JP7144728B2 - Flow controller - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow control device that regulates the flow rate of liquid medicines such as anesthetics, analgesics, anticancer drugs, and antibiotics in channels for injecting liquid medicines into the patient's body.

When administering drug solutions such as anesthetics, analgesics, anticancer drugs, and antibiotics to patients, the drug solution is continuously administered in small amounts over a long period of time, from several hours to several days, using a drip or drug injection device. may be administered to In such a case, by providing a constricted channel in the drug solution channel for injecting the drug solution into the patient, it is possible to limit the flow rate of the drug solution in the drug solution channel and adjust the injection amount of the drug solution per unit time. It has been done traditionally.

As an example of a flow rate control device that controls the flow rate of a chemical solution, for example, a decompression device has been proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-515898 (Patent Document 1). The pressure reducing device includes a constricted duct extending between superpositions of a first body and a second body, the ends of the duct being connected to upstream and downstream tubes to reduce the flow rate of the chemical solution. It is designed to be restricted by the flow resistance of the duct.

JP 2015-515898 A

However, in the decompression device of Patent Document 1, the first main body and the second main body, which are rigid resin materials, are superimposed on each other and are linearly and continuously fixed by laser welding. Since the duct is formed between the welded parts, it is difficult to stably ensure the liquid tightness of the duct at the welded part, and it is difficult to stabilize the flow path in the intended state.

The present invention has been made against the background of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to improve and ensure the stability of the narrowed flow path, which tends to be a problem in the decompression device of Patent Document 1. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flow rate control device with a novel structure.

Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention that have been made to solve such problems will be described. It should be noted that the constituent elements employed in each aspect described below can be employed in any possible combination.

A first aspect of the present invention is a flow control device provided on a medical fluid flow path for injecting a medical fluid into a patient's body and having a constricted flow path for regulating the flow rate of the medical fluid. A groove forming member having a groove formed thereon, an elastic sealing material covering the opening of the groove to form the constricted flow path, and a hard housing covering the outer surface of the elastic sealing material are provided. and the surface of the groove forming member has a convex surface in the circumferential direction, and the concave groove is formed so as to open to the convex surface .

According to the flow control device constructed according to this aspect, the narrowed flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the chemical solution is formed by covering the opening of the groove formed in the groove forming member with the elastic sealing material. Therefore, it is possible to easily and stably obtain the liquid-tightness of the constricted flow path, and avoid deterioration of flow control accuracy caused by leakage of the liquid medicine or air bubbles caused by gaps.

Furthermore, since the outer surface of the elastic sealing material is covered with the hard housing, the elastic sealing material is protected by the housing, and the reliability of sealing by the elastic sealing material is improved. Moreover, since the amount of outward deformation of the elastic sealing material is limited by the housing, the elastic sealing material is less likely to separate from the surface of the groove forming member, and liquid tightness is stably ensured. In addition, according to the flow rate control device constructed according to this aspect, the elastic sealing material is more likely to come into close contact with the groove forming member at the opening edge of the groove, and the groove is covered with the elastic sealing material. By being separated, the liquid tightness of the constricted flow path can be obtained more advantageously.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the flow rate control device according to the first aspect, the elastic sealing material is cylindrical, and the elastic sealing material is fitted to the groove forming member in an externally inserted state. There is.

According to the flow rate control device constructed according to this aspect, the elastic sealing material can be brought into close contact with the surface of the groove forming member due to the elasticity of the elastic sealing material. It is also possible to ensure the liquid tightness of the constricted flow channel without pressing it against the groove forming member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the flow rate control device according to the second aspect, the housing has a tubular portion, and the tubular portion is arranged in a state of being externally inserted with respect to the elastic seal member. There is.

According to the flow control device constructed according to this aspect, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical elastic sealing material is covered with the cylindrical portion of the housing over the entire circumference, and the elastic sealing material is deformed to the outer periphery. is restricted by the cylindrical portion, the liquid tightness of the narrowed flow path by the elastic sealing material is more stably achieved.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the flow control device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the elastic seal member is pressed toward the groove forming member by the housing.

According to the flow rate control device constructed according to this aspect, the elastic sealing material is held in a state of being pressed against the groove forming member by the hard housing, so that the liquid-tightness of the constricted flow path is more stably ensured. It is possible to prevent leakage of the chemical solution.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the flow control device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the upstream end portion of the groove forming member and the upstream tube are assembled in the housing from opposite sides to each other. A connection member is provided, and a connection channel is formed in the connection member to connect the constricted channel and the lumen of the upstream tube.

According to the flow control device constructed according to this aspect, the groove forming member forming the constricted flow channel and the upstream tube forming the flow channel upstream of the constricted flow channel are assembled to the connection member of the housing. , the constricted channel and the lumen of the upstream tube can be easily connected by the connecting channel. Moreover, since the groove forming member and the upstream tube are connected via the connecting member, the constriction of the constricted flow channel due to the adhesive is more difficult than in the case where the groove forming member and the upstream tube are directly abutted and adhered. Blockage can also be prevented.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the flow control device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the upstream opening of the connecting channel has a shape and size corresponding to the downstream opening of the lumen of the upstream tube. and the downstream opening of the connecting channel has a shape and size corresponding to the upstream opening of the constricted channel.

According to the flow rate control device constructed according to this aspect, it is difficult for a step to be formed at the connecting portion between the connecting channel, the constricted channel, and the lumen of the upstream tube, and air can be prevented from remaining at the connecting portion during priming. can be done. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent clogging of the constricted flow channel and decrease in flow rate due to entry of a small amount of air into the constricted flow channel, and a predetermined flow rate can be stably achieved.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the flow control device according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein an upstream end of the constricted flow path, a downstream end of the lumen of the upstream tube, The constricted flow path and the connecting flow path connecting the lumen of the upstream tube extend at an angle of 90 degrees or more without bending.

