Drug administration device

Abstract

To prevent liquid medicine from leaking from a connection port due to repetition of attachment and detachment work of a device body and a cradle.SOLUTION: A connection port 40 includes: a liquid medicine introduction part 421 that introduces liquid medicine sent from a liquid sending tube 14; and a first housing part 423 mounted with a liquid sending port 16 and movably attached to the liquid medicine introduction part 421. By moving the first housing part 423 relatively to the liquid medicine introduction part 421 in a state where the liquid sending port 16 is mounted to the first housing part 423, fluid connection with the liquid sending port 16 is achieved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a chemical solution administration device for administering a chemical solution to an object such as a living body.

Background Art

[0002] A treatment method for continuously administering a chemical solution into a patient's body is known. For example, as a treatment method for diabetic patients, a treatment method for continuously administering a trace amount of insulin into the body is known. In this treatment method, a portable chemical solution administration device that can be fixed to the user's body or clothing and carried around is used. By using a portable chemical solution administration device, it is possible to administer a chemical solution to the user throughout the day. As this type of chemical solution administration device, an insulin pump that administers insulin to the user is known.

[0003] As one of the above-described portable chemical solution administration devices, a syringe pump type chemical solution administration device having a syringe (reservoir) for storing a chemical solution and a pusher (pump mechanism) driven inside the syringe has been proposed. In a syringe pump type chemical solution administration device, a cannula is liquid-tightly connected to a liquid delivery tube extending from the syringe, and this cannula is pierced and left in the user's subcutaneous tissue, and the pusher is driven to administer the chemical solution stored in the syringe into the user's body.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a liquid delivery needle member (liquid delivery needle) having a needle tube at the tip of the liquid delivery tube is provided, a rubber partition (rubber stopper) is provided at a connection port having a cannula, and the liquid delivery tube and the cannula are connected by piercing the liquid delivery needle through the rubber stopper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 had the following problems. Drug delivery devices such as insulin pumps consist of a device body and a cradle that are detachable from each other. The cradle is attached to the user's skin and fixed in place, and the device body is attached to and detached from this cradle. The reservoir, the drive unit for discharging the drug solution from the reservoir, the delivery tube and delivery needle are provided on the device body, and the aforementioned connection port is provided on the cradle. When the device body is attached to the cradle, the delivery needle is punctured into a rubber stopper.

[0007] However, during the use of the drug delivery device, it is necessary to remove the device body from the cradle for various reasons, such as when the user takes a bath or when filling the reservoir with drug solution. Then, it is necessary to reattach the device body to the cradle. As a result, the attachment and detachment of the device body and cradle are repeated during the use of the drug delivery device, and the puncture and removal of the delivery needle into the rubber stopper occurs each time. Consequently, there was a risk that the puncture hole in the rubber stopper might widen or the rubber stopper itself might be damaged, potentially causing drug solution to leak from the connection point between the rubber stopper and the delivery needle.

[0008] At least one embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and specifically aims to provide a drug dispensing device that can prevent leakage of drug solution from the connection port due to repeated attachment and detachment of the device body and the cradle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The drug delivery device according to this embodiment comprises a device body having a connection port for holding a cannula inserted into a living body and a cradle attached to the living body, a reservoir for storing drug solution, a fluid delivery drive unit for delivering the drug solution from the reservoir, a fluid delivery pipe through which the drug solution delivered from the reservoir flows, and a hollow cylindrical fluid delivery port communicating with the fluid delivery pipe, wherein the fluid delivery port and the connection port are detachably fluid-connected, and the connection port comprises a drug solution introduction section for introducing the drug solution delivered from the fluid delivery pipe, and a first housing section to which the fluid delivery port is mounted and which is movably attached relative to the drug solution introduction section, and is configured to be fluid-connected to the fluid delivery port by moving the first housing section relative to the drug solution introduction section with the fluid delivery port mounted on the first housing section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, leakage of the chemical solution from the connection port due to repeated attachment and detachment of the device body and the cradle can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a drug dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic exploded perspective view of a drug administration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic partial perspective view of the drug dispensing device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the side. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the sealed state of the connection port of the drug administration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the open state of the connection port of the drug solution dispensing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the drug administration device according to the first embodiment during use. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the drug administration device according to the first embodiment during use. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the drug administration device according to the first embodiment during use. [Figure 9] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation of the drug administration device according to the first embodiment during use. [Figure 10] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a drug administration device according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown herein are illustrative examples for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, all other implementable forms, examples, and operational techniques that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention are included in the scope and spirit of the present invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0013] Furthermore, the drawings attached to this specification may be schematically represented with changes to scale, aspect ratio, shape, etc., from the actual object for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following explanations, when ordinal numbers such as "1st" and "2nd" are used, they are for convenience only and do not prescribe any particular order unless otherwise specified.

[0015] For the sake of explanation, the XYZ coordinates in this specification are set as shown in the figures. That is, the "Z direction" is the direction along the vertical direction, the "X direction" is one direction perpendicular to the Z direction and parallel to the horizontal plane, and the "Y direction" is another direction perpendicular to the Z direction and parallel to the horizontal plane (a direction perpendicular to the X direction). Therefore, in the drug dispensing devices 100 and 110 according to this embodiment, the Z direction coincides with the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the device, the X direction coincides with the longitudinal direction (front-back direction) along the axial direction of the device, and the Y direction coincides with the short direction (width direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the device.

