JP2024102708A - Feed device and fluid supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To control the speed of an object, while reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure. [Solution] A feed device 3 includes a movable body 30 that moves an object 21 in a feed direction, a spiral spring 31 having a winding section 48 in which a strip-shaped elastic body is wound in a spiral shape, and an outgoing section 49 of the elastic body stretched from the winding section 48, the outgoing section 49 being connected to the movable body 30, a gear train mechanism 33 having a gear 51 that rotates integrally with the winding section 48, a speed-adjusting mechanism 34 that adjusts the rotation speed of the gear train mechanism 33, and a switching mechanism 35 that switches between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33. The spiral spring 31 applies a thrust to the movable body 30 in the feed direction by utilizing an elastic restoring force when the outgoing section 49 elastically restores and deforms from a stretched state to a wound state. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a feed device and a fluid supply device.

Chemical fluid pumps that pump out chemical fluids have been used in various fields for a long time. For example, chemical fluid pumps are used in the physical and chemical fields and medical fields to inject chemical fluids, in the water treatment field to inject chemical fluids such as acids and alkalis, and in the livestock industry to inject chemical fluids such as nutrients.

As an example of this type of liquid medicine pump, as shown in Patent Document 1 below, a liquid medicine pump is known that includes a medicine container having a barrel and a plunger, a piston having a drive rack, a drive housing, a drive pinion that meshes with the drive rack, a linear spring that is directly or indirectly connected to the drive pinion and moves the drive rack linearly via the drive pinion, and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the rotational speed of the drive pinion.

A similar liquid medicine pump is known, for example as shown in Patent Document 2 below, which includes a holder that holds the outer cylinder of a syringe filled with liquid medicine, a pressing member that presses the plunger of the syringe, and a spiral spring that biases the pressing member.
A spiral spring is formed by winding a strip-shaped elastic body in a spiral shape. The outer end of the elastic body is fixed to a holder, and the wound portion including the inner end of the elastic body is housed in a pressing member in a stretched state from the outer end.

With this liquid medicine pump, the spiral spring elastically recovers and deforms by using its own elastic restoring force to wind up the stretched portion. This allows the pressing member to be moved to press the plunger, and the plunger to be sent into the syringe. As a result, the liquid medicine can be discharged from the syringe and supplied to the outside.

A similar liquid medicine pump is known, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 3. This liquid medicine pump includes a syringe filled with a liquid medicine, a plunger of the syringe, a feed screw screwed into a nut member fixed to the plunger, and a drive motor that transmits power to the feed screw via multiple gears.
According to this liquid medicine pump, the plunger can be moved via the nut member by rotating the feed screw using the power from the drive motor, and the plunger can be pressed. This allows the plunger to be sent into the syringe. As a result, the liquid medicine can be discharged from the syringe and supplied to the outside.

Further, as a similar chemical liquid pump, for example, the chemical liquid pump disclosed in Patent Document 4 below is known.
This liquid medicine pump includes a holding member that holds a syringe from which liquid medicine is discharged as the plunger moves, a drive unit that presses the plunger with a predetermined drive force to move the plunger in a first direction toward the inside of the syringe, and an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the movement of the plunger. The adjustment mechanism applies an auxiliary force to the plunger in the same direction as the first direction, or applies a reaction force to the plunger in a second direction opposite to the first direction, depending on the difference between the resistance force caused by the movement of the plunger inside the syringe and the drive force.
According to this liquid medicine pump, the adjustment mechanism applies an auxiliary force or a reaction force to the plunger in accordance with the difference between the resistance force and the driving force caused by the movement of the plunger inside the syringe, so that the plunger can be moved at a constant movement amount. This allows the plunger to be fed into the syringe. As a result, it becomes possible to discharge the liquid medicine from the syringe at a constant discharge amount.

Patent No. 6645829 JP 2011-194069 A Patent No. 6442480 Patent No. 6937397

In the chemical liquid pump described in Patent Document 1, a linear spring is used to press a piston having a drive rack, and the axial pressing force of the linear spring is converted into torsion motion and transmitted to the adjustment mechanism via a drive pinion. This necessitates a drive rack and drive pinion, which creates the problem of a large number of parts.

In the liquid medicine pump described in Patent Document 2, the power of the spiral spring (the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring) is used to press the plunger. Therefore, the thrust force for pressing the plunger may vary as the spiral spring is wound up. This results in insufficient control of the plunger speed, making it difficult to stably feed and move the plunger at the desired speed. This makes it difficult to achieve a stable supply of liquid medicine.

In the chemical liquid pump described in Patent Document 3, the power from the drive motor is used to rotate the feed screw, which feeds and moves the plunger via the nut member. This necessitates a feed screw and a nut member, which creates the problem of a large number of parts.

Furthermore, in the invention described in Patent Document 4, an auxiliary force or reaction force is applied to the plunger depending on the difference between the resistance force and the driving force generated by the movement of the plunger inside the syringe. However, the adjustment mechanism uses the power generated by the unwinding of the mainspring to rotate the feed screw and apply the auxiliary force to the plunger via the nut member. This requires a complex mechanism including a feed screw, a nut member, and an adjustment mechanism.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a feed device and a fluid supply device that can control the speed of an object, while also reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure.

(1) The feed device of the present invention includes a movable body that moves an object in a feed direction, a spiral spring having a winding section in which a strip-shaped elastic body is wound in a spiral shape, and a pull-out section of the elastic body that is stretched from the winding section, the pull-out section being connected to the movable body, a gear train mechanism having a gear that rotates integrally with the winding section, a speed-regulating mechanism that adjusts the rotation speed of the gear train mechanism, and a switching mechanism that switches between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism, and the spiral spring applies a thrust to the movable body in the feed direction by utilizing an elastic restoring force when the pull-out section elastically restores and deforms from a stretched state to a wound state.

According to the feeding device of the present invention, a thrust can be applied to the movable body by utilizing the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring, so that the movable body can be pressed in the feeding direction. At this time, since the drawn-out portion of the spiral spring is connected to the movable body, the moving speed of the movable body can be controlled by utilizing the winding of the drawn-out portion.
Specifically, the movable body moves in the feed direction due to the thrust of the spiral spring, and at the same time, the winding part rotates together with the gears of the gear train mechanism to wind up the pull-out part. Therefore, the gear train mechanism can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the winding part. At this time, the speed of the gear train mechanism can be regulated by the speed regulating mechanism, so that the gear train mechanism and the winding part of the spiral spring can be rotated at a predetermined rotational speed. This allows the pull-out part of the spiral spring to be wound up at a predetermined speed, and the movable body to be moved in the feed direction at a constant speed. Therefore, the object can be moved in the feed direction at a constant speed (feed movement) without being easily affected by changes in the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring.
Moreover, compared to, for example, coil springs, the spiral spring has a characteristic that the elastic restoring force during the period when the spiral spring returns to its original state from an extended state by winding is almost constant, and it can be used as a so-called constant force spring. Therefore, it is possible to press the movable body with a predetermined constant thrust, and the speed can be precisely regulated by the speed regulating mechanism.

In addition, the switching mechanism can switch between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism, so it is possible to control the stopping and starting of the movement of the movable body via the gear train mechanism and the winding part of the spiral spring. This makes it possible to freely adjust the timing and movement time of the target object.

In addition, the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring is used as the main thrust to move the movable body. Therefore, thrust can be applied to the movable body with a simple configuration, making it easy to reduce the number of parts and simplify the structure. Furthermore, since no power from batteries or the like is required, costs can be easily reduced and safety can be improved.

Furthermore, it is possible to pull and wind the pull-out portion by elastic restoration deformation without changing the position of the winding portion in the spiral spring. Therefore, since the movable body can be moved without moving the winding portion, no space is required for the winding portion to move, and space can be saved accordingly. In particular, since the winding portion increases in size as the pull-out portion is wound, space can be effectively saved. This can lead to the entire feed device being made smaller and thinner.

(2) In the feed device described in (1), the speed regulating mechanism may include an impeller that meshes with the gear train mechanism and generates resistance according to the rotational speed of the gear train mechanism.

In this case, the resistance of the impeller can be used to regulate the speed of the gear train mechanism, so unlike, for example, a speed regulation mechanism that uses a balance in a mechanical watch, it is less likely to generate noise and it is possible to regulate the speed while maintaining quietness.

(3) In the feed device described in (2), the switching mechanism may include a stopper member and an actuator that moves the stopper member between a rotation stop position where the stopper member contacts the impeller to stop the rotation of the impeller, and a rotation allow position where the stopper member is separated from the impeller to allow the impeller to rotate.

In this case, by using the actuator to position the stopper member at a rotation stop position, the stopper member can come into contact with the impeller to stop its rotation. This makes it possible to stop the rotation of the gear train mechanism via the impeller. Conversely, by using the actuator to position the stopper member at a rotation permitting position, the stopper member can be separated from the impeller to permit the rotation of the impeller. This makes it possible to start the rotation of the gear train mechanism.
In this way, the rotation of the gear train mechanism can be switched between stopping and starting by a simple operation of simply moving the stopper member between a rotation stop position and a rotation allowable position using the actuator. Therefore, the timing and movement time of the movable body can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, since the actuator is not used to apply thrust to the movable body but is used as part of the switching mechanism, it is possible to use, for example, an actuator with low power. This can lead to power saving and cost reduction.

(4) In the feed device described in (1), the regulating mechanism may include a governor having a balance that uses a hairspring as a power source and rotates back and forth around the axis of rotation at a predetermined oscillation angle, an escapement that rotates with the rotation of the train mechanism, and an anchor that oscillates based on the back and forth rotation of the balance and controls the rotation of the escape wheel by alternately engaging and disengaging with the escape teeth of the escape wheel.

In this case, the speed of the train wheel mechanism can be regulated in the same way as a regulating mechanism generally used in mechanical watches. Specifically, the balance can be rotated back and forth around the axis of rotation with a predetermined oscillation angle (steady amplitude) using the hairspring as the power source, and the pallet can be oscillated regularly based on the rotation of the balance. This allows the pallet to be alternately engaged and disengaged with respect to the escape teeth of the escape wheel that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the train wheel mechanism, and the speed of the escape wheel and the train wheel mechanism can be regulated.
In particular, since the balance uses a hairspring as its power source to rotate back and forth, the gear train mechanism can be regulated with high precision. Furthermore, since the power transmitted to the escape wheel can be transmitted to the balance via the anchor, it is possible to replenish the balance with rotational energy. Therefore, stable regulation can be performed for a long period of time.

(5) In the feed device described in (4), the switching mechanism may include a stopper member and an actuator that moves the stopper member between a rotation stop position where the stopper member contacts the balance to stop the rotation of the balance, and a rotation allowance position where the stopper member is separated from the balance to allow the rotation of the balance.

