Needle assembly

Abstract

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, provided is a needle assembly formed having the following parts, which are each configured such that at least a portion thereof can be housed in a casing formed having an opening: a needle support part on which is supported a hollow needle through which a medicinal solution can flow; a moveable needle cover part which is able to be moved inside of said opening so as to externally expose the medicinal solution-injecting side tip of the needle at the time of use; a cylinder part which is disposed on the needle support part and in which a portion thereof can come in contact with the moveable needle cover part; and a biasing part configured such that when the moveable needle cover part is moved in one direction, the moveable needle cover part is biased in the opposite direction to the one direction. By moving the moveable needle cover part in the one direction, at least the moveable needle cover part comes in contact with the cylinder part and is axially rotated from a prescribed position prior to being moved, to another position, the axially rotated moveable needle cover part is thereby able to be moved in the opposite direction due to the biasing part, and the axially rotated moveable needle cover part which has moved completely in the opposite direction can be interlocked with the casing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a needle assembly. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a needle assembly that includes a hollow needle through which a chemical solution can flow and is removably attached to a pen-type injector that contains the chemical solution inside.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it is said that the number of diabetic patients in the world will continue to increase further in the future. Specifically, the number of diabetic patients in the world currently exceeds about 400 million, and it is said that it will increase to about 700 million in about 30 years. To treat diabetes, it is necessary to maintain the constancy of blood glucose levels, and for this purpose, insulin administration is essential.

[0003] As a method of insulin administration, for example, a method of using a combination of a pen-type injector containing insulin solution inside and a needle assembly including a hollow needle through which a chemical solution can flow is known. According to this method, the needle assembly is attached to the pen-type injector, and after the hollow needle is punctured into a patient or the like, insulin is administered.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the mode of using the above pen-type injector and needle assembly in combination, safety protection of the hollow needle after puncturing a patient or the like and administering a chemical solution such as insulin is required. In particular, from the viewpoint of preventing a used hollow needle with blood attached from accidentally stabbing a medical worker after a chemical solution has been administered to a patient or the like, the need for safety protection of the above hollow needle is higher.

[0006] In this regard, it is not easy for healthcare professionals to proactively cap used hollow needles themselves using the needle cover in their daily work. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to automatically cap the hollow needles. Furthermore, it is necessary to prevent used hollow needles from protruding again from the needle cover. In addition, since hollow needles attached to pen-type injectors are generally replaceable and disposable, a simple structure may be required to keep costs down.

[0007] In view of these points, the present disclosure aims to provide a needle assembly that enables automatic capping of the hollow needle, prevention of re-protrusion of the hollow needle, and a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present disclosure is: Each is configured such that at least a portion of it can be housed within a casing having an opening, A needle support section that supports a hollow needle through which a liquid medicine can flow, A movable needle cover portion that can move within the opening so as to cause the end of the needle that injects the drug solution to protrude outward when in use, A cylindrical portion is positioned on the needle support portion and is partially in contact with the movable needle cover portion, A biasing unit is configured such that the movable needle cover is biased in a direction opposite to the one direction as the movable needle cover moves in one direction. It consists of having, As the movable needle cover portion moves in one direction, at least the movable needle cover portion comes into contact with the cylindrical portion, causing it to rotate on an axis from a predetermined position before movement to another position, thereby allowing the movable needle cover portion to move in the opposite direction after rotation by the biasing portion, and A needle assembly is provided in which the movable needle cover portion, after the axial rotation has been completed and the movement in the opposite direction has been completed, can be locked to the casing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the needle assembly of this disclosure, it is possible to provide automatic capping of the hollow needle, prevention of re-protrusion of the hollow needle, and a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view showing a needle assembly (with overall cover) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a schematic perspective view showing a needle assembly (without overall cover) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a needle assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the movable needle cover section. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view showing the cylindrical section. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cylindrical portion. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view showing the needle support section (with hollow needle). [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a schematic plan view showing the needle support section. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the biasing section. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a schematic perspective view of the casing. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a schematic perspective view showing the casing with its internal structure clearly visible. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the casing. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall cover. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a schematic perspective view showing the operation flow (before use) of an assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B]FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation flow (before use) of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a perspective view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (during the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part / when the lower end side surface of the movable needle cover part abuts against the first cylindrical protrusion of the cylindrical part). [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (during the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part / when the lower end side surface of the movable needle cover part abuts against the first cylindrical protrusion of the cylindrical part). [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a perspective view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (during the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part / at the start of the axial rotation of the first cylindrical protrusion of the cylindrical part). [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (during the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part / at the start of the axial rotation of the first cylindrical protrusion of the cylindrical part). [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a perspective view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (during the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part / at the completion of the axial rotation of the first cylindrical protrusion of the cylindrical part). [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (during the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part / at the completion of the axial rotation of the first cylindrical protrusion of the cylindrical part). [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a perspective view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (at the completion of the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part). [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (at the completion of the one-way movement of the movable needle cover part). [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a perspective view schematically showing an operation flow of an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (at the completion of the reverse movement of the movable needle cover part). [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation flow of an assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (when the movable needle cover portion has completed moving in the opposite direction). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A needle assembly according to one embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The inventors of this application have diligently studied solutions to enable automatic capping of hollow needles, prevention of re-protrusion of hollow needles, and provision of a simple structure, and as a result have come to provide a needle assembly according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] A needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be removably attached to a pen-type injector 200 which contains a drug solution inside. As shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 2, the needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises, as components, a casing 50 having an opening 51, a movable needle cover portion 10, a cylindrical portion 20, a needle support portion 30 supporting a hollow needle 60, and a biasing portion 40, each configured to be at least partially housed within the casing 50. The needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises an overall cover 70 capable of covering these components before use. This overall cover 70 can be removed during use (see Figure 1A). The above components (movable needle cover portion 10, cylindrical portion 20, needle support portion 30 with hollow needle 60, biasing portion 40, and casing 50) are integrally combined to constitute the needle assembly 100.

[0014] The components of the needle assembly 100 may consist mainly of resin members, excluding the hollow needle 60. The constituent material of the resin member is not particularly limited, but may be at least one selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin). The hollow needle 60 may be made of a metal member such as stainless steel.

[0015] Hereinafter, "when using the needle assembly 100" as used herein refers to a state in which at least the overall cover (not shown) has been removed. "One direction" as used herein refers to the direction in which the movable needle cover portion 10 is pushed down so that the drug injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 can protrude outward. "Opposite direction" as used herein refers to the direction opposite to the direction in which the drug injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 protrudes outward, that is, the direction in which the movable needle cover portion 10 is pushed up so that the drug injection end 60a is housed inside the movable needle cover portion 10.

[0016] (Casing 50) The casing 50 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of each of the following: the movable needle cover portion 10, the cylindrical portion 20, the needle support portion 30 with a hollow needle 60, and the biasing portion 40 (see Figures 1B, 2, 7A to 7C). The casing 50 has an opening 51 through which the movable needle cover portion 10 can move. If the casing 50 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, the opening 51 can be formed on the upper surface 56 side of the casing 50.