[0016] The chemical solution administration devices 100 and 110 according to the present embodiment are devices for continuously administering a chemical solution into the body of a user. Examples of the chemical solution to be administered using the chemical solution administration devices 100 and 110 include insulin, analgesics, anti-cancer treatment drugs, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) treatment drugs, iron chelating agents, and pulmonary hypertension treatment drugs. In the present embodiment, as an example of the chemical solution administration devices 100 and 110, a portable insulin pump for administering insulin into the body of a user is assumed. The chemical solution administration devices 100 and 110, which are insulin pumps, are used by being attached to the surface of a living body. The surface of the living body is typically the surface of the skin of the user. Also, the position where the chemical solution administration devices 100 and 110 are attached is, for example, the abdomen of the user.

[0017] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the chemical solution administration device 100 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the main part of the overall configuration of the chemical solution administration device 100.

[0018] [Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, generally speaking, the chemical solution administration device 100 includes a first main body 10 that holds a reservoir 12 in which a chemical solution is stored, etc., a second main body 20 that holds a liquid feeding drive unit 23 for feeding the chemical solution in the reservoir 12 into the living body, and a cradle 30 that holds a cannula 50 and is attached to the surface of the living body.

[0019] The first main body 10 is a disposable part. The second main body 20 is a reusable part. The first main body 10 and the second main body 20 are separable from each other and connectable to each other. Also, the cradle 30 and the device main body 101 in a state where the first main body 10 and the second main body 20 are connected are connected to constitute the chemical solution administration device 100.

[0020] [The First Main Body] The first main body 10 includes a housing 11, a reservoir 12, an extrusion unit 13, a liquid supply pipe 14, and a power supply unit 15. The housing 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view (view in the Z direction). The housing 11 is also a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with an open top.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 11 comprises a flat bottom portion 11a and a side wall portion 11b that rises around the entire outer edge of the bottom portion 11a. The bottom portion 11a is a plate portion that divides the housing 11 in the Z direction. When the first main body portion 10 is mounted on the cradle 30, the bottom portion 11a is positioned opposite the cradle 30. On the side of the bottom portion 11a facing the second main body portion 20 (the upper surface of the bottom portion 11a), the reservoir 12, the extrusion portion 13, the liquid supply pipe 14, and the power supply portion 15 are attached. The bottom portion 11a also functions as the bottom portion 101a of the device body 101 in which the second main body portion 20 is mounted on the first main body portion 10.

[0022] The outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 11b is provided with a first guide portion 11e that engages with a second guide portion 31d, which will be described later, when the device body 101 is mounted on the cradle 30. The first guide portion 11e and the second guide portion 31d have complementary shapes and, when engaged, function as guide portions that guide the alignment of the device body 101 when mounted on the cradle 30. In the first embodiment, the first guide portion 11e is a convex portion that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 11b.

[0023] The housing 11 includes a first storage compartment 11c surrounded by a bottom portion 11a and a side wall portion 11b. The first storage compartment 11c is located on the upper side of the bottom portion 11a and houses the reservoir 12, power supply unit 15, etc. When the lid 21 of the second main body 20 is connected to the housing 11, the liquid supply drive unit 23, which is attached to the inside of the lid 21, is housed inside the first storage compartment 11c.

[0024] The housing 11 includes a second storage compartment 11d. The second storage compartment 11d is recessed in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the housing 11 toward the lower surface of the bottom portion 11a (the side connected to the cradle 30). The connection port 40 of the cradle 30 and other components are housed in the second storage compartment 11d. The first storage compartment 11c and the second storage compartment 11d are separated by a partition wall 11f.

[0025] The reservoir 12 is equipped with an outer cylinder 12a in which the drug solution to be administered to the user is stored, and the drug solution in the outer cylinder 12a is discharged by a pressing action of the extrusion unit 13. The reservoir 12 has a drug solution discharge port (not shown) at its tip, and one end of the liquid delivery pipe 14 is connected to this discharge port. The other end of the liquid delivery pipe 14 is connected to the liquid delivery port 16 from the first storage section 11c side of the housing 11. The reservoir 12 is equipped with a gear 12b near its end. The gear 12b rotates in response to the driving force of the liquid delivery drive unit 23. The end of the rotation axis of the gear 12b is meshed with a lead screw 12c. The lead screw 12c is provided so as to be movable in the X direction. The reservoir 12 rotates due to the drive of the liquid delivery drive unit 23, and the extrusion unit 13 moves in the X direction as the lead screw 12c rotates in accordance with the rotation of the gear 12b. The liquid chemical in the reservoir 12 is delivered to the liquid delivery pipe 14 according to the amount of pressure applied by the extrusion section 13, which moves as the feed screw 12c rotates. The liquid delivery pipe 14 is detachably fluidly connected (connected in a state where the liquid chemical can flow) to a connection port 40, which will be described later, via a liquid delivery port 16.

[0026] Note that the reservoir 12 is not limited to a syringe; any container capable of storing the drug solution, such as a soft bag, is acceptable. The reservoir 12 only needs to be able to discharge the drug solution via the extrusion section 13.

