Drug solution administration device

Abstract

To provide a drug solution administration device whose size can be reduced.SOLUTION: A drug solution administration device 10 includes a drug solution container 16, a gasket 18, a pusher 68, a pressing mechanism 20, a driving mechanism 22, a housing 14, and a rotation regulation part 26. The rotation regulation part includes a regulation body 118 fixed to the pusher, at least part of which extends along an axial direction of a feed screw shaft 70 of the pressing mechanism, and a regulation support part 120. The regulation support part supports the regulation body so that the regulation body can move in a tip direction accompanying the movement in the tip direction of the pusher in a state that the movement of the regulation body along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft is blocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chemical solution administration device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a chemical solution administration device including a vial (chemical solution container), a stopper (gasket), a pusher, a feed screw shaft, a drive mechanism, and a battery. The gasket is slidably disposed inside the chemical solution container. The pusher is connected to the base end portion of the gasket. The feed screw shaft is screwed into a screw portion provided on the pusher to move the pusher in the tip direction. The drive mechanism includes a motor and rotates the feed screw shaft. The battery supplies power to the drive mechanism. In such a chemical solution administration device, the rotation of the pusher is restricted by the frictional force generated between the inner peripheral surface of the chemical solution container and the outer peripheral surface of the gasket, thereby preventing the pusher from rotating together with the feed screw shaft when the feed screw shaft is rotated.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the chemical solution administration device described in Patent Document 1 as described above, when the dimensional error between the chemical solution container and the gasket is large, sufficient frictional force may not be generated to restrict the rotation of the plunger. When the frictional force between the chemical solution container and the gasket is insufficient, the plunger does not move in the tip direction due to the rotation of the feed screw shaft, and thus the chemical solution cannot be discharged from the chemical solution container. On the other hand, if the shapes and sizes of the chemical solution container and the gasket are designed so that sufficient frictional force is generated between the chemical solution container and the gasket even when the dimensional error between the chemical solution container and the gasket is large, the driving force required to move the gasket in the tip direction with respect to the chemical solution container increases. Then, since it is necessary to increase the sizes of the drive mechanism and the battery, there is a disadvantage that the chemical solution administration device becomes large.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a chemical solution administration device including: a cylindrical chemical solution container that stores a chemical solution and has a chemical solution discharge port at the tip; a gasket that is slidably and liquid-tightly disposed inside the chemical solution container; a plunger that presses the gasket in the tip direction; a feed screw shaft that has a second screw portion that engages with a first screw portion provided on the plunger and moves the plunger in the tip direction; a pressing mechanism including the feed screw shaft; a drive mechanism that is driven by power supply from a battery to rotate the feed screw shaft; and a housing that houses the chemical solution container, the pressing mechanism, and the drive mechanism. The chemical solution administration device further includes a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the plunger along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft. In the initial state of the chemical solution administration device, the plunger is separated from the gasket. The rotation restricting portion includes a restricting main body that is fixed to the plunger and at least a part of which extends along the axial direction of the feed screw shaft, and a restricting support portion that is provided on the housing and supports the restricting main body. The restricting support portion supports the restricting main body so that the restricting main body can move in the tip direction along with the movement of the plunger in the tip direction while preventing the movement of the restricting main body along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, since the rotation of the pusher along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft is restricted by the rotation restricting portion (restricting main body and restricting support portion), the pusher can be efficiently moved in the tip direction by the rotation of the feed screw shaft. In this case, since it is not necessary to restrict the rotation of the pusher by the frictional force generated between the chemical solution container and the gasket, the frictional force can be reduced. As a result, the driving force required to move the gasket in the tip direction inside the chemical solution container can be reduced, so that the driving mechanism and the battery can be power-saving. Therefore, since the sizes of the driving mechanism and the battery can be reduced, the chemical solution administration device can be made small.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the chemical solution administration device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is used to administer a chemical solution M into a living body. The chemical solution administration device 10 continuously administers the chemical solution M filled in the chemical solution container 16 into the living body over a relatively long period of time (for example, about several minutes to several hours). The chemical solution administration device 10 may intermittently administer the chemical solution M into the living body. Examples of the chemical solution M include protein preparations, narcotic analgesics, diuretics, and the like.

[0010] When the chemical solution administration device 10 is in use, for example, a patch-type tube 402 with a needle is connected to the chemical solution administration device 10 as an administration instrument 400. The tube 402 with a needle injects the chemical solution M discharged from the chemical solution container 16 into the patient's body.

[0011] The tube 402 with a needle includes a connector 404, a liquid delivery tube 406, a patch portion 408, and a puncture needle 410. The connector 404 can be connected to the tip portion 40 (see FIG. 3) of the chemical solution container 16. The liquid delivery tube 406 has flexibility. One end of the liquid delivery tube 406 is connected to the connector 404. The other end of the liquid delivery tube 406 is connected to the patch portion 408. The patch portion 408 can be attached to the skin S. The puncture needle 410 protrudes from the patch portion 408. The puncture needle 410 is punctured substantially perpendicular to the skin S. Note that the puncture needle 410 may be punctured obliquely with respect to the skin S.

