Infusion cartridge, infusion pump, and method for manufacturing infusion cartridge

Abstract

To provide an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a manufacturing method for the infusion cartridge that can enhance a fixing property of a film body in portions fixed to each other in a case member and the film body partitioning a housing space.SOLUTION: An infusion cartridge according to the present disclosure partitions a housing space capable of housing an infusion, and comprises: a case member in which a concave part is formed; a film body having flexibility, covering the opening of the concave part, and partitioning the housing space between itself and the concave part; and a retraining member extending along an edge part of the concave part of the case member, and fixed to the case member while sandwiching the film body between itself and the edge part of the concave part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Infusion pumps capable of delivering infusion fluids such as medicinal solutions have been known for some time. An example of this type of infusion pump is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a liquid transport device that includes a reservoir that stores the liquid, a pump that compresses a tube to transport the liquid in the reservoir to a living body, and an injection unit that injects the liquid transported by the pump into the living body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which a reservoir serving as a storage section is provided in a cartridge. A recess is formed in the cartridge body of Patent Document 1, and a film is fused around the recess. The reservoir serving as a storage section is composed of the recess and film described above. Liquid is stored between the recess and the film. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-167709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the reservoir is formed by fusing a film as a membrane around the recess, but there is still room for improvement in terms of fixation of the fused portion.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that can increase the fixation of the membrane body at the portions where the case member and membrane body that partition the storage space are fixed to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An infusion cartridge according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an infusion cartridge that defines a storage space capable of holding infusion liquid, and comprises a case member having a recess formed therein, a flexible membrane body that covers the opening of the recess and defines the storage space between the case member and the membrane body, and a pressing member that extends along the edge of the recess in the case member and is fixed to the case member while sandwiching the membrane body between the case member and the edge of the recess.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge portion has an inner edge surface facing the inside of the recess and an upper edge surface that is connected to the inner edge surface and faces outside the recess, and the pressing member is fixed to the upper edge surface with the membrane body sandwiched between the pressing member and the upper edge surface of the edge portion.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing member is fixed to the edge top surface with the film body sandwiched between the pressing member and the edge top surface.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge top surface of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member are integrated by welding.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing member comprises a top surface cover portion that covers the edge top surface of the edge portion, and the top surface cover portion comprises a fixed portion that is integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding when the membrane body is sandwiched between the top surface cover portion and the edge top surface, and a non-fixed portion that is located on the recess side of the fixed portion and is not integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding when the membrane body is sandwiched between the top surface cover portion and the edge top surface.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge top surface comprises a fixed surface that is integrated with the fixed portion and the membrane by welding when the membrane is sandwiched between the fixed portion and the membrane and the fixed surface of the top surface cover portion, and a non-fixed surface that is not integrated with the non-fixed portion and the membrane by welding when the membrane is sandwiched between the fixed portion and the non-fixed portion of the top surface cover portion, and the non-fixed surface comprises a clamping portion that clamps the membrane between the fixed surface and the non-fixed portion, and a retracting portion that is located between the fixed surface and the clamping portion and moves away from the membrane without clamping the membrane between the fixed surface and the non-fixed portion.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing member includes an inner cover portion that is connected to the top cover portion and covers the inner edge surface of the edge portion with the membrane sandwiched therebetween.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface cover sandwiches the membrane between itself and the inner edge surface.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the case member has a side surface that is connected to the top edge surface of the edge portion and is located on the back side of the inner edge surface, the pressing member is connected to the top cover portion and is arranged opposite the inner cover portion, and has a side cover portion that covers the side surface of the case member, and the inner cover portion sandwiches the case member and the membrane body between itself and the side cover portion, thereby sandwiching the membrane body between itself and the inner edge surface of the edge portion of the case member.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member has a protrusion portion, and a receiving portion consisting of a recess or a through hole that fits into the protrusion portion is formed in each of the members other than the at least one of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member.

[0017] An infusion pump according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the infusion cartridge and a pump body attached to the infusion cartridge.

[0018] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that partitions a storage space capable of containing infusion liquid, in which the opening of a recess in a case member is covered with a flexible membrane, and a pressing member is positioned along the edge of the recess in the case member to sandwich the membrane between the membrane and the edge of the recess, and the pressing member is fixed to the case member to form the storage space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that can increase the fixation of the membrane body at the portions where the case member and membrane body that partition the storage space are fixed to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an infusion pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including an infusion cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the infusion cartridge shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lid of the infusion cartridge shown in FIG. 2 is open relative to the case body, and shows the state in which no infusion is filled. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lid of the infusion cartridge shown in FIG. 2 is open relative to the case body, and shows the state in which the infusion cartridge is filled with infusion. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion cartridge taken along line II in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the infusion cartridge is not filled with infusion liquid. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion cartridge taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the infusion cartridge is not filled with infusion liquid. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion cartridge at the same position as in FIG. 5, showing the state in which the infusion cartridge is filled with infusion liquid. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the case member shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pressing member shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 11] 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state before a membrane body and a pressing member are fixed to a case member. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a fixing operation for fixing the membrane body and the pressing member to the case member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] An infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Common components in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an infusion pump 100 as one embodiment of the infusion pump according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the infusion pump 100 includes a pump body 1 and an infusion cartridge 2 as one embodiment of the infusion cartridge according to the present disclosure. The infusion pump 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be used, for example, as a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) pump, but its use is not particularly limited. In the infusion pump 100 of this embodiment, the pump body 1 can be reused by replacing the disposable infusion cartridge 2.

[0023] <Pump body 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the front of the pump body 1 is provided with a display unit 120 that displays various information and an operation unit 130 with an array of operation switches. The display unit 120 displays, for example, the infusion rate and cumulative dose. The display unit 120 may also be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen with a touch panel for setting the infusion rate. The operation switches of the operation unit 130 shown in FIG. 1 are a fast-forward switch 131, a start switch 132, a stop switch 133, and a power switch 134. While the fast-forward switch 131 is pressed, infusion can be delivered at a rate faster than the set infusion rate (mL / h). Pressing the start switch 132 starts infusion delivery. Pressing the stop switch 133 stops infusion delivery. Pressing the power switch 134 turns the pump body 1 on and off. However, the operation unit 130 may also include other operation switches. The display unit 120 and the operation unit 130 enable the infusion fluid to be delivered into the living body of a patient or the like while controlling the delivery volume.

[0024] The pump body 1 also includes a fluid delivery unit 140 that sandwiches the tube 14 of the infusion cartridge 2 between itself and a tube receiving portion 30 (see FIG. 2) of the attached infusion cartridge 2, which will be described later, and delivers the infusion fluid in the tube 14 from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path. The fluid delivery unit 140 of this embodiment includes multiple fingers and a drive unit that drives these fingers. The multiple fingers are arranged on a side surface of the pump body 1 that faces the tube receiving portion 30 (see FIG. 2) of the infusion cartridge 2, which will be described later. The multiple fingers are arranged along the extension direction of the tube 14. Each finger is driven by the drive unit to reciprocate in a direction facing the tube receiving portion 30 (see FIG. 2) of the infusion cartridge 2, which will be described later. As each finger moves closer to the infusion cartridge 2, the tube 14 is sandwiched between the finger and the tube receiving portion 30. This compresses and closes the tube 14. The drive unit sequentially drives the fingers in the extension direction of the tube portion 14, from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path. The drive unit may be configured, for example, with an electric motor. As a result, the tube portion 14 is sequentially compressed and closed from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path, causing peristaltic movement. Therefore, the infusion liquid in the tube portion 14 can be sent from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path.