In this case, by using the actuator to position the stopper member at the rotation stop position, the stopper member can be brought into contact with the balance to stop the rotation. This makes it possible to stop the rotation of the gear train mechanism via the balance. Conversely, by using the actuator to position the stopper member at the rotation permitting position, the stopper member can be separated from the balance, allowing the balance to rotate. This makes it possible to start the rotation of the gear train mechanism.
In this way, the rotation of the gear train mechanism can be switched between stopping and starting by a simple operation of simply moving the stopper member between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position using the actuator. Therefore, the timing and movement time of the movable body can be adjusted as desired. Furthermore, since the actuator is not used to apply thrust to the movable body but is used as part of the switching mechanism, it is possible to use, for example, an actuator with low power. This can lead to power saving and cost reduction.

(6) In the feed device described in (3) or (5), the actuator may include a solenoid having a movable shaft that moves linearly back and forth when energized and de-energized, and a control unit that controls the energization of the solenoid. The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the movable shaft.

In this case, the stopper member can be moved between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position simply by moving the movable shaft of the solenoid back and forth in a straight line, making it easy and appropriate to switch between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism.

(7) The feed device described in (6) may further include a pressing shaft connected to the movable shaft and extending from the movable shaft toward the stopper member, a movable protrusion integrally attached to the pressing shaft, and a switch member having a storage passage formed therein for storing the movable protrusion in a relatively movable manner. A first stopper position and a second stopper position for positioning the movable protrusion are provided in the storage passage. The movable protrusion is alternately positioned at the first stopper position and the second stopper position while moving in the storage passage each time the movable shaft moves back and forth. When the movable protrusion is located at the first stopper position, the pressing shaft presses the stopper member to position the stopper member at the rotation stop position, and when the movable protrusion is located at the second stopper position, the pressing shaft moves away from the stopper member. The stopper member is biased toward the rotation allowable position.

In this case, each time the movable shaft of the solenoid is reciprocated, the movable protrusion attached to the pressing shaft can be moved along the storage passage and alternately positioned at the first stopper position and the second stopper position. By positioning the movable protrusion at the first stopper position, the pressing shaft can be used to press the stopper member to position it in the rotation stop position. In contrast, by positioning the movable protrusion at the second stopper position, the pressing shaft can be moved away from the stopper member. This allows the stopper member to be positioned from the rotation stop position to the rotation allowing position by biasing it.

The stopper member can therefore be moved between a rotation stop position and a rotation allowable position. In particular, since the movable protrusion can be alternately positioned at the first stopper position and the second stopper position, the stopper member can be positioned at the rotation stop position or the rotation allowable position even when the solenoid is de-energized (unpowered), for example. Therefore, it is possible to switch between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism with reduced power consumption.

(8) In the feed device described in (3) or (5), the actuator may include a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet, and a control unit that controls the supply of current to the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet so that the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet generate a magnetic force. The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position by being attracted by the magnetic force of the first electromagnet and the magnetic force of the second electromagnet.

In this case, the stopper member can be moved between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position by the simple method of simply generating magnetic force in the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet, and rotation of the gear train mechanism can be easily and appropriately switched between stopping and starting.

(9) In the feeding device described in (3) or (5), the actuator may include a first shape memory alloy wire and a second shape memory alloy wire connected to the stopper member, and a control unit that controls the flow of electricity to the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire so as to pass electricity through the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire. The first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire contract in length as they are heated by electrical current and expand in length as they dissipate heat. The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position by the expansion and contraction of the first shape memory alloy wire and the expansion and contraction of the second shape memory alloy wire.

In this case, the stopper member can be moved between the rotation stop position and the rotation allow position by the simple method of passing electricity through the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire to instantly shorten the length of each wire, and rotation of the gear train mechanism can be easily and appropriately switched between stopping and starting.

(10) In the feed device described in (3) or (5), the actuator may include a galvanometer motor having a movable shaft that oscillates and rotates within an angle range of less than 180° by energizing and de-energizing, and a control unit that controls the energization of the galvanometer motor. The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position in accordance with the oscillating rotation of the movable shaft.

In this case, the stopper member can be moved between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position by simply rotating the movable shaft of the galvanometer motor in an angular range of less than 180°, and the rotation of the gear train mechanism can be easily and appropriately switched between stopping and starting.

(11) The feed device described in (1) may include a driven gear that rotates with the rotation of the winding part, and a rotation regulating member having a first lever and a second lever and arranged to be rotatable around a stopper axis. The rotation regulating member is biased around the stopper axis so that the first lever contacts the driven teeth of the driven gear and the second lever is in a non-contact state with the driven teeth. When the driven gear rotates at a predetermined rotation speed, the driven teeth rotate so that the driven teeth sequentially push the first lever, and when the driven gear rotates beyond the predetermined rotation speed, the rotation regulating member is rotated so that the first lever is in a non-contact state with the driven teeth. When the driven gear rotates beyond the predetermined rotation speed, the rotation regulating member engages the second lever with the driven teeth to regulate the rotation of the driven gear.

In this case, when the movable body moves in the feed direction due to the thrust of the spiral spring and the wound part of the spiral spring rotates, the driven gear rotates in accordance with the rotation of the wound part. At this time, when the driven gear rotates at a predetermined rotation speed, the driven gear rotates while the driven teeth sequentially press the first lever of the stopper member.
During operation of the feed device, for example, if the gear train meshing of the gear train mechanism is disengaged, the driven gear and the winding part of the spiral spring may rotate at an excessive speed and attempt to wind up the pull-out part. However, if the driven gear rotates at a speed exceeding a predetermined rotation speed, the rotation restricting member is rotated so that the first lever is not in contact with the driven teeth. This allows the rotation restricting member to mechanically restrict the rotation of the driven gear by engaging the second lever with the driven teeth. This makes it possible to forcibly stop the rotation of the winding part and the driven gear. This makes it possible to prevent the movable body from moving forcefully in the feed direction.

(12) The fluid supply device according to the present invention includes the feed device described in (1), a fluid container having a storage tube filled with a fluid, and a plunger slidably disposed within the storage tube and supplying the fluid to the outside by moving in the feed direction. The movable body is connected to the plunger so as to push the plunger into the storage tube.

According to the fluid supply device of the present invention, the plunger can be pushed into the accommodating cylinder by moving the movable body in the feed direction, thereby pushing out the fluid filled in the accommodating cylinder and supplying the fluid to the outside.
In particular, since the above-mentioned feeding device is provided, the movable body and the plunger can be moved while controlling the speed, so that the fluid can be supplied to the outside with high precision. Furthermore, the fluid can be supplied continuously or in a fixed unit amount. As a result, the fluid can be supplied to the outside in a desired supply mode. Therefore, the fluid supplying device can be suitably used as a medicinal liquid supplying device for injecting medicinal liquid into the patient's body.

The present invention makes it possible to control the speed of an object while reducing the number of parts and simplifying the structure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a feeder and a fluid supplying device (medicinal liquid administration device) according to the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the medical liquid administration device. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a main body case, a base member, a speed regulating mechanism, and a switching mechanism shown in FIG. 1 have been removed. FIG. 2 is a top view of the drug solution administration device with a main body case and a base member shown in FIG. 1 removed. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the periphery of a speed regulator mechanism, a switching mechanism, and the like of the drug solution administration device shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a side view of the speed regulating mechanism and the switching mechanism shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 11 is a side view of a speed regulating mechanism, a switch member, and a switching mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 7 is a top view of the speed regulating mechanism, the switch member, and the switching mechanism shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a switch member and a pressing shaft shown in FIG. 6 . FIG. 9 is a side view of the switch member shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the switch member shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 10 is a left side view of a rotation restricting member and a driven gear according to a third embodiment of the feed device of the present invention. 12 is a left side view showing a state in which rotation of the driven gear is stopped by a rotation restricting member from the state shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a feed device according to the present invention, and is a perspective view of a speed regulator mechanism and a switching mechanism. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth embodiment of a feed device according to the present invention, and is a perspective view of a speed regulating mechanism and a switching mechanism. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sixth embodiment of a feed device according to the present invention, and is a perspective view of a speed regulator mechanism and a switching mechanism. 16 is a top view of the speed regulating mechanism and the switching mechanism shown in FIG. 15 . FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a seventh embodiment of a feed device according to the present invention, and is a side view of the periphery of a speed regulator mechanism and a switching mechanism. FIG. 13 is a side view of a speed regulator mechanism and a switching mechanism according to an eighth embodiment of the feeding device of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a side view of a speed regulator mechanism and a switching mechanism according to a ninth embodiment of the feed device of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a tenth embodiment of the feed device according to the present invention, and is a perspective view of a speed regulating mechanism and a switching mechanism.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a feeding device and a fluid supplying device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the fluid supplying device will be described as an example of a drug solution administration device that administers a drug solution into the body of a user.

(Medicine administration device)
1, a medicinal liquid administration device (fluid supply device according to the present invention) 1 of this embodiment includes a syringe (fluid container according to the present invention) 2 filled with medicinal liquid W (fluid according to the present invention), a feed device 3 that moves (feeds) a plunger 21 of the syringe 2, and a main body case 4 that houses the syringe 2 and the feed device 3. Note that the main body case 4 is not shown in the drawings other than FIG.
Although there is no particular limitation on the medicinal liquid W, an example of the medicinal liquid W is insulin. In this case, the medicinal liquid administration device 1 functions as an insulin administration device.

(Main body case)
The main body case 4 is configured by combining, for example, a case body and a lid member, and can be attached to a predetermined attachment location (for example, around the abdomen) of the user's body surface S. In this embodiment, the main body case 4 is formed in a box-shaped rectangular parallelepiped shape to simplify the illustration, but the shape of the main body case 4 is not limited to this case. For example, the main body case 4 may be formed in a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other shape when viewed from above.

The method of attaching the main case 4 to the user's body surface S is not particularly limited, and any known method may be used. For example, the main case 4 may be attached to the body surface S using adhesive tape or the like, or an attachment member (not shown), such as a clip or attachment belt, may be combined with the main case 4 and the main case 4 may be attached to the body surface S via the attachment member.

In addition, various components (not shown) that make up the drug solution administration device 1 are housed inside the main body case 4. In this embodiment, the thickness direction of the main body case 4 is referred to as the up-down direction, the direction from the user's body surface S toward the main body case 4 is referred to as the up-down direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the down-down direction. Furthermore, one direction perpendicular to the up-down direction is referred to as the front-back direction L1, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-back direction L1 is referred to as the left-right direction L2. Furthermore, one side of the front-back direction L1 is referred to as the front FW, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rear BK. Furthermore, one side of the left-right direction L2 is referred to as the right side RH, and the opposite direction is referred to as the left side LH.

