Locking adapter, syringe assembly and pre-filled syringe

Abstract

Provided is a locking adapter (22) capable of inhibiting positional deviation of the front end side of the locking adapter (22) after an autoclaving process, a syringe assembly (50), and a pre-filled syringe (10). The locking adapter (22) is mounted around a nozzle portion (18) at the front end of a pre-filled syringe (10) and is capable of sliding in the axial direction of the nozzle portion (18). The locking adapter (22) includes a cylindrical main body portion (23) that is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the nozzle portion (18), and a claw portion (30) that protrudes from a base end portion (28) of the cylindrical main body portion (23) toward the inner circumferential side and determines the front end position of the locking adapter (22) by hooking an annular rib (32) that extends in the circumferential direction of the nozzle portion (18). The claw portion (30) is formed in a circumferential shape when viewed in the axial direction and is integrally connected in the circumferential direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a locking adapter for a syringe, a syringe assembly, and a pre-filled syringe. BACKGROUND

[0002] A pre-filled syringe in which a syringe is pre-filled with a drug solution is widely used. In the pre-filled syringe, a locking adapter is attached around a nozzle portion at a front end of the syringe, and a cap covering the nozzle portion is screwed with internal threads of the locking adapter to seal the nozzle portion.

[0003] In Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-35913, a pre-filled syringe having a sliding locking adapter that can slide the locking adapter in an axial direction is described. In the pre-filled syringe, a sliding portion that slides the locking adapter in the axial direction is provided at a base portion of the nozzle portion. Six rotation restricting ribs that extend in the axial direction to prevent rotation of the locking adapter, and an annular rib that extends in a circumferential direction along a boundary between the sliding portion and a base portion of a luer connector are provided on the sliding portion.

[0004] In addition, six claw portions that extend inward are provided on the locking adapter. The claw portions of the locking adapter are arranged between the rotation restricting ribs and slide in the axial direction along an outer surface of the sliding portion. In addition, when the cap is screwed, the claw portions of the locking adapter are hooked on the annular rib, thereby receiving a tightening load of the cap and preventing the locking adapter from being detached from the sliding portion. SUMMARY

[0005] With the conventional locking adapter, the claw portions of the locking adapter are weak, and if a high-pressure sterilization process is performed in a state in which the cap is screwed, the strength of the claw portions is insufficient due to heat application, and thus there is a concern that the claw portions are deformed by a load from the cap.

[0006] Therefore, a positional deviation of the front end side of the locking adapter after the high-pressure sterilization process becomes large, and there is a concern that it is difficult to converge within a range of a desired dimensional tolerance.

[0007] An object of one embodiment is to provide a locking adapter, a syringe assembly, and a pre-filled syringe that can suppress a positional deviation of a front end side of a locking adapter after a high-pressure sterilization process.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a locking adapter that is installed around a nozzle portion at a front end of a pre-filled syringe and is capable of sliding in an axial direction of the nozzle portion, the locking adapter including a cylindrical main body portion formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the nozzle portion, and a claw portion that protrudes from a base end portion of the main body portion toward an inner peripheral side and determines a front end position of the locking adapter by hooking an annular rib extending in a circumferential direction of the nozzle portion, the claw portion being formed in a circumferential shape when viewed in the axial direction and being integrally connected in the circumferential direction.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a syringe assembly including a syringe main body having an inner cavity capable of accommodating a medical liquid, a nozzle portion formed at a front end of the syringe main body, and a locking adapter installed around an outer periphery of the nozzle portion, in the syringe assembly, the nozzle portion has a sliding portion provided at a base end side and capable of allowing the locking adapter to slide in an axial direction, a luer joint provided at a front end side of the sliding portion, and an annular rib extending in a circumferential direction along a boundary between the luer joint and the sliding portion and protruding, the locking adapter has a cylindrical main body portion formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the nozzle portion, and a claw portion that protrudes from a base end portion of the main body portion toward an inner peripheral side and determines a front end position of the locking adapter by hooking the annular rib extending in the circumferential direction of the nozzle portion, the claw portion of the locking adapter being formed in a circumferential shape when viewed in the axial direction and being integrally connected in the circumferential direction.