[0025] The pump body 1 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. The pump body 1 may include other components, such as an air bubble detection sensor, an occlusion sensor, or other notification components, in addition to the components described above. As described above, the fluid delivery section 140 of the pump body 1 of this embodiment is configured to press the tube section 14 with multiple fingers, but may include a pressing section other than the fingers as long as the configuration allows the infusion fluid in the tube section 14 to be delivered.

[0026] <Infusion Cartridge 2> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the infusion cartridge 2 alone. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing a state in which the lid portion 13 of the infusion cartridge 2 shown in FIG. 2 is open relative to the case body 11. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is not filled with infusion solution X. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is filled with infusion solution X. FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the infusion cartridge at different positions. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is not filled with infusion solution X. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same position as FIG. 5, showing a state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is filled with infusion solution X. FIGS. 5 and 7 show a state in which the lid portion 13 is open relative to the case body 11. In FIG. 5, the position of the lid portion 13 when closed relative to the case body 11 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the lid portion 13 is closed relative to the case body 11. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG.

[0027] 3 to 7, the infusion cartridge 2 defines a storage space 2a capable of storing an infusion X such as a medicinal solution. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the infusion cartridge 2 includes a case member 10, a membrane body 12, and a pressing member 16.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, a recess 21 is formed in the case member 10. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the recess 21 of this embodiment is composed of a flat bottom surface 21a and side surfaces 21b that rise continuously from the outer edge of the bottom surface 21a. Although the recess 21 of this embodiment has the shape described above, the shape of the recess 21 is not particularly limited. Therefore, the bottom surface 21a and side surfaces 21b of the recess 21 may be flat or curved. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the accumulation of air bubbles, it is preferable that the bottom surface 21a and side surfaces 21b be smoothly continuous with each other via curved surfaces.

[0029] 3 to 7, the membrane 12 covers the opening of the recess 21 of the case member 10, and defines an accommodation space 2a between the membrane 12 and the recess 21. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The pressing member 16 extends along the edge 40 of the recess 21 of the case member 10. The pressing member 16 is fixed to the case member 10 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the pressing member 16 and the edge 40 of the case member 10. The pressing member 16 of this embodiment also holds the membrane 12 together with the case member 10. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, as an example, the membrane 12 is sandwiched between the edge 40 of the case member 10 and the pressing member 16, and the edge 40 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 are integrated by welding. In other words, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is fixed to the case member 10 by welding.

[0031] By providing the infusion cartridge 2 with the holding member 16, the external force applied to the mutually fixed portions of the case member 10 and membrane body 12 that define the storage space 2a can be suppressed compared to a configuration that does not include the holding member 16, and the fixation of the membrane body 12 at the mutually fixed portions of the case member 10 and membrane body 12 can be improved.

[0032] The case member 10 has a fixed shape that does not deform even under the internal pressure of the infusion solution X contained in the containing space 2a. In particular, the portion of the case member 10 that defines the containing space 2a together with the membrane body 12 is configured to be less likely to deform than the membrane body 12. In other words, the bending rigidity of the portion of the case member 10 that defines the containing space 2a together with the membrane body 12 is greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane body 12. Examples of materials for the case member 10 include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymers; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA); polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polystyrene; polyamide; polyimide; polyamideimide; polycarbonate; poly-(4-methylpentene-1); ionomers; acrylic resins; polymethyl methacrylate; acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS resins); acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS resins); butadiene-styrene copolymers; polyethylene terephthalate Examples of resin materials include polyesters such as polypropylene (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polycyclohexane terephthalate (PCT); polyether; polyether ketone (PEK); polyether ether ketone (PEEK); polyetherimide; polyacetal (POM); polyphenylene oxide; modified polyphenylene oxide; polysulfone; polyether sulfone; polyphenylene sulfide; polyarylate; aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer); polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and other fluorine-based resins. The case member 10 is molded from, for example, the above-mentioned resin materials.

[0033] The membrane 12 deforms due to the internal pressure of the infusion fluid X contained in the storage space 2a. The thickness of the membrane 12 is smaller than the thickness of the case member 10 at any position defining the storage space 2a. The volume of the storage space 2a varies as the membrane 12 deforms. Examples of materials for the membrane 12 include, in addition to the materials for forming the case member 10, various rubber materials such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, acrylic rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, hydrin rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, and fluororubber, as well as various thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyvinyl chloride-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, trans-polyisoprene-based, fluororubber-based, and chlorinated polyethylene-based, with polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymers being preferred. The membrane 12 may have a thickness of, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0034] The pressing member 16 has a fixed shape that does not deform even when subjected to the internal pressure of the infusion solution X contained in the containing space 2a. The bending rigidity of the pressing member 16 is greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane body 12. Examples of materials for the pressing member 16 include the materials exemplified above for the case member 10.

[0035] As described above, in the infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment, for example, the edge 40 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 are integrated by welding. When the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 are joined by welding in this manner, it is preferable that the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 be made of the same resin material, such as polypropylene.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the inner wall defining the storage space 2a is formed with a filling port 3 and a vent hole 4. The storage space 2a can be filled with the infusion liquid X from the outside through the filling port 3. Gas in the storage space 2a can be discharged to the outside through the vent hole 4.

[0037] As described above, the storage space 2a of the infusion cartridge 2 is defined by the recess 21 of the case member 10 and the membrane 12 covering the opening of the recess 21. With this configuration, the inner wall of the recess 21 of the case member 10, which defines the storage space 2a, does not deform due to the internal pressure of the infusion solution X in the storage space 2a. This suppresses deformation of the inner wall defining the storage space 2a, thereby suppressing the formation of wrinkles that are prone to trapping air bubbles. Therefore, air bubbles are less likely to accumulate in the storage space 2a. Furthermore, the inner wall defining the storage space 2a of this embodiment is formed with the above-described filling port 3 and vent 4. By providing the vent 4 separately from the filling port 3, gas within the storage space 2a can be discharged through the vent 4 while the infusion solution X is being filled into the storage space 2a through the filling port 3. Therefore, gas can be more easily discharged from the storage space 2a to the outside compared to a configuration that does not include a vent 4 other than the filling port 3.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6 , the ventilation port 4 of this embodiment is configured with a ventilation filter 5. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a ventilation filter 5 whose surface has been hydrophobized or which is a hydrophobic film (hydrophobic film). Examples of materials that can be used for the hydrophobic film include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene (FEP), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The ventilation filter 5 is preferably made porous by stretching, microphase separation, electron beam etching, sintering, argon plasma particle processing, or other methods. The hydrophobization method is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of coating the surface of the ventilation filter 5 with a hydrophobic material may be used. Furthermore, the ventilation filter 5 is not limited to the above configuration as long as it has the function of allowing gas to pass through but not allowing liquid to pass through. For example, other materials, such as hydrophilic materials, may also be used. Such a hydrophobic ventilation filter 5 can discharge the gas in the containing space 2a to the outside and can also prevent the infusion liquid X in the containing space 2a from leaking to the outside.

