Medicine liquid flow rate adjustment member and medicine liquid administration device

Abstract

To provide a medicine liquid flow rate adjustment member that eliminates necessity of replacement of a medicine liquid flow rate adjustment member and detachment of a flow rate controller when a flow rate of medicine liquid flowing through a medicine liquid flow path is changed, that enables medicine liquid flow rate control to be accurately performed even when a temperature change occurs, that makes the flow rate controller compact while suppressing difficulty of flow rate control by air in the medicine liquid, and that enables long-term service.SOLUTION: A body 19 of a medicine liquid flow rate adjustment member 18 included in a flow rate controller provided in a medicine liquid flow path communicating with a medicine liquid supply source is formed of glass. The body 19 is provided with a plurality of through holes 24 having different hole sectional areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug solution administration device used when administering a drug solution into the body of a patient, and a drug solution flow rate adjusting member provided in the device. [Background technology]

[0002] As is well known, when administering a liquid medicine, such as an anticancer drug, an anesthetic, an analgesic, or an antibiotic, into a patient's body, a liquid medicine administration device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used.

[0003] The drug solution administration device disclosed in the document comprises a drug solution supply source (reservoir (1)), a drug solution flow path (drug solution distribution tube (3)) for patient injection that leads to the reservoir (1), and a first flow rate controller (flow rate control device (4)) that is provided in the drug solution distribution tube (3) and that adjusts the flow rate of the drug solution from the reservoir (1).

[0004] The drug solution administration device disclosed in the document also includes a sub-reservoir (7) for additional administration, and this sub-reservoir (7) is connected to a drug solution flow path (drug solution flow tube (5)) branching off from the drug solution flow tube (3) upstream of the flow control device (4). This branched drug solution flow tube (5) is also provided with a second flow control device (flow control device (6)) that adjusts the flow rate of the drug solution from the reservoir (1).

[0005] Furthermore, the document discloses that the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member provided in the flow rate control device (4), (6) is composed of a valve (21) such as an umbrella valve or a release valve or a rubber-like elastic membrane (31), and flow rate control pipes (22), (32) (see paragraph

[0013] of the document).

[0006] In this case, the valve 21 or the rubber-like elastic membrane 31 opens under a certain pressure to allow the liquid medicine to flow through the liquid medicine flow tubes 3 and 5. The flow control tubes 22 and 32 regulate the flow rate of the liquid medicine flowing out of the reservoir 1 by the resistance of the tube (see the same paragraph in the same document). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-288158 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The valve 21 or rubber-like elastic membrane 31 of the chemical liquid flow control member disclosed in Patent Document 1 opens and closes the flow of the chemical liquid in the chemical liquid flow tubes 3 and 5. Furthermore, the flow control pipes 22 and 32 of the chemical liquid flow control member have only one flow path.

[0009] Therefore, in order to change the flow rate of the chemical solution flowing through the chemical solution distribution tubes (3, 5), it is necessary to prepare multiple flow rate control tubes (22, 32) of different lengths and diameters and perform work such as replacing these. In addition, to perform this type of work, it is also necessary to remove the flow rate control devices (4, 6). Therefore, the work required to change the flow rate of the chemical solution is troublesome and complicated.

[0010] Furthermore, since the flow control pipes 22 and 32 are made of resin or metal (see paragraph

[0026] of the same document), they expand and contract significantly with temperature changes, making it difficult to accurately control the flow rate of the chemical solution. Furthermore, their poor chemical resistance makes it difficult to use the flow control pipes 22 and 32 for long periods of time.

[0011] Furthermore, when the flow control pipes (22), (32) are made of resin or metal, it is difficult to form a small-diameter pipe, and therefore, in order to reduce the flow rate of the chemical solution per unit time, it is necessary to lengthen the flow control pipes (22), (32) in order to increase the pipe resistance, which makes it difficult to make the flow control devices (4), (6) compact.

[0012] Furthermore, if the flow control pipes (22, 32) are made longer, air in the chemical solution will adhere to the inner surface of the pipe and interfere with the flow of the chemical solution, which also makes it difficult to accurately control the flow rate of the chemical solution.

[0013] From the above perspective, the object of the present invention is to eliminate the need to replace the chemical flow adjustment member or remove the flow controller when changing the flow rate of the chemical flowing through the chemical flow path, to enable accurate flow rate control of the chemical even when temperature changes occur, to make the flow controller more compact while minimizing the difficulty of flow rate control due to air in the chemical, and to enable long-term use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] (1) A first aspect of the present invention, which has been invented to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member provided in a flow controller provided in a chemical liquid flow path leading to a chemical liquid supply source, characterized in that a plurality of through holes having different cross-sectional areas are provided in a body made of glass. Here, the "cross-sectional area of ​​the hole" means the area of ​​the hole in a cross section perpendicular to the penetration direction of the hole (the same applies hereinafter).

