Injection apparatus, actuator, and a manufacturing method of injection apparatus

The injection apparatus 100 is provided that can allow repair or replacement of an actuator 130 while maintaining a drip-proof state, and that can further maintain the drip-proof state without a cover. The injection apparatus 100 includes a syringe holder 110 on which a syringe filled with a liquid medicine is mounted, a presser 115 that pushes out the liquid medicine from the mounted syringe, an actuator 130 that moves the presser 115 forward or backward, the actuator 130 including a feed screw nut 134, a feed screw shaft 133, a motor 132, and a transmission mechanism 180 that transmits rotation from the motor 132 to the feed screw shaft 133, wherein the feed screw nut 134, the feed screw shaft 133, the motor 132, and the transmission mechanism 180 are housed in a case 170 of the actuator 130.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an injection apparatus including an actuator, a manufacturing method of the injection apparatus, and the actuator.

BACKGROUND ART

In the technical field related to injection apparatuses of liquid medicines, the configuration is known in which a motor and a drive mechanism including a transmission mechanism, etc. connected to the motor via a shaft are arranged into a frame of an injection head of an injection device. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses the configuration in which a drive mechanism including a transmission mechanism, a ball screw shaft, and a ball screw nut, and a motor are arranged in a frame. Then, the transmission mechanism includes a pinion gear connected to the motor via a shaft, and a screw gear connected to the ball screw shaft.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In an injection apparatus of a liquid medicine, an actuator including a motor and a drive mechanism is arranged in a cover (frame). Then, drip-proof treatment is performed on the cover so as to prevent the liquid medicine from entering into the actuator. Therefore, in a case where the motor or the drive mechanism is broken down, it has been necessary to open the cover for repair or exchange, and cancel a drip-proof state of the actuator. Therefore, an injection apparatus capable of allowing repair or replacement of the actuator while maintaining the drip-proof state has been required.

Additionally, in a case where a fault occurred in the component parts of the actuator, in the injection device described in Patent Literature 1, it was difficult to disassemble and replace or repair the component parts in the frame. Further, a long time is required to disassemble and replace or repair the component parts in the frame. Therefore, conventionally, it has been necessary to convey the injection apparatus to a factory, etc. for replacement or repair instead of an installation location of the injection apparatus. Therefore, an injection apparatus with which replacement or repair is easily completed at the installation location has been required.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above-described problem, an injection apparatus as an example of the present invention includes a syringe holder on which a syringe filled with a liquid medicine is mounted, a presser configured to push out the liquid medicine from the syringe mounted, and an actuator configured to move the presser forward or backward, the actuator including a feed screw nut, a feed screw shaft, a motor, and a transmission mechanism configured to transmit rotation from the motor to the feed screw shaft, wherein the feed screw nut, the feed screw shaft, the motor, and the transmission mechanism are housed in a case of the actuator.

Additionally, an actuator as another example of the present invention includes a feed screw nut, a feed screw shaft, a motor, a transmission mechanism configured to transmit rotation from the motor to the feed screw shaft, and a case housing the feed screw nut, the feed screw shaft, the motor, and the transmission mechanism.

In addition, a manufacturing method of an injection apparatus as another example of the present invention is a manufacturing method of an injection apparatus, the injection apparatus including a syringe holder on which a syringe filled with a liquid medicine is mounted, a presser configured to push out the liquid medicine from the syringe mounted, and an actuator configured to move the presser forward or backward, a case of the actuator including a front block, a first side block, a second side block, a base block, and a rear block, the manufacturing method including, screwing the base block from a rear end surface side of the first side block, screwing the second side block to the first side block, screwing the front block to the first side block and the second side block, screwing the base block from a rear end surface side of the second side block, and screwing the rear block from a rear end surface side of the base block.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

Accordingly, even in a case where a fault occurs in the component parts of the actuator, it is possible to easily replace the actuator at the installation location of the injection apparatus, and to complete repair of the injection apparatus. Additionally, by performing drip-proof treatment on the case of the actuator, even if the cover of the injection apparatus is opened, the drip-proof state is not canceled. Therefore, the repair or replacement of the actuator can be performed while maintaining the drip-proof state. Further, it is possible to provide the injection apparatus that can maintain the drip-proof state without a cover.

