Auto-injector holder and drug dispenser

Abstract

An auto-injector holder 10 includes a plurality of holding parts 11 capable of holding auto-injectors 50 and arranged in a parallel state. The holding parts 11 include accommodating parts 12 for accommodating the proximal ends of housings 51 of the auto-injectors 50 so as to cover the proximal ends from the outside. The accommodating parts 12 include distal-end openings 13, into which the proximal ends of the housings 51 can be inserted, proximal-end walls 14, which are in contact with or face proximal-end faces 54 of the housings 51, and tubular peripheral walls 15, which are elastically deformed when the proximal ends of the housings 51 are accommodated in the accommodating parts 12 and which grip the proximal ends of the housings 51 accommodated in the accommodating parts 12 with an elastic restoring force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an autoinjector holder and a drug administration device for assisting simultaneous administration by a plurality of autoinjectors.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, devices (autoinjectors) for automatically or semi-automatically injecting (administering) medical liquids (drugs) have been known. Such an autoinjector, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Special Table 2015-533562), by a predetermined operation, a drive mechanism (90) for delivering a fixed amount of drug is released, and the drug in the drug container (24) is discharged through the delivery member (28).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Autoinjectors are somewhat standardized depending on the type and use of medical liquids. Therefore, for some patients, it may be necessary to administer medical liquids using a plurality of autoinjectors according to the appropriate dosage of the medical liquid.

[0005] When administering medical fluids using multiple autoinjectors, the time and effort required for administration increase. To address this, simultaneous administration is sometimes performed by operating multiple autoinjectors concurrently. However, simultaneous administration with multiple autoinjectors can be complex and may result in improper administration. Furthermore, depending on the medical fluid, problems may arise if the injection sites (administration sites) of multiple autoinjectors are inappropriate (for example, if the injection sites are too close together).

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an auto-injector holder and a drug delivery device for assisting simultaneous administration by multiple auto-injectors, which do not hinder the function of the auto-injectors and can appropriately hold multiple auto-injectors in a parallel state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The following will achieve the above objectives: An auto-injector holder capable of holding multiple auto-injectors, each containing a pre-filled syringe and a gasket pressing mechanism within a cylindrical housing, and for assisting simultaneous administration by the multiple auto-injectors, The auto-injector holder comprises a plurality of holding parts that are capable of holding the auto-injector and are arranged in parallel, The retaining portion includes a housing portion that accommodates the base end of the housing of the auto injector so as to cover it from the outside. The housing portion comprises a tip opening into which the base end of the housing can be inserted, a base end wall portion that abuts against or faces the base end surface of the housing, and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that elastically deforms when the base end of the housing is housed in the housing portion, and grips the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion with an elastic restoring force.

[0008] Furthermore, the following items will achieve the above objectives. A drug dispensing device comprising the above-described auto-injector holder and at least two of the auto-injectors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an auto-injector being held by the auto-injector holder of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view showing an embodiment of the auto-injector holder of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of the auto-injector holder shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the auto-injector holder shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a left side view of the auto-injector holder shown in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view showing an example of an auto-injector held by the auto-injector holder of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a front view illustrating the operation of the auto-injector shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view illustrating the state in which the auto-injector is held by the auto-injector holder shown in Figure 2. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of BB in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of CC in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a front view illustrating the state after the administration of medical fluid has been completed using the auto-injector holder shown in Figure 2. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 6, showing another embodiment of the auto-injector holder of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the auto-injector holder shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the state in which an autoinjector is held by the autoinjector holder of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a front view showing another embodiment of the autoinjector holder of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a plan view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 16. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a bottom view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 16. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a left side view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 16. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of Figure 17. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a front view showing another embodiment of the autoinjector holder of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a plan view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 21. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a front view showing another embodiment of the autoinjector holder of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a plan view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 23. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a bottom view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 23. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a left side view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 23. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E of Figure 24. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the state in which an autoinjector is held by the autoinjector holder of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a front view showing another embodiment of the autoinjector holder of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a plan view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 29. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a bottom view of the autoinjector holder shown in Figure 29. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a left side view of the auto-injector holder shown in Figure 29. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the FF in Figure 30. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 10, showing another embodiment of the auto-injector holder of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a front view showing another embodiment of the auto-injector holder of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The auto-injector holder of the present invention will be described using the embodiment shown in the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 12, the auto-injector holder 10 of the present invention is capable of holding multiple auto-injectors 50 (see Figures 7 and 8), each containing a pre-filled syringe 52 and a gasket pressing mechanism 53 within a cylindrical housing 51 (in this case, two auto-injectors 50), and is an auto-injector holder 10 for assisting simultaneous administration using multiple auto-injectors 50.

[0011] The auto-injector holder 10 comprises a plurality (in this case, two) of holding parts 11, 11 that are capable of holding the auto-injector 50 and are arranged in parallel. Each of the holding parts 11, 11 comprises a housing part 12 that accommodates the base end of the housing 51 of the auto-injector 50 so as to cover it from the outside. The housing part 12 comprises a tip opening 13 into which the base end of the housing 51 can be inserted, a base end wall part 14 that abuts against or faces the base end surface 54 of the housing 51, and a cylindrical peripheral wall part 15 that elastically deforms when the base end of the housing 51 is accommodated in the housing part 12, and grips the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing part 12 with an elastic restoring force.

[0012] Furthermore, the drug delivery device of the present invention comprises the auto-injector holder 10 described above and at least two auto-injectors 50.