(Infusion set)
The drug solution administration device 1 of this embodiment includes an injection set 10 connected to a syringe 2 .
The infusion set 10 includes an infusion patch 11 that can be attached to the user's body surface S, for example by adhesion, and a relay tube 12 connected between the syringe 2 and the infusion patch 11 .

The injection patch 11 is equipped with a plastic cannula-type retention needle 13 that can be inserted into the body together with an inner needle (not shown) and is left on the body surface S by pulling out the inner needle. This allows the drug solution W supplied from the syringe 2 to be administered into the user's body through the relay tube 12 and the retention needle 13. The retention needle 13 can be left on the body surface S in a punctured state by the user while the main case 4 is attached to the body surface S.

The infusion set 10 is not essential and does not have to be provided. For example, an indwelling needle that can be pushed inward toward the inside of the body can be directly attached to the main body case 4 using an operating member (not shown) that can be pushed in. In this case, the indwelling needle can be connected to the syringe 2 via, for example, a flexible tube.

(Syringe)
The syringe 2 set in the drug solution administration device 1 will be described.
As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the syringe 2 is a medicinal liquid container, for example called a reservoir barrel, and includes a syringe body (a storage cylinder according to the present invention) 20 filled with the medicinal liquid W, and a plunger 21 arranged slidably inside the syringe body 20 and supplying the medicinal liquid W to the outside by moving forward FW, which is the feed direction.

The syringe body 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the front-rear direction L1. Specifically, the syringe body 20 is formed in a topped cylindrical shape with a closed front end and an open rear end. The shape of the syringe body 20 is not particularly limited, and may be formed in an elliptical shape, for example.
It is possible to fill the syringe body 20 with the medicinal liquid W, for example, by transferring or sucking up the medicinal liquid W from a vial (also called an ampoule) (not shown) in which the medicinal liquid W has been filled in advance.

A fluid supply port (not shown) is formed at the front end of the syringe body 20. The relay tube 12 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the fluid supply port. This makes it possible to supply the medicinal liquid W in the syringe body 20 into the relay tube 12 through the fluid supply port.

The plunger 21 is inserted into the syringe body 20 from the rear BK and is slidable along the front-rear direction L1. The plunger 21 includes a first plunger shaft 22 and a second plunger shaft 23 extending along the front-rear direction L1, and a cylindrical gasket portion 24 formed integrally with the front end portions of the first plunger shaft 22 and the second plunger shaft 23.
The gasket portion 24 is slidable back and forth along the front-rear direction L1 within the syringe body 20. A sealing member (not shown), such as an O-ring, is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the gasket portion 24. This provides a hermetic (liquid-tight, air-tight) seal between the gasket portion 24 and the syringe body 20.

The first plunger shaft 22 and the second plunger shaft 23 are arranged to face each other in the left-right direction L2 across the central axis of the syringe body 20. The front ends of the first plunger shaft 22 and the second plunger shaft 23 are connected to the gasket portion 24, and the rear ends are integrally connected to the slider 30 described below.

The syringe 2 configured as described above is held by a holding base (not shown) and removably assembled to the main body case 4 in a state where it is positioned in the front-rear direction L1 and the left-right direction L2.
By moving the plunger 21 from the rear BK to the front FW, the plunger 21 can be pushed into the syringe body 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the forward FW is the pushing direction of the plunger 21.

(Feeding device)
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the feed device 3 pushes the plunger 21 forward FW while controlling the rotation of a drive gear (a gear according to the present invention) 51 described later, thereby supplying the medicinal solution W from inside the syringe 2 to the outside.
The feed device 3 includes a base member 25, a slider (a movable body according to the present invention) 30 that moves the plunger 21 (the object according to the present invention) of the syringe 2 toward the forward FW, which is the feed direction, a spiral spring 31 that uses elastic restoring force to apply thrust to the slider 30 toward the forward FW, a gear train mechanism 33 having at least one gear that rotates in conjunction with the elastic restoring deformation of the spiral spring 31, a speed regulating mechanism 34 that adjusts the rotational speed of the gear train mechanism 33, and a switching mechanism 35 that switches between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33.

(Base member)
The base member 25 is fixed to the bottom wall of the main body case 4. The base member 25 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the front-rear direction L1 in a plan view. The base member 25 supports the syringe body 20 from below. The base member 25 is formed so as to extend from the syringe body 20 to the front FW and rear BK when viewed from above. A groove 26 extending in the front-rear direction L1 is formed on the upper surface of the base member 25. The groove 26 has a certain width in the left-right direction L2. The base member 25 has a restricting portion 27 that protrudes upward at the front FW of the syringe body 20. The restricting portion 27 is formed so as to have a thickness in the front-rear direction L1. The restricting portion 27 is fixed with a gap from the bottom surface of the groove 26.

(Slider)
The slider 30 is disposed to be movable in the front-rear direction L1, and presses the plunger 21 to move the plunger 21 forward FW, which is the pushing direction. The slider 30 is disposed in the groove 26 of the base member 25, and is capable of linear movement with little rattle along the front-rear direction L1 relative to the base member 25.

The slider 30 has a predetermined thickness in the front-rear direction L1 and is formed so that its outer shape is rectangular when viewed in the front-rear direction L1. However, the shape of the slider 30 is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.
The slider 30 is integrally assembled with the rear end portions of the first plunger shaft 22 and the second plunger shaft 23 .

(Spiral spring)
The spiral spring 31 serves to press the slider 30 forward FW. The spiral spring 31 is disposed inside the main body case 4. The spiral spring 31 is configured by winding a long, thin, band-shaped elastic body 47 having a predetermined width in a spiral shape. The material of the elastic body 47 is not particularly limited, and may be made of metal such as stainless steel, or may be made of synthetic resin. The spiral spring 31 is disposed above the base member 25.

The spiral spring 31 has a wound portion 48 in which the elastic body 47 is wound in a spiral shape, and a pull-out portion 49 which is a portion of the elastic body 47 that is stretched from the wound portion 48. An elastic restoring force acts on the spiral spring 31 to wind up the pull-out portion 49 and restore it to its original state.

The winding portion 48 is disposed on the pushing direction side (front FW side) of the syringe body 20. The winding portion 48 is disposed in a position in which its winding center line is parallel to the left-right direction L2. The winding portion 48 abuts against the restricting portion 27 of the base member 25 from the front FW, so that movement of the winding portion 48 toward the rear BK relative to the base member 25 is restricted.

The pull-out portion 49 is extended from the winding portion 48 toward the rear BK. The pull-out portion 49 passes under the restricting portion 27 of the base member 25 and the syringe body 20, and extends along the bottom surface of the groove 26 of the base member 25. An end of the pull-out portion 49 is connected to the slider 30.

The spiral spring 31 configured in this manner applies a thrust to the slider 30 to press the slider 30 forward FW, using the elastic restoring force generated when the pull-out portion 49 elastically deforms from a stretched state to a wound state. This allows the slider 30 to move toward the forward FW, and the thrust resulting from the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31 allows the plunger 21 to move in the pushing direction (forward FW). This makes it possible to push the plunger 21 into the syringe body 20.

The spiral spring 31 is a so-called constant force spring, and has a characteristic that the elastic restoring force is almost constant when the spring is restored from an extended state to its original state by being wound, as compared with, for example, a coil spring, etc. Therefore, the plunger 21 can be pressed with a predetermined constant thrust.
(Gear train mechanism)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the gear train mechanism 33 includes a drive gear 51, a first intermediate gear 52, and a second intermediate gear 53 that are arranged so as to be able to mesh with each other.
However, the number of gears constituting the gear train mechanism 33 is not limited to this case and may be changed as appropriate.

The drive gear 51 is disposed to the right RH of the winding portion 48 of the spiral spring 31. The drive gear 51 is disposed coaxially with the winding portion 48 and can rotate integrally with the winding portion 48. For example, the drive gear 51 is connected to the inner end of the winding portion 48 via a shaft member (not shown). As a result, the drive gear 51 rotates at the same speed as the winding portion 48 as the pull-out portion 49 is wound up.

The first intermediate gear 52 is journaled within the main body case 4 while meshing with the drive gear 51. This allows the first intermediate gear 52 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the drive gear 51.

The second intermediate gear 53 is journaled within the main body case 4 while meshing with the first intermediate gear 52. This allows the second intermediate gear 53 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first intermediate gear 52.

(Speed control mechanism)
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the speed regulator mechanism 34 is provided with an impeller 60 that meshes with the gear train mechanism 33 and generates resistance in accordance with the rotational speed of the gear train mechanism 33.
The impeller 60 of this embodiment is provided on a worm shaft 61 that meshes with the second intermediate gear 53 that constitutes the gear train mechanism 33. The worm shaft 61 is formed to extend in the vertical direction and is disposed to be located to the right RH of the second intermediate gear 53. The worm shaft 61 is supported in the main body case 4 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis O2. A spiral worm groove with which the second intermediate gear 53 meshes is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the worm shaft 61.
The worm shaft 61 configured in this manner is rotated by the rotational force of the wound portion 48 of the spiral spring 31 transmitted via the drive gear 51 , the first intermediate gear 52 , and the second intermediate gear 53 .

The impeller 60 is integrally assembled to an upper end of the worm shaft 61 and rotates together with the worm shaft 61. When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis O2, a direction intersecting the rotation axis O2 is referred to as a radial direction, and a direction going around the rotation axis O2 is referred to as a circumferential direction.
The impeller 60 comprises a cylindrical shaft 62 fixed to a worm shaft 61, a plurality of blade portions 63 which generate rotational resistance (air resistance) according to the rotational speed and are displaced upward by the centrifugal force associated with the rotation, and elastic support portions 64 which are respectively arranged between the plurality of blade portions 63 and the shaft 62 and support the plurality of blade portions 63 so that they can be elastically displaced.

The material of the impeller 60 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, synthetic rubber. However, the entire impeller 60 does not need to be made of synthetic rubber, as long as at least the elastic support part 64 is made of synthetic rubber and is capable of elastic deformation.

In this embodiment, the impeller 60 has two blades 63 arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. However, the number of blades 63 is not limited to this case, and may be, for example, one, or three or more. The two blades 63 rotate while receiving air resistance as the worm shaft 61 rotates. This allows the impeller 60 to apply rotational resistance according to the rotation speed of the worm shaft 61.
Furthermore, the two blades 63 are designed to be pulled radially outward by the centrifugal force caused by rotation and receive stress that causes them to float upward, so that the two blades 63 can be displaced upward while elastically displacing (elastically deforming) the elastic support parts 64.

The impeller 60 configured in this way generates resistance (rotational resistance) according to the rotational speed, thereby regulating the speed of the entire gear train mechanism 33. The gear train mechanism 33 is connected to the worm shaft 61 by a meshing that accelerates the rotation of the winding portion 48 of the spiral spring 31.