According to the flow rate control device constructed according to this mode, since the bending angle of the chemical liquid flow path near the connection channel is less than 90 degrees, it is difficult for air to remain in the vicinity of the connection flow channel during priming. In addition, by setting the bending angle to be less than 90 degrees, it is difficult for the liquid medicine to remain in the corners of the bent portion, and the liquid medicine flows smoothly in the liquid medicine flow path.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is a flow control device provided on a medical fluid flow path for injecting a medical fluid into a patient's body and having a constricted flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the medical fluid, the flow controller opening and extending on the surface. A groove forming member having a groove formed thereon, an elastic sealing material covering the opening of the groove to form the constricted flow path, and a hard housing covering the outer surface of the elastic sealing material are provided. and the housing includes a connecting member to which the upstream end of the channel forming member and the upstream tube are assembled from opposite sides, and the constricted passage and the lumen of the upstream tube. A connecting channel is formed in the connecting member, the upstream opening of the connecting channel has a shape and size corresponding to the downstream opening of the lumen of the upstream tube, and the downstream opening of the connecting channel has a shape and size corresponding to the upstream opening of the constricted channel, and the downstream opening of the lumen of the upstream tube is substantially circular; The upstream opening of the constricted channel is substantially rectangular, and the upstream opening of the connection channel is substantially circular corresponding to the downstream opening of the lumen of the upstream tube, A downstream opening of the connecting channel is substantially rectangular and corresponds to an upstream opening of the constricted channel.
According to the flow rate control device constructed according to this aspect, the upstream tube has a circular lumen that is easy to manufacture, and the narrowed flow path can be easily formed into a rectangular shape that facilitates the sealing performance. It is possible to prevent the formation of a step at the connecting portion between the channel and the lumen of the upstream tube and the constricted channel.

According to the flow rate control device constructed according to the present invention, the opening of the groove formed in the groove forming member is covered with an elastic sealing material, thereby forming a constricted flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the chemical solution. Therefore, the liquid tightness between the groove forming member and the elastic sealing material can be easily secured, and it is possible to prevent the chemical liquid from leaking out of the constricted flow path and lowering the control accuracy of the flow rate. Furthermore, by covering the outer surface of the elastic sealing material with a hard housing, the elastic sealing material is protected by the housing, and durability and reliability of sealing can be improved.

1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a flow control device as one embodiment of the present invention is connected to an upstream tube and a downstream tube; FIG. The top view of the flow control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the flow control device of FIG. 1; IV-IV sectional view of FIG. VV sectional view of FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a groove forming member that constitutes the flow control device shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view showing the groove forming member of FIG. 6; FIG. 7 is an enlarged right side view showing the groove forming member of FIG. 6; Sectional drawing which shows the flow control apparatus as another one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 and 2 show a flow control device 10 as one embodiment of the present invention. This flow control device 10 is arranged between an upstream tube 12 and a downstream tube 14 and connects the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14 .

More specifically, the flow control device 10 has a structure in which an orifice member 16 is housed in a housing 18, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. Also, the orifice member 16 is composed of a groove forming member 20 and an elastic sealing member 22 . In the following description, as a general rule, the up-down direction means the up-down direction in FIG. 4, and the left-right direction means the left-right direction in FIG. Further, in FIG. 4, the right side is upstream and the left side is downstream, and the chemical liquid flows from right to left in FIG. 4 through a chemical liquid flow path 70 (described later).

The groove forming member 20 is made of a hard synthetic resin or the like, and as shown in FIGS. Furthermore, a concave groove 24 is formed to open on one surface (upper surface) of the groove forming member 20 in the minor axis direction. The recessed groove 24 has a substantially rectangular cross section with curved corners and extends linearly in the longitudinal direction of the groove forming member 20. The width and depth of the middle portion are substantially constant. In addition, the groove width and groove depth at both end portions gradually increase toward the outer side in the length direction. In other words, at both end portions of the groove 24, the bottom surface 26 of the groove 24 is an inclined surface that slopes outward in the longitudinal direction, and the side surfaces 28, 28 of the groove 24 are elongated. It is an inclined surface that slopes outward in the groove width direction toward the outside in the width direction. In short, the groove 24 has inclined bottom and side surfaces at both end portions so as to connect the intermediate portion with a small cross-sectional area and the openings at both ends with a large cross-sectional area.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the elastic sealing material 22 has a substantially elongated cylindrical shape, and the inner diameter is substantially constant over the entire length in the length direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 4). , the outer diameters of both end portions are made smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion, and the end portions are thinner than the intermediate portion. The material for forming the elastic sealing member 22 is not particularly limited as long as it has rubber-like elasticity, and various types of elastomers can be employed. Silicone rubber, vinyl chloride, etc. are preferably employed. The elastic sealing material 22 of the present embodiment has substantially the same length as the groove forming member 20, and has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the groove forming member 20 when no external force is applied. there is

The elastic sealing material 22 is fitted to the groove forming member 20 in an externally inserted state, and the outer peripheral surface of the groove forming member 20 is covered with the elastic sealing material 22 . The elastic seal member 22 is expanded in diameter by the groove forming member 20 and is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the groove forming member 20 based on the elastic force acting toward the inner periphery.