[0027] The power supply unit 15 supplies the power necessary to drive the drug administration device 100. The power supply unit 15 consists of a battery that serves as a power source for driving, for example, the liquid delivery drive unit 23, and a battery box that houses the battery. The power supply unit 15 is connected to electrodes (not shown) on the circuit board 22. The power supply unit 15 may also be placed inside the cover 21 as a component of the second main body 20.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid supply port 16 is provided protruding from the second storage section 11d. The liquid supply port 16 is a hollow cylindrical shape with a liquid supply hole 16a formed at its tip. The base end of the liquid supply port 16 is connected to the liquid supply pipe 14, and the tip is attached to a connection port 40 provided on the cradle 30. The liquid supply hole 16a is formed to penetrate the liquid supply port 16 along its central axis. The open end face of the liquid supply hole 16a may have, for example, radial (in other words, cross-shaped) grooves centered on the liquid supply hole 16a.

[0029] <Second Main Body> The second main body 20 comprises a lid 21, a circuit board 22, and a fluid delivery drive unit 23, and is mounted on the first main body 10. The second main body 20 is the part in which the electronic control functions of the drug delivery device 100 are concentrated. The second main body 20 is constructed by housing the electronic control function components such as the circuit board 22 and the fluid delivery drive unit 23 inside the lid 21.

[0030] The lid 21 is configured to be detachably attached to the housing 11 of the first main body 10. The upper surface of the lid 21 forms the top surface of the drug dispensing device 100. Electronic control function components such as the circuit board 22 and the fluid delivery drive unit 23 are attached to the lower side of the lid 21.

[0031] The liquid delivery drive unit 23 comprises a motor 23a and a gear 23b. The motor 23a is a drive source for moving the extrusion unit 13 in a predetermined direction to deliver the liquid chemical in the reservoir 12. The gear 23b is composed of multiple stages of gears, with the final stage gear meshing with the gear 12b. As a result, the driving force (rotational force) of the motor 23a is transmitted to the gear 12b via the gear 23b.

[0032] Furthermore, the second main unit 20 includes a fluid delivery volume detection unit 24 capable of detecting the amount of drug solution delivered based on the rotational speed of a motor 23a, such as an encoder; a communication unit 25, which is an interface for enabling communication with the outside; and a control unit 26 composed of a known microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The communication unit 25 and the fluid delivery drive unit 23 operate based on a predetermined program under the control of the control unit 26.

[0033] <Cradle> The cradle 30 includes a holder case 31 and a connection port 40. The holder case 31 comprises a mounting surface 31a and a side wall 31b. The connection port 40 is mounted on the upper surface (mounting surface 31a) of the holder case 31. The device body 101 is temporarily mounted on the cradle 30 by approaching it from diagonally above (see Figure 7), and then moved downwards around the connection port 40 to be fully mounted on the cradle 30.

[0034] The holder case 31 has an adhesive portion 31c on its lower surface. The adhesive portion 31c protrudes significantly outward from the mounting surface portion 31a and is the part for attaching the cradle 30 to a biological surface (the user's skin). The mounting surface portion 31a is formed in a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above.

[0035] When the first main body 10 is mounted on the cradle 30, the bottom surface 101a of the device body 101 (the bottom surface 11a of the first main body 10) rests on the mounting surface 31a. The side wall 31b is formed by rising up from three sides of the mounting surface 31a in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the cradle 30, and the remaining side of the mounting surface 31a does not have a side wall 31b. The side wall 31b may be provided so as to surround the mounting surface 31a on all four sides along its outer edge.

[0036] The cradle 30 is provided with a second guide portion 31d for guiding the alignment of the device body 101 when it is mounted. The second guide portion 31d has a complementary shape to the first guide portion 11e and engages with it. In the first embodiment, the second guide portion 31d is a groove provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion 31b near the connection port 40, extending substantially perpendicularly (X direction) from the base end side of the side wall portion 31b, and then bending diagonally upward along the detachment direction D2 of the device body 101. In other words, the second guide portion 31d has a shape that follows the mounting trajectory when mounting the device body 101 to the cradle 30. When mounting the device body 101, the second guide portion 31d engages with the first guide portion 11e provided on the outer circumferential surface of the side wall portion 11b of the first main body portion 10, and guides the direction of movement of the first guide portion 11e.

[0037] <Connection Port> The connection port 40 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting surface 31a of the cradle 30, as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5. The connection port 40 comprises a port body 41 with a first connection part 42 and a second connection part 43. The connection port 40 is a port that is connected to the liquid supply pipe 14 via the first connection part 42.

[0038] The first connection part 42 is located on the side wall of the port body 41 facing the fluid delivery port 16, and functions as an introduction port for introducing the drug solution delivered through the fluid delivery port 16 into the connection port 40 when the first main body 10 is attached to the cradle 30. The second connection part 43 is located above the connection port 40, and is used for puncturing with a known lancing device (not shown) when the cannula 50 is placed in the body. The second connection part 43 functions as a puncture port for removing only the puncture needle after the cannula 50 has been placed.

[0039] The lower part of the port body 41 of the connection port 40 is provided with a holding part 44 that holds the proximal end of a cannula 50 that is implanted in the body and delivers drug solution into the body. The cannula 50 protrudes from the holding part 44 toward the user's body, and at least its tip is implanted in the body. The cannula 50 is made of a resin material such as polyurethane, nylon, or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE). The lancet is removed from the cradle 30 and discarded after the cannula 50 has been inserted into the body.