Further features of the present invention become clear from the following description of examples that are exemplarily illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment for implementing the present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the sizes, materials, shapes and relative positions of components described in the following embodiment are arbitrary, and can be modified according to the configuration or various conditions of an apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Additionally, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment specifically described below, unless otherwise described. Note that, in this description, up and down correspond to the upper direction and the lower direction in the gravity direction, respectively. Additionally, forward and back correspond to the forward direction in which a presser is separated from an actuator, and the backward direction which is opposite to the forward direction, respectively.

First Embodiment

With reference toFIG.1, which is a schematic perspective view, an injection apparatus100for injecting a liquid medicine is described. The injection apparatus100includes, for example, a syringe holder110mounting a syringe (not shown) filled with a liquid medicine, such as a contrast agent and a physiological saline solution, a presser115that presses a rear end of the mounted syringe (a rear end of a piston), and pushes out the liquid medicine from the mounted syringe, and an actuator130that moves the presser115forward or backward. Then, the injection apparatus100includes an upper cover141and a bottom cover142that house the actuator130.

The syringe holder110is supported by a pair of supporting portions112fixed to the actuator130via a substantially L-shaped connecting panel111. This pair of supporting portions112are located on both sides of the presser115, and extend along the movement direction of the presser115. Additionally, the syringe holder110includes a concave portion113for accepting a syringe, and the mounted syringe is fixed to the syringe holder110. Note that a piston that is slidable in the syringe is attached to the syringe mounted on the injection apparatus100.

As described later, the actuator130includes a feed screw nut, a feed screw shaft, a motor, and a transmission mechanism that transmits rotation from the motor to the feed screw shaft. Then, when the presser115is normally rotated in a state where the presser115is contacting the rear end of the piston, the presser115will press the piston forward. Accordingly, when the piston moves forward, the liquid medicine in the syringe is pushed out, and is injected into a patient's body via an extension tube connected to the tip of the syringe, a mixing device, etc. On the other hand, when the motor is reversed, the presser115pulls the piston backward, and the liquid medicine is sucked into the syringe. Note that a nail provided in the presser115can be omitted. In a case where the nail is omitted, or in a case where the syringe is removed, when the motor is reversed, only the presser115moves backward.

The upper cover141is provided with operation buttons, such as a move forward button143, a move backward button144, and a start button145. Additionally, a substrate having a drip-proof structure, which is not shown, is attached to the actuator130side of the upper cover141, and the operation buttons are connected to the substrate. Then, an operator can manually operate the injection apparatus100by operating the operation buttons. Specifically, while the operator is pressing the move forward button143, the presser115moves forward. Further, while the operator is pressing the move backward button144, the presser115moves backward. Additionally, when the operator presses the start button145, the injection apparatus100starts injection of a liquid medicine.

The bottom cover142is configured so as to engage with the upper cover141. Then, in a state where the actuator130is received, the bottom cover142and the upper cover141are fixed to each other by a method such as a screw stop. Accordingly, the actuator130is housed between the bottom cover142and the upper cover141. Additionally, the injection apparatus100includes a connection unit114connected to a caster stand (not shown), and the connection unit114extends from the connecting panel111, and is exposed from the bottom cover142and the upper cover141. In addition, the connection unit114is being fixed to a front block of the actuator130described later.

When the connection unit114is connected to the caster stand placed on the floor surface, the injection apparatus100is rotatably supported by the caster stand. Accordingly, the injection apparatus100can be rotated into a posture in which the front side (the side on which the syringe is mounted) of the injection apparatus100is turned to the floor surface, and a posture in which the rear side (the opposite side of the side on which the syringe is mounted) of the injection apparatus100is turned to the floor surface. Additionally, it is preferable for the injection apparatus100to be connected to the caster stand so as to be able to rotate in a horizontal direction. Note that the connection unit114can be connected to a ceiling-hanging member. Then, when the connection unit114is connected, the injection apparatus100can be hung from a ceiling via the ceiling-hanging member.

Note that the injection apparatus100is wiredly or wirelessly connected to a control device that is not shown. This control device includes a touch panel, and functions as a controller of the injection apparatus100. Additionally, the data of an operation pattern (injection protocol), the data of the liquid medicine, etc. are stored in the control device in advance. Then, in a case where the liquid medicine is injected into a patient, the operator operates the touch panel and inputs an injection speed, an injection amount, an injection time, and the physical data of the patient such as weight, and the liquid medicine data such as the amount of iodine, the kind of the liquid medicine, etc. in the control device.