Since the elastic sealing material 22 is attached in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the groove forming member 20 in this manner, the elastic sealing material 22 contacts the surface of the groove forming member 20 at the opening edge of the groove 24, thereby forming a groove. The opening of the groove 24 is liquid-tightly covered with the elastic sealing material 22 . Thereby, an orifice flow path 30 configured by the groove 24 is formed extending between the groove forming member 20 and the elastic sealing material 22 . The orifice channel 30 has a substantially rectangular cross section as a whole including openings 31 at both ends, and has a narrowed portion 32 with a small channel cross-sectional area in the middle portion in the length direction, and tapers at both end portions. Since the bottom surface of the recessed groove 24 is formed as an inclined surface, the channel cross-sectional areas of the shaped portions 34 , 34 gradually decrease toward the center side in the axial direction of the groove forming member 20 . The opening 31 at the upstream end of the orifice flow path 30 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, and the opening 33 at the upstream end of the narrowed portion 32 has a substantially rectangular cross-section with a smaller cross-sectional area than the opening 31 . It is

In the present embodiment, the orifice flow path 30 constitutes a constricted flow path that controls the flow rate of the chemical flow path 70 (described later). However, since the openings 31 at both ends of the orifice channel 30 have a larger area than respective lumens 72 and 74 (described later) of the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14, they have the function of limiting the flow rate of the chemical solution channel 70. Since the flow rate of the chemical liquid flow path 70 is restricted by the constricted portion 32 of the orifice flow path 30 , the constricted flow path of the present embodiment is particularly constituted by the constricted portion 32 . It should be noted that the constricted flow path does not necessarily have to be a flow path with a small cross-sectional area that is constricted as a whole, and it is sufficient if the cross-sectional area is reduced at least partially to limit the flow rate.

The orifice member 16 constructed as described above is housed in a housing 18 . The housing 18 is a tubular member made of a hard synthetic resin or the like, and has a substantially long cylindrical shape in the middle portion in the length direction and substantially cylindrical shape in both end portions. More specifically, in the housing 18 of the present embodiment, a first connection member 36 as a connection member arranged on the upstream side and a second connection member 38 arranged on the downstream side are combined with each other. It is considered to be a structure.

The first connecting member 36 has a tubular shape as a whole, and a connecting hole 42 is formed through an oblong disc-shaped connecting portion 40 provided in the middle portion in the length direction. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 4, the connecting hole 42 has a cross section of an upstream portion from an opening 44 on the upstream side to an intermediate portion and has a substantially constant size. The cross-section of the flow path in the downstream portion up to the opening 46 increases toward the downstream side. In this embodiment, in the downstream portion of the connection hole 42, both the upper surface 48 and the lower surface 50 are tapered surfaces that slope upward and downward toward the downstream side, and the side surfaces 52 on both sides are tapered toward the downstream side. The tapered surface is inclined outward in the width direction (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 4). The cross-sectional shape of the connection hole 42 smoothly changes from the opening 44 on the upstream side to the opening 46 on the downstream side, and no steps or discontinuous irregularities are formed on the flow path. Note that the smooth change in the cross-sectional shape of the connection hole 42 means that the cross-sectional shape changes continuously in the flow channel length direction. It is realized by having a tapered surface.

Further, an opening 44 on the upstream side of the connecting hole 42 has a substantially circular cross-section corresponding to a lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 described later, and an opening 46 on the downstream side of the connecting hole 42 corresponds to the orifice flow path 30. It has a substantially rectangular cross section corresponding to the opening 31 on the upstream side, and the channel cross section continuously changes from circular to rectangular from upstream to downstream.

Furthermore, a cylindrical tube fitting portion 54 is provided on the upstream side of the connection portion 40 in the first connection member 36 . By inserting and fixing the end of the upstream tube 12 to the tube fitting portion 54, the downstream end of the upstream tube 12 is assembled to the first connection member 36 from the upstream side. , a lumen 72 (described later) of the upstream tube 12 is connected to the connection hole 42 . Further, the upstream opening 44 of the connecting hole 42 has substantially the same shape and size as the corresponding downstream opening 76 of the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 , so that the lumen 72 and the connecting hole 42 are aligned. It is difficult to form a step in the connecting portion.

Furthermore, an elongated cylindrical orifice fitting portion 56 is provided on the downstream side of the connecting portion 40 in the first connecting member 36 . By fitting the upstream end of the orifice member 16 into the orifice fitting portion 56, the upstream end of the orifice member 16 is assembled to the first connecting member 36 from the downstream side. there is Thereby, the orifice flow path 30 of the orifice member 16 is connected to the connecting hole 42 of the first connecting member 36 . The opening 46 on the downstream side of the connecting hole 42 has substantially the same shape and size as the opening 31 on the upstream side of the orifice flow path 30, and the connecting portion between the orifice flow path 30 and the connecting hole 42 It is difficult to form a step in the

The second connecting member 38 has a tubular shape as a whole, and a connecting hole 60 is formed through an oblong disk-shaped connecting portion 58 provided in the intermediate portion. The connection hole 60 has substantially the same shape as the connection hole 42 of the first connection member 36 and is plane-symmetrical with respect to the connection hole 42 with respect to a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction). The downstream opening of the connection hole 60 is substantially the same as the upstream opening 44 of the connection hole 42, and the upstream opening of the connection hole 60 is substantially the same as the downstream opening 46 of the connection hole 42. is.

Furthermore, a cylindrical tube fitting portion 62 is provided on the upstream side of the connection portion 58 of the second connection member 38 . By inserting and bonding the end of the downstream tube 14 to the tube fitting portion 62, the upstream end of the downstream tube 14 is assembled to the second connecting member 38 from the upstream side. , a lumen 74 (described later) of the downstream tube 14 is connected to the connecting hole 60 . The upstream opening 78 of the lumen 74 of the downstream tube 14 has substantially the same shape and size as the downstream opening of the connection hole 60, and a step is formed at the connection between the lumen 74 and the connection hole 60. It's getting harder.