[0040] The holding portion 44 is funnel-shaped to guide the drug solution flowing in from the communication passage 421a of the drug solution introduction portion 421 (described later) to the cannula 50. A predetermined internal space 45 is provided above the holding portion 44 and is in communication with the first connection portion 42. The drug solution introduced from the first connection portion 42 is introduced into the internal space 45 and then flows through the holding portion 44 to the cannula 50.

[0041] The first connection section 42 includes a chemical solution introduction section 421, a first sealing section 422, a first housing section 423, a support section 424, and a second housing section 425. The first connection section 42 communicates with the internal space 45 of the port body 41.

[0042] The chemical solution introduction section 421 has a communication passage 421a that extends outward from the internal space 45. The chemical solution introduction section 421 is a flow path for guiding the chemical solution delivered from the liquid delivery port 16 through the first housing section 423 to the holding section 44. The communication passage 421a of the chemical solution introduction section 421 has a base end that communicates with the internal space 45, and a hollow cylindrical stopper 421b is positioned at the tip (the end opposite to the internal space 45).

[0043] The cylindrical stopper 421b is a hollow member having an opening hole 421c at its tip. The cylindrical stopper 421b is attached to the end of the communication passage 421a with a portion of its tip exposed to the outside. When the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, the opening hole 421c of the cylindrical stopper 421b is in close contact with the sealing portion 423d provided on the base end face of the first housing portion 423. As a result, the chemical solution introduction portion 421 is blocked from communicating with the outside. The cylindrical stopper 421b can be made of a flexible and sealing material, similar to the first sealing portion 422. As a result, when the first housing portion 423 is in the open position, the cylindrical stopper 421b can be in close contact with the end face of the first housing portion 423 where the second communication hole 423c is provided, thereby enabling a liquid-tight connection between the chemical solution introduction portion 421 and the first housing portion 423. Furthermore, since the cylindrical stopper 421b can be in close contact with the sealing portion 423d when the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, it can reliably close the chemical solution introduction portion 421 and seal the internal space 45.

[0044] The aforementioned "closed position" refers to the position of the first housing section 423 to close the communication passage 421a and interrupt the fluid connection between the liquid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40 when the device body 101 is not mounted on the cradle 30. The "open position" refers to the position of the first housing section 423 to open the communication passage 421a and enable a fluid connection between the liquid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40 when the device body 101 is mounted on the cradle 30.

[0045] The first housing portion 423 is a hollow cylindrical member having a lumen 423a, and is rotatably supported on the port body 41 by a support portion 424. The shape of the base end of the first housing portion 423 is molded to conform to the outer shape of the surface of the port body 41 facing the fluid delivery port 16. As a result, during rotation, the first housing portion 423 can pivot in the Z direction with the support portion 424 as a fulcrum without getting caught on the port body 41.

[0046] The tip surface of the first housing portion 423 is provided with a first communication hole 423b that communicates with the outside, and the base end is provided with a second communication hole 423c that can communicate with the communication passage 421a of the drug solution introduction portion 421. The lumen 423a of the first housing portion 423 communicates with the liquid delivery hole 16a of the liquid delivery port 16 that is attached to the first communication hole 423b. As a result, when the first housing portion 423 is in the open position, the drug solution delivered from the liquid delivery port 16 flows into the drug solution introduction portion 421 through the second communication hole 423c.

[0047] The first housing portion 423 is provided with a sealing portion 423d on its base end side. The sealing portion 423d blocks communication between the drug solution introduction portion 421 and the outside. Specifically, the sealing portion 423d is provided around the opening of the drug solution introduction portion 421. When the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, the sealing portion 423d tightly contacts the cylindrical stopper 421b that covers the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the drug solution introduction portion 421, thereby blocking communication between the drug solution introduction portion 421 and the outside. In the first embodiment, the sealing portion 423d is provided on the inner surface side of the connecting portion 424b, which will be described later, located on the base end side of the first housing portion 423.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, when the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, the sealing portion 423d and the cylindrical plug 421b are in close contact. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, when the support portion 424 of the first housing portion 423 is rotated and the tip of the first housing portion 423 (first communication hole 423b), which is linked to the support portion 424, is facing diagonally upward, the sealing portion 423d and the cylindrical plug 421b are in close contact. When the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, the sealing portion 423d covers and tightly seals the end face (opening hole 421c) of the cylindrical plug 421b. As a result, the internal space 45 is sealed when the device body 101 is not mounted on the cradle 30.

[0049] Furthermore, when the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, the first communication hole 423b faces the detachment direction D2 of the device body 101. Therefore, the user can easily insert the liquid delivery port 16 into the first communication hole 423b, and thus the device body 101 can be easily attached to the cradle 30.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, when the first housing portion 423 is in the open position, the second communication hole 423c and the opening hole 421c of the cylindrical plug 421b are in communication. More specifically, when the support portion 424 of the first housing portion 423 is rotated and the tip of the first housing portion 423 (first communication hole 423b), which is linked to the support portion 424, is facing in the X direction, the second communication hole 423c and the opening hole 421c of the cylindrical plug 421b are in communication. When the first housing portion 423 is in the open position, the sealing portion 423d covers at least a part of the end face of the cylindrical plug 421b and exposes the opening hole 421c to the inner lumen 423a side. As a result, the opening hole 421c is in communication with the second communication hole 423c. In the open position, the device body 101 and the cradle 30 are fully mounted. The internal space 45 communicates with the liquid delivery port 16 when the device body 101 is fully mounted on the cradle 30, establishing a chemical solution flow path. In other words, the liquid delivery port 16 (liquid delivery pipe 14) and the connection port 40 are fluidly connected.