[0010] Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a pre-filled syringe including a syringe main body having an inner cavity accommodating a medical liquid, a gasket inserted from a base end side of the syringe main body and sealing the inner cavity, a nozzle portion formed at a front end of the syringe main body, a locking adapter installed around an outer periphery of the nozzle portion, and a cap screwing with the locking adapter and sealing the nozzle portion, in the pre-filled syringe, the nozzle portion has a sliding portion provided at a base end side and capable of allowing the locking adapter to slide in an axial direction, a luer joint provided at a front end side of the sliding portion, and an annular rib extending in a circumferential direction along a boundary between the luer joint and the sliding portion and protruding, the locking adapter has a cylindrical main body portion formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the nozzle portion, and a claw portion that protrudes from a base end portion of the main body portion toward an inner peripheral side and determines a front end position of the locking adapter by hooking the annular rib extending in the circumferential direction of the nozzle portion, the claw portion of the locking adapter being formed in a circumferential shape when viewed in the axial direction and being integrally connected in the circumferential direction.

[0011] According to the locking adapter, the syringe assembly, and the pre-filled syringe of the above aspects, since the claw portion of the locking adapter is difficult to deform in an autoclaving process, a positional deviation at a front end side of the locking adapter can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a plan view of the pre-filled syringe of the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the vicinity of the nozzle portion of the pre-filled syringe of Figure 1

[0014] Figure 3 is a front end side perspective view of the locking adapter of Figure 2

[0015] Figure 4 is a base end side perspective view of the locking adapter of Figure 2

[0016] Figure 5 is a front view of the locking adapter of Figure 2

[0017] Figure 6 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the nozzle portion of the pre-filled syringe of Figure 2

[0018] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the nozzle portion of the pre-filled syringe of Figure 2

[0019] Figure 8 is a sectional view along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 6

[0020] Figure 9 is a sectional view in a state where the cap is screwed with the syringe assembly of Figure 2

[0021] in Fig. 10, Figure 10A is a perspective view of the locking adapter and the nozzle portion of the pre-filled syringe of the comparative example, Figure 10B is a perspective view of the nozzle portion of Figure 10A Figure 10C is a front view of the locking adapter of Figure 10A

[0022] is a front view showing the claw portion and the abutting portion abutting against the annular rib of the locking adapter of the comparative example. Figure 11

[0023] Figure 12 is a front view showing the claw portion and the abutting portion abutting against the annular rib of the locking adapter of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the abutting portion of the claw portion and the annular rib of the locking adapter of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION​​​​​​​​​​

[0025] The following, citing preferred embodiments, detailed description of the lock adapter 22, syringe assembly 50 and pre-filled syringe 10, with reference to the drawings. Moreover, in the following description, the nozzle portion 18 side of the pre-filled syringe 10 is referred to as the front end or front end side, the flange portion 16 side of the pre-filled syringe 10 is referred to as the base end or base end side. In addition, the single-dot chain line A in the figure represents the axis of the pre-filled syringe 10, the direction of the single-dot chain line A is referred to as the axial direction.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1 The pre-filled syringe 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a syringe body 12 formed in a cylindrical shape, and an inner cavity 13 extending in the axial direction is formed inside the syringe body 12. On the base end side of the syringe body 12, a base end opening portion 14 is provided through which the inner cavity 13 is opened, and a gasket 15 is inserted into the inner cavity 13 from the base end opening portion 14.

[0027] The gasket 15 seals the inner cavity 13 liquid-tightly and is slidable in the axial direction, and the portion of the inner cavity 13 on the side closer to the front end than the gasket 15 becomes a medicine chamber that is liquid-tightly sealed by the gasket 15. The medicine chamber of the inner cavity 13 closed by the gasket 15 is pre-filled with a liquid preparation such as a medicinal liquid, injection water for dilution, or physiological saline. The pre-filled syringe 10 can be provided to the user in a state in which a plunger (not shown) is attached, and in this case, the plunger (pushing member) for pushing the gasket 15 can be attached to the gasket 15. As the material constituting the gasket 15, a rubber material having elasticity, an elastomer material, or the like can be used.