Further, an elongated cylindrical orifice fitting portion 64 is provided on the downstream side of the connecting portion 58 of the second connecting member 38 . By fitting the downstream end of the orifice member 16 into the orifice fitting portion 64, the downstream end of the orifice member 16 is assembled to the second connecting member 38 from the upstream side. there is Thereby, the orifice flow path 30 of the orifice member 16 is connected to the connecting hole 60 of the second connecting member 38 . The downstream opening 31 of the orifice flow path 30 has substantially the same shape and size as the upstream opening of the connection hole 60 , so that a step is less likely to be formed at the connecting portion between the orifice flow path 30 and the connection hole 60 . It's becoming An orifice receiving area 66 is formed by the lumens of the orifice fitting portions 56 and 64 .

In this embodiment, the orifice fitting portion 64 of the second connecting member 38 is longer than the orifice fitting portion 56 of the first connecting member 36, and a step 68 is provided on the inner peripheral surface. , the upstream side of the step 68 has a larger inner diameter than the downstream side and is made thinner. The downstream end of the elastic seal member 22 having a small diameter is fitted downstream of the step 68 in the orifice fitting portion 64 of the second connecting member 38, and has a large diameter. The intermediate portion of the elastic seal member 22 is fitted upstream of the step 68 in the orifice fitting portion 64 of the second connecting member 38 .

Furthermore, the upstream end of the elastic seal member 22 is fitted into the orifice fitting portion 56 of the first connection member 36, and the housing 18 is arranged in a state of being externally inserted with respect to the elastic seal member 22. A tubular portion is formed by the orifice fittings 56, 64, and the outer surface of the elastic seal member 22 is covered by the housing 18 having the orifice fittings 56, 64. As shown in FIG.

Thus, the orifice member 16 is arranged inside the orifice fitting portions 56 , 64 and accommodated in the orifice accommodating area 66 of the housing 18 . With the orifice member 16 accommodated in the orifice accommodation area 66 of the housing 18 , the elastic sealing material 22 is pressed toward the groove forming member 20 by the housing 18 . That is, the gap between the groove forming member 20 and the housing 18 is smaller than the radial thickness of the elastic sealing member 22, and the elastic sealing member 22 is radially spaced between the groove forming member 20 and the housing 18. sandwiched in a compressed state.

The first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 are bonded together with the downstream end of the orifice fitting portion 56 and the upstream end of the orifice fitting portion 64 facing each other in the longitudinal direction. , constitute a housing 18 in which the orifice member 16 is accommodated. Of course, the fixing of the first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 is not limited to fixing by adhesion or welding. The first connecting member 36 and the second connecting member 38 are connected by axially locking the projection and the locking receiving portion provided in the orifice fitting portion 64 of the second connecting member 38. It may be mechanically locked and fixed.

Further, in the flow control device 10 having a structure in which the orifice member 16 is accommodated in the housing 18, one of the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14 is fitted into the tube fitting portions 54 and 62 of the housing 18 and fixed. This constitutes a part of the chemical liquid flow path 70 through which the chemical liquid flows. In short, the chemical liquid flow path 70 includes the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 , the lumen 74 of the downstream tube 14 , the orifice flow path 30 and the connection holes 42 and 60 of the flow control device 10 . The lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 and the lumen 74 of the downstream tube 14 each have a circular cross-section, particularly an opening 76 downstream of the lumen 72 connected to the flow control device 10 and an upstream side of the lumen 74. The openings 78 of are of substantially the same circular cross-section. Also, the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 and the orifice channel 30 are connected through the connecting hole 42 , and the orifice channel 30 and the lumen 74 of the downstream tube 14 are connected through the connecting hole 60 . In the present embodiment, the constricted portion 32 of the orifice channel 30 as the constricted channel passes through an upstream connecting channel 79a formed by the upstream tapered portion 34 and the connecting hole 42 of the orifice channel 30, The lumen of the downstream tube 14 is communicated with the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 and through a downstream connecting channel 79 b formed by the downstream tapered portion 34 of the orifice channel 30 and the connecting hole 60 . 74. The upstream connection channel 79a has an upstream portion formed by the connection hole 42 and a downstream portion formed between the groove forming member 20 and the elastic seal member 22 at the upstream end of the orifice channel 30. portion (tapered portion 34 on the upstream side).

Furthermore, the upstream end of the upstream tube 12 is connected to a drug solution reservoir, an infusion bag, etc. (not shown), while the downstream end of the downstream tube 14 is connected to an indwelling needle (not shown) pre-placed in the patient (not shown). A connector is provided. By connecting the connector to the indwelling needle, the drug solution is injected into the patient's body from the drug solution reservoir or the like through the drug solution channel 70 . In addition, it is also possible to arrange a clamp that can block the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14, a filter that removes foreign substances in the chemical solution, etc. in the middle of the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14, and a filter is arranged. In some cases, the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14 may be divided into a plurality of sections as required.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the chemical liquid flow path 70 of the present embodiment has a flow path direction in the left-right direction in FIG. , but the angle is smaller than 90 degrees. The chemical liquid flow path 70 includes a downstream end of the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 , an upstream end of the orifice flow path 30 , and a connection hole 42 connecting the lumen 72 and the orifice flow path 30 . The portion configured by is formed into a shape that extends without bending at an angle of 90 degrees or more. In this embodiment, since the flow control device 10 has a symmetrical shape, the downstream end of the orifice channel 30, the upstream end of the lumen 74 of the downstream tube 14, and the orifice channel 30 and the connection hole 60 connecting the lumen 74 is also shaped to extend without bending at an angle of 90 degrees or more.