[0051] The outer circumference of the first housing portion 423 is provided with an engagement groove 423e that engages with the engagement claw 425b of the second housing portion 425, which will be described later. The engagement groove 423e is at least one annular groove that circumfers along the outer circumference of the first housing portion 423.

[0052] The first seal portion 422 is positioned near the first communication hole 423b in the lumen 423a of the first housing portion 423. The first seal portion 422 is in close contact with the outer circumference of the tip of the liquid delivery port 16 which is installed in the first communication hole 423b. Therefore, the first seal portion 422 can improve the liquid tightness when the liquid delivery port 16 and the first housing portion 423 are connected. The first seal portion 422 can be an O-ring made of a flexible and sealing material such as rubber or thermoplastic elastomer.

[0053] The support portion 424 is supported so as to be rotatable in the circumferential direction on a pivot shaft 41a provided on the port body 41 and is connected to the first housing portion 423. In the first embodiment, the support portion 424 is integrally provided on the first housing portion 423. The support portion 424 has a substantially U-shape in plan view (shape viewed from the Z direction) so as to cover at least a portion of three directions around the port body 41. The support portion 424 comprises a pair of base portions 424a arranged opposite each other so as to sandwich the port body 41, and a connecting portion 424b provided continuously on the tip side of the pair of base portions 424a so as to be integral with the base portions 424a. The first housing portion 423 is provided in the substantially central part of the connecting portion 424b. The second communication hole 423c of the first housing portion 423 is provided penetrating through to the connecting portion 424b. In the connecting portion 424b, the portion located below the second communication hole 423c and formed in a shape that follows the periphery of the opening of the liquid injection portion 421 functions as a sealing portion 423d.

[0054] Furthermore, the support portion 424 only needs to have the function of supporting the first housing portion 423 so that it can move between a closed position and an open position relative to the port body 41, so its shape and other characteristics are not particularly limited. Also, although the first housing portion 423 and the support portion 424 are described as separate components in the first embodiment, they can also be one component of the first housing portion 423.

[0055] The second housing portion 425 is attached so as to cover the tip portion of the first housing portion 423. The liquid supply port 16 is inserted into the approximate center of the second housing portion 425, and a mounting hole 425a communicating with the first communication hole 423b is provided. When the second housing portion 425 and the first housing portion 423 are in the open position, the mounting hole 425a coincides with the opening position of the first communication hole 423b in the axial direction of the first housing portion 423. As a result, when the second housing portion 425 is attached to the first housing portion 423, the mounting hole 425a communicates with the first communication hole 423b. The first seal portion 422 is held between the second housing portion 425 and the first housing portion 423, and a liquid-tight seal is formed between this first seal portion 422 and the outer circumference of the liquid supply port 16.

[0056] Multiple engaging claws 425b are provided on the outer circumference of the second housing portion 425, protruding toward the base end. When the second housing portion 425 is attached to the first housing portion 423, the hook-shaped tip of the engaging claws 425b engages with the engaging groove 423e of the first housing portion 423. The number and position of the engaging claws 425b are not particularly limited, but considering the mounting stability during installation, it is preferable to provide them at an even angular pitch in the circumferential direction of the second housing portion 425.

[0057] The second connection section 43 comprises an opening 431 and a plug 432. After the cannula 50 is inserted into the body together with the puncture needle, only the puncture needle is removed. The opening 431 is located on the upper surface of the port body 41. The plug 432 is positioned directly below the opening 431.

[0058] The stopper 432 is positioned above the retaining portion 44 and opposite the proximal end of the cannula 50. The stopper 432 can be made of flexible and sealing materials such as various rubber materials like silicone rubber or natural rubber, or various thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, olefin, or styrene. After the puncture needle that has passed through the stopper 432 is removed, the stopper 432 seals the second connection portion 43, separating the internal space 45 from the external environment.

[0059] <Operation> Next, the operation of attaching the first main body 10 to the cradle 30 and the operation of detaching the first main body 10 from the cradle 30 in the drug solution dispensing device 100 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

[0060] As a preliminary step before using the drug administration device 100, the user attaches the cradle 30 to the surface of the body and places the cannula 50 inside the body. When placing the cannula 50, the user attaches the adhesive portion 31c of the cradle 30 to the skin and inserts the puncture needle through the second connection portion 43 to insert the cannula 50 into the body. This places the cannula 50 inside the body and attaches the cradle 30 to the surface of the body.

