Drug solution filling device

Abstract

A drug solution filling device (10) comprises: a cartridge (12) having a reservoir (18) capable of accommodating a drug solution (M), and a plunger (20) provided so as to be capable of moving in the axial direction of the reservoir (18); and an adapter (14) detachably attached to the cartridge (12). The adapter (14) has: a vial connection part (34) having a needle (58) that can be connected to a vial (B); and an operation part (36) for moving the plunger (20) along the axial direction of the reservoir (18).

Description

Chemical liquid filling equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drug solution filling device.

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 5102350 discloses a drug solution filling device equipped with a reservoir for filling with drug solution. The drug solution filling device includes a reservoir, a plunger movably provided inside the reservoir, and a needle provided at the tip of the reservoir. A vial is connected to the tip of the reservoir, thereby communicating the interior of the vial with the reservoir through the needle. Air is introduced into the vial by moving the plunger toward the vial. The air in the vial pushes the drug solution out of the vial, thereby introducing the drug solution into the reservoir through the needle.

[0003] Patent No. 5102350

[0004] In a drug solution filling device such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5102350, it is desired to more efficiently store drug solution in the reservoir.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] (1) An aspect of the present disclosure is a drug solution filling device comprising: a cartridge having a reservoir capable of containing a drug solution, a plunger movable in the axial direction of the reservoir to eject the drug solution from the reservoir, and an adapter removably attached to the cartridge, wherein the adapter has a vial connection portion having a needle connectable to a vial, and an operating portion for moving the plunger along the axial direction of the reservoir.

[0007] With this configuration, the user can operate the operation unit to more efficiently store the liquid medicine in the reservoir.

[0008] (2) In the drug solution filling device described in (1) above, the operation portion may be engaged with the plunger and movable relative to the vial connection portion along a movement direction of the plunger.

[0009] With this configuration, the plunger can be easily moved by operating the operating part on the adapter. After use, the operating part can be disposed of together with the adapter.

[0010] (3) In the drug solution filling device described in (2) above, the vial connection portion and the operation portion may be arranged to be movable relative to each other, and the vial connection portion and the operation portion may each be independently detachable from the cartridge.

[0011] With this configuration, the liquid medicine filling device can be easily removed from the cartridge after use and discarded, and the liquid medicine filling device can be made smaller.

[0012] (4) In the drug solution filling device described in (3) above, the adapter may include a holder that holds the cartridge, and the vial connection portion and the operation portion may be supported by the holder.

[0013] With this configuration, after the drug solution has been contained in the reservoir, the cartridge can be easily removed from the holder.

[0014] (5) In the drug solution filling device described in (4) above, the vial connection portion and the holder may be arranged to be movable relative to each other, and the adapter may have an engagement structure that engages the vial connection portion and the holder with each other.

[0015] With this configuration, the engagement structure can effectively prevent unintentional relative movement between the holder and the vial connection portion.

[0016] (6) In the drug solution filling device described in (5) above, the vial connection part may be movable relative to the holder from at least a first position to a second position in the direction of relative movement between the vial connection part and the holder, and when the vial connection part is located at the first position, the needle is in a disconnected state where it is not connected to the reservoir, and when the vial connection part is located at the second position, the needle is in a connected state where it is connected to the reservoir, and the engagement structure may include a first engagement part that engages the vial connection part and the holder with each other at the first position, and a second engagement part that engages the vial connection part and the holder with each other at the second position.

[0017] With this configuration, in the first position, the first engagement portion effectively prevents the needle from connecting to the reservoir, and in the second position where the vial connection portion and the holder are brought close to each other, the second engagement portion effectively maintains the needle and the reservoir connected.

[0018] (7) In the drug solution filling device described in (6) above, the adapter has a locking portion that restricts relative movement between the vial connection portion and the holder at the first position, and the locking portion may be a protrusion that can be overcome when the vial connection portion and the holder move relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.

[0019] With this configuration, the locking portion, which is a protrusion, can effectively maintain the vial connecting portion and the holder in the first position.

[0020] (8) In the drug solution filling device described in any one of (5) to (7) above, the adapter may be provided with a switching structure that switches the engagement state between the vial connection portion and the holder by the engagement structure, and the switching structure may switch between the engagement state between the vial connection portion and the holder by the first engagement portion and the engagement state between the vial connection portion and the holder by the second engagement portion.

[0021] This configuration makes it possible to effectively switch between engagement by the first engagement portion and engagement by the second engagement portion as needed.

[0022] (9) In the drug solution filling device described in any one of (3) to (8) above, the holder may include a base to which the cartridge is attached, a lid formed integrally with the base and supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the base, and which covers the opening of the base when closed, and a storage section surrounded by the base and the lid in which the cartridge is stored.

[0023] With this configuration, when removing the cartridge filled with the liquid medicine, the cartridge can be easily taken out from the holder by opening the lid portion.

[0024] (10) In the drug solution filling device described in (9) above, the holder may have a hinge structure that supports the lid portion rotatably relative to the base portion.

[0025] With this configuration, the hinge structure allows the lid to be easily opened and closed relative to the base.

[0026] (11) In the drug solution filling device described in (10) above, the holder may have a locking structure that engages the base and the lid with each other, and the locking structure may be provided on the side opposite the hinge structure with the storage section in between.

[0027] With this configuration, the locking structure can effectively prevent the lid from opening relative to the base.

[0028] (12) In the drug solution filling device described in (9) or (10) above, the cartridge may be disposed between the base and the lid, and the lid may have a pressing portion that extends toward the base and abuts against the cartridge when the opening of the base is closed by the lid. With this configuration, when the lid is closed, the pressing portion presses the cartridge toward the base, thereby preventing the cartridge from floating up within the holder and effectively holding it.