In this manner, the flow rate control device 10 is arranged on the chemical liquid flow path 70, and a part of the chemical liquid flow path 70 forms the constricted portion 32 having a smaller cross-sectional area than the lumens 72, 74 of the tubes 12, 14. By configuring the orifice flow path 30 having the , is less than without the orifice channel 30 . As a result, the drug solution can flow in the drug solution channel 70 little by little, and the drug solution can be continuously injected into the patient's body little by little.

The orifice flow path 30 is formed by covering the opening of the recessed groove 24 formed in the hard groove forming member 20 with an elastic sealing material 22 formed of an elastic material. Since the elastic sealing member 22 contacts the groove forming member 20 at the opening edge of the groove 24, the contacting portion between the groove forming member 20 and the elastic sealing member 22 is liquid-tightly sealed. , the liquid-tightness of the wall of the orifice channel 30 is stably ensured. Therefore, leakage of the chemical liquid is prevented from the orifice flow path 30, and the chemical liquid can be stably flowed at a predetermined flow rate.

Furthermore, since the elastic sealing material 22 is cylindrical and is fitted to the groove forming member 20 in a state of being externally inserted, the elastic sealing material 22 is elastic on the surface of the groove forming member 20 based on its own elasticity. is elastically pressed against Therefore, the gap between the elastic sealing member 22 and the groove forming member 20 is liquid-tightly sealed at the opening edge of the groove 24, and the liquid-tightness of the orifice flow path 30 can be easily obtained.

Furthermore, the orifice fitting portions 56 and 64 of the housing 18 are arranged on the outer periphery of the elastic sealing member 22, and the elastic sealing member 22 is radially sandwiched between the groove forming member 20 and the housing 18 and arranged in a compressed state. It is As a result, the elastic sealing member 22 is pressed against the groove forming member 20 by the housing 18, and the liquid-tightness of the orifice flow path 30 is secured by the elastic sealing member 22 more effectively. In addition, since the outer periphery of the elastic seal member 22 is entirely covered with the housing 18, the soft elastic seal member 22 is protected by the hard housing 18, and damage to the elastic seal member 22 is prevented. .

In addition, the orifice flow path 30 of the flow control device 10 passes through the connection holes 42 and 60 of the housing 18, so that the inner lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 and the inner lumen 74 of the downstream tube 14 do not form a step. connected smoothly. Therefore, during priming, it is difficult for air to remain in the connecting portions between the orifice flow path 30 and the connecting holes 42 and 60 and the connecting portions between the connecting holes 42 and 60 and the lumens 72 and 74 . In particular, since it is difficult for air to remain upstream of the orifice flow path 30 , it is possible to avoid substantial blockage of the orifice flow path 30 and decrease in flow rate due to air bubbles entering the orifice flow path 30 .

Furthermore, in the connecting channel 79 a that connects the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 and the constricted portion 32 of the orifice channel 30 , the upstream opening 44 corresponds to the downstream opening 76 in the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 . The opening 33 on the upstream side of the constricted portion 32 is common to the opening 33 on the upstream side of the constricted portion 32, and has a shape and size corresponding to the opening 33, so that the connecting passage 79a cross-sectional shape changes smoothly from the upstream side opening to the downstream side opening. Therefore, no step is formed at the connecting portion between the connection flow path 79a and the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12 and the constricted portion 32, and no step is formed over the entire connection flow path 79a. , making it difficult for air to remain after priming. Therefore, clogging of the constricted portion 32 due to entry of air into the constricted portion 32 as a constricted flow path is avoided, and a prescribed amount of liquid medicine controlled by the constricted portion 32 is stably administered.

Furthermore, the opening 44 on the upstream side of the connecting channel 79a is circular corresponding to the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12, and the opening 33 on the downstream side of the connecting channel 79a is the opening 33 on the downstream side of the constricted portion 32. , and particularly in this embodiment, the opening 44 on the upstream side of the connection hole 42 is circular, and the opening 46 on the downstream side of the connection hole 42 is substantially rectangular. As a result, the upstream tube 12 can have an annular cross-section that is easy to manufacture, and has a substantially rectangular cross-section that facilitates formation of the groove 24 forming the orifice flow path 30 and facilitates sealing with the elastic sealing member 22. be able to. Similarly, even if the downstream tube 14 has an annular cross-section which is easy to manufacture, the connecting channel 79b on the downstream side can be smoothly connected to the constricted portion 32 of the orifice channel 30 having a substantially rectangular cross-section. can.

Furthermore, in the chemical liquid flow path 70, the portion constituted by the upstream end of the orifice flow path 30, the downstream end of the lumen 72 of the upstream tube 12, and the connection hole 42 connecting them is The inclination angle is made small with respect to the left-right direction in FIG. Therefore, it is difficult for air to remain in the bent portion after priming, and a change in the flow rate due to air entering the orifice flow path 30 can be avoided, and vortices generated in the bent portion can be reduced, thereby stabilizing the flow rate. is planned.

In addition, the flow control device 10 has a symmetrical structure. For example, even if the left side in FIG. 4 is the upstream side and the right side in FIG. 4 is the downstream side, the same function and performance can be obtained. be able to. Therefore, when the flow rate control device 10 is attached between the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14, it is not necessary to check the orientation, which facilitates the attachment work. In addition, the flow control device 10 does not need to specify the circumferential direction with respect to the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14, so that the flow control device 10 can be easily attached.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the groove forming member 20 and the elastic sealing member 22 are bilaterally symmetrical, and even if the orifice member 16 were arranged in the opposite direction to the housing 18, the same functions and functions would be achieved. performance can be obtained. Therefore, the work of assembling the orifice member 16 to the housing 18 can be facilitated.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, grooves 24 are formed in the flat portions of the surface of the groove forming member 20 having an oval cross section, and a cylindrical elastic seal member 22 is formed in the groove forming member 20. is fitted in an externally inserted state to cover the recessed groove 24, but another structure such as a flow control device 80 shown in FIG. 9, for example, may also be employed. In the following description, members and portions similar to those of the above-described embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof may be omitted.

