JP7762008B2 - Infusion cartridge, infusion pump, and method for manufacturing infusion cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge.

Infusion pumps capable of delivering infusion fluids such as medicinal solutions have been known for some time. Patent Document 1 describes an example of this type of infusion pump. Patent Document 1 describes a liquid transport device that includes a storage section that stores the liquid, a pump section that compresses a tube to transport the liquid from the storage section to a living body, and an injection section that injects the liquid transported by the pump section into the living body.

Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which a reservoir serving as a storage section is provided in a cartridge. A recess is formed in the cartridge body of Patent Document 1, and a film is fused around this recess. The reservoir serving as a storage section is composed of the recess and film described above. Liquid is stored between the recess and the film.

JP 2015-167709 A

In Patent Document 1, the reservoir is formed by fusing a film as a membrane around the recess, but there is still room for improvement in terms of the fixation of the fused portion.

The present disclosure aims to provide an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that can improve the fixation of the membrane at the portions where the case member and membrane that define the storage space are fixed to each other.

The infusion cartridge according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an infusion cartridge that defines a storage space capable of containing infusion liquid, and includes a case member having a recess formed therein, a flexible membrane that covers the opening of the recess and defines the storage space between itself and the recess, and a pressing member that extends along the edge of the recess in the case member and is fixed to the case member while sandwiching the membrane between itself and the edge of the recess.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge portion comprises an inner edge surface facing the inside of the recess and an upper edge surface that is continuous with the inner edge surface and faces the outside of the recess, and the pressing member is fixed to the upper edge surface of the edge portion with the membrane sandwiched between the pressing member and the upper edge surface.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing member is fixed to the edge top surface with the membrane sandwiched between the pressing member and the edge top surface.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge top surface of the case member, the membrane, and the retaining member are integrated by welding.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing member includes a top surface cover portion that covers the top edge surface of the edge portion, and the top surface cover portion includes a fixed portion that is integrated with the top edge surface and the membrane by welding when the membrane is sandwiched between the top edge surface and the fixed portion, and a non-fixed portion that is located closer to the recess than the fixed portion and is not integrated with the top edge surface and the membrane by welding when the membrane is sandwiched between the top edge surface and the fixed portion.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge top surface comprises a fixed surface that is integrated with the fixed portion and the membrane by welding when the membrane is sandwiched between the fixed portion and the top cover portion, and a non-fixed surface that is not integrated with the non-fixed portion and the membrane by welding when the membrane is sandwiched between the non-fixed portion and the top cover portion, and the non-fixed surface comprises a sandwiching portion that sandwiches the membrane between the non-fixed portion and the fixed surface, and a retracting portion that is located between the fixed surface and the sandwiching portion and moves away from the membrane without sandwiching the membrane between the non-fixed portion and the fixed surface.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressing member includes an inner cover portion that is connected to the top cover portion and covers the inner edge surface of the edge portion with the membrane sandwiched therebetween.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner cover portion sandwiches the membrane between itself and the inner edge surface.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the case member has a side surface that is connected to the top edge surface of the edge portion and is located on the back side of the inner edge surface, the pressing member is connected to the top cover portion, is positioned opposite the inner cover portion, and has a side cover portion that covers the side surface of the case member, and the inner cover portion sandwiches the case member and the membrane between itself and the side cover portion, thereby sandwiching the membrane between itself and the inner edge surface of the edge portion of the case member.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the case member, the membrane, and the pressing member has a protrusion, and a receiving portion consisting of a recess or through-hole that fits into the protrusion is formed on the other member than the at least one of the case member, the membrane, and the pressing member.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is an infusion pump comprising the infusion cartridge described above and a pump body attached to the infusion cartridge.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that defines an accommodation space capable of containing infusion liquid. The method covers the opening of a recess in a case member with a flexible membrane, and positions a pressing member along the edge of the recess in the case member to sandwich the membrane between the membrane and the edge of the recess. The pressing member is then fixed to the case member to form the accommodation space.

The present disclosure provides an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that can improve the fixation of the membrane at the portions where the case member and membrane that define the storage space are fixed to each other.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an infusion pump according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including an infusion cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the infusion cartridge shown in FIG. 1 . 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lid of the infusion cartridge shown in FIG. 2 is open relative to the case body, and shows the state in which no infusion is filled. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the lid of the infusion cartridge shown in FIG. 2 is open relative to the case body, and shows the state in which the infusion cartridge is filled with infusion. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion cartridge taken along line I-I in FIG. 1, showing the state in which the infusion cartridge is not filled with infusion liquid. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion cartridge taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, showing the state in which the infusion cartridge is not filled with infusion liquid. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the infusion cartridge at the same position as in FIG. 5, showing the state in which the infusion cartridge is filled with infusion liquid. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 5 . 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the case member shown in FIG. 8 . 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pressing member shown in FIG. 8 . 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a modified example of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state before a membrane body and a pressing member are fixed to a case member. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a fixing operation for fixing the membrane body and the pressing member to the case member.

The infusion cartridge, infusion pump, and method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge according to the present disclosure will be illustrated and described below with reference to the drawings. Common components in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals.

Figure 1 is a front view showing an infusion pump 100 as one embodiment of an infusion pump according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the infusion pump 100 includes a pump body 1 and an infusion cartridge 2 as one embodiment of an infusion cartridge according to the present disclosure. The infusion pump 100 shown in Figure 1 can be used, for example, as a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) pump, but its intended use is not particularly limited. In the infusion pump 100 of this embodiment, the pump body 1 can be reused by replacing the disposable infusion cartridge 2.

<Pump body 1>
As shown in FIG. 1 , the front of the pump body 1 is provided with a display unit 120 that displays various information and an operation unit 130 with an array of operation switches. The display unit 120 displays, for example, the infusion rate and cumulative dose. The display unit 120 may also be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen with a touch panel for setting the infusion rate. The operation switches of the operation unit 130 shown in FIG. 1 are a fast-forward switch 131, a start switch 132, a stop switch 133, and a power switch 134. While the fast-forward switch 131 is pressed, infusion can be delivered at a rate faster than the set infusion rate (mL/h). Pressing the start switch 132 starts infusion delivery. Pressing the stop switch 133 stops infusion delivery. Pressing the power switch 134 turns the pump body 1 on and off. However, the operation unit 130 may also include other operation switches. The display unit 120 and the operation unit 130 make it possible to deliver infusion fluid into the living body of a patient or the like while controlling the amount of fluid delivered.

The pump body 1 also includes a fluid delivery unit 140 that sandwiches the tube 14 of the infusion cartridge 2 between itself and the tube receiving portion 30 (see Figure 2) of the attached infusion cartridge 2, described below, and delivers the infusion fluid in the tube 14 from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path. In this embodiment, the fluid delivery unit 140 includes multiple fingers and a drive unit that drives these fingers. The multiple fingers are arranged on the side of the pump body 1 opposite the tube receiving portion 30 (see Figure 2) of the infusion cartridge 2, described below. The multiple fingers are arranged along the extension direction of the tube 14. Each finger is driven by the drive unit to move back and forth in the direction opposite the tube receiving portion 30 (see Figure 2) of the infusion cartridge 2, described below. As each finger moves closer to the infusion cartridge 2, the tube 14 is sandwiched between the finger and the tube receiving portion 30. This compresses and closes the tube 14. The drive unit sequentially drives the fingers in the extension direction of the tube 14, from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path. The drive unit may be configured, for example, as an electric motor. As a result, the tube 14 is sequentially compressed and closed from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path, causing peristaltic movement. Therefore, the infusion liquid in the tube 14 can be sent from the upstream side of the flow path to the downstream side of the flow path.

