Computer controlled electric syringe

A computer controlled electric syringe includes: a piston unit including a piston being configured to press and move a rubber plug of a cartridge by a second end to discharge a medicinal solution from a cartridge through an injection needle; a ball screw having a screw shaft and a nut portion that is screwed into the screw shaft, the screw shaft being loosely inserted into the hollow portion of the piston through the opening, the nut portion being coupled to the piston; a screw shaft supporting portion rotatably supporting the screw shaft of the ball screw; a rotation preventing portion configured to prevent the nut portion of the ball screw from being rotated; and a piston supporting portion supporting the piston to be movable in an axial direction of the screw shaft along with the nut portion by the rotation of the screw shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present disclosure relates to the subject matters contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-017759 filed on Jan. 29, 2010, which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a computer controlled electric syringe for injecting a medicinal solution to be used in medical treatment or dental treatment.

2. Description of the Related Art

As an instrument which injects a medicinal solution such as an anesthetic, for medical treatment or dental treatment, a manually operated syringe is generally used. In order to alleviate pain using this syringe, it is difficult to perform injection at a low speed and a constant injection speed. Additionally, when a medicinal solution is injected into a hard tissue, large pressing is required, and an operator is forced to make an effort. Moreover, in this case, since the injection speed is sharply changed with fluctuation of the pressing during injection, this can be also a factor which causes pain.

Thus, an electric syringe for injecting a medicinal solution, which is capable of performing injection at a slow injection speed, and also capable of performing injection into a hard tissue while maintaining a constant injection speed is now being widely used.

A conventional configuration that relates to such an electric syringe is disclosed in JP-A-2004-130005 (counterpart U.S. publication is: US 2004/0073168 A1). The publication, JP-A-2004-130005, discloses an electric syringe which is classified into a gun type from its shape, and an electric syringe for a dental treatment anesthetic in which a piston presses and moves a rubber plug of a cartridge in which an anesthetic is enclosed, thereby making the anesthetic flow into a dental injection needle, and makes the anesthetic discharged from a needle tip. In this electric syringe for a dental treatment anesthetic, the injection speed is increased at the beginning of injection, and a constant injection speed is obtained after the lapse of a predetermined period so that pain is kept from occurring.

Another conventional configuration, which is related to the computer controlled electric syringe, is disclosed in JP-T-2004-516107 (counterpart international publication is: WO 02/051476 A1). In JP-T-2004-516107, an electric syringe which is classified into a pen type from its shape is disclosed, and generation of a pain is suppressed because driving is made by the control of an electronic control unit.

The electric syringe for injecting a medicinal solution requires the improvement in usability by realization of a cordless type and miniaturization. Additionally, various questionnaire researches have shown that the pen type which is smaller than the comparatively large-sized gun type has good and preferable usability.

In the electric syringe for a dental treatment anesthetic described in JP-A-2004-130005, although a high torque and a low-speed rotation are realized using a speed-reducing mechanism by a plurality of two-stage gears, there is a problem in that there is no room in internal structure, and additional miniaturization is not easy. A driving unit capable of realizing further miniaturization is desired.

Additionally, even in the pen type injector described in JP-T-2004-516107, a high torque and a low-speed rotation are realized using a speed-reducing mechanism by a plurality of two-stage gears. However, there is a problem in that a plunger is supported at one supporting portion, and a force is concentrated on this supporting portion where damage easily occurs. A driving unit with a mechanically robust construction is desired.

SUMMARY

One of objects of the present invention is to provide a pen-type small computer controlled electric syringe with reduced weight and improved usability.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe including: a piston unit including: a piston comprising a first end, a second end and a hollow portion communicating with an opening formed at the first end, the piston being configured to press and move a rubber plug of a cartridge, in which a medicinal solution is enclosed, by the second end to discharge the medicinal solution from the cartridge through an injection needle; a ball screw comprising a screw shaft and a nut portion that is screwed into the screw shaft, the screw shaft being loosely inserted into the hollow portion of the piston through the opening, the nut portion being coupled to the piston; a screw shaft supporting portion rotatably supporting the screw shaft of the ball screw; a rotation preventing portion configured to prevent the nut portion of the ball screw from being rotated; and a piston supporting portion supporting the piston to be movable in an axial direction of the screw shaft along with the nut portion by the rotation of the screw shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description thereof will be omitted. The scope of the claimed invention should not be limited to the examples illustrated in the drawings and those described below.

In the embodiment, description will be made supposing that an anesthetic is used as a medicinal solution, and a computer controlled electric syringe for injecting an anesthetic during dental treatment is used. The computer controlled electric syringe1, which is a syringe having an external appearance as shown inFIGS. 1A to 1C, has an injection needle10(with a needle fixing member20) attached thereto, and includes a cartridge holder30, a cartridge holder socket40, an operation indicator50, a main case60, a start switch70, an aspiration switch80, an information display90, a mode/speed setting switch100, a cartridge/melody setting switch110, and a power switch120.

As shown in the internal structural views ofFIGS. 2A to 2Cin which a body cover is broken away, the computer controlled electric syringe1further includes therein a piston unit130, a drive mechanism140, a speaker150, a circuit board160, a protection seal170, a start switch protection seal180, an aspiration switch protection seal190, and a drive motor200.

As shown in the internal structural views ofFIGS. 3A to 3Dexcept the body cover, the computer controlled electric syringe1further includes therein a stroke sensor210and a reinforcing ring220.

As shown in a disassembled structural view ofFIG. 4, the computer controlled electric syringe1further includes therein a battery230, a condensing body240, a cartridge (for example, 1.8 mL)250, a cartridge (for example, 1.0 mL)260, a packing receptacle270, packing280, and an O-ring290.

As shown in a circuit block diagram ofFIG. 5, the computer controlled electric syringe1includes a power-receiving-side noncontact power transmission module300, a battery charge circuit310, a battery230, an opening/closing control part320, an ±5 V power circuit330, a main processor340, a first light-emitting device350, the second light-emitting device360, the D/A converter370, the motor driving circuit380, the drive motor200, the motor current detector390, a stroke sensor210, a speaker150, a start switch70, a frequency divider circuit400, an aspiration switch80, a mode/speed setting switch100, a cartridge/melody setting switch110, a power switch120, and a reset circuit410.

As shown inFIG. 6, the computer controlled electric syringe1is placed on the battery charger2where charge is performed.

As shown in the circuit block diagram ofFIG. 7, the battery charger2includes an AC adaptor (DC 6 V output)420, a constant-voltage circuit (DC 5 V)430, a power-transmission-side noncontact power transmission module440, a charger-side main processor450, a charge indicator460, a reset circuit470, a comparison circuit480, and a main body detector (Hall device)490.

The injection needle10is a hollow needle body as widely known, and is attached to the tip of the computer controlled electric syringe1as shown inFIGS. 1A to 1B. The other end of the injection needle10reaches the cartridge250or260, and a medicinal solution in the cartridge250or260flows therethrough. The needle fixing member20connects and fixes the cartridge holder30to the injection needle10.

A female screw portion of the needle fixing member20is screwed, fastened and fixed to the male screw portion at the cartridge holder30.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 8, a cartridge is loaded into the cartridge holder30. Here, for dental treatment anesthetics, currently, two types of cartridges with different lengths including, for example, the cartridge250for 1.8 ml, and the cartridge260for 1.0 ml exists. The cartridge holder30is constructed so that two types of cartridge are loaded thereinto, and although described later, a piston pushes out a rubber plug of a cartridge so as to push out an anesthetic in the cartridge.

