Container unit for syringe and syringe

Abstract

This container unit for a syringe is provided with: a container provided with an accommodation space for accommodating an injection solution; and a container holder to which the container can be removably attached and which is used in a state in which the container is attached when the syringe is used, the container holder being provided with a nozzle part having: an ejection port through which the injection liquid is ejected when the syringe is used; and a nozzle flow path for guiding the injection liquid from the accommodating space to the ejection port when the syringe is used, the container having a filling opening for directly filling the accommodating space with the injection liquid from the outside in a state in which the container is detached from the container holder. The filling opening is configured so as to communicate with the nozzle flow path in a state in which the container is attached to the container holder, and the opening cross-sectional area of the filling opening is larger than the opening cross-sectional area of the ejection opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a container unit for a syringe and a syringe. Background Technology

[0002] As devices for injecting liquid medications into target areas such as living organisms, known types include needle-type injectors that inject medications into target areas via an injection needle, and needle-free injectors that inject medications into target areas without an injection needle. In recent years, needle-free injectors, in particular, have attracted attention due to their ease of operation and hygiene, and their development is ongoing. Generally, needle-free injectors are being put into practical use with the following configuration: a liquid medication, pressurized by a driving source such as compressed gas or a spring, is injected towards the target area, utilizing the kinetic energy of the liquid medication to propel it into the interior of the target area.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a needleless syringe having a container for holding an injection solution. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a syringe with a transverse hole in the container for holding the injection solution and filled with the injection solution.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 004334

[0007] Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 1994 / 013541 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Syringes typically require high pressure to eject the injection solution from the nozzle, which is therefore formed by a fine orifice. Consequently, in conventional syringes, when filling the injection solution reservoir, the solution needs to be drawn from the fine orifice, especially when the solution is highly viscous, making the filling process time-consuming.

[0010] The technology disclosed herein was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its purpose is to provide a technology relating to a container unit for a syringe that can rapidly fill an injection solution.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] To address the aforementioned problems, the syringe container unit of this disclosure employs the following configuration. Specifically, this disclosure provides a container unit for a syringe, comprising: a container having a receiving space for containing an injection solution; and a container holder capable of detaching and attaching the container, and used while the syringe is in operation with the container attached. The container holder includes a nozzle portion having: an injection outlet for ejecting the injection solution during syringe use; and a nozzle flow path for guiding the injection solution from the receiving space to the injection outlet during syringe use. The container has a filling opening for directly filling the receiving space with the injection solution from the outside when detached from the container holder. This filling opening is configured to communicate with the nozzle flow path when the container is attached to the container holder, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the injection outlet.

[0013] In the syringe container unit of this disclosure, the base-end opening formed in the nozzle flow path on the base-end side may be arranged opposite to the filling opening, with the container attached to the container holder. By arranging the base-end opening opposite to the filling opening in this way, the flow of the injection fluid becomes smoother, allowing the pressurized injection fluid to be ejected without deceleration. Furthermore, the pressure applied internally to the container and the container holder is reduced, improving durability.

[0014] In the syringe container unit of this disclosure, the container unit may be configured such that, when the container is attached to the container holder, the base-end opening of the container holder is included within a projection area obtained by projecting the filling opening along the axial direction of the container unit. By configuring the base-end opening of the container holder to be included within the projection area obtained by projecting the filling opening along the axial direction of the container unit, the flow of the injection fluid becomes smooth, allowing the pressurized injection fluid to be ejected without deceleration. Furthermore, the pressure applied from the inside to the container and the container holder is reduced, and durability is improved.

[0015] In the syringe container unit of this disclosure, the base-end opening and the filling opening may be coaxially arranged when the container is attached to the container holder. By arranging the base-end opening and the filling opening coaxially, the flow of the injection fluid becomes smoother, allowing the pressurized injection fluid to be ejected without deceleration. Furthermore, the pressure applied internally to the container and the container holder is reduced, improving durability.

[0016] The technology disclosed herein can also be a syringe comprising: a container unit for the syringe; and a housing configured to allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the container unit. Furthermore, the syringe can be a needle-free syringe or a syringe with a needle.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a container unit for a syringe that can rapidly fill an injection solution. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is an overall diagram of the needle-free injector implementation method.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a needle-free injector.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a container unit used in a needle-free injector.