[0028] On the base end of the syringe body 12, a flange portion 16 is formed so as to protrude to the radial direction outside. On the flange portion 16, a finger grip (not shown) can be attached. In the pre-filled syringe 10, the finger grip can be pre-attached to the flange portion 16. Alternatively, the flange portion 16 and the finger grip can be integrally formed.

[0029] On the front end of the syringe body 12, a neck portion 17 is formed which is reduced in diameter compared to the syringe body 12. From the neck portion 17, a nozzle portion 18 is formed so as to protrude to the front end side. As shown in Figure 2 Inside the nozzle portion 18, a flow path 18a is formed. The flow path 18a is opened in the front end face 18b of the nozzle portion 18. The base end side of the flow path 18a communicates with the inner cavity 13. The pre-filled syringe 10 is configured to be able to discharge a medicinal liquid from the front end face 18b of the nozzle portion 18.

[0030] The syringe outer cylinder 20 including the syringe body 12, the flange portion 16, and the nozzle portion 18 is formed of a transparent resin material or glass through which the inner cavity 13 can be visually recognized. In addition, on the side portion of the syringe body 12, a scale display for grasping the liquid amount of the medicinal liquid can be attached.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1 , a lock adapter 22 and a cap 24 are attached to the nozzle portion 18. The lock adapter 22 is a cylindrical member attached to the outer peripheral portion of the nozzle portion 18. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , an internal thread 25 is formed in the inner peripheral portion 22a of the lock adapter 22. Figure 1 The cap 24 shown in Figure 9 is detachably screwed to the lock adapter 22. As shown in , the cap 24 seals the opening of the flow path 18a of the nozzle portion 18 in the state of being screwed to the lock adapter 22. If the cap 24 is detached from the lock adapter 22, the front end of the nozzle portion 18 is exposed, so that the nozzle portion 18 can be connected to a connector of a connection tube, a needle assembly, or the like.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2 , the lock adapter 22 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the nozzle portion 18. The lock adapter 22 is slidable in the axial direction within the range of a sliding portion 33 provided in the nozzle portion 18. As shown in Figure 3 , the lock adapter 22 has a cylindrical main body portion 23 formed in a substantially hexagonal cylindrical shape. A circular insertion hole 23a is formed in the inside of the cylindrical main body portion 23. An internal thread 25 is formed in the inner peripheral portion 22a of the cylindrical main body portion 23 facing the insertion hole 23a. A front end face 22b perpendicular to the axial direction is formed in the front end side of the cylindrical main body portion 23. As shown in Figure 3 , the front end face 22b is formed in a substantially hexagonal shape when viewed from the front end side, and six lock protrusions 27 are protrusively formed toward the front end in portions corresponding to the corner portions thereof. The lock protrusions 27 are formed in a quarter spherical shape with the outer peripheral side being spherical. The lock protrusions 27 abut against the lock preventing protrusions 40b (see Figure 9 ) of the cap 24 to prevent loosening of the cap 24.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4 , a base end portion 28 having a base end face 22c perpendicular to the axial direction is formed in the base end side of the cylindrical main body portion 23 of the lock adapter 22. A claw portion 30 is protrusively formed from the base end portion 28 toward the inside of the insertion hole 23a. As shown in Figure 5 , the claw portion 30 is formed in a circular ring shape (circumferential shape) when viewed in the axial direction, and is integrally formed in the entire range in the circumferential direction.