[0039] The filling port 3 of this embodiment is used not only to fill the infusion liquid X from the outside into the storage space 2a, but also to supply the infusion liquid X from the storage space 2a into the living body. That is, the filling port 3 of this embodiment also serves as a supply port when supplying the infusion liquid X to the living body. However, a supply port other than the filling port 3 may be provided on the inner wall partitioning the storage space 2a.

[0040] The infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment will be described in further detail below.

[0041] 3 to 7, the infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment includes a tube portion 14 in addition to the above-described case member 10, membrane body 12, and pressing member 16. The case member 10 of this embodiment also includes a case main body 11 and a lid portion 13. Each portion of the infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment will be described in further detail below.

[0042] A recess 21 is formed in the case body 11 of the case member 10. The case body 11 of this embodiment has a fixed shape that does not deform even when subjected to the internal pressure of the infusion fluid X in the storage space 2a. Specifically, as described above, the bending rigidity of the portion of the case body 11 of the case member 10 that forms the inner surface of the recess 21 is greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane body 12. This allows the membrane body 12 to deform preferentially over the case body 11 due to the internal pressure of the infusion fluid X stored in the storage space 2a. The case body 11 of this embodiment is composed of a flat bottom plate portion 11a and side plate portions 11b that rise from the outer edges of the bottom plate portion 11a in the thickness direction of the bottom plate portion 11a. The bottom plate portion 11a has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a plan view in the thickness direction. The side plate portions 11b rise from four outer edges of the bottom plate portion 11a that extend in a substantially linear manner. The recess 21 of the case body 11 of this embodiment is defined by the bottom plate portion 11a and the side plate portion 11b. More specifically, the bottom surface 21a of the recess 21 of this embodiment is formed by the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 11a. Moreover, the side surface 21b of the recess 21 of this embodiment is formed by the inner surface of the side plate portion 11b.

[0043] In this embodiment, the filling port 3 is formed in the recess 21 of the case member 10, not in the membrane body 12. Therefore, the position of the filling port 3 does not fluctuate depending on the presence or absence of the infusion liquid X in the accommodation space 2a and the amount of the infusion liquid X. Therefore, the positional stability of the tube portion 14, which will be described later and which is fluidly connected to the filling port 3, can be improved.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ventilation hole 4 is formed in the recess 21 of the case member 10. If the ventilation hole 4 were formed in the membrane 12, there is a risk that the ventilation hole 4 would be blocked due to deformation of the membrane 12. In contrast, by forming the ventilation hole 4 in the recess 21 of the case member 10, the ventilation hole 4 is less likely to be blocked, and the discharge of gas can be promoted.

[0045] Here, the side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of the case member 10 of this embodiment includes a first plate portion 11b1 in which the vent hole 4 is provided. The side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of this embodiment also includes a second plate portion 11b2 disposed opposite the first plate portion 11b1. The side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of this embodiment also includes a third plate portion 11b3 connected to one end of the first plate portion 11b1 and one end of the second plate portion 11b2. The side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of this embodiment also includes a fourth plate portion 11b4 connected to the other end of the first plate portion 11b1 and one end of the second plate portion 11b2 and facing the third plate portion 11b3. The filling port 3 is provided in the third plate portion 11b3 of the side plate portion 11b.

[0046] The first plate portion 11b1 and the second plate portion 11b2 of this embodiment are provided with fastening portions 42 on which locking claw portions 41 of the lid portion 13 are hooked when the lid portion 13, which will be described later, is closed.

[0047] In this embodiment, a portion of the inner surface of the third plate portion 11b3 rises to the same height as the top surfaces of the first plate portion 11b1, the second plate portion 11b2, and the fourth plate portion 11b4. In contrast, the remaining portion of the outer surface of the third plate portion 11b3 in this embodiment extends further than the top surfaces of the first plate portion 11b1, the second plate portion 11b2, and the fourth plate portion 11b4. This extended portion will be referred to as the "extended portion 20" hereinafter. Therefore, the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 in this embodiment is formed by the top ends of the first plate portion 11b1, the second plate portion 11b2, and the fourth plate portion 11b4 of the case main body 11 and the top end of a portion of the inner surface of the third plate portion 11b3.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8 , the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 of this embodiment includes an inner edge surface 31, a side edge surface 32, and a top edge surface 33. The inner edge surface 31 faces the inside of the recess 21 near the opening of the recess 21. The top edge surface 33 is continuous with the inner edge surface 31 and faces the outside of the recess 21. More specifically, the top edge surface 33 of this embodiment is a surface that faces in the depth direction D of the recess 21 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 , from the bottom surface 21a toward the opening of the recess 21. The side edge surface 32 is continuous with the top edge surface 33 and is located on the back side of the inner edge surface 31. The side edge surface 32 of this embodiment is formed by the side surface of the case member 10. More specifically, the side edge surface 32 of this embodiment is formed by the side surface of the case main body 11 of the case member 10. Furthermore, the side edge surface 32 of this embodiment is a portion of the side surface of the case member 10 that is continuous with the top edge surface 33 and is located on the back side of the inner edge surface 31. That is, the edge side surface 32 in this embodiment is a surface on the back side of the edge inner surface 31 and facing the opposite side to the edge inner surface 31.

[0049] In this embodiment, the edge top surface 33 connects the edge inner surface 31 and the edge side surface 32. The edge top surface 33 extends endlessly. That is, the inner edge of the edge top surface 33 on the recess 21 side connects to the edge inner surface 31. Furthermore, the outer edge of the edge top surface 33 on the side opposite to the recess 21 side connects to the edge side surface 32, which is part of the side surface of the case member 10. Details of the fixing structure between the edge portion 40 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 will be described later.

[0050] Further, a pipe receiving portion 30 is formed on the outer surface of the third plate portion 11b3 to receive the pipe portion 14 and sandwich the pipe portion 14 between the pump body 1 and the pipe receiving portion 30.

[0051] A lid portion 13 (to be described later) is rotatably attached to the fourth plate portion 11b4 by a hinge portion 15.

[0052] 3, a cylindrical portion 22 that protrudes toward the storage space 2a is formed on the inner surface of the recess 21. The filling port 3 of this embodiment is configured by the tip opening of this cylindrical portion 22. More specifically, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 22 is formed on the inner surface of the third plate portion 11b3. By configuring the filling port 3 as the tip opening of the cylindrical portion 22 in this way, air bubbles adhering to the inner wall that defines the storage space 2a are less likely to enter the filling port 3 compared to a configuration without such a cylindrical portion 22. In other words, even if there are air bubbles in the storage space 2a, they are less likely to reach the tip opening of the cylindrical portion 22, and the discharge of the air bubbles from the filling port 3 can be suppressed.

[0053] The base end side of the tubular portion 22 extends to the outside of the storage space 2a. The base end side of the tubular portion 22 is connected to the tube portion 14 described below via an L-shaped connecting tube portion 23 shown in Fig. 2. As a result, the hollow portion of the tube portion 14 communicates with the storage space 2a through the filling port 3. However, the connection configuration between the tube portion 14 and the filling port 3 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment.