[0022] Figure 4 It refers to the container and container holder of the container unit. Figure 3 Enlarged image.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the container unit and the plunger assembly.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the method of filling the container unit with injection fluid. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this disclosure, as an example of a syringe, a needleless syringe is illustrated that injects the liquid into a target area without using an injection needle. However, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to needle-type syringes that inject the liquid into a target area via an injection needle. It should be noted that the various configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment are merely examples, and appropriate additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the configuration can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments, but only to the claims.

[0026] <Implementation Method>

[0027] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the needle-free injector 1 according to the embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the needleless injector 1. Here, the needleless injector 1 is formed by mounting the injector assembly 10 onto the housing 20. The needleless injector 1 is a needleless injector that uses the combustion energy of gunpowder to propel the injection liquid L towards the target area; that is, it is a device that injects the injection liquid L towards the target area without using an injection needle.

[0028] In this embodiment, "top side" and "base side" are used as terms to indicate the relative positional relationship in the longitudinal direction of the needleless injector 1. The "top side" refers to the direction near the top of the needleless injector 1, which will be described later, i.e., the position near the injection port 1022b, and the "base side" refers to the direction on the side opposite to the "top side" in the longitudinal direction of the needleless injector 1, i.e., the position near the housing 20.

[0029] It should be noted that, in the following descriptions of this disclosure, the injection solution L injected into the target area using the needleless injector 1 is formed by containing a specified substance in a liquid medium that performs the desired effect or function in the target area. In this injection solution L, the specified substance may be dissolved in the liquid medium, or it may be mixed but not dissolved.

[0030] The specified substances contained in the injection solution L can be, for example, biologically derived substances that can be injected into the target area of ​​a living organism and exhibit the desired physiological activity. Examples of biologically derived substances include DNA, RNA, nucleic acids, antibodies, and cells. Examples of substances exhibiting physiological activity include drugs composed of low molecular weight molecules, proteins, peptides, etc., vaccines, inorganic substances such as metal particles used in thermotherapy and radiotherapy, and substances containing carriers with various pharmacological / therapeutic effects. Furthermore, the liquid serving as the medium for the injection solution L can be any substance suitable for delivering these specified substances into the target area, regardless of whether it is aqueous or oil-based. Moreover, as long as the specified substances can be injected through the needle-free injector 1, the viscosity of the medium liquid is not particularly limited.

[0031] Furthermore, the target area for the injection of liquid L is the area where liquid L should be injected. Examples include cells, tissues (skin, etc.), and organs (eyeballs, heart, liver, etc.) of a living organism. It should be noted that, as long as there are no obstacles, the components of a living organism can be designated as the target area even when separated from the main body of the organism. That is, it is not limited to the target area inside the body; the injection of a specified substance into a target area outside the body (tissue, organ) and the injection of a specified substance into a target area outside the body (cultured cells, cultured tissue) are also included in the scope of the operation performed by the syringe of this embodiment.

[0032] [Overall Structure]

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, the needle-free injector 1 includes a syringe assembly 10, a housing 20 for mounting the syringe assembly 10, and a power cable 30 for supplying drive current to the syringe assembly 10 within the housing 20. In the needle-free injector 1, the syringe assembly 10 is configured to be freely detachable from the housing 20. Figure 2 As shown, the syringe assembly 10 is an assembly including an actuator 101, a container unit 102, an accessory 103, and a plunger 104. Before use (pre-operation) of the needleless injector 1, i.e., during the preparation stage, the injection solution L is filled into the receiving space 10a of the container 1021 (described later) included in the syringe assembly 10 according to the injection solution filling method described later. Furthermore, this syringe assembly 10 is a unit that is replaced each time the injection solution L is dispensed. That is, when using the needleless injector 1, the syringe assembly 10, including the actuator 101 and the container unit 102, is connected to the housing 20 for operation; after use of the needleless injector 1, the syringe assembly 10 is removed from the housing 20 and replaced.

[0034] Actuator 101 is a component that generates energy to supply the needleless injector 1 with the injection solution L. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the actuator 101 includes a main body 101a, an igniter 101b, and a piston 101c. The actuator 101 uses the igniter 101b as a working source and the piston 101c as an output. The main body 101a is cylindrical, with an opening 101d at its top. The igniter 101b is an electric igniter that releases combustion products by igniting an initiating explosive, and is embedded in the main body 101a in a manner that closes the base end of the main body 101a. The piston 101c is disposed between the igniter 101b and the opening 101d in a manner that allows it to slide along its length inside the main body 101a. The space between the igniter 101b and the piston 101c forms a combustion chamber 101e for releasing combustion products.