[0013] First, the general outline of the auto-injector used in this embodiment will be described using the embodiment shown in the drawings. Various known auto-injectors can be used, and here, the description of the auto-injector 50 will be omitted except for the predetermined configuration. The auto-injector 50 of this embodiment has a pre-filled syringe 52 equipped with an injection needle 61 and a gasket pressing mechanism 53 housed in a cylindrical housing 51.

[0014] The housing 51 of the auto-injector 50 is made of a hard or semi-hard resin and, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, is a cylindrical member with a roughly hexagonal cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction. In addition to the example shape, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the auto-injector housing can also be circular, a rounded polygon, or a rounded quadrilateral with each side curved outward.

[0015] The base end (upper end in Figure 7) of the housing 51 of the auto-injector 50 is closed, and the end face (base end face) of this end is the base end face 54 of the housing 51. The tip end (lower end in Figure 7) of the housing 51 is open, and as shown in Figures 7 and 8, a pressing portion 55 (needle cover) is provided that protrudes from the housing 51. The pressing portion 55 is movable relative to the housing 51 within a predetermined range. As shown in Figure 7, the auto-injector 50 is equipped with a removable cap 56 to prevent external contact of the pressing portion 55 and the injection needle 61 when not in use.

[0016] The auto-injector 50 is formed in the side wall of the housing 51 and includes a window 57 for viewing the inside of the pre-filled syringe 52. The auto-injector generally includes a window that allows viewing the movement of the gasket housed inside the pre-filled syringe. By observing the movement of the gasket through this window, the progress and completion of medical fluid administration can be determined.

[0017] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the window portion 57 of the auto-injector 50 is typically a roughly rectangular through-hole formed in the side wall of the housing 51. This allows the inside of the housing 51 to be viewed from outside the auto-injector 50 through the window portion 57. The window portion 57 is formed on the tip side of the auto-injector 50. This allows the inside of the pre-filled syringe 52 housed in the housing 51 (more specifically, the movement of the gasket 59 inside the pre-filled syringe 52) to be viewed from outside the auto-injector 50 through the window portion 57. Two window portions 57 are formed at opposing positions on the side wall of the housing 51 (see Figure 11; only one is shown in Figure 7). The shape, position, and number of window portions are not limited to those exemplified. For example, there may be one or three or more window portions, but it is preferable that at least two are formed at opposing positions on the side wall of the housing in terms of visibility into the inside of the pre-filled syringe through the window portion.

[0018] A pre-filled syringe 52 is housed inside the housing 51. The pre-filled syringe 52 comprises an outer cylinder 58, a gasket 59 housed within the outer cylinder 58 and capable of sliding in a liquid-tight state, and a medical liquid 60 filled within the outer cylinder 58.

[0019] The outer cylinder 58 is a transparent or translucent cylindrical member. A flange portion protruding outward is formed at the base end (upper end in Figure 7) of the outer cylinder 58 (outer cylinder body). A nozzle portion that narrows in diameter toward the tip is formed at the tip (lower end in Figure 7) of the outer cylinder 58, and a hollow metal injection needle 61 is attached to the nozzle portion. The inside and outside of the outer cylinder 58 are connected via the injection needle 61. The tip of the injection needle 61 is a puncture needle tip. The outer cylinder 58 is housed (fixed) inside the housing 51 so as not to move relative to the housing 51. Glass or plastic can be used as the material for forming the outer cylinder 58.

[0020] A gasket 59 is housed inside the outer cylinder 58 (outer cylinder body). The gasket 59 is movable while maintaining liquid-tight contact with the inner surface of the outer cylinder 58. It is preferable to use elastic rubber as the forming material for the gasket 59.

[0021] The pre-filled syringe 52, specifically the space within the outer cylinder 58 partitioned by the inner surface of the outer cylinder 58 and the gasket 59, is filled with a medical fluid 60. The medical fluid 60 filled into the pre-filled syringe 52 may be, for example, a drug-containing solution, gel, or suspension. The usable drugs are not substantially limited, as long as they are not drugs unsuitable for transdermal administration. Examples of drugs include protein preparations, antibody preparations, hyaluronic acid, antibacterial agents, antiviral agents, vaccines, antitumor agents, immunosuppressants, steroids, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-rheumatic drugs, arthritis medications, antihistamines, anti-allergic drugs, diabetes medications, hormones such as growth hormone, bone calcium metabolism agents, vitamins, blood products, hematopoietic agents, antithrombotic agents, antihyperlipidemic agents, antiarrhythmic agents, vasodilators, prostaglandins, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and β-blockers. Examples include antihypertensives, diuretics, xanthine derivatives, β-agonists, antiasthmatics, antitussives, expectorants, anticholinergics, antiseptics, digestive aids, anti-ulcer drugs, laxatives, sleeping pills, sedatives, antipyretics, cold medicines, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, central nervous system stimulants, parasympathetics, sympathetics, antiemetics, central nervous system excitators, antiparkinson's disease drugs, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, anesthetics, antipruritics, anti-migraine drugs, oligonucleotides, gene therapies, and more.

[0022] A gasket pressing mechanism 53 is housed inside the housing 51. While the detailed structure of the gasket pressing mechanism 53 is omitted here, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, for example, the gasket pressing mechanism 53 includes a coil spring 62 capable of pressing the gasket 59. The coil spring 62 is pre-compressed and constrained so that its biasing force is not exerted in the state before use of the auto-injector 50. The gasket pressing mechanism 53 starts operating upon a predetermined operation of the auto-injector 50 (by the auto-injector 50 reaching a predetermined state), in other words, it starts pressing (biasing) the gasket 59 with the coil spring 62, moving the gasket 59 within the outer cylinder 58 toward the tip of the pre-filled syringe 52 (outer cylinder 58).