[0017] The casing 50 has a locking portion 53 formed at a predetermined interval on its side surface 52, which can be locked into the first needle cover projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10, which will be described later. Specifically, at least the tip side 53a of the locking portion 53 can be locked into the first needle cover projection 12 after the movable needle cover portion 10, which will be described later, has completed its upward movement in the opposite direction. On the other hand, the locking portion 53 is not locked into the first needle cover projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 before the downward movement (corresponding to before axial rotation) and during the downward movement (corresponding to the stage during axial rotation).

[0018] From a positional perspective, after the movable needle cover portion 10 has completed its upward movement, the locked portion 53 of the casing 50 and the first needle cover portion protrusion 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 are in a positional relationship where they face each other, are coaxial, and / or are in the same row. On the other hand, before the downward movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 and during the downward movement, the locked portion 53 of the casing 50 and the first needle cover portion protrusion 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 are in a positional relationship where they do not face each other, are not coaxial, and / or are not in the same row.

[0019] As an example, the casing 50 may have not only the opening 51 (hereinafter referred to as the first opening) through which the movable needle cover portion 10 can pass, but also a second opening 55 on its side surface 52. In this case, the locking portion 53 may correspond to the lower edge of the contour portion forming the second opening 55 formed on the side surface of the casing 50. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a part of the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion, which will be described later, protrudes outward through the second opening 55, and then the protruding part of the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion is lockable with the locking portion 53 (corresponding to the lower edge of the contour portion forming the second opening 55).

[0020] To facilitate such locking, it is preferable that slits 54 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the side surface 52 from both ends of the locked portion 53 (corresponding to the lower edge of the contour portion forming the second opening 55). The formation of the slits 54 provides flexibility to the locked portion 53 (corresponding to the lower edge of the contour portion forming the second opening 55). As a result, compared to the case where the slits 54 are not formed, the locking of a part of the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion that protrudes outward through the second opening 55 to the locked portion 53 can be performed more smoothly.

[0021] Furthermore, the locking portion 53 of the casing 50 preferably has the following configuration. Specifically, the inner surface of the locking portion 53, which forms part of the inner surface 52a of the casing 50, is preferably a sloped surface 57. This sloped surface 57 (i.e., inclined surface) is a surface that extends downward and inward from the tip side 53a of the locking portion 53. Specifically, this sloped surface 57 is configured to gradually incline inward as it approaches the tip side 53a.

[0022] With this configuration, the thickness of the locking portion 53 can be increased towards the tip side 53a. As a result, the overall strength of the locking portion 53 is improved, and the locking state can be maintained even after the first needle cover projection 12 has locked onto the tip side 53a of the locking portion 53.

[0023] On the other hand, with this configuration, the thickness of the locking portion 53 can be reduced as it moves toward the side opposite to the tip side 53a. As a result, the overall flexibility of the locking portion 53 is improved, making it easier to lock the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover to the tip side 53a of the locking portion 53.

[0024] Furthermore, the number of slope surfaces 57 corresponds to the number of first needle cover protrusions 12 of the movable needle cover section 10. In one example, if there are two first needle cover protrusions 12, the number of slope surfaces 57 will also be two. In particular, if the two first needle cover protrusions 12 are arranged facing each other, the two slope surfaces 57 will also be arranged facing each other accordingly (see Figures 7B and 7C).

[0025] If the inner surface of the locking portion is a straight section extending vertically, and the tip of the locking portion is a latch (claw) portion that partially extends inward from the straight surface, then a steep, wall-like inner surface can be formed between the straight section and the latch (claw) portion. Therefore, the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion may get caught on this steep, wall-like inner surface.

[0026] In contrast, if a gradually inclined slope surface 57 is formed on the inner side surface of the locking portion 53, it is possible to suitably avoid the first needle cover portion projection 12 getting caught on the inner side surface of the locking portion 53 during the upward movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 (described later) before it locks onto the tip side 53a of the locking portion 53.

[0027] More preferably, the sloped surface 57 on which the first needle cover projection 12 can contact the locked portion 53 may be formed only on the central region 53b of the inner side surface of the locked portion 53, rather than on the entire inner side surface of the locked portion 53. This reduces the contact area between the first needle cover projection 12 and the inner side surface of the locked portion 53 during the upward movement of the movable needle cover portion 10, which will be described later. As a result, the contact resistance between the two can be reduced, allowing the upward movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 to be performed more smoothly.

[0028] Furthermore, the casing 50 may have rib portions 58 arranged at predetermined intervals in the lower region of the outer side surface 52b. The presence of these rib portions 58 allows them to function as a finger grip when removing the pen-type injector 200 from the needle assembly 100 after use. Specifically, the pen-type injector 200 can be removed from the needle support 30, i.e., from the needle assembly 100, by hooking a finger onto the rib portion 58 (or the rib portion 31c provided on the outer surface of the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30) and rotating it axially.

[0029] (Movable needle cover section 10) The movable needle cover section 10 covers the hollow needle 60, which is supported by the needle support section 30 and through which the drug solution can flow when not in use, and is movable through the opening 51 of the casing 50 in one direction so that the drug solution injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 protrudes outward when in use (see Figures 1A to 3).

[0030] Specifically, when not in use, a portion of the movable needle cover 10 covers the hollow needle 60 located outside the opening 51 of the casing 50, while the remaining portion is housed inside the casing 50. On the other hand, when in use, the movable needle cover 10 is pushed down within the opening 51 of the casing 50, allowing the injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 to protrude outward. In this case, almost the entire movable needle cover 10 can be housed inside the casing 50.

[0031] The movable needle cover portion 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical portion 20 is positioned in its inner region 17. The movable needle cover portion 10 has one or more first needle cover portion projections 12 formed on its outer side surface 11. In one example, two first needle cover portion projections 12 are provided that are arranged opposite each other.

[0032] The shape of the first needle cover projection 12 is such that it can engage with the locking portion 53 of the casing 50 when the movable needle cover 10 moves in the downward direction (one direction). In addition, the shape of the first needle cover projection 12 is such that it does not engage with the locking portion 53 of the casing 50 when the movable needle cover 10 moves in the upward direction (opposite direction), and can overcome the locking portion 53.

[0033] As an example, the first needle cover projection 12 is wing-shaped. Specifically, the first needle cover projection 12 can be a wing-shaped member in which one end 12a is attached to the outer side surface 11 of the movable needle cover 10 and the other end 12b is directed downward toward the lower end 16 of the side surface. Preferably, the first needle cover projection 12 may be configured such that the distance between the outer side surface 11 and the first needle cover projection 12 (wing portion) gradually increases toward the other end 12b, from the viewpoint of maximizing the locking space with the locking portion 53 of the casing 50.

[0034] The substantially cylindrical movable needle cover portion 10 may have an inclined surface 13 on its lower side end portion 16. As will be described later, it is not essential that the movable needle cover portion 10 has an inclined surface 13 on its lower side end portion 16; it is sufficient that at least one of this lower side end portion 16 and the first cylindrical projection portion 22 of the cylindrical portion 20 has an inclined surface.