[0035] Here, examples of initiating propellants used in igniter 101b include propellants containing zirconium and potassium perchlorate (ZPP), propellants containing titanium hydride and potassium perchlorate (THPP), propellants containing titanium and potassium perchlorate (TiPP), propellants containing aluminum and potassium perchlorate (APP), propellants containing aluminum and bismuth oxide (ABO), propellants containing aluminum and molybdenum oxide (AMO), propellants containing aluminum and copper oxide (ACO), propellants containing aluminum and iron oxide (AFO), or propellants composed of multiple combinations of these propellants. These propellants exhibit the following characteristics: they generate high-temperature, high-pressure plasma upon immediate combustion after ignition, but if at room temperature the combustion products condense and contain no gaseous components, thus resulting in a sharp pressure drop. It should be noted that propellants other than these can also be used as initiating propellants, provided that a suitable injection liquid L can be ejected.

[0036] Container unit 102 is a component for containing injection solution L. Container unit 102 includes container 1021 and container holder 1022. Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the container unit 102 of the needle-free injector 1. The container holder 1022 allows for easy attachment and removal of the container 1021. Both the container 1021 and the container holder 1022 are generally cylindrical. Furthermore, when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the central axis of the container 1021 and the central axis of the container holder 1022 are coaxial. An intake space 10a for containing the injection solution L is formed inside the container 1021. Furthermore, a nozzle portion 1022a with a frustoconical nozzle flow path 1022f is formed in the container holder 1022. An injection outlet 1022b is formed at the top of the nozzle portion 1022a, and this injection outlet 1022b is configured to eject the injection solution L. Details of the container unit 102 will be described later.

[0037] Annex 103 is a component that connects the main body 101a to the container unit 102. Annex 103 is generally cylindrical, with the actuator 101 embedded in the base end of the internal space of Annex 103, and the container holder 1022 threadedly engaged with the top end of Annex 103. The inner circumferential surface of Annex 103 is threaded with the outer circumferential surface of the main body 101a, and the inner circumferential surface of Annex 103 is threaded with the outer circumferential surface of the container holder 1022, thereby connecting the main body 101a and the container unit 102 via Annex 103.

[0038] The plunger 104 is a component that pressurizes the injection fluid L using energy received from the actuator 101. The plunger 104 is housed in the attachment 103 and disposed between the actuator 101 and the filling opening 1021a of the container 1021. The plunger 104 is formed in a rod shape, with its base engaging with the tip of the piston 101c. Furthermore, the tip of the plunger 104 is inserted into a receiving space 10a formed inside the container 1021. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, when assembling the container 1021, the container holder 1022, and the plunger 104, the central axis of the plunger 104, the central axis of the container 1021, and the central axis of the container holder 1022 are formed coaxially. In this embodiment, all central axes are collectively referred to as central axis C.

[0039] The housing 20 is a component that houses the syringe assembly 10 and functions as a handle for the user to grip and use the needleless syringe 1. Multiple switches, such as a switch 201 for operating the needleless syringe 1 to dispense the injection liquid L, are provided on the outer surface of the housing 20. These switches are connected to a control unit (not shown), such as a microcomputer, built into the housing 20. A socket (not shown) is provided on the inner surface of the housing 20 for connecting to the igniter 101b of the syringe assembly 10. Power is supplied to the control unit and the igniter 101b via a power cable 30 connected to the housing 20. The control unit controls the supply of drive current to the igniter 101b based on signals from each switch, thereby controlling the operation of the needleless syringe 1.

[0040] When the igniter 101b is activated by supplying a driving current to it via user operation, combustion products are released from the igniter 101b into the combustion chamber 101e. As the pressure in the combustion chamber 101e increases, the piston 101c slides towards the top of the main body 101a under this pressure. This presses the plunger 104, which engages with the piston 101c, towards its top, imparting injection energy to the injection fluid L contained in the receiving space 10a. Consequently, the injection fluid L is ejected from the injection port 1022b formed at the top of the nozzle portion 1022a. The kinetic energy of the injection fluid L causes the surface of the target area, such as skin, to crack, injecting the injection fluid L into the target area.