The pump body 1 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. The pump body 1 may include other components in addition to those described above, such as an alarm unit such as an air bubble detection sensor or an occlusion sensor. As described above, the fluid delivery unit 140 of the pump body 1 of this embodiment is configured to press the tube 14 with multiple fingers, but may also include a pressing unit other than the fingers as long as the configuration allows for the delivery of the infusion fluid in the tube 14.

<Infusion Cartridge 2>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the infusion cartridge 2 alone. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the state in which the lid portion 13 of the infusion cartridge 2 shown in FIG. 2 is open relative to the case body 11. FIG. 3 shows the state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is not filled with infusion solution X. FIG. 4 shows the state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is filled with infusion solution X. FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the infusion cartridge at different positions. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is not filled with infusion solution X. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same position as FIG. 5, showing the state in which the infusion cartridge 2 is filled with infusion solution X. FIGS. 5 and 7 show the state in which the lid portion 13 is open relative to the case body 11. In FIG. 5, the position of the lid portion 13 when closed relative to the case body 11 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 6 shows the state in which the lid portion 13 is closed relative to the case body 11. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG.

As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the infusion cartridge 2 defines a storage space 2a capable of storing an infusion X, such as a medicinal solution. Also, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the infusion cartridge 2 includes a case member 10, a membrane body 12, and a pressing member 16.

As shown in Figures 5 to 7, a recess 21 is formed in the case member 10. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the recess 21 in this embodiment is composed of a flat bottom surface 21a and side surfaces 21b that rise continuously from the outer edge of the bottom surface 21a. Although the recess 21 in this embodiment has the shape described above, the shape of the recess 21 is not particularly limited. Therefore, the bottom surface 21a and side surfaces 21b of the recess 21 may be flat or curved. However, from the perspective of preventing air bubbles from accumulating, it is preferable that the bottom surface 21a and side surfaces 21b be smoothly continuous via curved surfaces.

The membrane 12 is flexible. As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the membrane 12 covers the opening of the recess 21 in the case member 10, defining the storage space 2a between itself and the recess 21.

The pressing member 16 extends along the edge 40 of the recess 21 of the case member 10. The pressing member 16 is fixed to the case member 10 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the edge 40 of the case member 10. Furthermore, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment holds the membrane 12 together with the case member 10. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, as an example, the membrane 12 is sandwiched between the edge 40 of the case member 10 and the pressing member 16, and the edge 40 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 are integrated by welding. In other words, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is fixed to the case member 10 by welding.

By providing the infusion cartridge 2 with the retaining member 16, the external force applied to the mutually fixed portions of the case member 10 and membrane body 12 that define the storage space 2a can be reduced compared to a configuration without the retaining member 16, thereby improving the fixation of the membrane body 12 at the mutually fixed portions of the case member 10 and membrane body 12.

The case member 10 has a fixed shape that does not deform even when subjected to the internal pressure of the infusion solution X contained in the storage space 2a. In particular, the portion of the case member 10 that defines the storage space 2a together with the membrane 12 is configured to be less prone to deformation than the membrane 12. In other words, the bending rigidity of the portion of the case member 10 that defines the storage space 2a together with the membrane 12 is greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane 12. Examples of materials for the case member 10 include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymers; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA); polyvinyl chloride; polyvinylidene chloride; polystyrene; polyamides; polyimides; polyamide-imides; polycarbonates; poly-(4-methylpentene-1); ionomers; acrylic resins; polymethyl methacrylate; acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS resins); acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS resins); butadiene-styrene copolymers; and polyethylene terephthalate. Examples of resin materials include polyesters such as polypropylene (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polycyclohexane terephthalate (PCT); polyether; polyether ketone (PEK); polyether ether ketone (PEEK); polyetherimide; polyacetal (POM); polyphenylene oxide; modified polyphenylene oxide; polysulfone; polyethersulfone; polyphenylene sulfide; polyarylate; aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer); polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, and other fluorine-based resins. The case member 10 is molded from, for example, one of the above resin materials.

The membrane 12 deforms due to the internal pressure of the infusion fluid X contained in the storage space 2a. The thickness of the membrane 12 is smaller than the thickness of the case member 10 at any position defining the storage space 2a. The volume of the storage space 2a fluctuates as the membrane 12 deforms. Materials for the membrane 12 include, in addition to the materials forming the case member 10, various rubber materials such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, acrylic rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, hydrin rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, and fluororubber, as well as various thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based, polyolefin-based, polyvinyl chloride-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, polybutadiene-based, trans-polyisoprene-based, fluororubber-based, and chlorinated polyethylene-based, with polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymer being preferred. The thickness of the membrane 12 can be, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

The retaining member 16 has a fixed shape that does not deform even when subjected to the internal pressure of the infusion solution X contained in the storage space 2a. The bending rigidity of the retaining member 16 is greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane body 12. Examples of materials for the retaining member 16 include the materials listed above as examples of materials for the case member 10.

As described above, in the infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment, as an example, the edge 40 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the retaining member 16 are integrated by welding. When the case member 10, membrane 12, and retaining member 16 are joined by welding in this manner, it is preferable that the case member 10, membrane 12, and retaining member 16 be made of the same resin material, such as polypropylene.

As shown in Figures 3 and 6, a filling port 3 and a vent hole 4 are formed on the inner wall that defines the storage space 2a. The storage space 2a can be filled with infusion liquid X from the outside through the filling port 3. Gas in the storage space 2a can be discharged to the outside through the vent hole 4.

As described above, the storage space 2a of the infusion cartridge 2 is defined by the recess 21 of the case member 10 and the membrane 12 covering the opening of the recess 21. This configuration prevents the inner wall of the recess 21 of the case member 10, which defines the storage space 2a, from deforming due to the internal pressure of the infusion solution X within the storage space 2a. This suppresses deformation of the inner wall defining the storage space 2a, thereby preventing the formation of wrinkles that are prone to trapping air bubbles. This makes it difficult for air bubbles to accumulate within the storage space 2a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner wall defining the storage space 2a is formed with the filling port 3 and vent 4 described above. By providing the vent 4 separately from the filling port 3, gas within the storage space 2a can be discharged through the vent 4 while the infusion solution X is being filled into the storage space 2a through the filling port 3. This allows gas to be more easily discharged from the storage space 2a to the outside compared to a configuration that does not have a vent 4 other than the filling port 3.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the ventilation port 4 of this embodiment is composed of a ventilation filter 5. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a ventilation filter 5 whose surface has been hydrophobized or which is a hydrophobic membrane. Examples of materials that can be used for the hydrophobic membrane include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene (FEP), a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The ventilation filter 5 is preferably made porous by stretching, microphase separation, electron beam etching, sintering, argon plasma particle irradiation, or other methods. The hydrophobization method is not particularly limited; for example, coating the surface of the ventilation filter 5 with a hydrophobic material may be used. Furthermore, the ventilation filter 5 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it is permeable to gases and impermeable to liquids. Other materials, such as hydrophilic materials, can also be used. Such a hydrophobic ventilation filter 5 allows gas within the storage space 2a to be discharged to the outside, while also preventing the infusion solution X within the storage space 2a from leaking to the outside.