Specifically, the flow control device 80 of FIG. 9 includes a channel forming member 82 . The groove forming member 82 has a convex surface 84 that is curved in the circumferential direction so that the surface in the minor axis direction is not flat but convex toward the outer periphery. It is formed open to the surface 84 . In particular, the groove forming member 82 is formed so that the concave groove 24 opens at the vertex portion of the convex surface 84 .

In addition, the inner peripheral surface of the housing 18 is oval in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the inner surface of the housing 18 in the short axis direction is flat. As a result, when the groove forming member 82 is accommodated in the housing 18, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the groove forming member 82 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 18 is reduced at the portion where the convex surface 84 is provided. , particularly at the opening edge of the groove 24 which is the vertex portion of the convex surface 84 .

Since the elastic sealing material 22 disposed between the groove forming member 82 and the housing 18 has an elongated cylindrical shape with a substantially constant thickness, the elastic sealing material 22 overlaps the convex surface 84 . There is more positive and greater compression between channel forming member 82 and housing 18 . As a result, the contact pressure of the elastic sealing member 22 against the groove forming member 82 is increased at the overlapping portion with the convex surface 84 .

Therefore, if the groove 24 is formed so as to open to the convex surface 84 , the elastic sealing material 22 is likely to be in close contact with the convex surface 84 at the opening edge of the groove 24 . liquid-tightness can be advantageously obtained. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, if the concave groove 24 is formed so as to open at the apex portion of the convex surface 84, the liquid tightness of the orifice channel 30 can be obtained more advantageously.

In the case where a convex surface is provided on the surface of the groove forming member, the surface of the groove forming member where the groove opens may be a convex surface over the entire surface, or the opening portion of the groove may be a convex surface. It may have a partial convex surface.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited by the specific descriptions in such embodiments, and various changes, modifications, improvements, etc. based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It is possible to implement in a mode in which

For example, in the above embodiment, the structure in which the orifice channel 30 extends linearly in the length direction was exemplified. It is also possible to form a constricted channel with a portion extending obliquely (including perpendicularly) to the length direction by means of a spirally extending groove.

Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the concave grooves forming the constricted flow path is not particularly limited. Specifically, for example, various groove cross-sectional shapes such as a semicircular shape, a polygonal shape including a rectangular shape, and an irregular shape can be employed.

Also, although the structure in which the cross-sectional shape of the connecting hole 42 gradually changes from circular to rectangular has been exemplified, the specific shape of the connecting channel is limited as long as it can connect the upstream tube and the constricted channel. not to be However, the connecting channel is preferably shaped so that no step is formed at the connecting portion between the upstream tube and the constricted channel.

In the above-described embodiment, the elastic seal member 22 has a substantially long cylindrical shape, but a cylindrical shape or a polygonal cylinder shape, for example, may also be adopted. Further, the tubular elastic sealing material 22 may be fitted over the groove forming member 20 in a non-expanded state, and may be pressed against the groove forming member 20 by the housing 18, for example. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the elastic sealing material 22 has a cylindrical shape, but the elastic sealing material may have a sheet shape, for example, and be superimposed on the upper surface of the groove forming member 20 . In this case, the resilient sealing material and channel forming member 20 are preferably held in mutual alignment by the housing 18 .

Furthermore, the housing 18 is not necessarily limited to a hollow structure capable of accommodating the orifice member 16. For example, the housing 18 is a sheet-like elastic structure fixed to the upper surface of the groove forming member 20 by adhesion, welding, engagement, or the like. It may have a plate shape that covers at least a part of the upper side of the sealing material 22, or a C-shaped cross-sectional shape that is fitted over the outer peripheral surface of the groove forming member 20 in a state of covering more than half of the circumference. A housing that partially covers the outer surface of the elastic seal member 22 can also be employed. A housing made of a ring-shaped or C-shaped clip-shaped split structure can also be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the elastic sealing material 22 is tightened against the surface of the groove forming member 20 by its own elasticity, and is pressed toward the groove forming member 20 by the housing 18, thereby providing an elastic seal. Although the material 22 is in close contact with the surface of the groove forming member 20 , the elastic sealing material 22 only needs to cover the groove 24 , and the groove forming member is necessarily secured by both its own elasticity and the pressing force of the housing 18 . It does not have to be in contact with 20 . That is, for example, the elastic sealing material 22 can be brought into contact with the groove forming member 20 by either one of its own elasticity and pressure by the housing 18, or the elastic sealing material 22 can be attached to the surface of the groove forming member 20. It is also possible to provide a member that presses against the housing 18 separately and fix it to the groove forming member 20, or interpose it between the elastic sealing member 22 and the housing 18, or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the flow control device 10 having a symmetrical structure in the direction in which the chemical flows (horizontal direction in FIG. 4) was exemplified, but the flow control device is not necessarily limited to a symmetrical structure. and the downstream direction may be determined. Similarly, a structure in which the vertical direction and circumferential direction of the flow control device are determined in a specific direction with respect to the upstream tube 12 and the downstream tube 14 and the vertical vertical direction may also be adopted.

Furthermore, the orifice member 16 may not have a bilaterally symmetrical structure, and for example, the shapes of both ends of the constricted flow path may be different from each other. In addition to being able to freely set the cross-sectional shape and size of the concave groove, it is possible to adopt various shapes other than straight lines, such as curved and spiral shapes in the length direction, and to change the cross-sectional shape and size. A change in the length direction is also possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a plurality of grooves in parallel, or a plurality of grooves having different shapes may be provided, and appropriate grooves may be selected and communicated with each other. .

