Needle applicators and needle injection kits

Abstract

A needle applicator 1 for feeding a liquid so as to pass through the inside of or nearby a plurality of microneedles onto a surface of or into the inside of a subject comprises: a base part 10 that has a side wall 12 and a support wall 15 that is connected to the side wall from the inside surface in the vicinity of the lower end of the side wall and has a circulation hole 16 formed therein, the upper part of the base part 10 being open; a needle plate 20 that is attached to the lower end of the support wall 15, has provided thereto a plurality of downward-pointing microneedles 23 that puncture the subject, and in which a through hole 22 is formed penetrating in the thickness direction; an absorbing member 30 that is impregnated with the liquid and can be fitted internally on the upper side of the support wall 15; and a pressing member 40 that presses the absorbing member 30.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a needle applicator and a needle injection kit including the needle applicator.

[0002] In recent years, microneedle masks have become known in which dissolving microneedles are attached to the skin and left there, thereby allowing active ingredients to penetrate the skin (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] However, in mask-type microneedles such as those described in Patent Document 1, the microneedles and active ingredients are integrally formed, so they need to be left for a long time to inject the cosmetic ingredients dissolved in the microneedles into the skin. Also, the cosmetic ingredients that can be integrated with the microneedles are limited.

[0004] Meanwhile, a technique has been proposed in which an applicator is provided with a spring as an elastic member, and when applying the microneedles to the skin, the biasing force of the spring is transmitted to the microneedles, causing them to descend within the applicator and come into contact with the skin (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] There is also a technology in which the patch is attached to the skin using an adhesive portion that extends outward from the patch, and when in use, the patch is pressed down with one finger to inject the medicinal liquid from the patch (see Patent Document 3).

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 proposes that a micro-protrusion device is made by bonding two sheets together: a bottom sheet with micro-protrusions on the contact surface, and an top sheet; and that when the micro-protrusions are pierced into the skin to dispense the liquid contents, the device is used by pressing down with a finger from above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-051354 [Patent Document 2] WO2017 / 038499 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent No. 4815095 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-96790 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, when a spring is used to raise and lower the microneedle, as in Patent Document 2, a mechanism for raising and lowering the microneedle is required, which results in an increased size of the applicator. Also, in order to avoid affecting the spring portion inside the applicator, the drug is applied to the surface of the microneedle in advance, or the microneedle itself is formed to contain the drug, so the content of the active ingredient is low, and liquids cannot be used as the active ingredient.

[0009] On the other hand, when a configuration is provided with an adhesive part as in Patent Document 3, there is a possibility that, particularly when applied to the face, adverse effects may occur, such as skin irritation due to the adhesive components of the adhesive part or the removal of keratin when the product is removed.

[0010] Furthermore, the technology in Patent Document 4 is constructed by laminating two sheets together, which makes it prone to tilting during use and unstable. Also, because the sheets are laminated together, the sides are thin, making it impossible to press down from above while grasping the sides from the side.

[0011] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a needle applicator that is small and easy to hold, and that can deliver liquid active ingredients into an object by pressing it with the fingers and bringing it into stable contact with the object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problem, in one aspect of the present invention, A needle applicator for delivering a liquid into or onto a surface of a target object through or near a plurality of fine needles, a base portion having a side wall and a support wall connected to an inner surface of the side wall near a lower end thereof and having a flow hole formed therein, the base portion having an open top; a needle plate having a plurality of downwardly directed fine needles to be inserted into the object, a through hole penetrating in the thickness direction, and attached to the lower end of the support wall; an absorbent member that is impregnated with liquid and can be fitted inside the upper side of the support wall; and a pressing member that presses the absorbing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one aspect, the needle applicator is small and easy to hold, and can be pressed with a finger to stably contact the object, thereby delivering a liquid active ingredient into the object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective schematic view of a needle applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of injection of a liquid using a hollow needle in the needle applicator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are views showing modified examples of the through holes of the lower frame portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are explanatory views of the injection hole and the needle-like protrusion of the needle applicator according to the fourth embodiment, and of the contents entering the needle-like protrusion. [Figure 9A] 13A and 13B are diagrams (part 1) showing modified examples of needle-like projections provided on the needle plate according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 2) showing a modified example of the needle-shaped protrusions provided on the needle plate according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9C] FIG. 10 is a third view showing a modified example of the needle-shaped protrusions provided on the needle plate according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a needle applicator according to an application example of the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram of a needle injection kit including the needle applicator of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart showing the procedure for using the puncture and injection kit of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for using the puncture and injection kit of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0016] The present invention relates to a needle applicator and a puncture and injection kit including the needle applicator. The part of the needle applicator of the present invention that punctures a target object such as skin is a hollow needle or a needle-like protrusion (solid needle). The needle applicator of the present invention can use this hollow needle or needle-like protrusion to inject contents into the skin and also to apply contents to the surface of the skin.

[0017] Although human skin is primarily envisioned as an example of an object to which a liquid is applied by the needle applicator of the present invention, the object can also be animal skin, the surface of plant stems, trunks, leaves, etc. Alternatively, the object may be tissue such as skin or organs removed from a subject or test animal, or inorganic materials such as silicone membranes or urethane sheets, but is not limited to these.

[0018] First Embodiment A needle applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. First, the configuration of needle applicator 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of needle applicator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of needle applicator 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0019] The needle applicator of the present invention is a stamp-type puncturing and injection device that delivers liquid into or onto the surface of a target (such as skin) through or near multiple fine needles.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a needle applicator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a base portion 10, a needle plate 20, an absorbing member 30, and a pressing member 40.

[0021] The base 10 is a support (housing) that is open at the top and includes a side wall 11 and a support wall 15. The side wall 11 is a cylindrical peripheral wall. The support wall 15 is a lower surface that connects to the inner surface near the bottom end of the side wall 11, extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the side wall 11, and covers the bottom of the base 10.