[0015] According to this configuration, the chemical liquid is configured to flow through one of a plurality of through holes with different cross-sectional areas provided in the body of the chemical liquid flow control member. The flow rate of the chemical liquid can be changed by switching from one through hole with a different cross-sectional area to another through hole. Therefore, changing the flow rate of the chemical liquid flowing through the chemical liquid flow path does not require replacing the chemical liquid flow control member, and therefore does not require removing the flow controller. As a result, the work of changing the flow rate of the chemical liquid is simplified. Moreover, because the body of the chemical liquid flow control member is made of glass, its expansion and contraction with temperature changes is smaller than those of bodies made of resin or metal. Therefore, even when temperature changes occur, the flow rate of the chemical liquid can be accurately controlled and the flow rate of the chemical liquid can be accurately changed to different flow rates. Furthermore, because the body is made of glass, through holes with small cross-sectional areas and short lengths (length in the penetration direction) can be accurately formed, thereby reducing the flow rate of the chemical liquid per unit time. This is because a redraw method or the like can be used when the body is made of glass. In contrast, if the main body is made of resin or metal, it is difficult to accurately form such through holes and reduce the flow rate of the chemical solution per unit time. Therefore, if the main body is made of glass, the length of the through holes can be shortened as described above, which prevents air in the chemical solution from adhering to the inner surface of the through holes and making flow rate control difficult. Accordingly, the length of the main body (the length in the through direction) can also be shortened, allowing the flow rate controller to be made compact. Furthermore, since the main body is made of glass, it has excellent chemical resistance and can be used for a long period of time.

[0016] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shapes of the multiple through holes are similar to each other. Here, the "cross-sectional shape of the hole" means the shape of the hole in a cross section perpendicular to the penetration direction of the hole (the same applies hereinafter).

[0017] This makes it easier to control the flow rate of the chemical solution compared to when the shapes of the through-holes are non-uniform. In addition, because the through-holes have similar shapes, manufacturing is not complicated, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0018] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the main body may be a cylindrical or disk-shaped body rotatably held within the case of the flow controller, and the multiple through holes may extend in a direction along the central axis of rotation of the main body and be arranged concentrically around the central axis of rotation of the main body.

[0019] In this way, simply by rotating the main body, it is possible to switch from a state in which the chemical liquid flows through one of the multiple through holes with different cross-sectional areas to a state in which the chemical liquid flows through another through hole. Furthermore, even when the main body is rotated, the position of the through hole leading to the chemical liquid flow path can be kept constant, thereby avoiding a complex chemical liquid flow path configuration.

[0020] (4) In any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, a rotation shaft may be provided to rotate the main body around the central axis of rotation.

[0021] In this way, the above-mentioned switching can be performed simply by operating the rotation shaft, which simplifies the switching operation.

[0022] (5) In any of the configurations (1) to (4) above, an insertion hole extending in a direction along the rotation center axis may be formed at the rotation center of the main body, and the rotation shaft may be inserted into the insertion hole and fixed.

[0023] In this way, the rotating shaft can be firmly and reliably attached to the main body made of glass.

[0024] (6) In any of the above configurations (1) to (5), the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of through holes is preferably circular.

[0025] When the cross-sectional shape of the through-hole is a polygon, such as a rectangle, chipping is likely to occur at the corners of the polygon. Therefore, by making the cross-sectional shape of the through-hole a circle, this problem can be easily avoided. Furthermore, since the body is made of glass, a redraw method or the like can be used to accurately form a short through-hole with an inner diameter of 200 μm or less (preferably 150 μm or less) and a length of approximately 15 to 30 mm.

[0026] (7) In any of the above configurations (1) to (6), the end surface of the main body where the through hole opens may be an etched surface.

[0027] In this way, when the chemical solution passes through the opening of the through hole, it is possible to prevent glass powder from falling off from the end face of the body, and to prevent glass powder from mixing into the chemical solution. Furthermore, if the end face where the through hole opens is an etched surface, it is possible to remove microcracks present on the surface of the end face, resulting in an improvement in the strength of the body.

[0028] (8) In any of the above configurations (1) to (7), the through hole may have a tapered portion that gradually widens toward at least one of the openings at both ends.

[0029] This makes it easier to inject the chemical solution into the through-hole.

[0030] (9) In any of the above configurations (1) to (8), a coating layer may be formed on the inner surface of the through hole.

[0031] This prevents the chemical solution from being contaminated by eluates resulting from alkali oxides such as Li2O, Na2O, and K2O, which are components of the glass, when the chemical solution passes through the through-hole. Furthermore, the water repellency and water sliding properties of the inner surface of the through-hole are improved, which prevents variations in the flow rate of the chemical solution when it passes through the through-hole.

[0032] (10) A second aspect of the present invention, which has been invented to solve the above-mentioned problems, is a drug solution administration device including a drug solution supply source, a drug solution flow path leading to the drug solution supply source, and a flow controller provided in the drug solution flow path, wherein the flow controller is provided with a drug solution flow rate adjusting member, and the drug solution flow rate adjusting member is characterized in that a body made of glass is provided with a plurality of through holes with different cross-sectional areas.

[0033] According to this configuration, substantially the same effects as those of the configuration (1) above can be obtained.

[0034] (11) In the above configuration (10), it is preferable that the cross-sectional shapes of the plurality of through holes are similar to each other.

[0035] In this way, substantially the same effect as in the case of the above configuration (2) can be obtained.

[0036] (12) In the configuration of (10) or (11) above, the main body may be a cylindrical or disk-shaped body rotatably held within the case of the flow controller, and the multiple through holes may extend in a direction along the central axis of rotation of the main body and be arranged concentrically around the central axis of rotation of the main body.

[0037] In this way, substantially the same effect as in the case of the above configuration (3) can be obtained.