The filling port 3 of this embodiment is used not only to fill the storage space 2a with infusion fluid X from the outside, but also to supply the infusion fluid X from the storage space 2a to the living body. In other words, the filling port 3 of this embodiment also serves as a supply port for supplying the infusion fluid X to the living body. However, a supply port separate from the filling port 3 may be provided on the inner wall that defines the storage space 2a.

Further details of the infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment are described below.

As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment includes the tubular portion 14 in addition to the case member 10, membrane 12, and pressing member 16 described above. The case member 10 of this embodiment also includes a case main body 11 and a lid portion 13. The following describes each part of the infusion cartridge 2 of this embodiment in further detail.

A recess 21 is formed in the case body 11 of the case member 10. The case body 11 of this embodiment has a fixed shape that does not deform even when subjected to the internal pressure of the infusion fluid X in the storage space 2a. Specifically, as described above, the bending rigidity of the portion of the case body 11 of the case member 10 that forms the inner surface of the recess 21 is greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane 12. This allows the membrane 12 to deform preferentially over the case body 11 due to the internal pressure of the infusion fluid X contained in the storage space 2a. The case body 11 of this embodiment is composed of a flat bottom plate 11a and side plate portions 11b that rise from the outer edges of the bottom plate 11a in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 11a. The bottom plate 11a has a substantially rectangular outer shape in a plan view in the thickness direction. The side plate portions 11b rise from four outer edges of the bottom plate 11a that extend in a substantially linear manner. In this embodiment, the recess 21 of the case body 11 is defined by the bottom plate 11a and side plate 11b described above. More specifically, the bottom surface 21a of the recess 21 in this embodiment is formed by the inner surface of the bottom plate 11a. Furthermore, the side surface 21b of the recess 21 in this embodiment is formed by the inner surface of the side plate 11b.

In this embodiment, the filling port 3 is formed in the recess 21 of the case member 10, not in the membrane body 12. Therefore, the position of the filling port 3 does not change depending on the presence or absence of infusion X in the storage space 2a and the amount of infusion X. This improves the positional stability of the tube portion 14, which is fluidly connected to the filling port 3 and will be described later.

In addition, in this embodiment, the ventilation hole 4 is formed in the recess 21 of the case member 10. If the ventilation hole 4 were formed in the membrane 12, there is a risk that the ventilation hole 4 would become blocked due to deformation of the membrane 12. In contrast, by forming the ventilation hole 4 in the recess 21 of the case member 10, the ventilation hole 4 is less likely to become blocked, and the discharge of gas can be promoted.

Here, the side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of the case member 10 of this embodiment includes a first plate portion 11b1 in which the ventilation hole 4 is provided. The side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of this embodiment also includes a second plate portion 11b2 arranged opposite the first plate portion 11b1. The side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of this embodiment also includes a third plate portion 11b3 that is continuous with one end of the first plate portion 11b1 and one end of the second plate portion 11b2. The side plate portion 11b of the case body 11 of this embodiment also includes a fourth plate portion 11b4 that is continuous with the other end of the first plate portion 11b1 and one end of the second plate portion 11b2 and faces the third plate portion 11b3. The filling port 3 is provided in the third plate portion 11b3 of the side plate portion 11b.

In this embodiment, the first plate portion 11b1 and the second plate portion 11b2 are provided with a fastening portion 42 onto which the locking claw portion 41 of the lid portion 13 engages when the lid portion 13 (described below) is closed.

In this embodiment, a portion of the inner surface of the third plate portion 11b3 rises to the same height as the top surfaces of the first plate portion 11b1, second plate portion 11b2, and fourth plate portion 11b4. In contrast, the remaining portion of the outer surface of the third plate portion 11b3 in this embodiment extends further than the top surfaces of the first plate portion 11b1, second plate portion 11b2, and fourth plate portion 11b4. This extended portion will be referred to below as the "extended portion 20." Therefore, the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 in this embodiment is composed of the top ends of the first plate portion 11b1, second plate portion 11b2, and fourth plate portion 11b4 of the case main body 11, and the top end of a portion of the inner surface of the third plate portion 11b3.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 of this embodiment includes an inner edge surface 31, a side edge surface 32, and a top edge surface 33. The inner edge surface 31 faces the inside of the recess 21 near the opening of the recess 21. The top edge surface 33 is continuous with the inner edge surface 31 and faces the outside of the recess 21. More specifically, the top edge surface 33 of this embodiment is a surface that faces overall in the direction from the bottom surface 21a toward the opening of the recess 21 in the depth direction D of the recess 21 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 . The side edge surface 32 is continuous with the top edge surface 33 and is located on the back side of the inner edge surface 31. The side edge surface 32 of this embodiment is formed by the side surface of the case member 10. More specifically, the side edge surface 32 of this embodiment is formed by the side surface of the case main body 11 of the case member 10. Furthermore, the side edge surface 32 of this embodiment is the portion of the side surface of the case member 10 that is continuous with the top edge surface 33 and is located on the back side of the inner edge surface 31. In other words, the edge side surface 32 in this embodiment is the surface behind the edge inner surface 31, facing away from the edge inner surface 31.

In this embodiment, the edge top surface 33 connects the edge inner surface 31 and edge side surface 32. The edge top surface 33 extends endlessly. In other words, the inner edge of the edge top surface 33 on the recess 21 side connects to the edge inner surface 31. Furthermore, the outer edge of the edge top surface 33 on the side opposite the recess 21 side connects to the edge side surface 32, which is part of the side surface of the case member 10. Details of the fixing structure between the edge portion 40 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 will be described later.

In addition, a tube receiving portion 30 is formed on the outer surface of the third plate portion 11b3, which receives the tube portion 14 and sandwiches it between the pump body 1 and the tube receiving portion 30.

The lid portion 13 (described below) is rotatably attached to the fourth plate portion 11b4 via a hinge portion 15.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, a tubular portion 22 that protrudes toward the storage space 2a is formed on the inner surface of the recess 21. The filling port 3 in this embodiment is configured by the tip opening of this tubular portion 22. More specifically, in this embodiment, the tubular portion 22 is formed on the inner surface of the third plate portion 11b3. By configuring the filling port 3 as the tip opening of the tubular portion 22 in this way, air bubbles adhering to the inner wall that defines the storage space 2a are less likely to enter the filling port 3 compared to a configuration without such a tubular portion 22. In other words, even if there are air bubbles in the storage space 2a, they are less likely to reach the tip opening of the tubular portion 22, and the bubbles can be prevented from being discharged from the filling port 3.

The base end of the tubular portion 22 extends to the outside of the storage space 2a. The tubular portion 22 is connected to the base end of the tubular portion 22 via the L-shaped connecting pipe portion 23 shown in Figure 2, with the pipe portion 14 (described below). This allows the hollow portion of the pipe portion 14 to communicate with the storage space 2a through the filling port 3. However, the connection configuration between the pipe portion 14 and the filling port 3 is not limited to the configuration in this embodiment.