[0041] [Container Unit]

[0042] Figure 4 It is the container 1021 and the container holder 1022 of container unit 102. Figure 3 Enlarged image. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of container unit 102 and plunger 104. Later, it will be used... Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The container unit 102 is described in detail.

[0043] The container 1021 is, for example, generally cylindrical. A filling opening 1021a is formed at the top of the cylindrical receiving space 10a formed inside the container 1021. Details will be described later; this filling opening 1021a is used when filling the receiving space 10a of the container 1021 with the injection fluid L. Furthermore, a tapered portion 1021b is formed on the top side of the receiving space 10a, tapering towards the filling opening 1021a. Threads 1021s are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the container 1021, capable of engaging with the container holder 1022. The filling opening 1021a is, for example, a circular through-hole centered on a central axis C. By arranging the filling opening 1021a on the central axis C, the flow of the injection fluid L becomes smooth, allowing the pressurized injection fluid L to be ejected without deceleration. Moreover, the pressure applied from the inside to the container 1021 and the container holder 1022 is reduced, improving durability. The filling opening 1021a is configured to supply the injection solution L from the receiving space 10a to the nozzle flow path 1022f (described later) when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation), and is configured to allow direct filling of the injection solution L into the receiving space 10a with the container 1021 removed from the container holder 1022. The method for filling the receiving space 10a with the injection solution L will be described later. The tapered portion 1021b is formed by narrowing from the base end to the top end of the receiving space 10a, and is configured to smoothly guide the injection solution L or air bubbles within the receiving space 10a to the inclined wall surface of the nozzle portion 1022a (described later). However, the shape of the container 1021 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and can be appropriately modified according to the shape of the housing 20 and the accessory 103; the presence or absence and shape of the tapered portion 1021b can also be appropriately modified. Furthermore, the opening cross-sectional shape of the filling opening 1021a is not limited to a circle, and can also be triangular, quadrilateral, etc. For example, when the opening section of the filling opening 1021a is designed to have a corner, when the injection solution L is filled into the container 1021, a part of the instrument used in the filling (e.g., a pipette tip attached to a micropipette) can be supported by contacting the edge near the corner at two points. This allows the tip of the instrument to be held in a stable position. As a result, the filling operation of the injection solution L can be performed stably, which helps to reduce the formation of air bubbles during filling.

[0044] The container holder 1022 is, for example, formed in a generally cylindrical shape. An internal space is formed inside the cylindrical shape into which the container 1021 can be inserted, and threads 1022s are formed on the walls of this internal space in a manner that allows the container 1021 to be screwed in. Thus, as... Figure 5As shown, in container unit 102, the container 1021 and container holder 1022 can be easily assembled and disassembled by screwing the threads 1022s formed on the inner peripheral surface of container holder 1022 and the threads 1022s formed on the outer peripheral surface of container 1021. Furthermore, threads are formed on the outer peripheral surface of container holder 1022 to allow engagement with accessory 103. A nozzle portion 1022a is formed at the top of container holder 1022, and this nozzle portion 1022a has a nozzle flow path 1022f that communicates with the receiving space 10a formed in container 1021 via a filling opening 1021a when container 1021 is assembled to container holder 1022. An injection outlet 1022b is formed at the top of nozzle portion 1022a, and this injection outlet 1022b is a circular through hole formed with the central axis C as the center. Furthermore, a base-end opening 1022c is formed on the base-end side. This base-end opening 1022c is a circular through hole centered on the central axis C, allowing the injection fluid L to flow into the injection port 1022b. Details will be described later. When operating the needle-free injector 1 (igniter 101b), the injection fluid L contained in the container 1021 flows through the filling opening 1021a into the nozzle flow path 1022f of the container holder 1022, and is ejected at high pressure from the injection port 1022b. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the filling opening 1021a can be set to the same shape as the base-end opening 1022c, which has the advantage of smoothly guiding the injection fluid L.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, a frustum-shaped nozzle flow path 1022f is formed in the nozzle portion 1022a. This nozzle flow path 1022f has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area as it approaches the injection port 1022b from the base-end side opening 1022c. The cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle flow path 1022f refers to the cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to the central axis C of the needleless injector 1. The nozzle flow path 1022f is a space defined by the base-end side opening 1022c and the top side by the injection port 1022b. The nozzle flow path 1022f is a flow path for the injection solution L, formed to allow the injection solution L to flow from the receiving space 10a to the injection port 1022b when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation). By changing the shape of the nozzle flow path, the injection pressure of the injection solution L ejected from the injection port 1022b can be adjusted.