[0035] The roughly cylindrical movable needle cover portion 10 has a notch portion 15 that is continuous with the lower side end portion 16, which can abut against the first cylindrical projection portion 22, which will be described later. The notch portion 15 can be formed by making a part 14 of the lower side end portion 16 a recessed shape toward the upward direction of the movable needle cover portion 10 (corresponding to the opposite direction described above). That is, the lower side end portion 16 of the movable needle cover portion 10 has a portion that abuts against the first cylindrical projection portion 22 and a convex portion that is continuous with this abutment portion.

[0036] The position of the notch 15 is adjusted so that, after the axial rotation of the movable needle cover 10, the notch 15 and the first cylindrical projection 22, which will be described later, are substantially coaxial. This allows the movable needle cover 10 to move further downward in one direction (downward direction) without coming into contact with the first cylindrical projection 22 again after the axial rotation is complete.

[0037] The movable needle cover portion 10 further comprises a second needle cover portion projection 19 on its inner side surface 18. The second needle cover portion projection 19 can be formed, for example, on the inside of the lower end portion 16 of the side surface of the movable needle cover portion 10. The second needle cover portion projection 19 has the following characteristics. Specifically, when the movable needle cover portion 10 is moved in the downward direction, the second needle cover portion projection 19 can overcome the second cylindrical portion projection 23 of the cylindrical portion 20, which will be described later. However, once it has overcome it, it is configured not to overcome the second cylindrical portion projection 23 again along the upward direction of the movable needle cover portion 10, and is locked to the second cylindrical portion projection 23.

[0038] Furthermore, the movable needle cover portion 10 further comprises a third needle cover portion projection 11a partially formed at a predetermined interval on the outer side surface 11. Specifically, the third needle cover portion projection 11a may be positioned between the first needle cover portion projection 12 and the lower end portion 16 of the side surface, and inside the biasing portion 40 which is provided to surround the outer side surface 11 of the movable needle cover portion 10, as will be described later. This arrangement allows for a minute clearance to be provided between the biasing portion 40 and the outer side surface 11 of the movable needle cover portion 10 (the main portion without the third needle cover portion projection 11a).

[0039] As described later, the movable needle cover portion 10 is movable in one direction (downward direction) and in the opposite direction (upward direction). Specifically, as the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in one direction (downward direction), the compression coil spring acting as the biasing portion 40 contracts, and the force acting on the contracted compression coil spring to stretch it makes it possible to move the movable needle cover portion 10 in the opposite direction (upward direction). In other words, the biasing portion 40 contracts or expands in conjunction with the movement of the movable needle cover portion 10. In this regard, by providing the above-mentioned minute clearance, the contact area between the movable needle cover portion 10 and the biasing portion 40 can be reduced as much as possible. This makes it possible to smoothly perform both the axial movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 and the contraction and expansion behavior of the biasing portion 40.

[0040] (Cylinder part 20) The cylindrical portion 20 is positioned on the needle support portion 30, specifically on the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30, and is configured to be in contact with the movable needle cover portion 10 and a part thereof. The cylindrical portion 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape and can be positioned in the inner region 17 of the movable needle cover portion 10. Furthermore, the extended portion 32 of the needle support portion 30 with a hollow needle 60 attached is movable along the longitudinal direction within the inner region 25 of the substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 20 (see Figures 1B, 2, 4A, and 4B).

[0041] A first cylindrical projection 22 is provided on the outer side surface 21 of the cylindrical portion 20. Specifically, the first cylindrical projection 22 is provided on the outer side surface 21 of the cylindrical portion 20 so as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (or extending direction or axial direction) of the cylindrical portion 20. The position of the first cylindrical projection 22 is adjusted so as to be able to contact the lower end 16 of the side surface of the movable needle cover portion 10, which moves in the downward direction during use. The first cylindrical projection 22, which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion 20, has a substantially circular shape in cross-sectional or side view.

[0042] The first cylindrical projection 22 does not necessarily have to be substantially circular in cross-sectional or side view, and may have an inclined surface. That is, it is sufficient that at least one of the lower side end 16 of the movable needle cover 10 and the first cylindrical projection 22 of the cylindrical 20 has an inclined surface. By adopting this configuration, when the movable needle cover 10 is moved in the downward direction during use and the lower side end 16 comes into contact with the first cylindrical projection 22 of the cylindrical 20, an axial rotational force can be applied to the movable needle cover 10 that is being pushed down.

[0043] Furthermore, in order to suitably apply axial rotational force to the movable needle cover portion 10, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion 20, which is the mating part that the movable needle cover portion 10 comes into contact with during axial rotation, is supported on the upper surface of the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 without undergoing axial rotation. As a result, the movable needle cover portion 10, which is being pushed down, can be suitably rotated axially.

[0044] Furthermore, the outer surface 21 of the cylindrical portion 20 has a first outer surface 21a which is relatively thicker and a second outer surface 21b which is relatively thinner than the first outer surface 21a. Specifically, on the outer surface 21 of the cylindrical portion 20, the first outer surface 21a which is relatively thicker and the second outer surface 21b which is relatively thinner are arranged alternately.

[0045] With this configuration, the cylindrical portion 20 may further have a second cylindrical projection 23 and a stepped portion 24 on its outer surface 21 at predetermined intervals. The positional relationship between the second cylindrical projection 23 and the stepped portion 24 is such that the former is located on the downward side (i.e., the lower side) of the second outer surface 21b, and the latter is located on the upward side (i.e., the upper side) of the second outer surface 21b.

[0046] The second cylindrical projection 23 is configured such that the second needle cover projection 19 can move over it when the movable needle cover 10 is moved in the downward direction. Once it has moved over, the second needle cover projection 19 cannot move over it again along the upward direction of the movable needle cover 10 and is locked to the second cylindrical projection 23. Due to this locking, as will be explained in the preferred embodiment described later, the cylindrical portion 20 can move integrally with the movable needle cover 10 after axial rotation, and the cylindrical portion 20 can move and protrude partially from the opening of the movable needle cover 10. As a result, if the cylindrical portion 20 is a colored material, it becomes possible to visually determine from the outside whether the hollow needle 60 has been used.

[0047] With respect to the stepped portion 24, even if an upward force is applied to the movable needle cover portion 10 before it is moved in the downward direction, it can be locked with the second needle cover portion projection 19 located inside the movable needle cover portion 10. Furthermore, the first needle cover portion projection 12 can be locked with the upper surface 56 or side surface 52 that form the opening 51 of the casing 50.

[0048] The locking mechanism between the two components effectively prevents the movable needle cover 10 from detaching from the casing 50 when the needle assembly 100 is not in use. This effectively prevents the hollow needle 60 from being exposed to the outside when the needle assembly 100 is not in use. This effectively ensures safety when the needle assembly 100 is not in use.

[0049] The cylindrical portion 20 is further formed by having a third cylindrical projection 26 at the lower end of the inner region 25 of the substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 20. This third cylindrical projection 26 is configured to be engageable with the first needle support projection 32a formed on the outer surface of the extended portion 32 of the needle support portion 30, which will be described later. Specifically, this third cylindrical projection 26 is configured to be located coaxially with the first needle support projection 32a and below the first needle support projection 32a. More specifically, this third cylindrical projection 26 is positioned so that the cylindrical portion 20, which has partially protruded from the opening of the movable needle cover portion 10, cannot move further outward.