(Switching mechanism)
1 and 3 to 5, the switching mechanism 35 includes a stopper member 70 and an actuator 80 that moves the stopper member 70, and switches between starting and stopping the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 via the impeller 60. Thus, the switching mechanism 35 is a mechanism that adds a start/stop function to the feed device 3.
It should be noted that the switching mechanism 35 need only be capable of switching between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 , and does not have to be performed via the impeller 60 .

The stopper member 70 is disposed rearward BK of the impeller 60. The stopper member 70 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate extending in the up-down direction and is capable of swinging in the front-rear direction L1 (radial direction) about a swing axis O3 extending in the left-right direction L2. The swing axis O3 is disposed so as to pass through a lower end of the stopper member 70 in the left-right direction L2.
The stopper member 70 is movable around the oscillation axis O3 between a rotation stop position P1 where it approaches the impeller 60 to stop the rotation of the impeller 60, and a rotation allowing position P2 where it moves away from the impeller 60 to allow the impeller 60 to rotate.

A stop protrusion 71 that protrudes toward the impeller 60 is formed on the upper end of the stopper member 70. When the stopper member 70 is located at the rotation stop position P1, the stop protrusion 71 enters the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60 from the outside in the radial direction. This allows the stop protrusion 71 to come into contact with the rotating impeller 60, making it possible to stop the rotation of the impeller 60. This allows the entire rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 to be stopped.
The stopper member 70 is biased toward the rotation allowing position P2 by a biasing member such as a coil spring (not shown), so that the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation allowing position P2 unless it is subjected to an external force.

The actuator 80 controls the movement of the stopper member 70 between the rotation stop position P1 and the rotation allowable position P2. The actuator 80 includes a solenoid 90 having a retractable movable shaft 91, and a control unit 100 (see Figures 4 and 5) that controls the supply of electricity to the solenoid 90.

The solenoid 90 is disposed further to the rear BK than the stopper member 70. The solenoid 90 is attached to the inside of the main body case 4 by a support part (not shown). Furthermore, the solenoid 90 is disposed so that the movable shaft 91 faces forward FW.

The solenoid 90 has a fixed iron core, a coil, etc. inside, and is capable of linearly reciprocating the movable shaft 91 in the front-rear direction L1 by energizing and de-energizing it. Specifically, the solenoid 90 generates a magnetic field by applying a voltage when energized, and attracts the movable shaft 91, which functions as a movable iron core, toward the fixed iron core. This allows the movable shaft 91 to move toward the rear BK so as to be pulled inward. Conversely, when the solenoid 90 is de-energized, the attraction force can be eliminated. This allows the movable shaft 91 to move so as to extend toward the front FW by the force of the coil spring.
In this manner, by switching between energized and de-energized states, it is possible to cause the movable shaft 91 to move linearly back and forth in the front-rear direction L1.

When the movable shaft 91 is pulled inward by energizing the solenoid 90, the movable shaft 91 contacts the stopper member 70, which is located at the rotation permitted position P2, from the rear BK (see FIG. 4). When the movable shaft 91 extends toward the front FW by de-energizing the solenoid 90, the movable shaft 91 presses the stopper member 70 from the front FW to move it to the rotation stop position P1 (see FIG. 5).
This makes it possible to move the stopper member 70 between the rotation stop position P1 and the rotation permitted position P2 by energizing and deenergizing the solenoid 90.

The control unit 100 supplies a control current to the solenoid 90 based on an instruction from a general control unit (not shown). This controls whether the solenoid 90 is energized or not. The control unit 100 and the general control unit are mounted on a control board (not shown) attached to the main body case 4. The general control unit is composed of, for example, a CPU or the like that controls the entire medicinal solution administration device 1 in a comprehensive manner.
Furthermore, the control board is mounted with a plurality of electronic components including various storage units such as flash memory, as well as a power supply unit for supplying power to the various components. The power supply unit may be, for example, a replaceable primary battery such as a button battery or a dry cell, or a rechargeable secondary battery, as appropriate.

(Function of drug solution administration device)
Next, a case where the medicinal liquid W is administered into the body of a user using the medicinal liquid administration device 1 configured as described above will be described.

In this case, the initial state is that the drug solution administration device 1 is attached to the user's body surface S as shown in FIG. 1, and the indwelling needle 13 is inserted into the body and left on the body surface S. Furthermore, the syringe 2 filled with the drug solution W is set inside the main body case 4. Furthermore, the slider 30 is positioned rearward BK from the plunger 21, and the plunger 21 is set to the push start position.

In the initial state described above, according to the medicinal solution administration device 1, the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31 can be utilized to apply a thrust to the slider 30, so that the slider 30 can be pressed forward FW, which is the feed direction.
1 elastically restores its original shape so as to wind the extended drawn-out portion 49 around the winding portion 48. This allows the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31 to be utilized to pull the drawn-out portion 49 toward the winding portion 48. This allows the slider 30 connected to the drawn-out portion 49 to be pressed forward FW.
As a result, the plunger 21 can be pushed in the pushing direction via the slider 30 with a constant thrust.

At this time, since the drawn-out portion 49 of the spiral spring 31 is connected to the slider 30, the moving speed of the slider 30 can be controlled by utilizing the winding of the drawn-out portion 49.
Specifically, the slider 30 moves forward FW due to the thrust of the spiral spring 31, and at the same time, the winding portion 48 rotates together with the drive gear 51 of the train wheel mechanism 33 so as to wind up the pull-out portion 49. Therefore, in conjunction with the rotation of the winding portion 48, the train wheel mechanism 33 (the drive gear 51, the first intermediate gear 52, and the second intermediate gear 53) can be rotated, and the worm shaft 61 and the impeller 60 can be rotated.

Therefore, the impeller 60 can be used to generate rotational resistance such as air resistance that corresponds to the rotational speed of the gear train mechanism 33. Therefore, the rotational resistance generated by the impeller 60 can be used to rotate, for example, the worm shaft 61 at a predetermined rotational speed (for example, 2000 to 3000 rpm, etc.).
In this way, the speed of the gear train mechanism 33 can be adjusted by the speed-adjusting mechanism 34 having the impeller 60, so that the gear train mechanism 33 and the wound portion 48 of the spiral spring 31 can be rotated at a predetermined rotational speed. This makes it difficult to be affected by changes in the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31, and allows the slider 30 to move (feed move) toward the forward FW at a constant speed.

The plunger 21 is pressed with a constant thrust by the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31, and can be moved forward FW, which is the pushing direction, while controlling the speed. As a result, the medicinal liquid W filled in the syringe body 20 can be pushed out by the plunger 21 and supplied toward the indwelling needle 13. This allows the supplied medicinal liquid W to be administered to the user through the indwelling needle 13. At this time, since the plunger 21 can be moved while controlling the speed, the medicinal liquid W can be supplied with high precision.

Furthermore, since the switching mechanism 35 can switch between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33, it is possible to control the stopping and starting of the movement of the slider 30 via the gear train mechanism 33 and the winding portion 48 of the spiral spring 31. Therefore, it is possible to arbitrarily adjust the timing and movement time of the slider 30 and plunger 21. Therefore, not only can the medicinal liquid W be administered continuously, but also intermittently at a fixed unit amount.

The switching operation by the switching mechanism 35 will now be described.
4, when the medicinal liquid administration device 1 is in operation, the control unit 100 supplies a control current to the solenoid 90 to energize it, thereby retracting the movable shaft 91 inward. This allows the stopper member 70 to be positioned at the rotation permitted position P2, allowing the impeller 60 to continue to rotate. This allows the gear train mechanism 33 to rotate, allowing medicinal liquid administration to be performed.

When the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 is to be stopped, the control unit 100 stops the supply of electricity to the solenoid 90. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the movable shaft 91 can be extended by the force of the coil spring, and the stopper member 70 can be pressed and moved to the rotation stop position P1. This allows the stop protrusion 71 to enter the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60, stopping the rotation of the impeller 60.

In this way, by using the actuator 80 including the solenoid 90, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be stopped and started by a simple operation of simply moving the stopper member 70 between the rotation stop position P1 and the rotation allowance position P2. Furthermore, since the solenoid 90 is not used to apply thrust to the slider 30 but is used as part of the switching mechanism 35, it is possible to use, for example, a solenoid with low power. This can lead to power savings and cost reduction.

Furthermore, in the drug solution administration device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the slider 30 is moved by using the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31 as the main thrust. Therefore, thrust can be applied to the slider 30 with a simple configuration, making it easy to reduce the number of parts and simplify the structure. Furthermore, since no power such as a battery is required, it is easy to reduce costs and improve safety.

Furthermore, the spiral spring 31 elastically restores its shape so as to wind the stretched pull-out portion 49 around the winding portion 48, so that the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31 can be used to pull the pull-out portion 49 towards the winding portion 48, and the slider 30 connected to the pull-out portion 49 can be pressed forward FW. In particular, the spiral spring 31 that functions as a constant force spring is used, so that the slider 30 can be pressed with a predetermined constant thrust, and the speed regulation mechanism 34 can be precisely regulated.

Furthermore, the coil spring 31's coiled portion 48 is restricted from displacement toward the syringe 2 by the restricting portion 27 of the base member 25. This allows the pull-out portion 49 to be pulled and wound by elastic restoring deformation without changing the position of the coiled portion 48. Therefore, the slider 30 can be moved without moving the coiled portion 48, eliminating the need for space for the coiled portion 48 to move, thereby saving space. In particular, the coiled portion 48 grows in size as it winds the pull-out portion 49, effectively saving space. This can lead to the entire medicinal solution administration device 1 being made smaller and thinner.

As described above, according to the feed device 3 of this embodiment, it is possible to control the speed of the slider 30, reduce the number of parts, and simplify the structure.
Furthermore, since the drug solution administration device 1 is equipped with a feed device 3, it is possible to supply the drug solution W stably and accurately, and since it is possible to control the movement of the plunger 21, it is possible to supply the drug solution W in a desired manner.
For these reasons, the device can be used suitably as an insulin administration device that is easy to carry and highly reliable, while allowing stable administration of the medicinal liquid W to the user. Furthermore, the device can administer the medicinal liquid W at an optimal dosage and administration speed for the user, making it easy to use and convenient.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the feed device 3 of this embodiment includes a switch member 130 between the solenoid 90 and the impeller 60 for mechanically controlling the projection and retraction of the movable shaft 91.
Furthermore, a pressing shaft 140 extending from the movable shaft 91 toward the stopper member 70 is connected to the movable shaft 91 of the solenoid 90 in this embodiment. The pressing shaft 140 is formed to extend along the front-rear direction L1, and its front end is connected to the movable shaft 91. The rear end of the pressing shaft 140 is disposed to face the stopper member 70 from the front FW. Depending on the position of a movable protrusion 141 described later, the pressing shaft 140 switches between a state in which the rear end presses the stopper member 70 to position it at the rotation stop position P1, and a state in which the rear end is separated from the stopper member 70.
6 and 7 show a state in which the pressing shaft 140 presses the stopper member 70 to position it at the rotation stop position P1.