[0034] The inner peripheral surface 30a (see Figure 4) to be able to slide on the sliding portion 33, the inner diameter is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sliding portion 33. In addition, a rotation restricting portion 31 is formed on a part of the circumference of the claw portion 30. The rotation restricting portion 31 has a pair of rotation restricting protrusions 31a that protrude inward from the claw portion 30. The rotation restricting protrusions 31a are formed to protrude inward compared to the inner circumferential surface 30a of the claw portion 30. The pair of rotation restricting protrusions 31a are separated at the same width as the width of a rotation restricting rib 36 (refer to Figure 6 ) of the nozzle portion 18 described later, and a sliding groove 31b for the rotation restricting rib 36 to slide is formed between the pair of rotation restricting protrusions 31a. Furthermore, in order to prevent the claw portion 30 from being broken in the circumferential direction, the position (inner diameter) of the inner circumference of the sliding groove 31b is the same degree as the position (inner diameter) of the inner circumferential surface 30a of the claw portion 30. The rotation restricting protrusions 31a and the sliding groove 31b engage with the rotation restricting rib 36 and prevent rotation of the lock adapter 22 in the circumferential direction.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2 , the claw portion 30, when moving the lock adapter 22 to the front end, prevents movement of the lock adapter 22 to the front end side by abutting against the annular rib 32 of the nozzle portion 18 described later. That is, the front end position of the lock adapter 22 is determined by the claw portion 30. When the lock adapter 22 is moved to the front end position, the lock adapter 22 covers the periphery of the luer joint 34, and a cap 24, a needle assembly, or a connector, etc. can be connected to the internal thread 25 of the inner circumferential portion 22a thereof. In addition, if the lock adapter 22 is moved to the base end side, most of the luer joint 34 is exposed from the lock adapter 22.

[0036] In order to ensure interchangeability and prevent misconnection, the position of the internal thread 25 of the lock adapter 22 and the position of the front end face 22b at the front end position of the lock adapter 22 are determined in accordance with standards. According to ISO 80369-7, which is a standard related to small-bore syringes, the dimension c in the axial direction from the front end face 18b of the nozzle portion 18 to the front end face 22b of the lock adapter 22 is set to 2.100 to 2.573 mm.

[0037] As the material of the lock adapter 22, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyester, cyclic polyolefin, etc. can be used. Among these, from the viewpoint of preventing deformation at the time of heating for high-pressure sterilization, it is preferable to use a resin having heat resistance such as polypropylene or cyclic polyolefin.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6As shown, the nozzle portion 18 for mounting the lock adapter 22 is formed on the front end side of the reduced diameter portion, i.e., the neck portion 17 of the syringe main body 12. The nozzle portion 18 has a sliding portion 33 formed on the front end side of the neck portion 17, a luer joint 34 formed on the front end side of the sliding portion 33, and an annular rib 32 provided along the boundary between the sliding portion 33 and the luer joint 34.

[0039] The sliding portion 33 is formed between the front end of the neck portion 17 and the base end of the annular rib 32. The sliding portion 33 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a fixed outer diameter dimension, and the outer peripheral portion thereof has a rotation restriction rib 36 and a sliding lock portion 38. The rotation restriction rib 36 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the sliding portion 33 and extends in the axial direction. The rotation restriction rib 36 is formed over the entire range in the axial direction of the sliding portion 33. The protrusion height of the rotation restriction rib 36 in the radial direction is formed to be lower than the protrusion height of the annular rib 32 in the radial direction. That is, the rotation restriction rib 36 is formed to a height that does not cause the annular rib 32 to be broken in the circumferential direction. The rotation restriction rib 36 is formed in a pair separated by 180° in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the number of the rotation restriction ribs 36 is not limited to two, and can be one or more than three.

[0040] The sliding lock portion 38 has a front end protrusion 38a for holding the lock adapter 22 in the front end position and a base end protrusion 38b for holding the lock adapter 22 in the base end position. The front end protrusion 38a protrudes to substantially the same height as the annular rib 32. As shown, Figure 8 The front end protrusion 38a is composed of inclined surfaces inclined with respect to the axial direction on the front end side and the base end side, and the claw portion 30 of the lock adapter 22 is able to pass over the front end protrusion 38a. The front end protrusion 38a is formed at a position apart from the annular rib 32 by the length of the claw portion 30 in the axial direction, and in the front end position of the lock adapter 22, the base end of the claw portion 30 abuts against the front end protrusion 38a to hold the lock adapter 22 in the front end position. In addition, the base end protrusion 38b is formed in the vicinity of the neck portion 17. The base end side of the base end protrusion 38b is composed of a steep surface perpendicular to the axial direction, and in the base end position of the lock adapter 22, the claw portion 30 is engaged with the base end protrusion 38b to hold the lock adapter 22 in the base end position.