[0061] Next, the user assembles the device body 101 by attaching the second main body 20 to the first main body 10. As shown in Figure 6, the first housing portion 423 of the connection port 40 faces diagonally upward (upper right in the figure), which is the detachment direction D2 of the device body 101, before the device body 101 is attached to the cradle 30. In other words, the first housing portion 423 of the connection port 40 is in a closed position before the device body 101 is attached to the cradle 30. As a result, the communication passage 421a is closed when the cylindrical plug 421b is in close contact with the sealing portion 423d of the first housing portion 423, and communication with the outside is cut off. Therefore, the internal space 45 of the connection port 40 is sealed.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the user approaches the assembled device body 101 from diagonally above (upper right in the figure) towards the cradle 30 in the mounting direction D1 (lower right in the figure), engages the first guide portion 11e with the second guide portion 31d, and inserts the liquid delivery port 16 into the mounting hole 425a of the second housing portion 425 to mount it to the first housing portion 423. This temporarily mounts the device body 101 to the cradle 30. As shown in Figure 7, in the temporary mounting state between the device body 101 and the cradle 30, the liquid delivery port 16 is mounted to and communicates with the first housing portion 423. However, as shown in Figure 7, because the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, the cylindrical stopper 421b and the sealing portion 423d are in close contact and the communication passage 421a is closed. Therefore, the internal space 45 of the connection port 40 remains sealed even in the state shown in Figure 7.

[0063] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the user moves the bottom surface 101a (bottom surface 11a) of the device body 101 closer to the mounting surface 31a of the cradle 30, thereby mounting the device body 101 onto the cradle 30, starting from the temporarily mounted state of the device body 101 and the cradle 30. Specifically, the user moves the device body 101, which was temporarily mounted to the cradle 30 from diagonally above, downward with the support part 424 as the center of rotation, and places the bottom surface 101a of the device body 101 onto the mounting surface 31a. The support part 424 also rotates as the device body 101 moves, moving the orientation of the first housing part 423 from diagonally above to the X direction. As a result, the first housing part 423 moves from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the connection port 40 becomes open, forming a drug solution flow path that connects the internal space 45 and the liquid delivery port 16, enabling drug solution administration by the drug solution administration device 100.

[0064] The drug solution flow path is a channel within the connection port 40 that connects to the cannula 50. Therefore, the fluid delivery tube 14 connected to the reservoir 12 and the cannula 50 that is inserted into the body are fluidly connected. Thus, when the user starts the drug solution administration device 100, the fluid delivery drive unit 23 is driven at a predetermined timing, causing the drug solution stored in the reservoir 12 to flow into the first housing unit 423 from the fluid delivery port 16 via the fluid delivery tube 14. The drug solution that has flowed into the first housing unit 423 then flows through the drug solution introduction unit 421, through the internal space 45 of the port body 41 to the cannula 50, and is introduced into the body.

[0065] When the first main body 10 is to be detached from the cradle 30 while the drug administration device 100 is in use, the user lifts the device body 101 upward with the support part 424 as the pivot point in the opposite direction to when the device body 101 is fully attached to the cradle 30, as shown in Figure 9, and separates the device body 101 from the cradle 30 in the detachment direction D2 (upper right direction in the figure), which is the opposite direction to the attachment direction D1. As a result, the device body 101 is detached from the cradle 30, the liquid delivery port 16 is detached from the second housing part 425 of the first connection part 42, and the connection is released. In addition, as the device body 101 is detached, the first housing part 423 moves from the open position to the closed position. When the first housing part 423 moves to the closed position, the cylindrical stopper 421b comes into close contact with the sealing part 423d. As a result, the connection port 40 is sealed, the internal space 45 is sealed, and communication with the outside is cut off.

[0066] [Second Embodiment] Next, the drug administration device 110 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components having the same function as in the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Components, members, and methods of use that are not specifically mentioned may be the same as in the embodiment described above.

[0067] <Structure> In the drug dispensing device 110 according to the second embodiment, the support portion 424 is biased by a biasing member 424c so that the first housing portion 423 is in a closed position.

[0068] In detail, the support portion 424 includes a biasing member 424c, as shown in Figure 10. The biasing member 424c is positioned on the support shaft 41a and is composed of a member (for example, a torsion coil spring) capable of applying a biasing force to the support portion 424 in a predetermined direction. When the device body 111 and the cradle 30 are not mounted, the support portion 424 is biased by the biasing force of the biasing member 424c so that the first communication hole 423b of the first housing portion 423 faces the detachment direction D2. As a result, the first housing portion 423 can always be positioned in the closed position when the device body 111 and the cradle 30 are not mounted. Therefore, the sealing portion 423d and the cylindrical stopper 421b are in close contact, maintaining the closed state of the chemical solution introduction portion 421. Furthermore, when the device body 111 is fully mounted on the cradle 30, the support portion 424 rotates against the biasing force of the biasing member 424c, moving the first housing portion 423 to the open position.

[0069] In the drug dispensing device 110 according to the second embodiment, the mounting direction D1 when attaching the first main body 10 to the cradle 30 is from above the cradle 30 diagonally downward. Therefore, in the drug dispensing device 110 according to the second embodiment, the operation when temporarily attaching and attaching the device body 111 to the cradle 30 is the same as in the first embodiment (see Figures 6 to 8).