[0023] Here, the operation of the auto-injector 50 in this embodiment will be briefly described. When using the auto-injector 50, first, the cap 56 is removed from the auto-injector 50. Next, the housing 51 is grasped, and the pressing part 55 is pressed against the administration site 70, and the housing 51 is advanced toward the administration site 70. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the pressing part 55 moves into the inside of the housing 51, and the injection needle 61 is exposed (protrudes) from the pressing part 55, and the injection needle 61 is punctured into the administration site 70. This operation (the pressing part 55 entering the housing 51 by a predetermined amount) starts the gasket pressing mechanism 53. With the injection needle 61 punctured into the administration site 70, the gasket 59 is moved toward the tip of the pre-filled syringe 52 (outer cylinder 58) by the gasket pressing mechanism 53 (coil spring 62), causing the medical liquid 60 to be released from the injection needle 61 and administered to the patient. After administering the medical liquid 60, the auto-injector 50 is released from its contact with the administration site 70, and the housing 51 is retracted, returning the pressing part 55 to its pre-use state, and the injection needle 61 is once again stored inside the housing 51 (pressing part 55).

[0024] The auto-injector 50 in this embodiment is a so-called two-step type auto-injector in which the operation of the gasket pressing mechanism 53 is automatically started when the housing 51 is advanced while the pressing part 55 is pressed against the administration site 70 (the pressing part 55 enters the housing 51 by a predetermined amount), and the medical liquid 60 is administered to the patient. Alternatively, the auto-injector may be a so-called three-step type auto-injector in which the operation of the gasket pressing mechanism is started by a predetermined operation (for example, by pressing a separately provided operation start button) while the injection needle is inserted into the patient's administration site 70.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the auto-injector holder 10 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of holding parts 11 that are capable of holding the auto-injector 50 and are arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, the auto-injector holder 10 comprises two holding parts 11, 11. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the two holding parts 11, 11 are symmetrical and each has a similar configuration. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, only one of the holding parts 11 will be described.

[0026] The holding portion 11 includes a housing portion 12 that accommodates the base end of the housing 51 of the auto injector 50, covering it from the outside. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the housing portion 12 includes a tip opening 13, a base end wall portion 14, and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. In other words, in the housing portion 12, one axial end (base end side) of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (the upper end in Figure 6) is closed by the base end wall portion 14, while the other axial end (tip side) of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (the lower end in Figure 6) is open as the tip opening 13.

[0027] The internal shape (inner edge shape, internal form) of the tip opening 13 corresponds to the external shape (external form) of the base end of the housing 51 of the auto injector 50 (in this case, a roughly hexagonal shape). Furthermore, the internal shape of the tip opening 13 is equal to or slightly larger than the external shape of the base end of the housing 51 of the auto injector 50, allowing the base end of the housing 51 to be inserted through the tip opening 13. The base end of the housing 51 can enter the housing portion 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) through the tip opening 13.

[0028] The base end wall portion 14 is provided at the base end of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. In this embodiment, the base end wall portions 14, 14 of the two housing portions 12, 12 each serve as plate portions that close the base end of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15, and as shown in Figure 3, the two base end wall portions 12, 12 form a single continuous wall portion (plate portion). The base end wall portion 14 is positioned to abut or face the base end surface 54 of the housing 51 of the auto injector 50 that has entered the housing portion 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) from the tip opening 13. This restricts the movement of the auto injector 50 in the base end direction. Furthermore, by bringing the base end surfaces 54, 54 of the housings 51, 51 of the auto injectors 50, 50 into contact with the base end wall portions 14, 14, the base ends of the two auto injectors 50, 50 can be aligned.

[0029] The cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 extends a predetermined length in the axial direction (vertical direction in Figure 2) with a predetermined internal (cross-sectional) shape (here, a substantially hexagonal shape as shown in Figure 4). In this embodiment, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 is polygonal, specifically a hexagonal cylinder. The cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 has a substantially constant plate thickness, except for the portion where the ribs 16 described later are formed. Note that the internal (cross-sectional) shape of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion of the auto-injector holder is not limited to the example (substantially hexagonal shape), and may be, for example, a circular shape, a rounded polygonal shape, or a shape in which each side of a rounded quadrilateral is curved outward. Furthermore, it is preferable that the internal (cross-sectional) shape of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion of the auto-injector holder corresponds to the housing shape (external shape) of the auto-injector it holds.

[0030] The cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 elastically deforms when the base end of the housing 51 is housed in the housing portion 12, and grips the base end of the housing 51 with an elastic restoring force. In this embodiment, although the inner shape of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 is slightly larger than the outer shape of the base end of the housing 51 of the auto injector 50, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 is provided with ribs 16, which will be described later, so that it can grip the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing portion 12.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 has ribs 16 on its inner surface that protrude inward and can abut against the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing portion 12. In this embodiment, the ribs 16 provided on the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 are ribs that extend in the axial direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15.

[0032] More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the ribs 16 formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 have a substantially semicircular cross-section and extend from the axial central portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 toward the base end to the base end of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (until it reaches the base end wall portion 14). In this embodiment, as shown in the cross-sections in Figures 4 and 10, one rib 16 is provided on each side of the hexagon representing the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (each face of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15), and a total of six ribs 16 are provided on the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. Preferably, each rib 16 is provided in the central portion of each face of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (the portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 that is not a corner portion 17, in other words, the central portion between adjacent corner portions 17, 17). Since the central portion (the central portion of each face of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) is more elastically deformable than the corner portion 17, the portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 on which the ribs 16 are formed becomes more elastically deformable. Furthermore, the force required to elastically deform the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 does not become too large, and the movement of the auto injector 50 in the base end direction within the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (housing portion 12) is not hindered. Note that the ribs do not need to be provided on the entire surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion (all surfaces of the polygonal cylindrical inner surface), but may be provided only on selected surfaces.