[0012] Note that the administration instrument 400 connected to the chemical solution administration device 10 is not limited to the above-described patch-type tube 402 with a needle, and may have a structure in which a puncture needle (such as a winged needle) is connected to the tip of the liquid delivery tube 406, for example.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the chemical solution administration device 10 includes a device main body 12 and a housing 14 that houses the device main body 12. The device main body 12 includes a chemical solution container 16, a gasket 18, a pressing mechanism 20, a driving mechanism 22, a battery 24, a rotation restricting portion 26, a movement detecting portion 28, and a control portion 30.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the chemical solution container 16 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape having a chemical solution chamber 32 inside. Specifically, the chemical solution container 16 has a body portion 34, a flange portion 36, a shoulder portion 38, and a tip portion 40. The body portion 34 extends in the axial direction (arrow X direction) of the chemical solution container 16. The inner diameter and the outer diameter of the body portion 34 are constant (substantially constant) over the entire length of the body portion 34. A base end opening 42 is formed at the base end of the body portion 34.

[0015] The flange portion 36 projects radially outward from the base end (the end in the arrow X2 direction) of the body portion 34 and extends annularly. The shoulder portion 38 has a reduced diameter from the tip end (the end in the arrow X1 direction) of the body portion 34. The tip portion 40 projects in the tip direction from the radially inner end of the shoulder portion 38. A chemical solution discharge port 44 communicating with the chemical solution chamber 32 is formed in the tip portion 40. The chemical solution M is pre-filled inside the chemical solution container 16. The chemical solution container 16 is preferably made of a transparent material.

[0016] The chemical solution discharge port 44 is liquid-tightly sealed by a sealing member 46 made of an elastic resin material such as a rubber material or an elastomer material. The sealing member 46 is punctured by a needle 412 provided on the connector 404 when the connector 404 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the tip portion 40. The sealing member 46 is fixed to the tip portion 40 of the chemical solution container 16 by a fixing cap 50 having an opening 48 at the tip. The tip surface of the sealing member 46 is exposed from the opening 48 of the fixing cap 50.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 4, the gasket 18 is slidably disposed inside the chemical solution container 16. The gasket 18 includes a gasket body 52 and a contact member 54.

[0018] The gasket body 52 is made of a first material having elasticity. The first material is an elastic resin material such as a rubber material or an elastomer material. The outer peripheral surface of the gasket body 52 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 34 of the chemical solution container 16. The gasket body 52 has a connection recess 56 that opens to the base end surface of the gasket body 52. A female thread 58 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connection recess 56. The tip portion of the gasket body 52 is tapered and reduced in diameter toward the tip direction.

[0019] The contact member 54 is made of a second material harder than the first material. The second material is a hard resin material or a metal material. The contact member 54 has a connection portion 60 and a contact body 62. A male thread 64 that engages with the female thread 58 of the gasket body 52 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection portion 60. The contact body 62 projects radially outward from the base end of the connection portion 60. The contact body 62 extends annularly along the circumferential direction of the connection portion 60. The contact body 62 has a flat pressed surface 66 facing the base end direction of the chemical solution container 16.

[0020] The pressing mechanism 20 presses the gasket 18 in the tip direction (arrow X1 direction). When the gasket 18 moves (advances) in the tip direction, the chemical solution M in the chemical solution chamber 32 is pushed out from the chemical solution discharge port 44.

[0021] The pressing mechanism 20 has a plunger 68 and a feed screw shaft 70. In the initial state of the chemical solution administration device 10, the tip portion of the plunger 68 is inserted into the chemical solution container 16. The plunger 68 includes a cylindrical pressing plunger 72 and an intermediate plunger 74 disposed inside the pressing plunger 72. That is, the plunger 68 has a telescopic structure that can be extended in the axial direction.

[0022] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the pressing plunger 72 is injection-molded, for example, from a resin material. The pressing plunger 72 extends along the axial direction of the chemical solution container 16. The pressing plunger 72 has a plunger main body 76, a tip flange portion 78, a base end flange portion 80, and a locking portion 82. The plunger main body 76 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A female screw 84 is formed at the base end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the plunger main body 76 (see FIG. 4).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 5, the tip flange portion 78 protrudes radially outward from the tip end portion of the plunger main body 76. The tip flange portion 78 extends in the circumferential direction of the plunger main body 76. The outer diameter (diameter) of the tip flange portion 78 is smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel portion 34 of the chemical solution container 16.

[0024] The tip flange portion 78 supports the tip end portion of the pressing plunger 72 in a predetermined posture inside the chemical solution container 16. In other words, the tip flange portion 78 suppresses the axis of the pressing plunger 72 from being excessively inclined with respect to the axis of the chemical solution container 16 inside the chemical solution container 16. A tip notch portion 86 is formed in the tip flange portion 78. That is, the tip flange portion 78 is formed in a C shape.

[0025] The base end flange portion 80 protrudes radially outward from the base end portion of the plunger main body 76. The base end flange portion 80 extends in the circumferential direction of the plunger main body 76. The outer diameter (diameter) of the base end flange portion 80 is smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel portion 34 of the chemical solution container 16.