[0029] (13) In the drug solution filling device described in any one of (9) to (11) above, the operation unit may be attached to the lid unit.

[0030] With this configuration, the operating portion can be separated from the plunger when the lid portion is opened, so that the adapter can be efficiently removed from the cartridge.

[0031] (14) The liquid medicine filling device according to (3) above may be housed in a container and sterilized. With this configuration, the liquid medicine filling device can be effectively maintained in a sterile state before use.

[0032] According to the present disclosure, a device is provided which comprises a cartridge having a reservoir and an adapter removably attached to the cartridge, and the adapter has a vial connection portion having a needle that can be connected to a vial, and an operating portion that moves the plunger along the axial direction of the reservoir, thereby enabling more efficient storage of medicinal liquid from the vial into the reservoir.

[0033] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a liquid medicine filling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a first position of the liquid medicine filling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a cartridge. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the liquid medicine filling device of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of a container in which an adapter and a cartridge are housed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second position of the liquid medicine filling device. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 2. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is a first explanatory diagram showing the operation of the liquid medicine filling device. FIG. 15 is a second explanatory diagram showing the operation of the liquid medicine filling device. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the vial connection part is removed from the holder, Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lid part of the holder is open, and Fig. 18 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the cartridge is attached to the drug solution administration device.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the drug solution filling device 10 according to this embodiment is used to aspirate drug solution M to be administered to a living body A (see FIG. 18) from a vial B (see FIG. 15) and fill the reservoir 18 with the drug solution.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2 , the drug solution filling device 10 includes a cartridge 12 and an adapter 14 that is removably attached to the cartridge 12 .

[0036] The cartridge 12 is housed inside the adapter 14. After being separated from the adapter 14, the cartridge 12 forms a part of a medicinal solution administration device 100 (see FIG. 18 ), which will be described later. The cartridge 12 includes a casing 16, a reservoir 18, a plunger 20, a drive unit 22, and a flow path forming member 24.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3 , the casing 16 has a bottom 161 and a side 162. The casing 16 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape in a plan view (see FIG. 2 ). Note that the casing 16 is not limited to being formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. The bottom 161 is formed flat. The bottom 161 is provided with a cannula accommodating portion 163 that is recessed upward (see FIG. 4 ). The side 162 is formed in an annular shape and extends in the height direction from the peripheral edge of the bottom 161. The casing 16 further has an abutting portion 164. The abutting portion 164 is provided in approximately the center of the casing 16 and is approximately parallel to the bottom 161. The abutting portion 164 has a flat surface that extends in a direction perpendicular to the height direction of the side 162 (see FIG. 7 ).

[0038] The reservoir 18 is provided at one end of the casing 16. The reservoir 18 is a hollow body capable of containing the medicinal liquid M (see FIG. 15 ). The reservoir 18 is formed of a transparent resin material or glass. The reservoir 18 is formed so that the medicinal liquid M in the reservoir 18 can be seen from the outside. As shown in FIG. 2 , the reservoir 18 has a medicinal liquid inlet 181 and a medicinal liquid outlet 182. The medicinal liquid inlet 181 and the medicinal liquid outlet 182 are each provided at the tip of the reservoir 18. As shown in FIG. 9 , the medicinal liquid inlet 181 is sealed by a seal 25. The seal 25 is made of, for example, rubber. The medicinal liquid inlet 181 can introduce the medicinal liquid M into the reservoir 18 by puncturing the seal 25 with a needle 58 (described later) to connect to a vial B (see FIG. 15 ). 2, the medicinal solution outlet 182 is capable of discharging the medicinal solution M in the reservoir 18 to the outside of the reservoir 18. A reservoir holder 26 is provided at the base end of the reservoir 18, and the reservoir 18 is fixed to the bottom 161 of the casing 16 via the reservoir holder 26.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 5 , the reservoir 18 is a syringe type. The plunger 20 ejects the medicinal liquid M (see FIG. 15 ) from the reservoir 18. The plunger 20 is provided so as to be movable in the axial direction of the reservoir 18. The plunger 20 includes a pressing body 201 and a rod 202 that presses the pressing body 201. The pressing body 201 is movably housed inside the reservoir 18, and a rubber packing (not shown) is provided around the pressing body 201. The pressing body 201 is housed inside the reservoir 18 so as to be movable along the axial direction of the reservoir 18. The pair of rods 202 are connected to the base ends of the pressing body 201. A connecting plate 203 is connected to the base end of the rod 202. A screw hole 28 penetrates the center of the connecting plate 203 in the thickness direction of the connecting plate 203. The base end of the rod 202 has a groove 30 recessed in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the rod 202. The groove 30 is provided toward the tip of the connecting plate 203.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3, the drive unit 22 is housed inside the casing 16. As shown in Fig. 5, the drive unit 22 is provided in the proximal direction of the reservoir 18. The drive unit 22 has a shaft portion 221, a gear portion 222 provided at the proximal end of the shaft portion 221, and a connecting plate 203. The shaft portion 221 extends along the axial direction, and the tip of the shaft portion 221 is supported by the casing 16 and the reservoir holder 26. A thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 221. The shaft portion 221 is inserted into and engaged with the threaded hole 28 of the connecting plate 203.