In addition, the cartridge is not limited to those for 1.8 ml and 1.0 ml. For example, it is possible to adopt cartridges which are newly selected later, cartridges for 1.6 ml. Concrete numeric values, such as the amount of a medicinal solution and length, are suitably changed if necessary.

As shown inFIGS. 9A to 9E, the cartridge holder30includes a main body30a, a side piece portion30b, a protruding portion30c, a male screw portion30d, and a groove portion30e.

The main body30ais a cylindrical body, and has a length such that a portion of the long cartridge250or260protrudes.

The side piece portion30bhas one side connected to the main body30a, has a cut-in formed therearound, and is configured to be movable in a radial direction. Although the side piece portions30bare formed in two places in the embodiment, for example, the number of places, such as one place or three places, can be suitably set.

The protruding portion30cis a member which protrudes inward from the side piece portion30band fixes the cartridge250or260. The protruding portion30cis also formed by the same number as the side piece portions30b.The male screw portion30dis screwed, fastened and fixed to the male screw portion of the needle fixing member20. A groove portion30eis an annular groove formed at an outer periphery near the opening side.

As shown inFIG. 8, an annular groove252is provided in the outer peripheral surface of, for example, the cartridge250for 1.8 ml, and an annular groove262is provided in the outer peripheral surface of, for example, the cartridge260for 1.0 ml. Additionally, a cap254(264) covers the periphery of a lid253(263), such as rubber, at the tip of the cartridge.

When the cartridge250(260) is inserted into the cartridge holder30, the cap254(264) pushes up the protruding portion30cand the side piece portion30bto the outer peripheral side, and thereafter, the protruding portion30centers and is fixed into the groove252(262). The cartridge250(260) is fixed to the cartridge holder30by such a mechanism, and even if the cartridge250(260) is pulled, the cartridge is prevented from easily coming off from the cartridge holder30.

The cartridge holder socket40is constructed so that the cartridge holder30is detached and attached. As a protruding portion (not shown) of the cartridge holder socket40is inserted into or removed from the groove portion30eof the cartridge holder30, attachment and detachment of the cartridge holder30is performed.

As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B,FIG. 2A, andFIG. 10A, the operation indicator50is arranged in the foremost place at the injection needle side of the main case60. The operation indicator50is formed in the shape of a one-round ring. Although described later, for example, the operation indicator50illuminates in various kinds of color during an injection operation, and an operator's attention is called to the fact of being in operation.

The main case60is formed in a tubular shape from a transparent material with high waterproofness. Additionally, the main case is formed so as to be tapered toward the injection needle. A hole for putting a machine into the inside is formed in the back of the main body, and is sealed and fixed by a back cover61(refer toFIGS. 2A to 2C). Additionally, holes are also formed in the places where the start switch70, the aspiration switch80, the information display90, the mode/speed setting switch100, the cartridge/melody setting switch110, and the power switch120are placed. Also, the parts excluding the operation indicator50is painted to form a protective painting portion. Since the main case60has a tapered shape, the operation indicator50is formed as a ring-shaped display part which is smaller compared to the back of the main body which has the greatest thickness of the main case60.

As shown inFIG. 5, the start switch70is connected to a main processor340via the frequency divider circuit400, and an input regarding the start of injection is made. As shown inFIG. 2A, the start switch70is covered and waterproofed with the start switch protection seal180. In addition, the start switch70is a capacitance-type contact switch which senses the presence or absence of contact with part of a person. In the capacitance-type contact switch, as shown inFIG. 11, the point that on/off can be made even via rubber gloves3which are worn during operation is confirmed. By adopting this contact switch, mechanical operation is eliminated, and the generation of vibration, etc. is prevented.

In addition, instead of the capacitance-type contact switch, a start switch70may be used as a photo-reflector type contact switch. A window hole of the start switch70is shielded with a finger, and an operation input is performed. In this case, the frequency divider circuit400becomes unnecessary. As a result, inFIG. 5, the start switch70is directly connected to the main processor340, and an input signal from the start switch70is input to the main processor340. Such a start switch70may be adopted.

As shown inFIG. 5, the aspiration switch80is connected to the main processor340and one input regarding aspiration is made. As shown inFIG. 2A, the aspiration switch80is covered and waterproofed by the aspiration switch protection seal190.

As shown inFIG. 5, the information display90is a liquid crystal display to be connected to the main processor340. Display screens are, for example, as shown inFIGS. 14A to 14C,FIGS. 15A to 15C, etc. As shown inFIG. 2A, the information display90is covered and waterproofed by the protection seal170.

As shown inFIG. 5, the mode/speed setting switch100is connected to the main processor340, and an input regarding mode setting or speed setting is made. As shown inFIG. 2A, the mode/speed setting switch100is waterproofed by the protection seal170.

The cartridge/melody setting switch110is a cartridge setting switch of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5, the switch is connected to the main processor340, and an input regarding cartridge setting or melody setting is made. As shown inFIG. 2A, the cartridge/melody setting switch110is waterproofed by the protection seal170.

As shown inFIG. 5, the power switch120is connected to the main processor340and an input regarding on/off of a power source is made. As shown inFIG. 2Athe power switch120is covered and waterproofed by the protection seal170.

As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the piston unit130is arranged in the main case60. AsFIGS. 3A to 3D,FIG. 4,FIG. 12, andFIG. 13, the piston unit130includes a piston131, a ball screw132, a bottom base133, a top base134, a rotation preventing portion135, a screw shaft supporting portion136, and a piston supporting portion137, and is constructed by the bottom base133and the top base134. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the ball screw132includes a screw shaft132aand a nut portion132b. The screw shaft supporting portion136includes a thrust bearing136aand a radial bearing136b. The piston supporting portion137is a bearing which supports a piston131so that the piston becomes movable in a piston axis direction (thrust direction). The piston is supported so as not to move in a diametrical direction (radial direction) of the piston.

The drive mechanism140rotationally drives the screw shaft132aof the ball screw132of the piston unit130as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, and includes a piston-side gear141and a motor-side gear142which engage with each other as shown inFIGS. 2B and 4. Additionally, the piston-side gear141is fixed to the screw shaft132a, and the motor-side gear142is fixed to a rotary shaft of the drive motor200.

As shown inFIG. 5, the speaker150is connected to the main processor340. As shown inFIG. 2C, the speaker150is arranged near the back of the back cover61.

As shown in the circuit block diagram ofFIG. 5, the power-receiving-side noncontact power transmission module300, the battery charge circuit310, the opening/closing control part320, the ±5 V power circuit330, the main processor340, the information display90, the first light-emitting device350, the second light-emitting device360, the D/A converter370, the motor driving circuit380, the motor current detector390, the start switch70, the frequency divider circuit400, the aspiration switch80, the mode/speed setting switch100, the cartridge/melody setting switch110, the power switch120, and the reset circuit410are loaded on the circuit board160, thereby forming a circuit.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the protection seal170is provided so as to cover the information display90, the mode/speed setting switch100, the cartridge/melody setting switch110, and the power switch120, and performs waterproofing.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the start switch protection seal180is provided so as to cover the start switch70, and performs waterproofing.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the aspiration switch protection seal190is provided so as to cover the aspiration switch80, and performs waterproofing.