[0026] The proximal flange portion 80 supports the proximal end portion of the pressing plunger 72 in a predetermined posture inside the chemical solution container 16. In other words, the proximal flange portion 80 suppresses the excessive inclination of the axis of the pressing plunger 72 with respect to the axis of the chemical solution container 16 inside the chemical solution container 16. A proximal notch portion 88 is formed in the proximal flange portion 80. That is, the proximal flange portion 80 is formed in a C shape. The size and shape of the proximal flange portion 80 are the same as those of the distal flange portion 78. Note that the size and shape of the proximal flange portion 80 may be different from those of the distal flange portion 78.

[0027] The distal end surface of the pressing plunger 72 includes a pressing surface 90 for pressing the pressed surface 66 (see FIG. 4) of the gasket 18 in the distal end direction (arrow X1 direction). The pressing surface 90 is a flat surface extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the pressing plunger 72. In the initial state of the chemical solution administration device 10, the pressing surface 90 is separated from the gasket 18 (see FIG. 4).

[0028] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the locking portion 82 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger main body 76. The locking portion 82 has a first protruding portion 92 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the plunger main body 76 and a second protruding portion 94 protruding in the distal end direction from the protruding end portion of the first protruding portion 92. One end portion of a regulation main body 118, which will be described later of the rotation regulation portion 26, is connected to the locking portion 82.

[0029] As understood from FIG. 5, the locking portion 82 is positioned so as to overlap with the distal notch portion 86 and the proximal notch portion 88 when viewed in the axial direction of the pressing plunger 72. That is, the locking portion 82 is positioned so as not to overlap with the distal flange portion 78 and the proximal flange portion 80 when viewed in the axial direction of the pressing plunger 72. Thereby, since an undercut portion is not formed in the pressing plunger 72, the pressing plunger 72 having the locking portion 82 can be easily injection-molded.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate plunger 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape. In the initial state of the chemical solution administration device 10, the tip of the intermediate plunger 74 does not protrude in the tip direction from the tip (pressing surface 90) of the pressing plunger 72. The intermediate plunger 74 is separated from the chemical solution container 16.

[0031] On the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate plunger 74, a male thread 96 that is screwed into the female thread 84 of the pressing plunger 72 is formed. The male thread 96 is not formed at the tip portion of the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate plunger 74. In other words, the tip of the male thread 96 is located in the base end direction (arrow X2 direction) from the tip of the intermediate plunger 74. Therefore, the pressing plunger 72 does not come out of the intermediate plunger 74 in the tip direction. Note that the base end of the male thread 96 is located at the base end of the intermediate plunger 74. A female thread 98 is formed at the base end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the intermediate plunger 74.

[0032] The feed screw shaft 70 has a rod portion 100 and a connecting portion 102. The rod portion 100 is formed in a columnar shape. In the initial state of the chemical solution administration device 10, the tip of the rod portion 100 does not protrude in the tip direction from the tip (pressing surface 90) of the pressing plunger 72. On the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 100, a male thread 104 that is screwed into the female thread 98 of the intermediate plunger 74 is formed.

[0033] The male thread 104 is not formed at the tip portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rod portion 100. In other words, the tip of the male thread 104 is located in the base end direction (arrow X2 direction) from the tip of the feed screw shaft 70. Therefore, the intermediate plunger 74 does not come out of the rod portion 100 in the tip direction. Note that the base end of the male thread 104 is located at the base end of the rod portion 100. The connecting portion 102 is connected to the base end of the rod portion 100. A driven gear 112 (described later) of the drive mechanism 22 is connected to the connecting portion 102.

[0034] Such a pressing mechanism 20 includes an internal thread 98 (first threaded portion) of an intermediate plunger 74, an external thread 104 (second threaded portion) of a feed screw shaft 70, an external thread 96 (third threaded portion) of the intermediate plunger 74, and an internal thread 84 (fourth threaded portion) of a pressing plunger 72. In the pressing mechanism 20, the frictional resistance between the internal thread 84 of the pressing plunger 72 and the external thread 96 of the intermediate plunger 74 is greater than the frictional resistance between the external thread 104 of the feed screw shaft 70 and the internal thread 98 of the intermediate plunger 74.

[0035] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the drive mechanism 22 includes a motor 106, a drive gear 108, an intermediate gear 110, and a driven gear 112. The motor 106 rotates the drive gear 108. The motor 106 is disposed on the side (in the direction of arrow Y1) of the pressing mechanism 20. The drive gear 108 is fixed to an output shaft 114 of the motor 106.

[0036] The intermediate gear 110 is disposed in the direction of arrow Y2 of the drive gear 108 so as to mesh with the drive gear 108. The driven gear 112 is disposed in the direction of arrow Y2 of the intermediate gear 110 so as to mesh with the intermediate gear 110. The drive gear 108, the intermediate gear 110, and the driven gear 112 are arranged in a direction (in the direction of arrow Y) perpendicular to the axial direction of the feed screw shaft 70.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, a fitting hole 116 into which a connecting portion 102 is fitted is formed at the center of the driven gear 112. The connecting portion 102 and the fitting hole 116 have a shape (non-circular shape) such that the driven gear 112 and the feed screw shaft 70 rotate integrally.