[0046] When the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the central axis of the container holder 1022 is coaxial with the central axis of the container 1021, and therefore the base-side opening 1022c and the filling opening 1021a are coaxial. Furthermore, the base-side opening 1022c and the filling opening 1021a are positioned opposite each other. Thus, when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation), the injection solution L contained in the receiving space 10a is supplied to the nozzle flow path 1022f via the filling opening 1021a and the base-side opening 1022c, and the injection solution L is ejected from the injection port 1022b.

[0047] The shape of the container holder 1022 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the shape of the housing 20 and the accessory 103. In addition, the opening cross-sectional shape of the base end side opening 1022c and the opening cross-sectional shape of the injection port 1022b are not limited to circles, but can also be triangular, quadrilateral, etc.

[0048] The cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening 1021a is larger than that of the injection port 1022b. Here, the cross-sectional area refers to the area in a direction orthogonal to the central axis C of the needleless injector 1. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening 1021a can also be larger than that of the base-end side opening 1022c. By making the cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening 1021a larger than that of the base-end side opening 1022c, the flow of the injection fluid L becomes smoother, allowing the pressurized injection fluid L to be ejected without deceleration. Moreover, as described above, the smoother flow of the pressurized injection fluid L reduces the pressure applied from the inside to the container 1021 and the container holder 1022, thereby improving their durability. In this embodiment, both the filling opening 1021a and the base-end side opening 1022c are circular, allowing the injection fluid L to pass through. In this embodiment, the opening diameter of the filling opening 1021a can be formed to be 0.8 mm to 4.85 mm, and the opening diameter of the base-side opening 1022c can also be formed to be 0.8 mm. Furthermore, the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the injection port 1022b can be designed to an appropriate size based on the designed injection pressure of the injection liquid L ejected from the injection port 1022b when the needle-free injector 1 (igniter 101b) is operating; for example, it can have an opening diameter of approximately 0.1 mm. By forming the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening 1021a to be larger than that of the injection port 1022b, the injection liquid L can be easily filled into the receiving space 10a during filling, as described later. However, the shape and opening diameter of the filling opening 1021a and the base-side opening 1022c described above are merely one option and are not limited to these.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container unit 102 is configured such that, when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the nozzle flow path 1022f of the container holder 1022 is included within the projection area obtained by projecting the filling opening 1021a along the direction of the central axis C of the container unit 102. That is, the base-end opening 1022c of the container holder 1022 is included within the projection area of ​​the filling opening 1021a. This prevents the base-end opening 1022c of the container holder 1022 from being blocked by the edge of the filling opening 1021a in the container 1021 when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022. Therefore, when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation), the injection liquid L can be smoothly guided from the receiving space 10a to the nozzle flow path 1022f.

[0050] Figure 4 Reference numeral 1021c indicates the outer surface (hereinafter referred to as the "top abutting outer surface") formed on the top side of the container 1021. Reference numeral 1022d indicates the inner surface (hereinafter referred to as the "top abutting inner surface") formed on the top side of the container holder 1022. For example, when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the top abutting outer surface 1021c of the container 1021 and the top abutting inner surface 1022d of the container holder 1022 are in contact with each other. In this embodiment, the container unit 102 may also have an O-ring, gasket, or other sealing element disposed between the top abutting outer surface 1021c of the container 1021 and the top abutting inner surface 1022d of the container holder 1022. This allows for a tight seal between the top abutting outer surface 1021c of the container 1021 and the top abutting inner surface 1022d of the container holder 1022. As a result, leakage of the injection fluid L between the outer surface 1021c and the inner surface 1022d at the top can be suppressed. It should be noted that the aforementioned seal can be provided on either the side of the outer surface 1021c or the side of the inner surface 1022d at the top. For example, an annular recess can be provided around the base-end opening 1022c in the inner surface 1022d of the container holder 1022, and an O-ring or other seal can be placed in this recess. Furthermore, for example, an annular recess can be provided around the filling opening 1021a in the outer surface 1021c of the container 1021, and an O-ring or other seal can be placed in this recess. However, the design of the groove for the seal, the material of the seal, etc., are not particularly limited.