6 to 8, a movable protrusion 141 is integrally attached to the pressing shaft 140 so as to protrude toward the right side RH of the pressing shaft 140. In the example shown in the figures, the movable protrusion 141 is integrally formed with the pressing shaft 140 and is formed so as to bulge out in a spherical shape. However, the movable protrusion 141 may be formed separately from the pressing shaft 140 and then combined with the pressing shaft 140 integrally.
The movable protrusion 141 does not have to protrude to the right side RH of the pressing shaft 140, but may be formed to protrude, for example, to the left side LH, upward, or downward.

The switch member 130 is disposed on the right side RH of the pressing shaft 140 so as to be adjacent to the pressing shaft 140, and is held in the main body case 4 by a support part or the like (not shown). The position of the switch member 130 corresponds to the position of the movable protrusion 141 formed on the pressing shaft 140. Therefore, the switch member 130 may be disposed, for example, on the left side LH of the pressing shaft 140, above, below, etc., depending on the position of the movable protrusion 141.

The switch member 130 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is thin in the left-right direction L2 and is longer in the front-rear direction L1 than in the up-down direction. A storage passage 131 that stores the movable protrusion 141 so as to be relatively movable is formed on the side surface of the switch member 130 facing the pressing shaft 140.
8 to 10, the storage passage 131 is formed in a loop shape in which a plurality of inclined passages and a plurality of straight passages are connected. The movable protrusion 141 moves around the storage passage 131 in accordance with the movement of the pressing shaft 140.

The pressing shaft 140 is cantilevered with the rear end as the free end, and has a certain degree of flexibility so that it can be displaced in the vertical direction, for example, with the front end side as the base point. Therefore, by utilizing the flexibility of the pressing shaft 140, it is possible to move the movable protrusion 141 along the inside of the storage passage 131.

A first stopper position 132 and a second stopper position 133 for positioning the movable protrusion 141 are provided in the storage passage 131. The first stopper position 132 is located at the most forward FW side of the storage passage 131 and is recessed toward the forward FW. The second stopper position 133 is located at a position rearward BK of the first stopper position 132 in the storage passage 131 and is recessed toward the forward FW.
8 to 10 show a state in which the movable protrusion 141 is located at the first stopper position 132. In FIG.

Each time the movable shaft 91 reciprocates, the movable protrusion 141 moves within the storage passage 131 and is alternately positioned at the first stopper position 132 and the second stopper position 133. When the movable protrusion 141 is located at the first stopper position 132, the pressing shaft 140 presses the stopper member 70 to position it at the rotation stop position P1, and when the movable protrusion 141 is located at the second stopper position 133, the pressing shaft 140 moves away from the stopper member 70. At this time, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation permitted position P2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 115 (not shown).
8 to 10, the stopper member 70 has a flange portion 134 formed along the storage passage 131 to prevent the movable protrusion 141 from slipping out of the storage passage 131.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
In addition, in the case of this embodiment, each time the movable shaft 91 of the solenoid 90 is reciprocated, the movable protrusion 141 can be moved along the storage passage 131 and alternately positioned at the first stopper position 132 and the second stopper position 133. Then, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, by positioning the movable protrusion 141 at the first stopper position 132, the pressing shaft 140 can be used to press the stopper member 70, and the stopper member 70 can be positioned at the rotation stop position P1. This stops the rotation of the impeller 60, stops the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 and the winding portion 48 of the spiral spring 31, and stops the administration of the medicinal solution.

In response to this, the movable protrusion 141 can be positioned at the second stopper position 133 to move the pressing shaft 140 away from the stopper member 70. This allows the stopper member 70 to be moved from the rotation stop position P1 to the rotation permitted position P2 by the bias of the coil spring 115. This allows the impeller 60 to start rotating, and the gear train mechanism 33 and the winding portion 48 of the spiral spring 31 to start rotating, allowing the administration of the medicinal liquid to be resumed.

In particular, since the movable protrusion 141 can be alternately positioned at the first stopper position 132 and the second stopper position 133, for example, even when the solenoid 90 is de-energized (unpowered), the stopper member 70 can be positioned at the rotation stop position P1 or the rotation permitted position P2. Therefore, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be switched between stopping and starting with low power consumption.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the feed device 3 further includes a rotation restricting member 110 and a driven gear 120 for preventing the wound portion 48 of the spiral spring 31 from rotating at an excessive rotational speed.
The driven gear 120 is connected to the drive gear 51. The driven gear 120 is disposed coaxially with the drive gear 51. This causes the driven gear 120 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the wound portion 48 of the spiral spring 31. Therefore, the driven gear 120 rotates clockwise as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 11 in conjunction with the movement of the slider 30 toward the forward FW. However, it is sufficient for the driven gear 120 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the wound portion 48 of the spiral spring 31, and it may be provided, for example, in the middle of the wheel train mechanism 33.
The driven gear 120 has a plurality of driven teeth 121 spaced apart about its circumference.

The rotation restriction member 110 is disposed radially outside the driven gear 120. The rotation restriction member 110 has a first lever 111 and a second lever 112, and is disposed so as to be rotatable around the stopper axis O4.

The rotation restricting member 110 is biased about a stopper axis O4 so that the first lever 111 contacts the driven teeth 121 and the second lever 112 is not in contact with the driven teeth 121 .
Explain in detail.
A first engagement pin 113 is formed on the rotation restricting member 110. Furthermore, a second engagement pin 114 is held inside the main body case 4 by a support portion (not shown) or the like. A coil spring 115 is attached between the first engagement pin 113 and the second engagement pin 114. The coil spring 115 is attached in a state stretched from its natural length, and urges the first engagement pin 113 toward the second engagement pin 114 by its elastic restoring force. As a result, the entire rotation restricting member 110 is urged by the elastic restoring force of the coil spring 115 to rotate in the same rotational direction (clockwise) as the driven gear 120, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11 .

The first lever 111 is biased in the clockwise direction by the rotation restriction member 110, so that it contacts the driven tooth 121 from the downstream side in the rotation direction of the driven gear 120. The second lever 112 is disposed radially outward of the driven tooth 121 with which the first lever 111 is in contact, and is not in contact with the driven tooth 121. Furthermore, a stopper pin 116 is held within the main body case 4 by a support portion or the like (not shown). The stopper pin 116 is disposed counterclockwise away from the first lever 111, centered on the stopper axis O4.

When the driven gear 120 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed in conjunction with the rotation of the drive gear 51, the driven tooth 121 rotates so as to push the first lever 111 downward. As a result, the rotation restriction member 110 rotates once counterclockwise due to the rotation of the driven gear 120, and then rotates clockwise due to the bias of the coil spring 115, and the first lever 111 repeatedly contacts the next driven tooth 121 from below. Therefore, the driven gear 120 continues to rotate clockwise without being restricted by the rotation restriction member 110.

In contrast, when the driven gear 120 rotates at a speed exceeding a predetermined rotational speed, the driven teeth 121 strongly push the first lever 111 downward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the rotation restriction member 110 rotates vigorously in the counterclockwise direction as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12 until the first lever 111 contacts the stopper pin 116. Therefore, the first lever 111 is not in contact with the driven teeth 121. At the same time, the second lever 112 moves closer to the driven gear 120 and enters the rotation trajectory of the driven teeth 121. This allows the second lever 112 to contact the driven teeth 121 from below.

In particular, the rotation restriction member 110 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction because the first lever 111 is in contact with the stopper pin 116. This allows the second lever 112 to be engaged with the driven tooth 121. This makes it possible to restrict the rotation of the driven gear 120.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
Furthermore, for example, when the gear train meshing of the gear train mechanism 33 is released, the wound part 48 of the spiral spring 31 may rotate at an excessive speed and try to wind up the pull-out part 49. Even in this case, since the driven gear 120 and the rotation restricting member 110 are provided, when the driven gear 120 rotates together with the wound part 48 of the spiral spring 31 at a speed exceeding a predetermined rotation speed, the second lever 112 can be locked against the driven teeth 121 as shown in FIG. 12. This makes it possible to mechanically restrict the rotation of the driven gear 120. Therefore, the rotation of the wound part 48 of the spiral spring 31 and the driven gear 120 can be forcibly stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the slider 30 from moving forward FW with force, for example.

Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the feed device 3 of this embodiment includes an actuator 150 having a first electromagnet 151 and a second electromagnet 152, and a control unit 160 that controls the supply of electricity to the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152.

The stopper member 70 of this embodiment is disposed rearward BK from the impeller 60 and is formed in the shape of a plate that is long in the left-right direction L2. The stopper member 70 is rotatable back and forth in the left-right direction L2 around an oscillation axis O5 that extends in the up-down direction as shown by the arrows in Fig. 13. Stopping protrusions 71 that protrude toward the impeller 60 are formed on both ends of the stopper member 70 in the left-right direction L2.
Furthermore, magnetic bodies 153 such as permanent magnets are attached to both ends of the stopper member 70 in the left-right direction L2. The magnetic bodies 153 are attached facing rearward BK.

The first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152 are arranged to be located behind BK of the magnetic body 153 attached to the stopper member 70. Furthermore, the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152 are arranged to be aligned in the left-right direction L2 with a gap between them. In the example shown in the figure, the first electromagnet 151 is arranged on the left side LH of the oscillation axis O5, and the second electromagnet 152 is arranged on the right side RH of the oscillation axis O5.

The first electromagnet 151 includes a first magnetic shaft 151a such as an iron core made of a magnetic material, and a first case 151b that houses a coil (not shown) wound around the first magnetic shaft 151a. The first electromagnet 151 is disposed behind the magnetic body 153 with the end face of the first magnetic shaft 151a in contact with the magnetic body 153 from the rear BK.
The second electromagnet 152 includes a second magnetic shaft 152a such as an iron core made of a magnetic material, and a second case 152b that houses a coil (not shown) wound around the second magnetic shaft 152a. The second electromagnet 152 is disposed behind the magnetic body 153 so that an end face of the second magnetic shaft 152a faces the magnetic body 153 with a gap therebetween.

The control unit 160 energizes the coils of the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152 based on instructions from a general control unit (not shown). As a result, the control unit 160 controls the energization of the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152 so that the first magnetic shaft 151a and the second magnetic shaft 152a generate magnetic forces.