[0038] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery 24 is a power source that supplies power to the motor 106 and the control unit 30. The battery 24 may be either a primary battery or a secondary battery. The battery 24 is disposed on the side (in the direction of arrow Y1) of the chemical solution container 16. Also, the battery 24 is located in the direction of arrow X1 of the motor 106.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rotation restricting portion 26 restricts the rotation of the pusher 68 along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft 70. The rotation restricting portion 26 has a restricting main body 118 and a restricting support portion 120. The restricting main body 118 is formed in a plate shape (thin plate shape) or a film shape. The restricting main body 118 extends along the axial direction of the feed screw shaft 70. The restricting main body 118 has a constant width (substantially constant width) or a substantially constant width over the entire length. The width of the restricting main body 118 is narrower than the width of the base end notch portion 88.

[0040] The restricting main body 118 is made of a flexible material. The restricting main body 118 is formed so as to be bendable in the thickness direction. Note that the restricting main body 118 is difficult to bend in the width direction. The constituent material of the restricting main body 118 is not particularly limited, but polyethylene terephthalate is preferable. The restricting main body 118 is capable of being curved and deformed in the thickness direction. The restricting main body 118 is arranged such that the width direction of the restricting main body 118 is along the arrow Z direction orthogonal to the arrow X direction and the arrow Y direction (see FIGS. 2, 5, and 6).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, one end portion of the restricting main body 118 is fixed to the locking portion 82 of the pressing plunger 72. A locking hole 122 is formed in one end portion of the restricting main body 118. The locking hole 122 is, for example, a rectangular through hole. The first protruding portion 92 of the locking portion 82 is inserted into the locking hole 122. A plurality of slits 124 are formed in the restricting main body 118. The plurality of slits 124 are arranged at equal intervals in the extending direction of the restricting main body 118.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6, the restricting support portion 120 supports the restricting main body 118 such that the restricting main body 118 can move in the tip direction as the pusher 68 moves in the tip direction while preventing the movement of the restricting main body 118 along the circumferential direction of the chemical solution container 16. The restricting support portion 120 has a support base 126, a pressing portion 128, and a fastening member 130. The support base 126 is formed in a block shape. The support base 126 supports the intermediate portion between one end portion and the other end portion of the restricting main body 118 in a state of being bent in a U shape.

[0043] In FIGS. 4 and 6, the support base 126 has a support stand 132, a curved support portion 134, a first side support portion 136, and a second side support portion 138. The support stand 132 is disposed on the bottom surface of a chassis structure 170 (to be described later) of the housing 14. The upper surface 140 of the support stand 132 facing the direction opposite to the bottom surface of the chassis structure 170 (the direction of arrow Z1) supports the regulation main body 118. The curved support portion 134 protrudes upward from the upper surface 140 of the support stand 132. The curved support portion 134 includes a first support surface 142, a second support surface 144, and a third support surface 146.

[0044] The first support surface 142 is a flat surface facing the direction of arrow Y1 in which the pressing mechanism 20 is located. The second support surface 144 is a flat surface facing the direction opposite to the orientation of the first support surface 142 (the direction of arrow Y2). In FIG. 4, the third support surface 146 connects the first support surface 142 and the second support surface 144 to each other. The third support surface 146 is formed in a convex shape in the direction of arrow X2. The third support surface 146 is formed in an arc shape (semicircular shape) in a cross section orthogonal to the direction of arrow Z.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first side support portion 136 protrudes upward from the upper surface 140 of the support stand 132. The first side support portion 136 is located between the curved support portion 134 and the pressing mechanism 20. The first side support portion 136 has a first side surface 148 facing the first support surface 142. The first side surface 148 is a flat surface facing the direction of arrow Y2. A first gap 150 through which the regulation main body 118 is inserted is formed between the first support surface 142 and the first side surface 148. The first gap 150 is located in the direction of arrow X2 of the proximal end opening 42 of the chemical solution container 16.

[0046] The second lateral support portion 138 is a wall portion that forms the chassis structure 170. The second lateral support portion 138 extends in the direction of arrow X. The second lateral support portion 138 is disposed in the direction of arrow Y2 of the curved support portion 134. The second lateral support portion 138 has a second side surface 152 facing the second support surface 144. The second side surface 152 is a flat surface facing the direction of arrow Y1. A second gap 154 through which the regulation main body 118 is inserted is formed between the second support surface 144 and the second side surface 152.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the pressing portion 128 is fastened to the curved support portion 134 by a fastening member 130 so as to cover the regulation main body 118 from the direction of arrow Z1. In other words, the pressing portion 128 covers the first gap 150 and the second gap 154 from the direction of arrow Z1.

[0048] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the feed screw shaft 70 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow R) when viewed from the proximal end direction (in the direction of arrow X2) of the feed screw shaft 70. Therefore, a torque in the direction of arrow R acts on the pressing plunger 72. At this time, since the regulation main body 118 is in contact with the upper surface 140 of the support base 132, the rotation of the pressing plunger 72 along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft 70 is blocked.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the movement detection unit 28 detects the movement of the plunger 68. Specifically, the movement detection unit 28 has a movement detection sensor 160 that detects the movement of the regulation main body 118 fixed to the plunger 68 (pressing plunger 72). The movement detection sensor 160 is a non-contact photo sensor. That is, the movement detection sensor 160 includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. The movement detection sensor 160 detects the wall portion between the slits 124 adjacent to each other of the regulation main body 118. The movement detection sensor 160 is disposed, for example, between the chemical solution container 16 and the regulation support portion 120. The movement detection sensor 160 is located on the side (in the direction of arrow Y2) of the pressing mechanism 20.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 30 includes an arithmetic unit 162 and a storage unit 164. The arithmetic unit 162 is constituted by a processor (processing circuit) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), for example.