As described above, the ventilation opening 4 in this embodiment is formed with the ventilation filter 5. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an outwardly protruding tubular portion 18 is formed on the outer surface of the first plate portion 11b1 of the side plate portion 11b of the case body 11. This tubular portion 18 defines a communication hole that connects the outside with the storage space 2a. The ventilation filter 5 is disposed in this communication hole. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after the storage space 2a is filled with the infusion solution X, a cap member 19 is attached to the tubular portion 18. The cap member 19 can close the communication hole of the tubular portion 18. This protects the ventilation filter 5 and prevents gas from flowing into the storage space 2a from the outside through the ventilation opening 4. The configuration of the cap member 19 is not particularly limited, as long as it can be attached to the tubular portion 18 to close the tubular portion 18. However, to prevent damage to the ventilation filter 5 or the inflow of gas through the ventilation hole 4 once the storage space 2a has been filled with the infusion solution X, it is preferable that the cap member 19 have a fixed fit structure that makes it impossible to remove once attached to the tubular portion 18.

The membrane body 12 of this embodiment comprises a membrane main body portion 51 and a peripheral edge portion 52. The membrane main body portion 51 covers the opening of the recess 21 of the case body 11 of the case member 10 and, together with the recess 21, defines the storage space 2a. The peripheral edge portion 52 is a portion that surrounds the periphery of the membrane main body portion 51. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge portion 52 is the outer edge portion of the membrane body 12, but it need only be a portion that surrounds the periphery of the membrane main body portion 51 of the membrane body 12 and does not have to be the outer edge portion of the membrane body 12. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge portion 52 is fixed to the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 together with the pressing member 16. Details of the fixing structure of the membrane body 12 will be described later.

As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the membrane main body portion 51 is deformable. As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the membrane main body portion 51 of this embodiment extends from the opening of the recess 21 toward the bottom surface 21a when no infusion fluid X is contained in the storage space 2a. In other words, the membrane main body portion 51 of this embodiment is recessed to fit the inner surface of the recess 21 when no infusion fluid X is contained in the storage space 2a. In contrast, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, when the storage space 2a is filled with infusion fluid X, the membrane main body portion 51 is pressed by the filled infusion fluid X and expands, deforming and protruding so as to protrude from the opening of the recess 21. More specifically, the membrane main body portion 51 of this embodiment deforms and protrudes from the opening of the recess 21 through the central opening of the endless pressing member 16. In other words, as shown in Figure 7, the membrane main body portion 51 deforms to protrude from the opening of the recess 21 and protrudes beyond the position of the pressing member 16 in the depth direction D through the central opening of the pressing member 16. If air bubbles remain in the infusion liquid X, they can be expelled through the vent hole 4 by closing the other end of the tube 14 and pushing the protruding membrane body 51 from the outside. When the infusion liquid X contained in the storage space 2a is administered into a living body through the filling port 3 and the tube 14 (described below), the amount of infusion liquid X in the storage space 2a decreases. As a result, the membrane body 51 returns from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the state shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 due to the weight of the infusion liquid X or the restoring force of the membrane body 51 itself. In other words, by having the membrane body 51 extend from the opening of the recess 21 toward the bottom surface 21a when no infusion liquid X is contained in the storage space 2a, the volume of the storage space 2a can be reduced as the amount of infusion liquid X contained in the storage space 2a decreases. As a result, most of the infusion liquid X contained in the storage space 2a can be easily delivered through the filling port 3.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the infusion liquid X is not contained in the storage space 2a, the membrane main body 51 penetrates through the opening of the recess 21 toward the bottom surface 21a, but does not come into contact with the bottom surface 21a. This prevents the membrane main body 51 and the bottom surface 21a from adhering to each other. This prevents the filling resistance of the infusion liquid X into the storage space 2a from increasing.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the peripheral edge portion 52 of this embodiment covers the edge top surface 33 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 and is fixed to the edge top surface 33. More specifically, the peripheral edge portion 52 of this embodiment is fixed to the edge top surface 33 while being sandwiched between the pressing member 16 (described below) and the edge top surface 33. Details of the fixing structure of the membrane body 12 will be described later. The membrane main body portion 51 described above is located on the recess 21 side of this peripheral edge portion 52. More specifically, the membrane main body portion 51 of this embodiment is continuous with the recess 21 side of the peripheral edge portion 52.

As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the lid portion 13 can be opened and closed relative to the case body 11 between a state in which it does not cover the membrane 12 and a state in which it covers the membrane 12. For ease of explanation, the state in which the lid portion 13 does not cover the membrane 12 (see Figure 3, etc.) will be referred to simply as the "open state." Additionally, the state in which the lid portion 13 covers the membrane 12 (see Figure 2, etc.) will be referred to simply as the "closed state."

The lid 13 is in an open state when filling the storage space 2a with the infusion liquid X. Therefore, even if air bubbles enter the storage space 2a when the storage space 2a is being filled with the infusion liquid X, the membrane 12 can be easily pressed from the outside and deformed. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the storage space 2a is completely surrounded by a member harder than the membrane 12, such as the case body 11, air bubbles within the storage space 2a can be easily displaced when filling the storage space 2a with the infusion liquid X.

Furthermore, as described above, the storage space 2a in this embodiment is formed by covering the opening of the recess 21 in the case body 11 of the case member 10 with the membrane 12. Therefore, compared to when the inner wall defining the storage space 2a is composed only of a flexible bag, deformation of the inner wall of the storage space 2a can be limited to only the portion composed of the membrane 12. In other words, the deformation pattern of the inner wall of the storage space 2a can be restricted to a desired pattern. This prevents the pushing force applied to move air bubbles from causing large local deformation in unintended locations in the storage space 2a, which could result in air bubbles becoming trapped. In other words, air bubbles within the storage space 2a can be moved more easily.

Furthermore, after the storage space 2a is filled with the infusion fluid X, closing the lid 13 protects the membrane 12 and prevents leakage of the infusion fluid X due to perforations, etc., and also prevents a patient using the infusion pump 100 from removing the infusion fluid X, such as medicinal liquid, from the storage space 2a.

In this embodiment, the lid portion 13 is rotatably attached to the case body 11 by the hinge portion 15. Therefore, by rotating the lid portion 13 relative to the case body 11 by the hinge portion 15, the state of the lid portion 13 can be changed between the open and closed states described above, thereby opening and closing the case body 11.

More specifically, the lid 13 of this embodiment comprises a top plate 13a that covers the membrane 12 in the closed state, and side plate portions 13b that rise from the outer edge of the top plate 13a in the thickness direction of the top plate 13a. When the lid 13 is in the closed state, the top plate 13a faces the bottom plate 11a of the case body 11. Therefore, when the lid 13 is in the closed state, the membrane 12 is interposed between the bottom plate 11a of the case body 11 and the top plate 13a of the lid 13. Furthermore, when the lid 13 is in the closed state, the side plate portions 13b of the lid 13, together with the side plate portions 11b of the case body 11, cover the periphery of the storage space 2a in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the bottom plate 11a and the top plate 13a. In other words, when the lid 13 is in the closed state, the storage space 2a is surrounded by the case body 11 and the lid 13.

More specifically, the side plate portion 13b of the lid portion 13 in this embodiment includes a first plate portion 13b1 that forms a continuous side wall together with the first plate portion 11b1 of the case body 11. The side plate portion 13b of the lid portion 13 in this embodiment also includes a second plate portion 13b2 that forms a continuous side wall together with the second plate portion 11b2 of the case body 11. The side plate portion 13b of the lid portion 13 in this embodiment also includes a third plate portion 13b3 that forms a continuous side wall together with the fourth plate portion 11b4 of the case body 11. The first plate portion 13b1 and the second plate portion 13b2 of the lid portion 13 are provided with locking claw portions 41 that engage with the fastening portions 42 of the first plate portion 11b1 and the second plate portion 11b2 of the case body 11 when the lid portion 13 is closed. The third plate portion 13b3 of the lid portion 13 is connected to the fourth plate portion 11b4 of the case body 11 via a hinge portion 15.