The groove-forming member may have a cylindrical shape, a polygonal prism shape, a deformed prism shape, or the like. can be formed. Furthermore, the cylindrical elastic sealing member fitted in the groove forming member in an externally inserted state may have a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the groove forming member as in the above-described embodiment. For example, it is possible to extrapolate and fit an elastic sealing material having a cylindrical shape or an elliptical cylindrical shape that does not correspond to the groove forming member such as a polygonal prism shape. The elastic sealing material need not have a constant thickness as long as it can cover the recessed groove.
In addition, the present invention originally includes each of the inventions described in (i) to (xi) below, and the configuration and effects thereof will be added.
The present invention
(i) A flow control device provided on a drug solution channel for injecting a drug solution into a patient's body and provided with a constricted channel for adjusting the flow rate of the drug solution, the surface of which is formed with a concave groove that opens and extends. An elastic sealing material that includes a groove forming member and forms the constricted flow path by covering the opening of the groove, and a hard housing that covers the outer surface of the elastic sealing material. A flow control device characterized by
(ii) The flow rate control device according to (i), wherein the elastic sealing material is cylindrical and is fitted to the groove forming member in a state of being externally inserted;
(iii) The flow control device according to (ii), wherein the housing has a tubular portion, and the tubular portion is arranged in a state of being externally inserted with respect to the elastic seal member;
(iv) the flow control device according to any one of (i) to (iii), wherein the elastic seal member is pressed toward the groove forming member by the housing;
(v) the housing includes a connection member to which the upstream end of the groove forming member and the upstream tube are assembled from opposite sides, and a connection that connects the constricted flow path and the lumen of the upstream tube; The flow control device according to any one of (i) to (iv), wherein the flow path is formed in the connecting member;
(vi) an upstream opening in the connecting channel is shaped and sized to correspond to a downstream opening in the lumen of the upstream tube, and the downstream opening in the connecting channel corresponds to the constriction; The flow control device according to (v) having a shape and size corresponding to the upstream opening in the flow path,
(vii) The upstream opening of the lumen of the upstream tube is substantially circular, the upstream opening of the constricted flow path is substantially rectangular, and the upstream opening of the connecting flow path is , a substantially circular shape corresponding to the downstream opening in the lumen of the upstream tube, and a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the upstream opening in the constricted channel. The flow control device according to (vi),
(viii) The upstream end of the constricted channel, the downstream end of the lumen of the upstream tube, and the connecting channel that connects the constricted channel and the lumen of the upstream tube are aligned at 90 degrees. The flow control device according to any one of (v) to (vii), which extends without bending at the above angle,
(ix) any one of (i) to (viii), wherein the surface of the groove forming member has a convex surface in the circumferential direction, and the concave groove is formed so as to open to the convex surface; The flow control device according to
(x) A flow rate control device provided on a medical fluid flow path for injecting a medical fluid into a patient's body and having a constricted flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the medical fluid, the flow control device being upstream of the constricted fluid channel in the medical fluid flow path. A connecting channel is provided that connects the lumen of the upstream tube forming the side to the constricted channel, and the upstream opening in the connecting channel corresponds to the downstream opening in the lumen of the upstream tube. The connecting channel has a shape and size, and the downstream opening of the connecting channel has a shape and size corresponding to the upstream opening of the constricted channel, and the cross-sectional shape of the connecting channel corresponds to that of the upstream side. A flow control device characterized by a smooth change from an opening to a downstream opening,
(xi) A flow rate control device having a constricted flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the medical solution provided on the medical solution flow channel for injecting the medical solution into the patient's body, wherein the medical solution flow channel is provided between the mutually overlapped members. is formed, and a connection flow path is formed between the superimposed members to form an upstream side of the narrowed flow path in the drug solution flow path, and the connection flow path A flow control device characterized in that the wall surface of has an inclined surface, and the cross-sectional area of the connecting channel is reduced toward the constricted channel,
including inventions related to
In the invention described in (i) above, the narrowed flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the chemical solution is formed by covering the opening of the groove formed in the groove forming member with an elastic sealing material. Therefore, it is possible to easily and stably obtain the liquid-tightness of the constricted flow path, and avoid deterioration of flow control accuracy caused by leakage of the liquid medicine or air bubbles caused by gaps. Furthermore, since the outer surface of the elastic sealing material is covered with the hard housing, the elastic sealing material is protected by the housing, and the reliability of sealing by the elastic sealing material is improved. Moreover, since the amount of outward deformation of the elastic sealing material is limited by the housing, the elastic sealing material is less likely to separate from the surface of the groove forming member, and liquid tightness is stably ensured.
In the invention described in (ii) above, the elastic sealing material can be brought into close contact with the surface of the groove forming member due to the elasticity of the elastic sealing material. It is also possible to secure the liquid tightness of the constricted flow channel without pressing against.
In the invention described in (iii) above, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical elastic sealing material is covered by the cylindrical portion of the housing over the entire circumference, so that deformation of the elastic sealing material toward the outer periphery is prevented by the cylindrical portion. Therefore, the liquid-tightness of the constricted flow path by the elastic sealing material is more stably realized.
In the invention described in (iv) above, since the elastic sealing material is held in a state of being pressed against the groove forming member by the hard housing, the liquid-tightness of the constricted flow path is more stably ensured, and the liquid medicine is discharged. leakage can be prevented.
In the invention described in (v) above, the groove forming member that forms the constricted flow path and the upstream tube that forms the flow path upstream of the constricted flow path are assembled to the connection member of the housing, thereby forming the constricted flow path. and the lumen of the upstream tube can be easily connected by a connecting channel. Moreover, since the groove forming member and the upstream tube are connected via the connecting member, the constriction of the constricted flow channel due to the adhesive is more difficult than in the case where the groove forming member and the upstream tube are directly abutted and adhered. Blockage can also be prevented.
In the invention described in (vi) above, it is difficult to form a step at the connecting portion between the connecting channel, the constricted channel, and the lumen of the upstream tube, and air can be prevented from remaining at the connecting portion during priming. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent clogging of the constricted flow channel and decrease in flow rate due to entry of a small amount of air into the constricted flow channel, and a predetermined flow rate can be stably achieved.
In the invention described in (vii) above, even if the upstream tube has a circular lumen that is easy to manufacture, and a rectangular lumen that facilitates formation of a constricted flow path and secures sealing performance, the connecting flow path and the upstream tube It is possible to prevent the formation of a step at the connection portion between the lumen and the constricted channel.
In the invention described in (viii) above, since the bending angle of the drug solution channel near the connecting channel is less than 90 degrees, it is difficult for air to remain in the vicinity of the connecting channel during priming. In addition, by setting the bending angle to be less than 90 degrees, it is difficult for the liquid medicine to remain in the corners of the bent portion, and the liquid medicine flows smoothly in the liquid medicine flow path.
In the invention described in (ix) above, the elastic sealing material is more likely to come into close contact with the groove-forming member at the opening edge of the groove, and the groove is covered with the elastic sealing material. liquid-tightness can be obtained more advantageously.
In the flow control device, if a step is formed on the upstream side of the constricted flow path, air may remain in the step even after the priming process for discharging the air in the chemical flow path, and the remaining air may cause the constriction. By entering the channel, the constricted channel may be clogged and the liquid medicine may not be administered stably. Therefore, in the invention described in (x) above, a step is not formed at the connecting portion between the connecting channel, the constricted channel, and the lumen of the upstream tube, so that air is less likely to remain. Moreover, since the connecting channel has a smooth shape in which the cross-sectional shape changes continuously in the direction of the length of the channel, it is difficult for air to remain in the connecting channel. Therefore, air can be prevented from entering the constricted flow path, and stable administration of the liquid medicine can be achieved.
In the invention described in (xi) above, the connecting channel and the constricted channel can be smoothly connected. It is possible to prevent air from remaining in the flow path. Therefore, according to this aspect, as compared with the case of forming a conventional extremely thin orifice tube, manufacturing is facilitated, and the problem of air block due to air getting caught in a narrow flow path can be avoided. .