[0022] The side wall 11 is divided into two parts, with the support wall 15 as the boundary, with the upper side of the support wall 15 being the storage wall 111 and the lower side of the support wall 15 being the leg portion 112. The lower end of the leg portion 112 of the side wall 11 is formed as a thin-walled portion 12 that is thinner on the inside than the other portions, creating a step, and the downward surface of the step between the thick-walled portion and the thin-walled portion 12 becomes the bottom frame portion 13. Furthermore, there is a step between the bottom frame portion 13 and the bottom surface 15L of the support wall 15 due to the thick portion of the leg portion 112, and the inner surface of the thick portion of the leg portion 112 becomes the liquid stopping wall portion 14. The thin-walled portion 12 can be made the same thickness as the side wall 11 or thicker than the side wall 11, for example, by increasing the outer diameter of the leg portion 112.

[0023] In this embodiment, one communication hole (upstream communication hole) 16 is formed in the center of the support wall 15, penetrating in the vertical direction.

[0024] The base portion 10 is made of a resin such as a thermoplastic resin such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBS), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or polyether ether ketone (PEEC), or a biodegradable resin such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), or polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA).

[0025] The needle applicator 1 of the present invention is small, and for example, the outer diameter of the side wall 11 of the base 10 is about 8 to 50 mm, more preferably about 10 to 40 mm. Note that in this example, the outer shape of the side wall 11 is approximately circular, but the shape of the outer shape of the side wall 11 as viewed from above may be different, such as an ellipse, a rectangle, a polygon, a polygon with rounded corners, or an approximately semicircular shape.

[0026] The height of the side wall 11 of the base 10 is about 6 to 30 mm, and more preferably about 8 to 20 mm. When the side wall 11 is 6 mm or more, the user can grasp the side wall 11 from the outside. The thickness of the side wall 11 is about 1 to 10 mm, and more preferably about 1 to 5 mm.

[0027] The needle plate 20 is a plate provided with a plurality of downward-facing fine needles to be inserted into a target object. In this embodiment, the needle plate 20 is fitted to the inner periphery of the thin-walled portion 12, below the lower frame portion 13 of the leg portion 112 of the base portion 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2 , the needle plate 20 is attached to the base portion 10 below the lower surface 15L of the support wall 15, separated by the distance of the liquid stopping wall portion 14.

[0028] In this embodiment, the needle plate 20 has a plate body 21 and hollow needles 23 as microneedles.

[0029] A plurality of individual flow paths 22 serving as conducting holes are formed in the plate body 21. A plurality of hollow needles 23 protrude from the contact surface 21L, which is the lower surface of the plate body 21, and the upper ends of hollow portions 24 communicate with the lower ends of the plurality of individual flow paths 22. Since the fine needles in this embodiment are hollow needles (hollow needles) 23, the liquid content passes through the hollow portions 24, which are the inside of the needles.

[0030] In this embodiment, the liquid flows along a two-stage flow path, with the flow holes 16 of the support wall 15 serving as upstream flow paths and the individual flow paths 22 of the plate body 21 serving as downstream flow paths. The liquid discharged from the individual flow paths 22 to the outside (below) of the contact surface 21L of the plate body 21 passes through the hollow portion 24 of the connected hollow needle 23 and is injected into the inside of the target object through the needle hole at the tip of the hollow needle 23. Note that, although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the hollow portion 24 of the hollow needle 23 is formed at a position shifted from the center, the hollow portion 24 of the hollow needle 23 may also be located at the center.

[0031] The needle plate 20 containing the multiple hollow needles 23 is preferably made of a biocompatible material, including biodegradable resins such as polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, and polyglycolic acid-polylactic acid copolymer, but may also be made of thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBS), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and polyether ether ketone (PEEC).

[0032] The length of each of the plurality of hollow needles 23 in the needle plate 20 is about 0.005 to 5 mm, more preferably about 0.01 to 3 mm, and the diameter around the base of the hollow needle 23 is in the range of 0.002 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.005 to 3 mm. It is also preferable that the plurality of hollow needles 23 are spaced apart from each other by about 0.1 mm to 10 mm or more.

[0033] The absorbent member 30 is impregnated with liquid. The absorbent member 30 may be impregnated with liquid in advance or immediately before use. The absorbent member 30 can be fitted inside the side wall 11 of the base 10 and above the support wall 15. When fitting the absorbent member 30 into the base 10, it is preferable to set the lower surface 30L of the absorbent member 30 in contact with the upper surface 15U of the support wall 15.

[0034] The absorbent member 30 is made of a permeable material made of a material that allows liquid to gradually pass through, such as a sponge (puff), cotton, or nonwoven fabric.

[0035] The pressing member 40 includes a columnar pressing body 41 and an elastic portion 42 provided at the lower end of the pressing body 41. A portion of the pressing member 40 can be fitted inside the side wall 11 of the base 10. The pressing member 40 is fitted onto the absorbing member 30 in the base 10, and is pressed down along the inner circumferential surface 11I of the side wall 11.

[0036] When using the pressing body 41 to inject liquid into a target object, the user presses the upper surface 41U of the pressing body 41. The pressing body 41 is made of a resin such as a thermoplastic resin, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBS), polyacetal (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or polyether ether ketone (PEEC), or a biodegradable resin, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), or polylactic-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA).

[0037] The elastic part 42 seals the absorbing member 30 from above when the pressing member 40 is fitted onto the absorbing member 30. The elastic part 42 is made of, for example, a thin rubber or elastomer packing (sealing element), and being made of such a material makes it possible to prevent liquid leakage and the intrusion of foreign matter.

[0038] The diameter of the pressing member 40 is, for example, about 10 to 30 mm, more preferably about 15 to 25 mm, and the height of the pressing member 40 is 30 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less, but the size of the pressing member 40 is set appropriately according to the size of the side wall 11. In particular, the elastic portion 42 is set to a size that allows it to come into close contact with the inner circumferential surface 11I of the side wall 11. The shape of the upper surface of the pressing member 40 is also set appropriately according to the shape of the outer shape of the side wall 11 when viewed from above.