[0054] As described above, the ventilation hole 4 of this embodiment is formed by the ventilation filter 5. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , an outwardly protruding tubular portion 18 is formed on the outer surface of the first plate portion 11b1 of the side plate portion 11b of the case body 11. This tubular portion 18 defines a communication hole that connects the outside with the storage space 2a. The ventilation filter 5 is disposed in this communication hole. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , after the storage space 2a is filled with the infusion solution X, a cap member 19 is attached to the tubular portion 18. The cap member 19 can close the communication hole of the tubular portion 18. This protects the ventilation filter 5 and prevents gas from flowing into the storage space 2a from the outside through the ventilation hole 4. The configuration of the cap member 19 is not particularly limited as long as it can close the tubular portion 18 when attached to the tubular portion 18. However, it is preferable that the cap member 19 has a fixed structure that prevents it from being removed once attached to the tubular portion 18, so that the ventilation filter 5 is not damaged or gas does not flow in through the ventilation hole 4 after the storage space 2a is once filled with the infusion liquid X.

[0055] The membrane body 12 of this embodiment includes a membrane main body portion 51 and a peripheral edge portion 52. The membrane main body portion 51 covers the opening of the recess 21 of the case body 11 of the case member 10, and defines the storage space 2a together with the recess 21. The peripheral edge portion 52 is a portion that surrounds the periphery of the membrane main body portion 51. The peripheral edge portion 52 of this embodiment is the outer edge portion of the membrane body 12, but it need only be a portion that surrounds the periphery of the membrane main body portion 51 of the membrane body 12, and does not have to be the outer edge portion of the membrane body 12. The peripheral edge portion 52 of this embodiment is fixed to the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 together with the pressing member 16. Details of the fixing structure of the membrane body 12 will be described later.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the membrane main body 51 is deformable. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the membrane main body 51 of this embodiment extends from the opening of the recess 21 toward the bottom surface 21a when the infusion fluid X is not contained in the storage space 2a. In other words, the membrane main body 51 of this embodiment is recessed to fit the inner surface of the recess 21 when the infusion fluid X is not contained in the storage space 2a. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, when the storage space 2a is filled with the infusion fluid X, the membrane main body 51 is pressed by the filled infusion fluid X and expands, deforming and protruding from the opening of the recess 21. More specifically, the membrane main body 51 of this embodiment deforms and protrudes from the opening of the recess 21 through the central opening of the endless pressing member 16. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the membrane main body 51 deformed to protrude from the opening of the recess 21 protrudes beyond the position of the pressing member 16 in the depth direction D through the central opening of the pressing member 16. If air bubbles remain in the infusion liquid X, the other end of the tube 14 can be closed and the protruding membrane body 51 can be pushed in from the outside to expel the air bubbles through the vent 4. When the infusion liquid X contained in the storage space 2a is administered into a living body through the filling port 3 via the tube 14 (described later), the amount of the infusion liquid X in the storage space 2a decreases. As a result, the membrane body 51 returns from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 due to the weight of the infusion liquid X or the restoring force of the membrane body 51 itself. In other words, by having the membrane body 51 extend from the opening of the recess 21 toward the bottom surface 21a when no infusion liquid X is contained in the storage space 2a, the volume of the storage space 2a can be reduced as the amount of the infusion liquid X contained in the storage space 2a decreases. As a result, most of the infusion liquid X contained in the storage space 2a can be easily delivered through the filling port 3.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the infusion liquid X is not contained in the containing space 2a, the membrane main body 51 penetrates into the bottom surface 21a from the opening of the recess 21, but does not contact the bottom surface 21a. This prevents the membrane main body 51 and the bottom surface 21a from adhering to each other. This prevents the filling resistance of the infusion liquid X into the containing space 2a from increasing.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, the peripheral edge portion 52 of this embodiment covers the edge top surface 33 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 and is fixed to the edge top surface 33. More specifically, the peripheral edge portion 52 of this embodiment is fixed to the edge top surface 33 while being sandwiched between a pressing member 16 (described later) and the edge top surface 33. The fixing structure of the membrane body 12 will be described in detail later. The membrane main body portion 51 described above is located on the recess 21 side of this peripheral edge portion 52. More specifically, the membrane main body portion 51 of this embodiment is continuous with the recess 21 side of the peripheral edge portion 52.

[0059] 1 to 7, the lid portion 13 can be opened and closed relative to the case body 11 between a state in which it does not cover the membrane body 12 and a state in which it covers the membrane body 12. For ease of explanation, the state in which the lid portion 13 does not cover the membrane body 12 (see FIG. 3, etc.) will be simply referred to as the "open state." Furthermore, the state in which the lid portion 13 covers the membrane body 12 (see FIG. 2, etc.) will be simply referred to as the "closed state."

[0060] The lid 13 is in an open state when the infusion liquid X is filled into the storage space 2a. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the storage space 2a when the infusion liquid X is filled into the storage space 2a, the membrane 12 can be easily deformed by pressing it from the outside. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the storage space 2a is completely surrounded by a member harder than the membrane 12, such as the case body 11, air bubbles in the storage space 2a can be easily moved when the storage space 2a is filled with the infusion liquid X.

[0061] Furthermore, as described above, the storage space 2a in this embodiment is formed by covering the opening of the recess 21 in the case body 11 of the case member 10 with the membrane 12. Therefore, compared to when the inner wall defining the storage space 2a is composed only of a flexible bag, deformation of the inner wall of the storage space 2a can be limited to only the portion defined by the membrane 12. In other words, the deformation of the inner wall of the storage space 2a can be regulated to a desired state. This prevents a pushing force applied to move air bubbles from causing large local deformation in unintended locations of the storage space 2a, resulting in the retention of air bubbles. In other words, air bubbles in the storage space 2a can be moved more easily.

[0062] Furthermore, after the infusion fluid X is filled into the storage space 2a, closing the lid portion 13 protects the membrane body 12 and prevents leakage of the infusion fluid X due to perforation, etc., and also prevents a patient using the infusion pump 100 from removing the infusion fluid X, such as a medicinal solution, from the storage space 2a.

[0063] In this embodiment, lid portion 13 is rotatably attached to case body 11 by hinge portion 15. Therefore, by rotating lid portion 13 relative to case body 11 by hinge portion 15, lid portion 13 can change its state between the open state and the closed state described above, thereby opening and closing case body 11.

[0064] More specifically, the lid 13 of this embodiment includes a top plate 13a that covers the membrane 12 in the closed state and a side plate 13b that rises from the outer edge of the top plate 13a in the thickness direction of the top plate 13a. When the lid 13 is in the closed state, the top plate 13a faces the bottom plate 11a of the case body 11. Therefore, when the lid 13 is in the closed state, the membrane 12 is interposed between the bottom plate 11a of the case body 11 and the top plate 13a of the lid 13. Furthermore, when the lid 13 is in the closed state, the side plate 13b of the lid 13, together with the side plate 11b of the case body 11, covers the periphery of the storage space 2a in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the bottom plate 11a and the top plate 13a. In other words, when the lid 13 is in the closed state, the storage space 2a is surrounded by the case body 11 and the lid 13.