10, 80: flow control device, 12: upstream tube, 18: housing, 20, 82: groove forming member, 22: elastic sealing material, 24: concave groove, 30: orifice flow path, 32: constricted portion (constricted flow path ), 33: opening, 34: tapered portion (connection channel), 36: first connection member, 42: connection hole (connection channel), 44: upstream opening, 46: downstream opening, 56 : Orifice fitting portion (cylindrical portion) 64: Orifice fitting portion (cylindrical portion) 70: Chemical liquid flow path 72: Inner cavity 76: Downstream opening 79a: Connection flow path 84: Convex situation

Claims (8)

A flow control device provided on a medical fluid flow path for injecting a medical fluid into a patient's body and having a constricted flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the medical fluid,
An elastic sealing material covering the opening of the groove to form the constricted flow path, and a hard material covering the outer surface of the elastic sealing material. and a housing of
A flow rate control device , wherein the surface of the groove forming member has a convex surface in the circumferential direction, and the concave groove is formed so as to open to the convex surface . 2. The flow rate control device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic seal member is cylindrical and is fitted to the groove forming member in a state of being externally inserted. 3. A flow rate control device according to claim 2, wherein said housing has a tubular portion, and said tubular portion is arranged in a state of being fitted over said elastic sealing member. The flow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic seal member is pressed toward the groove forming member by the housing. The housing includes a connecting member to which the upstream end of the groove forming member and the upstream tube are assembled from opposite sides, and a connecting channel connecting the constricted channel and the lumen of the upstream tube. The flow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is formed on the connecting member. The upstream opening of the connecting channel has a shape and size corresponding to the downstream opening of the lumen of the upstream tube, and the downstream opening of the connecting channel corresponds to the constricted channel. 6. The flow control device of claim 5, which is shaped and sized to correspond to the upstream opening. The upstream end of the constricted channel, the downstream end of the lumen of the upstream tube, and the connecting channel connecting the constricted channel and the lumen of the upstream tube form an angle of 90 degrees or more. 7. The flow rate control device according to claim 5 or 6 , which extends without bending at the edge. A flow control device provided on a medical fluid flow path for injecting a medical fluid into a patient's body and having a constricted flow path for adjusting the flow rate of the medical fluid,
An elastic sealing material covering the opening of the groove to form the constricted flow path, and a hard material covering the outer surface of the elastic sealing material. and a housing of
The housing includes a connecting member to which the upstream end of the channel forming member and the upstream tube are assembled from opposite sides, and a connecting channel connecting the constricted channel and the lumen of the upstream tube. formed on the connection member,
The upstream opening in the connecting channel has a shape and size corresponding to the downstream opening in the lumen of the upstream tube, and the downstream opening in the connecting channel corresponds to the constricted channel. It has a shape and size corresponding to the opening on the upstream side,
A downstream opening of the lumen of the upstream tube is substantially circular, an upstream opening of the constricted channel is substantially rectangular, and an upstream opening of the connecting channel is substantially rectangular. A substantially circular shape corresponding to the downstream opening of the lumen of the tube, and a substantially rectangular shape corresponding to the upstream opening of the constricted channel. A flow control device characterized by:

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