The lid portion 13 of this embodiment can be formed from the same material as the case body 11 described above. Furthermore, it is preferable that the thickness of the lid portion 13 is greater than the thickness of the membrane 12 at any position. Furthermore, it is preferable that the bending rigidity of the lid portion 13 is greater than the bending rigidity of the membrane 12. This makes it possible to prevent deformation of the membrane 12 due to pressure from the lid portion 13 when the lid portion 13 is in the closed state, covering the membrane 12.

The tube portion 14 is connected to the case body 11 so that it can be filled with the infusion liquid X through the filling port 3. As described above, in this embodiment, one end of the tube portion 14 is connected to the base end of the cylindrical portion 22 (see Figure 3) via the L-shaped connecting tube portion 23 (see Figure 2). By connecting the other end of the tube portion 14 to, for example, a syringe, the infusion liquid X can be filled into the storage space 2a through the tube portion 14.

When the infusion pump 100 is in use, the tube portion 14 is used as part of an infusion tube that administers the infusion liquid X filled in the storage space 2a into a living body. In other words, the infusion pump 100 shown in FIG. 1 can send the infusion liquid X, which is discharged from the storage space 2a into the tube portion 14 through the filling port 3, downstream of the flow path by causing peristaltic movement in the tube portion 14. For example, an indwelling needle that is placed in the living body is located downstream of the tube portion 14 in the flow path, and the infusion liquid X can be administered into the living body through this indwelling needle.

As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the pressing member 16 extends along the edge 40 of the recess 21 of the case member 10. More specifically, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is an endless member that extends along the entire endless edge 40. The pressing member 16 is fixed to the case member 10 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the edge 40 of the recess 21. More specifically, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment is fixed to the edge top surface 33 of the edge 40 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the edge top surface 33.

More specifically, the pressing member 16 in this embodiment includes a top cover portion 61 and an inner cover portion 62.

The top cover portion 61 covers the top edge surface 33 of the edge portion 40. In this embodiment, the top cover portion 61 covers the entire top edge surface 33 of the edge portion 40, but this does not have to be the case. The top cover portion 61 in this embodiment is fixed to the top edge surface 33 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the top cover portion 61. In this way, the pressing member 16 in this embodiment is fixed to the case member 10 by the top cover portion 61 being fixed to the top edge surface 33 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the top cover portion 61. As will be described in more detail below, the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 in this embodiment is fixed not only to the top edge surface 33 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10, but also to the membrane 12.

The top cover portion 61 of this embodiment comprises a fixed portion 61a and a non-fixed portion 61b. As will be described in detail below, the provision of such a non-fixed portion 61b prevents loose pieces, which are formed by melting during the welding process and tend to become loose after solidification, from scattering within the storage space 2a.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the non-fixed portion 61b sandwiches the membrane 12 without any gaps between it and the edge top surface 33. As will be described in more detail below, this arrangement further prevents the loose pieces from scattering into the storage space 2a (see Figure 9).

As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the top cover portion 61 of this embodiment extends endlessly to cover the endless top edge surface 33. Furthermore, the top cover portion 61 of this embodiment is configured as a band-shaped portion whose width direction is perpendicular to the direction in which the top edge surface 33 extends (in this embodiment, the thickness direction of the side plate portion 11b). The longitudinal direction of the band-shaped portion of the top cover portion 61 is the direction along the endless top edge surface 33.

As shown in Figure 8, the inner cover portion 62 of this embodiment is connected to the above-mentioned top cover portion 61. The inner cover portion 62 also covers the inner edge surface 31 of the edge portion 40. In other words, the inner cover portion 62 is connected to the recess 21 side of the top cover portion 61. As shown in Figure 8, the inner cover portion 62 sandwiches the membrane body 12 between itself and the inner edge surface 31. This will be described in more detail below.

As shown in Figures 3 to 8, the inner cover portion 62 of this embodiment extends endlessly to cover the endless inner edge surface 31. Furthermore, the inner cover portion 62 of this embodiment is configured as a band-shaped portion whose width direction is along the depth direction D of the recess 21. The longitudinal direction of the band-shaped portion of the inner cover portion 62 is the direction along the endless inner edge surface 31.

As will be described in more detail below, the retaining member 16 is connected to the top cover portion 61 and is positioned opposite the inner cover portion 62, and may further include a side cover portion 63 (see Figure 10) that covers the side of the case member 10.

[Fixing structure of the case member 10, the membrane body 12, and the pressing member 16]
Next, the fixing structure of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the pressing member 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed circle in Fig. 5. That is, Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of the edge 40 of the case member 10 and its vicinity in Fig. 5.

As described above, the presser member 16 extends along the edge 40 of the case member 10 and is fixed to the case member 10 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the edge 40. More specifically, in this embodiment, the presser member 16 is fixed to the edge top surface 33 of the edge 40 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the edge top surface 33. This makes it easier to maintain the position of the membrane 12 between the presser member 16 and the edge top surface 33, compared to a configuration in which the presser member is fixed to a location other than the edge top surface 33 with the membrane 12 sandwiched between it and the edge top surface 33. This further enhances the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 is sandwiched between the presser member 16 and the edge top surface 33.

Here, the structure for fastening the pressing member 16 to the edge 40 of the case member 10 is not particularly limited. It is sufficient that they are fastened to each other in a positional relationship that sandwiches the membrane 12 between them. Therefore, for example, the fastening structure may include a separate member in addition to the membrane 12 between the case member 10 and the pressing member 16, or, as in this embodiment, a fastening structure in which only the membrane 12 is interposed between the case member 10 and the pressing member 16. However, the method for fastening the pressing member 16 to the edge 40 of the case member 10 is preferably by fastening, such as by welding, e.g., ultrasonic welding, or by adhesive bonding. Fastening by fastening allows for the formation of a continuous, uninterrupted fastening point along the entire edge 40, compared to fastening using fastening members such as screws. This improves the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10 along the entire edge 40.

More specifically, in this embodiment, any two of the top edge 33 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the retaining member 16 are fixed together. That is, the top edge 33 and the membrane 12 are fixed together. The top edge 33 and the retaining member 16 are also fixed together. Furthermore, the membrane 12 and the retaining member 16 are fixed together. This makes it less likely that the top edge 33 of the case member 10, the retaining member 16, and the membrane 12 will become misaligned with one another, thereby improving the positional stability of the membrane 12. In other words, using such a retaining member 16 can further improve the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top edge 33 of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the retaining member 16 are integrated by welding, which is a form of fastening. This configuration further enhances the positional stability of the membrane 12 between the top edge 33 and the retaining member 16. In other words, by using a retaining member 16 that is integrated with the top edge 33 and the membrane 12 by welding, the fixation of the membrane 12 to the case member 10 can be further enhanced.