The control device calculates the optimum injection condition according to the input data and the data stored in advance, and determines the amount of the liquid medicine to be injected into the patient and the injection protocol based on the calculated injection condition. Thereafter, the injection apparatus100injects the liquid medicine according to the determined injection protocol. Note that the control device can also obtain the data of the operation pattern (injection protocol) and other data, etc. from an external storage medium.

Subsequently, with reference toFIG.2toFIG.5, the actuator130is described. Note thatFIG.2is a schematic perspective view illustrating the actuator130in the state where a pressor pipe131is completely moved backward. Additionally,FIG.3is a schematic cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction of a case170of the actuator130. In addition,FIG.4is a schematic perspective view for describing the inside of the actuator130in the state where the pressor pipe131is completely moved backward, and illustration is made by omitting a second side block173and a base block174. Additionally,FIG.5is a schematic perspective view for describing the inside of the actuator130in the state where the pressor pipe131is completely moved forward, and illustration is made by omitting the second side block173.

As shown inFIG.2, the actuator130includes the case170having a front block171, a first side block172, the second side block173, the base block174, and a rear block175. In this case170, the front block171, the first side block172and the second side block173fixed to the front block171and screwed to each other, the base block174fixed to the first side block172and the second side block173, and the rear block175fixed to the base block174are provided in this order from the front side.

The front block171has a plate-like shape, and the connecting panel111(FIG.1) of the syringe holder110is fixed to the front block171. Then, the front block171is fixed to front end surfaces of the first side block172and the second side block173.

The first side block172and the second side block173has substantially L-shaped outer shape. Then, a connector178, which is electrically connected to the substrate attached to the upper cover141extends in the forward direction from the lower parts of the first side block172and the second side block173. Further, the pressor pipe131supporting the presser115is exposed in the forward direction through a through hole179of the front block171. Note that, inFIG.2, the pressor pipe131is in a completely retracted position.

The base block174is being fixed to rear end surfaces of the first side block172and the second side block173by screwing. Additionally, the inside of the base block174is hollow, and the base block174has a substantially rectangular outer shape. Then, a screw fixing the base block174is inserted in the direction from the base block174toward the front block171. Accordingly, it is possible to support the load applied to the actuator130originating from the front block171with the screw that extends in the applying direction of the load.

The rear block175is fixed to a rear end surface of the base block174. Additionally, the inside of the rear block175is hollow, and the rear block175includes a substantially rectangular outer shape. The case170including these respective blocks can be formed by die-casting of aluminum. Note that the case170can also be formed by resin or carbon fiber.

A seal groove176extending along the joining surface of each block is formed in each block of the case170. For example, as shown inFIG.3, which is the schematic cross-sectional view of the case170, the first side block172includes the seal groove176in the bonding surface with the second side block173. This seal groove176extends while facing the joining surface of the second side block173. Then, the joining surface of the first side block172and the joining surface of the second side block173are joined by a liquid sealant applied to the seal groove176. Accordingly, it is possible to perform drip-proof treatment on the case170that houses the actuator130. Note that the seal groove176may be formed in the bonding surface of the second side block173.

Subsequently, with reference to the internal configuration of the actuator130shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, the actuator130is described in more detail. Note that, inFIG.4, the pressor pipe131is in a completely retracted position. Additionally, inFIG.5, the pressor pipe131is in a completely advanced position.

The actuator130includes a motor132, a transmission mechanism180that transmits the rotation from the motor132, a ball screw shaft133(FIG.5) as a feed screw shaft connected to the transmission mechanism180, and a ball screw nut134as a feed screw nut attached to the ball screw shaft133. Then, the case170(FIG.2) houses the ball screw nut134, the ball screw shaft133, the motor132, and the transmission mechanism180, and accordingly, the actuator130is modularized.

As shown inFIG.4, the actuator130includes the pressor pipe131. Then, the pressor pipe131is connected to the ball screw nut134. This ball screw nut134is attached to the ball screw shaft133. Further, the ball screw shaft133is connected to a driven gear182of the transmission mechanism180. Then, the transmission mechanism180is connected to a shaft of the motor132.

A flange member190is fit onto a front end of the ball screw nut134. Then, the flange member190is pressed against and fixed to the ball screw nut134by fastening a fastening nut138attached to a rear end of the pressor pipe131. This flange member190functions as a baffle of the ball screw shaft133, and prevents aberration of the ball screw nut134at the time of moving forward or backward.