[0038] (13) In the configuration of (12) above, the case is configured so that the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion can be joined and separated in a direction along the central axis of rotation, and the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion are each provided with an upstream communicating passage and a downstream communicating passage that lead to one of the through holes selected from a plurality of through holes as the main body rotates, and the upstream communicating passage leads to the upstream part of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, and the downstream communicating passage leads to the downstream part of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, so that the main body cannot rotate when the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion are joined, and the main body can rotate when the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion are separated.

[0039] In this way, switching between a state in which the flow rate of the chemical solution can be changed by rotating the main body and a state in which the flow of the chemical solution can be maintained by making the main body non-rotatable can be performed by joining and separating the upstream case part and the downstream case part, thereby simplifying the work required for this switching.

[0040] (14) In the configuration of (12) above, the case may be configured so that the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion are fitted together and are slidable in the direction along the rotation center axis, and the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion are each provided with an upstream communicating passage and a downstream communicating passage that lead to one through hole selected from a plurality of through holes as the main body rotates, the upstream communicating passage leading to the upstream part of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, and the downstream communicating passage leading to the downstream part of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, so that the main body becomes non-rotatable when the overall length of the case in the direction along the rotation center axis becomes shorter, and the main body becomes rotatable when the overall length of the case in the direction along the rotation center axis becomes longer.

[0041] In this way, switching between a state in which the flow rate of the chemical solution can be changed by rotating the main body and a state in which the main body is prevented from rotating and the flow of the chemical solution can be maintained by fitting the upstream case part and the downstream case part together and sliding them in the direction along the rotation center axis, thereby simplifying the switching operation. Note that, to more effectively prevent the main body from rotating, the upstream case part and the downstream case part may be clamped with a clip or the like when they are fitted together.

[0042] (15) In the configuration of (12) above, an upstream communicating passage and a downstream communicating passage are respectively provided in the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the case, which communicate with one of the through holes selected from the plurality of through holes as the main body rotates, the upstream communicating passage communicates with the upstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, and the downstream communicating passage communicates with the downstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, and a male thread portion is formed in the passage forming member that forms at least one of the upstream communicating passage and the downstream communicating passage, and a female thread portion that engages with the male thread portion is formed in at least one of the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the case, so that when the male thread portion is tightened relative to the female thread portion, the main body becomes non-rotatable, and when the male thread portion is loosened relative to the female thread portion, the main body becomes rotatable.

[0043] In this way, switching between a state in which the flow rate of the chemical solution can be changed by rotating the main body and a state in which the flow of the chemical solution can be maintained by making the main body non-rotatable can be performed by tightening and loosening the male threaded portion formed on the passage forming member relative to the female threaded portion formed on the case, thereby simplifying the work required for switching. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] According to the present invention, when changing the flow rate of the chemical liquid flowing through the chemical liquid flow path, it is no longer necessary to replace the chemical liquid flow rate adjustment member or remove the flow rate controller, and the flow rate of the chemical liquid can be controlled with high precision even when temperature changes occur.Furthermore, the difficulty of flow rate control due to air in the chemical liquid is reduced, and the flow rate controller can be made more compact, enabling it to be used for a longer period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a drug solution administration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a main body of a chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a rotation shaft of a chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a front view showing a main body of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a main body of a chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a main body of a chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a main body of a chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a main body of a chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views showing a first example of a flow rate controller that is a component of a drug solution administration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views showing a second example of a flow rate controller which is a component of a drug solution administration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10(a) and 10(b) are cross-sectional views showing a third example of a flow rate controller that is a component of a drug solution administration device according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A chemical solution flow rate adjusting member and a chemical solution administration device according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a drug solution administration device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the drug solution administration device 10 includes a balloon 11 as a drug solution supply source, a drug solution flow path 12 communicating with the balloon 11, and a flow rate controller 13 provided in the drug solution flow path 12.

[0048] Balloon 11 is made of an elastic material, and its contraction force is used to cause the stored medicinal solution to flow under pressure into medicinal solution flow path 12. Examples of materials for balloon 11 include synthetic rubber, natural rubber, and thermoplastic resin.

[0049] The drug solution flow path 12 is made up of tubes, and in the illustrated example, is made up of a first tube 14 located upstream of the flow rate controller 13 and a second tube 15 located downstream of the flow rate controller 13. A patient adapter 16 is connected to the downstream end of the second tube 15. Examples of materials for the first tube 14 and the second tube 15 include polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyester.

[0050] Flow rate controller 13 controls the flow rate of the liquid chemical flowing through liquid chemical flow path 12. In this embodiment, flow rate controller 13 includes case 17 and liquid chemical flow rate adjustment member 18 rotatably held within case 17. Specifically, liquid chemical flow rate adjustment member 18 is configured to be switchable between a rotatable state and a non-rotatable state within case 17. Examples of materials for the case include resins such as polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and polyester, as well as metals such as aluminum, nickel, and alloys thereof, elastic materials such as synthetic rubber, natural rubber, and thermoplastic resin, and glass.

[0051] 2 is a perspective view illustrating the main body 19 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18. As shown in the figure, the main body 19 is a cylindrical body. The main body 19 is made of glass. The glass is preferably borosilicate glass, but quartz glass, soda-lime glass, aluminosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2 (LAS)-based crystallized glass, etc. may also be used.

[0052] 3 is a perspective view illustrating the rotating shaft 20 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18. Materials for the rotating shaft 20 include glass, similar to that of the main body 19, as well as resins such as polypropylene and polyester, and metals such as aluminum, nickel, and alloys thereof. The rotating shaft 20 is composed of a shaft portion 20a and an operating portion 20b having a larger diameter than the shaft portion 20a.