Furthermore, as described above, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment includes a top cover portion 61. The top cover portion 61 of this embodiment includes a fixed portion 61a and a non-fixed portion 61b. The fixed portion 61a of this embodiment is integrated with the top edge surface 33 and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the fixed portion 61a and the top edge surface 33. The non-fixed portion 61b of this embodiment is located closer to the recess 21 than the fixed portion 61a. Furthermore, the non-fixed portion 61b of this embodiment is not integrated with the top edge surface 33 and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the fixed portion 61a and the top edge surface 33. In other words, the non-fixed portion 61b sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the top edge surface 33, but there is no fixation between the non-fixed portion 61b and the membrane 12, and there is no fixation between the membrane 12 and the top edge surface 3 ... non-fixed portion 61b. By providing such non-adhered portion 61b, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane 12 deforms so that it protrudes from the opening of the recess 21, deformation of the portion of the membrane 12 covered by the non-adhered portion 61b can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the membrane 12 deforms as described above, the portion of the membrane 12 and the edge top surface 33 that is integrated with the adhered portion 61a by welding toward the storage space 2a can be prevented from being widely exposed toward the storage space 2a. This prevents loose pieces that are formed by melting during the welding process and that tend to become loose after solidification from scattering into the storage space 2a.

As shown in FIG. 8, the edge top surface 33 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 in this embodiment includes a base surface 33a and a rib-like convex surface 33b protruding from the base surface 33a. In this embodiment, the convex surface 33b of the edge top surface 33 is integrated with the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane 12 by welding. More specifically, in this embodiment, the convex surface 33b of the edge top surface 33, the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane 12, and the fixing portion 61a of the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 are integrated with each other by welding. In this embodiment, the convex surface 33b is located at the center of the width direction B of the edge top surface 33. The width direction B of the edge top surface 33 is a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the endlessly extending edge top surface 33, and in this embodiment, it is the thickness direction of the side plate portion 11b (see FIGS. 3 to 7). Furthermore, the width direction B of the edge top surface 33 in this embodiment is the same as the width direction of the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16. Therefore, at the inner edge of the edge top surface 33 in this embodiment, the base surface 33a is continuous with the edge inner surface 31. At the outer edge of the edge top surface 33 in this embodiment, the base surface 33a is continuous with the edge side surface 32.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 is fixed to the edge 40 of the case member 10 only at the apex of the convex surface 33b of the edge top surface 33. In other words, the peripheral edge 52 in this embodiment is not fixed to the base surface 33a. By providing such a convex surface 33b and fixing the apex of the convex surface 33b to the peripheral edge 52, the sealing position (sealing line) between the edge top surface 33 of the case member 10 and the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 is clarified, making it easier to evaluate the sealing performance. The protruding height H of the convex surface 33b from the base surface 33a can be, for example, 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. A gap may also be formed between the peripheral edge 52 and the base surface 33a. This gap may be, for example, 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm.

In addition, the non-fixed portion 61b of the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 in this embodiment described above is the portion that faces the base surface 33a of the edge top surface 33, sandwiching the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane body 12 therebetween.

Furthermore, as described above, the pressing member 16 of this embodiment includes an inner cover portion 62. The inner cover portion 62 is connected to the top cover portion 61. The inner cover portion 62 also covers the inner edge surface 31 of the edge portion 40 while sandwiching the membrane 12. By including such an inner cover portion 62, deformation of the portion of the membrane 12 covered by the inner cover portion 62 can be suppressed even when the storage space 2a is filled with infusion solution X and the membrane 12 deforms to protrude from the opening of the recess 21. Therefore, even when the membrane 12 deforms as described above, the portion of the membrane 12 and the top edge 33 that is integrated with the fixing portion 61a of the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 by welding, on the storage space 2a side, can be further suppressed from being widely exposed toward the storage space 2a.

Furthermore, the inner cover part 62 of this embodiment sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the inner edge surface 31. In other words, the inner cover part 62 of this embodiment abuts the membrane 12. By doing so, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane 12 deforms so as to protrude from the opening of the recess 21, the portion of the membrane 12 covered by the inner cover part 62 is less likely to deform. This further prevents the above-mentioned loose pieces from scattering into the storage space 2a.

As described above, the top cover portion 61 of this embodiment has a non-fixed portion 61b on the recess 21 side relative to the fixed portion 61a. In other words, the inner cover portion 62 of this embodiment is connected to the non-fixed portion 61b of the top cover portion 61. However, if the non-fixed portion 61b is not provided on the recess 21 side relative to the fixed portion 61a of the top cover portion 61, the inner cover portion 62 may be connected to the fixed portion 61a of the top cover portion 61.

Furthermore, the configuration of the top edge surface 33 is not limited to that of this embodiment. As described above, the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10 of this embodiment has a base surface 33a as a non-fixed surface that is not integrated with the non-fixed portion 61b and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the top edge surface 33 and the non-fixed portion 61b of the top cover portion 61. Furthermore, as described above, the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10 of this embodiment has a convex surface 33b as a fixed surface that is integrated with the fixed portion 61a and the membrane 12 by welding, with the membrane 12 sandwiched between the top edge surface 33 and the fixed portion 61a of the top cover portion 61. However, the non-fixed surface and fixed surface of the top edge surface 33 are not limited to the configuration of the base surface 33a and convex surface 33b of this embodiment. Figure 9 shows a modified example of the top edge surface 33.

The edge top surface 33 shown in Figure 9 comprises an endless groove 33c, an endless inner top surface 33d located on the inner edge side of the groove 33c, and an endless outer top surface 33e located on the outer edge side of the groove 33c. In the example shown in Figure 9, the groove 33c and the inner top surface 33d form the non-fixed surface described above. Also, in the example shown in Figure 9, the outer top surface 33e forms the fixed surface described above.

Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, the inner top surface 33d forms a sandwiching portion that sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b of the top cover portion 61. In other words, the inner top surface 33d shown in Figure 9 is in contact with the membrane 12 and sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b. In contrast, the groove 33c does not sandwich the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b. In other words, the groove 33c is located opposite the non-fixed portion 61b with the membrane 12 sandwiched between them, but is not in contact with the membrane 12, and forms a retracted portion that is spaced apart from the membrane 12. Furthermore, the groove 33c is located between the outer top surface 33e, which serves as the fixed surface, and the inner top surface 33d, which serves as the sandwiching portion for the non-fixed surface.

As shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the non-adhered portion 61b sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the rim top surface 33 without any gaps. In other words, it is preferable that the rim top surface 33 has the above-mentioned sandwiching portion (inner top surface 33d in the example of Figure 9) that sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-adhered portion 61b. By doing so, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane 12 deforms so as to protrude from the opening of the recess 21, the portion of the membrane 12 covered by the non-adhered portion 61b is less likely to deform. This makes it possible to further prevent the above-mentioned loose pieces from scattering into the storage space 2a.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, the non-fixed surface of the edge top surface 33 preferably includes not only a sandwiching portion (inner top surface 33d in the example of FIG. 9) that sandwiches the membrane 12 between itself and the non-fixed portion 61b, but also a retreating portion (groove 33c in the example of FIG. 9) that is located between the fixed surface (outer top surface 33e in the example of FIG. 9) and the sandwiching portion of the non-fixed surface (inner top surface 33d in the example of FIG. 9) and is spaced apart from the membrane 12. By providing such a retreating portion, the above-mentioned loose fragments are more likely to remain in the gap between the membrane 12 and the retreating portion, further preventing them from scattering into the storage space 2a.