[0041] As shown, Figure 6 The annular rib 32 is formed on the front end side of the sliding portion 33. The annular rib 32 protrudes outward from the sliding portion 33 and extends in a ring shape in the circumferential direction of the nozzle portion 18. As shown, Figure 8 The front end face 32a of the front end side of the annular rib 32 is composed of an inclined surface inclined with respect to the axial direction in order to facilitate the mounting of the lock adapter 22. On the other hand, the base end face 32b of the annular rib 32 is composed of a steep surface perpendicular to the axial direction, and is configured so that the claw portion 30 of the lock adapter 22 does not pass over the annular rib 32 toward the front end side.

[0042] As shown, Figure 6As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction. Figure 7 As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction.

[0043] As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction. Figure 6 As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction.

[0044] As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction. Figure 9 As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction.

[0045] As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction.

[0046] As shown, the projecting height of the annular rib 32 projecting in the outward peripheral direction is higher than the projecting height of the rotation restricting rib 36 projecting in the outward peripheral direction. That is, the annular rib 32 is shaped so as not to be broken in the peripheral direction by the rotation restricting rib 36. Further, as shown, the annular rib 32 has cutout portions 32c cut out of a portion in the peripheral direction, in order to easily pass the rotation restricting protrusion 31a of the lock adapter 22 when the lock adapter 22 is attached. The cutout portions 32c are provided in two at a portion adjacent to the rotation restricting rib 36 in the peripheral direction.

[0047] The syringe assembly 50 of the present embodiment is configured by attaching the lock adapter 22 to the above-described syringe main body 12.

[0048] The lock adapter 22, the syringe assembly 50, and the pre-filled syringe 10 of the present embodiment are configured as described above, and the effects thereof will be described below.

[0049] The plurality of syringe assemblies 50 in a state after sterilization are collectively housed in a bundle container called a Nest & Tab container and circulated, and are supplied to a sterile filling apparatus. In the sterile filling apparatus, filling of a drug liquid into the syringe assemblies 50 (syringe bodies 12) and sealing based on the cap 24 and the gasket 15 are performed. Then, the syringe bodies 12 in which the drug liquid is enclosed are subjected to autoclaving, and the pre-filled syringes 10 are completed. Figure 1

[0050] As described above, the autoclaving of the pre-filled syringe 10 is performed in a state in which the cap 24 is screwed to the locking adapter 22. As shown in Figure 9 , in a state after the cap 24 is screwed, a load (tightening load) in a direction in which the cap 24 is separated from the nozzle portion 18 is exerted by the elastic force of the sealing member 48. This tightening load is transmitted to the locking adapter 22 through the outer thread 46 of the cap 24. Also, as shown in Figure 13 , as enlarged, the claw portion 30 of the base of the locking adapter 22 is acted on by a force toward the axial front end as shown by the white arrow. The claw portion 30 is a portion that is likely to be deformed due to the high temperature at the time of autoclaving under the condition in which the tightening load of the cap 24 acts on the claw portion 30.

[0051] In the comparative example of the pre-filled syringe 100 shown in Figure 10A , Figure 10B , six rotation restriction ribs 106 are formed in the outer peripheral portion of the sliding portion 104 on the base end side of the nozzle portion 102. The rotation restriction rib 106 is formed so as to protrude outwardly as compared to the annular rib 110 provided along the boundary with the joint portion 108, as shown in Figure 10B . Thus, a configuration is obtained in which the annular rib 110 is broken in the circumferential direction due to the rotation restriction rib 106. As shown in Figure 10C , the claw portion 114 on the base end side of the locking adapter 112 mounted to such a nozzle portion 102 is broken in the circumferential direction so as to avoid the rotation restriction rib 106. Thus, in the locking adapter 112 of the comparative example, a fragile configuration is obtained in which the claw portion 114 is broken in the circumferential direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11 , the claw portion 114 of the locking adapter 112 of the comparative example has a concern that the load of the cap 24 is received at the abutting portion 116 on the inner peripheral side in a state in which the abutting portion 116 abuts against the annular rib 110. In this state, there is a concern that the claw portion 114 is deformed due to the high temperature generated based on the autoclaving and a dimensional error is generated.