[0033] The tip of the rib 16 has an inclined portion 18 formed thereon, the amount of which it protrudes decreases towards the tip. The inclined portion 18 can guide the movement of the base end of the housing 51, which has been inserted (entered) into the housing portion 12 from the tip opening 13, toward the base end. In addition, since the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51 comes into contact with the rib 16 via the inclined portion 18, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 can be gradually elastically deformed.

[0034] As shown in Figure 10, when the auto-injector 50 is housed, each rib 16 abuts against the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51. This contact between each rib 16 and the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51 causes the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 to elastically deform, gripping the base end of the housing 51 with an elastic restoring force. This maintains the axial position of the auto-injector 50 and prevents it from unintentionally detaching from the housing portion 12.

[0035] In this embodiment, each rib 16 comes into contact with the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51, creating a gap (space) between the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 other than the area where the rib 16 is formed and the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each rib 16 comes into contact with the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51; in other words, the entire inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 does not come into contact with the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51. Therefore, compared to the case where the entire inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 comes into contact with the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51, the contact area between the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51 and the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 is smaller, resulting in lower frictional resistance. This also has the advantage of facilitating the axial movement (base end direction) of the auto injector 50 within the housing portion 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15).

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable that the housing portion 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) does not cover the window portion 57 formed in the housing 51 when it is housing the base end of the housing 51 of the auto-injector 50; in other words, the housing portion 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) does not extend to the area where the window portion 57 is formed. This ensures that the housing portion 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) does not obstruct the visibility of the inside of the pre-filled syringe through the window portion 57.

[0037] The auto-injector holder 10 includes a partition wall portion 19 for maintaining the auto-injectors 50, 50 held in two adjacent holding portions 11, 11 in a state of separation from each other. The partition wall portion 19 is part of the housing portions 12, 12 in the two adjacent holding portions 11, 11 and includes a housing portion partition wall 20 having a predetermined thickness. The partition wall portion 19 also includes an extended partition wall 21 having a predetermined thickness that extends from the tip of the holding portion 11, 11 (the lower end in Figure 2) and exists between the auto-injectors 50, 50 held in the two adjacent holding portions 11, 11. In this embodiment, the housing portion partition wall 20 and the extended partition wall 21 extend integrally and continuously with substantially the same cross-sectional shape (here, substantially I-shaped in the cross-section on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15).

[0038] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 10, in two adjacent holding sections 11, 11 (storage sections 12, 12), the wall sections (parts of the cylindrical peripheral wall section 15) on the side of the other adjacent storage section 12 are integrated (shared partition wall), and a storage section partition wall (shared partition wall) 20 is formed by a part of this wall section and the parts that protrude inward from both ends (upper and lower ends in Figure 10) of the cylindrical peripheral wall section 15, exhibiting a substantially I-shape in cross-section on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall section 15.

[0039] The housing partition wall 20 is formed between the two housing sections 12, 12, and is located between the two auto-injectors 50, 50 when the auto-injector holder 10 holds the two auto-injectors 50, 50. As shown in Figure 10, the housing partition wall 20 allows the base ends of the auto-injectors 50, 50 held in two adjacent holding sections 11, 11 to be kept at a predetermined distance, and also allows the injection needles 61, 61 of the auto-injectors 50, 50 to be kept at a predetermined distance. This prevents the administration sites (injection sites) of medical fluids by multiple auto-injectors from becoming too close together, and prevents problems that may arise as a result.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 and 11, the extended partition wall 21 has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as that of the housing partition wall 20 described above (a substantially I-shape in the cross-section on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15), and extends from the tip of the holding portion 11 (the lower end in Figure 2) toward the tip. Then, as shown in Figures 9 and 11, when the auto-injector holder 10 holds two auto-injectors 50, 50, the extended partition wall 21 is located between the two auto-injectors 50, 50. The extended partition wall 21 makes it possible to maintain a predetermined distance between two adjacent auto-injectors 50, 50, in particular, between the injection needles 61, 61 of the auto-injectors 50, 50. This prevents the administration sites (injection sites) of medical fluids by multiple auto-injectors from becoming too close together, and prevents the occurrence of problems caused by this.

[0041] In particular, in this embodiment, the holding portion 11 (housing portion 12) of the auto-injector holder 10 holds (houses) the base end of the auto-injector 50. Therefore, if a patient grasps the tip portions of two auto-injectors 50, 50 (the portions of each auto-injector 50 that are closer to the tip than the portion housed in the housing portion 12), the distance between these tip portions may narrow, potentially causing the tips (injection needles 61, 61) of the auto-injectors 50, 50 to move closer together. The extended partition wall 21 maintains a predetermined distance between the tip portions of two adjacent auto-injectors 50, 50, thereby enabling more reliable maintenance of a predetermined distance between the injection needles 61, 61 of the auto-injectors 50, 50.

[0042] As the forming material for the auto-injector holder 10, a rigid or semi-rigid resin that is elastically deformable to a certain extent is preferred. For example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polycarbonate, acrylic resin (e.g., polyacrylate, specifically PMMA: polymethyl methacrylate), polyacrylamide, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, etc.), polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate), polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer), styrene-based resin (e.g., polystyrene, MS resin (methacrylate-styrene copolymer), MBS resin (methacrylate Examples include butylene-styrene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride (rigid vinyl chloride), and polyamide (nylon 6, nylon 66). Furthermore, as the forming material for the auto-injector holder 10, elastic rubber-based materials (e.g., butyl rubber, latex rubber, silicone rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, etc.), thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., styrene-based elastomers such as SBS elastomer, SEBS elastomer, SEPS elastomer, etc., and olefin-based elastomers such as ethylene-α-olefin copolymer elastomer, etc.) can also be used.