[0051] The arithmetic unit 162 includes a movement amount calculation unit 166 and a motor control unit 168. The arithmetic unit 162 realizes the movement amount calculation unit 166 and the motor control unit 168 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 164. Note that the arithmetic unit 162 may realize at least a part of the movement amount calculation unit 166 and the motor control unit 168 by an integrated circuit. Examples of the integrated circuit include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0052] The storage unit 164 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Examples of the volatile memory include a RAM (Random Access Memory). This volatile memory is used as a working memory of the processor, and data necessary for processing or arithmetic operations is temporarily stored. Examples of the non-volatile memory include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a flash memory. This non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc. are stored in the non-volatile memory. At least a part of the storage unit 164 may be incorporated into the above-described processor or integrated circuit.

[0053] The movement amount calculation unit 166 calculates the movement amount of the plunger 68 (pressure plunger 72) based on the output signal of the movement detection sensor 160. The motor control unit 168 controls the operation of the motor 106 based on the movement amount of the plunger 68 calculated by the movement amount calculation unit 166.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 14 includes a chassis structure 170 and a housing body 172. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a chemical solution container 16, a pressing mechanism 20, a driving mechanism 22, and a rotation restricting portion 26 are fixed to the chassis structure 170. The chassis structure 170 has a chassis body member 174, a stopper member 176, and a bearing member 178.

[0055] The chassis body member 174 has a base plate portion 180, an outer wall portion 182, a container support portion 184, and a motor support portion 186. The base plate portion 180 forms the bottom of the chassis body member 174. The outer wall portion 182 protrudes upward (in the direction of arrow Z1) from the outer edge portion of the base plate portion 180.

[0056] A part of the outer wall portion 182 functions as the second side support portion 138 described above. The container support portion 184 protrudes upward from the base plate portion 180 and supports the body portion 34 of the chemical solution container 16 from below (in the direction of arrow Z2). The motor support portion 186 protrudes upward from the base plate portion 180 and supports the motor 106 (see FIG. 6).

[0057] The stopper member 176 is attached to the base plate portion 180 in a state of covering the body portion 34 of the chemical solution container 16 from above (in the direction of arrow Z1). When the flange portion 36 of the chemical solution container 16 comes into contact, the stopper member 176 prevents the chemical solution container 16 from moving in the direction of arrow X1 with respect to the chassis body member 174. The bearing member 178 rotatably supports the feed screw shaft 70 while being attached to the base plate portion 180 (see FIG. 3).

[0058] In FIG. 1, the housing main body 172 houses the chassis structure 170. Further, the housing main body 172 houses the device main body 12 (the chemical solution container 16, the gasket 18, the pressing mechanism 20, the drive mechanism 22, the battery 24, the rotation restricting portion 26, the movement detecting portion 28, and the control portion 30). A window portion 190 for visually recognizing the remaining amount of the chemical solution M in the chemical solution container 16 is provided in the housing main body 172. Note that the tip portion 40 of the chemical solution container 16 protrudes from the housing main body 172 in the direction of arrow X1. Therefore, the fixed cap 50 is exposed outside the housing main body 172.

[0059] Next, the operation of the chemical solution administration device 10 during use will be described. In the initial state, as shown in FIG. 3, the pressing surface 90 of the pressing plunger 72 is located farther in the proximal direction (the direction of arrow X2) than the pressed surface 66 of the gasket 18 in the chemical solution administration device 10. Thereby, the chemical solution M filled in the chemical solution container 16 can be maintained in a sterile state. When administering the chemical solution M in the chemical solution administration device 10, the motor control unit 168 drives the motor 106. When the motor 106 is driven, the rotational driving force of the motor 106 is transmitted to the driven gear 112 via the drive gear 108 and the intermediate gear 110.

[0060] When the driven gear 112 rotates, as shown in FIG. 8, since the feed screw shaft 70 rotates, torque acts on the pusher 68. However, since the rotation of the pressing plunger 72 along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft 70 is restricted by the rotation restricting portion 26, the female screw 98 of the intermediate plunger 74 moves in the tip direction with respect to the male screw 104 of the feed screw shaft 70. In other words, the pusher 68 (the pressing plunger 72 and the intermediate plunger 74) linearly moves in the tip direction with respect to the feed screw shaft 70. Then, the pressing surface 90 of the pusher 68 comes into contact with the pressed surface 66 of the gasket 18, and the gasket 18 is pressed in the tip direction by the pusher 68. As a result, the gasket 18 moves in the tip direction inside the chemical solution container 16, and the chemical solution M in the chemical solution container 16 is administered into the living body through the chemical solution discharge port 44 via the administration instrument 400.

[0061] In a state where the pressing surface 90 of the plunger 68 is in contact with the surface 66 of the gasket 18 to be pressed, the friction between the gasket body 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the chemical solution container 16 also acts as the rotational resistance of the plunger 68. However, in the present embodiment, the rotation of the plunger 68 is substantially blocked only by the rotation restricting portion 26.