Accordingly, the rotation of the shaft of the motor132is transmitted to the ball screw shaft133via the transmission mechanism180. Then, the ball screw shaft133is rotated according to the transmitted rotation. As a result, the ball screw nut134slides in the forward direction or the backward direction with the rotation of the ball screw shaft133. With this sliding of the ball screw nut134, the pressor pipe131and the presser115(FIG.1) connected to the pressor pipe131move forward or backward.

Note that in the state where the actuator130is mounted on the injection apparatus100, the motor132is located under the ball screw shaft133. This motor132is a coreless motor (DC coreless motor). Note that, instead of the coreless motor, other motors, such as a stepping motor and an ultrasonic motor, can also be used. However, since the moment of inertia of the coreless motor is small, the coreless motor excels other motors in the responsiveness and the acceleration property.

Additionally, the actuator130includes a limit detection unit150that detects the limit position of movement of the ball screw nut134. This limit position is designed to correspond to the position permitted as a limit (design limit) to which the presser115can move forward or backward. The limit detection unit150extends along the ball screw shaft133, and includes a front side limit detection unit151and a rear side limit detection unit152. Additionally, the front side limit detection unit151and the rear side limit detection unit152are provided on a substrate that extends along the ball screw shaft133. Accordingly, it is possible to detect the limit position of the presser115and the pressor pipe131that move with the ball screw nut134. Note that, inFIG.4, the limit detection unit150is arranged on the motor132side with respect to the ball screw shaft133. However, when the limit detection unit150is arranged along the ball screw shaft133, it can also be arranged in other positions.

Subsequently, the transmission mechanism180is described with reference toFIG.6. Note thatFIG.6shows the transmission mechanism180in the state where the transmission mechanism180is seen from the side.

The transmission mechanism180includes a driving gear181connected to the shaft of the motor132, a driven gear182connected to the ball screw shaft133, and an idle gear183located between the driving gear181and the driven gear182. That is, inFIG.6, the idle gear183is located above the driving gear181, and the driven gear182is located above the idle gear183. Then, the idle gear183engages with the driving gear181and the driven gear182. Additionally, behind the driven gear182, a slit disc135and a photo interrupter136are arranged. Note that the slit disc135and the photo interrupter136are housed in the rear block175(FIG.5).

The driving gear181and the driven gear182are made of a metal, and can be formed of, for example, a steel material, such as stainless steel. Additionally, the idle gear183is made of resin, and can be formed of, for example, polyacetal, glass fiber reinforced resin, etc. Note that, although the idle gear183may be made of a metal, with the idle gear183made of resin, abnormal noise can be prevented. Further, between the transmission mechanism180and the ball screw nut134, a bearing161, a hollow load cell160used for measuring the injection pressure, and an angular ball bearing162are sequentially arranged from the rear side.

This load cell160is described in more detail with reference toFIG.7, which is a schematic cross-sectional view. The load cell160includes a substantially bobbin-like hollow member163, a distortion gage164stuck on an outer periphery surface of a body portion of the hollow member163, and a substantially cylindrical external cylinder165that houses the hollow member163. Note that, although two distortion gages164are stuck in the middle of the body portion as an example inFIG.7, the number of the distortion gage164may be three or more, or may be one.

The front end surface of the load cell160contacts the angular ball bearing162. Then, at the time of injection of the liquid medicine, the pressure is applied in the direction indicated by an arrow A. Then, the front end and the rear end of the hollow member163are deformed in the direction indicated by an arrow B. As a result, a stretching force in the direction indicated by an arrow C is applied to the body portion of the hollow member163and the distortion gage164. In this manner, since the distortion according to the injection pressure is applied to the distortion gage164, the injection pressure can be measured by measuring this distortion.

Next, with reference toFIG.8, the flange member190fixed to the ball screw nut134is described. Note thatFIG.8shows the situation of the flange member190in the actuator130seen from the front side.

A hole191in which the front end of the ball screw nut134is inserted is formed in the middle of the flange member190. Then, the flange member190is fixed to the ball screw nut134by being fastened by the fastening nut138(FIG.4). Additionally, the flange member190includes two contact portions192on both sides of the hole191, i.e., the sides facing the first side block172and the second side block173.