[0051] [Method for filling the injection solution]

[0052] Figure 6This is a diagram illustrating the method of filling injection solution L into container unit 102 (container 1021). Figure 6 In the middle, Figure 6 (a) ~ Figure 6 The top side of container unit 102 (container 1021) in (e) is shown as the upper side of the paper, and the base side of container unit 102 (container 1021) is shown as the lower side of the paper. For the filling operation of injection liquid L into the receiving space 10a of container 1021, it is typically performed with the filling opening 1021a formed on the top side of container 1021 facing upwards. From now on, refer to... Figure 6 (a) ~ Figure 6 (e) The method of filling the receiving space 10a of the container 1021 with injection liquid L and the method of assembling the container unit 102 and the plunger 104 as a subsequent process are described in five steps.

[0053] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram illustrating step S1, showing the state with the plunger 104 inserted into the container 1021. By inserting the plunger 104 into the container 1021, the opening formed on the rear end side of the container 1021 is closed, and the preparation to fill the receiving space 10a with the injection fluid L is completed.

[0054] Figure 6 Figure (b) illustrates step S2, showing the state where a filling device 2, such as a micropipette or syringe, is used to fill the receiving space 10a with the injection solution L. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening 1021a of the container 1021 is, for example, large enough to allow the tip of the filling device 2 to be inserted. For example, the size of the opening cross-sectional area in the filling opening 1021a is designed from the viewpoint of the filling efficiency (filling capacity) of the injection solution L into the receiving space 10a, rather than based on the injection pressure of the injection solution L ejected from the nozzle 1022a when using the needleless injector 1 (when the igniter 101b is operating). In this embodiment, with the tip of the filling device 2 inserted into the filling opening 1021a, the injection solution L can be directly filled into the receiving space 10a from the outside, thus enabling efficient and easy filling of the injection solution L in a short time. Therefore, even if the injection solution L being filled into the receiving space 10a of the container 1021 is of high viscosity, it can be filled easily and quickly. It should be noted that the filling device 2 mentioned above is not limited to micropipettes or syringes, but can also be other types of devices.

[0055] Figure 6Figure (c) illustrates step S3, showing the state in which the container holder 1022 is embedded in the container 1021 along the direction of arrow A1. By embedding the container holder 1022 into the container 1021 and assembling it by screwing the threads 1021s to the threads 1022s, the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, thus completing the container unit 102. In this state, the filling opening 1021a of the container 1021 and the nozzle flow path 1022f (including the injection outlet 1022b and the base end side opening 1022c) in the container unit 102 are arranged coaxially.

[0056] Figure 6 Figure (d) illustrates step S4, showing the state where the plunger 104 is pressed into the container 1021 in the direction of arrow A2. During step S2, when the injection fluid L is filled into the receiving space 10a, a gap may sometimes form between the surface of the injection fluid L and the filling opening 1021a. At this time, the plunger 104 is pressed in by a predetermined amount to fill the gap with injection fluid L. As a result, the injection fluid L filled in the receiving space 10a is pressurized, and a small amount of injection fluid L is ejected from the injection port 1022b. At this time, air bubbles in the receiving space 10a can also be discharged to the outside along with a small amount of injection fluid L from the injection port 1022b. Thus, the receiving space 10a and the nozzle flow path 1022f can be filled with injection fluid L in a manner that does not contain air bubbles. In this way, by making the top side of the container unit 102 face upward and the base side face downward, a small amount of injection liquid L is ejected from the injection port 1022b, which can easily remove air bubbles contained in the injection liquid L and air present in the flow path of the injection liquid L.

[0057] Figure 6 Figure (e) illustrates step S5, showing the state after the filling operation of the injection fluid L into the container 1021 and the assembly operation of the container unit 102 are completed. In this state, the container unit 102 and the plunger 104 can be attached to the accessory 103. Then, the connection between the container unit 102 and the accessory 103 is completed by screwing the thread on the outer peripheral surface of the container holder 1022 into the thread in the internal space of the accessory 103.