[0062] Also, when the pressing plunger 72 moves in the tip direction, the restricting main body 118 is pulled by the pressing plunger 72, and thus moves by the same amount as the moving amount of the pressing plunger 72. At this time, the movement detection sensor 160 detects the movement of the restricting main body 118 and transmits it to the control unit 30. In the control unit 30, the movement amount calculation unit 166 calculates the movement amount of the plunger 68 based on the output signal of the movement detection sensor 160. Then, the motor control unit 168 controls the motor 106 based on the movement amount of the plunger 68 calculated by the movement amount calculation unit 166.

[0063] When the female screw 98 of the intermediate plunger 74 is located at the tip of the male screw 104 of the feed screw shaft 70, the rotation of the intermediate plunger 74 relative to the feed screw shaft 70 is restricted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the intermediate plunger 74 rotates together with the feed screw shaft 70. Then, the pressing plunger 72 linearly moves in the tip direction with respect to the intermediate plunger 74. As a result, the pressing of the gasket 18 in the tip direction by the pressing mechanism 20 is continued. The motor control unit 168 stops the drive of the motor 106 when the movement amount of the plunger 68 calculated by the movement amount calculation unit 166 reaches the target value.

[0064] The present embodiment has the following effects.

[0065] According to this embodiment, since the rotation of the pusher 68 along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft 70 is restricted by the rotation restricting portion 26 (restricting main body 118 and restricting support portion 120), the pusher 68 can be efficiently moved in the tip direction by the rotation of the feed screw shaft 70. In this case, since it is not necessary to restrict the rotation of the pusher 68 by the frictional force generated between the chemical solution container 16 and the gasket 18, the frictional force can be reduced. Thereby, since the driving force required to move the gasket 18 in the tip direction inside the chemical solution container 16 can be reduced, the drive mechanism 22 and the battery 24 can be power-saving. Therefore, since the sizes of the drive mechanism 22 and the battery 24 can be reduced, the chemical solution administration device 10 can be made compact.

[0066] One end portion of the restricting main body 118 is connected to the pusher 68 while being located inside the chemical solution container 16. The restricting support portion 120 supports an intermediate portion between one end portion and the other end portion of the restricting main body 118.

[0067] According to such a configuration, the restricting support portion 120 can support the restricting main body 118 in a well-balanced manner. In another embodiment, one end portion of the restricting main body 118 may be connected to the pusher 68 while being located outside the chemical solution container 16.

[0068] The restricting main body 118 is formed in a plate shape or a film shape.

[0069] According to such a configuration, the restricting main body 118 can be disposed in the gap between the chemical solution container 16 and the pusher 68.

[0070] The restricting support portion 120 supports the intermediate portion of the restricting main body 118 in a state of being curved in a U shape.

[0071] According to such a configuration, the restricting main body 118 can be disposed compactly.

[0072] The restricting main body 118 is inserted into the chemical solution container 16 by the movement of the pusher 68 in the tip direction.

[0073] According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the regulation main body 118 and the chemical solution container 16 from interfering with each other when the chemical solution administration device 10 is used.

[0074] The pusher 68 includes an intermediate plunger 74 and a pressing plunger 72. The intermediate plunger 74 has an internal thread 98 (first thread portion) and an external thread 96 (third thread portion). The pressing plunger 72 has an internal thread 84 (fourth thread portion) that engages with the external thread 96 and presses the gasket 18. The tip of the external thread 104 (second thread portion) of the feed screw shaft 70 is located in the base end direction relative to the tip of the feed screw shaft 70. The regulation main body 118 is fixed to the pressing plunger 72. The intermediate plunger 74 moves in the tip direction with respect to the feed screw shaft 70 by the rotation of the feed screw shaft 70, and rotates together with the feed screw shaft 70 in a state where the internal thread 98 of the intermediate plunger 74 is located at the tip of the external thread 104 of the feed screw shaft 70. The pressing plunger 72 moves in the tip direction with respect to the intermediate plunger 74 by the rotation of the intermediate plunger 74.

[0075] According to such a configuration, since the pusher 68 has a stretchable configuration, the length of the chemical solution administration device 10 along the axial direction of the chemical solution container 16 can be shortened. Thereby, the chemical solution administration device 10 can be further miniaturized.

[0076] The intermediate plunger 74 is separated from the chemical solution container 16.

[0077] According to such a configuration, since no frictional force is generated between the chemical solution container 16 and the intermediate plunger 74, the driving force required to move the gasket 18 in the tip direction can be efficiently reduced.

[0078] The chemical solution administration device 10 includes a movement detection unit 28 for detecting the movement of the pusher 68.

[0079] According to such a configuration, the movement of the pusher 68 can be detected by the movement detection unit 28.

[0080] The liquid medicine administration device 10 includes a movement amount calculation unit 166 that calculates the movement amount of the plunger 68 based on the signal detected by the movement detection unit 28.

[0081] According to such a configuration, the movement amount calculation unit 166 can grasp the movement amount of the plunger 68.

[0082] The movement detection unit 28 has a movement detection sensor 160 that detects the movement of the regulation main body 118.