When the magnetic body 153 is attracted by the magnetic force of the first electromagnet 151, the stopper member 70 is positioned in a state in which the stop protrusion 71 is located outside the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60 as shown in Fig. 13. Therefore, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation permitted position P2.
In response to this, when the magnetic body 153 is attracted by the magnetic force of the second electromagnet 152, the stopper member 70 rotates from the rotation permitted position P2 around the oscillation axis O5. As a result, the stop protrusion 71 enters the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60 and comes into contact with the impeller 60. Therefore, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation stop position, and stops the rotation of the impeller 60.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
Specifically, the control unit 160 alternately energizes the coils of the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152, thereby alternately generating magnetic forces on the first magnetic shaft 151a and the second magnetic shaft 152a. This allows the magnetic body 153 of the stopper member 70 to be alternately attracted to the first magnetic shaft 151a and the second magnetic shaft 152a, so that the stopper member 70 can be moved between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position P2. Therefore, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be easily and appropriately switched between stopping and starting via the impeller 60.

In particular, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be switched between stopping and starting via the impeller 60 by a simple method of simply controlling the flow of electricity to the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152. This makes it easy to stop administration of the medicinal solution W at any time, or to administer it intermittently.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the fifth embodiment, the same components as those in the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 14, the feeding device 3 of this embodiment includes an actuator 170 having a first shape memory alloy wire 171 and a second shape memory alloy wire 172, and a control unit 180 that controls the flow of electricity through the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172.
The stopper member 70 of this embodiment does not have the magnetic body 153 of the fourth embodiment attached thereto.

The first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 are shape memory alloy wires whose length changes depending on the temperature, and are made of, for example, a nickel-titanium alloy. However, the material of the shape memory alloy wire is not limited to nickel-titanium alloy and may be changed as appropriate.

The first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction L2. In the illustrated example, the first shape memory alloy wire 171 is arranged on the left side LH of the oscillation axis O5, and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 is arranged on the right side RH of the oscillation axis O5.

One end of the first shape memory alloy wire 171 is connected to the stopper member 70, and the other end is connected to the first current-carrying portion 173. The first current-carrying portion 173 is fixed inside the main body case 4 by a support portion (not shown). In the example shown, the first shape memory alloy wire 171 has an intermediate portion supported by a support shaft 175 fixed inside the main body case 4.

The second shape memory alloy wire 172 has one end connected to the stopper member 70 and the other end connected to the second current-carrying part 174. The second current-carrying part 174 is fixed inside the main body case 4 by a support part (not shown). In the example shown, the second shape memory alloy wire 172 has an intermediate part supported by a support shaft 175 fixed inside the main body case 4.

The stopper member 70 of this embodiment is formed, for example, from a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172, and is configured such that the heat of the first shape memory alloy wire 171 is not easily transferred to the second shape memory alloy wire 172, and the heat of the second shape memory alloy wire 172 is not easily transferred to the first shape memory alloy wire 171.

The control unit 180 controls the first current supply unit 173 and the second current supply unit 174 based on instructions from a general control unit (not shown). As a result, the control unit 180 applies electricity to the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 via the first current supply unit 173 and the second current supply unit 174.
The first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 have a characteristic that the length of the wire is instantly contracted when heated by passing an electric current through the wire and the length of the wire is expanded by dissipating heat. The first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 are quickly expanded and restored to their original length by dissipating heat when the passage of electric current is terminated.

When no current is applied to the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172, the stopper member 70 is positioned in a state in which the stop protrusion 71 is located outside the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60, as shown in Fig. 14. Therefore, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation permitted position P2.
In response to this, when electricity is applied to the first shape memory alloy wire 171 or the second shape memory alloy wire 172, the first shape memory alloy wire 171 or the second shape memory alloy wire 172 contracts, causing the stopper member 70 to rotate from the rotation permitted position P2 around the oscillation axis O5. As a result, the stop protrusion 71 enters the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60 and comes into contact with the impeller 60. Therefore, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation stop position, stopping the rotation of the impeller 60.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
Specifically, the control unit 180 can instantly contract the first shape memory alloy wire 171 by energizing the first shape memory alloy wire 171 via the first current supply unit 173, for example. This allows the stopper member 70 to rotate about the oscillation axis O5 and to be positioned at a rotation stop position. Therefore, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be stopped via the impeller 60 by utilizing the stop protrusion 71.

Furthermore, by passing electricity through the second shape memory alloy wire 172 via the second current supplying section 174, the second shape memory alloy wire 172 can be instantly contracted. This allows the stopper member 70 to rotate in the reverse direction around the oscillation axis O5, and return from the rotation stop position to the rotation permitted position P2. Therefore, the impeller 60 and the gear train mechanism 33 can start to rotate.

In addition, the stopper member 70 may be positioned in the rotation stop position by passing a current through the second shape memory alloy wire 172, and the stopper member 70 may be positioned in the rotation permitted position P2 by passing a current through the first shape memory alloy wire 171.

In this way, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be switched between stopping and starting via the impeller 60 by simply passing electricity through the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 to instantly contract the length of each wire. This makes it easy to stop administration of the medicinal solution W at any time, or to administer it intermittently.

In this embodiment, the heat dissipation properties of the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 may be improved. For example, a heat sink made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 may be arranged in contact with the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172. The support shaft 175 may function as a heat sink.

Sixth Embodiment
Next, a sixth embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the sixth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the feed device 3 of this embodiment includes a galvanometer motor 191 having a movable shaft 192 that oscillates and rotates when the actuator 190 is energized and de-energized, and a control unit 200 that controls the energization of the galvanometer motor 191.

The stopper member 70 of this embodiment is disposed rearward BK from the impeller 60 and is rotatable about an oscillation axis O6 extending in the vertical direction. The stopper member 70 has a plurality of stopper pieces 195. In the illustrated example, four stopper pieces 195 are provided and arranged radially about the oscillation axis O6. However, the number of stopper pieces 195 is not limited to four, and may be, for example, one, or a number other than four.

The galvanometer motor 191 is fixed inside the main body case 4 by a support part (not shown). The movable shaft 192 oscillates and rotates around the oscillation axis O7 within an angle range of less than 180° as shown by the arrow in FIG. 16. The stopper member 70 is attached to the movable shaft 192 so that the oscillation axis O6 is positioned coaxially with the oscillation axis O7 of the movable shaft 192. As a result, the stopper member 70 rotates around the oscillation axis O7 due to the oscillation rotation of the movable shaft 192.

The control unit 200 supplies a control current to the galvano motor 191 based on an instruction from a general control unit (not shown). In this way, the galvano motor 191 is controlled to be energized or not energized.
When the galvanometer motor 191 is not energized, the stopper member 70 is positioned in a state in which the stopper piece 195 is located outside the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60, as shown in Figures 15 and 16. Therefore, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation permitted position P2.
In response to this, when electricity is applied to the galvanometer motor 191 and the movable shaft 192 swings, the stopper piece 195 of the stopper member 70 enters the rotation trajectory of the impeller 60 and comes into contact with the impeller 60. Therefore, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation stop position, and stops the rotation of the impeller 60.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
Specifically, by controlling the operation of the galvanometer motor 191 by the control unit 200, the movable shaft 192 can be oscillated and rotated within an angle range of less than 180°. This allows the stopper member 70 to rotate about the oscillation axis O7, and the stopper member 70 can be moved from the rotation permitted position P2 to the rotation stopped position. Therefore, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be stopped via the impeller 60 by utilizing the stopper piece 195.

In this way, by simply passing electricity through the galvanometer motor 191 and oscillatingly rotating the movable shaft 192, the stopper member 70 can be moved between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position P2, and the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be switched between stopping and starting. Therefore, it is easy to stop the administration of the medicinal solution W at any time, or to administer it intermittently.

Seventh Embodiment
Next, a seventh embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the seventh embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17, the feed device 3 of this embodiment includes a speed regulator 34 that includes a speed governor 210 having a balance 212, and an escapement 220 that includes an escape wheel 221 and an anchor 222.

The gear train mechanism 33 of this embodiment has a gear 231 that rotates synchronously with the winding portion 48 of the spiral spring 31. The gear 231 may be the drive gear 51. The gear 231 may be an intermediate gear that transmits the rotation of the drive gear 51.

The speed-regulating mechanism 34 includes an escapement 220 that controls the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33, and a speed-regulating mechanism 210 that regulates the speed of the escapement 220. The escapement 220 and the speed-regulating mechanism 210 have the same configuration as those generally used in mechanical timepieces. Therefore, a detailed description of the escapement 220 and the speed-regulating mechanism 210 will be omitted.

The escapement 220 includes an escape wheel 221 that rotates with the rotation of the gear 231 that constitutes the train wheel mechanism 33, and an anchor 222 that escapes the escape wheel 221 to rotate it regularly, and controls the train wheel mechanism 33 with regular vibrations from the balance 212, which will be described later.

The escape wheel 221 is rotatable about an oscillation axis extending in the left-right direction L2 and meshes with the gear 231. The escape wheel 221 has a plurality of escape teeth 221a.

The pallet fork 222 is disposed behind the escape wheel 221 at BK, and is capable of rotating (swinging) about an axis extending in the left-right direction L2 based on the reciprocating rotation of the balance 212. The pallet fork 222 has an inserting claw 222a and an extending claw 222b that can be engaged with and disengaged from the escape tooth 221a. The inserting claw 222a and the extending claw 222b can be alternately engaged with and disengaged from the escape tooth 221a as the pallet fork 222 rotates.
Therefore, as the anchor 222 rotates, the inlet claw 222a and the outlet claw 222b alternately engage and disengage with the escape tooth 221a, making it possible to control the rotation of the escape wheel 221, and also making it possible to transmit the power transmitted to the escape wheel 221 to the balance 212 via the anchor 222 and the impulse jewel 214, thereby replenishing rotational energy to the balance 212.

The governor 210 includes a hairspring 211 and a balance 212 disposed at a position BK rearward of the pallet fork 222. The balance 212 has a balance wheel 213, and rotates back and forth (forward and reverse rotation) with a steady amplitude (oscillation angle) about a balance axis O8 extending in the left-right direction L2, using the hairspring 211 as a power source.
The hair spring 211 is formed in a spiral shape centered on the balance axis O8 (oscillating axis according to the present invention) and is elastically deformable so as to expand and contract. The inner end of the hair spring 211 is engaged with the balance 212 via a swing seat (not shown). This allows the balance 212 to rotate back and forth around the balance axis O8 using the hair spring 211 as a power source. An impulse jewel 214 is attached to the balance wheel 213.

Furthermore, the switching mechanism 35 of this embodiment uses the movable shaft 91 of the solenoid 90 to switch between stopping and starting the rotation of the balance 212. As a result, the switching mechanism 35 switches between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 via the speed regulator mechanism 34, which includes the balance 212.