[0053] 4 and 5, the main body 19 has an insertion hole 23 formed in its rotation center, into which the shaft portion 20a of the rotating shaft 20 is inserted. The insertion hole 23 extends in a direction along the rotation center axis X of the main body 19 and passes through the main body 19. In the following description, for convenience, the side in the direction of arrow A shown in Fig. 5 will be referred to as the upstream side, and the side in the direction of arrow B shown in Fig. 5 will be referred to as the downstream side.

[0054] The main body 19 is formed with a plurality of through holes 24 (four in the example shown in FIG. 4 ) each having a circular cross-sectional shape and different inner diameters. These through holes 24 all extend in a direction along the rotational axis X and are arranged concentrically around the rotational axis X. In this embodiment, these through holes 24 are arranged at equal angular intervals. This prevents a decrease in the strength of the main body 19 due to the formation of the through holes 24, and allows the patient or the like to easily set the positions of the plurality of through holes 24 with different inner diameters by rotating the main body 19 by a certain angle. In other words, it becomes possible to easily adjust the flow rate of the medicinal solution.

[0055] The main body 19 having these through holes 24 and insertion holes 23 is preferably manufactured by a redraw method. More specifically, a plurality of original holes corresponding to the through holes 24 and insertion holes 23 are first formed in a cylindrical glass using a drill or the like to obtain a mother glass. This mother glass is then heated and stretched by the redraw method to form a long cylindrical glass. At this time, the diameters of the mother glass and each original hole are reduced. Next, the long cylindrical glass is cut to a predetermined length to manufacture the main body 19. The manufactured main body 19 is then subjected to an etching process and the various processes described below.

[0056] Here, the four concentrically arranged through holes 24 are designated, in order from smallest to largest, as first through hole 24a, second through hole 24b, third through hole 24c, and fourth through hole 24d. In this case, the inner diameter of first through hole 24a is preferably 3 to 200 μm. This inner diameter may be 5 μm or more, 7 μm or more, or 9 μm or more. Alternatively, this inner diameter may be 150 μm or less, 100 μm or less, 50 μm or less, or 10 μm or less.

[0057] The inner diameter of the fourth through hole 24d is preferably 200 to 700 μm. This inner diameter may be 250 μm or more, 300 μm or more, or 400 μm or more. This inner diameter may be 650 μm or less, 600 μm or less, or 500 μm or less.

[0058] The difference between the inner diameter of the first through hole 24a and the inner diameter of the fourth through hole 24d is preferably 300 to 500 μm. The difference between the inner diameter of the first through hole 24a and the inner diameter of the second through hole 24b is preferably 50 to 200 μm. The difference between the inner diameter of the second through hole 24b and the inner diameter of the third through hole 24c is preferably 50 to 200 μm. The difference between the inner diameter of the third through hole 24c and the inner diameter of the fourth through hole 24d is preferably 50 to 200 μm.

[0059] Here, the aforementioned "arranged concentrically" not only refers to the case where the centers of all of the through holes 24 are located on a single circle indicated by a chain line as shown in Fig. 4, but also includes the following aspects: That is, the "arranged concentrically" also includes the case where the centers of the through holes 24a, 24b, and 24c are deviated from the single circle indicated by a chain line within a range where the area of ​​the movement locus of the through hole 24 with the largest inner diameter (fourth through hole 24d) when it moves along the single circle indicated by a chain line falls within the area of ​​the movement locus of the through holes 24 with smaller inner diameters (first, second, and third through holes 24a, 24b, and 24c) when they move along the single circle indicated by a chain line.

[0060] Each of these through holes 24 has a tapered portion 24e as exaggeratedly shown in FIG. 6, 7, or 8. More specifically, in FIG. 6, a tapered portion 24e is formed at the upstream end of the through hole 24, gradually increasing in diameter toward the opening 24f at the upstream end. In FIG. 7, a tapered portion 24e is formed in a portion extending from the periphery of the center of the through hole 24 in the penetration direction to the upstream end, gradually increasing in diameter toward the opening 24f at the upstream end. In FIG. 8, a tapered portion 24e is formed throughout the entire length of the through hole 24, gradually increasing in diameter toward the opening 24f at the upstream end. Note that the inner diameter of the through hole 24 having the tapered portion 24e shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is the average inner diameter of the through hole 24 excluding the tapered portion 24e. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the through hole 24 having the tapered portion 24e shown in FIG. 8 is the average inner diameter of the entire through hole 24.

[0061] The three types of tapered portions 24e may be formed in any of the through holes 24. For example, the tapered portion 24e shown in FIG. 6 may be formed in the first through hole 24a, the tapered portion 24e shown in FIG. 7 may be formed in the second through hole 24b and the third through hole 24c, and the tapered portion 24e shown in FIG. 8 may be formed in the fourth through hole 24d. This example is an example of an embodiment in which the length of the tapered portion 24e in the penetration direction increases as the inner diameter of the through hole 24 increases. Note that, although the tapered portions 24e in the illustrated examples gradually increase in diameter toward the opening 24f at the upstream end, they may also gradually increase in diameter toward the opening 24g at the downstream end, or may gradually increase in diameter toward both the opening 24f at the upstream end and the opening 24g at the downstream end.