[0050] This effectively prevents the cylindrical portion 20 from detaching even if an outward pulling force is applied to the movable needle cover portion 10. Furthermore, regardless of the amount of movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 in the downward direction, the area in which the cylindrical portion 20 partially protrudes from the opening of the movable needle cover portion 10 can be kept constant.

[0051] Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 20 has a slit 27 on its lower end. This provides flexibility to the lower end of the cylindrical portion 20. As a result, it becomes easier to pass the first needle support projection 32a of the needle support portion 30, which will be described later, through this flexible slit 27.

[0052] (Buffing section 40) The biasing part 40 is configured such that when the movable needle cover part 10 moves in one direction (downward direction), the movable needle cover part 10 is biased in the opposite direction (upward direction). Specifically, the biasing part 40 is provided so as to surround the outer side surface 11 of the movable needle cover part 10. In addition, the biasing part 40 is positioned between the upper surface 31α of the base portion 31 of the needle support part 30 and the first needle cover part protrusion 12, such that one end of the biasing part 40 is in contact with the upper surface 31α of the base portion 31 of the needle support part 30, while the other end is in contact with the first needle cover part protrusion 12 of the movable needle cover part 10.

[0053] While not particularly limited, a compression coil spring can be used as the biasing part 40. When a compression coil spring is used, as the movable needle cover part 10 moves in one direction (downward direction), the compression coil spring located between the base part 31 of the needle support part 30 and the protruding part 12 of the first needle cover part contracts temporarily. The force acting to stretch this temporarily contracted compression coil spring makes it possible to move the movable needle cover part 10 in the opposite direction (upward direction).

[0054] (Needle support part 30) The needle support portion 30 supports a hollow needle 60 through which the drug solution can flow (see Figures 1B, 2, 5A, and 5B). The needle support portion 30 comprises a base portion 31 and an extended portion 32 integrally formed with the base portion 31. The base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 has an internal space that can accommodate the non-injection end 60b of the needle 60, opposite to the drug solution injection end 60a. The base portion 31 may also have a rib portion 31c on its outer surface that functions as a finger grip when removing the pen-type injector 200 from the needle assembly 100 after use.

[0055] Furthermore, the inner surface of the base portion 31 of the needle support 30 is mutually connectable and can be held by the outer surface of the pen-type injector 200. As a method for connecting and holding the two, a screw connection type using a combination of male and female threads can be used. As long as the inner surface of the base portion 31 and the outer surface of the pen-type injector 200 are mutually connectable and can be held by the base portion 31, the base portion 31 can have any shape. As an example, Figure 1B shows a configuration in which the base portion 31 has a flange portion on its lower end, but the base portion 31 is not necessarily required to have a flange portion on its lower end, and the inner space of the base portion 31 in the part into which the pen-type injector 200 is inserted may have approximately the same diameter as a whole. In the configuration shown in Figure 1B, the above-mentioned rib portion 31c is formed on the flange portion of the base portion 31, but the configuration is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that this rib portion is formed at a predetermined location on the outer surface of the base portion corresponding to the location in which the inner surface of the base portion 31 and the outer surface of the pen-type injector 200 are connected and held by the base portion 31.

[0056] By adopting this configuration, it is possible to avoid exposing the non-injection end 60b of the needle 60 to the outside from the base portion 31 of the needle support 30, thereby preventing the non-injection end 60b from accidentally pricking the user of the needle assembly 100.

[0057] The extended portion 32 of the needle support portion 30 is positioned to protrude from the upper surface of the base portion 31. The extended portion 32 is slidable along its longitudinal direction within the inner region 25 of the substantially cylindrical tube portion 20. To enable such sliding movement, it is preferable that the width dimension of the extended portion 32 is substantially the same as the width dimension of the inner region 25 of the substantially cylindrical tube portion 20. This makes it possible to maintain a constant direction of needle protrusion when the movable needle cover portion 10 is moved in the downward direction to cause the drug injection end 60a of the needle to protrude outward.

[0058] The extended portion 32 has a first needle support projection 32a on its outer surface. This first needle support projection 32a is configured to be able to lock with the third cylindrical projection 26 of the cylindrical portion 20, and is located coaxially with the projection 26 and above the third cylindrical projection 26. This configuration prevents the cylindrical portion 20 from coming off and keeps the area of ​​the cylindrical portion 20 that partially protrudes from the opening of the movable needle cover portion 10 constant.

[0059] Furthermore, the extended portion 32 has protrusions 32b arranged at predetermined intervals along its circumference in a plan view at the base portion side end (see Figure 5B). With this configuration, recesses 33 can be formed at predetermined intervals. These recesses 33 and the third cylindrical projection 26 of the cylindrical portion 20 can be fitted together. This effectively prevents the cylindrical portion 20 from axially rotating with respect to the extended portion 32 of the needle support portion 30. As described above, since a slit 27 is formed on the lower end side of the cylindrical portion 20, flexibility can be provided to the lower end side of the cylindrical portion 20. This makes it easier for the first needle support projection 32a of the needle support portion 30 to pass through this flexible slit 27. As a result, it becomes possible to smoothly install the cylindrical portion 20 onto the extended portion 32 of the needle support portion 30.

[0060] The extended portion 32 may further have a second needle support projection 32c at the base portion side end of the recess 33 forming area. Before the needle assembly 100 is put into use, this second needle support projection 32c is positioned above the third cylindrical projection 26 located at the lower end of the inner region 25 of the cylindrical portion 20, and is positioned to be in slight contact with the third cylindrical projection 26. This configuration prevents the cylindrical portion 20 from easily coming off before the needle assembly 100 is put into use.

[0061] Furthermore, the base portion 31 may further have a ridge portion 31a that extends coaxially with the extended portion 32 from the contour portion of its upper surface 31α. As described above, one end of the biasing portion 40 is positioned to be in contact with the upper surface 31α of the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30. In this case, it is preferable to position the biasing portion 40 inside the ridge portion 31a. With this arrangement, the ridge portion 31a can function as a stopper against displacement of the biasing portion 40 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the contraction / extension direction (i.e., the lateral direction). Therefore, displacement of the biasing portion 40 can be effectively suppressed.

[0062] (Overall cover section 70) The overall cover portion 70 only needs to be able to accommodate the integrally assembled components of the needle assembly 100 (movable needle cover portion 10, cylindrical portion 20, needle support portion 30 with hollow needle 60, biasing portion 40, and casing 50) before they are attached to the pen-type injector 200 (see Figure 8). However, from the viewpoint of safety and hygiene, it is preferable that the opening of the overall cover portion 70 for accommodating the integrally assembled components inside is sealed before the needle assembly 100 is used.

[0063] (Features of this disclosure) One embodiment of the present disclosure has the following technical features when at least the movable needle cover portion 10, cylindrical portion 20, needle support portion 30, biasing portion 40, and casing 50 are integrally assembled (see Figures 1B and 2).

[0064] Specifically, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 in one direction causes at least the movable needle cover portion 10 to come into contact with the cylindrical portion 20, thereby axially rotating from a predetermined position before movement to another position, and thereby the biasing portion 40 allows the movable needle cover portion 10 "after axial rotation" to move in the opposite direction to the aforementioned one direction. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the movable needle cover portion 10 "after axial rotation in the opposite direction has been completed" can be locked to the casing 50. In this specification, "at least" the movable needle cover portion 10 is axially rotated means that at least the movable needle cover portion is included as the object to be axially rotated, that is, there is one or more objects to be axially rotated.