The solenoid 90 is disposed at a position BK rearward of the balance 212 with the movable shaft 91 facing the balance wheel 213. Therefore, the solenoid 90 can linearly reciprocate in the front-to-rear direction L1 so as to move the movable shaft 91 toward and away from the balance wheel 213 by switching between energized and de-energized states.
When the movable shaft 91 is drawn inward by the energization of the solenoid 90, it moves away from the balance wheel 213. When the movable shaft 91 extends forward FW while the solenoid 90 is not energized, it directly presses the circumferential surface of the balance wheel 213, stopping the rotation of the balance 212. In this way, the rotation of the balance 212 can be switched between stopping and starting by energizing and deenergizing the solenoid 90.
FIG. 17 shows a state in which the movable shaft 91 presses against the circumferential surface of the balance wheel 213, stopping the rotation of the balance 212.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment.
Specifically, when the slider 30 moves forward FW due to the thrust of the spiral spring 31, the winding portion 48 rotates together with the drive gear 51 of the train wheel mechanism 33 so as to wind up the pull-out portion 49, and the train wheel mechanism 33 (gear 231) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the winding portion 48. Furthermore, the escape wheel 221 can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the gear 231. At this time, since the speed-regulating mechanism 34 having the escapement 220 and the speed governor 210 is provided, the speed of the train wheel mechanism 33 can be regulated.

In detail, the balance 212 can be rotated back and forth around the balance axis O8 using the hairspring 211 as a power source, and the pallet fork 222 can be regularly oscillated based on the rotation of the balance 212. This allows the inlet pawl 222a and the outlet pawl 222b of the pallet fork 222 to be alternately engaged and disengaged with the escape tooth 221a of the escape wheel 221, and the escape wheel 221 and the wheel train mechanism 33 can be speed-regulated.
This allows the slider 30 to move (feed) forward FW at a constant speed without being affected by changes in the elastic restoring force of the spiral spring 31. Therefore, the plunger 21 can be moved while controlling the speed, and the medicinal solution W can be supplied with high accuracy.

Furthermore, since the switching mechanism 35 is provided, it is possible to switch between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33. In detail, when the medicinal liquid administration device 1 is in operation, the control unit 100 supplies a control current to the solenoid 90 to energize it, thereby retracting the movable shaft 91 inward. This allows the balance 212 to continue rotating, allowing medicinal liquid administration.
When the rotation of the train wheel mechanism 33 is to be stopped, the control unit 100 stops the supply of electricity to the solenoid 90. This allows the movable shaft 91 to be extended by the force of the coil spring, and the circumferential surface of the balance wheel 213 is pressed to stop the rotation of the balance 212.

In this way, the solenoid 90 can be used to switch between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33. Therefore, the slider 30 can be controlled to stop and start moving via the gear train mechanism 33 and the winding portion 48 of the spiral spring 31. This allows the timing and movement time of the slider 30 and plunger 21 to be adjusted as desired. Therefore, not only can the medicinal liquid W be administered continuously, but also intermittently at a fixed unit amount.

Eighth embodiment
Next, an eighth embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the eighth embodiment, the same components as those in the seventh and fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the feed device 3 of this embodiment, the switching mechanism 35 includes a stopper member 70 and an actuator 150 that moves the stopper member 70. The actuator 150 includes a first electromagnet 151 and a second electromagnet 152, and a control unit 160 that controls the supply of electricity to the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152.

The stopper member 70 is disposed to the right RH of the balance wheel 213. The stopper member 70 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate extending in the up-down direction and is capable of swinging in the front-rear direction L1 about a swing axis O3 extending in the left-right direction L2. The swing axis O3 is disposed so as to pass through the stopper member 70 in the left-right direction L2.
The stopper member 70 is movable around the oscillating axis O3 between a rotation stop position P1 where it approaches the balance wheel 212 to stop the rotation of the balance wheel 212, and a rotation allowing position where it moves away from the balance wheel 212 to allow the rotation of the balance wheel 212.

A stop projection 71 that projects toward the balance 212 is formed on the upper end of the stopper member 70. When the stopper member 70 is located at the rotation stop position P1, the stop projection 71 comes into contact with a lock pin 215 formed on the balance wheel 213, making it possible to stop the rotation of the balance 212. This makes it possible to stop the entire rotation of the wheel train mechanism 33 via the speed regulating mechanism 34.
A magnetic body 153 such as a permanent magnet is attached to the lower end of the stopper member 70 .

The first electromagnet 151 is disposed in front FW of the magnetic body 153 so that the end face of the first magnetic shaft 151a faces the magnetic body 153 with a gap therebetween. The second electromagnet 152 is disposed in the rear BK of the magnetic body 153 with the end face of the second magnetic shaft 152a in contact with the rear BK.

The control unit 160 energizes the coils of the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152 based on instructions from a general control unit (not shown). As a result, the control unit 160 controls the energization of the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152 so that the first magnetic shaft 151a and the second magnetic shaft 152a generate magnetic forces.

When the magnetic body 153 is attracted by the magnetic force of the second electromagnet 152, the stopper member 70 is positioned in a state in which the stop protrusion 71 contacts the lock pin 215 as shown in Fig. 18. Therefore, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation stop position P1, and stops the rotation of the balance 212.
In response to this, when the magnetic body 153 is attracted by the magnetic force of the first electromagnet 151, the stopper member 70 rotates from the rotation stop position P1 around the oscillation axis O3 and moves to the rotation allowing position. This causes the stop protrusion 71 to move away from the lock pin 215, allowing the balance 212 to rotate. Note that in the state shown in Figure 18, the balance 212 can be stopped by bringing the lock pin 215 into contact with the stop protrusion 71 in the counterclockwise direction, but it can also be stopped when the lock pin 215 comes into contact with the stop protrusion 71 in the clockwise direction.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment.
Specifically, the control unit 160 alternately energizes the coils of the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152, thereby alternately generating magnetic forces on the first magnetic shaft 151a and the second magnetic shaft 152a. This allows the magnetic body 153 of the stopper member 70 to be alternately attracted to the first magnetic shaft 151a and the second magnetic shaft 152a, so that the stopper member 70 can be moved between the rotation stop position P1 and the rotation permitted position. Therefore, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be easily and appropriately switched between stopping and starting via the balance 212.

In particular, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be switched between stopping and starting via the balance 212 by a simple method of simply controlling the flow of electricity to the first electromagnet 151 and the second electromagnet 152. This makes it easy to stop the administration of the medicinal solution W at any time, or to administer it intermittently.

Ninth embodiment
Next, a ninth embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the ninth embodiment, the same components as those in the eighth and fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 19, the feeding device 3 of this embodiment includes an actuator 170 having a first shape memory alloy wire 171 and a second shape memory alloy wire 172, and a control unit 180 that controls the flow of electricity through the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172.
The stopper member 70 of this embodiment does not have the magnetic body 153 of the eighth embodiment attached thereto.

The first shape memory alloy wire 171 has one end connected to the stopper member 70 and the other end connected to the first current-carrying portion 173. The second shape memory alloy wire 172 has one end connected to the stopper member 70 and the other end connected to the second current-carrying portion 174.

The control unit 180 controls the first current supply unit 173 and the second current supply unit 174 based on instructions from a general control unit (not shown). As a result, the control unit 180 passes electricity through the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 via the first current supply unit 173 and the second current supply unit 174.

When electricity is applied to the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the first shape memory alloy wire 171 contracts, the stopper member 70 is positioned with the stop protrusion 71 in contact with the lock pin 215, as shown in Fig. 19. As a result, the stopper member 70 is positioned at the rotation stop position P1, and stops the rotation of the balance 212.
In response to this, when the second shape memory alloy wire 172 is energized, the stopper member 70 rotates from the rotation stop position P1 around the oscillation axis O3 and moves to the rotation allowing position. This causes the stop protrusion 71 to move away from the lock pin 215, allowing the balance 212 to rotate. Note that in the state shown in Fig. 19, the balance 212 can be stopped by bringing the lock pin 215 into contact with the stop protrusion 71 in the counterclockwise direction, but it can also be stopped when the lock pin 215 comes into contact with the stop protrusion 71 in the clockwise direction.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment.
Specifically, the control unit 180 energizes the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172 via the first energizing unit 173 and the second energizing unit 174, thereby moving the stopper member 70 between the rotation stop position P1 and the rotation permitted position. Therefore, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be easily and appropriately switched between stopping and starting via the balance 212.

In particular, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be switched between stopping and starting via the balance 212 by a simple method of simply controlling the flow of electricity to the first shape memory alloy wire 171 and the second shape memory alloy wire 172. Therefore, it is easy to stop the administration of the medicinal solution W at any time, or to administer it intermittently.

Tenth embodiment
Next, a tenth embodiment of the feeding device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the tenth embodiment, the same components as those in the eighth and sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, the feed device 3 of this embodiment includes a galvanometer motor 191 having a movable shaft 192 that oscillates and rotates when the actuator 190 is energized and de-energized, and a control unit 200 that controls the energization of the galvanometer motor 191.

The galvanometer motor 191 has a movable shaft 192 that oscillates and rotates around an oscillation axis O7 within an angle range of less than 180° as shown by the arrow in Fig. 20. The stopper member 70 oscillates around the oscillation axis O7 due to the oscillation rotation of the movable shaft 192.
The control unit 200 supplies a control current to the galvano motor 191 based on an instruction from a general control unit (not shown). In this way, the galvano motor 191 is controlled to be energized or not energized.

(Function of the Feeding Device)
The feed device 3 of this embodiment can also achieve the same effects as those of the seventh embodiment.
Specifically, by controlling the operation of the galvanometer motor 191 by the control unit 200, the movable shaft 192 can be oscillated and rotated within an angle range of less than 180°. This allows the stopper member 70 to oscillate around the oscillation axis O3. Therefore, the stopper member 70 can be moved between the rotation stop position P1 and the rotation permitted position, and the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be easily and appropriately switched between stopping and starting via the balance 212.

In particular, the rotation of the gear train mechanism 33 can be switched between stopping and starting via the balance 212 by the simple method of simply controlling the power supply to the galvano motor 191. This makes it easy to stop the administration of the medicinal solution W at any time, or to administer it intermittently.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Examples of the embodiments and their variations include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of equivalents.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the fluid is described as being a chemical liquid W, but this is not limited to this case. For example, the fluid may be other liquids or gases such as gas. The contents may be changed as appropriate depending on the application or purpose of use. For example, the fluid may be selected from a variety of fluids, such as paints, beverages, fragrances, oils and fats (grease, oil, etc.).

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, examples of the speed regulating mechanism 34 have been described using an impeller 60 or a speed governor 210 and an escapement 220, but other configurations may be adopted as long as they are capable of regulating the speed of the gear train mechanism 33.
For example, instead of using the balance 212, the speed of the wheel train mechanism 33 may be adjusted by regularly oscillating the anchor 222 using magnetic force from an electromagnet.