The shapes of the fixed surface and non-fixed surface of the edge top surface 33 shown in Figure 9 are not particularly limited. For example, the edge top surface 33 may be configured to include a flat base surface and endless first and second convex surfaces that protrude separately from spaced-apart positions on the base surface and extend substantially parallel to each other. In such a case, the convex surface on the outer edge of the first and second convex surfaces may form the fixed surface. Furthermore, the convex surface on the inner edge of the first and second convex surfaces may form the sandwiching portion of the non-fixed surface. Furthermore, a groove between the first and second convex surfaces may form the retraction portion of the non-fixed surface.

Furthermore, Figure 10 shows a modified example of the pressing member 16 described above. As shown in Figure 10, the pressing member 16 may include a side cover portion 63 that covers the edge side surface 32 of the side surface of the case member 10. In other words, while the pressing member 16 shown in Figure 8 is a member with an L-shaped cross section, the pressing member 16 shown in Figure 10 is a member with a U-shaped cross section. The side cover portion 63 is connected to the top cover portion 61 and is positioned opposite the inner cover portion 62. More specifically, the side cover portion 63 shown in Figure 10 extends endlessly to cover the endless edge side surface 32 of the edge portion 40. Furthermore, the side cover portion 63 shown in Figure 10 is configured as a band-shaped portion whose width direction is along the depth direction D of the recess 21. The longitudinal direction of the band-shaped portion of the side cover portion 63 is along the endless edge side surface 32.

10, the side cover portion 63 sandwiches the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 and the membrane 12 between itself and the inner cover portion 62. This makes it easier for the inner cover portion 62 to sandwich the membrane 12 between itself and the inner edge surface 31 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the inner cover portion 62 easily sandwiches the vicinity of the peripheral edge portion 52 of the membrane main body portion 51 of the membrane 12 between itself and the inner edge surface 31. As described above, by sandwiching the membrane 12 between itself and the inner edge surface 31, even if the infusion solution X is filled into the storage space 2a and the membrane 12 deforms so as to protrude from the opening of the recess 21, the portion of the membrane 12 covered by the inner cover portion 62 is less likely to deform. This further prevents the above-mentioned loose fragments from scattering into the storage space 2a.

Furthermore, the inner cover portion 62 and the side cover portion 63 may be used as positioning portions for the membrane 12 before it is secured to the top edge 33. In other words, by sandwiching the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 and the membrane 12 between the inner cover portion 62 and the side cover portion 63, it becomes easier to position the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12 before it is secured to the top edge 33, while covering the top edge 33. Once positioned in this manner, the top edge 33 of the case member 10, the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12, and the top cover portion 61 of the retaining member 16 can be integrated by, for example, ultrasonic welding. Details of this securing method will be described later (see Figures 12 and 13).

Furthermore, the positioning portion for the membrane 12 before it is fixed to the top edge 33 is not limited to the configuration using the inner cover portion 62 and side cover portion 63 of the presser member 16 shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the positioning portion for the membrane 12 before it is fixed to the top edge 33. The positioning portion shown in FIG. 11 includes a protrusion 71 and a receiving portion 72. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the top edge 33 of the case member 10 includes the protrusion 71. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the presser member 16 are formed with through-holes serving as receiving portions 72 that fit into the protrusions 71. Before the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12 is fixed to the top edge 33, the protrusions 71 of the top edge 33 are fitted into the through-holes serving as receiving portions 72 formed in the peripheral portion 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the presser member 16. This allows the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 to be positioned relative to the case member 10 before it is fixed to the top edge 33. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11, the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 can be positioned relative to the case member 10 before it is fixed to the top edge 33. In this way, the protrusions 71 and receiving portions 72 may be used as positioning portions for the membrane 12 before it is fixed to the top edge 33.

11 is provided on the case member 10, but this configuration is not limited thereto. That is, the protrusion 71 may be provided on at least one of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the presser member 16. Also, while the receiving portion 72 shown in FIG. 11 is provided on the membrane 12 and the presser member 16, this configuration is not limited thereto. That is, the receiving portion 72 may be formed on at least one of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the presser member 16 that includes the protrusion 71. This facilitates positioning of the case member 10, the membrane 12, and the presser member 16. However, the configuration shown in FIG. 11 is preferred when the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the presser member 16 are positioned so as to overlap the top edge 33, and then the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the presser member 16 are integrated with the top edge 33 by welding or the like. That is, as shown in Figure 11, it is preferable to provide a protrusion 71 on the top edge 33 of the case member 10, and to provide a receiving portion 72 on the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12 and the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16. This improves the efficiency of the work of fixing the membrane 12 and pressing member 16 to the case member 10.

It is preferable that the protrusions 71 and receiving portions 72 shown in Figure 11 are provided in multiple locations at predetermined intervals along the extension direction of the edge top surface 33. This can further improve the positioning accuracy of the case member 10, membrane body 12, and pressing member 16 before they are fixed. Also, while Figure 11 shows an example of a through-hole as the receiving portion 72, this configuration is not limited. The receiving portion 72 may also be a recess that does not penetrate through.

Finally, with reference to Figures 12 and 13, a method for fixing the membrane 12 and presser member 16 to the case member 10 will be described as part of the manufacturing method for the infusion cartridge 2. In Figures 12 and 13, the fixing method is described using the case member 10, membrane 12, and presser member 16 shown in Figures 1 to 8. However, since the same fixing method can also be used for the case member 10, membrane 12, and presser member 16 shown in Figures 9 to 11, a description thereof will be omitted here. However, in the example shown in Figures 10 and 11, the positioning accuracy, as described below, can be further improved by using the positioning unit described above.

Figure 12 shows the state before the membrane 12 and the pressing member 16 are fixed to the case member 10. Figure 13 shows the fixing process for fixing the membrane 12 and the pressing member 16 to the case member 10. When the fixing process shown in Figure 13 is completed, the fixed state shown in Figure 8 is achieved. The external shapes of the case member 10, membrane 12, and pressing member 16 shown in Figure 12 differ in detail from the external shapes of the case member 10, membrane 12, and pressing member 16 shown in Figures 1 to 7, but the fixing structure between the case member 10, membrane 12, and pressing member 16 is the same.

As shown in Figure 12, first, the opening of the recess 21 in the case body 11 of the case member 10 is covered with a flexible membrane 12. More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 12, the membrane 12 is placed inside the recess 21 in the case body 11 of the case member 10. In this way, the opening of the recess 21 can be covered with the membrane 12.

Then, the pressing member 16 is placed along the edge 40 of the recess 21 of the case member 10, sandwiching the membrane 12 between this edge 40 and the pressing member 16. This positions the membrane 12. In other words, the position of the membrane 12 relative to the case member 10 and the pressing member 16 can be determined. In this state, the pressing member 16 is fixed to the case member 10, forming a liquid-tight and airtight storage space 2a (see Figure 5, etc.) between the case member 10 and the membrane 12.

More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 12 , with the membrane 12 placed in the recess 21 of the case member 10, the pressing member 16 is positioned on the case member 10 so as to sandwich the membrane 12 between the pressing member 16 and the case member 10. The pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 12 is an endless member with an L-shaped cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the pressing member 16 shown in FIG. 12 includes an endless tubular portion 81a that constitutes the inner surface cover portion 62, and a flange portion 81b that protrudes from one end of the endless tubular portion and constitutes the top surface cover portion 61. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 12 , the endless tubular portion 81a of the pressing member 16 is fitted into the recess 21 of the case member 10 so as to press the membrane 12 against the inner edge surface 31 of the case member 10. This allows the pressing member 16 and the membrane 12 to be positioned on the case member 10. This also allows the edge top surface 33 of the case member 10, the portion that will become the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane body 12, and the flange portion 81b that will become the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16 to be aligned before being fixed.