[0070] In the drug dispensing device 110 of the second embodiment, the detachment direction D2 for detaching the device body 111 from the cradle 30 is along the X direction (right direction in Figure 10). In the drug dispensing device 110 according to the second embodiment, the support portion 424 is biased by the biasing member 424c so that the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position. Therefore, even if the detachment direction D2 of the device body 111 is along the X direction, the support portion 424 can move the first housing portion 423 from the open position to the closed position by the biasing force of the biasing member 424c after the device body 111 has been detached. Thus, in the drug dispensing device 110 according to the second embodiment, when detaching the device body 111 from the cradle 30, it is only necessary to slide the attached device body 111 along the X direction, making the attachment and detachment operation simple. Furthermore, since the support portion 424 is biased by the biasing member 424c so that the first housing portion 423 is in the closed position, even when the device body 111 is not attached to the cradle 30, the flow of the connection port 40 to the outside is always blocked, and the sealed state of the internal space 45 can be maintained.

[0071] In the second embodiment, the detachment direction D2 of the device body 111 is set to be along the X direction, but as in the first embodiment, it may be set to be in the opposite direction to the mounting direction D1.

[0072] In the drug dispensing device 110 according to the second embodiment having the above configuration, the operation until the device body 111 is fully attached to the cradle 30 is the same as the operation of the drug dispensing device 100 according to the first embodiment described above (see Figures 6 to 8).

[0073] When the first main body 10 is to be detached from the cradle 30 while the drug administration device 110 is in use, the user slides the device body 111 in the detachment direction D2 along the X direction to separate it from the cradle 30. As a result, the device body 111 is detached from the cradle 30, and the liquid delivery port 16 is detached from the first housing portion 423 of the first connection portion 42, releasing the connection. When the device body 111 is detached, the first housing portion 423 moves from the open position to the closed position due to the rotational movement of the support portion 424, which is biased by the biasing member 424c. When the first housing portion 423 moves to the closed position, the cylindrical stopper 421b comes into close contact with the sealing portion 423d. As a result, the connection port 40 becomes sealed, the internal space 45 is sealed, and communication with the outside is blocked.

[0074] [Effects and Effects] As described above, the drug administration devices 100 and 110 according to this embodiment have a device body 101 and 111 which is attached to the body and has a connection port 40 for holding a cannula 50 inserted into the body, a reservoir 12 for storing drug solution, a fluid delivery drive unit 23 for delivering drug solution from the reservoir 12, a fluid delivery pipe 14 through which the drug solution delivered from the reservoir 12 flows, and a hollow cylindrical fluid delivery port 16 communicating with the fluid delivery pipe 14, and the fluid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40 are detachably fluidly connected. The connection port 40 includes a chemical solution introduction section 421 for introducing the chemical solution delivered from the liquid delivery pipe 14, and a first housing section 423 to which the liquid delivery port 16 is attached and which is movably mounted relative to the chemical solution introduction section 421. The connection port 40 is configured to be fluidly connected to the liquid delivery port 16 by moving the first housing section 423 relative to the chemical solution introduction section 421 with the liquid delivery port 16 attached to the first housing section 423.

[0075] In the conventional technology, fluid connection was repeatedly established by puncturing and withdrawing a fluid delivery needle with a sharp tip into a rubber stopper (septum) provided in the connection port. As a result, in the conventional technology, as the number of times the device body and cradle were attached and detached increased, there was a risk that the puncture hole in the rubber stopper would widen or the rubber stopper itself would be damaged, causing leakage of the drug solution from the connection point between the rubber stopper and the fluid delivery needle. In addition, if the fluid delivery needle was not inserted into the rubber stopper in the correct direction due to an operational error, the rubber stopper would be further damaged. In contrast, the drug solution delivery devices 100 and 110 according to this embodiment are configured to deliver drug solution to the connection port 40 via the fluid delivery port 16 of the device body 101 and 111, and the fluid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40 are fluidly connected by attaching the fluid delivery port 16 to the first housing part 423. As a result, the drug dispensing devices 100 and 110 according to this embodiment prevent leakage of drug solution from the connection port due to damage or deterioration of the rubber stopper, which was a problem in the prior art. Furthermore, the drug dispensing devices 100 and 110 can fluidly connect to the liquid dispensing port 16 by moving the first housing portion 423 relative to the drug introduction portion 421 while the liquid dispensing port 16 is attached to the first housing portion 423 (more specifically, with the liquid dispensing port 16 of the device body 101 and 111 attached to the connection port 40 of the cradle 30). As a result, the drug dispensing devices 100 and 110 can appropriately control the fluid connection between the liquid dispensing port 16 and the connection port 40 depending on whether the device body 101 and 111 and the cradle 30 are attached or not.

[0076] Furthermore, in the drug solution dispensing devices 100 and 110 according to this embodiment, the first housing portion 423 includes a lumen 423a, a first communication hole 423b that communicates with one end of the lumen 423a and into which the liquid delivery port 16 is installed, and a second communication hole 423c that communicates with the other end of the lumen 423a and is capable of communicating with the drug solution introduction portion 421. The connection port 40 includes a support portion 424 that rotatably supports the first housing portion 423 with respect to the drug solution introduction portion 421. The connection port 40 may be configured such that, with the liquid delivery port 16 installed in the first housing portion 423, the support portion 424 is rotated in a predetermined direction, thereby enabling the second communication hole 423c to communicate with the drug solution introduction portion 421 and to fluidly connect with the liquid delivery port 16.

[0077] With the drug delivery devices 100 and 110 configured in this way, the user can easily fluidly connect the liquid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40 by rotating the support portion 424 in a predetermined direction while the liquid delivery port 16 is attached to the first housing portion 423.