[0065] More specifically, the side plate 13b of the lid 13 of this embodiment includes a first plate 13b1 that forms a continuous side wall together with the first plate 11b1 of the case body 11. The side plate 13b of the lid 13 of this embodiment also includes a second plate 13b2 that forms a continuous side wall together with the second plate 11b2 of the case body 11. The side plate 13b of the lid 13 of this embodiment also includes a third plate 13b3 that forms a continuous side wall together with the fourth plate 11b4 of the case body 11. The first plate 13b1 and the second plate 13b2 of the lid 13 are provided with locking claws 41 that engage with the fastening portions 42 of the first plate 11b1 and the second plate 11b2 of the case body 11 when the lid 13 is in a closed state. The third plate 13b3 of the lid 13 is connected to the fourth plate 11b4 of the case body 11 via a hinge 15.

[0066] The lid portion 13 of this embodiment can be formed from the same material as the above-described case body 11. Furthermore, the thickness of the lid portion 13 is preferably greater than the thickness of the membrane 12 at any position. Furthermore, the bending rigidity of the lid portion 13 is preferably greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane 12. In this way, deformation of the membrane 12 due to pressure from the lid portion 13 can be suppressed when the lid portion 13 is in the closed state where the membrane 12 is covered by the lid portion 13.

[0067] The tube portion 14 is connected to the case body 11 so as to be able to be filled with the infusion liquid X through the filling port 3. As described above, one end of the tube portion 14 in this embodiment is connected to the base end of the cylindrical portion 22 (see FIG. 3) via the L-shaped connecting tube portion 23 (see FIG. 2). By connecting the other end of the tube portion 14 to, for example, a syringe, the infusion liquid X can be filled into the storage space 2a through the tube portion 14.

[0068] Furthermore, when the infusion pump 100 is in use, the tube 14 is used as a part of an infusion tube for administering the infusion solution X filled in the storage space 2a into a living body. That is, the infusion pump 100 shown in Fig. 1 can send the infusion solution X discharged from the storage space 2a into the tube 14 through the filling port 3 to the downstream side of the flow path by causing peristaltic movement in the tube 14. For example, an indwelling needle placed in the living body is located on the downstream side of the flow path of the tube 14, and the infusion solution X can be administered into the living body through this indwelling needle.

[0069] 3 to 8, the pressing member 16 extends along the edge 40 of the recess 21 of the case member 10. More specifically, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is an endless member that extends along the edge 40 over the entire area of ​​the endless edge 40. The pressing member 16 is fixed to the case member 10 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the pressing member 16 and the edge 40 of the recess 21. More specifically, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is fixed to the edge top surface 33 of the edge 40 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the pressing member 16 and the edge top surface 33 of the edge 40.

[0070] More specifically, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment includes a top cover portion 61 and an inner cover portion 62.

[0071] The top cover portion 61 covers the top edge surface 33 of the edge portion 40. Although the top cover portion 61 of this embodiment covers the entire top edge surface 33 of the edge portion 40, it does not have to cover the entire surface. The top cover portion 61 of this embodiment is fixed to the top edge surface 33 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the top edge surface 33. In this way, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is fixed to the case member 10 by the top cover portion 61 being fixed to the top edge surface 33 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the top cover portion 61. As will be described in detail later, the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is fixed not only to the top edge surface 33 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 but also to the membrane 12.

[0072] The top cover portion 61 of this embodiment includes a fixed portion 61 a and a non-fixed portion 61 b. As will be described in detail later, the provision of such non-fixed portion 61 b ​​makes it possible to prevent loose pieces, which are formed by melting during the welding operation and tend to become loose after solidification, from scattering within the accommodation space 2 a.

[0073] Furthermore, it is preferable that the non-fixed portion 61b sandwiches the membrane 12 without any gap between it and the edge top surface 33. As will be described in detail later, this makes it possible to further prevent the loose pieces from scattering into the accommodation space 2a (see FIG. 9).

[0074] 3 to 8, the top cover portion 61 of this embodiment extends endlessly so as to cover the endless top edge surface 33. The top cover portion 61 of this embodiment is configured as a band-shaped portion whose width direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the top edge surface 33 extends (in this embodiment, the thickness direction of the side plate portion 11b). The longitudinal direction of the band-shaped portion of the top cover portion 61 is the direction along the endless top edge surface 33.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 8, the inner surface cover portion 62 of this embodiment is continuous with the above-mentioned top surface cover portion 61. The inner surface cover portion 62 also covers the inner edge surface 31 of the edge portion 40. In other words, the inner surface cover portion 62 is continuous with the recess 21 side of the top surface cover portion 61. As shown in Fig. 8, the inner surface cover portion 62 sandwiches the membrane body 12 between itself and the inner edge surface 31. This will be described in detail later.

[0076] 3 to 8, the inner cover portion 62 of this embodiment extends endlessly so as to cover the endless inner edge surface 31. The inner cover portion 62 of this embodiment is configured as a strip-shaped portion whose width direction is along the depth direction D of the recess 21. The longitudinal direction of the strip-shaped portion of the inner cover portion 62 is the direction along the endless inner edge surface 31.

[0077] As will be described in detail later, the pressing member 16 is connected to the top cover portion 61, is positioned opposite the inner cover portion 62, and may further include a side cover portion 63 (see Figure 10) that covers the side of the case member 10.

[0078] [Fixing structure of case member 10, membrane body 12, and pressing member 16] Next, the fixing structure of the case member 10, the membrane body 12, and the pressing member 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed circle in Fig. 5. That is, Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 and its vicinity in Fig. 5.

[0079] As described above, the presser member 16 extends along the edge 40 of the case member 10 and is fixed to the case member 10 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the presser member 16 and the edge 40. More specifically, the presser member 16 of this embodiment is fixed to the edge top surface 33 of the edge 40 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the presser member 16 and the edge top surface 33. This makes it easier to maintain the position of the membrane 12 between the presser member 16 and the edge top surface 33 compared to a configuration in which the presser member is fixed to a location other than the edge top surface 33 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the presser member 16 and the edge top surface 33. This further enhances the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 is sandwiched between the presser member 16 and the edge top surface 33.

[0080] The structure for fastening the pressing member 16 to the edge 40 of the case member 10 is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that they are fastened to each other in a positional relationship that sandwiches the membrane 12 between them. Therefore, for example, the fastening structure may include a separate member in addition to the membrane 12 between the case member 10 and the pressing member 16. Alternatively, as in the present embodiment, the fastening structure may include only the membrane 12 between the case member 10 and the pressing member 16. However, the method for fastening the pressing member 16 to the edge 40 of the case member 10 is preferably by fastening, such as by welding, e.g., ultrasonic welding, or by adhesive bonding. Fastening by fastening allows for a continuous, uninterrupted fastening point across the entire edge 40, compared to fastening using a fastening member such as a screw. This improves the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10 across the entire edge 40.

[0081] More specifically, in this embodiment, any two of the top edge 33 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the retaining member 16 are fixed together. That is, the top edge 33 and the membrane 12 are fixed together. The top edge 33 and the retaining member 16 are also fixed together. Furthermore, the membrane 12 and the retaining member 16 are fixed together. In this manner, misalignment of the top edge 33 of the case member 10, the retaining member 16, and the membrane 12 is less likely to occur, thereby improving the positional stability of the membrane 12. In other words, using such a retaining member 16 can further improve the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top edge 33 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the presser member 16 are integrated by welding, which is one form of fastening. This configuration can further increase the positional stability of the membrane 12 between the top edge 33 and the presser member 16. In other words, by using the presser member 16 that is integrated with the top edge 33 and the membrane 12 by welding, the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10 can be further increased.