As shown inFIG. 3C, the drive motor200is fixed to a side portion of the piston unit130, and as shown inFIG. 4, the motor-side gear142is pivotally supported and fixed to a driving shaft. As shown inFIG. 5, the drive motor200is connected to the motor driving circuit380, and is rotationally driven.

As shown inFIG. 3C, the stroke sensor210is fixed to a side portion of the piston unit130, and a sensor slider211is fixed to the nut portion132bof the ball screw132. Since a position detection signal output from the stroke sensor210changes according to the movement of the nut portion132b, positioning can be made using this detection value.

As shown inFIG. 3B, the reinforcing ring220is fitted into a groove portion which is formed when the bottom base133and the top base134are assembled together, and firmly fixes the bottom base133and the top base134.

The battery230is connected to the battery charge circuit310and the opening/closing control part320as shown inFIG. 5, and is fixed to the inside of the groove of the piston unit130as shown inFIG. 4. The battery230has a charging function, and supplies electric power to respective parts in use.

As shown inFIG. 4, the condensing body240is fixed to the tip of the piston unit130at the injection needle side. Although described later, the condensing body has a function of condensing the light emitted from the first light-emitting device350and the second light-emitting device360to the operation indicator50.

For example, an anesthetic of 1.8 mL is enclosed in the cartridge (1.8 mL)250. As shown inFIG. 4, the cartridge (1.8 mL)250has a rubber plug251, and when an injection needle10is set and the piston131pushes the rubber plug251, the anesthetic comes out of the injection needle10(refer toFIG. 19).

For example, an anesthetic of 1.0 mL is enclosed in the cartridge (1.0 mL)260. As shown inFIG. 4, the cartridge (1.0 mL)260has a rubber plug261, and when an injection needle10is set and the piston131pushes the rubber plug261, the anesthetic comes out of the injection needle10.

As shown inFIG. 4, the packing receptacle270is pressed toward the piston unit130by the cartridge holder socket40, and fixes the packing280.

The packing280abuts on the piston131, maintains watertight structure, and prevents a situation where water enters the main body.

The O-ring290abuts on the inner peripheral surface in the cartridge250or260, when the tip of the piston131presses the rubber plug251or261and enters the cartridge250or260, thereby preventing a medicinal solution to leak out from the piston side when injecting the medicinal solution and enabling aspiration capability.

As shown inFIG. 5, the power-receiving-side noncontact power transmission module300is an electric-wave system circuit in a circuit, receives a power signal from the power-transmission-side noncontact power transmission module440(refer toFIG. 7) of the battery charger2, and outputs a power signal.

The battery charge circuit310receives the power signal, and supplies electric power to the battery230. If the charge of the battery230is completed, an electric power supply is stopped. The battery230charges electric power while the opening/closing control part320is OFF (while the battery is placed on the battery charger2), and supplies electric power to the outside while the opening/closing control part320is ON (while the battery is detached from the battery charger2).

The opening/closing control part320is connected to the main processor340, and opens and closes between the battery230and the ±5 V power circuit330by opening/closing control.

The ±5 V power circuit330supplies electric power from the battery230to a ±5 V power source. This ±5 V source is supplied to respective components of a circuit system shown inFIG. 5for driving and control.

The main processor340is an example of the main processor of the invention. As shown inFIG. 5, in the body-side processing part, the information display90, the first light-emitting device350, the second light-emitting device360, the D/A converter370, the motor current detector390, the stroke sensor210, the speaker150, the opening/closing control part320, the frequency divider circuit400(this is provided only when the start switch70is of a capacitance type; however, this is unnecessary when the start switch is of a photo-reflector type), the aspiration switch80, the mode/speed setting switch100, the cartridge/melody setting switch110, the power switch120, and the reset circuit410are connected, and control according to various input is performed. Detailed control will be described later.

The first light-emitting device350is, for example, a blue LED. The first light-emitting device350is controlled to be ON and OFF by the main processor340.

The second light-emitting device360is, for example, an orange LED. The second light-emitting device360is controlled to be ON and OFF by the main processor340.

When seen from the front side likeFIG. 10B, for example, the first light-emitting device350and the second light-emitting device360are arranged on the upper and lower sides and on the right and left sides of the circuit board160.

The D/A converter370inputs digital data which controls the rotation of the drive motor200from the main processor340, and converts the digital data into an analog signal.

The motor driving circuit380receives the analog signal, and outputs a motor current signal which drives the drive motor200.

The motor current detector390detects the motor current signal input to the drive motor200, and inputs the motor current signal as a torque signal. The D/A converter370, the motor driving circuit380, and the motor current detector390constitute a motor controller of the invention.

The frequency divider circuit400thins out and outputs a detection signal from the start switch70, and lengthens intervals for detection, thereby facilitating detection in terms of programs. In addition, the frequency divider circuit400is provided only when the start switch70is of a capacitance type, and is removed when the start switch is of a photo-reflector type.

The reset circuit410detects a supply voltage at the time of power supply or at the time of instantaneous power interruption, and has a function of reliably applying reset to a system. The construction of the computer controlled electric syringe1is as described above.

Hereafter, the internal structure of the piston unit which forms the features of the invention will be described. AsFIGS. 3A to 3D,FIG. 12, andFIG. 13, the piston unit130includes the piston131, the ball screw132, the bottom base133, the top base134, the rotation preventing portion135, the screw shaft supporting portion136, and the piston supporting portion137.

The piston131is a cylindrical body, and has a hollow portion which communicates with an opening of one end. The piston presses and moves the rubber plug251or261of the cartridge250or260at the tip portion of the other end.

The ball screw132includes the screw shaft132aof which the outer periphery is threaded, and the nut portion132bwhich rotates relative to the screw shaft132a, and is screwed to the screw shaft so as to move in the direction of the screw shaft. Also, the screw shaft132apasses through an opening131aof the piston131, is loosely inserted into the hollow portion of the piston131, and is coupled to the nut portion132bnear the opening131aof the piston131. That is, the nut portion132bmoves in the direction of the screw shaft, and the piston131moves.

The bottom base133and the top base134fixes the screw shaft supporting portion136and the piston supporting portion137while sandwiching the portions from above and below. Since the piston unit130has a half-split structure through the bottom base133, and the top base134, assembling becomes easy.

As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3BandFIG. 13, the rotation preventing portion135is composed of a protruding portion135band a sliding passage135a. The protruding portion135bis fixed to the nut portion132b. The sliding passage135ais formed in the bottom base133. The protruding portion135bis configured so as to move only inside a sliding passage135a, and such a rotation preventing portion135prevents the rotation of the nut portion132bof the ball screw132. For this reason, the nut portion132band the piston132coupled to the nut portion132bmoves only in the axial direction without rotating.

As shown inFIG. 13, the screw shaft supporting portion136includes the thrust bearing136aand the radial bearing136b, and rotatably supports the screw shaft132aof the ball screw132. The thrust bearing136abears the force in the direction of the screw shaft which receives especially when the piston131presses the rubber plug251or261, and rotatably supports the piston. In particular, since the force in the thrust direction is strong, the force acts so that the bottom base133and the top base134open. However, since the bottom base and the top base are fixed by the aforementioned reinforcing ring220, a situation in which the bottom base133, and the top base134open does not occur. Two radial bearings136bare arranged, and support the screw shaft132aso that the screw shaft becomes rotatable with respect to the bottom base133and the top base134. The screw shaft supporting portion136gives sufficient supporting force by the thrust bearing136aand the two radial bearings136b.