[0065] According to the above features, when the needle assembly 100 is used, the movable needle cover portion 10 can be biased by the biasing portion 40 as it moves in one direction (downward direction). As a result, the movable needle cover portion 10 that has moved in one direction can move in the opposite direction (upward direction). Consequently, the drug injection end 60a of the needle 60 that has temporarily protruded outward from the movable needle cover portion 10 can be "automatically" retracted into the inside of the needle cover portion 10.

[0066] In addition, according to the above features, the movable needle cover portion 10 and the casing 50 can be locked together after the axial rotation has completed its movement in the opposite direction (upward direction). This locking prevents the movable needle cover portion 10, which has completed its movement in the opposite direction, from moving again in one direction (downward direction). As a result, it is possible to prevent the used hollow needle 60 from protruding again from the movable needle cover portion 10.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, automatic retraction of the drug injection end 60a of the needle 60 and prevention of re-protrusion of the used needle 60 are achieved simply by utilizing the biasing part 40, the axial rotation of the movable needle cover part 10, and the locking of the movable needle cover part 10 and the casing 50. In other words, automatic retraction of the drug injection end 60a of the needle 60 and prevention of re-protrusion of the used needle 60 are possible using a needle assembly 100 with a simple overall structure. In this respect as well, one embodiment of this disclosure has technical features.

[0068] Furthermore, the needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure preferably adopts the following configuration.

[0069] In one embodiment, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion 20 can move integrally with the movable needle cover portion 10 after axial rotation.

[0070] As described above, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the movable needle cover portion 10 after axial rotation is movable in the opposite direction (upward direction). At this time, since the cylindrical portion 20 is movable together with the movable needle cover portion 10 after axial rotation, the cylindrical portion 20 can move in the opposite direction (upward direction) in addition to the movable needle cover portion 10 after axial rotation. Furthermore, as described above, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the movable needle cover portion 10 after axial rotation, once it has completed moving in the opposite direction (upward direction), is prevented from moving again in one direction (downward direction). Therefore, the cylindrical portion 20, which moves together with the movable needle cover portion 10, is also prevented from moving again in one direction (downward direction).

[0071] In this case, it is particularly preferable that, when the movable needle cover portion 10 has completed moving in the opposite direction (upward direction), at least a part of the cylindrical portion 20, which can move integrally with the movable needle cover portion 10, is able to protrude from the opening 51 of the casing 50.

[0072] Firstly, as described above, since the cylindrical portion 20, which has moved integrally with the movable needle cover portion 10 in the opposite direction (upward direction), is prevented from moving again in one direction (downward direction), if the cylindrical portion 20 is configured to protrude from the opening 51 of the casing 50 when the movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 in the upward direction is completed, that protruding state can be fixed and maintained. Secondly, when the movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 in the opposite direction (upward direction) is completed, the injection of the drug solution into the body using the hollow needle 60 has already been completed. That is, when the movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 in the opposite direction (upward direction) is completed, the hollow needle 60 is in a used state.

[0073] Considering the above points, the cylindrical portion 20, which is fixed in a protruding state from the opening 51 of the casing 50, can be used as a determination factor for determining whether the hollow needle 60 has been used. In particular, if the movable needle cover portion 10 is transparent or translucent, and the cylindrical portion 20 is a colored marker portion, the colored cylindrical portion 20 that is fixed in a protruding state from the opening 51 of the casing 50 can be seen from the outside through the movable needle cover portion 10. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the hollow needle 60 has been used.

[0074] As a result, it is possible to effectively avoid medical personnel mistakenly using used needle assemblies. Furthermore, even if a used needle assembly is accidentally mixed into a sample group of needle assemblies before drug administration is complete, medical personnel can identify those with a visible marker portion (tube 20) from the outside as used needle assemblies and effectively remove them from the sample group of needle assemblies before drug administration is complete.

[0075] From the above, it can be seen that, according to this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 20 not only functions to rotate the movable needle cover portion 10 on its axis, but can also function as a colored marker portion for determining whether the hollow needle 60 has been used. In other words, according to this embodiment, there is no need to separately prepare, for example, a ring-shaped colored marker portion when determining whether the hollow needle 60 has been used, so it is possible to suitably avoid an unnecessarily large increase in the number of components of the needle assembly 100.

[0076] The following describes the operation of a needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0077] As described above, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the movable needle cover portion 10 can move in one direction, causing at least the movable needle cover portion 10 to contact the cylindrical portion 20 and become axially rotatable. For example, the object of axial rotation may be the movable needle cover portion 10 alone. In the following, the case in which the object of axial rotation is the movable needle cover portion 10 alone will be described as an example. However, this embodiment is merely an example, and an embodiment in which the cylindrical portion 20 can also be the object of axial rotation in addition to the movable needle cover portion 10 can also be adopted.

[0078] Before attaching the needle assembly 100 to the pen-type injector and before the movable needle cover part 10 moves in one direction. First, a needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure is attached to a pen-type injector that contains a drug solution inside (see Figures 9A and 9B).

[0079] Figure 9A is a schematic perspective view showing the operation flow (before use) of an assembly according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the operation flow (before use) of an assembly according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0080] Specifically, the inner surface of the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 and the outer surface of the pen-type injector 200 are connected and held to each other, and the non-injection end 60b of the hollow needle 60, which is supported and fixed to the extended portion 32 of the needle support portion 30, is inserted into the pen-type injector 200 (see also Figure 1B). This allows the needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure to be attached to a pen-type injector that contains a drug solution inside.

[0081] Next, in order to administer the drug solution into the body, the overall cover portion 70, which is attached to cover the integrally assembled components (movable needle cover portion 10, cylindrical portion 20, needle support portion 30 with hollow needle 60, biasing portion 40, and casing 50), is removed. After the removal of the overall cover portion 70 and before the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in one direction, the movable needle cover portion 10 is biased in the opposite direction (upward direction) by the biasing portion 40, which is positioned between the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 and the first needle cover portion projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10.

[0082] Specifically, before the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in one direction, the biasing portion 40 biases the movable needle cover portion 10 so that it is positioned in a location where the drug injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 does not protrude outward. As a result, after the removal of the overall cover portion 70 and before the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in one direction, the drug injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 can be kept in a state where it does not protrude outward.

[0083] Furthermore, before the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in one direction, the stepped portion 24 of the cylindrical portion 20 and the second needle cover portion projection 19 located on the inner side surface 18 of the movable needle cover portion 10 can be locked into each other. In addition, the first needle cover portion projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 can be locked into the upper surface 56 or side surface 52 that forms the opening 51 of the casing 50. This effectively prevents the movable needle cover portion 10 from detaching from the casing 50 when the needle assembly 100 is not in use (corresponding to before the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in one direction).