[0043] This embodiment briefly describes the simultaneous administration of medical fluids using multiple (in this case, two) auto-injectors 50 with the auto-injector holder 50.

[0044] First, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the auto-injectors 50 are held in the holding parts 11, 11 of the auto-injector holder 10, respectively. At this time, it is preferable to position the window portion 57 of the auto-injector 50 so that it is visible from the outside (the window portions 57, 57 of the two auto-injectors 50, 50 should not face each other).

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferable to push the auto-injector 50 (the base end of the housing 51) into the housing 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) with a reasonably large force (specifically, a force greater than the force required to puncture the injection needle 61 into the administration site 70, which will be described later). This prevents relative displacement between the auto-injector holder 10 and the auto-injector 50 during the administration operation.

[0046] It is preferable that the two auto-injectors 50, 50 have substantially the same axial position. In this embodiment, the two auto-injectors 50, 50 are of the same type, and the two holding parts 11, 11 have substantially the same configuration. As a result, when each auto-injector 50 (base end of housing 51) is driven into each housing part 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall part 15) with substantially the same force, the axial positions of the two auto-injectors 50, 50 can be made substantially the same. Alternatively, each auto-injector 50 may be driven into the housing part 12 (cylindrical peripheral wall part 15) until its base end surface 54 abuts against the base end wall part 14. This makes it possible to align the base end positions of the two auto-injectors 50, 50.

[0047] The two auto-injectors 50, 50 are held in the auto-injector holder 50 with their axial positions approximately identical, so that the tips (cutting edges) of each injection needle 61 and the tips of the pressing parts 55 are held in approximately the same position relative to the axial direction of the auto-injector holder 50.

[0048] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the caps 56 are removed from each auto-injector 50, and the auto-injector 50, 50 and / or auto-injector holder 10 are grasped and the pressing parts 55, 55 are pressed against the administration site 70. At this time, since the base end of the housing 51 of each auto-injector 50, 50 is gripped by the holding part 11 (housing part 12) (in other words, held substantially immovably in the axial direction relative to the holding part 11), the two auto-injectors 50, 50 advance toward the administration site 70 almost simultaneously. Furthermore, since a partition wall 19 (housing partition wall 20 and extension partition wall 21) exists between the two auto-injectors 50, 50, regardless of which part of the auto-injectors 50, 50 and / or the auto-injector holder 10 is grasped, the auto-injectors 50, 50 can be maintained at a predetermined distance from each other, and the injection needles 61, 61 of the auto-injectors 50, 50 can be maintained at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0049] Then, each pressing portion 55 moves into the housing 51, and the injection needle 61 is exposed (protrudes) from the pressing portion 55, and the injection needle 61 is inserted into the administration site 70. This operation starts the gasket pressing mechanism 13. The gasket pressing mechanism 13 moves the gasket 59 toward the tip of the prefilled syringe 52 (outer cylinder 58), and the medical fluid 60 is released from the injection needle 61 and administered to the patient (see Figure 12). Here, as shown in Figures 9 and 12, the position of the gasket 59 inside the prefilled syringe 52 (movement toward the tip) can be visually observed through the window portion 57. This makes it possible to confirm from the outside that the medical fluid 60 has been properly administered by the auto-injector 50 held in the auto-injector holder 10.

[0050] As described above, the auto-injector holder (auto-injector holder 10) of the present invention does not hinder the function of the auto-injector 50, can appropriately bundle and hold multiple auto-injectors 50, and can appropriately assist in the simultaneous administration of medical fluids by multiple auto-injectors 50. Furthermore, the auto-injector holder of the present invention (auto-injector holder 10) grips the base end of the auto-injector 50 by the elastic restoring force of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15, making it difficult for the auto-injector 50 to be damaged or deformed (plastic deformation) due to being held. For this reason, the auto-injector holder of the present invention is suitable for repeated use or for use on the go (in situations where a replacement auto-injector holder is not available).

[0051] The ribs on the cylindrical peripheral wall portion may be ribs extending in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion or scattered ribs formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion. For example, in the auto-injector holder 10a (holding portion 11a, housing portion 12a) shown in Figures 13 and 14, three ribs 16a extending in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 are formed on each surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. The tip portion of the rib 16a has an inclined portion 18a in which the amount of protrusion decreases toward the tip.

[0052] Furthermore, the auto-injector holder 10a has multiple openings 22 formed in the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. Each opening 22 is formed such that the peripheral edge at the tip side coincides with the base side edge of the rib 16a. These openings 22 are intended to eliminate the undercut shape of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 on which the rib 16a is formed, thereby ensuring the moldability of the auto-injector holder 10a (especially during injection molding), but also to make the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 more elastically deformable by forming the openings 22.

[0053] Another embodiment of the auto-injector holder of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the auto-injector holder described below, the basic configuration is the same as the auto-injector holder 10 described above, but the shape of the holding part (housing part) is different. Unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding names and reference numerals are used for components that are substantially the same as those of the auto-injector holder 10 described above, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0054] As shown in Figures 15 to 20, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 of the auto-injector holder 10b is provided with a plurality of peripheral wall slits 23 extending in the axial direction. The peripheral wall slits 23 extend from the base end of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 toward the tip opening 13, but do not reach the tip opening 13. In this embodiment, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 is a polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion whose cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction is polygonal (here, approximately hexagonal), and the peripheral wall slits 23 are formed at the corners 17 extending in the axial direction of the polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15).