The piston supporting portion137is a sliding bearing which is sandwiched and fixed by the bottom base133and the top base134. The piston supporting portion137does not give a supporting force in the axial direction (the thrust direction) of the screw shaft, but movably supports the piston131which moves according to rotation. Additionally, although a sufficient supporting force can be given in the radial direction, since the force which is received in the radial direction is weak, a situation in which the movement of the piston131is hindered does not occur.

In such a piston unit130, the screw shaft132ain the piston131is loosely inserted with a slight gap without touching the inner periphery of the piston131. Although a strong force is applied to the piston131in the axial direction (the thrust direction), since a force is not applied radially (radial direction), the screw shaft132ain the piston131maintains its state, and rotates without touching the inner peripheral surface. Additionally, it is confirmed that operation can be made even if movement is made in the axial direction (the thrust direction) while giving a drag to the piston131in the state of being experimentally supported by the screw shaft supporting portion136and the piston supporting portion137.

Such a piston unit131has the following advantages. Conventionally, when a ball screw is utilized, it was necessary to support a screw shaft at both ends thereof, and enlargement was not avoided. However, in the present invention, a construction in which one supporting portion of the screw shaft132ais omitted is adopted. Therefore, one supporting portion is no longer needed, and significant miniaturization is realized. Additionally, since the ball screw132is used, a sufficient pressing force can be secured even if a rotative force is small. Therefore, a multi-stage gear speed-reducing mechanism like a conventional technique is no longer required. This also contributes to apparatus miniaturization. Additionally, this leads to miniaturization of a motor and also leads to miniaturization of a battery. In the present invention, these effects are synergistically combined to realize drastic miniaturization and weight reduction, and a cordless and pen-type computer controlled electric syringe1is realized.

Hereafter, the operation indicator50will be described.

As shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the operation indicator50is provided at a position adjacent to the cartridge holder socket40at the tip of the main case60. Although the main case60is formed of a transparent material as described earlier, and the outer peripheral surface thereof is painted to form a protective painting portion, the operation indicator50is formed such that only a ring-like part of the tip thereof becomes transparent without painting. Also the first two light-emitting elements350and the second two light-emitting elements360are provided on the circuit board160. As also apparent fromFIG. 10B, the first light-emitting device350and the second light-emitting device360are arranged on the upside of the circuit board160. The first light-emitting device350and the second light-emitting device360are arranged on the underside of the circuit board160. Even when a left end including top and bottom is seen, the first light-emitting device350and the second light-emitting device360are arranged. Even when a right end including top and bottom is seen, the first light-emitting device350and the second light-emitting device360are arranged.

For example, when light is emitted in blue and the two first light-emitting elements350emit light, light is emitted from right and left and up and down. As shown inFIG. 10A, since an optical path is formed by the condensing body240so that light does not dissipate, light is condensed in the direction of the tip, and a blue light is radiated to the outside in the operation indicator50. It shows that this blue light is irregularly reflected, and is radiated over the whole periphery of the operation indicator50, and thereby, light is emitted from all directions including the right and left and top and bottom of the operation indicator50.

Similarly, for example, when light is emitted in orange and the two second light-emitting elements360emit light, light is emitted from right and left and top and bottom. As shown inFIG. 10A, since an optical path is formed by the condensing body240so that light does not dissipate, light is condensed in the direction of the tip, and an orange light is radiated to the outside in the operation indicator50. It shows that this orange light is radiated over the whole periphery of the operation indicator50by irregular reflection, and thereby, light is emitted from all directions including the right and left and top and bottom of the operation indicator50.

When both the first light-emitting device350and the second light-emitting device360are made to emit light, light is condensed by the condensing body240and enters the operation indicator50. However, for example, when blue and orange are mixed, for example, purple is obtained, and consequently, purple light is radiated to the outside of the operation indicator50. It shows that this purple light is radiated over the whole periphery of the operation indicator50by irregular reflection, and thereby, light is emitted from all directions including the right and left and top and bottom of the operation indicator50.

Such an operation indicator50can form a display part with simple construction. Additionally, since the main case60is tapered, a small ring-like display part is obtained, and a ring-like display part which was impossible in a normal lamp, etc. is obtained. This display part can be seen from up and down and top and bottom. Additionally, since light is condensed on a small ring, the light is brightly displayed. Additionally, since the two-color light emitting elements are mixed together, three colors can be displayed by the two-color light-emitting elements, which contributes to cost reduction.

In addition, although the case where the luminescent color of the first light-emitting device350is a blue color and the luminescent color of the second light-emitting device360is an orange color has been described in the embodiment, this embodiment is not intended to be limited to these luminescent colors, and proper luminescent colors can be selected.

Hereafter, the operation about which practical usage of such a computer controlled electric syringe1is taken into consideration will be described.

(1) When Charged

As shown inFIG. 6, typically, the computer controlled electric syringe1when not used is placed on the battery charger2where charge is performed. As shown inFIG. 7, the AC adaptor420of the battery charger2is connected to a socket to which a commercial power supply is to be supplied, and converts AC 100 V into a voltage of DC 6 V and outputs the converted voltage. The constant-voltage circuit430further converts the converted voltage into a voltage of DC 5 V, and outputs the converted voltage to the power-transmission-side noncontact power transmission module440. The power-transmission-side noncontact power transmission module440is a noncontact transmission module, and transmits this voltage of DC 5 V as wireless electric power.

The power-receiving-side noncontact power transmission module300shown byFIG. 5is arranged nearby the power-transmission-side noncontact power transmission module440side, and this power-receiving-side noncontact power transmission module300receives the electric power which is wirelessly transmitted, and supplies the electric power to the battery charge circuit310. The battery charge circuit310is, for example, a lithium ion charge IC, and charges the battery230which is a lithium ion battery. Although the power switch120is OFF during this charge, since the opening/closing control part320is also OFF in association with the power switch120, and does not send electric power to a subsequent-stage ±5 V power circuit330, the whole control system becomes OFF. Accordingly, the battery230is charged without consuming power.

In this case, as shown inFIG. 7, when the installation of the computer controlled electric syringe1is detected through the comparison circuit480by the main body detector (Hall device)490, it is displayed on a charge indicator460that the charger-side main processor450is during charge. As a display example, the charge indicator460has, for example, a green LED and an orange LED, and performs a display which emits light in orange during charge and emits light in green after the end of charge. In addition, although various display examples can be selected, it is preferable to have a display capable of distinguishing the “during charge” from the “end of charge.”

(2) At the Time of Starting/Initializing (Initial Setting) Operation

Hereafter, an actual operation will be described along with operational procedure. In the following description, a case where the main processor controls other components, such as the speaker, the motor controller and the indicators in correspondence with respective switches will be described.

First, when an operator removes the computer controlled electric syringe1from the battery charger2, and pushes the power switch120once, the opening/closing control part320is turned ON in association with the depression of the power switch120, electric power is sent to the ±5 V power circuit330from the battery230, and a voltage signal of ±5 V is output. Then, electric power is supplied to respective parts including the main processor340. Then, when +5 V is also supplied to the reset circuit410, the reset output from the reset circuit410becomes H from L, and the main processor340starts the program execution from address0. An initializing program before a main loop from address0is executed. For example, the display of the information display90is turned on along with a starting sound from the speaker150. Additionally, the operation indicator50is also turned on, for example, in blue or orange every second. Additionally, the position of the piston131moves to and stops at an origin equivalent to a cartridge size which is currently set.