[0041] The gear portion 222 is provided at the base end of the shaft portion 221. Gear teeth are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the gear portion 222. A motor (not shown) of the medicinal solution administration device 100, which will be described later, is engaged with the gear teeth of the gear portion 222. When the motor is driven, the gear portion 222 and the shaft portion 221 rotate, and the plunger 20 moves in the distal direction via the connecting plate 203. As shown in FIG. 15 , when the reservoir 18 is filled with the medicinal solution M, when the plunger 20 moves in the distal direction, the medicinal solution M in the reservoir 18 is pushed and discharged.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, flow path forming member 24 is provided in accommodation groove 165 formed in bottom portion 161 of casing 16. As shown in Fig. 2, flow path forming member 24 has flow groove 241 through which medicinal solution M can flow. Flow groove 241 is formed along the extension direction of flow path forming member 24. The tip end of flow path forming member 24 faces medicinal solution outlet 182, and the tip end of flow groove 241 is connected to medicinal solution outlet 182. The base end of flow path forming member 24 is disposed in cannula accommodation portion 163 (see Fig. 4). The base end of flow groove 241 is connectable to cannula unit 104 (described later) (see Fig. 18).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1 , the adapter 14 includes a holder 32 that holds the cartridge 12, a vial connection portion 34, and an operation portion 36. As shown in FIG. 6 , before use of the drug solution filling device 10, the adapter 14 and the cartridge 12 are housed in a container C such as a blister pack. The container C includes a box-shaped container body C1 and a film F that is attached to an opening (not shown) of the container body C1. With the adapter 14 and the cartridge 12 housed inside the container body C1, the interior of the container body C1 is sterilized and the opening is closed by the film F. The film F seals the interior of the container body C1 in a sterile state. When removing the adapter 14 and the cartridge 12 from the container C, a user peels the film F from the container body C1 to open the opening.

[0044] The holder 32 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. When viewed in the axial direction of the reservoir 18, the holder 32 has a rectangular cross-section whose width is greater than its height. Note that the holder 32 is not limited to being formed in a rectangular cross-section. The holder 32 supports a vial connection portion 34 and an operating portion 36. The holder 32 and the vial connection portion 34 are provided so as to be movable relative to each other in the axial direction of the reservoir 18. The operating portion 36 (holder 32) and the vial connection portion 34 are detachably coupled to the cartridge 12 independently of each other.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 , the holder 32 includes a base 321, a lid 322, and a storage section 323. The base 321 forms the lower part of the holder 32. The base 321 has an opening 38 that opens upward (see FIG. 17 ). The cartridge 12 is attached to the bottom of the base 321. The lid 322 is formed integrally with the base 321 and is supported by a hinge structure 44 (described later) so as to be openable and closable relative to the base 321. When the lid 322 is closed, the lid 322 faces the base 321 and covers the opening 38 of the base 321. With the opening 38 of the base 321 covered by the lid 322, the storage section 323 is surrounded by the base 321 and the lid 322. The cartridge 12 is stored in the storage section 323. That is, in the height direction of the holder 32 , the cartridge 12 is disposed between the base portion 321 and the lid portion 322 .

[0046] The lid portion 322 further includes a pressing portion 40. The pressing portion 40 is provided on the inner surface of the lid portion 322 facing the base portion 321. The pressing portion 40 protrudes from the inner surface of the lid portion 322 toward the base portion 321. The pressing portion 40 is perpendicular to the inner surface of the lid portion 322. The tip of the pressing portion 40 has a pressing surface 401 that is perpendicular to the extension direction of the pressing portion 40. When the lid portion 322 is closed, the tip of the pressing portion 40 (pressing surface 401) abuts against the abutment portion 164 of the cartridge 12. The pressing surface 401 of the pressing portion 40 presses the casing 16 of the cartridge 12 toward the base portion 321. The pressing portion 40 clamps the cartridge 12 between the bottom portion 161 of the base 321 and the pressing portion 40.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 1, the holder 32 further includes an insertion portion 42, a hinge structure 44 (see Fig. 7), and a locking structure 46. The insertion portion 42 is provided at the tip of the holder 32. The insertion portion 42 can be inserted into the vial connection portion 34. The outer surface of the insertion portion 42 is formed in a stepped shape that is recessed inward from the outer surface of the holder 32 (see Fig. 5). The insertion portion 42 is composed of a base portion 321 and a lid portion 322 (see Fig. 17).

[0048] The hinge structure 44 rotatably supports the lid portion 322 relative to the base portion 321 (see FIG. 17 ). As shown in FIG. 4 , the hinge structure 44 is provided on a first side portion 481 on one side in the width direction of the holder 32, which is perpendicular to the axial direction of the reservoir 18. That is, the hinge structure 44 is provided substantially parallel to the axial direction of the reservoir 18 (see FIG. 2 ).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7 , the hinge structure 44 connects the base 321 and the lid 322 at the first side 481 of the holder 32. When the lid 322 rotates via the hinge structure 44, the rotation direction of the lid 322 intersects with the direction of relative movement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 (the axial direction of the reservoir 18) (see FIG. 17 ). When the insertion portion 42 of the holder 32 is inserted into the insertion hole 562 of the vial connection portion 34, the vial connection portion 34 covers the base 321 and the lid 322 that constitute the insertion portion 42 (see FIG. 13 ). The rotation of the lid 322 via the hinge structure 44 is restricted by the vial connection portion 34. That is, when the vial connection portion 34 is removed from the holder 32 and the insertion portion 42 is exposed (see FIG. 16 ), the lid 322 becomes rotatable relative to the base 321.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 1 , the locking structure 46 engages the base 321 and the lid 322 with each other when the lid 322 closes the opening 38 of the base 321. As shown in Fig. 8 , the locking structure 46 is provided on a second side 482 opposite the first side 481 in the width direction. That is, the locking structure 46 is provided on the opposite side of the hinge structure 44 with the accommodation portion 323 in between. Note that the locking structure 46 is not limited to being provided on the second side 482. For example, the locking structure 46 may be provided on the first side 481.