[0084] Based on the above, the movable needle cover portion 10, which is prevented from detaching from the casing 50, is biased to be positioned in a location where the hollow needle 60 does not protrude outward. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the movable needle cover portion 10 from detaching and / or moving in a downward direction before the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in one direction (corresponding to before the start of puncture), thereby exposing the hollow needle 60 to the outside and accidentally pricking a medical professional or the like.

[0085] Movement of the movable needle cover section 10 in one direction begins. Next, a medical professional or patient initiates movement of the movable needle cover 10 in one direction (corresponding to the downward direction). At the start of this movement, the movable needle cover 10, the cylindrical part 20, and the biasing part 40 perform the following actions (see Figures 10A and 10B).

[0086] Specifically, the movable needle cover portion 10 is pressed against the skin of the patient or the like so that the drug injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 can protrude outward from the movable needle cover portion 10, and the movable needle cover portion 10 is started to move in one direction. In actual operation, the casing 50 is pushed toward the skin of the patient or the like while the movable needle cover portion 10 is pressed against the skin of the patient or the like, and the reaction force generated at that time is used to start the movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 in one direction.

[0087] As described above, the locking portion 53 of the casing 50 is positioned so as not to lock with the first needle cover projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 before downward movement (corresponding to movement in one direction). That is, before the movable needle cover portion 10 is moved downward, the locking portion 53 of the casing 50 and the first needle cover projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 are not in opposing positions, are not coaxial, and / or are not in the same row. Because of this positional relationship, before the movable needle cover portion 10 is moved downward (corresponding to movement in one direction), the first needle cover projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 does not lock with the locking portion 53 of the casing 50, thus enabling smooth one-way movement of the movable needle cover portion 10.

[0088] As described above, the biasing portion 40 is positioned between the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 and the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion, such that one end of the biasing portion 40 is in contact with the upper surface of the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30, while the other end is in contact with the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion of the movable needle cover portion 10. When a compression coil spring is used as the biasing portion 40, the compression coil spring located between the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 and the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion begins to contract as the movable needle cover portion 10 starts to move in one direction (downward direction).

[0089] During the one-way movement of the movable needle cover section 10 After the movable needle cover section 10 begins moving in one direction, during the intermediate stages of that movement, the movable needle cover section 10, the cylindrical section 20, and the biasing section 40 perform the following operations (see Figures 10A to 12B).

[0090] Specifically, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, during the unidirectional movement of the movable needle cover portion 10, the lower side end portion 16 of the movable needle cover portion 10 comes into contact with the first cylindrical projection portion 22 of the cylindrical portion 20. At the time of this contact, as described above, since at least one of the lower side end portion 16 of the movable needle cover portion 10 and the first cylindrical projection portion 22 of the cylindrical portion 20 has an inclined surface, the movable needle cover portion 10 can move in one direction (downward direction) while an axial rotational force is applied to the cover portion 10.

[0091] As a result, as shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the movable needle cover portion 10, which is pushed down, can begin to rotate on its axis relative to the cylindrical portion 20. When the movable needle cover portion 10 is the object of axial rotation, it is preferable that the cylindrical portion 20, which is the object that comes into contact with the movable needle cover portion 10 during axial rotation, is held on the upper surface of the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 without rotating on its axis, in order to suitably apply axial rotation force to the movable needle cover portion 10.

[0092] During the unidirectional movement of the movable needle cover portion 10, the compression coil spring, which acts as a biasing portion 40 located between the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 and the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion, contracts further compared to the initial stage of unidirectional movement.

[0093] As described above, the movable needle cover portion 10 has a configuration in which a notch portion 15 is continuous with the lower side end portion 16 that can abut against the first cylindrical portion projection portion 22. Taking the case in which the lower side end portion 16 that can abut against the first cylindrical portion projection portion 22 is an inclined surface 13 as an example, by adopting this configuration, the movable needle cover portion 10, once it has started to rotate on its axis, will transition from a state in which the inclined surface 13 and the first cylindrical portion projection portion 22 are directly facing each other at the time of contact to a state in which the notch portion 15 and the first cylindrical portion projection portion 22 are positioned substantially coaxially.

[0094] When the transition to this state is complete, that is, when the notch 15 and the first cylindrical projection 22 are positioned substantially coaxially, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the axial rotation of the movable needle cover 10 is completed.

[0095] In the needle assembly 100 of this disclosure, it is preferable that the timing at which the axial rotation of the movable needle cover portion 10 is completed is earlier than the timing at which the hollow needle 60 emerges from the opening of the movable needle cover portion 10. As a result, at the timing at which the hollow needle 60 emerges, the biasing portion 40 is already in a position to move the movable needle cover portion 10 in the upward direction. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the drug injection end 60a of the hollow needle 60 protruding outside the movable needle cover portion 10.

[0096] When the movable needle cover part 10 has completed its one-way movement After the above-mentioned axial rotation (which may be referred to as after the axial rotation is completed), the notch 15 and the first cylindrical projection 22 are located substantially coaxially, so the movable needle cover 10 can be pushed down further in one direction without coming into contact with the first cylindrical projection 22 again.

[0097] If the movable needle cover portion 10 continues to be pushed down in one direction, the lower side end portion 16 of the movable needle cover portion 10 can eventually come into contact with the upper surface of the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30. As a result, the one-way movement (downward movement) of the movable needle cover portion 10 is completed, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B. In one embodiment of this disclosure, when such one-way movement is completed, the drug injection end portion 60a of the hollow needle 60 attached to the needle support portion 30 can be suitably made to protrude to the outside of the movable needle cover portion 10.

[0098] Furthermore, at the stage when the movable needle cover portion 10 has completed its unidirectional movement, the compression coil spring, which acts as a biasing portion 40 located between the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 and the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion, contracts even further compared to the stage during the unidirectional movement.

[0099] Medication administration Once the movable needle cover 10 has completed its unidirectional movement, the drug solution is administered into the body (see Figures 13A and 13B).

[0100] As described above, the needle assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used with the movable needle cover portion 10 pressed against the skin of a patient or the like. When the drug injection end portion 60a protrudes to the outside of the movable needle cover portion 10 in this state, the hollow needle 60 including the drug injection end portion 60a can be punctured into the body through the skin of a patient or the like. In this puncture state, the drug is administered into the body of a patient or the like from a pen-type injector containing the drug via the hollow needle 60.

[0101] The movable needle cover section 10 begins moving in the opposite direction (after drug administration is complete). Once the administration of the predetermined amount of drug solution is complete, the hollow needle 60 is released from its puncture state in the patient's skin, and the movable needle cover 10 is separated from the skin.

[0102] (Automatic retraction of the drug injection end 60a) Before the movable needle cover portion 10 is separated from the patient's skin, the compression coil spring acting as the biasing portion 40 is in a contracted state, as described above. Because the biasing portion 40 is in a contracted state, the movable needle cover portion 10 can be biased by the biasing portion 40. When the movable needle cover portion 10 is separated from the patient's skin, a force acts to stretch the compression coil spring acting as the biasing portion 40, which had been contracted. Also, the base portion 31 of the needle support portion 30 remains in a held state, that is, it does not move.

[0103] From the above, the stretching force acting on the biasing part 40 biases the movable needle cover part 10 in the opposite direction (upward direction), thereby making it possible to move the movable needle cover part 10 in the opposite direction (upward direction). As a result, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the drug injection end 60a of the needle 60, which has temporarily protruded outward from the movable needle cover part 10, can be "automatically" retracted into the interior of the movable needle cover part 10.