(3) At the Time of Cartridge Switch (Only when Differing from a Previously Used Cartridge)

Since switching is alternately made between a cartridge of, for example, 1.8 ml and a cartridge of, for example, 1.0 ml whenever the cartridge/melody setting switch110is pushed for long, a cartridge to be used can be set. As shown inFIGS. 14A to 14C, this switching is displayed on the information display90.

The cartridge of, for example, 1.8 ml is set before switching, and switching to a cartridge of, for example, 1.0 ml from the cartridge of, for example, 1.8 ml shall be made. When the cartridge/melody setting switch110is pushed for long over 2 seconds or more, switching of the cartridge size is started. A sound is output simultaneously with the start of switching. Then, the piston131moves forward and the position of the piston is automatically adjusted so that a cartridge for, for example, 1.0 ml can be housed. The difference between the position of the tip of a piston for, for example, a 1.8 mL cartridge and the position of the tip of a piston for, for example, a 1.0 mL cartridge is about 21 mm, and the time required for the position adjustment of a piston is, for example, about 10 seconds. In this case, the operation indicator50repeats, for example, two blinking at intervals of about 0.8 second-->for example, about turn-off for two seconds-->for example, two blinking at intervals of about 0.8 second, during piston operation. At this time, the display color of the operation indicator50becomes a blue color. At the time of the completion of switching, a change to the display of a short cartridge shown inFIG. 14Bfrom the display of a long cartridge shown inFIG. 14Ais made along with a switching sound. Every sound is output from the speaker150.

On the other hand, the cartridge of, for example, 1.0 ml is set before switching, and switching to a cartridge of, for example, 1.8 ml from the cartridge of, for example, 1.0 ml shall be made. When the cartridge/melody setting switch110is pushed for long over 2 seconds or more, switching of the cartridge size is started. A sound is output simultaneously with the start of switching. Then, the piston131moves back and the position of the piston is automatically adjusted so that a cartridge for, for example, 1.8 ml can be housed. In this case, the operation indicator50repeats, for example, two blinking at intervals of about 0.8 second-->for example, about turn-off for two seconds-->for example, two blinking at intervals of about 0.8 second, during piston operation. At this time, the display color of the operation indicator50becomes an orange color. At the time of the completion of switching, a change to the display of a long cartridge shown inFIG. 14Cfrom the display of a short cartridge shown inFIG. 14Bis made along with a switching sound. Every sound is output from the speaker150.

In addition, the origin position of a piston in the case of a cartridge of, for example, 1.8 mL coincides with a mechanical origin. Additionally, the origin position of a piston in the case of a cartridge of, for example, 1.0 mL is, for example, about 21 mm away from the origin of a piston in the case of a cartridge of, for example, 1.8 mL in the direction of the tip. For this reason, positioning becomes easy, and movement operation of each origin can be a high-speed operation.

(4) Injection Mode Setting

Since switching is alternately made between a constant mode and an auto mode whenever the mode/speed setting switch100is pushed for long (for example, about two seconds), an injection mode can be set. As shown inFIGS. 15A to 15C, this switching is displayed on the information display90.

As shown in16A, the constant mode is a mode where a constant injection speed is obtained without changing an injection speed. As the injection speed, various kinds of L, M, and H can be selected. As shown in16B, the auto mode is a mode where the injection speed is increased at the beginning of injection, and a constant injection speed is obtained after the lapse of a predetermined period. As the injection speed, various kinds of L, M, and H can be selected.

The auto mode is set before switching, and switching to the constant mode from the auto mode shall be made. When the mode/speed setting switch100is pushed long over 2 seconds or more, switching of the mode is performed. A change to the display of “Constant” as shown inFIG. 15Bfrom the display of “Auto” as shown inFIG. 15Ais made along with a switching sound.

On the other hand, the constant mode is set before switching, and switching to the auto mode from the constant mode shall be made. When the mode/speed setting switch100is pushed long over 2 seconds or more, switching of the mode is performed. A change to the display of “Auto” as shown inFIG. 15Cfrom the display of “Constant” as shown inFIG. 15Bis made along with a switching sound. Every switching sounds which is emitted when a buzzer sound mode and a melody mode is selected is output from the speaker150.

(5) Injection Speed Setting

Since an injection speed is switched between L (Low: low speed), M (Medium: medium speed), and H (High: high speed) modes by pushing the mode/speed setting switch100lightly, the injection speed can be set. In addition, the switching of the injection speed reacts when a finger is separated from the mode/speed setting switch100. As shown inFIGS. 17A to 17F, this switching is displayed on the information display90.

L is set in the auto mode before switching, and switching to M shall be made. When the mode/speed setting switch100is lightly pushed, a change to the display of “M” as shown inFIG. 17Bfrom the display of “L” as shown inFIG. 17Ais made along with a switching sound.

Additionally, M is set before switching, and switching to H shall be made. When the mode/speed setting switch100is lightly pushed, a change to the display of “H” as shown inFIG. 17Cfrom the display of “M” as shown inFIG. 17Bis made along with a switching sound.

Additionally, His set before switching, and switching to L shall be made. When the mode/speed setting switch100is lightly pushed, a change to the display of “L” as shown inFIG. 17Afrom the display of “H” as shown inFIG. 17Cis made along with a switching sound.

Such switching is also the same in the constant mode as shown inFIGS. 17D,17E, and17F, and duplicate description will be omitted. Every switching sounds which is emitted when a buzzer sound mode and a melody mode is selected is output from the speaker150.

(6) Voice Setting and Melody Setting

The cartridge/melody setting switch110is lightly pushed to set a melody. As shown inFIGS. 18A to 18E, this switching is displayed on the information display90. Silence and a buzzer sound are also included in the switching of a melody. Whenever the cartridge/melody setting switch is pushed, along with a switching sound, switching is made in the following order: a silence mode (FIG.18A)-->a buzzer sound mode (FIG.18B)-->a melody1mode (FIG.18C)-->a melody2mode (FIG.18D)-->a melody n mode (FIG. 18E) (in addition, n is illustratively displayed as 6 in the drawing)-->the silence mode (FIG. 18A). A melody is switched when a finger is removed from the cartridge/melody setting switch100.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 8, when the cartridge250or260is inserted through an opening of the cartridge holder30, a tip portion of the cartridge250or260is brought into contact with and is positioned by a far end in the cartridge holder30, and the protruding portion30cis fitted into the groove portion252or262so as to prevent coming-off.

(8) Mount Cartridge Holder on Main Body.

The cartridge holder30to which the cartridge250or260is fixed is mounted on and fixed to the cartridge holder socket40of the main body.

The injection needle10is attached to the tip of the cartridge holder30by the needle fixing member20.

(10) Perform Operation Confirmation with Air-Bleeding

The start switch70is lightly touched, and it is confirmed that several drops of medicinal solution come out of the needle tip of the injection needle10. In this case, the operation indicator50blinks (display color: depends on an injection amount) according to an injection speed. Additionally, if an operation confirmation sound is in the melody mode, a melody is played. In addition, the output of silence or a buzzer sound is made depending on setting. Every sound is output from the speaker150.