[0058] [Effects]

[0059] As described above, the container unit 102 of the needleless injector 1 in this embodiment includes: a container 1021 having a receiving space 10a for receiving the injection liquid L; and a container holder 1022, which allows the container 1021 to be easily attached and detached, and is used with the container 1021 attached when using the needleless injector 1 (in operation). The container holder 1022 includes a nozzle portion 1022a, which has: an injection outlet 1022b for injecting the injection liquid L when using the needleless injector 1 (in operation); and a nozzle flow path 10 22f, when using the needleless injector 1 (in operation), the injection liquid L is guided from the receiving space 10a to the injection outlet 1022b. The container 1021 has a filling opening 1021a for directly filling the receiving space 10a with the injection liquid L from the outside when it is removed from the container holder 1022. The filling opening 1021a is configured to communicate with the nozzle flow path 1022f when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening 1021a is formed to be larger than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the injection outlet 1022b.

[0060] Specifically, the container unit 102 in this embodiment adopts the following structure: a nozzle portion 1022a having an injection port 1022b is formed on the container holder 1022 side, which is detachable from the container 1021, but not on the container 1021 side; a filling opening 1021a is formed on the container 1021. An opening (injection port 1022b) for ejecting the injection liquid L outwards at high pressure when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation) and an opening (filling opening 1021a) for filling the receiving space 10a of the container 1021 with the injection liquid L are formed separately. In this way, the filling opening 1021a on the container 1021 side and the injection port 1022b on the container holder 1022 side are respectively configured, so the opening cross-sectional areas of the filling opening 1021a and the injection port 1022b can be individually and optimally designed according to their respective required functions and specifications. In other words, typically, a micron-sized opening cross-sectional area is required at the injection port 1022b for ejecting the injection fluid L outward under high pressure when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation). Previously, filling the container with the injection fluid also required drawing the fluid from a fine-aperture nozzle, thus requiring time for the filling process, a drawback particularly noticeable with high-viscosity injection fluids. To address this, according to the container unit 102 of this embodiment, the size of the filling opening 1021a can be designed independently of the ejection pressure of the injection fluid L ejected from the injection port 1022b during operation of the needleless injector 1 (igniter 101b). That is, the size of the filling opening 1021a can be optimally designed with consideration of the filling efficiency (filling efficiency) of the injection fluid L in the containing space 10a. With the container 1021 removed from the container holder 1022, the injection liquid L is filled into the receiving space 10a through the optimally designed filling opening 1021a as described above, thereby enabling the receiving space 10a to be filled with the injection liquid L in a short time and easily.

[0061] Furthermore, in the needleless injector 1 of this embodiment, when the injection liquid L is filled into the receiving space 10a, by setting the filling opening 1021a of the container 1021 to the top and using the filling device 2 to directly fill the receiving space 10a with the injection liquid L, no gap for air to enter is generated between the injection liquid L and the top end of the plunger 104, thus suppressing the generation of air bubbles. Moreover, even if air bubbles are generated when filling the receiving space 10a with the injection liquid L, since the injection outlet 1022b is located at the top when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the air bubbles can be easily and quickly removed by pressurizing the injection liquid L filled in the receiving space 10a with the plunger 104 after waiting for the bubbles to rise.

[0062] In particular, the needleless injector 1 of this embodiment is configured such that: when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the base end side opening 1022c of the nozzle portion 1022a is arranged opposite to the filling opening 1021a; when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the base end side opening 1022c of the container holder 1022 is included in the projection area obtained by projecting the filling opening 1021a along the axial direction of the container unit 102; when the container 1021 is attached to the container holder 1022, the base end side opening 1022c and the filling opening 1021a are arranged coaxially; and the size of the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening 1021a is greater than or equal to the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the base end side opening 1022c. Based on these configurations, even if the filling opening 1021a on the container 1021 side and the injection port 1022b on the container holder 1022 side are configured according to their respective specifications, the flow path of the injection liquid L will not be blocked when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation), and the injection liquid L can be properly ejected from the injection port 1022b.