[0104] As described above, the shape of the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover is such that it does not engage with the locking portion 53 of the casing 50 when the movable needle cover 10 moves in the upward direction (opposite direction), and can overcome the locking portion 53. Therefore, the movable needle cover 10 can move smoothly in the upward direction while avoiding engagement between the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover and the locking portion 53 of the casing 50.

[0105] (Prevention of "re-movement" of the movable needle cover part 10 in one direction (downward direction)) As the movable needle cover portion 10 moves further in the upward direction, the first needle cover portion projection 12 will move over the locking portion 53 of the casing 50. As described above, the movable needle cover portion 10 is configured so that the first needle cover portion projection 12 can lock with the locking portion 53 of the casing 50 when it moves in the downward direction (one direction).

[0106] Therefore, once the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion overcomes the locking portion 53 of the casing 50, even if a force acts on the movable needle cover portion 10 to move it again in the downward direction (one direction), the locking between the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion and the locking portion 53 effectively suppresses the movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 again in the downward direction (one direction).

[0107] As an example, the locking portion 53 may correspond to the lower edge of the contour portion forming the second opening 55 formed on the side surface of the casing 50. In this case, a part of the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion protrudes outward through the second opening 55, and then the protruding part of the protruding portion 12 of the first needle cover portion becomes lockable with the locking portion 53 (corresponding to the lower edge of the contour portion forming the second opening 55).

[0108] Furthermore, if slits 54 are formed along the longitudinal direction of the side surface 52 from both ends of the locking portion 53 (corresponding to the lower edge of the contour portion forming the second opening 55), flexibility can be provided to the locking portion 53. As a result, compared to the case where no slits 54 are formed, the locking of a part of the first needle cover portion projection 12 that protrudes outward through the second opening 55 to the locking portion 53 can be made smoother. From another point of view, the presence of slits 54 is also advantageous because, when the movable needle cover portion 10 moves further in the upward direction, the first needle cover portion projection 12 can more easily overcome the locking portion 53 of the casing 50.

[0109] (Prevention of the movable needle cover part 10 from "detaching" from the casing 50) As described above, the second needle cover projection 19 located inside the movable needle cover portion 10 can be locked into a stepped portion 24 formed on the outer side surface 21 of the cylindrical portion 20 (see Figures 3, 4A, and 4B together). Furthermore, the first needle cover projection 12 of the movable needle cover portion 10 can be locked into the upper surface 56 or side surface 52 that form the opening 51 of the casing 50.

[0110] The locking mechanism between the two prevents the movable needle cover 10 from detaching from the casing 50 after it has finished moving in the opposite direction (upward direction). This effectively prevents the hollow needle 60 from being exposed to the outside when the needle assembly 100 is finished using. This also effectively ensures safety when the needle assembly 100 is finished using.

[0111] (Using the cylindrical part as a marker) As has already been stated above, I will describe it briefly to avoid repetition, but if the cylindrical part 20 is configured to move integrally with the movable needle cover part 10 after axial rotation, then the cylindrical part 20 can move in the opposite direction (upward direction) in addition to the movable needle cover part 10 after axial rotation.

[0112] Such integrated movement can be achieved by configuring the second needle cover portion projection 19 to engage with the second cylindrical portion projection 23 of the cylindrical portion 20 when the movable needle cover portion 10 moves in the upward direction. Furthermore, as described above, since the re-movement of the movable needle cover portion 10 in one direction (downward direction) after it has completed movement in the opposite direction is suppressed, the re-movement of the cylindrical portion 20, which moves integrally with the movable needle cover portion 10, in one direction (downward direction) can also be suppressed.

[0113] In this case, when the movable needle cover portion 10 completes its movement in the opposite direction (upward direction), if at least a part of the cylindrical portion 20, which can move integrally with the movable needle cover portion 10, is able to protrude from the opening 51 of the casing 50, then that protruding state will be fixed and maintained. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 20 in this fixed protruding state can be used as a determination factor to determine whether the hollow needle 60 has been used.

[0114] In particular, if the movable needle cover portion 10 is transparent or translucent, while the cylindrical portion 20 is a colored marker portion, the colored cylindrical portion 20, which protrudes from the opening 51 of the casing 50, can be seen from the outside through the movable needle cover portion 10. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the hollow needle 60 has been used.

[0115] The above describes one embodiment of the present disclosure, but this is merely an example of a typical case within the scope of application of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will easily understand that the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways.

[0116] Furthermore, the embodiment described above includes the following preferred embodiments. First aspect : A needle support section is provided, each configured to support a hollow needle through which a liquid medicine can flow, with at least a portion of the needle being housed within a casing having an opening. A movable needle cover portion that can move within the opening so as to cause the end of the needle that injects the drug solution to protrude outward when in use, A cylindrical portion is positioned on the needle support portion and is partially in contact with the movable needle cover portion, A biasing unit is configured such that the movable needle cover is biased in a direction opposite to the one direction as the movable needle cover moves in that direction. It consists of having, As the movable needle cover portion moves in one direction, at least the movable needle cover portion comes into contact with the cylindrical portion, causing it to rotate on an axis from a predetermined position before movement to another position, thereby allowing the movable needle cover portion to move in the opposite direction after rotation by the biasing portion, and A needle assembly in which the movable needle cover portion, after the rotation of the axis which has completed movement in the opposite direction, can be locked to the casing. Second aspect : In the first embodiment described above, the needle assembly is such that the cylindrical portion is integrally movable with the movable needle cover portion after the axial rotation. Third aspect : In the second embodiment described above, a needle assembly wherein, upon completion of the movement of the movable needle cover portion in the opposite direction, a portion of the cylindrical portion that can move integrally with the movable needle cover portion can protrude from at least the opening of the casing. Fourth aspect : A needle assembly in any of the first to third embodiments described above, wherein the movable needle cover portion is transparent or translucent, while the cylindrical portion is a colored marker portion for determining whether the needle has been used. Fifth aspect : In any of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the movable needle cover portion has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical portion having a first cylindrical projection on its outer side surface is positioned in the inner region of the cylindrical movable needle cover portion. A needle assembly in which the lower side end of the movable needle cover portion and at least one of the first cylindrical projection portion have inclined surfaces that can abut against each other, and as the movable needle cover portion moves in one direction, the lower side end of the movable needle cover portion abuts against the first cylindrical projection portion, thereby enabling axial rotation of the movable needle cover portion. Sixth aspect : In the fifth embodiment described above, the needle assembly wherein only the lower side end of the movable needle cover portion has the inclined surface, and the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion has a substantially circular shape in cross-sectional or side view. Seventh aspect : In the fifth or sixth embodiment described above, the movable needle cover portion has a notch that is continuous with the lower end of the side surface that abuts against the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion, A needle assembly in which, after the axial rotation of the movable needle cover portion, the notch portion and the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion can be positioned substantially coaxially. Eighth aspect : In the seventh embodiment described above, the notch allows the movable needle cover portion to move further downward in the one direction after the axial rotation without contacting the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion, in the needle assembly. Ninth aspect : A needle assembly in which, in any of the first to eighth embodiments described above, the movable needle cover portion has a first needle cover portion projection locally formed on its outer side surface, and the biasing portion is disposed between the needle support portion and the first needle cover portion projection. Tenth aspect : In the ninth embodiment described above, the movable needle cover portion, after rotation of the shaft which has been pushed down in one direction by the biasing portion via the protruding portion of the first needle cover portion, is able to move in the opposite direction, in a needle assembly. Appearance No. 11 : A needle assembly in which, in the ninth or tenth embodiment described above, the first needle cover projection of the movable needle cover after axial rotation is capable of being locked into a locking portion formed on the side surface of the casing. Appearance No. 12 : A needle assembly in which the protruding portion of the first needle cover portion is wing-shaped, in any of the 9th to 11th embodiments described above. 13th aspect : A needle assembly in which, in any of the fifth to twelfth embodiments described above, the cylindrical portion further has a second cylindrical portion projection on its outer side surface that is different from the first cylindrical portion projection, the movable needle cover portion further has a second needle cover portion projection on its inner side surface, and the second needle cover portion projection can be locked to the second cylindrical portion projection when the movable needle cover portion moves in the opposite direction after the axial rotation. 14th aspect : A needle assembly that can be interchangeably attached to a pen-type injector containing the drug solution, in any of the first to thirteenth embodiments described above. Appearance 15 : A needle assembly in any of the first to fourteenth embodiments described above, wherein the needle support portion has a base portion, and the base portion is capable of housing the non-injection end of the needle opposite to the injection end of the drug solution. Appearance 16 : In the 15th embodiment described above, the needle support portion further comprises an extended portion having the needle fixedly supported on the base portion, the extended portion of the needle support portion being movable inside the movable needle cover portion, the needle assembly. [Industrial applicability]