[0051] The locking structure 46 includes a first locking portion 461 provided on the base 321 and a second locking portion 462 provided on the lid 322 and engaging with the first locking portion 461. The first locking portion 461 is a protrusion 50 protruding in the width direction from the second side portion 482 of the base 321. The second locking portion 462 has a gripping portion 52 protruding downward from the side of the lid 322 and a hole 54 penetrating the gripping portion 52 in the thickness direction and engaging with the protrusion 50. The gripping portion 52 is supported on the lower end of the lid 322 and is tiltable around the support position. In other words, the upper end of the gripping portion 52 is a fixed end fixed to the holder 32. With the opening 38 of the base 321 covered by the lid 322, the protrusion 50 engages with the hole 54 of the gripping portion 52.

[0052] Note that the first locking portion 461 is not limited to being the protrusion 50 and the second locking portion 462 is not limited to being the hole 54 provided in the gripping portion 52. The first locking portion 461 may be the hole 54 and the second locking portion 462 may be the protrusion 50 provided in the gripping portion 52 and engaged with the hole 54.

[0053] 1, the vial connection part 34 is provided so as to be movable relative to the holder 32 in the axial direction of the reservoir 18. The vial connection part 34 is provided on the tip side of the holder 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the vial connection part 34 has a cylindrical housing 56 and a needle 58 that can be connected to a vial B (see FIG. 10).

[0054] When viewed in the axial direction of the reservoir 18, the housing 56 has a rectangular cross-section whose width is greater than its height. Note that the housing 56 is not limited to having a rectangular cross-section. As shown in FIG. 9 , the housing 56 includes a cylindrical mounting portion 561 provided at the tip and an insertion hole 562 provided at the base end into which the holder 32 can be inserted. The mounting portion 561 is provided at the tip of the housing 56 and is configured to allow connection to a vial B. The base end of the mounting portion 561 has a support wall 563. A needle 58 is provided at the center of the mounting portion 561. As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 56 further includes a window 564. The window 564 is a hole that penetrates the housing 56 and is configured to allow the reservoir 18 housed inside the housing 56 to be viewed from the outside. In this way, when the vial connection portion 34 is connected to the reservoir 18, the interior of the reservoir 18 can be viewed from the outside of the vial connection portion 34.

[0055] 9 , the needle 58 is a hollow needle having an internal cavity. The needle 58 is supported by a support wall 563 of the mounting portion 561. The needle 58 protrudes in both the distal and proximal directions relative to the support wall 563. A distal end 581 of the needle 58 protrudes in the distal direction beyond the support wall 563. The distal end 581 of the needle 58 is exposed inside the mounting portion 561. A proximal end 582 of the needle 58 protrudes in the proximal direction beyond the support wall 563. The proximal end 582 of the needle 58 faces the drug solution inlet 181 of the reservoir 18 and the seal 25.

[0056] The insertion hole 562 opens at the base end of the housing 56. The insertion portion 42 of the holder 32 can be inserted into the insertion hole 562.

[0057] In the axial direction of the reservoir 18, the vial connection portion 34 is movable relative to the holder 32 from at least a first position (see FIG. 2) to a second position (see FIG. 10).

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, when vial connection portion 34 is located at the first position, needle 58 is in a disconnected state and not connected to reservoir 18. The first position is the position in which liquid medicine filling device 10 is in an unused initial state (shipment state). In the initial state, the interior of reservoir 18 is maintained in a sterile state. In the first position, base end 582 of needle 58 and liquid medicine inlet 181 of reservoir 18 are spaced apart in the axial direction. The first position is a position in which vial connection portion 34 has moved a predetermined distance toward the tip relative to holder 32. A portion of insertion portion 42 is inserted into insertion hole 562 of housing 56.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, when the vial connection part 34 is located at the second position with respect to the holder 32, the vial connection part 34 and the holder 32 move relative to each other in a direction approaching each other with respect to the first position. The second position is a connected state in which the needle 58 is connected to the reservoir 18 (see Figure 11). As a result of the relative movement between the vial connection part 34 and the holder 32, at the second position, the proximal end part 582 of the needle 58 punctures the drug solution inlet 181 of the reservoir 18, and the lumen of the needle 58 communicates with the interior of the reservoir 18. At the second position, the insertion part 42 of the holder 32 is inserted further in the distal direction than at the first position.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 36 ​​is provided on the lid portion 322 of the holder 32. The operation unit 36 ​​is provided movably along a guide hole 60 that opens on the outer surface of the lid portion 322. The guide hole 60 extends along the axial direction of the reservoir 18. As shown in FIG. 5 , the operation unit 36 ​​has an operation unit main body 361 and an insertion piece 362. The operation unit main body 361 is exposed to the outside of the holder 32 and can be operated by a user. The operation unit main body 361 is engaged with the holder 32 so as to be movably along the guide hole 60. The operation unit 36 ​​is not limited to being provided on the lid portion 322. For example, the operation unit 36 ​​may be provided on the base portion 321.

[0061] The insertion piece 362 protrudes from the operation unit main body 361 in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the holder 32. The insertion piece 362 is arranged inside the holder 32 and inserted into the groove portion 30 of the rod 202. The insertion piece 362 engages the rod 202 of the plunger 20 with the operation unit 36 ​​in the axial direction of the reservoir 18. By moving the operation unit 36 ​​along the guide hole 60, the plunger 20 moves along the axial direction of the reservoir 18. In other words, the operation unit 36 ​​is engaged with the plunger 20 and is movable relative to the holder 32 in the movement direction of the plunger 20.