[0055] Specifically, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 of the holding portion 11b (housing portion 12b) is a polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion with a substantially hexagonal cross-section, and peripheral wall slits 23 are formed at each of the six corner portions 17 extending in the axial direction. The peripheral wall slits 23 penetrate the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 and connect the inside and outside of the housing portion 12b. In this embodiment, the two peripheral wall slits 23, 23 formed at each corner portion 17 are integrated in the portion where two adjacent housing portions 12b, 12b (cylindrical peripheral wall portions 15, 15) are connected. It is not necessary to form slits in the peripheral wall portion at all corners of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion, which is a polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion. They may be formed only at selected corners. However, it is preferable to form peripheral wall slits 23 at the two corners 17, 17 that sandwich the portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 where the rib 16 is formed (the portion between adjacent corners 17, 17).

[0056] In the auto-injector holder 10b, the presence of multiple peripheral wall slits 23 makes the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 more elastically deformable, allowing the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing portion 12b to be properly gripped by an elastic restoring force. In particular, in this embodiment, the peripheral wall slits 23 are formed at the corner portions 17 extending in the axial direction of the polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion (cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15), so that the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 between two adjacent peripheral wall slits 23, 23 can be properly elastically deformed.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, it is preferable that the peripheral wall slit 23 is the same length as or longer than the rib 16 and extends towards the tip. This makes the portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall 15 where the rib 16 is formed more elastically deformable.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 18 and 20, the base end wall portion 14 of the auto-injector holder 10b is formed in the central part of the inner surface on the base end side of the housing portion 12b and includes a contact projection 24 that protrudes inward. As a result, even when the base end of the housing 51 of the auto-injector 50 is inserted up to the base end of the housing portion 12b, a gap is formed between the portion of the inner surface on the base end side of the housing portion 12b other than the contact projection 24 and the base end surface 54 of the housing 51, so as not to hinder the elastic deformation of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. In this embodiment, the contact projection 24 is cylindrical and protrudes from the center of the base end wall portion 14.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, a base corner slit 25 (in other words, a base wall side slit) may be provided at the base corner of the auto-injector holder 10c. The base corner is a corner formed by the straight outer edge portion of the base wall portion 14 and the straight base portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. The base corner slit 25 penetrates the base wall portion 14 and the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15, connecting the inside and outside of the housing portion 12c. The auto-injector holder 10c has a total of 10 base corners, excluding the portion where two adjacent cylindrical peripheral wall portions 15 are connected, each of which has a base corner slit 25. It should be noted that the base corner slits do not need to be formed at all base corners formed by the cylindrical peripheral wall and the base wall; they may be formed only at selected base corners. However, it is preferable to form the base wall slits 25 at the base corners corresponding to the portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall 15 where the rib 16 is formed (the portion between adjacent corners 17, 17).

[0060] The auto-injector holder 10c is equipped with multiple base end corner slits 25, which makes the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 more elastically deformable, allowing it to properly grip the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing portion 12c of the holding portion 11c with elastic restoring force.

[0061] In the auto-injector holder 10d shown in Figures 23 to 27, the base end wall portion 14 is provided with a plurality of base end wall slits 26 that are continuous with the peripheral wall slit 23. The base end wall portion 14 is divided into a plurality of base end pieces 27 by the plurality of base end wall slits 26, and the base end pieces 27 are displaceable in accordance with the elastic deformation of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 that is continuous with the base end pieces 27. As a result, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 is more easily elastically deformed.

[0062] In this embodiment, base end wall slits 26 are formed from all peripheral wall slits 23 formed in the holding portion 11d (housing portion 12d) toward the center of the base end wall portion 14. In addition, the central portion of the base end wall portion 14 is cut out, and each base end wall slit 26 is connected to the central cutout. As a result, each base end wall portion 14 is divided into six base end pieces 27.

[0063] In the auto-injector holder 10d, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (each surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15) between two adjacent peripheral wall slits 23, 23 and the base end piece 27 are combined and can be displaced (elastically deformed) independently of the other parts of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 and the base end piece 27. As a result, the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 as a whole is more elastically deformable, and this configuration can be adopted, for example, when it is desired to hold (grip) the base end of the housing 51 with a relatively weak force in the holding portion 11d. In the auto-injector holder 10d, the central part of the base end wall portion 14 is cut out and a configuration equivalent to the above-mentioned contact protrusion 24 is not provided, but as described above, the elastic deformability of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 is ensured.

[0064] As shown in Figures 28 to 33, a projection 28 is formed inside the base end of the housing portion 12e of the auto-injector holder 10e. This projection protrudes inward, abuts against the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing portion 12e, and presses the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing portion 12e toward the inner surface of the opposing cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15. In other words, the projection 28 presses the base end of the housing 51 housed in the housing portion 12e toward the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 opposite to the projection 28. More specifically, as shown in Figure 33, the projection 28 is inclined and protrudes such that its tip portion gradually increases inward from the tip side toward the base end side. As a result, the base end of the housing 51 that enters the housing portion 12e toward the base end is gradually pressed toward the protruding direction of the projection 28.

[0065] Furthermore, the auto-injector holder 10e is provided with a base-side notch 29 formed by cutting out a part of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 facing the projection 28 and a part of the base-side wall portion 14 continuous therewith. The portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 that does not have the base-side notch 29 formed thereon forms a clamping wall portion 30 that clamps the base end of the housing 51 between itself and the projection 28.