[0039] Alternatively, the pressing member 40 may be configured so that it is pressed in by rotating it rather than by being pushed in. A part of the pressing member 40 (internal thread) fits into the outer side surface (external thread) of the base, and the sponge is pressed and injected by screwing it in. For example, a pressing member configured in this way may be configured so that it is screwed in before injection and can be injected by pressing a button during injection.

[0040] (Injection in the first embodiment) Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram of the injection of contents by the hollow needle 23 in the needle applicator 1 according to the first embodiment. In Figure 3, (a) is a perspective view showing the state in which the hollow needle 23 has punctured the object, and (b) is a perspective view showing the state in which liquid is being injected into the object via the hollow needle 23. The injection operation in the needle applicator 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0041] Before the state shown in FIG. 3(a), the user grips the side wall 11 of the base portion 10 of the needle applicator 1 and lightly places the needle applicator 1 on the object (for example, skin) O to position it.

[0042] 3(a), when the side wall 11 of the needle applicator 1 is pressed, the multiple hollow needles 23 pierce the object O. At this time, for example, the needles may be pierced by pushing the upper end 11U of the side wall 11 into the object with the user's fingers, or alternatively, the outer surface 11O of the side wall 11 may be grasped with two fingers and pushed into the object to pierce the object.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3(b), when the pressing member 40 of the needle applicator 1 is pressed, the liquid is sent (injected) from the hollow needle 23 into the object O.

[0044] More specifically, when the pressing member 40 presses the surface of the absorbing member 30, the absorbing member 30 contracts, causing the liquid to flow, and the liquid contained in the absorbing member 30 is sent to the communication hole 16 in the center of the support wall 15. The liquid that flows downward from the communication hole 16 spreads in the space surrounded by the lower surface 15L of the support wall 15, the upper surface 21U of the plate main body 21, and the liquid stopping wall portion 14 of the leg portion 112, and is sent to the multiple individual flow paths 22. The liquid then flows from the individual flow paths 22 toward each of the multiple hollow needles 23, and enters the inside of the object O through each of the hollow portions 24 of the multiple hollow needles 23.

[0045] If the needle applicator 1 of the present invention does not have the function of adhering to an object, the user must continue to press the needle applicator 1 against the object during the period shown in Figure 3(b) by pressing the upper surface 41U of the pressing member 40 and, if necessary, by gripping the side wall 11 of the base part 10. This pressing period is approximately 1 second to 30 minutes (more preferably, several seconds to several minutes).

[0046] After the state of FIG. 3(b), the user grasps the side wall 11 of the base portion 10 of the needle applicator 1 and moves it away from the object O, thereby withdrawing the hollow needle 23 from the object.

[0047] Thus, with needle plate 20 of this embodiment, the liquid contents are injected directly into the interior of the subject O through the pinholes at the tips of hollow needles 23 without spreading over the surface of the subject O. With such hollow needles 23, the liquid can be efficiently injected directly into the skin through the pinholes at the tips and penetrated, so the effects of gravity can be ignored. Therefore, for example, even if needle applicator 1 is used sideways with the skin of the cheek as the subject, or upside down with the underside of the chin as the subject, the liquid contents can be applied to the skin without dripping.

[0048] Here, needle applicator 1 of the present invention has side wall 11 of base 10, so the user can inject liquid into the target object while grasping side wall 11. Therefore, compared to a structure in which the sheet with the needle is supported with only one finger, the state of the patch on the target object can be maintained in a stable state during the waiting time for injection during use, so hollow needle 23 is pressed evenly into the target object and, because hollow needle 23 does not shift, the hole in the target object does not become larger.

[0049] Alternatively, even in cases where the user supports the absorbent member 30 by pressing it with only one finger during use, the present invention provides an appropriate thickness for the side wall 11 of the base 10 of the needle applicator 1, so that the user can grasp the side wall 11 from the side with one hand to position it, and then, without changing that position, press the absorbent member 30 from above with a finger other than the one used for positioning. In this mode of use, even if the needle applicator 1 tilts when pressed from above, for example, the appropriate thickness of the side wall 11 of the base 10 minimizes the tilt and causes little displacement of the hollow needle 23, so the hole made in the target object can be prevented from becoming larger than necessary.

[0050] (Modified example of flow hole) Although the example in which one through hole 16 is provided in the center of support wall 15 has been described above, the number of through holes does not have to be one. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a modified example of the through hole of the support wall according to the first embodiment.

[0051] In this modified example, the through hole 161 is a divided through hole composed of four partial through holes 162a to 162d by providing a reinforcing plate 163 that divides the single through hole. By providing the reinforcing plate 163, strength can be ensured even if the diameter of the through hole 161 is increased.

[0052] Even if the diameter of the circulation hole 161, which is the sum of the four partial circulation holes 162a to 162d, is the same as the diameter of the circulation hole 16, by providing the reinforcing plate 163, the circulation hole 161 can have a smaller inflow amount into the object per unit time than the circulation hole 16. Note that the optimum value for the inflow amount into the object per unit time differs depending on the properties of the liquid contained therein, so it is preferable to select the number of divisions of the circulation hole 161 by using or not using the reinforcing plate 163 and by increasing or decreasing the number of reinforcing plates 163 according to the specifications as appropriate.

[0053] Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the support wall 15 has one communication hole 16 provided in the center, but the support wall 15A of this embodiment has a plurality of communication holes 17a to 17e scattered therethrough.

[0055] Note that Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view and shows five communication holes 17a to 17e on the same cross section as an example, but in reality, multiple communication holes 17a to 17e are scattered across the surface of support wall 15A, and the number can be selected appropriately.

[0056] In the first embodiment, when the pressing member 40 presses, the absorbing member 30 contracts and the liquid that flows out is sent to be collected at the communication hole 16 in the center of the support wall 15. Then, the liquid that flows downward from the communication hole 16 spreads radially outward in the space surrounded by the lower surface 15L of the support wall 15, the upper surface 21U of the plate body 21, and the liquid stopping wall portion 14 of the leg portion 112, and is sent to the plurality of individual flow paths 22.