[0062] As shown in Figure 12, the adapter 14 further includes an engagement structure 62, a switching structure 64, and a locking portion 66. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter 14 in the first position.

[0063] The engagement structure 62 engages the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 with each other. The engagement structure 62 includes a first engagement portion 621 and a second engagement portion 622. The first engagement portion 621 engages the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 with each other at the first position. As shown in Fig. 13 , the second engagement portion 622 engages the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 with each other at the second position.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first engagement portion 621 includes a protrusion 68 provided on the vial connection portion 34 and a first recess 701 provided on the bottom portion 161 of the cartridge 12, with which the protrusion 68 engages. The first recess 701 is recessed into the bottom portion 161 of the cartridge 12. The second engagement portion 622 includes a protrusion 68 provided on the vial connection portion 34 and a second recess 702 provided on the bottom portion 161 of the cartridge 12, with which the protrusion 68 engages (see FIG. 13 ). The second recess 702 is recessed into the bottom portion 161 of the cartridge 12. The second recess 702 is located closer to the base end than the first recess 701. The first recess 701 and the second recess 702 are spaced apart in the axial direction of the reservoir 18 and are linearly arranged in the axial direction. In this case, the protrusion 68 of the first engagement portion 621 and the protrusion 68 of the second engagement portion 622 are the same. For example, the protrusion 68 of the first engaging portion 621 and the protrusion 68 of the second engaging portion 622 may be different from each other.

[0065] The first engaging portion 621 engages the protrusion 68 with the first recess 701 at the first position. When the protrusion 68 is inserted into the first recess 701, the first engaging portion 621 restricts relative movement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 along the axial direction of the reservoir 18 at the first position. As shown in FIG. 13 , the second engaging portion 622 engages the protrusion 68 with the second recess 702 at the second position. When the protrusion 68 is inserted into the second recess 702, the second engaging portion 622 restricts relative movement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 along the axial direction of the reservoir 18 at the second position.

[0066] The engagement structure 62 is not limited to being composed of the convex portion 68 provided in the vial connection portion 34 and the first concave portion 701 and the second concave portion 702 provided in the cartridge 12. For example, one concave portion may be provided in the vial connection portion 34, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion that engage with the concave portion may be provided in the cartridge 12. Instead of providing the first concave portion 701 and the second concave portion 702 in the bottom portion 161 of the cartridge 12, the first concave portion 701 and the second concave portion 702 may each be provided in the bottom portion of the holder 32.

[0067] 4, the switching structure 64 is provided in the housing 56 of the vial connection part 34. The switching structure 64 switches the engagement state between the vial connection part 34 and the holder 32 by the engagement structure 62. Note that the switching structure 64 is not limited to being provided in the vial connection part 34. For example, the switching structure 64 may be provided in the holder 32.

[0068] The switching structure 64 switches between an engagement state between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 (cartridge 12) by the first engagement portion 621 and an engagement state between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 (cartridge 12) by the second engagement portion 622. The switching structure 64 is provided on the bottom 565 of the housing 56. The switching structure 64 has an arm portion 72 that is tiltably supported on the bottom 565 of the housing 56. The arm portion 72 extends along the axial direction of the reservoir 18. As shown in FIG. 12 , the arm portion 72 has a first end portion 721 provided at the tip end, a second end portion 722 provided at the base end, and a support portion 723.

[0069] The first end 721 can be operated by a user to switch the engagement state between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32. The second end 722 faces the bottom 161 of the cartridge 12. The second end 722 has a protrusion 68 of the engagement structure 62. The protrusion 68 faces the bottom 161 of the cartridge 12 and protrudes from the second end 722 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the arm portion 72. The support portion 723 is provided between the first end 721 and the second end 722 in the extension direction of the arm portion 72. The arm portion 72 is supported on the bottom 565 of the housing 56 by the support portion 723. The first end 721 and the second end 722 are separated from the bottom 161 of the housing 56.

[0070] When the first end 721 is pressed toward the inside of the housing 56, the arm 72 tilts around the support 723, and the second end 722 moves in a direction away from the housing 56 (shown in the dashed-two-dot line in FIG. 13 ). Tilting the arm 72 at the first position disengages the protrusion 68 that was engaged with the first recess 701 from the first recess 701. The engagement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 (cartridge 12) by the first engagement portion 621 is released (shown in the dashed-two-dot line in FIG. 13 ). As shown in FIG. 13 , tilting the arm 72 at the second position disengages the protrusion 68 that was engaged with the second recess 702 from the second recess 702. The engagement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 (cartridge 12) by the first engagement portion 621 is released (shown in the dashed-two-dot line in FIG. 13 ).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 4 , the locking portion 66 is provided on the insertion portion 42 of the holder 32. The locking portion 66 restricts relative movement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 in the first position. As shown in FIG. 12 , the locking portion 66 is a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the insertion portion 42. A plurality of locking portions 66 are provided along the insertion portion 42. The number of locking portions 66 is not limited to a plurality. When the adapter 14 is in the first position, the locking portion 66 comes into contact with the base end of the vial connection portion 34. The locking portion 66 prevents relative movement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32. When the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 move relative to each other from the first position to the second position, the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 562 of the housing 56 can overcome the locking portion 66. That is, the protruding height of the locking portion 66 from the outer surface of the insertion portion 42 is a height that allows it to be inserted into the insertion hole 562 of the vial connection portion 34 when the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 are moved relative to each other. In the second position, the locking portion 66 is housed in the insertion hole 562.

[0072] The drug solution filling device 10 is used as follows.

[0073] 1 , in the initial state (shipment state) of the drug solution filling device 10, the adapter 14 is in the first position. In the first position, the first engaging portion 621 and the locking portion 66 restrict relative movement between the vial connecting portion 34 and the holder 32.