[0062] A coating layer (not shown) is formed on the inner surfaces 24x of the through holes 24. This coating layer is formed by pouring a coating liquid into the inner surfaces 24x of the through holes 24, for example. Examples of this coating layer include a material containing an organopolysiloxane compound having organic substituents of methyl groups and phenyl groups, and organic substituents of acrylic groups and / or vinyl groups. The coating layer is preferably formed over the entire inner surfaces 24x of the through holes 24.

[0063] Furthermore, it is preferable that the end faces 19y and 19z of the main body 19 where these through holes 24 open, i.e., the upstream end face 19y and the downstream end face 19z of the main body 19, are both etched surfaces. Note that only one of the upstream end face 19y and the downstream end face 19z of the main body 19 may be an etched surface.

[0064] 9 illustrates the overall configuration of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18. As shown in the figure, the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18 is formed by inserting the shaft portion 20a of the rotating shaft 20 into the insertion hole 23 of the main body 19 and fixing the rotating shaft 20 to the main body 19 with an adhesive or the like. Therefore, the main body 19 and the rotating shaft 20 are configured to rotate integrally. Note that an upstream end 20y and a downstream end 20z of the shaft portion 20a protrude from the upstream end face 19y and the downstream end face 19z of the main body 19, respectively.

[0065] Next, first, second and third examples of the flow rate controller 13 in which the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 having the above-described configuration is held in the case 17 will be described.

[0066] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow rate controller 13 according to a first example, in which Figure 10(a) illustrates a state in which the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is non-rotatable, and Figure 10(b) illustrates a state in which the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is rotatable.

[0067] 10(a) and 10(b), the case 17 is separated into an upstream case portion 25 and a downstream case portion 26. The upstream case portion 25 includes a disk-shaped upstream end wall portion 25a and a cylindrical upstream circumferential wall portion 25b connected to the outer periphery of the upstream end wall portion 25a. The downstream case portion 26 includes a disk-shaped downstream end wall portion 26a and a cylindrical downstream circumferential wall portion 26b connected to the outer periphery of the downstream end wall portion 26a. The upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 are formed symmetrically with respect to the center of the case 17 in the direction along the rotational center axis X.

[0068] The rotating shaft 20 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18 is rotatably supported by the upstream end wall 25a and the downstream end wall 26a. More specifically, an upstream end 20y of the shaft portion 20a of the rotating shaft is rotatably inserted into a shaft hole 25aa formed in the upstream end wall 25a, and a downstream end 20z of the shaft portion 20a of the rotating shaft 20 is rotatably inserted into a shaft hole 26aa formed in the downstream end wall 26a. The shaft hole 25aa in the upstream end wall 25a does not penetrate the upstream end wall 25a, but the shaft hole 26aa in the downstream end wall 26a penetrates the downstream end wall 26a.

[0069] An upstream communication passage 27 is provided in the upstream end wall portion 25a. The upstream communication passage 27 is a passage formed by an inner hole of a first passage-forming member 28 fixed to the upstream end wall portion 25a. The downstream end portion 14a of the first tube 14 is fitted into and fixed to the upstream end portion 28a of the first passage-forming member 28. Therefore, the upstream communication passage 27 communicates with the upstream portion of the case 17 in the chemical solution flow path 12.

[0070] A downstream-side communication passage 29 is provided in the downstream end wall portion 26a. The downstream-side communication passage 29 is a passage formed by an inner hole of a second passage-forming member 30 fixed to the downstream end wall portion 26a. The upstream end portion 15a of the second tube 15 is fitted into and fixed to the downstream end portion 30a of the second passage-forming member 30. Therefore, the downstream-side communication passage 29 communicates with the downstream portion of the case 17 in the chemical solution flow path 12.

[0071] 10(a), the upstream communication passage 27 and the downstream communication passage 29 communicate with one of the four through holes 24 (first through hole 24a in the illustrated example) selected from the main body 19 of the liquid chemical flow rate adjusting member 18. The first through hole 24a is selected by rotating the liquid chemical flow rate adjusting member 18. In this state, the upstream communication passage 27 and the first through hole 24a communicate with each other via a first seal member 33 fixed to the upstream end wall portion 25a. The downstream communication passage 29 and the first through hole 24a communicate with each other via a second seal member 34 fixed to the downstream end wall portion 26a. The first seal member 33 and the second seal member 34 prevent leakage of the liquid chemical.

[0072] Here, the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 can be switched between a state in which they are joined in the direction along the rotational axis X as shown in Fig. 10(a) and a state in which they are separated in the direction along the rotational axis X as shown in Fig. 10(b). This switching is performed using a union mechanism 35 disposed on the outer periphery of both opposing ends 25ba, 26ba of the upstream peripheral wall portion 25b and the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b.

[0073] The union mechanism 35 includes a first fixed union 36 fixed to the outer periphery of the opposing end 25ba of the upstream peripheral wall 25b and a second fixed union 37 fixed to the outer periphery of the opposing end 26ba of the downstream peripheral wall 26b. A male thread 37a is formed on the outer periphery of the second fixed union 37. The first fixed union 36 and the second fixed union 37 are covered by a bag-shaped union nut 38. The union nut 38 has an end wall 38a at its upstream end and an open downstream end. The union nut 38 is rotatably held on the outer periphery of the opposing end 25ba of the upstream peripheral wall 25b. A female thread 38c is formed on the inner periphery of the downstream portion of the peripheral wall 38b of the union nut 38, and engages with the male thread 37a of the second fixed union 37. The union nut 38 and the first fixed union 36 are rotatable relative to each other, but their relative movement along the rotational axis X is restricted (this state is not shown).