[0066] Specifically, as shown in Figures 28 to 33, approximately half of the base end portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 facing the projection 28 is cut out, and approximately half of the base end wall portion 14 continuous therewith is also cut out. The base end cutout portion 29 is open in the portion of the housing portion 12e facing the projection 28. The portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 that does not have a base end cutout portion 29 facing the projection 28 (specifically, diagonally facing the axial tip side) forms a clamping wall portion 30 that clamps the base end of the housing 51 between itself and the projection 28. The clamping wall portion 30 elastically deforms when the base end of the housing 51 is pressed against it by the projection 28, and clamps the base end of the housing 51 by its elastic restoring force. In other words, in the holding portion 11e (housing portion 12e), the base end portion 29 accepts the displacement of the base end of the housing 51 pressed by the projection portion 28, and the base end of the housing 51 is clamped by the elastic restoring force of the clamping wall portion 30 which has been elastically deformed by the displacement.

[0067] Furthermore, in the auto-injector holder 10e, the rib 16 is provided on the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (clamping wall portion 30) portion (surface) facing the projection portion 28. In this embodiment, the rib 16 extends from the tip opening 13 to the base end (base end side notch portion 29) of the clamping wall portion 30. The contact between the rib 16 and the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51 creates a gap (space) between the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (clamping wall portion 30) other than the area where the rib 16 is formed and the outer surface of the base end of the housing 51. This prevents the elastic deformation of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 (clamping wall portion 30) from being hindered. In this embodiment, the rib 16 is not provided on other parts (surfaces) of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 34, a recess 31 may be formed on the outer surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 corresponding to the rib 16 formation area, as in the auto-injector holder 10f. The recess 31 allows for appropriate adjustment of the elastic deformation ease of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion 15 with the rib 16 in the holding portion 11f (housing portion 12f).

[0069] Furthermore, a handle 32 that can be gripped during administration may be provided, as shown in Figure 35 of the auto-injector holder 10g. By gripping the handle 32 of the auto-injector holder 10g, which holds multiple auto-injectors 50, and performing the administration operation, the administration operation can be performed while maintaining the axial position of the multiple auto-injectors 50.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, multiple auto-injectors of the same type were used, but different types of auto-injectors may be used. If the base end shapes differ among the auto-injectors, the shape of the holding portion of the auto-injector holder should be set to match the shape of each auto-injector.

[0071] The auto-injector holder of the present invention comprises a plurality of holding parts arranged in parallel and capable of holding auto-injectors. Each holding part includes a housing part that accommodates the base end of the auto-injector housing so as to cover it from the outside. The housing part includes a tip opening into which the base end of the housing can be inserted, a base end wall part that abuts against or faces the base end surface of the housing, and a cylindrical peripheral wall part that elastically deforms when the base end of the housing is accommodated in the housing part, and grips the base end of the housing accommodated in the housing part with an elastic restoring force. As a result, the auto-injector holder of the present invention does not hinder the function of the auto-injector, can appropriately bundle and hold multiple auto-injectors, and can appropriately assist in the simultaneous administration of medical fluids by multiple auto-injectors.

[0072] The drug delivery device of the present invention comprises the auto-injector holder described above and at least two auto-injectors. As a result, the auto-injector holder of the present invention does not hinder the function of the auto-injectors, can appropriately bundle and hold multiple auto-injectors, and can appropriately assist in the simultaneous administration of medical fluids by multiple auto-injectors. [Industrial applicability]

[0073] The auto-injector holder of the present invention is as follows: (1) An auto-injector holder capable of holding multiple auto-injectors, each containing a pre-filled syringe and a gasket pressing mechanism within a cylindrical housing, and for assisting simultaneous administration by the multiple auto-injectors, The auto-injector holder comprises a plurality of holding parts that are capable of holding the auto-injector and are arranged in parallel, The retaining portion includes a housing portion that accommodates the base end of the housing of the auto injector so as to cover it from the outside. The housing portion comprises a tip opening into which the base end of the housing can be inserted, a base end wall portion that abuts against or faces the base end surface of the housing, and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that elastically deforms when the base end of the housing is housed in the housing portion, and grips the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion with an elastic restoring force.

[0074] This auto-injector holder comprises multiple holding parts arranged in parallel and capable of holding auto-injectors. Each holding part includes a housing that accommodates the base end of the auto-injector housing, covering it from the outside. The housing includes a tip opening into which the base end of the housing can be inserted, a base end wall that abuts against or faces the base end surface of the housing, and a cylindrical peripheral wall that elastically deforms when the base end of the housing is housed in the housing, gripping the base end of the housing housed in the housing with an elastic restoring force. As a result, the auto-injector holder of the present invention does not hinder the function of the auto-injector, can appropriately bundle and hold multiple auto-injectors, and can appropriately assist in the simultaneous administration of medical fluids using multiple auto-injectors.