[0074] First, a needle connecting step is performed to connect the needle 58 to the reservoir 18. The needle connecting step is performed by moving the adapter 14 from the first position to the second position.

[0075] In this needle connecting step, the user pushes the vial connection portion 34 toward the holder 32, causing the insertion portion 42 of the holder 32 to be inserted into the insertion hole 562 of the vial connection portion 34, while the vial connection portion 34 moves relatively in the proximal direction. As a result of the relative movement of the vial connection portion 34, the needle 58 moves in the proximal direction together with the vial connection portion 34, as shown in FIG. 11 , and the proximal end 582 of the needle 58 pierces the seal 25 of the drug solution inlet 181. The proximal end 582 of the needle 58 penetrates the seal 25, thereby connecting the lumen (not shown) of the needle 58 to the interior of the reservoir 18. This places the proximal end 582 of the needle 58 in a second position where it is connected to the reservoir 18. In the second position, the entire insertion portion 42 of the holder 32 is housed in the insertion hole 562 of the vial connection portion 34.

[0076] 12 , in the initial state (first position), the locking portion 66 of the holder 32 is not inserted into the insertion hole 562 of the vial connection portion 34. As the vial connection portion 34 moves relative to the holder 32, the vial connection portion 34 climbs over the locking portion 66 of the holder 32, and the locking portion 66 is accommodated in the insertion hole 562.

[0077] Furthermore, during the process of the vial connection part 34 moving relative to the holder 32, the convex part 68 of the arm part 72 is guided by the inclination of the first concave part 701, so that the arm part 72 tilts and the convex part 68 climbs over the first concave part 701. As the vial connection part 34 moves further, the convex part 68 is inserted into and engaged with the second concave part 702, as shown in Figure 13. As the convex part 68 engages with the second concave part 702, the relative movement between the vial connection part 34 and the holder 32 is restricted.

[0078] Next, a vial connecting step is performed in which the vial B containing the medicinal solution M is connected to the vial connecting part 34. As shown in Fig. 14, the vial connecting step is performed in a state in which the vial connecting part 34 is positioned at the top and the holder 32 is positioned at the bottom.

[0079] By inserting vial B into the mounting portion 561 of the vial connection portion 34, the tip portion 581 of the needle 58 pierces the sealing stopper (not shown) of vial B. The interior of vial B and the interior of the reservoir 18 are connected through the inner cavity of the needle 58. The vial B is held in the mounting portion 561. Next, a drug solution filling step is performed to fill the reservoir 18 with drug solution M. In the drug solution filling step, the user slides the operation unit 36 ​​toward the distal end, causing the plunger 20 to move toward the distal end, and the pressing body 201 accordingly moves toward the distal end within the reservoir 18. The air in the reservoir 18 is pushed by the pressing body 201, and the air is sent into vial B through the inner cavity of the needle 58. At this time, the pressure within vial B gradually increases due to the air supplied into vial B. After moving the pressing body 201 to the distal end of the reservoir 18, the user stops operating the operation unit 36 ​​toward the distal end.

[0080] 15 , when the user slides the operating unit 36 ​​toward the proximal end, the pressure of the supplied air pushes the liquid medicine M in the vial B through the needle 58 into the reservoir 18. The liquid medicine M fills the reservoir 18 while pushing back the pressing body 201 in the reservoir 18 toward the proximal end. When a predetermined amount of the liquid medicine M is contained in the reservoir 18, the liquid medicine filling process is completed.

[0081] After the liquid medicine filling step is completed, a vial removing step is performed. In the vial removing step, vial B is removed from vial connecting portion 34 of liquid medicine filling device 10 by pulling vial B out of mounting portion 561 of vial connecting portion 34.

[0082] Next, an ejection step is performed to eject the cartridge 12 from the adapter 14. This ejection step is made up of a first ejection step in which the vial connection part 34 is removed from the holder 32, and a second ejection step in which the holder 32 is opened.

[0083] In the first removal step, the vial connection part 34 is removed from the holder 32 and the cartridge 12. As shown in FIG. 13 , the user presses the first end 721 of the arm part 72 to release the engagement between the vial connection part 34 and the holder 32 (cartridge 12) by the second engagement part 622. The second end 722 tilts from the support part 723 in a direction away from the cartridge 12, causing the convex part 68 to disengage from the second recess 702. After the engagement of the second engagement part 622 is released, the vial connection part 34 is pulled distally from the holder 32 as shown in FIG. 16 . As the vial connection part 34 moves distally away from the holder 32, the insertion part 42 of the holder 32 and a portion of the cartridge 12 are exposed. At this time, the needle 58 is removed from the reservoir 18 together with the vial connection part 34. The drug solution inlet 181 of the reservoir 18 is sealed by the seal 25. The removed vial connection part 34 is discarded without being reused.