On the other hand, the case170includes a guide195that contacts the contact portion192and guides the flange member190. This guide195is formed in each of the first side block172and the second side block173. Then, each of the contact portion192includes a first contact surface121and a second contact surface122that contact the guide195, and a curving surface126provided between the first contact surface121and the second contact surface122.

The second contact surface122is located on the motor132side of the contact portion192. Then, the first contact surface121is located on the opposite side of the second contact surface122across the curving surface126. In other words, the first contact surface121and the second contact surface122are external surfaces that extend from both ends of the curving surface126, respectively, and extend along the longitudinal direction of the ball screw nut134. Additionally, the curving surface126is an external surface that extends in the direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Such a flange member190can be formed with a low friction resin, for example, iglidur (made from igus, k.k.).

The guide195is a groove having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and extends along the ball screw shaft133. Then, the first contact surface121and the second contact surface122contact inner wall surfaces of the guide195. Additionally, a substantially rectangular protrusion196that extends along the ball screw shaft133is formed in the middle in the guide195. Then, the peak of the curving surface126contacts the top surface of the protrusion196. In this manner, since the curving surface126and the protrusion196make point contact with each other, it is possible to reduce a contact area and to suppress the resistance force applied to the flange member190. Note that a sliding resin film may be stuck on the flange member190or the guide195, or a lubricant may be applied to the flange member190or the guide195.

In this manner, since the first contact surface121and the second contact surface122contact the inner wall surfaces of the guide195, the drag turning of the flange member190and the ball screw nut134is prevented. Additionally, since the curving surface126contacts the protrusion196, the movement in the direction that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction of the flange member190and the ball screw nut134, i.e., the extending direction of the ball screw shaft133, is prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent aberration in advancement or retracting of the ball screw nut134.

To describe more specifically, in a case where there is no contact surface, the ball screw nut134moves in the extending direction of the ball screw shaft133, i.e., the moving direction of the ball screw nut134, while shifting slightly so as to draw a spiral trajectory. On this occasion, the directions in which the ball screw nut134is shifted are the horizontal direction, and the height direction that is perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Then, the aberration of movement in the height direction is prevented by the first contact surface121and the second contact surface122, and the aberration of movement in the horizontal direction is prevented by the curving surface126.

Note that the number of the contact portions192of the flange member190may be only one at one side, or may be three or more. Additionally, the contact portions between the contact portions192and the guide195may be more than three points. However, the resistance force applied to the flange member190can be suppressed by making the number of the contact portions to the minimum.

Additionally, the flange member190includes a shield part197that shields the limit detection unit150. This shield part197is located in the substantially center of the flange member190in the horizontal direction (width direction). In addition, the shield part197projects toward the limit detection unit150, and projects toward the rear side limit detection unit152inFIG.8. Then, the limit detection unit150detects the shield part197.

That is, the shield part197moves forward or moves backward with the ball screw nut134. Then, when the ball screw nut134moves backward to the design limit, the shield part197shields the rear side limit detection unit152of the limit detection unit150. Further, when the ball screw nut134moves forward to the design limit, the shield part197shields the front side limit detection unit151(FIG.4) of the limit detection unit150. Note that, although the shield part197is integrally formed with the flange member190, the shield part197formed separately from the flange member190may be fixed to the flange member190.

With reference toFIG.9, the limit detection unit150is more specifically described. Note thatFIG.9is a schematic exploded view of the limit detection unit150.

The front side limit detection unit151and the rear side limit detection unit152are screwed to an attaching member154having an L-shaped cross section via a substrate153. Then, the attaching member154is screwed to an inner wall of the first side block172. A long hole (not shown) extending along the ball screw shaft133is provided in this attaching member154. Therefore, by moving the attaching member154along the long hole, the fixing position of the attaching member154with respect to the first side block172can be changed to finely adjust the position of the limit detection unit150. Note that the attaching member154may be fixed to an inner wall of the second side block173.

Additionally, each of the front side limit detection unit151and the rear side limit detection unit152is an optical slit sensor. Then, the front side limit detection unit151detects the design limit for advancement of the presser115by detecting the shield part197. On the other hand, the rear side limit detection unit152detects the design limit for retraction of the presser115by detecting the shield part197.