[0063] Furthermore, in the container unit 102 of this embodiment, with the container 1021 attached to the container holder 1022, the base-side opening 1022c in the nozzle flow path 1022f is positioned opposite to the filling opening 1021a. This allows for smooth flow of the pressurized injection fluid L, enabling it to be ejected without deceleration. Moreover, by ensuring smooth flow of the pressurized injection fluid L, the pressure applied internally to the container 1021 and container holder 1022 is reduced, improving the durability of the container unit 102 and the needle-free injector 1. Furthermore, since the container unit 102 of this embodiment has a structure where the base-side opening 1022c and the filling opening 1021a are positioned opposite each other, even if air bubbles are generated when filling the receiving space 10a with the injection fluid L, these bubbles can be easily and quickly removed from the injection port 1022b by pressurizing the injection fluid L.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the container unit 102 is configured such that, with the container 1021 attached to the container holder 1022, the base end opening 1022c of the container holder 1022 is included within a projection area obtained by projecting the filling opening 1021a along the axial direction of the container unit 102. This allows for smooth flow of the pressurized injection fluid L when using the needleless injector 1 (during operation), ensuring that the pressurized injection fluid L is ejected without deceleration. Moreover, by ensuring smooth flow of the pressurized injection fluid L, the pressure applied internally to the container 1021 and the container holder 1022 is reduced, thus improving the durability of the container unit 102.

[0065] Furthermore, in the container unit 102 of this embodiment, with the container 1021 attached to the container holder 1022, the base-end opening 1022c and the filling opening 1021a are arranged coaxially. Moreover, the base-end opening 1022c and the filling opening 1021a are arranged on the central axis C. Based on these features, when using the needle-free injector 1 (during operation), the flow of the pressurized injection fluid L is smooth, and the pressurized injection fluid L is ejected without deceleration. Furthermore, by ensuring smooth flow of the pressurized injection fluid L, the pressure applied from the inside to the container 1021 and the container holder 1022 is reduced, thereby improving the durability of the container unit 102.

[0066] <Application of needle injectors>

[0067] As described above, the container unit 102 of this embodiment can also be applied to a needle injector. For example, it can be used in a manner that allows the injection needle to be installed in the injection port 1022b of the container unit 102 and the injection liquid L to be injected through the injection needle. It should be noted that the structure for fixing the injection needle to the nozzle portion 1022a can adopt a suitable structure such as a threaded method or a fitting method. In the embodiment of applying the container unit 102 to the needle injector, when using the needle injector (during operation), the pressurized injection liquid L reaches the injection port 1022b through the nozzle flow path 1022f and flows into the flow path formed inside the injection needle. In this way, the injection liquid L supplied to the injection needle under high pressure is injected into the target area from the injection port formed at the tip of the injection needle. It should be noted that when the container unit 102 of this embodiment is applied to the needle injector, the injection liquid L contained in the receiving space 10a can also be given injection energy by manually driving the plunger 104. When the container unit 102 of this embodiment is applied to a needle injector, the same technical effects can be obtained as when it is applied to a needleless injector 1.

[0068] The various schemes disclosed in this specification can also be combined with any other features disclosed in this specification.

[0069] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0070] 1: Needle-free injector;

[0071] 2: Filling equipment;

[0072] 20: Shell;

[0073] 30: Power cable;

[0074] 201: Switch;

[0075] 10: Syringe assembly;

[0076] 101: Actuator;

[0077] 101a: Main body;

[0078] 102: Container unit;

[0079] 1021: Container;

[0080] 1022: Container retainer;

[0081] 103: Attachment;

[0082] 104: Plunger.

Claims

1. A container unit for a syringe, the container unit comprising: A container having a holding space for containing an injection solution; and The container holder allows for easy attachment and removal of the container, and enables use of the syringe with the container attached. The container holder includes a nozzle portion having: an injection outlet for ejecting the injection solution when the syringe is used; and a nozzle flow path for guiding the injection solution from the receiving space to the injection outlet when the syringe is used. The container has a filling opening for directly filling the receiving space with the injection solution from the outside when it is detached from the container holder. This filling opening is configured to communicate with the nozzle flow path when the container is attached to the container holder. The cross-sectional area of ​​the filling opening is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the injection port opening.

2. The container unit according to claim 1, wherein, With the container attached to the container holder, the base end side opening formed in the nozzle flow path is positioned opposite the filling opening.

3. The container unit according to claim 2, wherein, The container unit is configured such that, when the container is attached to the container holder, the base end side opening of the container holder is included in a projection area obtained by projecting the filling opening along the axial direction of the container unit.

4. The container unit according to claim 2, wherein, With the container attached to the container holder, The base end side opening and the filling opening are arranged coaxially.

5. The container unit according to claim 2, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening in the filling opening is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening on the base end side.

6. A syringe, comprising: The container unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and The housing is configured to allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the container unit.

7. The syringe according to claim 6, wherein, The syringe is a needle-free syringe.

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