[0084] Next, a second removal step is performed to open the holder 32. The second removal step is performed using the holder 32 and cartridge 12 from which the vial connection portion 34 has been removed. The user grasps the grip portion 52 of the locking structure 46 and tilts it outward in the width direction, using the lower end of the lid portion 322 as a fulcrum (shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 ). As the grip portion 52 tilts, the grip portion 52 moves away from the base portion 321, and the second locking portion 462 (hole portion 54) disengages from the first locking portion 461 (protrusion). This releases the engagement between the base portion 321 and the lid portion 322 by the locking structure 46, allowing the lid portion 322 to rotate relative to the base portion 321.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 17 , a user grasps the lid portion 322 and rotates the lid portion 322 relative to the base portion 321, using the hinge structure 44 as a fulcrum. The rotation direction of the lid portion 322 is a direction intersecting the direction of relative movement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 (the axial direction of the reservoir 18). When the lid portion 322 is open, the lid portion 322 is held to the first side portion 481 of the holder 32 by the hinge structure 44. At this time, the operating portion 36 rotates integrally with the lid portion 322 while being held thereby. The insertion piece 362 of the operating portion 36 disengages from the groove portion 30 of the plunger 20. The rotation of the lid portion 322 opens the opening 38 of the base portion 321, exposing the upper portion of the cartridge 12 in the storage portion 323. Note that, in the state before the vial connection part 34 is removed from the holder 32 (first position and second position), the insertion part 42 is covered by the vial connection part 34, and therefore the lid part 322 cannot be rotated relative to the base part 321. For this reason, in this embodiment, the holder 32 is opened after the vial connection part 34 is removed from the holder 32.

[0086] Next, the user grasps the cartridge 12 and removes it upward from the base 321 of the holder 32 (see FIG. 3 ). The holder 32 including the operating unit 36 ​​is discarded without being reused. Note that the holder 32 does not necessarily have to have the hinge structure 44. For example, the lid 322 may be completely detachable from the base 321.

[0087] The cartridge 12 including the reservoir 18 containing the medicinal liquid M is used as a part of a medicinal liquid administration device 100, as shown in FIG.

[0088] The drug solution administration device 100 comprises an attachment holder 102 that is fixed to a target site of living body A, a cannula unit 104 that is attached to the attachment holder 102, and an administration device main body 106.

[0089] The mounting holder 102 has an attachment surface 107 to be fixed to a target site (skin) or the like of living body A. An administration device main body 106 can be attached to the mounting holder 102. The cannula unit 104 is housed in the cannula housing portion 163 of the cartridge 12. The cannula unit 104 includes a main body 108 and a cannula 110 supported by the main body 108. The main body 108 has a connecting portion 112 to which the base end of the flow path forming member 24 is connected. The interior of the connecting portion 112 is connected to the flow groove 241 of the flow path forming member 24. The tip of the cannula 110 protrudes beyond the attachment surface 107 of the mounting holder 102 and is punctured into living body A together with a puncture needle (not shown). The base end of the cannula 110 communicates with the interior of the connecting portion 112 inside the housing 56.

[0090] The administration device main body 106 includes the cartridge 12 and a pump unit 105. The pump unit 105 is detachable from the cartridge 12. The pump unit 105 includes a cover member 114 and a motor (not shown) that can drive the drive unit 22 of the cartridge 12. The driving force of the motor (not shown) is transmitted to a gear portion 222 of the drive unit 22 via a transmission mechanism (not shown). Before the administration device main body 106 is attached to the mounting holder 102, the pump unit 105 is attached to the cartridge 12.

[0091] When administering a drug solution using drug solution administration device 100, attachment holder 102 is attached in advance with attachment surface 107 abutting against a predetermined site on the skin of living body A. The tip of cannula 110 attached to attachment holder 102 is inserted subcutaneously together with the puncture needle, and the tip of cannula 110 is left subcutaneously by removing the puncture needle.

[0092] Next, administration device main body 106 is attached to attachment holder 102 fixed to living body A. Specifically, bottom 161 of cartridge 12 is aligned with attachment holder 102, and the base end of flow path forming member 24 is inserted into connecting portion 112 of cannula unit 104. This connects cannula 110 and reservoir 18 via flow groove 241 of flow path forming member 24. Next, when the motor of pump unit 105 is driven by a user's operation, drive unit 22 (see FIG. 5 ) is driven in conjunction with the driving of the motor, and medicinal solution M is supplied to cannula unit 104 through flow groove 241 of flow path forming member 24 and administered subcutaneously to living body A by cannula 110.

[0093] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0094] 2, the drug solution filling device 10 includes a cartridge 12 having a reservoir 18 capable of containing drug solution M and a plunger 20 movable in the axial direction of the reservoir 18, and an adapter 14 removably attached to the cartridge 12. The adapter 14 includes a vial connection portion 34 having a needle 58 connectable to a vial B, and an operation portion 36 that moves the plunger 20 along the axial direction of the reservoir 18. This configuration allows the drug solution M to be more efficiently filled into the reservoir 18 from the vial B.

[0095] 5, the operating part 36 is engaged with the plunger 20 and is movable relative to the vial connection part 34 in the movement direction of the plunger 20. With this configuration, the plunger 20 can be easily moved by operating the operating part 36. After use, the operating part 36 can be detached from the plunger 20 and easily disposed of.

[0096] Vial connection unit 34 and operation unit 36 ​​are provided so as to be movable relative to each other, and vial connection unit 34 and operation unit 36 ​​are each independently detachable from cartridge 12. With this configuration, after use, liquid medicine filling device 10 can be easily detached from cartridge 12 and discarded. In addition, liquid medicine filling device 10 can be made smaller.

[0097] 2, the adapter 14 includes a holder 32 attached to the cartridge 12, and the vial connection portion 34 and the operation portion 36 are supported by the holder 32. With this configuration, the cartridge 12 can be easily removed from the holder 32 after the medicinal liquid M is contained in the reservoir 18.

[0098] 12 , the adapter 14 includes an engagement structure 62 that engages the vial connection portion 34 with the holder 32. According to this configuration, the engagement structure 62 can effectively prevent unintended relative movement between the holder 32 and the vial connection portion 34 while the medicinal liquid M is being filled.