[0057] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the multiple circulation holes 17a to 17e of the support wall 15A are dispersed, so that the liquid that flows when the absorbent member 30 contracts is sent to the multiple circulation holes 17a to 17e without collecting in the center, and the liquid that flows from the circulation holes 17a to 17e to the lower side of the support wall 15A spreads radially outward and is sent to the multiple individual flow paths 22 that are located nearby.

[0058] That is, in this embodiment, in the two-stage flow path, the plurality of communication holes 17a-17e, which are the upstream flow paths, are dispersed, thereby shortening the distance that the liquid travels from the lower surface 30L of the absorbent member 30 to the upstream flow path. Furthermore, the dispersed flow path holes 17 shorten the distance from the upstream flow path to the downstream flow path (individual flow path 22), thereby shortening the overall distance that the liquid travels. Therefore, with the configuration of this embodiment, the amount of inflow into the target per unit time can be increased. Note that the optimal value for the amount of inflow into the target per unit time differs depending on the characteristics of the liquid contained therein. Therefore, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of communication holes 17a-17e and select the diameter size of the communication holes 17a-17e as appropriate according to the specifications.

[0059] <Third embodiment> FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] In the first and second embodiments, the base 10 (10A) and the needle plate 20 are formed as separate bodies, but the functions of the base and the needle plate may be integrated into one member. Below, the configuration of this embodiment will be described, focusing only on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0061] The base 50 in this embodiment is a needle-equipped base that has a side wall 51 and a needle plate 52 that is a bottom wall, and is open at the top. The side wall 51 is a cylindrical peripheral wall.

[0062] The needle plate 52 is a lower surface that connects to the inner surface of the bottom end of the side wall 51, extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall 51, and covers the lower part of the base portion 50.

[0063] Needle plate 52 is provided with a plurality of hollow needles 54, which are fine needles facing downward and which are to be inserted into a target object. Needle plate 52 is formed with a plurality of individual flow paths 53 which penetrate the thickness direction as conducting holes. The plurality of hollow needles 54 protrude from tip surface 52L, which is the lower surface of needle plate 52, and the upper ends of hollow portions 55 communicate with the lower ends of the plurality of individual flow paths 53.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the absorbing member 30 is fitted into the base portion 50, it is preferable that the lower surface 30L of the absorbing member 30 is set so as to abut against the upper surface 52U of the needle plate 52.

[0065] In this embodiment, when the pressing member 40 presses, the absorbing member 30 contracts and the liquid flows, but does not collect in the center, and is sent to the multiple individual flow paths 53 of the nearby needle plate 52. The liquid then flows from the individual flow paths 53 toward each of the multiple hollow needles 54, and enters the inside of the target object through each of the hollow portions 55 of the multiple hollow needles 54.

[0066] In the first and second embodiments, the liquid that flows as the absorbent member 30 contracts passes through the flow holes 16 (17a to 17e) and spreads before being sent to the multiple individual flow paths 22. However, in this embodiment, the liquid is sent directly to the individual flow paths 53 without passing through the flow holes 16 (17a to 17e), so that the liquid flows along a single-stage flow path.

[0067] Therefore, the moving distance of the liquid is shortened, and therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the amount of liquid flowing into the object per unit time can be made larger than in the first and second embodiments.

[0068] Here, as a manufacturing method, manufacturing the needle plate 20 separately from the base portion 10 (10A), as in the first and second embodiments, simplifies the resin molding of the base portion using, for example, a general mold, compared to integrally forming the needle plate 52 and side wall 51 from the same material; however, this requires a process of attaching the needle plate 20 to the base portion 10. On the other hand, when molding the needle plate integrally with the base portion 50, as in the third embodiment, molding using a mold is complicated, so three-dimensional integral molding is performed using, for example, a 3D printer, and there is no need to attach the needle plate to the base. Therefore, it is preferable to select an appropriate embodiment taking into account the amount of flow into the target object and differences in the manufacturing process.

[0069] <Fourth embodiment> (solid needle) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the fine needles provided on the needle plate were hollow needles 23 (54) through which the liquid contents passed, but in this embodiment, the fine needles provided on the needle plate 60 are solid needle-like protrusions 63, which are different in that the liquid contents cannot pass through the inside of the needles. The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described below.

[0071] The needle plate 60 in this embodiment is a plate provided with a plurality of downward-facing fine needles (acicular protrusions) to be punctured into a target object. In this embodiment, the needle plate 60 is fitted into the thin-walled portion 12 below the lower frame portion 13 of the leg portion 112 of the base portion 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7 , the needle plate 60 is attached to the base portion 10 below the lower surface 15L of the support wall 15, separated by the distance of the liquid stopping wall portion 14.

[0072] In this embodiment, the needle plate 60 has a plate body 61 and a plurality of acicular projections (solid needles) 63 as fine needles.

[0073] The plate body 61 has an extraction hole 62 formed therein as a through hole penetrating through the thickness direction. A plurality of needle-like projections 63 protrude downward from a contact surface 61L, which is the lower surface of the plate body 61, at positions different from the extraction hole 62.

[0074] In this embodiment, the liquid flows along a two-stage flow path, with the flow holes 16 of the support wall 15 serving as an upstream flow path and the discharge holes 62 of the plate body 61 serving as a downstream flow path. Since the flow path of the discharge holes 62 is not connected to the needle-like projections 63, the liquid discharged from the discharge holes 62 to the outside (below) of the contact surface 61L of the plate body 61 spreads over the object.

[0075] The length of each hollow needle of the multiple acicular projections 63 is about 0.005 to 5 mm, more preferably about 0.01 to 3 mm, similar to hollow needle 23, and the diameter around the base of the acicular projection 63 is in the range of 0.002 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.005 to 3 mm. In addition, it is preferable that the multiple acicular projections 63 are spaced apart from each other by about 0.1 mm to 10 mm or more.

[0076] In the fourth embodiment and the fifth embodiment described below, the through hole provided in the support wall 15 of the base portion 10 is shown as a single through hole 16 formed in the center, as in the first embodiment, but the through hole in the fourth and fifth embodiments may be in the shape of a through hole 161 divided in the center as shown in Figure 4, or multiple through holes 17a to 17e may be scattered throughout the plate body 61 as shown in Figure 5.