Aspiration may be performed by puncturing an affected part with the injection needle10. Aspiration is performed to confirm that the injection needle10does not erroneously enter a blood vessel, and the presence or absence of inflow of blood into a cartridge is visually confirmed. An operator performs aspiration by pushing the aspiration switch80lightly. Whenever the aspiration switch80is pushed, the piston131moves back by a certain distance required for aspiration. When the aspiration switch80is pushed, the main processor340performs a control so that the motor driving circuit380moves back the piston131by, for example, about 2 mm at high speed, and then stops the piston. In this case, the presence or absence of inflow of blood into the cartridge250or260by the negative pressure to a medicinal solution caused with the expansion of the medicinal solution and the rubber plug251or261is visually confirmed. Additionally, an orange color is displayed on the display part50for operational confirmation. As for an operation confirmation sound, when the aspiration switch80is pushed, a sound is output from the speaker150. In addition, when aspiration cannot be made, for example, it is notified that aspiration could not be made such that a sound is produced twice like “ta-ta”. In addition, even if the aspiration switch80continues to be pushed, the piston131does not continue to move back.

When the start switch70is touched lightly, injection is started according to an injection mode or an injection speed which is currently set. As shown inFIG. 19, the piston131moves in the direction of an arrow, and the rubber plug251or261of the cartridge250or260is pressed at a predetermined injection speed. When the main processor340outputs drive data to the D/A converter370, the drive motor200starts rotation via the motor driving circuit380. Since this rotation operation is a slow-up operation (refer toFIG. 16B) in the auto mode, the drive data which raises a voltage stepwise is input to the D/A converter370, thereby increasing the rotation of the drive motor200, and this rotation continues until a prescribed speed is obtained.

The monitoring of the speed is performed by the comparison between the motor speed data prepared on the basis of a detection signal from the stroke sensor210, and the reference data registered inside the main processor340.

If reference data>motor speed data, a motor voltage is increased.

If reference data<motor speed data, a motor voltage is reduced.

Also, when the piston131continues to move forward and reaches the tip, the main processor340stops the drive motor200by setting the output of the D/A converter370to 0 V.

Since the stroke sensor210is directly connected to the piston131during driving, the current position can be monitored. The main processor340displays a value equivalent to the position of the piston131with a bar graph of the information display90.

As for a liquid crystal display during operation, as shown inFIGS. 20A to 20D, the following bar displays are performed in the auto mode and in a 1.8 mL cartridge. Although all the bars are displayed at the beginning of injection as shown inFIG. 20A, the bars displayed decrease as injection proceeds as shown inFIGS. 20B and 20C, and eventually, all the bars are not displayed and it is displayed that there is no residual amount as shown inFIG. 20D.

As shown inFIGS. 20E to 20H, the following bar displays are performed in the constant mode and in a 1.0 mL cartridge. Although the bars are displayed at the beginning of injection as shown inFIG. 20E, the bars displayed decrease as injection proceeds as shown inFIGS. 20F and 20G, and eventually, all the bars are not displayed and it is displayed that there is no residual amount as shown inFIG. 20H.

Additionally, the operation indicator50blinks according to an injection speed during driving. Thereby, the injection speed can be confirmed. Additionally, color changes (examples: for example, 0 to 0.6 mL-->for example blue; for example, 0.6 to 1.2 mL-->for example, orange; and for example, 1.2 to 1.8 mL-->for example, purple) according to the lighting color or injection amount in the display part50for operational confirmation. For example, in the case of blue, only two first light-emitting elements350emit light. For example, in the case of orange, only two second light-emitting elements360emit light. For example, in the case of purple, the two first light-emitting elements350and the two second light-emitting elements360emit light. Since color changes with an injection amount in this way, the injection amount can be confirmed.

Moreover, “during injection” can be confirmed by blinking or color. Since the blinking or color is near an injection needle, the blinking or color easily come within an operator's field of view, and “during injection” is reliably recognized.

The operation confirmation sound is as follows in the silence mode.

The operation confirmation sound is as follows in the buzzer sound mode.

The operation confirmation sound is as follows in the melody mode.

Every sound is output from the speaker150.

(13) End Injection

A finger is lifted off the start switch70after the end of injection, and injection is ended.

The main processor340performs data output of a slow-up voltage to the D/A converter370, and outputs to the motor driving circuit a signal which returns a piston to an origin position at high speed. 5 seconds after each cartridge is fully pushed, the retreat of a piston begins automatically, and the piston returns to the zero point position of each cartridge.

The operation indicator50is turned off.

The operation confirmation sound is as follows.

No sound is output in the silence mode.

A buzzer sound is output in the buzzer sound mode.

A melody stops in the melody mode.

(14) The Cartridge Holder Socket is Operated to Detach the Cartridge Holder from the Main Body. Subsequently, a Cartridge is Detached from a Piston (Only When an Aspiration Rubber is Mounted).

(15) Turn Off the Power and End Operation.

The power switch120is pushed long (for example, about 2 seconds) and the power is turned off. The information display90is turned off with a confirmation sound, and the piston131moves back automatically. The piston returns to the zero point position of each cartridge. In this case, the operation indicator50does not blink. Additionally, the operation confirmation sound is as follows

No sound is output in the silence mode.

In the buzzer sound mode, a sound is output only when a button is pushed for long.

In the melody mode, a sound is output only when a button is pushed for long.

The operation of the computer controlled electric syringe1is as described above.

As described above, the following contrivances have been made in the present invention.

(1) Since the structure in which the ball screw132and the piston131are integrated, and the movement of the ball screw132is directly transmitted to the piston131is adopted, shape is made compact.

(2) As the piston unit130is half-split and assembled in the axial direction, driving portions are made to have small-sized diameter.

(3) The shape which makes it easy to grasp the grip portion of the main case60is obtained by the contrivance of the arrangement of built-in parts.

Although the case where a computer controlled electric syringe is used for injection of an anesthetic at the time of dental treatment has been described in the description of the embodiment, the invention is not intended to be limited to dental treatment, but may be applied to medical treatment of human beings or other animals (beasts, such as a dog, a cat, a cow, and a horse). Moreover, the invention is not intended to be limited to an anesthetic, but a medicinal solution, such as insulin, may be used.

Additionally, as for the start switch70, a press switch which outputs a detection signal according to the pressed amount may be adopted instead of a contact type switch. It is also preferable that this press switch is a switch which includes a Hall device for detecting a stroke of the pressed amount and outputs a detection signalin accordance with the stroke detected by the Hall device.

Also, the main processor340controls the motor controller so as to perform injection at an injection speed according to the detection signal output from the press switch. Thereby, if the injection speed can be controlled according to the pressed amount, it is also possible to cope with a case where an operator controls the injection speed arbitrarily according to a part into which the injection needle is inserted. Such a computer controlled electric syringe may be adopted.

Additionally, a computer controlled electric syringe may be adopted in which an engaging portion is provided at the tip of the piston131, the main processor340outputs drive data to the D/A converter370so that, according to the depression of the aspiration switch80, the tip of the piston131is locked to the rubber plug of an empty cartridge, and the rubber plug of the empty cartridge is pulled in with the piston131, and the function of making a medicinal solution aspirated into the empty cartridge by the negative pressure which is caused with the pull-in of the rubber plug of the empty cartridge is added.