[0053] ​On the other hand, in the syringe assembly 50 and the pre-filled syringe 10 of the present embodiment, the protrusion height of the rotation restricting rib 36 is lower than that of the annular rib 32 in the nozzle portion 18. That is, a configuration is made in which the rotation restricting rib 36 does not break the annular rib 32. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to make the claw portion 30 of the locking adapter 22 into a shape in which it is integrally connected in the circumferential direction, thereby making it possible to improve the rigidity of the claw portion 30. Also, as shown in the drawing, in the locking adapter 22 of the present embodiment, the annular rib 32 is butted against at the butting portion 30b. In this way, the fastening load of the cap 24 is dispersed over a wide range of the claw portion 30. Figure 12 As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to make the claw portion 30 of the locking adapter 22 into a shape in which it is integrally connected in the circumferential direction, thereby making it possible to improve the rigidity of the claw portion 30. Also, as shown in the drawing, in the locking adapter 22 of the present embodiment, the annular rib 32 is butted against at the butting portion 30b. In this way, the fastening load of the cap 24 is dispersed over a wide range of the claw portion 30.

[0054] As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to make the claw portion 30 of the locking adapter 22 into a shape in which it is integrally connected in the circumferential direction, thereby making it possible to improve the rigidity of the claw portion 30. Also, as shown in the drawing, in the locking adapter 22 of the present embodiment, the annular rib 32 is butted against at the butting portion 30b. In this way, the fastening load of the cap 24 is dispersed over a wide range of the claw portion 30. Figure 13 As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to make the claw portion 30 of the locking adapter 22 into a shape in which it is integrally connected in the circumferential direction, thereby making it possible to improve the rigidity of the claw portion 30. Also, as shown in the drawing, in the locking adapter 22 of the present embodiment, the annular rib 32 is butted against at the butting portion 30b. In this way, the fastening load of the cap 24 is dispersed over a wide range of the claw portion 30.

[0055] The locking adapter 22, the syringe assembly 50, and the pre-filled syringe 10 of the present embodiment have the following effects.

[0056] The locking adapter 22 of the present embodiment is a locking adapter 22 that is mounted around the nozzle portion 18 at the front end of the pre-filled syringe 10 and is slidable in the axial direction of the nozzle portion 18. The locking adapter 22 has a cylindrical main body portion 23 that is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the nozzle portion 18, and a claw portion 30 that protrudes toward the inner periphery side from the base end portion 28 of the cylindrical main body portion 23 and determines the position of the front end of the locking adapter 22 by hooking to the annular rib 32 that extends in the circumferential direction of the nozzle portion 18, the claw portion 30 being formed in a circumferential shape when viewed in the axial direction and being integrally connected in the circumferential direction.

[0057] By being configured as described above, it is possible to improve the rigidity of the claw portion 30. Also, the fastening load of the cap 24 is dispersed over a wide range in the circumferential direction of the claw portion 30. As a result, even in the case where autoclaving is performed in a state in which the fastening load of the cap 24 acts on the claw portion 30, it is possible to prevent the claw portion 30 from deforming, thereby making it possible to suppress the deviation of the axial position of the front end face 22b of the locking adapter 22 and the axial position of the internal thread 25.

[0058] In the above-described locking adapter 22, a rotation restricting protrusion 31a that protrudes toward the inside from the claw portion 30 and engages with the rotation restricting rib 36 that extends in the axial direction of the nozzle portion 18 can also be provided. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve a configuration that prevents the rotation of the locking adapter 22 without breaking the claw portion 30 in the circumferential direction.