The present invention includes the following aspects.
＜1＞
A movable body that moves the object in a feed direction;
a spiral spring including a winding portion in which a strip-shaped elastic body is wound in a spiral shape and an extension portion of the elastic body that is extended from the winding portion, the extension portion being connected to the movable body;
a gear train mechanism having a gear that rotates integrally with the winding unit;
a speed regulator mechanism for adjusting a rotation speed of the gear train mechanism;
a switching mechanism for switching between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism,
The spiral spring is characterized in that it applies a thrust to the movable body in the feed direction by utilizing an elastic restoring force when the pull-out portion elastically deforms from a stretched state to a wound state.
＜2＞
In the feeding device according to <1>,
The speed regulating mechanism includes an impeller that meshes with the gear train mechanism and generates resistance according to the rotational speed of the gear train mechanism.
＜3＞
In the feeding device according to <2>,
The switching mechanism includes:
A stopper member;
a feed device comprising: an actuator that moves the stopper member between a rotation stop position where the stopper member contacts the impeller to stop rotation of the impeller, and a rotation allowing position where the stopper member is separated from the impeller to allow rotation of the impeller.
＜4＞
In the feeding device according to <1>,
The speed regulating mechanism includes:
A governor having a balance that uses a hairspring as a power source and reciprocates around a rotation axis at a predetermined oscillation angle;
and an escapement having an escape wheel that rotates with the rotation of the train wheel mechanism, and an anchor that oscillates based on the reciprocating rotation of the balance and controls the rotation of the escape wheel by alternately engaging and disengaging with an escape tooth of the escape wheel.
＜5＞
In the feeding device according to <4>,
The switching mechanism includes:
A stopper member;
and an actuator that moves the stopper member between a rotation stop position where the stopper member comes into contact with the balance to stop the rotation of the balance, and a rotation allowable position where the stopper member is separated from the balance to allow the rotation of the balance.
＜6＞
In the feeding device according to <3> or <5>,
The actuator comprises:
a solenoid having a movable shaft that moves linearly back and forth when energized and de-energized;
A control unit that controls the supply of current to the solenoid,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the movable shaft.
＜７＞
In the feeding device according to <6>,
a pressing shaft connected to the movable shaft and extending from the movable shaft toward the stopper member;
A movable protrusion integrally attached to the pressing shaft;
a switch member having a storage passage formed therein for storing the movable protrusion so as to be capable of moving relative to the switch member;
A first stop position and a second stop position for positioning the movable protrusion are provided in the storage passage,
the movable protrusion is alternately positioned at the first stop position and the second stop position while moving within the storage passage every time the movable shaft reciprocates,
the pressing shaft presses the stopper member to position the stopper member at the rotation stop position when the movable protrusion is located at the first stopper position, and moves away from the stopper member when the movable protrusion is located at the second stopper position,
The stopper member is biased toward the rotation allowing position.
＜8＞
In the feeding device according to <3> or <5>,
The actuator comprises:
A first electromagnet and a second electromagnet;
a control unit that controls energization of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet so that the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet generate a magnetic force,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position by being attracted by the magnetic force of the first electromagnet and the magnetic force of the second electromagnet.
＜9＞
In the feeding device according to <3> or <5>,
The actuator comprises:
a first shape memory alloy wire and a second shape memory alloy wire connected to the stopper member;
a control unit that controls the supply of electricity to the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire so as to supply electricity to the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire,
The first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire are contracted in length by electrical heating and are expanded in length by heat dissipation,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position by expansion and contraction of the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire.
＜10＞
In the feeding device according to <3> or <5>,
The actuator comprises:
a galvanometer motor having a movable shaft that oscillates and rotates within an angle range of less than 180° when energized and de-energized;
A control unit that controls the supply of current to the galvanometer motor,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position in accordance with the swinging rotation of the movable shaft.
<11>
In the feeding device according to any one of <1> to <10>,
A driven gear that rotates in association with the rotation of the winding portion;
a rotation restricting member having a first lever and a second lever and arranged to be rotatable around a stopper axis,
the rotation restricting member is biased about the stopper axis such that the first lever is in contact with the driven teeth of the driven gear and the second lever is in a non-contact state with the driven teeth,
When the driven gear rotates at a predetermined rotation speed, the driven teeth rotate so as to sequentially push the first lever, and when the driven gear rotates at a rotation speed exceeding the predetermined rotation speed, the rotation restricting member is rotated so that the first lever is not in contact with the driven teeth,
The rotation restricting member, when the driven gear rotates at a speed exceeding the predetermined rotational speed, engages the second lever with the driven tooth to restrict rotation of the driven gear.
＜12＞
A feeding device according to any one of <1> to <11>,
a fluid container including a housing cylinder filled with a fluid, and a plunger slidably disposed within the housing cylinder and configured to supply the fluid to the outside by moving in the feed direction;
13. A fluid supplying device, comprising: a movable body connected to the plunger so as to push the plunger into the housing cylinder.

FW: Forward (feed direction)
O4... Stopper axis O8... Balance axis (oscillating axis)
P1: Rotation stop position P2: Rotation permitted position W: Chemical solution (fluid)
1...Medicinal solution administration device (fluid supply device)
2... Syringe (fluid container)
3: Feeding device 20: Syringe body (container tube)
21... Plunger (object)
30...Slider (movable body)
31... Spiral spring 33... Wheel train mechanism 34... Speed control mechanism 35... Switching mechanism 47... Elastic body 48... Winding portion 49... Pull-out portion 51... Driving gear (gear)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 60...Impeller 70...Stopper member 80, 150, 170, 190...Actuator 90...Solenoid 91...Moveable shaft of solenoid 100, 160, 180, 200...Control unit 110...Rotation restricting member 111...First lever 112...Second lever 120...Driven gear 121...Driven teeth of driven gear 130...Switch member 132...First stopper position 133...Second stopper position 131...Storage passage 140...Pressing shaft 141...Moveable protrusion 151...First electromagnet 152...Second electromagnet 171...First shape memory alloy wire 172...Second shape memory alloy wire 191...Galvano motor 192...Movable shaft of galvano motor 210...Governor 211...Hairspring 212...Balance 220... Escapement 221... Escape wheel 221a... Escape tooth

Claims (12)

A movable body that moves the object in a feed direction;
a spiral spring including a winding portion in which a strip-shaped elastic body is wound in a spiral shape and an extension portion of the elastic body that is extended from the winding portion, the extension portion being connected to the movable body;
a gear train mechanism having a gear that rotates integrally with the winding unit;
a speed regulator mechanism for adjusting a rotation speed of the gear train mechanism;
a switching mechanism for switching between stopping and starting the rotation of the gear train mechanism,
The spiral spring is characterized in that it applies a thrust to the movable body in the feed direction by utilizing an elastic restoring force when the pull-out portion elastically deforms from a stretched state to a wound state. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1,
The speed regulating mechanism includes an impeller that meshes with the gear train mechanism and generates resistance according to the rotational speed of the gear train mechanism. 3. The feeding device according to claim 2,
The switching mechanism includes:
A stopper member;
a feed device comprising: an actuator that moves the stopper member between a rotation stop position where the stopper member contacts the impeller to stop rotation of the impeller, and a rotation allowing position where the stopper member is separated from the impeller to allow rotation of the impeller. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1,
The speed regulating mechanism includes:
A governor having a balance that uses a hairspring as a power source and reciprocates around a rotation axis at a predetermined oscillation angle;
and an escapement having an escape wheel that rotates with the rotation of the train wheel mechanism, and an anchor that oscillates based on the reciprocating rotation of the balance and controls the rotation of the escape wheel by alternately engaging and disengaging with an escape tooth of the escape wheel. 5. The feeding device according to claim 4,
The switching mechanism includes:
A stopper member;
and an actuator that moves the stopper member between a rotation stop position where the stopper member comes into contact with the balance to stop the rotation of the balance, and a rotation allowable position where the stopper member is separated from the balance to allow the rotation of the balance. 6. The feeding device according to claim 3 or 5,
The actuator comprises:
a solenoid having a movable shaft that moves linearly back and forth when energized and de-energized;
A control unit that controls the supply of current to the solenoid,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position in accordance with the reciprocating movement of the movable shaft. 7. The feeding device according to claim 6,
a pressing shaft connected to the movable shaft and extending from the movable shaft toward the stopper member;
A movable protrusion integrally attached to the pressing shaft;
a switch member having a storage passage formed therein for storing the movable protrusion so as to be capable of moving relative to the switch member;
A first stop position and a second stop position for positioning the movable protrusion are provided in the storage passage,
the movable protrusion is alternately positioned at the first stop position and the second stop position while moving within the storage passage every time the movable shaft reciprocates,
the pressing shaft presses the stopper member to position the stopper member at the rotation stop position when the movable protrusion is located at the first stopper position, and moves away from the stopper member when the movable protrusion is located at the second stopper position,
The stopper member is biased toward the rotation allowing position. 6. The feeding device according to claim 3 or 5,
The actuator comprises:
A first electromagnet and a second electromagnet;
a control unit that controls energization of the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet so that the first electromagnet and the second electromagnet generate a magnetic force,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position by being attracted by the magnetic force of the first electromagnet and the magnetic force of the second electromagnet. 6. The feeding device according to claim 3 or 5,
The actuator comprises:
a first shape memory alloy wire and a second shape memory alloy wire connected to the stopper member;
a control unit that controls the supply of electricity to the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire so as to supply electricity to the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire,
The first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire are contracted in length by electrical heating and are expanded in length by heat dissipation,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation allowable position by expansion and contraction of the first shape memory alloy wire and the second shape memory alloy wire. 6. The feeding device according to claim 3 or 5,
The actuator comprises:
a galvanometer motor having a movable shaft that oscillates and rotates within an angle range of less than 180° when energized and de-energized;
A control unit that controls the supply of current to the galvanometer motor,
The stopper member moves between the rotation stop position and the rotation permitted position in accordance with the swinging rotation of the movable shaft. 2. The feeding device according to claim 1,
A driven gear that rotates in association with the rotation of the winding portion;
a rotation restricting member having a first lever and a second lever and arranged to be rotatable around a stopper axis,
the rotation restricting member is biased about the stopper axis such that the first lever is in contact with the driven teeth of the driven gear and the second lever is in a non-contact state with the driven teeth,
When the driven gear rotates at a predetermined rotation speed, the driven teeth rotate so as to sequentially push the first lever, and when the driven gear rotates at a rotation speed exceeding the predetermined rotation speed, the rotation restricting member is rotated so that the first lever is not in contact with the driven teeth,
The rotation restricting member, when the driven gear rotates at a speed exceeding the predetermined rotational speed, engages the second lever with the driven tooth to restrict rotation of the driven gear. A feed device according to claim 1 ;
a fluid container including a housing cylinder filled with a fluid, and a plunger slidably disposed within the housing cylinder and configured to supply the fluid to the outside by moving in the feed direction;
13. A fluid supplying device, comprising: a movable body connected to the plunger so as to push the plunger into the housing cylinder.

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