By adding an aspiration function, a medicine can be aspirated into an empty cartridge, and administration of the aspirated medicine becomes possible.

In addition, in this computer controlled electric syringe, various inventions are inherent.

For example, it is necessary to clean the computer controlled electric syringe for the prevention of infection by bacteria and the prevention of contamination of the main body. Therefore, a structure in which cleaning and sterilization are possible by whole washing is desirable. However, a computer controlled electric syringe with a perfect waterproof structure does not exist conventionally, and a computer controlled electric syringe with a perfect waterproof structure is needed. In addition, in a conventional electric syringe in which charge is made by the contact between an electrode and an electrode, a charging terminal is exposed. Therefore, when the terminal portion is soiled, there is a possibility that poor charge may be caused. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor, the motor controller, and the stroke sensor; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, the stroke sensor, and the main processor; and a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes while maintaining the watertight structure which prevents entrance of water thereinto, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted.

Preferably, in the above computer controlled electric syringe, the power supply unit includes a noncontact power transmission module, a battery charge circuit connected to the noncontact power transmission module, and a battery connected to the battery charge circuit. Electric power is supplied by noncontact from the outside through the noncontact power transmission module, and the battery is charged.

By making the computer controlled electric syringe into a perfect waterproof structure, washing of the main body and sterilization by soaking in a disinfectant become possible, and injection in a cleaner state becomes possible. Additionally, since the noncontact charge type is adopted, there is no exposure of a charging terminal, the poor charge by the soiling of the charging terminal is eliminated, and washing by soaking in a cleaning solution and disinfection by soaking in a disinfectant also become possible.

Additionally, in the conventional technique, the movement of a needle tip in the case of injection causes pain. Therefore, it is desirable that the vibration transmitted to the needle tip at the time of start or stop of injection is small. Since a button-type switch is used in the conventional technique, vibration is transmitted to the needle tip by the pressing of the button. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor, the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted, and a contact switch which is connected to the main processor, and senses the presence or absence of contact of a human body. The main processor controls the motor controller so as to perform injection at a predetermined injection speed when it is determined that contact has been detected by the contact switch.

Preferably, in the above computer controlled electric syringe, the contact switch is a capacitance type or photo-reflector type contact switch.

The contrivance which enhances precision is made in the capacitance type. Theoretically, the capacitance changes and an oscillation frequency changes as a person touches a sensor unit having an oscillation portion. ON/OFF can be detected by measuring and detecting the amount of change. It was also confirmed by experiment that this contact switch reacts even when rubber gloves are used.

In the photo-reflector type, ON/OFF can be detected by shielding a window hole and measuring and detecting the amount of change of the light. It was also confirmed by experiment that this contact switch reacts even when rubber gloves are used.

These suppress the movement of the needle tip which causes pain, so it is possible to provide a computer controlled electric syringe which is operated simply by touching the contact switch.

Additionally, since a gap portion between the seal portion and the contact switch is eliminated by the adoption of the contact switch, positive sealing becomes possible, and whole washing also become possible.

Additionally, in the electric syringe for a dental treatment anesthetic described in JP-A-2004-130005, an injection speed of a low-speed, a medium-speed, and a high-speed can be selected. However, there is a problem that an operator wants to control the injection speed arbitrarily, for example, according to a part into which the injection needle is inserted. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted, and a press switch which is connected to the main processor, and outputs a detection signal according to the pressed amount. The main processor controls the motor controller so as to perform injection at an injection speed according to the detection signal output from the press switch.

Preferably, in the above computer controlled electric syringe, the press switch includes a Hall device for detecting the stroke of the pressed amount and outputs a detection signal in accordance with the stroke detected by the Hall device.

In particular, as the start switch, the pushing type press switch is used instead of the contact type. Thus, since the motor controller is controlled so as to perform injection at an injection speed according to the detection signal output from the press switch, stepless and several steps of injections are enabled according to the pressed amount, and an arbitrary injection speed can be selected with one operation.

The stroke of the pressed amount is electrically detected by a Hall device, stepless and several steps of stroke controls are enabled, and the injection speed can be arbitrarily selected with one operation for a stroke. Accordingly, transmission control of stepless or several steps of injection speeds becomes possible.

In the electric syringe for a dental treatment anesthetic described in JP-A-2004-130005, the display part for operation confirmation (operation confirmation lamp) is located on the side opposite to the injection needle. However, since an operator sees the needle tip of an injection needle or an affected part with concentration, there is a problem in that the confirmation of the display part for operation confirmation (operation confirmation lamp) which is located at a position relatively apart from an injection part on the opposite side, and is hard to see depending on an injection part or an angle is neglected. Even during operation, there is a problem in that the operator wants to perform operation confirmation reliably. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted; and a light-emitting device connected to the main processor. The main case has a transparent, substantially tubular main body, a colored protective portion which covers the outside of the main body, and a display part for operation confirmation which is provided such that the protective painting portion is not formed in the main body. The light emitted from the light-emitting device is made to transmit through the transparent display part for operation confirmation, and is displayed.

Preferably, in the above computer controlled electric syringe, the display part for operation confirmation of the main case goes round in the shape of a ring.

Preferably, in the above computer controlled electric syringe, the main case is formed so that a tip is tapered, and a ring-like display part for operation confirmation with a small cross-sectional area is provided at the tip.

Visibility is enhanced by bringing the position of the display part of operation confirmation as close to an injection part as possible. A circular truncated cone where it is easy to condense light on a tip portion is adopted as the shape near the tip of the main body. Moreover, the condensing efficiency is enhanced by adopting a reflection type as an inner surface, and the display part for operation confirmation is installed at the tip portion near an injection part. The whole periphery of the tip portion of the main body in the shape of a circular truncated cone is made into the display part for operation confirmation. Thereby, the display of the display part for operation confirmation can be confirmed from all directions.

Additionally, although the conventional technique provides the operation indicator50which can confirm an injection speed visually by the difference between blinking intervals of a display part, such as an LED, a display part which can confirm an injection amount simultaneously did not exist. The operator needs the information on an injection amount for the operation indicator50in addition to the information on an operating state and an injection speed. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; and a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted. The light-emitting device is a plurality of kinds of light-emitting elements which emit light in different colors, respectively, and the main processor controls ON and OFF of the plurality of kinds of light-emitting elements so as to change the color of the light-emitting elements according to the position of a piston, and makes the light from the light-emitting elements transmit through the display part for operation confirmation, thereby displaying the injection amount of a medicinal solution.

Preferably, in the above computer controlled electric syringe, the injection amount is indicated by a difference in color, and the injection speed is indicated by blinking.

Preferably, in the above computer controlled electric syringe, the main processor makes two or more colors of the light-emitting elements emit light, thereby displaying an injection amount in correspondence with a combined color.

The lighting color of a light-emitting device is changed in correspondence with a distance by which a piston moves forward. Thereby, an operator is able to visually confirm the current injection amount.

Additionally, in this case, blinking according to an injection speed is performed. Thereby, an operator is able to visually confirm the current injection speed.

Accordingly, the injection speed and the injection amount can be simultaneously confirmed, and visibility can be enhanced. Additionally, in this case, it is naturally discerned that injection is being performed.