[0083] According to such a configuration, by detecting the movement of the regulation main body 118 with the movement detection sensor 160, the movement of the plunger 68 can be accurately detected. That is, for example, when the movement detection unit 28 detects the movement of the drive mechanism 22, if some teeth of the gear are missing, the movement of the plunger 68 cannot be accurately detected. However, according to the above configuration, since the movement detection sensor 160 detects the movement of the regulation main body 118, even if some teeth of the gear of the drive mechanism 22 are missing, the movement of the plunger 68 can be accurately detected.

[0084] The movement detection sensor 160 is a non-contact type photosensor.

[0085] According to such a configuration, since no frictional force or the like is generated between the movement detection sensor 160 and the regulation main body 118, the driving force required to move the gasket 18 in the tip direction by the movement detection sensor 160 does not increase.

[0086] (Modification example) Next, the rotation regulation unit 26a according to the modification example will be described. In the rotation regulation unit 26a according to this modification example, the same components as those of the above-described rotation regulation unit 26 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, in the rotation regulation unit 26a according to this modification example, the same components as those of the above-described rotation regulation unit 26 have the same effects.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 10, the rotation restricting portion 26a includes a restricting main body 118 and a restricting support portion 120a. The restricting support portion 120a includes a support base 126, a pressing portion 128, a fastening member 130, and a support slit 200. The support slit 200 is formed in the outer wall portion 182 of the chassis structure 170. Specifically, the support slit 200 is formed in the protruding end surface of the wall portion 174a that protrudes from the end portion of the base plate portion 180 of the outer wall portion 182 in the direction of arrow X2. The slit width of the support slit 200 is slightly larger than the thickness of the restricting main body 118.

[0088] The restricting main body 118 is inserted into the first gap 150 and also inserted into the support slit 200. The restricting main body 118 extends linearly along the axial direction of the chemical solution container 16 over its entire length. The restricting main body 118 extends beyond the wall portion 174a of the chassis structure 170 in the direction of arrow X2.

[0089] This modified example has the following effects.

[0090] The restricting support portion 120a supports the restricting main body 118 so that the restricting main body 118 extends linearly over its entire length.

[0091] According to such a configuration, the restricting main body 118 can be smoothly moved in the tip direction as the pressing plunger 72 moves.

[0092] The restricting support portion 120a includes a support slit 200 formed in the housing 14 into which the restricting main body 118 is inserted, and a support base 126 that is located between one end portion of the restricting main body 118 and the support slit 200 and supports the intermediate portion of the restricting main body 118.

[0093] According to such a configuration, the restricting main body 118 can be stably supported by the support base 126 and the support slit 200.

[0094] In this modified example, the movement detection portion 28 may be disposed between the support base 126 and the wall portion 174a.

[0095] This embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration. The pusher 68 is not limited to a double-cylinder structure in which an intermediate plunger 74 is disposed inside the pressing plunger 72, and may be a multi-cylinder structure with three or more plungers. The pusher 68 is not limited to a telescopic structure. The pusher 68 may be formed only by the pressing plunger 72. In this case, the female thread 84 of the pressing plunger 72 is screwed onto the male thread 104 of the feed screw shaft 70.

[0096] This embodiment discloses the following content.

[0097] The above embodiment is a chemical solution administration device (10) including a cylindrical chemical solution container (16) that stores a chemical solution (M) and has a chemical solution discharge port (44) at its tip, a gasket (18) that is disposed in a slidable and liquid-tight manner inside the chemical solution container, a pusher (68) that presses the gasket in the tip direction, a feed screw shaft (70) that has a second screw portion (104) screwed onto a first screw portion (98) provided on the pusher and moves the pusher in the tip direction, a drive mechanism (22) that is driven by power supply from a battery (24) to rotate the feed screw shaft, and a housing (14) that houses the chemical solution container, the pressing mechanism, and the drive mechanism. The chemical solution administration device further includes a rotation restricting portion (26, 26a) that restricts rotation of the pusher along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft. In the initial state of the chemical solution administration device, the pusher is separated from the gasket. The rotation restricting portion includes a restricting main body (118) that is fixed to the pusher and at least a part of which extends along the axial direction of the feed screw shaft, and a restricting support portion (120, 120a) that is provided on the housing and supports the restricting main body. The restricting support portion supports the restricting main body so that the restricting main body can move in the tip direction as the pusher moves in the tip direction while preventing movement of the restricting main body along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft.

[0098] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, one end of the restricting main body may be connected to the pusher while being located inside the chemical solution container, and the restricting support portion may support an intermediate portion between the one end and the other end of the restricting main body. Note that one end of the restricting main body may be connected to the pusher while being located outside the chemical solution container.

[0099] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the restricting main body may be formed in a plate shape or a film shape.

[0100] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the restricting support portion may support the intermediate portion of the restricting main body in a state where the intermediate portion is curved in a U shape.

[0101] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the restricting support portion may support the restricting main body so that the restricting main body extends linearly over the entire length.

[0102] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the restricting support portion may include a support slit (200) formed in the housing and into which the restricting main body is inserted, and a support base (126) located between one end of the restricting main body and the support slit and supporting the intermediate portion of the restricting main body.

[0103] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the restricting main body may be inserted into the inside of the chemical solution container by the movement of the pusher in the tip direction.