[0083] Furthermore, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment includes a top cover portion 61, as described above. The top cover portion 61 of this embodiment includes a fixed portion 61a and a non-fixed portion 61b. The fixed portion 61a of this embodiment is integrated with the top edge surface 33 and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the fixed portion 61a and the top edge surface 33. The non-fixed portion 61b of this embodiment is located closer to the recess 21 than the fixed portion 61a. Furthermore, the non-fixed portion 61b of this embodiment is not integrated with the top edge surface 33 and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the non-fixed portion 61b and the top edge surface 33. In other words, the non-fixed portion 61b sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the top edge surface 33, but there is no fixation between the non-fixed portion 61b and the membrane 12, and between the membrane 12 and the top edge surface 33. By providing such a non-adhered portion 61b, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane body 12 deforms so as to protrude from the opening of the recess 21, deformation of the portion of the membrane body 12 covered by the non-adhered portion 61b can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the membrane body 12 deforms as described above, the storage space 2a side of the portion of the membrane body 12 and the edge top surface 33 that is integrated with the adhering portion 61a by welding can be suppressed from being widely exposed toward the storage space 2a. This prevents loose pieces that are formed by melting during the welding operation and that tend to become loose after solidification from scattering into the storage space 2a.

[0084] 8, the top edge surface 33 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 in this embodiment includes a base surface 33a and a rib-like convex surface 33b protruding from the base surface 33a. In this embodiment, the convex surface 33b of the top edge surface 33 is integrated with the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane 12 by welding. More specifically, in this embodiment, the convex surface 33b of the top edge surface 33, the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane 12, and the fixing portion 61a of the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 are integrated with each other by welding. In this embodiment, the convex surface 33b is located at the center of the top edge surface 33 in the width direction B. The width direction B of the top edge surface 33 is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the top edge surface 33 extends endlessly, and in this embodiment, it is the thickness direction of the side plate portion 11b (see FIGS. 3 to 7). Furthermore, the width direction B of the edge top surface 33 in this embodiment is the same as the width direction of the top surface cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16. Therefore, at the inner edge of the edge top surface 33 in this embodiment, the base surface 33a is continuous with the edge inner surface 31. At the outer edge of the edge top surface 33 in this embodiment, the base surface 33a is continuous with the edge side surface 32.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8 , in this embodiment, the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 is fixed to the edge 40 of the case member 10 only at the apex of the convex surface 33b of the edge top surface 33. In other words, the peripheral edge 52 of this embodiment is not fixed to the base surface 33a. By providing such a convex surface 33b and fixing the apex of the convex surface 33b to the peripheral edge 52, the sealing position (sealing line) between the edge top surface 33 of the case member 10 and the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 is clarified, making it easier to evaluate the sealing performance. The protruding height H of the convex surface 33b from the base surface 33a can be, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. A gap may be formed between the peripheral edge 52 and the base surface 33a. This gap may be, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0086] The non-fixed portion 61b of the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 of this embodiment described above is a portion that faces the base surface 33a of the edge top surface 33, with the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane body 12 sandwiched therebetween.

[0087] Furthermore, as described above, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment includes the inner cover portion 62. The inner cover portion 62 is continuous with the top cover portion 61. The inner cover portion 62 also covers the inner edge surface 31 of the edge portion 40 while sandwiching the membrane body 12. By providing such an inner cover portion 62, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane body 12 deforms to protrude from the opening of the recess 21, deformation of the portion of the membrane body 12 covered by the inner cover portion 62 can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the membrane body 12 deforms as described above, the portion of the membrane body 12 and the top edge surface 33 that is integrated with the fixing portion 61a of the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 by welding can be further suppressed from being widely exposed toward the storage space 2a.

[0088] Furthermore, the inner cover part 62 of this embodiment sandwiches the membrane body 12 between itself and the inner edge surface 31. That is, the inner cover part 62 of this embodiment abuts against the membrane body 12. By doing so, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane body 12 deforms so as to protrude from the opening of the recess 21, the portion of the membrane body 12 covered by the inner cover part 62 is less likely to deform. Therefore, scattering of the above-mentioned loose pieces into the storage space 2a can be further suppressed.

[0089] As described above, the top cover portion 61 of this embodiment has the non-fixed portion 61b on the recess 21 side with respect to the fixed portion 61a. In other words, the inner cover portion 62 of this embodiment is continuous with the non-fixed portion 61b of the top cover portion 61. However, if the non-fixed portion 61b is not provided on the recess 21 side with respect to the fixed portion 61a of the top cover portion 61, the inner cover portion 62 may be continuous with the fixed portion 61a of the top cover portion 61.

[0090] The configuration of the top edge surface 33 is not limited to that of this embodiment. As described above, the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10 of this embodiment has a base surface 33a as a non-fixed surface that is not integrated with the non-fixed portion 61b and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the top edge surface 33 and the non-fixed portion 61b of the top cover portion 61. Furthermore, as described above, the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10 of this embodiment has a convex surface 33b as a fixed surface that is integrated with the fixed portion 61a and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the top edge surface 33 and the fixed portion 61a of the top cover portion 61. However, the non-fixed surface and fixed surface of the top edge surface 33 are not limited to the configuration of the base surface 33a and convex surface 33b of this embodiment. Figure 9 shows a modified example of the top edge surface 33.

[0091] The edge top surface 33 shown in Fig. 9 includes an endless groove 33c, an endless inner top surface 33d located on the inner edge side of the groove 33c, and an endless outer top surface 33e located on the outer edge side of the groove 33c. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the groove 33c and the inner top surface 33d form the non-fixed surface. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the outer top surface 33e forms the fixed surface.

[0092] Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 9, the inner top surface 33d forms a sandwiching portion that sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b of the top surface cover portion 61. In other words, the inner top surface 33d shown in Fig. 9 is in contact with the membrane 12 and sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b. In contrast, the groove 33c does not sandwich the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b. In other words, the groove 33c is located opposite the non-fixed portion 61b with the membrane 12 sandwiched therebetween, but is not in contact with the membrane 12, and forms a retracted portion that is spaced apart from the membrane 12. Furthermore, the groove 33c is located between the outer top surface 33e as the fixed surface and the inner top surface 33d as the sandwiching portion of the non-fixed surface.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 9, it is preferable that the non-adhered portion 61b sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the edge top surface 33 without any gaps. In other words, it is preferable that the edge top surface 33 has the above-mentioned sandwiching portion (inner top surface 33d in the example of Fig. 9) that sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-adhered portion 61b. By doing so, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane 12 deforms so as to protrude from the opening of the recess 21, the portion of the membrane 12 covered by the non-adhered portion 61b is less likely to deform. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the above-mentioned loose pieces from scattering into the storage space 2a.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, it is preferable that the non-fixed surface of the edge top surface 33 not only has a sandwiching portion (inner top surface 33d in the example of Fig. 9) that sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b, but also has a retreating portion (groove 33c in the example of Fig. 9) that is located between the fixed surface (outer top surface 33e in the example of Fig. 9) and the sandwiching portion of the non-fixed surface (inner top surface 33d in the example of Fig. 9) and is spaced apart from the membrane 12. By providing such a retreating portion, the above-mentioned loose pieces are more likely to remain in the gap between the membrane 12 and the retreating portion, and scattering into the accommodation space 2a can be further prevented.