[0077] (Injection in the fourth embodiment) Fig. 8 is a see-through explanatory diagram showing the penetration of contents by the needle-like protrusions 63 in the needle applicator 4 according to the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 3, (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the object O has been punctured by the needle-like protrusions 63, and (b) is a diagram showing the state in which liquid has penetrated into the object O via the needle-like protrusions 63. The way in which a user holds and presses the needle applicator 4 of this embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0078] Before reaching the state shown in FIG. 8(a), the user grips the side wall 11 of the base portion 10 of the needle applicator 4 and lightly places the needle applicator 4 on the object (for example, skin) O to position it.

[0079] 8(a), when the side wall 11 of the needle applicator 4 is pressed, the needle-like projections 63 pierce the object O. As shown in FIG.

[0080] Then, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the pressing member 40 of the needle applicator 4 is pressed, the liquid spreads from the dispensing hole 62 and is sent (injected) into the inside of the object O through the hole opened by the needle-shaped protrusion 63.

[0081] More specifically, when the pressing member 40 presses the surface of the absorbing member 30, the absorbing member 30 contracts, causing the liquid to flow, and the liquid contained in the absorbing member 30 is sent to the communication hole 16 in the center of the support wall 15. The liquid that flows downward from the communication hole 16 then spreads in the space surrounded by the lower surface 15L of the support wall 15, the upper surface 61U of the plate main body 61, and the liquid stopping wall portion 14 of the leg portion 112, and is sent to the plurality of discharge holes 62.

[0082] The liquid discharged from the discharge hole 62 spreads over the surface of the object O, passes through the holes formed by the multiple needle-like protrusions 63, passes near the needle-like protrusions 63, and enters the inside of the object O. More specifically, since it is difficult for liquid to enter if the solid needle-like protrusions 63 are simply left pierced, the needle applicator 4 is first pressed with a strong force, and then the pressing force on the needle applicator 4 is reduced and the needle applicator 4 is pulled out slightly, or the pressing force is reduced so that the needle applicator 4 is lifted by a reaction force from the object, thereby forming a small gap between the needle-like protrusions 63 and the hole formed in the object O, which allows the liquid to enter the object. Alternatively, the position of the needle applicator 4 may be intentionally shifted slightly to increase the diameter of the hole formed in the object, thereby forming a small gap between the needle-like protrusions 63 and the hole formed in the object O, which allows the liquid to enter the object.

[0083] After the state of FIG. 8(b), the user grasps the side wall 11 of the base portion 10 of the needle applicator 4 and separates it from the object O, thereby pulling out the needle-like projection 63 from the object O.

[0084] As a result, in this embodiment, the user holds the side wall 11 of the base 10 to set the position of the small needle applicator 4, or holds the side wall 11 and presses it with their fingers to bring it into contact with the object O, causing the liquid to spread over the object O and also penetrate into the inside of the object O through holes made by the needle-like protrusions 63, which are solid needles.

[0085] Therefore, needle applicator 4 allows the active ingredients contained in the liquid to penetrate the surface of the target object stably from both the outside and inside. For example, by pressing needle applicator 4, which is small and easy to hold, with the fingers and bringing it into contact with the skin, the liquid cosmetic ingredients can be applied to both the surface and the inside of the skin.

[0086] <Modified needle-like projections> In the above description, an example has been shown in which the needle-like projections 63 have a conical outer shape, but the needle-like projections may have a polygonal pyramid shape or other needle shapes (star-shaped, cross-shaped, etc.).

[0087] 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams showing modified examples of the needle-like protrusions 63 provided on the needle plate 60. In detail, Fig. 9A shows a polygonal pyramidal needle-like protrusion 63A, Fig. 9B shows a two-tiered needle-like protrusion 63B having a base (base portion) and a tip portion, and Fig. 9C shows a five-pointed cone-shaped needle-like protrusion 63C.

[0088] The polygonal pyramidal shaped needle-like protrusions 63A shown in Fig. 9A and the pentagram (five-pointed star) conical shaped needle-like protrusions 63C shown in Fig. 9C have sharp corners on the sides, making them easier to puncture into an object, and are advantageous, for example, when puncturing thickened skin. Note that Fig. 9A shows a triangular pyramid as an example of a polygonal pyramid, but other shapes such as a square pyramid or a pentagonal pyramid may also be used. Similarly, Fig. 9C shows an example of a five-pointed conical shape as an example of a star-shaped polygonal pyramid, but other shapes such as a six-pointed star or a seven-pointed star may also be used.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 9B, in a two-stage shape in which a base is provided below the conical tip, needle base 631 that does not pierce the target object is provided, thereby eliminating the difficulty of puncturing due to deformation of the skin. Note that the shapes of the tip and needle base 631 in two-stage needle-shaped projection 63B shown in Fig. 9B are examples, and other shapes may be used.

[0090] 9A, conical acicular protrusions 63 and polygonal pyramidal acicular protrusions 63A may be mixed in one needle plate 60. Furthermore, acicular protrusions 63B and 63C as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C may be mixed with acicular protrusions 63, 63A, 63B, and 63C of other shapes.

[0091] The height of the needle-like projections 63 may also be non-uniform. Furthermore, slits, minute grooves, or irregularities may be provided on the surface of the needle-like projections 63. In this case, the amount of liquid used can be reduced or the amount used can be increased in certain areas, and the penetration of the liquid through the holes made in the object by puncturing can be promoted.

[0092] Fifth Embodiment 10 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that a lip portion 64 is provided on a needle plate 60B.

[0093] In this embodiment, the needle plate 60B includes a lip portion 64 in addition to the plate body 61 and the plurality of needle-like projections 63 described above.

[0094] The lip portion 64 is provided on the outer edge of the contact surface 61L, which is the lower surface of the plate body 61, so as to protrude downward relative to the contact surface 61L. In this embodiment, the lip portion 64 functions as a liquid stopper. The height of the lip portion 64 is, for example, about 0.005 to 3 mm.