[0059] The injector assembly 50 of the present embodiment includes: an injector body 12 having an inner chamber 13 capable of accommodating a medical liquid; a nozzle portion 18 formed at a front end of the injector body 12; and a lock adapter 22 mounted to an outer periphery of the nozzle portion 18. In the injector assembly 50, the nozzle portion 18 includes: a sliding portion 33 provided at a base end side and capable of allowing the lock adapter 22 to slide in an axial direction; a luer connector 34 provided at a front end side of the sliding portion 33; and an annular rib 32 extending in a circumferential direction along a boundary between the luer connector 34 and the sliding portion 33 and protruding. The lock adapter 22 includes: a cylindrical body portion 23 formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the nozzle portion 18; and a claw portion 30 protruding from a base end portion 28 of the cylindrical body portion 23 toward an inner periphery side and determining a front end position of the lock adapter 22 by hooking the annular rib 32 extending in the circumferential direction of the nozzle portion 18. The claw portion 30 of the lock adapter 22 is formed in a circumferential shape when viewed in the axial direction, and is integrally connected in the circumferential direction.

[0060] According to the injector assembly 50 described above, deformation of the claw portion 30 can be prevented, and thus deviation of the axial position of the front end surface 22b of the lock adapter 22 and the axial position of the internal thread 25 can be suppressed.

[0061] In the injector assembly 50 described above, the sliding portion 33 of the nozzle portion 18 can be formed with a rotation restriction rib 36 extending in the axial direction, and the protrusion height of the rotation restriction rib 36 can be formed to be lower than the protrusion height of the annular rib 32. According to the above structure, since the circumferential claw portion 30 of the lock adapter 22 does not need to be formed so as to avoid the rotation restriction rib 36, the claw portion 30 can be integrally formed. Thus, the strength of the claw portion 30 is improved, and deformation of the claw portion 30 can be suppressed.

[0062] In the injector assembly 50 described above, the rotation restriction rib 36 can be formed inside the claw portion 30 of the lock adapter 22. According to this structure, since the rotation restriction rib 36 is accommodated inside the claw portion 30, the rotation restriction rib 36 does not interfere with the claw portion 30, and the claw portion 30 can be integrally formed in the circumferential direction.

[0063] In the injector assembly 50 described above, the rotation restriction rib 36 can be formed inside the claw portion 30 of the lock adapter 22. According to this structure, since the rotation restriction rib 36 is accommodated inside the claw portion 30, the rotation restriction rib 36 does not interfere with the claw portion 30, and the claw portion 30 can be integrally formed in the circumferential direction.

[0064] In the syringe assembly 50 described above, a cutout 32c through which the rotation restriction protrusion 31a passes can be formed in the circumferential portion of the annular rib 32 adjacent to the rotation restriction rib 36. By being configured in this way, the rotation restriction protrusion 31a can easily pass through the annular rib 32 when the lock adapter 22 is mounted to the nozzle portion 18, and thus assembly becomes easier. In addition, breakage of the annular rib 32 and the rotation restriction protrusion 31a during assembly can be prevented.

[0065] In the syringe assembly 50 described above, the front end surface 32a of the annular rib 32 can be inclined in a manner that gradually decreases in diameter as it approaches the front end side, and the base end surface 32b of the annular rib 32 can be vertically steeply raised in the axial direction. By being configured in this way, the claw portion 30 can be caused to easily pass over the annular rib 32 when the lock adapter 22 is mounted to the nozzle portion 18, and thus is preferable. In addition, by making the base end surface 32b of the annular rib 32 a vertically steep surface, even if a fastening load of the cap 24 or the like acts on the claw portion 30, the claw portion 30 can be prevented from falling out of the annular rib 32 toward the front end side, and thus is preferable.