[0095] The shapes of the fixed surface and non-fixed surface of the edge top surface 33 shown in FIG. 9 are not particularly limited. For example, the edge top surface 33 may be configured to include a flat base surface and first and second convex surfaces that protrude separately from positions spaced apart on the base surface and extend substantially parallel to each other. In such a case, the convex surface on the outer edge of the first and second convex surfaces may form the fixed surface. Furthermore, the convex surface on the inner edge of the first and second convex surfaces may form a sandwiching portion of the non-fixed surface. Furthermore, a groove between the first and second convex surfaces may form a retraction portion for the non-fixed surface.

[0096] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pressing member 16 described above. As shown in FIG. 10, the pressing member 16 may include a side cover portion 63 that covers the edge side surface 32 of the side surface of the case member 10. In other words, the pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 8 is a member with an L-shaped cross section, while the pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 10 is a member with a U-shaped cross section. The side cover portion 63 is connected to the top cover portion 61 and is disposed opposite the inner cover portion 62. More specifically, the side cover portion 63 shown in FIG. 10 extends endlessly to cover the endless edge side surface 32 of the edge portion 40. The side cover portion 63 shown in FIG. 10 is formed of a band-shaped portion whose width direction is along the depth direction D of the recess 21. The longitudinal direction of the band-shaped portion of the side cover portion 63 is along the endless edge side surface 32.

[0097] 10 , the side cover portion 63 sandwiches the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 and the membrane 12 between itself and the inner cover portion 62. This configuration facilitates sandwiching the membrane 12 between the inner cover portion 62 and the edge inner surface 31 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , the inner cover portion 62 easily sandwiches the vicinity of the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane main body portion 51 of the membrane 12 between itself and the edge inner surface 31. As described above, sandwiching the membrane 12 between the inner cover portion 62 and the edge inner surface 31 makes it more difficult for the portion of the membrane 12 covered by the inner cover portion 62 to deform, even when the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane 12 deforms to protrude from the opening of the recess 21. This further prevents the loose pieces from scattering into the storage space 2a.

[0098] Furthermore, the inner cover portion 62 and the side cover portion 63 may be used as positioning portions for the membrane 12 before it is fixed to the top edge surface 33. In other words, by sandwiching the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 and the membrane 12 between the inner cover portion 62 and the side cover portion 63, it becomes easier to position the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane 12 before it is fixed to the top edge surface 33 in a state where it covers the top edge surface 33. With the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10, the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane 12, and the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 in this positioned state can be integrated by welding, for example, by ultrasonic welding. Details of this fixing method will be described later (see Figures 12 and 13).

[0099] Furthermore, the positioning portion for the membrane 12 before being fixed to the top edge surface 33 is not limited to the configuration using the inner cover portion 62 and the side cover portion 63 of the pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 10 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the positioning portion for the membrane 12 before being fixed to the top edge surface 33. The positioning portion shown in FIG. 11 includes a protrusion 71 and a receiving portion 72. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10 includes the protrusion 71. In the example shown in FIG. 11 , the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 are formed with through-holes serving as receiving portions 72 that fit into the protrusions 71. Before the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12 is fixed to the top edge surface 33, the protrusions 71 of the top edge surface 33 are fitted into the through-holes serving as receiving portions 72 formed in the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16. This allows the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 to be positioned relative to the case member 10 before being fixed to the top edge 33. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11, the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 can be positioned relative to the case member 10 before being fixed to the top edge 33. In this way, the protrusions 71 and the receiving portions 72 may be used as positioning portions for the membrane 12 before being fixed to the top edge 33.

[0100] Although the protrusion 71 shown in FIG. 11 is provided on the case member 10, this configuration is not limited thereto. That is, the protrusion 71 may be provided on at least one of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the presser member 16. Furthermore, although the receiving portion 72 shown in FIG. 11 is provided on the membrane 12 and the presser member 16, this configuration is not limited thereto. That is, the receiving portion 72 may be formed on at least one of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the presser member 16, other than the one having the protrusion 71. This configuration makes it easy to position the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the presser member 16. However, when the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the presser member 16 are positioned so as to overlap the top edge 33, and then the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the presser member 16 are integrated with the top edge 33 by welding or the like, the configuration shown in FIG. 11 is preferred. 11, it is preferable to provide a protrusion 71 on the top edge 33 of the case member 10, and to provide a receiving portion 72 on the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16. In this way, the efficiency of the fixing work for fixing the membrane 12 and the pressing member 16 to the case member 10 can be improved.

[0101] It is preferable that the protrusions 71 and receiving portions 72 shown in Fig. 11 are provided in plurality at predetermined intervals along the extension direction of the edge top surface 33. This can further improve the positioning accuracy of the case member 10, the membrane body 12, and the pressing member 16 before they are fixed. Also, although Fig. 11 shows an example of a through-hole as the receiving portion 72, it is not limited to this configuration. The receiving portion 72 may also be a recess that does not penetrate through.

[0102] Finally, with reference to Figures 12 and 13, a method for fixing the membrane body 12 and the pressing member 16 to the case member 10 will be described as part of the manufacturing method of the infusion cartridge 2. In Figures 12 and 13, the fixing method will be described using the case member 10, membrane body 12, and pressing member 16 shown in Figures 1 to 8, but the same fixing method can also be used for the case member 10, membrane body 12, and pressing member 16 shown in Figures 9 to 11, so a description thereof will be omitted here. However, in the example shown in Figures 10 and 11, the positioning accuracy described below can be further improved by using the positioning unit described above.

[0103] Fig. 12 shows the state before the membrane 12 and the pressing member 16 are fixed to the case member 10. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the fixing operation for fixing the membrane 12 and the pressing member 16 to the case member 10. When the fixing operation shown in Fig. 13 is completed, the fixed state shown in Fig. 8 is achieved. The external shapes of the case member 10, membrane 12, and pressing member 16 shown in Fig. 12 differ in detail from the external shapes of the case member 10, membrane 12, and pressing member 16 shown in Figs. 1 to 7, but the fixing structure of the case member 10, membrane 12, and pressing member 16 is the same.

[0104] 12, first, the opening of the recess 21 of the case body 11 of the case member 10 is covered with the flexible film 12. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the film 12 is placed inside the recess 21 of the case body 11 of the case member 10. In this way, the opening of the recess 21 can be covered with the film 12.

[0105] Thereafter, the pressing member 16 is placed along the edge 40 of the recess 21 of the case member 10, sandwiching the membrane 12 between this edge 40 and the pressing member 16. This positions the membrane 12. In other words, the position of the membrane 12 relative to the case member 10 and the pressing member 16 can be determined. In this state, the pressing member 16 is fixed to the case member 10, forming a liquid-tight and airtight storage space 2a (see FIG. 5, etc.) between the case member 10 and the membrane 12.