[0074] When the union nut 38 rotates in one direction, the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 move toward each other along the rotation axis X, and when the rotation of the union nut 38 in one direction is completed, the state shown in Figure 10(a) is reached. In contrast, when the union nut 38 rotates in the opposite direction, the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 move away from each other along the rotation axis X, and when the rotation of the union nut 38 in the opposite direction is completed, the state shown in Figure 10(b) is reached.

[0075] The flow rate controller 13 according to the first example having the above-described configuration operates as follows. When the case 17 is in the state shown in Fig. 10(a), the liquid medicine that has flowed out from the balloon 11 into the first tube 14 (the upstream portion of the case 17 in the liquid medicine flow path 12) passes through the first through-hole 24a in the main body 19 of the liquid medicine flow rate adjusting member 18 and flows into the second tube 15 (the downstream portion of the case 17 in the liquid medicine flow path 12). As a result, the liquid medicine continues to flow downstream through the first tube 14, the first through-hole 24a, and the second tube 15, and is ready to be administered to the patient.

[0076] On the other hand, when the case 17 is in the state shown in FIG. 10(b), the rotating shaft 20 is rotated to rotate the main body 19, and one of the second through-hole 24b, the third through-hole 24c, and the fourth through-hole 24d, which have an inner diameter different from that of the first through-hole 24a, is moved to the position where the first through-hole 24a was located. This movement is performed by the patient or the like grasping the operating portion 20b of the rotating shaft 20. Thereafter, by returning the case 17 to the state shown in FIG. 10(a) while maintaining the liquid medicine flow rate adjusting member 18 in that state, the first tube 14, the other through-holes 24, and the second tube 15 are brought into communication with each other. This allows the flow rate of the liquid medicine flowing downstream through the liquid medicine flow path 12 to be changed.

[0077] If the above operations are performed while the medicinal liquid continues to flow out from the balloon 11 into the first tube 14, it is preferable to provide a stopper midway along the first tube 14 or at the outlet of the balloon 11 to prevent the medicinal liquid from flowing into the case 17. Furthermore, if the above operations are performed before the medicinal liquid flows out from the balloon 11 into the first tube 14, the stopper is not necessary.

[0078] In the flow rate controller 13 according to the first example, the first fixed union 36 is fixed to the upstream peripheral wall portion 25b and the second fixed union 37 is fixed to the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b. Alternatively, the first fixed union 36 may be fixed to the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b and the second fixed union 37 may be fixed to the upstream peripheral wall portion 25b, and the orientation of the union nut 38 along the rotational center axis X may be opposite to that shown in the figure.

[0079] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow rate controller 13 according to the second example, in which Figure 11(a) illustrates a state in which the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is non-rotatable, and Figure 11(b) illustrates a state in which the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is rotatable.

[0080] The flow rate controller 13 according to this second example differs from the flow rate controller 13 according to the first example in that the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 are fitted together so as to be slidable in the direction along the rotation center axis X and in that a clip 39 is provided to fasten and release the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26. Specifically, the upstream peripheral wall portion 25b of the upstream case portion 25 is thinner than the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b of the downstream case portion 26. The upstream peripheral wall portion 25b is fitted into an annular recess 26bb formed on the inner periphery of the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b. This allows the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 to slide in the direction along the rotation center axis X. In the state shown in FIG. 11(a), the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 are fixed by clips 39, and the overall length of the case 17 in the direction along the rotational axis X is shortened (the shortest length in the illustrated example). In the state shown in FIG. 11(b), the fixation of the upstream case portion 25 and the downstream case portion 26 by clips 39 is released, and the overall length of the case 17 in the direction along the rotational axis X is lengthened (the length is not the shortest length in the illustrated example). Note that it is preferable that the clips 39 are disposed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction. The other configurations and the manner in which the liquid chemical flow rate adjusting member 18 changes the flow rate of the liquid chemical are the same as those of the flow controller 13 according to the first example described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used in FIG. 11 to designate components common to the flow controllers 13 according to both examples, and their descriptions will be omitted. In the flow rate controller 13 according to the second example, the upstream peripheral wall portion 25b is fitted into the annular recess 26bb formed on the inner peripheral side of the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b. However, conversely, the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b may be made thinner than the upstream peripheral wall portion 25b, and an annular recess may be formed on the inner peripheral side of the upstream peripheral wall portion 25b, and the downstream peripheral wall portion 26b may be fitted into this annular recess.

[0081] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow rate controller 13 according to a third example, in which Figure 12(a) illustrates a state in which the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is non-rotatable, and Figure 12(b) illustrates a state in which the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is rotatable.