[0099] The engagement structure 62 includes a first engagement portion 621 that engages the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 with each other at a first position where the needle 58 is not connected to the reservoir 18, and a second engagement portion 622 that engages the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 with each other at a second position where the needle 58 is connected to the reservoir 18, as shown in FIG. 13 . With this configuration, the first engagement portion 621 disconnects the needle 58 from the reservoir 18 at the first position (initial state, shipping state), thereby maintaining the interior of the reservoir 18 in a sterile state. By bringing the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 close to each other at the second position (during operation) immediately before use, the second engagement portion 622 connects the needle 58 to the reservoir 18, allowing the medicinal solution M to be effectively filled.

[0100] 4, the adapter 14 has a locking portion 66 that restricts relative movement between the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 when in the first position, and the locking portion 66 is a protrusion that can be overcome when the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 move relative to each other from the first position to the second position. With this configuration, the locking portion 66 can effectively maintain the vial connection portion 34 and the holder 32 in the first position.

[0101] 12, a switching structure 64 is provided that can switch between an engagement state between the vial connection part 34 and the holder 32 by a first engagement part 621 and an engagement state between the vial connection part 34 and the holder 32 by a second engagement part 622. With this configuration, it is possible to effectively switch between engagement by the first engagement part 621 and engagement by the second engagement part 622 as needed.

[0102] 17 , the holder 32 includes a base 321 to which the cartridge 12 is attached, and a lid 322 that is formed integrally with the base 321, is supported on the base 321 so as to be openable and closable, and covers the opening 38 of the base 321 when closed. This configuration physically protects the components disposed inside the cartridge 12 until filling with the medicinal liquid M is complete. Furthermore, when removing the cartridge 12 filled with the medicinal liquid M, the cartridge 12 can be easily removed from the holder 32 by opening the lid 322.

[0103] The holder 32 has a hinge structure 44 that rotatably supports the lid portion 322 relative to the base portion 321. According to this configuration, the hinge structure 44 allows the lid portion 322 to be easily opened and closed relative to the base portion 321.

[0104] 8, the holder 32 has a locking structure 46 that engages the base 321 and the lid 322 with each other, and the locking structure 46 is provided on the side opposite the hinge structure 44, with the housing portion 323 in between. With this configuration, the locking structure 46 can effectively prevent the lid 322 from opening relative to the base 321.

[0105] 7, when the opening 38 of the base 321 is closed by the lid 322, the lid 322 has a pressing portion 40 that extends toward the base 321 and abuts against the cartridge 12. According to this configuration, when the lid 322 is closed, the pressing portion 40 presses the cartridge 12 toward the base 321, thereby preventing the cartridge 12 from floating up within the holder 32 and effectively holding the cartridge 12.

[0106] 17 , the operating unit 36 ​​is attached to the lid 322. With this configuration, the operating unit 36 ​​can be detached from the plunger 20 when the lid 322 is opened, thereby enabling the adapter 14 to be efficiently removed from the cartridge 12.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid medicine filling device 10 is housed in a container C and sterilized, so that the liquid medicine filling device 10 is effectively maintained in a sterile state before use.

[0108] The present disclosure is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations may be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A drug solution filling device comprising: a cartridge having a reservoir capable of containing a drug solution and a plunger movable in the axial direction of the reservoir to dispense the drug solution from the reservoir; and an adapter removably attached to the cartridge, wherein the adapter has a vial connection portion having a needle connectable to a vial, and an operating portion for moving the plunger along the axial direction of the reservoir.

2. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 1, wherein the operating part is engaged with the plunger and is movable relative to the vial connecting part in the direction of movement of the plunger.

3. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 2, wherein the vial connection section and the operation section are arranged to be movable relative to each other, and the vial connection section and the operation section are each independently detachable from the cartridge.

4. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 3, wherein the adapter comprises a holder for holding the cartridge, and the vial connection portion and the operating portion are supported by the holder.

5. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 4, wherein the vial connection part and the holder are arranged to be movable relative to each other, and the adapter has an engagement structure for engaging the vial connection part and the holder with each other.

6. A drug solution filling device according to claim 5, wherein the vial connection part is movable relative to the holder from at least a first position to a second position in the direction of relative movement between the vial connection part and the holder, wherein when the vial connection part is located at the first position, the needle is in a disconnected state where it is not connected to the reservoir, and when the vial connection part is located at the second position, the needle is in a connected state where it is connected to the reservoir, and wherein the engagement structure comprises: a first engagement part that engages the vial connection part with the holder at the first position; and a second engagement part that engages the vial connection part with the holder at the second position.

7. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 6, wherein the adapter has a locking portion that restricts relative movement between the vial connection portion and the holder at the first position, and the locking portion is a protrusion that can be overcome when the vial connection portion and the holder move relative to each other from the first position toward the second position.

8. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 6, wherein the adapter is provided with a switching structure for switching the engagement state between the vial connection part and the holder by the engagement structure, and the switching structure switches between the engagement state between the vial connection part and the holder by the first engagement part and the engagement state between the vial connection part and the holder by the second engagement part.

9. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 4, wherein the holder comprises: a base to which the cartridge is attached; a lid formed integrally with the base, supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the base, and covering the opening of the base when closed; and a storage section surrounded by the base and the lid in which the cartridge is stored.

10. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 9, wherein the holder has a hinge structure that supports the lid portion rotatably relative to the base portion.

11. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 10, wherein the holder has a locking structure that engages the base and the lid, and the locking structure is provided on the side opposite the hinge structure with the storage section in between.

12. A liquid medicine filling device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the cartridge is disposed between the base and the lid, and when the opening of the base is closed by the lid, the lid has a pressing portion that extends towards the base and abuts against the cartridge.

13. A liquid medicine filling device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the operating unit is attached to the lid.

14. The drug solution filling device according to claim 3, which is housed in a container and sterilized.

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