[0117] A needle assembly according to one embodiment of this disclosure can be interchangeably attached to a pen-type injector containing a liquid drug. Cross-reference to related applications

[0118] This application claims priority under the Paris Convention based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-061217 (filing date: March 31, 2021, title of invention: "Needle Assembly"). All contents disclosed in said application are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 200 Pen-type injector with internal liquid medication 100 needle assembly 70 Overall cover section 60 Hollow needles 60a Injection end of the needle 60b Non-injection end of the needle 50 Casing 51 Opening (First opening) 52 Side view 52a Inner side of the casing 52b Outer side of the casing 53 Locked part 53a Tip side of the locked portion 53b Central region of the locked portion 54 slits 55 Second opening 56 Top side 57 Slope 58 Rib section 40. Encouraging part 30 Needle support 31 Base part 31α Top surface of the base 31a Embankment 31b The locking portion of the casing (opening on the side of the casing) and the locking portion that can be locked. 31c Rib section 32 Extended part 32a 1st needle support protrusion 32b protrusion 32c 2nd needle support protrusion 33 Recess 20 Cylinder part 21 Outer side 21a First outer side 21b Second outer side 22 First cylindrical projection 23 Second cylindrical projection 24 Step part 25 Inner area 26 Third cylindrical projection 27 slits 10 Movable needle cover section 11 Outer side 11a Third needle cover protrusion 12 First needle cover portion protrusion 12a One end of the needle cover projection 12b Other end of the needle cover projection 13 Slope 14 Part of the lower end of the recessed side 15 Notch 16 Side bottom edge 17 Inner area 18 Medial side 19 Second needle cover portion protrusion

Claims

1. A needle support section is provided, each configured to support a hollow needle through which a liquid medicine can flow, with at least a portion of the needle being housed within a casing having an opening. A movable needle cover portion that can move within the opening so as to cause the end of the needle that injects the drug solution to protrude outward when in use, A cylindrical portion is positioned on the needle support portion and is partially in contact with the movable needle cover portion, The system comprises a biasing unit configured such that the movable needle cover unit is biased in a direction opposite to the unidirectional movement of the movable needle cover unit, As the movable needle cover portion moves in one direction, at least the movable needle cover portion comes into contact with the cylindrical portion, causing it to rotate on an axis from a predetermined position before movement to another position, thereby allowing the movable needle cover portion to move in the opposite direction after rotation by the biasing portion, and A needle assembly in which the movable needle cover portion, after the rotation of the axis which has completed movement in the opposite direction, can be locked to the casing.

2. The needle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion is movable integrally with the movable needle cover portion after the axial rotation.

3. The needle assembly according to claim 2, wherein when the movable needle cover portion completes its movement in the opposite direction, a portion of the cylindrical portion that can move integrally with the movable needle cover portion is able to protrude from at least the opening of the casing.

4. The needle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movable needle cover portion is transparent or translucent, and the cylindrical portion is a colored marker portion for determining whether the needle has been used.

5. The needle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the movable needle cover portion has a substantially cylindrical shape, the cylindrical portion having a first cylindrical projection on its outer side surface is positioned in the inner region of the cylindrical movable needle cover portion, at least one of the lower end of the side surface of the movable needle cover portion and the first cylindrical projection has an inclined surface that can abut against each other, and as the movable needle cover portion moves in the unidirectional direction, the lower end of the side surface of the movable needle cover portion abuts against the first cylindrical projection, thereby enabling the axial rotation of the movable needle cover portion.

6. The needle assembly according to claim 5, wherein only the lower side end of the movable needle cover portion has the inclined surface, and the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion has a substantially circular shape in cross-sectional or side view.

7. The movable needle cover portion has a notch that is continuous with the lower end of the side surface that abuts against the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion, The needle assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, after the axial rotation of the movable needle cover portion, the notch portion and the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion can be positioned substantially coaxially.

8. The needle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the notch allows the movable needle cover portion to move further downward in the one direction after the axial rotation without contacting the protruding portion of the first cylindrical portion.

9. The needle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the movable needle cover portion has a first needle cover portion projection locally formed on its outer side surface, and the biasing portion is disposed between the needle support portion and the first needle cover portion projection.

10. The needle assembly according to claim 9, wherein the movable needle cover portion, after rotation of the shaft which has been pushed down in one direction via the protruding portion of the first needle cover portion by the biasing portion, is able to move in the opposite direction.

11. The needle assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first needle cover projection of the movable needle cover after the axial rotation is able to be locked into a locking portion formed on the side surface of the casing.

12. The needle assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the protruding portion of the first needle cover portion is wing-shaped.

13. The needle assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the cylindrical portion further has a second cylindrical portion projection on its outer side surface that is different from the first cylindrical portion projection, and the movable needle cover portion further has a second needle cover portion projection on its inner side surface, and the second needle cover portion projection can be locked to the second cylindrical portion projection when the movable needle cover portion moves in the opposite direction after the axial rotation.

14. A needle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which can be removably attached to a pen-type injector that contains the aforementioned drug solution inside.

15. The needle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the needle support portion has a base portion, and the base portion is capable of housing the non-injection end of the needle opposite to the injection end of the drug solution.

16. The needle assembly according to claim 15, wherein the needle support portion further comprises an extended portion having the needle fixedly supported on the base portion, and the extended portion of the needle support portion is movable inside the movable needle cover portion.

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