[0095] The height of the lip portion 64 from the contact surface 61L of the plate body 61 is configured to be lower (shorter) than the height of the needle-like projections 63. Therefore, it is preferable that the height of the lip portion 64 be appropriately set in accordance with the length of the needle-like projections 63.

[0096] In this embodiment, when the pressing member 40 is pressed to contract the absorbing member 30 and allow the liquid to flow, the liquid contained in the absorbing member 30 is sent to the communication hole 16 in the center of the support wall 15. Then, the liquid that flows downward from the communication hole 16 spreads in the space surrounded by the lower surface 15L of the support wall 15, the upper surface 61U of the plate main body 61, and the liquid stopping wall portion 14 of the leg portion 112, and is sent to the plurality of discharge holes 62.

[0097] The liquid discharged from the dispensing hole 62 spreads in the space formed between the object, the lip portion 64, and the contact surface 61L of the plate main body 61, and also enters the interior of the object through the holes opened by the multiple needle-like protrusions 63.

[0098] As a result, with the needle applicator 5 according to this embodiment, the liquid that is effective on the target object is spread over the target object inside the lip portion 64, and also penetrates into the target object through the holes made by the solid needle-like projections 63. This allows the active ingredients contained in the liquid to penetrate the target object from both the outside and inside of the surface in a more stable manner.

[0099] At this time, the gap between the object and the contact surface 61L of the needle plate 60B is surrounded by the lip portion 64, so the liquid spreads throughout the entire area within the limited region. Specifically, in the space surrounded by the object and the lip portion 64, although the liquid may initially accumulate downward, as the space is filled with liquid, it will eventually spread upward. In this way, the lip portion 64 prevents the liquid from leaking out of the gap, so that the active ingredient can be kept on the surface and inside of the object.

[0100] This allows the liquid active ingredient to be applied to and within the surface of the object, for example, by pressing the small, easy-to-hold needle applicator 5 with a finger and bringing it into contact with the object, even when puncturing the object from the side or from below.

[0101] Sixth Embodiment FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a needle applicator 6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] In the fourth embodiment (FIG. 7), the base 10 and the needle plate 60 are formed as separate bodies, but the functions of the base and the needle plate may be integrated into one member. Below, the configuration of this embodiment will be described, focusing only on the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[0103] The base 70 in this embodiment is a needle-equipped base that is open at the top and has a side wall 71 and a needle plate 72 that is a bottom wall. The side wall 71 is a cylindrical peripheral wall.

[0104] The needle plate 72 is a lower surface that connects to the inner surface of the bottom end of the side wall 71, extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall 71, and covers the lower part of the base portion 70.

[0105] Needle plate 72 is provided with needle-like protrusions 74, which are multiple downward-facing fine needles to be punctured into the object, protruding from contact surface 72L, which is the lower surface. Needle plate 72 also has extraction holes 73, which serve as through holes that penetrate through the thickness direction, formed at positions different from the needle-like protrusions 74.

[0106] In this embodiment, since the support wall 15 is not provided, it is preferable that the lower surface 30L of the absorbing member 30 is set to abut against the upper surface 72U of the needle plate 72 when the absorbing member 30 is fitted into the base portion 10.

[0107] In this embodiment, when the pressing member 40 presses, the absorbing member 30 contracts and the liquid flows out, but does not collect in the center, and is sent to the multiple discharge holes 73 of the nearby needle plate 72. The liquid discharged from the discharge holes 73 then spreads over the surface of the object, and enters the inside of the object through the holes opened by the multiple needle-like protrusions 74.

[0108] In the fourth and fifth embodiments, the liquid that flows when the absorbent member 30 contracts passes through the flow hole 16 and spreads before being sent to the pouring hole 62. However, in this embodiment, the liquid is sent directly to the pouring hole 73 without passing through the flow hole, so that the liquid flows along a single-stage flow path.

[0109] Therefore, the moving distance of the liquid is shortened, and therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the amount of liquid flowing into the object per unit time can be made larger than in the fourth and fifth embodiments.

[0110] Here, as a manufacturing method, manufacturing the needle plate 60 separately from the base 10 as in the fourth embodiment simplifies the resin molding of the base using, for example, a general mold compared to integrally forming the needle plate 72 and side wall 71 from the same material, but requires a process of attaching the needle plate 60 to the base 10. On the other hand, when molding the needle plate 72 integrally with the base 70 as in the sixth embodiment, molding using a mold is complicated, so three-dimensional integral molding is performed using, for example, a 3D printer, and there is no need to attach the needle plate to the base. Therefore, it is preferable to select an appropriate embodiment taking into account the amount of flow into the target object and differences in the manufacturing process.

[0111] In Figure 11, the integrated base portion 70 is shown to have a configuration in which the needle plate 72 does not have a lip portion, as in the fourth embodiment. However, in the integrated needle-equipped base portion of this embodiment, a lip portion may be provided on the outer edge of the abutment surface 72L of the needle plate 72, which is the underside of the base portion 70, as in the fifth embodiment.

[0112] <Application example> In the above example, the absorbent member 30 contains one type of content, but the needle applicator of the present invention may contain two or more types of content.

[0113] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a needle applicator 7 according to an application example of the present invention.

[0114] In this application example, the absorbent member 30C is pre-impregnated with a first content C1, which is a liquid or powder. Then, a second content C2, which is a liquid, is injected into the absorbent member 30C from a storage container 8 separate from the needle applicator 7 just before use.

[0115] In this embodiment, when the pressing member 40 is pressed and the absorbent member 30C contracts, a liquid mixture of the first contents C1 and the second contents C2 flows and passes through the interior of the hollow needles 23, which are multiple fine needles, and the liquid mixture can be sent into the interior of the target object.

[0116] Such a needle applicator 7 may be combined with a container 8 that contains the second content to form a puncture and injection kit.

[0117] <Puncture Injection Kit> FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a puncture injection kit 100 including a needle applicator 7 of the present invention.

