may further include a first detection unit 77 that detects that the cartridge 12 is connected to the device body 14, and a second detection unit 78 that detects that the nut portion 24 is in its initial position. The control unit 71 of the drug dispensing device 10 may turn off the power after the first detection unit 77 detects that the cartridge 12 has detached from the device body 14, and the second detection unit 78 detects that the nut portion 24 has returned to its initial position. In this way, by including the first detection unit 77 and the second detection unit 78, the drug dispensing device 10 can be controlled to turn on / off more appropriately.

[0109] Furthermore, the drug dispensing device 10 may return the nut portion 24 to its initial position in response to the cartridge 12 being detached from the device body 14. Therefore, the drug dispensing device 10 can quickly fill the reservoir 18 with a predetermined amount of drug solution when the cartridge 12 is removed from the device body 14 and then reattached.

[0110] Furthermore, the cartridge 12 may further include a plunger 20 provided inside the reservoir 18. The reservoir 18 may have a port (discharge port 28) at its tip for introducing and discharging the drug solution. The plunger 20 may move toward the base end of the reservoir 18 until it engages with a nut portion 24 provided at its initial position, as the drug solution is introduced from the discharge port 28 while the reservoir 18 is attached to a predetermined position on the main body 14. With this configuration, the drug solution dispensing device 10 can fill the reservoir 18 with a predetermined amount of drug solution. In this embodiment, the discharge port 28 and the liquid delivery port 112 are connected by a discharge pipe 29, but the discharge port 28 and the liquid delivery port 112 may be made up of the same port.

[0111] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be combined, or one block may be divided. Multiple steps shown in the flowchart may be performed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device performing each step, or as necessary, instead of being performed in chronological order as described. Other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0112] For example, the drug dispensing device 10 may keep its power on at all times while the power supply is connected to the connector 75.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, if the cartridge 12 is attached to the device body 14 when the nut portion 24 is not in its initial position (YES in step S1), the second detection unit 78 is in the OFF state immediately after the power is turned on (NO in step S3). In this case, the drug dispensing device 10 performs the process of pulling back the nut portion 24 (step S9). If the second detection unit 78 "ON" detects that the nut portion 24 has moved to its initial position, the drug dispensing device 10 may proceed to step S4 and accept the filling of the drug instead of turning off the power (step S11).

[0114] 1 Drug dispensing device set 10 Drug dispensing device (pump body) 11 Cradle device 12 Cartridge 14 Device body 16 Base part 18 Reservoir 20 Plunger 22 Lead screw shaft 24 Nut part 28 Discharge port 29 Outlet tube 30 Plunger body 32 Pusher 34 Seal member 36 Extension part 38 Claw part 39 Bearing 40 Drive unit 42 Rechargeable battery 44 Motor 46 Gearbox 48 Output gear 50 Spur gear 52 Transmission shaft 54 ​​Terminal 56 Bearing 58 Nut part body 60 Slide part 62 Screw hole 64 Through hole 66 Reinforcement cover 68 Guide wall 71 Control unit 72 Memory unit 73 Communication unit 74 Charging circuit unit 75 Connector unit 76 Notification unit 77 First detection unit 78 Second detection unit 79 Bus 106 Cannula report 111 Housing 112 Fluid delivery port 117 Opening 118 Inner wall 119 Projection 121 Top surface 122 Bottom surface 123 Front surface 124 Rear surface 125 First side surface 126 Second side surface 127 Bottom storage section 127a Wall surface 128 Connection port 128a Cylindrical hole 131 Fitting projection 132 Sliding groove 133 Mounting detection switch 134 Detection groove 135 First guide groove 136 First engagement hook 137 Second guide groove 138 Second engagement hook 141 Mounting surface 143 Side wall 144 Side wall 151 Guide rail 152 Detection rail 153 Sliding rail 154 Fitting hole 155 Mounting part 156 Posture correction part 158 ​​Notch 162 Engagement receiving part 181 Port body 182 Plug body 90 Controller 91 Control unit92 Memory unit 93 Communication unit 94 Input unit 95 Output unit 99 Bus 100 Drug administration system

Claims

1. A drug administration device comprising a cartridge and a device body for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir into a patient's body, wherein the cartridge comprises the reservoir, and the device body comprises a movable part connected to a plunger that is longitudinally movable within the reservoir and capable of pressing the plunger toward the tip of the reservoir, a drive unit for moving the movable part within a movable range, a battery for supplying power to drive the drive unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit turns off the power to the device body after detecting the detachment of the cartridge from the device body and the return of the movable part to its initial position.

2. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first detection unit for detecting that the cartridge is connected to the main body of the device; and a second detection unit for detecting that the movable part is in the initial position, wherein the control unit turns off the power to the main body of the device after the first detection unit has detected that the cartridge has been detached from the main body of the device and the second detection unit has detected that the movable part has returned to the initial position.

3. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit returns the movable part to the initial position in response to the cartridge being detached from the main body of the device.

4. The drug solution dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery.

5. A drug administration device set comprising: a drug administration device according to claim 1; a cannula that is placed inside the body and is fluidly connected to the drug administration device; a cannula holder that holds the cannula; and a cradle device that detachably mounts the drug administration device.

6. A method for controlling a drug delivery device comprising a cartridge and a device body for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir into a patient's body, wherein the cartridge comprises the reservoir, the device body comprises a movable part connected to a plunger that is longitudinally movable within the reservoir and capable of pressing the plunger toward the tip of the reservoir, a drive unit for moving the movable part within a movable range, a battery for supplying power to drive the drive unit, and a control unit, the method for controlling a drug delivery device comprising the control unit turning off the power to the device body after detecting the detachment of the cartridge from the device body and the return of the movable part to its initial position.

7. A program for controlling a drug delivery device comprising a cartridge and a device body for administering a drug solution filled in a reservoir into a patient's body, wherein the cartridge comprises the reservoir, the device body comprises a movable part connected to a plunger that is longitudinally movable within the reservoir and capable of pressing the plunger toward the tip of the reservoir, a drive unit for moving the movable part within a movable range, a battery for supplying power to drive the drive unit, and a control unit, the program causing the control unit to execute a procedure to turn off the power to the device body after detecting the detachment of the cartridge from the device body and the return of the movable part to its initial position.

Images