[0066] The pre-filled syringe 10 of the present embodiment includes a syringe main body 12 in which a drug solution is stored in an inner cavity 13, a gasket 15 that is inserted from the base end side of the syringe main body 12 and seals the inner cavity 13, a nozzle portion 18 formed at the front end of the syringe main body 12, a lock adapter 22 mounted to the outer periphery of the nozzle portion 18, and a cap 24 that is screwed to the lock adapter 22 and seals the nozzle portion 18. The nozzle portion 18 of the pre-filled syringe 10 has a sliding portion 33 provided at the base end side and through which the lock adapter 22 can slide in the axial direction, a luer connector 34 provided at the front end side of the sliding portion 33, and an annular rib 32 that extends in the circumferential direction along the boundary between the luer connector 34 and the sliding portion 33 and protrudes. The lock adapter 22 has a cylindrical main body portion 23 that is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the nozzle portion 18, and a claw portion 30 that protrudes from the base end portion 28 of the cylindrical main body portion 23 toward the inner periphery side and determines the front end position of the lock adapter 22 by hooking to the annular rib 32 that extends in the circumferential direction of the nozzle portion 18. The claw portion 30 of the lock adapter 22 is formed in a circumferential shape when viewed in the axial direction, and is integrally connected in the circumferential direction.

[0067] According to the pre-filled syringe 10 of the above-described structure, deformation of the claw portion 30 can be prevented, and thus deviation of the axial position of the front end surface 22b of the lock adapter 22 and the axial position of the internal thread 25 can be suppressed.

[0068] In the above description, a preferred embodiment is described as an example of the present application, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can of course be made within the scope of the gist of the present application. For example, the lock adapter is a separate member that slides in the present embodiment, but can also be a separate member that does not slide.

Claims

1. A syringe assembly, comprising: A syringe body with an inner cavity capable of holding liquid medicine; A nozzle portion formed at the front end of the syringe body; and A locking adapter installed on the outer periphery of the nozzle section. In the syringe assembly, The nozzle portion has a sliding portion provided on the base end side and capable of allowing the locking adapter to slide axially; A Luer connector is provided on the front end side of the sliding part; and an annular rib extends and protrudes in the circumferential direction along the boundary between the Luer connector and the sliding part. The locking adapter has: a cylindrical body portion formed to surround the nozzle portion; The claw portion, which protrudes inward from the base end of the cylindrical body portion and is hooked onto the annular rib extending circumferentially to the nozzle portion, determines the front end position of the locking adapter. The claw portion of the locking adapter is circumferentially shaped when viewed from the axial direction and is integrally connected along the circumferential direction. A rotation-limiting rib extending axially is formed on the sliding portion of the nozzle portion. A rotation-limiting protrusion is formed, which protrudes inward from the inner periphery of the claw portion of the locking adapter and engages with the rotation-limiting rib. A notch is formed at the circumferential location of the annular rib adjacent to the rotation-limiting rib to allow the rotation-limiting protrusion to pass through.

2. The syringe assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The protrusion height of the rotation limiting rib is lower than that of the annular rib.

3. The syringe assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The rotation limiting rib is formed on the inside compared to the claw portion of the locking adapter.

4. The syringe assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The front end face of the annular rib is inclined in a manner that gradually narrows as it approaches the front end, and the base end face of the annular rib is steeply vertical along the axial direction.

5. A pre-filled syringe, comprising: The syringe body contains the medication inside its cavity; A gasket is inserted from the base end of the syringe body and seals the inner cavity; A nozzle portion formed at the front end of the syringe body; A locking adapter installed on the outer periphery of the nozzle section; and A cap that screws into the locking adapter to seal the nozzle portion. In the pre-filled syringe, The nozzle portion has a sliding portion provided on the base end side and capable of allowing the locking adapter to slide axially; A Luer connector is provided on the front end side of the sliding part; and an annular rib extends and protrudes in the circumferential direction along the boundary between the Luer connector and the sliding part. The locking adapter has: a cylindrical body portion formed to surround the nozzle portion; The claw portion, which protrudes inward from the base end of the cylindrical body portion and is hooked onto the annular rib extending circumferentially to the nozzle portion, determines the front end position of the locking adapter. The claw portion of the locking adapter is circumferentially shaped when viewed from the axial direction and is integrally connected along the circumferential direction. A rotation-limiting rib extending axially is formed on the sliding portion of the nozzle portion. A rotation-limiting protrusion is formed, which protrudes inward from the inner periphery of the claw portion of the locking adapter and engages with the rotation-limiting rib. A notch is formed at the circumferential location of the annular rib adjacent to the rotation-limiting rib to allow the rotation-limiting protrusion to pass through.

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