After alignment, as shown in Figure 13, ultrasonic vibrations and pressure are simultaneously applied via a horn 90 from an oscillator (not shown). This melts the convex surface 33b of the top edge surface 33 of the case member 10, the portion that will become the peripheral edge 52 of the membrane 12, and the flange portion 81b that will become the top cover portion 61 of the pressing member 16, and these are integrated by welding. This forms a liquid-tight and airtight storage space 2a between the case member 10 and the membrane 12. In this way, the membrane 12 and pressing member 16 can be easily fixed to the case member 10.

The infusion cartridge, infusion pump, and method of manufacturing an infusion cartridge according to the present disclosure are not limited to the specific configurations and steps shown in the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, alterations, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

For example, the case body 11 of the infusion cartridge 2 may be composed of a single member, or may be composed of multiple members. The case body 11 may be composed of, for example, a box body that defines the recess 21 and a plate body that is attached to the side of the box body and forms the tube receiving portion 30 (see Figure 2). The case body 11 shown in Figure 12 does not include the plate body. In other words, Figure 12 shows only the box body of the case body 11 that is composed of the box body and plate body. Alternatively, the case body 11 may be configured such that the box body and plate body are integrally formed from a single member.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the inner edge surface 31 and the side edge surface 32 of the edge portion 40 of the case member 10 are parallel to each other, but this configuration is not limited to this. The inner edge surface 31 and the side edge surface 32 may be, for example, inclined surfaces that gradually decrease in distance as they approach the top edge surface 33. Furthermore, the inner edge surface 31 and the side edge surface 32 are not limited to the inclined surfaces described above, and may be formed by other surfaces that are not parallel to each other.

The present disclosure relates to an infusion cartridge, an infusion pump, and a method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge.

1: Pump body 2: Infusion cartridge 2a: Storage space 3: Filling port 4: Ventilation port 5: Ventilation filter 10: Case member 11: Case body 11a: Bottom plate portion 11b: Side plate portion 11b1: First plate portion 11b2: Second plate portion 11b3: Third plate portion 11b4: Fourth plate portion 12: Membrane body 13: Lid portion 13a: Top plate portion 13b: Side plate portion 13b1: First plate portion 13b2: Second plate portion 13b3: Third plate portion 14: Tube portion 15: Hinge portion 16: Pressing member 18: Cylinder portion 19: Cap member 20: Extension portion 21: Recess 21a: Bottom surface 21b: Side surface 22: Cylinder portion 23: Connecting tube portion 30: Tube receiving portion 31: Edge inner surface 32: Edge side surface 33: Edge top surface 33a: Base surface (an example of a non-fixed surface)
33b: Convex surface (an example of a fixing surface)
33c: Groove (an example of a recessed portion of the non-bonded surface)
33d: Inner top surface (an example of a non-fixed surface sandwiching portion)
33e: outer top surface (an example of a fixing surface)
40: Edge portion 41: Locking claw portion 42: Fastening portion 51: Membrane body portion 52: Peripheral edge portion 61: Top cover portion 61a: Fixed portion 61b: Non-fixed portion 62: Inner surface cover portion 63: Side cover portion 71: Protrusion portion 72: Receiving portion 81a: Endless tubular portion 81b: Flange portion 90: Horn 100: Infusion pump 120: Display portion 130: Operation portion 131: Fast forward switch 132: Start switch 133: Stop switch 134: Power switch 140: Infusion portion B: Width direction of edge top surface D: Depth direction of recess H: Protrusion height of convex surface from base surface X: Infusion

Claims (8)

An infusion cartridge that defines a storage space capable of storing an infusion,
a case member having a recess formed therein;
a flexible membrane body that covers the opening of the recess and defines the storage space between the membrane body and the recess;
a pressing member extending along an edge of the recess of the case member and fixed to the case member in a state in which the film body is sandwiched between the pressing member and the edge of the recess,
The pressing member extends along the edge of the recess of the case member and forms a central opening,
the membrane is deformable so as to protrude from the opening of the recess of the case member through the central opening of the pressing member,
The edge portion is
an inner edge surface facing the recess;
a rim top surface that is continuous with the rim inner surface and faces the outside of the recess,
The pressing member includes a top surface cover portion that covers the edge top surface of the edge portion,
The top cover portion is
a fixing portion that is integrated with the edge top surface and the film body by welding in a state where the film body is sandwiched between the edge top surface and the fixing portion;
An infusion cartridge comprising: a non-adhered portion located closer to the recess than the fixed portion, sandwiching the membrane body between the fixed portion and the edge top surface, and not being integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding . The edge top surface is
a fixing surface that is integrated with the fixing portion and the film body by welding in a state where the film body is sandwiched between the fixing portion and the fixing surface of the top cover part;
a non-fixed surface that is not integrated with the non-fixed portion and the membrane by welding, in a state where the membrane is sandwiched between the non-fixed portion and the top cover portion,
The non-stick surface is
a sandwiching portion that sandwiches the film body between the sandwiching portion and the non-fixed portion;
The infusion cartridge of claim 1 , further comprising: a retraction portion located between the fixing surface and the clamping portion, the retraction portion being spaced apart from the membrane body without clamping the membrane body between the fixing surface and the non-fixing portion. The infusion cartridge according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the pressing member includes an inner cover portion that is connected to the top cover portion and covers the inner edge surface of the edge portion with the membrane body sandwiched therebetween. The infusion cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the inner surface cover sandwiches the membrane between the inner surface cover and the inner edge surface. the case member includes a side surface that is continuous with the edge top surface of the edge portion and is located on the back side of the edge inner surface,
the pressing member includes a side cover portion that is connected to the top cover portion, is disposed opposite the inner cover portion, and covers the side surface of the case member;
The infusion cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the inner cover portion sandwiches the case member and the membrane body between the inner cover portion and the side cover portion, thereby sandwiching the membrane body between the inner edge surface of the edge portion of the case member and the side cover portion. At least one of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member includes a protrusion,
An infusion cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein a receiving portion consisting of a recess or a through hole that fits into the protrusion portion is formed in at least one of the case member, the membrane body, and the pressing member. An infusion cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ;
and a pump body attached to the infusion cartridge. A method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge that defines a storage space capable of storing an infusion, comprising:
The opening of the recess of the case member is covered with a flexible film body;
a pressing member having a central opening formed therein is disposed along an edge of the recess of the case member so as to sandwich the membrane between the pressing member and the edge of the recess, thereby positioning the membrane, and fixing the pressing member to the case member; and forming the storage space such that the membrane can protrude and deform from the opening of the recess of the case member through the central opening of the pressing member ;
The edge portion is
an inner edge surface facing the recess;
a rim top surface that is continuous with the rim inner surface and faces the outside of the recess,
The pressing member includes a top surface cover portion that covers the edge top surface of the edge portion,
A method for manufacturing an infusion cartridge, in which the pressing member is fixed to the case member so that the top cover portion has a fixed portion that is integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding with the membrane body sandwiched between it and the edge top surface, and a non-fixed portion that is located on the recess side of the fixed portion and is not integrated with the edge top surface and the membrane body by welding with the membrane body sandwiched between it and the edge top surface.