Additionally, a combined color can be displayed by making light beams from light sources with different colors condense on the tip portion. Light is condensed on a ring-like display part for operation confirmation, thereby providing a combined color. For example, three colors can be used as two types of luminescent color.

Additionally, there is a demand for mounting an information display by a liquid crystal panel. Conventionally, in a stationary computer controlled electric syringe which is connected to a socket which supplies power, there are some which have a liquid crystal display. However, in a cordless computer controlled electric syringe, there is nothing that has an information display by a liquid crystal display panel. Additionally, the information displayed on the information display by the conventional liquid crystal display panel has nothing which displays the residual amount of a medicinal solution intelligibly. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; and a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted, and an information display which is connected to the main processor, and displays a residual amount with a plurality of bars. The main processor makes the information display perform a display so that bars are reduced as the residual amount decreases.

In the information display of a liquid crystal panel, in addition to the contents (an injection mode, the kind of cartridge, a sound mode, an injection speed, and the residual amount of the battery) set by an operator, a plurality of bars are displayed in the shape of an anesthetic cartridge. As a result, the change of the residual amount can be intelligibly observed such that the bars in the shape of the anesthetic cartridge decrease depending on the injection amount. Thereby, the injection amount can be visually determined.

Additionally, conventionally, there is a computer controlled electric syringe having a function to inform an operator of the change of the injection amount visually. However, when the presentation position is relatively apart from an injection part, the change of the injection amount may be hard to see merely by visual presentation. Additionally, it maybe hard to see depending on an injection part or an angle. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted, and a speaker which is connected to the main processor. The main processor makes the speaker perform an output so that sound is changed as the residual amount decreases.

The function to produce a sound whenever a certain amount of injection is performed is added. Additionally, it is expressed by the change of a sound that the injection amount is increasing (the residual amount of a medicinal solution in a cartridge being decreased). (Example: whenever the injection amount approaches 0.6 ml, a sound is changed). In this way, an operator is informed of the change of the injection amount in real time with sound.

Additionally, in order to confirm that a needle has not erroneously entered a blood vessel at the time of injection, an aspiration operation may be performed (back aspiration). However, in the aspiration operation which uses a piston which has an O-ring-shaped rubber which adheres tightly to the inner wall surface of a cartridge installed at the tip portion thereof, since the cartridge itself will move back with the piston and the cartridge will be separated from the needle, aspiration may not be performed. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; and a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted. The cartridge holder includes an engaging portion which enters a concave surface of a cartridge and locks and fixes the cartridge.

In this way, a cartridge holder having a protruding portion with a spring property caught in a groove portion provided near an aluminum cap portion of a cartridge has been developed. A cartridge is fixed to the cartridge holder at a predetermined position. As a result, a cartridge holder is obtained in which a cartridge for an anesthetic, etc. continues to be fixed to a predetermined position, even in the aspiration which uses a piston which has an O-ring-shaped rubber which adheres tightly to the inner wall surface of a cartridge.

Additionally, in order to confirm that a needle has not erroneously entered a blood vessel at the time of injection, there is a demand for performing an aspiration operation with a simple construction. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted, and an aspiration switch which is connected to the main processor. The main processor controls the motor controller so as to separate the tip of a piston from a rubber plug of a cartridge at high speed according to the depression of the aspiration switch, so the electric syringe is able to confirm the presence or absence of inflow of blood into the cartridge by the negative pressure to a medicinal solution which is caused with the expansion of the medicinal solution and the rubber plug.

When the aspiration switch is pushed, a piston moves back by a distance required for aspiration (for example, the piston is returned at 1.8 mm/sec), and the presence or absence of inflow of blood can be confirmed. Thereby, it can be confirmed whether or nor the needle has erroneously entered a blood vessel.

Additionally, there is a demand for use as an application where a medicinal solution is injected other than a dental anesthetic cartridge. However, in the conventional electric syringe, a medicinal solution cannot be aspirated into an empty cartridge and injected. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted, and an aspiration switch which is connected to the main processor. An engaging portion is provided at the tip of the piston, and the main processor controls the motor controller so as to make the tip of the piston locked to a rubber plug of an empty cartridge according to the depression of the aspiration switch, and pull in the rubber plug of the empty cartridge with the piston, when the amount of aspiration is preset, and makes a medicinal solution of the preset amount aspirated into the empty cartridge by the negative pressure which is caused with the pull-in of the rubber plug of the empty cartridge.

A predetermined amount of medicinal solution is aspirated as the piston moves back by a set distance according to the depression of the aspiration switch after the amount of aspiration is preset. A medicinal solution can be aspirated into an empty cartridge, and administration of the aspirated medicinal solution becomes possible.

The computer controlled electric syringe of the invention aspirates a medicinal solution into an empty cartridge, for example, when a power button is pushed while the aspiration switch is pushed.

Additionally, there is no electric syringe in which the kind of cartridge to be used is switched only by a button operation. There is a demand for switching the kind of cartridge to be used only by a button operation and improving usability for an operator. Thus, the computer controlled electric syringe of the invention includes the following invention which solves such problems.

As described with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a computer controlled electric syringe in which a rubber plug of a cartridge in which a medicinal solution is enclosed is pressed and moved to make a medicinal solution flow into an injection needle and make the medicinal solution discharged from the injection needle. The electric syringe further includes a piston unit; a drive mechanism which transmits a rotative force to the piston unit; a drive motor which transmits a rotative force to the drive mechanism; a motor controller which controls the driving of the drive motor; a stroke sensor which detects the position of the piston of the piston unit; a power supply unit which supplies power to the drive motor and the motor controller; a main processor to which a motor controller, a stroke sensor, and a power supply unit are connected; a main case which covers the piston unit, the drive mechanism, the drive motor, the motor controller, the power supply unit, and the main processor; a cartridge holder socket which is connected to the main case, is provided so that the piston protrudes, and attaches and detaches the cartridge holder into which a cartridge is inserted; and a cartridge setting switch connected to the main processor. The cartridge holder is a common cartridge holder which holds any one cartridge of two types of cartridges which are different in length, and when the cartridge holder is set in the computer controlled electric syringe, and any one of two types of cartridges which are different in length is selected by pushing the cartridge setting switch, the main processor determines whether an output value from a stroke sensor coincides with a preset registered value of the position of the cartridge, controls the motor controller so as to move the piston to another position at the time of non-coincidence, and controls the motor controller so as to stop the piston at the time of coincidence.

In order to mount, for example, 1.8 mL and 1.0 mL cartridges which are different in length, a piston moves automatically to a suitable position only by a switch operation. Specifically, position confirmation is performed by interlocking between the piston and a position sensor. The switching function of a cartridge becomes possible.

According to the computer controlled electronic syringe1, since miniaturization and weight reduction are realized, pen grip becomes possible. Since an operator actuates the start button with a finger, usability is improved.

Additionally, exposure of a charging terminal is eliminated by adopting the noncontact power transmission module, soaking in a disinfectant solution can be made by making the main body fully waterproofed, and cleaning and sterilization are possible (fully waterproof) by being soaked in a disinfectant.

The present invention can be applied to a computer controlled electric syringe for injecting a medicinal solution for medical treatment or dental treatment.

Although the embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment but can be variously modified. Constituent components disclosed in the aforementioned embodiment may be combined suitably to form various modifications. For example, some of all constituent components disclosed in the embodiment may be removed, replaced, or may be appropriately combined with other components.