[0082] Flow controller 13 according to this third example differs from flow controller 13 according to the first example in that case 17 is not separated, that a male thread portion 40a is formed in passage-forming member 40 that forms upstream communicating passage 27, and that a female thread portion 25ab that engages with male thread portion 40a is formed in upstream end wall portion 25a of case 17, and that a first seal member 33 is fixed to the downstream end of passage-forming member 40. More specifically, passage-forming member 40 that forms upstream communicating passage 27 is composed of a downstream end member 41 into which first tube 14 is fitted and a thread-forming member 42 on which male thread portion 40a is formed, and thread-forming member 42 is rotatably connected to downstream end member 41. In the state shown in FIG. 12(a), male thread portion 40a is tightened against female thread portion 25ab, rendering chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18 unrotatable. 12(b), the male thread portion 40a is loosened relative to the female thread portion 25ab, allowing the liquid chemical flow rate adjustment member 18 to rotate. Other configurations and the manner in which the liquid chemical flow rate adjustment member 18 changes the flow rate of the liquid chemical are the same as those of the flow controller 13 according to the first example described above. Therefore, components common to both examples of the flow controller 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 12 and will not be described again. In the flow controller 13 according to the third example, the above-described features are applied to the passage-forming member 40 and the upstream end wall portion 25a that form the upstream-side communicating passage 27. Alternatively, or in addition, similar features may be applied to the passage-forming member 30 and the downstream end wall portion 26a that form the downstream-side communicating passage 29. Furthermore, the above-described features may be applied to the upstream end wall portion 25a and the downstream end wall portion 26b that are not associated with the rotating shaft 20 or the liquid chemical flow path 12, allowing the liquid chemical flow rate adjustment member 18 to change the flow rate of the liquid chemical.

[0083] Next, the effects of the liquid medicine flow rate adjusting member 18 and the liquid medicine administration device 10 according to the above embodiment will be described.

[0084] Because the main body 19 of the liquid chemical flow control member 18 is provided with a plurality of (four) through-holes 24 with different inner diameters, the flow rate of the liquid chemical can be changed by switching from a state in which the liquid chemical flows through one through-hole 24 to a state in which the liquid chemical flows through another through-hole 24 with a different inner diameter. This eliminates the need to replace the liquid chemical flow control member 18 when changing the flow rate of the liquid chemical flowing through the liquid chemical flow path 12, and therefore also eliminates the need to remove the flow rate controller 13. As a result, the work of changing the flow rate of the liquid chemical is simplified. Furthermore, because the inner diameters of the plurality of through-holes 24 are uniform and accurate throughout the entire penetration, the flow rate of the liquid chemical can be changed as required.

[0085] Because the main body 19 of the chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is made of glass, the amount of expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes is small compared to when the main body 19 is made of resin or the like, and the flow rate of the chemical liquid can be controlled with high precision even when temperature changes occur. Therefore, the flow rate of the chemical liquid can be changed to different flow rates with high precision.

[0086] Furthermore, since the main body 19 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18 is made of glass, it is possible to form with high precision small-diameter through holes 24 for reducing the flow rate of the chemical solution per unit time. More specifically, when the main body 19 is made of glass, it is possible to form with high precision through holes 24 with small inner diameters and short lengths by employing a redraw method or the like, and further it is possible to form with high precision all of the plurality of through holes 24. In addition, the excellent chemical resistance allows for long-term use.

[0087] When changing the flow rate of the chemical liquid to a different flow rate, the changeover work can be simplified by simply rotating the main body 19 by operating the rotary shaft 20. Furthermore, even when the main body 19 is rotated, the position of the through-hole 24 leading to the chemical liquid flow path 12 is kept constant, which avoids the chemical liquid flow path configuration from becoming complicated.

[0088] Because the upstream end face 19y and the downstream end face 19z of the main body 19 are etched surfaces, glass powder is prevented from falling off from at least one of the end faces 19y, 19z of the main body 19 when the chemical solution passes through the opening of the through hole 24, and therefore glass powder is prevented from mixing into the chemical solution. Furthermore, if the upstream end face 19y and the downstream end face 19z are etched surfaces, microcracks present on the surfaces of the end faces can be removed, resulting in improved strength of the main body.

[0089] Since the through-hole 24 has the tapered portion 24e, it becomes easier to inject the drug solution into the through-hole 24.

[0090] A coating layer is formed on the inner surface 24x of the through hole 24, which prevents the chemical solution from being contaminated by harmful elution from the glass when the chemical solution passes through the through hole 24. In addition, the water repellency and water sliding properties of the inner surface 24x of the through hole 24 are improved, which prevents variations in the flow rate of the chemical solution when it passes through the through hole 24.

[0091] According to the first, second and third examples of the flow controller 13 in which the above-mentioned chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member 18 is held within the case 17, it is possible to easily switch between a state in which the flow rate of the chemical liquid can be changed by rotating the main body 19 and a state in which the flow of the chemical liquid can be maintained by making the main body 19 non-rotatable.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] For example, in the above embodiment, four through holes 24 with different inner diameters are formed in the main body 19 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18, but the number is not limited as long as there are two or more (multiple) through holes 24 with different inner diameters.

[0094] In the above embodiment, all of the multiple (four) through holes 24 formed in the main body 19 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18 have different inner diameters, but some of the through holes 24 may have the same inner diameter.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the through holes 24 is circular, but it may be elliptical, rectangular, or another polygonal shape, or may be irregular. In this case, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shapes of the multiple through holes are similar to each other, but they do not have to be similar. Note that if they are not similar, some of the cross-sectional shapes may be circular.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the main body 19 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18 is a cylindrical body whose length in the direction along the rotational axis X is longer than its diameter, but it may also be a disk-shaped body whose length in the direction along the rotational axis X is shorter than its diameter.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the plurality of through holes 24 are arranged concentrically in the main body 19 of the chemical solution flow rate adjusting member 18, but for example, the plurality of through holes 24 may be arranged in a straight line, and the main body 19 may be moved in the direction of the arrangement of the through holes 24 within the case 17. In this case, the shape of the main body 19 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, a polygonal pillar, a polygonal plate, or the like, and an operating shaft or the like may be attached to the main body 19 instead of the rotation shaft 20.