[0104] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the pusher includes an intermediate plunger (74) having the first screw portion and the third screw portion (96), and a pressing plunger (72) having a fourth screw portion (84) screwed to the third screw portion and pressing the gasket. The tip of the second screw portion is located closer to the base end side than the tip of the feed screw shaft. The restricting body is fixed to the pressing plunger. The intermediate plunger moves in the tip direction with respect to the feed screw shaft by the rotation of the feed screw shaft, and rotates together with the feed screw shaft in a state where the first screw portion is located at the tip of the second screw portion. The pressing plunger may move in the tip direction with respect to the intermediate plunger by the rotation of the intermediate plunger.

[0105] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the intermediate plunger may be separated from the chemical solution container.

[0106] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, a movement detection unit (28) for detecting the movement of the pusher may be provided.

[0107] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, a movement amount calculation unit (166) for calculating the movement amount of the pusher based on the signal detected by the movement detection unit may be provided.

[0108] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the movement detection unit may have a movement detection sensor (160) for detecting the movement of the restricting body.

[0109] In the above-described chemical solution administration device, the movement detection sensor may be a non-contact type photosensor.

[0110] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0111] 10... Chemical solution administration device 14... Housing 16... Chemical solution container 18... Gasket 20... Pressing mechanism 22... Driving mechanism 24… Battery 26, 26a… Rotation restricting part 28… Movement detection part 44… Chemical solution discharge port 68… Terminal 70… Feed screw shaft 72… Pressing plunger 74… Intermediate plunger 84… Female screw (fourth screw part) 96… Male screw (third screw part) 98… Female screw (first screw part) 104… Male screw (second screw part) 118… Restricting body 120, 120a… Restricting support part 126… Support base 160… Movement detection sensor 166… Movement amount calculation part 200… Support slit M… Chemical solution

Claims

1. A cylindrical chemical solution container that stores a chemical solution and has a chemical solution discharge port at its tip, A gasket that is slidably and liquid-tightly disposed inside the chemical solution container, A pusher that presses the gasket in the tip direction, and a feed screw shaft that has a second screw portion that engages with a first screw portion provided on the pusher and moves the pusher in the tip direction, including a pressing mechanism, A drive mechanism that is driven by power supplied from a battery to rotate the feed screw shaft, A chemical solution administration device comprising the chemical solution container, the pressing mechanism, and a housing that houses the drive mechanism, Further comprising a rotation restricting portion that restricts rotation of the pusher along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft, In the initial state of the chemical solution administration device, the pusher is separated from the gasket, The rotation restricting portion, A restricting main body that is fixed to the pusher and at least a part of which extends along the axial direction of the feed screw shaft, A restricting support portion provided on the housing that supports the restricting main body, and having, The restricting support portion supports the restricting main body so that the restricting main body can move in the tip direction as the pusher moves in the tip direction while preventing movement of the restricting main body along the rotation direction of the feed screw shaft. Chemical solution administration device.

2. The chemical solution administration device according to Claim 1, One end portion of the restricting main body is connected to the pusher while being located inside the chemical solution container, The restricting support portion supports an intermediate portion between the one end portion and the other end portion of the restricting main body. Chemical solution administration device.

3. The chemical solution administration device according to Claim 2, The restricting main body is formed in a plate shape or a film shape. Chemical solution administration device.

4. The chemical solution administration device according to Claim 3, The restricting support portion supports the intermediate portion of the restricting main body in a state where the intermediate portion of the restricting main body is curved in a U shape. Chemical solution administration device.

5. The chemical solution administration device according to Claim 3, The restricting support portion supports the restricting main body so that the restricting main body extends linearly over the entire length. Chemical solution administration device.

6. The chemical solution administration device according to Claim 5, The restricting support portion, A support slit formed in the housing into which the restricting main body is inserted, And a support base that is located between one end portion of the restricting main body and the support slit and supports the intermediate portion of the restricting main body. Chemical solution administration device.

7. The chemical solution administration device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, The regulating body is a chemical solution administration device that is inserted into the interior of the chemical solution container by the movement of the plunger in the tip direction.

8. A chemical solution administration device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plunger includes an intermediate plunger having the first screw portion and the third screw portion, and a pressing plunger having a fourth screw portion screwed to the third screw portion and pressing the gasket, the tip of the second screw portion is located in the proximal direction from the tip of the feed screw shaft, the regulating body is fixed to the pressing plunger, the intermediate plunger moves in the tip direction with respect to the feed screw shaft by the rotation of the feed screw shaft, and rotates together with the feed screw shaft in a state where the first screw portion is located at the tip of the second screw portion, and the pressing plunger moves in the tip direction with respect to the intermediate plunger by the rotation of the intermediate plunger.

9. A chemical solution administration device according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate plunger is separated from the chemical solution container.

10. A chemical solution administration device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a movement detection unit for detecting the movement of the plunger.

11. A chemical solution administration device according to claim 10, comprising a movement amount calculation unit for calculating the movement amount of the plunger based on a signal detected by the movement detection unit.

12. A chemical solution administration device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the movement detection unit has a movement detection sensor for detecting the movement of the regulating body.

13. A chemical solution administration device according to claim 12, wherein the movement detection sensor is a non-contact photosensor.

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