[0118] The needle applicator 7 in the puncture and injection kit 100 can be disassembled into a needle contact unit α consisting of a base and a needle plate, an absorbent member 30C, and a pressing member 40. The needle contact unit α, absorbent member 30C, and pressing member 40 may be sold as a set in a disassembled state, or may be sold in an assembled state as the needle applicator 7 and then disassembled by the user immediately before use.

[0119] The needle abutment unit α comprises a base 10 and a needle plate 20. The needle plate mounted on the needle abutment unit α may be either the needle plate 20 having hollow needles 23 or the needle plate 60 (60B) having needle-like protrusions 63 that are solid needles. In the needle abutment unit α, the needle plate 20 (or 60, 60B) is attached to the base 10 (or 10A) in advance.

[0120] Alternatively, the needle contact unit α may be the needle-attached base part 50 shown in FIG. 6 or the needle-attached base part 70 shown in FIG.

[0121] The absorbent member 30C is impregnated with a powder or liquid first content C1. For example, when the absorbent member 30C is sold as a disassembled set, the absorbent member 30C is fitted inside the side wall 11 of the base portion 10 of the needle abutting unit α immediately before use. In this case, because the absorbent member 30C is in an independent state, even if the first content C1 is an unstable substance that is easily oxidized, the unstable substance can be kept sealed until immediately before use.

[0122] The storage container 8 contains a liquid second content C2 different from the first content C1, and the second content C2 is poured from above while the absorbent member 30C is fitted inside the side wall 11 of the needle contact unit α.

[0123] Immediately before use, after the second contents C2 are poured into the pressing member 40, the pressing member 40 is placed on the upper side of the absorbent member 30C and a part of the pressing member 40 is fitted inside the side wall 11 of the base 10 of the needle abutting unit α.

[0124] In this state, by pressing the pressing member 40, the first contents C1 and the second contents C2 flowing out from the absorbent member 30C are mixed and sent to the circulation hole 16, and then through the multiple individual flow paths 22, into the inside of the multiple hollow needles 23 or near the needle-like protrusions 63, and the liquid mixture is sent at least into the inside of the object.

[0125] In Figures 12 and 13, a disassemblable needle applicator 7 having the same shape as the needle applicator 1 of the first embodiment is shown as an example of a needle applicator in the puncture and injection kit 100 to be used together with the storage container 8, but the needle applicator to be used together with the storage container may be any of the needle applicators 2 (3, 4, 5, 6) described in the first to sixth embodiments and the modified examples.

[0126] However, if it is desired to mix the first and second contents more uniformly, it is more preferable to use a configuration of needle applicators 1, 4, and 5 (see Figures 2, 7, and 8) that has a long flow path and two stages of flow paths so that the first contents C1 coming out of the absorbent member 30C and the second contents C2 are in contact for a long period of time while traveling through the flow path until they reach the target object.

[0127] (Kit usage instructions) Next, the procedure for using the puncture and injection kit 100 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for using the puncture and injection kit 100 of the present invention. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the procedure for using the puncture and injection kit of the present invention.

[0128] First, in step S1 of Fig. 14, the absorbent member 30C containing the first contents C1 is set in the needle contact unit α. More specifically, the absorbent member 30C is fitted inside the side wall 11 of the base part 10, to which the needle plate 20 is attached at the lower end (Fig. 15(a)).

[0129] Then, in step S2, the liquid C2 as the second content is poured from the storage container 8 into the absorbent member 30C (FIG. 15(b)).

[0130] Thereafter, in step S3, a part of the pressing member 40 is fitted into the needle abutment unit α on which the absorbing member 30 is set, thereby completing the needle applicator 7 (FIG. 15(c)).

[0131] Then, in step S4, the needle applicator 7 is lightly placed on the object (for example, skin) O and positioned.

[0132] Subsequently, in step S5, the side wall 11 of the base 10 is pressed, causing the hollow needles 23 to pierce the object O (FIG. 15(d)).

[0133] In step S6, by pressing the pressing member 40 from above, the first contents C1 and the second contents C2 pushed out from the absorbent member 30C flow into the circulation holes 16 and the multiple individual flow paths 22, and through the inside of the hollow needle 23, the liquid mixed with the first contents and the second contents is sent (injected) into the inside of the object O (Figure 15(e)).

[0134] In addition, when the fine needles are needle-shaped protrusions 63, after the first contents C1 and second contents C2 pushed out from the absorbent member 30C flow into the circulation holes 16, a liquid mixture of the first contents and the second contents is discharged onto the surface of the object from the multiple discharge holes 62, and the liquid mixture is sent to the outside and inside of the surface of the object through the vicinity of the multiple needle-shaped protrusions 63.

[0135] Then, in step S7, the side wall 11 of the base 10 is grasped and moved away from the object O, thereby pulling out the hollow needle 23 from the object (FIG. 15(f)).

[0136] In this way, the puncture and injection kit 100 is a single-use kit that is assembled immediately before use, and in which additional contents are injected and then a liquid containing two types of contents is administered to a subject.

[0137] In this application example, the first contents contained in the absorbent member 30C may be powder or granules that are soluble in a liquid. For example, by impregnating the absorbent member 30C with a drug or the like that is unstable in a solution state as the first contents and drying it, the drug can be dissolved in a second liquid (liquid agent) at the time of use while maintaining stability, and applied to a target (for example, skin) in a fresh state.

[0138] Alternatively, when the first contents contained in the absorbent member 30C are liquid, the first contents and the second contents may be unstable in mixture but may be medicines or the like that are effective when applied together.

[0139] (Contents) In the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the contents (liquid substances) used in the needle applicators and puncture injection kits have been described as cosmetic substances, but the contents may also be selected from the group consisting of cell suspensions, gel-like materials, therapeutic substances, and diagnostic substances.

[0140] The cosmetic substances include common cosmetic substances that can be included in cosmetic compositions and cosmetic substances used in cosmetic medicine, such as ascorbic acid and its derivatives, tranexamic acid, arbutin, and 4-MSK (4-methoxysalicylic acid potassium salt) for whitening, and retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives for anti-wrinkle, but are not limited to these.