Subsequently, the manufacturing method of the injection apparatus100is described. First, in order to manufacture the actuator130, drip-proof treatment is performed on the first side block172, the second side block173, and the base block174. Specifically, a fluid-sealant is applied to the seal groove176of each block. Accordingly, when each of the blocks of the case170are screwed to each other in a subsequent process, each of the blocks is fixed in a drip-proof state. Thereafter, the flange member190is attached to the ball screw nut134.

Next, each part is attached to the base block174. Specifically, the pressor pipe131, the ball screw nut134, the angular ball bearing162, the load cell160, the bearing161, the ball screw shaft133, and the driven gear182are attached to the base block174. Here, when attaching the load cell160, the load cell160is attached so that a preload is applied to the load cell160. Accordingly, the load cell160is attached in a state where the hollow member163is slightly deformed. Therefore, in a case where a load is applied to the load cell160, distortion can be immediately detected. Further, it is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the load cell160and the angular ball bearing162.

Additionally, when attaching the ball screw shaft133, the adjustment of the position and posture of the ball screw shaft133may be further performed. Note that, when the flange member190is fixed to the ball screw nut134, the fastening nut138at the rear end of the pressor pipe131is fastened.

Further, an idler shaft and the idle gear183are attached to the base block174. Then, the motor132is screwed to the base block174, and the driving gear181is inserted into the shaft of the motor132. Thereafter, the slit disc135and the photo interrupter136are attached to the base block174, and are connected to the connector178that is attached to the base block174in advance. Note that the attachment of each part to the base block174may be performed in any order. Additionally, in a case where the load cell160is not required, instead of the load cell160, a spacer having the same size as the load cell160is attached.

Subsequently, the base block174is screwed to the first side block172from its rear end surface side. On this occasion, the alignment of the flange member190and the guide195of the first side block172is performed. Then, the limit detection unit150is attached to the first side block172via the attaching member154. On this occasion, the attaching position of the limit detection unit150in the extending direction of the ball screw shaft133is adjusted according to the position at which the attaching member154is screwed to the first side block172. Thereafter, a connector of a signal system is connected to a connector of a sensor system.

Next, the second side block173is screwed to the first side block172so that the respective bonding surface contact each other. Further, the front block171is screwed to the first side block172and the second side block173from both front end surface sides. Here, the position and size of the through hole179of the front block171are adjusted in advance so as to maintain the straightness of the pressor pipe131. Therefore, the position and posture of the pressor pipe131are automatically adjusted by screwing the front block171.

Further, the base block174is screwed to the second side block173from its rear end surface side. Then, the rear block175is screwed to the base block174from its rear end surface side. Accordingly, an opening of the base block174is covered by the rear block175so as to receive the slit disc135and the photo interrupter136, etc. In this manner, the actuator130can be manufactured. Then, the manufactured actuator130is screwed to the connecting panel111of the syringe holder110. Thereafter, the upper cover141is put on the syringe holder110, and the bottom cover142is screwed to the upper cover141so as to house the actuator130. In this manner, the injection apparatus100can be manufactured.

With the manufacturing method of the actuator130according to the above-described first embodiment, since a pulley and a belt do not exist unlike the conventional one, the tension adjustment process of a belt becomes unnecessary. Additionally, since the number of components is less than the conventional one, the number of processes for attaching the components can be reduced. In addition, since the front side limit detection unit151and the rear side limit detection unit152are integrated, respective positioning becomes unnecessary. Accordingly, the manufacturing time of the actuator130can be reduced. Further, with the manufacturing method of the injection apparatus100according to the first embodiment, the adjustment of the position and posture of each part at the time of assembling the injection apparatus100itself, and the drip-proof treatment can be omitted or simplified by preparing the actuator130in advance. Accordingly, the number of manufacturing processes and the manufacturing time of the injection apparatus100can be significantly reduced.

Additionally, with the injection apparatus100according to the first embodiment, even in a case where a fault occurs in the component parts of the actuator130, repair can be completed in the installation location of the injection apparatus100. In addition, by performing the drip-proof treatment on the case170in which the actuator130is housed, even if the cover of the injection apparatus100is opened, the drip-proof state is not canceled. Therefore, repair or replacement of the actuator130can be performed while maintaining the drip-proof state, and the drip-proof state can be maintained without the cover. Further, with the case170of the actuator130, it is possible to suppress that the sound generated from the motor132and the transmission mechanism180leak to the outside. Additionally, with the case170, it is possible to prevent a lubricating grease applied to the motor132and the transmission mechanism180from dispersing in the cover of the injection apparatus100.