[0106] More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 12 , with the membrane 12 placed in the recess 21 of the case member 10, the pressing member 16 is positioned on the case member 10 so as to sandwich the membrane 12 between the pressing member 16 and the case member 10. The pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 12 is an endless member having an L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 12 includes an endless tubular portion 81a that constitutes the inner surface cover portion 62 and a flange portion 81b that protrudes from one end of the endless tubular portion and constitutes the top surface cover portion 61. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 12 , the endless tubular portion 81a of the pressing member 16 is fitted into the recess 21 of the case member 10 so as to press the membrane 12 against the inner edge surface 31 of the case member 10. This allows the pressing member 16 and the membrane 12 to be positioned on the case member 10. This also allows the edge top surface 33 of the case member 10, the portion that will become the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane body 12, and the flange portion 81b that will become the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 to be aligned before being fixed.

[0107] After alignment, as shown in FIG. 13, ultrasonic vibrations and pressure are simultaneously applied from an oscillator (not shown) via a horn 90. This melts the convex surface 33b of the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10, the portion that will become the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane 12, and the flange portion 81b that will become the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16, and these are integrated by welding. This forms a liquid-tight and airtight storage space 2a between the case member 10 and the membrane 12. In this way, the membrane 12 and the pressing member 16 can be easily fixed to the case member 10.

[0108] The infusion cartridge, infusion pump, and method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge according to the present disclosure are not limited to the specific configurations and steps shown in the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, alterations, and combinations are possible as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the claims.

[0109] For example, the case body 11 of the infusion cartridge 2 may be composed of a single member or multiple members. The case body 11 may be composed of, for example, a box body defining the recess 21 and a plate body attached to the side of the box body and constituting the tube receiving portion 30 (see FIG. 2). The case body 11 shown in FIG. 12 does not show the plate body. That is, FIG. 12 shows only the box body of the case body 11 composed of the box body and the plate body. Alternatively, the case body 11 may be configured such that the box body and the plate body are integrally formed from a single member.

[0110] In addition, although the inner edge surface 31 and the side edge surface 32 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 in the above-described embodiment are surfaces that are parallel to each other, this is not limited to this configuration. The inner edge surface 31 and the side edge surface 32 may be, for example, inclined surfaces that gradually decrease in distance from each other as they approach the top edge surface 33. Furthermore, the inner edge surface 31 and the side edge surface 32 are not limited to the inclined surfaces described above, and may be formed of other surfaces that are not parallel to each other. [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] The present disclosure relates to an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1: Pump body 2: Infusion cartridge 2a: Containment space 3: Filling port 4: Ventilation hole 5: Ventilation filter 10: Case material 11: Case body 11a: Bottom plate part 11b: Side plate part 11b1: 1st plate part 11b2: 2nd plate part 11b3: 3rd plate part 11b4: 4th plate part 12: Membrane body 13: Lid part 13a: Top plate 13b: Side plate part 13b1: 1st plate part 13b2: 2nd plate part 13b3: 3rd plate part 14: Pipe part 15: Hinge part 16: Pressing member 18:Cylinder part 19: Cap component 20: Extension part 21: Recess 21a: Bottom 21b: Side 22: Cylinder part 23: Connection pipe section 30: Pipe receiving part 31: Inside edge 32: Edge side 33: Edge top surface 33a: Base surface (an example of a non-adhered surface) 33b: Convex surface (an example of a fixing surface) 33c: Groove (an example of a recessed portion on a non-adhered surface) 33d: Inner top surface (an example of a clamping part of a non-fixed surface) 33e: Outer top surface (an example of a fixed surface) 40: Edge 41: Locking claw part 42: Fastening part 51: Membrane body 52: Periphery 61: Top cover 61a: Fixing part 61b: Non-fixed part 62: Inner cover part 63: Side cover part 71:Protrusion 72: Receiving part 81a: Endless cylinder part 81b: flange part 90: Horn 100: Infusion pump 120: Display section 130:Operation unit 131: Fast forward switch 132: Start switch 133: Stop switch 134: Power switch 140: Liquid delivery unit B: Width direction of the rim top surface D: Depth direction of the recess H: Height of the convex surface protruding from the base surface X: Infusion

Claims

1. An infusion cartridge that defines a storage space capable of storing an infusion, a case member having a recess formed therein; a flexible membrane body that covers the opening of the recess and defines the storage space between the membrane body and the recess; a pressing member extending along an edge of the recess of the case member and fixed to the case member in a state in which the film body is sandwiched between the pressing member and the edge of the recess, The pressing member extends along the edge of the recess of the case member and forms a central opening, the membrane is deformable so as to protrude from the opening of the recess of the case member through the central opening of the pressing member, The edge portion is an inner edge surface facing the recess; a rim top surface that is continuous with the rim inner surface and faces the outside of the recess, The pressing member includes a top surface cover portion that covers the edge top surface of the edge portion, The top cover portion is a fixing portion that is integrated with the edge top surface and the film body by welding in a state where the film body is sandwiched between the edge top surface and the fixing portion; An infusion cartridge comprising: a non-adhered portion located closer to the recess than the fixed portion, sandwiching the membrane body between the fixed portion and the edge top surface, and not being integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding.

2. The edge top surface is a fixing surface that is integrated with the fixing portion and the film body by welding in a state where the film body is sandwiched between the fixing portion and the fixing surface of the top cover part; a non-fixed surface that is not integrated with the non-fixed portion and the membrane by welding, in a state where the membrane is sandwiched between the non-fixed portion and the top cover portion, The non-stick surface is a sandwiching portion that sandwiches the film body between the sandwiching portion and the non-fixed portion; The infusion cartridge of claim 1, further comprising: a retraction portion located between the fixing surface and the clamping portion, the retraction portion being spaced apart from the membrane body without clamping the membrane body between the fixing surface and the non-fixing portion.

3. The infusion cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressing member includes an inner cover portion that is connected to the top cover portion and covers the inner edge surface of the edge portion with the membrane body sandwiched therebetween.

4. The infusion cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the inner surface cover sandwiches the membrane between the inner surface cover and the inner edge surface.

5. the case member includes a side surface that is continuous with the edge top surface of the edge portion and is located on the back side of the edge inner surface, the pressing member includes a side cover portion that is connected to the top cover portion, is disposed opposite the inner cover portion, and covers the side surface of the case member; The infusion cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the inner cover portion sandwiches the case member and the membrane body between the inner cover portion and the side cover portion, thereby sandwiching the membrane body between the inner edge surface of the edge portion of the case member and the side cover portion.

6. At least one of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member includes a protrusion, An infusion cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a receiving portion consisting of a recess or a through hole that fits into the protrusion portion is formed in at least one of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member.

7. An infusion cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a pump body attached to the infusion cartridge.

8. A method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that defines a storage space capable of storing an infusion, comprising: The opening of the recess of the case member is covered with a flexible film body; a pressing member having a central opening formed therein is disposed along an edge of the recess of the case member so as to sandwich the membrane between the pressing member and the edge of the recess, thereby positioning the membrane, and fixing the pressing member to the case member; and forming the storage space such that the membrane can protrude and deform from the opening of the recess of the case member through the central opening of the pressing member; The edge portion is an inner edge surface facing the recess; a rim top surface that is continuous with the rim inner surface and faces the outside of the recess, The pressing member includes a top surface cover portion that covers the edge top surface of the edge portion, A method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge, in which the pressing member is fixed to the case member so that the top cover portion has a fixed portion that is integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding with the membrane body sandwiched between it and the edge top surface, and a non-fixed portion that is located on the recess side of the fixed portion and is not integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding with the membrane body sandwiched between it and the edge top surface.

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