[0075] Furthermore, the above embodiment may also be as follows: (2) The auto injector holder according to (1) above, wherein the cylindrical peripheral wall portion has ribs on its inner surface that protrude inward and can abut against the outer surface of the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion. (3) The auto injector holder according to (2) above, wherein the ribs provided on the cylindrical peripheral wall portion are ribs extending in the axial or circumferential direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion or scattered ribs formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion. (4) The auto injector holder according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the cylindrical peripheral wall portion is provided with a plurality of peripheral wall portion slits extending in the axial direction, and the peripheral wall portion slits extend from the base end of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion toward the tip opening, but do not reach the tip opening. (5) The auto injector holder according to (4) above, wherein the cylindrical peripheral wall portion is a polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion having a polygonal cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, and the peripheral wall portion slit is formed at a corner extending in the axial direction of the polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion. (6) The auto injector holder according to (4) or (5) above, wherein the base end wall portion is provided with a plurality of base end wall portion slits continuous with the peripheral wall portion slit, the base end wall portion is divided into a plurality of base end pieces by the plurality of base end wall portion slits, and the base end pieces are displaceable in accordance with the elastic deformation of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion continuous with the base end pieces. (7) The auto injector holder according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the base end wall portion is formed in the central part of the inner surface on the base end side of the housing portion and has a contact projection that protrudes inward, and a gap is formed between the portion of the inner surface on the base end side of the housing portion other than the contact projection and the base end surface of the housing so as not to hinder the elastic deformation of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion. (8) The auto injector holder according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein a projection is formed inside the base end of the housing portion, which protrudes inward, abuts against the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion, and presses the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion toward the inner surface of the opposing cylindrical peripheral wall portion. (9) The auto injector holder according to (8) above, wherein the auto injector holder is provided with a base end notch formed by cutting out a part of the cylindrical peripheral wall facing the projection and a part of the base end wall continuous therewith, and the portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall facing the projection that does not have the base end notch formed therewith is a clamping wall that clamps the base end of the housing between itself and the projection. (10) The auto-injector holder according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein the auto-injector holder comprises a partition wall for maintaining the auto-injectors held in two adjacent holding portions in a state separated from each other. (11) The auto injector holder according to (10) above, wherein the partition wall portion is part of the housing portion in two adjacent holding portions and includes a housing portion partition wall having a predetermined thickness. (12) The auto injector holder according to (10) or (11), wherein the partition wall portion extends from the tip of the holding portion and has a predetermined thickness and is located between the auto injectors held by two adjacent holding portions.

[0076] The drug delivery device of the present invention is as follows: (13) A drug administration device comprising an auto-injector holder as described in any of (1) to (12) above, and at least two auto-injectors.

[0077] This drug administration device comprises the auto-injector holder described above and at least two auto-injectors. As a result, the auto-injector holder of the present invention does not hinder the function of the auto-injectors, can appropriately bundle and hold multiple auto-injectors, and can appropriately assist in the simultaneous administration of medical fluids by multiple auto-injectors.

Claims

1. An auto-injector holder capable of holding multiple auto-injectors, each containing a pre-filled syringe and a gasket pressing mechanism within a cylindrical housing, and for assisting simultaneous administration by the multiple auto-injectors, The auto-injector holder comprises a plurality of holding parts that are capable of holding the auto-injector and are arranged in parallel, The retaining portion includes a housing portion that accommodates the base end of the housing of the auto injector so as to cover it from the outside. The auto injector holder is characterized in that the housing portion comprises a tip opening into which the base end of the housing can be inserted, a base end wall portion that abuts against or faces the base end surface of the housing, and a cylindrical peripheral wall portion that elastically deforms when the base end of the housing is housed in the housing portion and grips the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion with an elastic restoring force.

2. The auto injector holder according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical peripheral wall portion is provided with ribs on its inner surface that protrude inward and can abut against the outer surface of the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion.

3. The auto injector holder according to claim 2, wherein the ribs provided on the cylindrical peripheral wall portion are ribs extending in the axial or circumferential direction of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion or scattered ribs formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion.

4. The auto injector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cylindrical peripheral wall portion is provided with a plurality of peripheral wall portion slits extending in the axial direction, and the peripheral wall portion slits extend from the base end of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion toward the tip opening, and do not reach the tip opening.

5. The auto injector holder according to claim 4, wherein the cylindrical peripheral wall portion is a polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion having a polygonal cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, and the peripheral wall portion slit is formed at a corner extending in the axial direction of the polygonal cylindrical peripheral wall portion.

6. The auto injector holder according to claim 4, wherein the base end wall portion is provided with a plurality of base end wall portion slits continuous with the peripheral wall portion slit, the base end wall portion is divided into a plurality of base end pieces by the plurality of base end wall portion slits, and the base end pieces are displaceable in accordance with the elastic deformation of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion continuous with the base end pieces.

7. The auto injector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base end wall portion is formed in the central part of the inner surface on the base end side of the housing portion and has a contact projection that protrudes inward, and a gap is formed between the portion of the inner surface on the base end side of the housing portion other than the contact projection and the base end surface of the housing so as not to hinder the elastic deformation of the cylindrical peripheral wall portion.

8. The auto injector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a projection is formed inside the base end of the housing portion, which protrudes inward, abuts against the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion, and presses the base end of the housing housed in the housing portion toward the inner surface of the opposing cylindrical peripheral wall portion.

9. The auto injector holder according to claim 8, wherein the auto injector holder comprises a base end notch formed by cutting out a part of the cylindrical peripheral wall facing the projection and a part of the base end wall continuous therewith, and the portion of the cylindrical peripheral wall facing the projection that does not have the base end notch formed thereon is a clamping wall that clamps the base end of the housing between itself and the projection.

10. The auto-injector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a partition wall for maintaining the auto-injectors held in two adjacent holding portions in a state of separation from each other.

11. The auto injector holder according to claim 10, wherein the partition wall portion is part of the housing portion in two adjacent holding portions and includes a housing portion partition wall having a predetermined thickness.

12. The auto-injector holder according to claim 10, wherein the partition wall portion extends from the tip of the holding portion and includes an extended partition wall having a predetermined thickness that exists between the auto-injectors held by two adjacent holding portions.

13. A drug administration device comprising an auto-injector holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and at least two of the auto-injectors.

Images