[0078] Furthermore, in the drug solution dispensing devices 100 and 110 according to this embodiment, the drug solution introduction section 421 is provided with a hollow cylindrical stopper 421b that can communicate with the second communication hole 423c, and the first housing section 423 further has a sealing section 423d that is in close contact with the cylindrical stopper 421b on its base end side to close the drug solution introduction section, and is configured to be rotatable by a support section 424 between an open position for fluid connection between the liquid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40 and a closed position for blocking the fluid connection between the liquid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40, and the connection port 40 may be configured such that when the support section 424 is rotated while the liquid delivery port 16 is mounted on the first housing section 423 and the first housing section 423 is moved to the closed position, the cylindrical stopper 421b and the sealing section 423d come into close contact and the fluid connection with the liquid delivery port 16 is blocked.

[0079] With the drug delivery devices 100 and 110 configured in this way, the user can easily shut off the fluid connection between the fluid delivery port 16 and the connection port 40 by rotating the support part 424 so that the first housing part 423 moves to the closed position while the fluid delivery port 16 is attached to the first housing part 423, causing the sealing part 423d to tightly contact the cylindrical stopper 421b.

[0080] Furthermore, in the drug dispensing device 110 according to this embodiment, the support portion 424 may be configured to include a biasing member 424c that biases the first housing portion 423 toward the closed position.

[0081] The drug dispensing device 110 configured in this way is equipped with a biasing member 424c on the support portion 424 that biases the first housing portion 423 toward the closed position. Therefore, after the device body 111 is detached from the cradle 30, the biasing force of the biasing member 424c can move the first housing portion 423 from the open position to the closed position. Consequently, even when the device body 111 is not mounted on the cradle 30, the connection port 40 is always blocked from flowing to the outside, and the sealed state of the internal space 45 can be maintained.

[0082] Furthermore, in the drug delivery devices 100 and 110 according to this embodiment, the first housing portion 423 may be configured to include a first sealing portion 422 that is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the installed liquid delivery port 16, near the first communication hole 423b in the lumen 423a.

[0083] With the drug delivery devices 100 and 110 configured in this way, the first seal portion 422 is in close contact with the outer circumference of the tip of the liquid delivery port 16 fitted into the first communication hole 423b, thereby improving the liquid tightness when the liquid delivery port 16 is connected to the first housing portion 423.

[0084] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-050937, filed on 25 March 2021, the disclosures of which are cited in their entirety by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 10 First main body, 12 Reservoirs, 14. Liquid delivery pipe, 16 liquid delivery ports, 20 Second main body, 23. Fluid delivery drive unit, 30 cradles, 40 connection ports, 42 First connection part (421 Drug introduction part, 421b Cylindrical stopper, 422 First seal part, 423 First housing part, 423a Lumen of the first housing part, 423b First communication hole, 423c Second communication hole, 423d Sealing part, 424 Support part, 424c Biasing member), 43 Second connection section, 50 cannulas, 100, 110 drug dispensing devices, 101, 111 Main body of the device (101a Bottom part), D1 mounting direction, D2 Exit direction.

Claims

1. A cradle having a connection port for holding a cannula to be inserted into a living body, The device comprises a reservoir for storing the chemical solution, a liquid delivery drive unit for discharging the chemical solution from the reservoir, a liquid delivery pipe through which the chemical solution discharged from the reservoir flows, and a hollow cylindrical liquid delivery port communicating with the liquid delivery pipe. A drug delivery device in which the liquid delivery port and the connection port are detachably fluid-connected, The connection port comprises a chemical solution introduction section for introducing the chemical solution delivered from the liquid delivery pipe, and a first housing section to which the liquid delivery port is attached and which is movably mounted relative to the chemical solution introduction section. A drug delivery device wherein the first housing portion is movable relative to the drug delivery portion between an open position for fluid connection between the liquid delivery port and the connection port and a closed position for blocking the fluid connection between the liquid delivery port and the connection port.

2. The first housing portion comprises a lumen, a first communication hole communicating with one end of the lumen and into which the liquid delivery port is fitted, and a second communication hole communicating with the other end of the lumen and capable of communicating with the drug solution introduction portion. The connection port is connected to the first housing and includes a support that rotatably supports the first housing relative to the chemical solution introduction section. The drug delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the connection port is connected to the drug delivery port by rotating the support portion in a predetermined direction while the liquid delivery port is mounted on the first housing portion, thereby connecting the second communication hole to the drug delivery port and fluidly connecting with the liquid delivery port.

3. The aforementioned drug solution introduction section is equipped with a hollow cylindrical stopper that can communicate with the second communication hole, The first housing portion further has a sealing portion on its base end side that is in close contact with the cylindrical stopper and closes the liquid injection portion, and is configured to be rotatably movable between the open position and the closed position by the support portion. The drug delivery device according to claim 2, wherein when the support portion is rotated while the liquid delivery port is mounted on the first housing portion, and the first housing portion moves to the closed position, the cylindrical stopper and the sealing portion come into close contact, thereby blocking the fluid connection with the liquid delivery port.

4. The drug dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein the support portion includes a biasing member that biases the first housing portion toward the closed position.

5. The drug delivery device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first housing portion is provided with a first sealing portion that is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the installed liquid delivery port, near the first communication hole in the lumen.

Images