[0141] In addition to common cosmetic substances that may be included in cosmetic compositions, the injected cosmetic substances may include, but are not limited to, fillers such as fat cells, hyaluronic acid, or botulinum toxin (Botox, Btx) in wrinkle treatment.

[0142] Therapeutic substances may include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, anesthetics, analgesics, vaccines, and antibodies.

[0143] Additionally, the needle applicator of the present invention may be used to inject cells in suspension or cells in a liquid medium into a subject.

[0144] Additionally, the contents contained within the needle applicator may include a cell suspension mixed with growth factors or a gel-like structure, preferably representing a mixture of extracellular matrix proteins that mimic the extracellular environment of distinct tissues, more preferably a gel-like structure such as hyaluronic acid.

[0145] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the embodiments of the present invention described in the claims.

[0146] This international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-017668, filed on February 5, 2021, and the entire contents of No. 2021-017668 are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 Needle applicator 8. Containment Container 10,10A Base 11 Side wall 15 Supporting wall 16,161,17a~17e Distribution hole 20 needle plate 21 Plate body 22 Individual flow path 23 Hollow needle (fine needle) 30,30C Absorbing member 40 Pressing member 41 Pressing body 42 Elastic part 50 Base part (base part with needle) 51 Side wall 52 Needle plate (bottom wall) 53 Individual flow path 54 Hollow needle (fine needle) 60,60B needle plate 61 Plate body 62 Pour hole 63 Needle-like protrusions (solid needles, fine needles) 64 Lip 70 Base part (base part with needle) 71 Side wall 72 Needle plate (bottom wall) 73 Pour hole 74 Needle-like projections (solid needles, fine needles) 100 Puncture Injection Kit C1 Powder or liquid first contents C2 Second liquid content O Object α Needle contact unit

Claims

1. A needle applicator for delivering a liquid into or onto a surface of a target object through or near a plurality of fine needles, a base portion having a side wall and a support wall connected to an inner surface of the side wall near one end and having a central through hole, the base portion having an opening at the other end of the side wall; an absorbent member that is impregnated with a liquid and can be fitted into the base portion; a needle plate on which a plurality of fine needles to be inserted into the object are provided facing away from the support wall, and through holes are formed through the needle plate in the thickness direction, and the needle plate is disposed opposite the support wall across a gap by abutting against a frame portion formed by a part of the side wall on the side of the support wall opposite the absorption member; a pressing member that presses the absorbing member, A space is provided between the support wall and the needle plate in which the liquid flowing through the flow hole and fed to the introducing hole spreads. Needle applicator.

2. A needle applicator for delivering a liquid into or onto a surface of a target object through or near a plurality of fine needles, a base portion having a side wall and a support wall connected to an inner surface of the side wall near one end thereof, the support wall having a flow hole formed therein instead of a porous separation layer, the base portion having an opening at the other end of the side wall; an absorbent member that is impregnated with a liquid and can be fitted into the base portion; a needle plate on which a plurality of fine needles to be inserted into the object are provided facing away from the support wall, and through holes are formed through the needle plate in the thickness direction, and the needle plate is disposed opposite the support wall across a gap by abutting against a frame portion formed by a part of the side wall on the side of the support wall opposite the absorption member; a pressing member that presses the absorbing member, A space is provided between the support wall and the needle plate in which the liquid flowing through the flow hole and fed to the introducing hole spreads. Needle applicator.

3. An elastic portion that seals the absorption member is provided on the absorption member side of the pressing member.

3. A needle applicator according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The needle plate a plate having a plurality of individual flow paths formed therein as the introducing holes penetrating in a thickness direction; a plurality of hollow needles as the plurality of fine needles, the hollow needles protruding from the plate and communicating with the plurality of individual flow paths; When the pressing member is pressed, the absorbing member contracts and the liquid flows, the liquid passes through the plurality of individual flow paths and flows toward each of the plurality of hollow needles, and the liquid enters the inside of the object via each of the plurality of hollow needles. A needle applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The needle plate a plate having a pouring hole formed therein as the introduction hole penetrating through in a thickness direction; a plurality of needle-like protrusions as the plurality of fine needles protruding from positions of the plate different from the injection holes, When the pressing member is pressed, the absorbing member contracts and the liquid flows, and the liquid is discharged from the outlet hole of the plate and spreads on the surface of the object, and the liquid also enters the inside of the object through the holes opened by the plurality of needle-like protrusions. A needle applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The needle plate a lip portion formed on the outer edge of the surface of the plate opposite to the absorption member, When the pressing member is pressed against the base portion, the absorbent member contracts and the liquid flows, the liquid is discharged from the outlet hole of the plate, and the liquid spreads on the surface of the object in a space formed between the object, the lip portion, and the surface of the plate opposite the absorbent member, and the liquid also enters the inside of the object through the holes opened by the multiple needle-like protrusions.

6. The needle applicator of claim 5.

7. The length of each of the plurality of microneedles is 0.005 to 5 mm. A needle applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The height of the side wall of the base is 6 to 30 mm, The thickness of the side wall is 1 to 10 mm. A needle applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The diameter of the pressing member is 10 to 30 mm, The height of the pressing member is 30 mm or less. A needle applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The needle applicator is a single-use device. A needle applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Immediately before use, the absorbent member is fitted inside the side wall of the base part, and then a part of the pressing member is fitted inside the side wall of the base part from above the absorbent member. A needle applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The absorbent member is pre-impregnated with a first content which is a powder or a liquid, Before a portion of the pressing member is fitted onto the inside of the side wall of the base portion from above the absorbent member, a second liquid content is poured into the pressing member, The absorbent member is fitted inside the side wall of the needle applicator, the second contents are injected from the open side of the base, and the pressing member is pressed while part of the pressing member is fitted, thereby mixing the first contents and the second contents and sending them to the introducing hole, and the liquid mixture is sent at least into the skin through the inside or vicinity of the multiple fine needles.

12. The needle applicator of claim 11.

13. The needle applicator of claim 12; a container for containing the second liquid content; Puncture injection kit.

Images