[0098] In the above embodiment, a flow controller 13 equipped with a liquid medicinal flow rate adjusting member 18 according to the present invention is provided midway along the liquid medicinal flow path 12 extending from the liquid medicinal supply source 11 to the patient adapter 16. However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a flow controller 13 equipped with a liquid medicinal flow rate adjusting member 18 according to the present invention may also be provided midway along a branch flow path branching off from the liquid medicinal flow path extending from the liquid medicinal supply source 11 to the flow controller 13. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10. Chemical solution administration device 11 Balloon (medicinal solution supply source) 12 Chemical flow path 13 Flow Controller 14 First tube (upstream part of the case in the chemical flow path) 15 Second tube (downstream part of the case in the chemical solution flow path) 17 cases 18 Chemical flow rate adjusting member 19 Main Unit 19y Body end face 19z Body end face 20 Rotation axis 23 Insertion hole 24 through holes 24a First through hole 24b Second through hole 24c Third through hole 24d Fourth through hole 24e Tapered portion of through hole 24f Opening of through hole 24g Through-hole opening 24x inner surface of through holes 25 Upstream case 25a Upstream end wall 26 Downstream case 26a Downstream end wall 27 Upstream communication path 28 Passage forming members 29 Downstream communication path 30 Passage forming member 35 Union Organization 36 First Fixed Union 37 Second Fixed Union 37a Second fixed union male thread 38 Union nut 38a Union nut end wall 38b Union nut peripheral wall 38c union nut female thread 40 Passage forming member 41 downstream end member X rotation axis

Claims

1. A chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member provided in a flow rate controller provided in a chemical liquid flow path leading to a chemical liquid supply source, A chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member characterized in that a body made of glass is provided with a plurality of through holes having different cross-sectional areas.

2. 2. The chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the plurality of through holes are similar to one another.

3. The chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body is a cylindrical or disk-shaped body rotatably held within the case of the flow controller, and the multiple through holes extend in a direction along the central axis of rotation of the main body and are arranged concentrically around the central axis of rotation of the main body.

4. 4. The chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member according to claim 3, further comprising a rotation shaft for rotating said main body about said central axis of rotation.

5. The chemical solution flow rate adjusting member according to claim 4, characterized in that an insertion hole extending in a direction along the rotation center axis is formed at the rotation center of the main body, and the rotation shaft is inserted into and fixed in the insertion hole.

6. 3. The chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of through holes is circular.

7. 3. The chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member according to claim 1, wherein an end surface of the main body where the through hole opens is an etched surface.

8. 3. The chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member according to claim 1, wherein the through hole has a tapered portion that gradually widens toward at least one of the openings at both ends.

9. 3. The chemical liquid flow rate adjusting member according to claim 1, wherein a coating layer is formed on the inner surface of the through hole.

10. A drug solution administration device including a drug solution supply source, a drug solution flow path communicating with the drug solution supply source, and a flow rate controller provided in the drug solution flow path, The flow controller is provided with a liquid medicine flow rate adjusting member, and the liquid medicine flow rate adjusting member has a body made of glass and a plurality of through holes with different cross-sectional areas.

11. The drug solution administration device according to claim 10, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the plurality of through holes are similar to each other.

12. The drug solution administration device described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the main body is a cylindrical or disk-shaped body rotatably held within the case of the flow rate controller, and the multiple through holes extend in a direction along the rotational center axis of the main body and are arranged concentrically around the rotational center axis of the main body.

13. the case is configured so that an upstream case portion and a downstream case portion can be joined and separated in a direction along the rotation central axis, an upstream-side communication passage and a downstream-side communication passage that communicate with one of the plurality of through holes as the main body rotates are provided in the upstream-side case portion and the downstream-side case portion, respectively; the upstream communication passage communicates with an upstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, and the downstream communication passage communicates with a downstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path; The drug solution administration device described in claim 12, characterized in that the main body becomes non-rotatable when the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion are joined, and the main body becomes rotatable when the upstream case portion and the downstream case portion are separated.

14. the case is configured as separate parts, with an upstream case portion and a downstream case portion fitted together and slidable in a direction along the rotation center axis, an upstream-side communication passage and a downstream-side communication passage that communicate with one of the plurality of through holes as the main body rotates are provided in the upstream-side case portion and the downstream-side case portion, respectively; the upstream communication passage communicates with an upstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, and the downstream communication passage communicates with a downstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path; The drug solution administration device described in claim 12, characterized in that the slide makes the main body non-rotatable when the overall length of the case in the direction along the rotation center axis is shortened, and makes the main body rotatable when the overall length of the case in the direction along the rotation center axis is lengthened.

15. an upstream communication passage and a downstream communication passage that communicate with one of the plurality of through holes as the main body rotates are provided in the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the case, respectively; the upstream communication passage communicates with an upstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path, and the downstream communication passage communicates with a downstream portion of the case in the chemical liquid flow path; a male thread portion is formed in a passage forming member that forms at least one of the upstream communication passage and the downstream communication passage, and a female thread portion that engages with the male thread portion is formed in at least one of the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the case, The drug solution administration device described in claim 12, characterized in that the main body becomes non-rotatable when the male threaded portion is tightened relative to the female threaded portion, and the main body becomes rotatable when the male threaded portion is loosened relative to the female threaded portion.

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