Additionally, with the flange member190according to the first embodiment, unlike the conventional one, it is not necessary to provide a guide shaft. Therefore, the sizes of the actuator130and the injection apparatus100can be reduced.

Additionally, with the load cell160according to the first embodiment, the load cell160is housed in the base block174of the actuator130. Accordingly, the position of the load cell160is not changed with respect to the connector178, and it is not necessary to provide wiring that can move between the load cell160and the connector178. Further, it is not necessary to make the wiring extend to the outer side of the case170or the cover on which the drip-proof treatment has been performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a liquid from leaking from the gap between the wiring and the case170or the cover.

Note that, in first embodiment, the injection apparatus100includes one syringe holder110. However, the injection apparatus100may include two or more syringe holders110. In this case, the injection apparatus100includes respective two or more actuators130and pressers115corresponding to the syringe holders110.

Additionally, the syringe mounted on the injection apparatus100may be any of a syringe filled with a liquid medicine or an empty syringe not filled with a liquid medicine. Then, the syringe filled with the liquid medicine includes a prefilled syringe that is filled with a liquid medicine in advance, a syringe obtained by filling an empty syringe with a liquid medicine by the operator with a suction instrument or a filling instrument, and a syringe obtained by manually filling an empty syringe with a liquid medicine by the operator, etc. Additionally, in a case where an empty syringe not filled with a liquid medicine is mounted on the injection apparatus100, the operator can fill the syringe with the liquid medicine with an injection apparatus100, the suction instrument, or the filling instrument. Further, a data carrier, such as a RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) or a bar code, can be provided in the syringe. The information of the filled liquid medicine, etc. is recorded on this data carrier. Then, the injection apparatus100can read the recorded information from the data carrier, and can control the injection pressure of the liquid medicine, etc.

As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. An invention modified in the scope that does not contradict the present invention, and an invention equivalent to the present invention are also included in the present invention. Additionally, each embodiment and each modification can be properly combined in the scope that does not contradict the present invention.

For example, the injection apparatus100can be wiredly or wirelessly connected to an imaging apparatus. Then, at the time of injection of a liquid medicine and photography of an image, various data is transmitted and received between the imaging apparatus and the injection apparatus100. In this case, for example, the imaging condition may be set or displayed in the injection apparatus100, or the injection condition may be set or displayed in the imaging apparatus. As such an imaging apparatus, for example, there are various medical imaging apparatus, such as a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, an angiography imaging apparatus, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) apparatus, a CT angiography apparatus, an MR angiography apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, and a blood vessel imaging apparatus.

Additionally, the injection apparatus100can also transmit the information about an injection result (injection history) to and store the information in an external storage apparatus, such as a RIS (Radiology Information System), PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems), and a HIS (Hospital Information System), via a network.

Further, a remote operation apparatus, such as a foot switch and a hand switch, may be wiredly or wirelessly connected to the injection apparatus100. Instead of the operation buttons, the operator can operate the remote operation apparatus to operate the injection apparatus100.

Note that, instead of the ball screw shaft133and the ball screw nut134, a trapezoidal thread shaft and a trapezoidal thread nut can be used. However, since a ball is not used, the efficiency of converting the rotational movement into the translatory movement is decreased due to the frictional resistance. Further, due to the frictional resistance, the speed of the presser115to move straight is decreased, and the detecting accuracy of the torque applied to the presser115is decreased. Therefore, it is more desirable to use the ball screw shaft133and the ball screw nut134.

Additionally, the guide195may contact the contact portion192of the flange member190. Therefore, the guide195may be a groove having a substantially E-shaped cross-section, and the protrusion196may have a semicircular pillar shape. Note that the flange member190and the ball screw nut134may be fixed by bonding.

Additionally, in a case where the tension adjustment of a belt is not taken into consideration, instead of a gear train including the driving gear181, the driven gear182, and the idle gear183, the transmission mechanism including a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a timing belt can be used.

Further, in the first embodiment, the actuator130is vertically housed between the upper cover141and the bottom cover142, so that the ball screw shaft133and the motor132are arranged in the up-and-down direction. However, the actuator130may be horizontally housed between the upper cover141and the bottom cover142, so that the ball screw shaft133and the motor132are arranged in the horizontal direction.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST