CN216148754U

CN216148754U - Auxiliary device for self-injection

Info

Publication number: CN216148754U
Application number: CN202022897359.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 肖珂; 黄亚洲; 吉田岳史
Original assignee: Eastrick Co ltd; Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Current assignee: Eastrick Co ltd; Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-04
Filing date: 2020-12-04
Publication date: 2022-04-01
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-04

Abstract

The utility model provides an auxiliary device for a self-injection device. The assist device has a container body, a cover, and a pressing sleeve. The assist device has: the container comprises a1 st fitting part arranged in the container body and more than one alternative fitting part arranged to replace the 1 st fitting part. The 1 st fitting part detachably holds the autoinjector at a predetermined holding position in the 1 st fitting part. The alternative adaptor portion detachably holds the autoinjector at a predetermined alternative holding position in the alternative adaptor portion. The substitute holding position is a position that is moved by a prescribed amount relative to the holding position. The predetermined amount is a value set in advance based on the penetration depth corresponding to the patient. By having the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part, even if the length of the needle of the autoinjector is different, the length of the needle protruding from the tip opening of the boot (length in use) can be made constant, and the penetration depth can also be changed depending on the patient.

Description

Auxiliary device for self-injection

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aid for self-injection by a patient using an autoinjector.

Background

In some cases, a pre-filled syringe preparation (syringe filled with a liquid medicine in advance) is used to administer insulin to a diabetic patient, a therapeutic drug to a rheumatoid patient, or the like, and the patient himself/herself injects the liquid medicine into his/her body. Such injections are referred to as autoinjectors, and the pre-filled syringe formulations used for this purpose are referred to as autoinjectors.

Conventionally, an autoinjector aid has been proposed to enable a patient to easily perform an autoinjector using an autoinjector (for example, patent documents 1 to 3). The conventional assist device has a shape that can be easily held by one hand in order to facilitate the operation of the patient. In addition, in the conventional assisting device, the stopper surface abuts against the skin to stop the movement for the penetration, so that the penetration depth of the injection needle is always the same even if the autoinjectors using the injection needles having the same length repeat the autoinjectors.

Patent document 1: japanese patent registration No. 3143302

Patent document 2: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2017-189515

Patent document 3: japanese Kokai publication 2017-505218

However, after conducting more detailed studies on the conventional autoinjector, the present inventors have found that: there are two important problems as follows with respect to the needle and the penetration depth of the autoinjector.

First, the problem 1 is that the length of the needle is not constant depending on the type of the autoinjector. For example, as shown in the drawing, a needle is not attached to "fiazyr (registered trademark)" (syringe preparation for subcutaneous injection filled with a drug solution (containing icatibant (icatibant)) for stabilizing acute onset of hereditary angioedema, which is a pre-filled (pre-filled) syringe preparation shown in fig. 18 (a) (manufactured by wutian chemical industries co., ltd.). The needle is separately provided to the patient by the medical facility that provides the patient with the FIRAZYR. Fig. 18 (b) is a view showing a state in which a needle is attached to the syringe. The needle is covered by a cap 24, the needle not being shown in the figures. The cap 24 is removed at the time of use.

However, the length of the needle provided to the patient may vary from one medical institution to another. Examples of the length of the needle (needle tube) include 13mm, 16mm, 19mm, and 25 mm. Thus, even with the same autoinjector, the depth of penetration into the skin varies with the length of the needle, even with the same aid. In addition, a slidable cover that covers the needle from all around may be provided on the distal end side of the assist device so that the needle is not visible to the patient (the needle is not frightened by the patient). However, if the needle has a different length, the needle tip may protrude from the distal end of the sheath and be visible to the patient even if the same aid is used. Thus, even in the same autoinjector, the difference in the length of the needle is the 1 st problem.

Next, the 2 nd problem is that even in the case of injection using the same autoinjector (needle of constant length all the time), the recommended depth of penetration of the needle differs depending on the thickness of the subcutaneous fat of the patient. For example, a doctor or the like may determine that the insertion depth is about 13mm suitable for a patient with thick subcutaneous fat and about 10mm suitable for a patient with thin subcutaneous fat. This problem 2 is a completely different problem from the problem 1 described above.

In the case of the problem 1, the length of the needle is different, and in order to solve this problem, the length of the needle protruding from the tip of the auxiliary device has to be made constant regardless of the length of the needle. In contrast, the problem 2 is that the depth of penetration varies from patient to patient, and even if the length of the needle is the same, the length of the needle protruding from the distal end of the auxiliary device has to be changed to a length suitable for the patient.

The above-described problems 1 and 2 are not only the problems caused by FIRAZYR but also the problems caused by other autoinjectors.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention aims to provide an aid for a self-injector that can solve the above-mentioned problems 1 and 2.

The main structure of the present invention is as follows.

[1] An auxiliary device for a self-injection device, which comprises a container body having a long-side elongated shape,

the container body is configured to accommodate the autoinjector so as to be detachable along the longitudinal direction,

the container main body has: a tip side corresponding to the needle side of the autoinjector and a back end side corresponding to the plunger side of the autoinjector,

the assist device has a cap provided on the top end side of the container body,

the cover sleeve can slide between the advancing limit and the retreating limit along the long side direction,

the mantle is urged by a spring member to be located at the advancing limit,

with the shroud at the limit of advancement, the needle of the autoinjector is covered by the shroud,

when the aid is pressed against the skin of a patient, the cover sleeve moves to the retreat limit, the needle of the autoinjector protrudes from the top end opening of the cover sleeve,

the assist device has a pressing sleeve provided on the rear end side of the container main body,

the pressing sleeve is a part for being held by a hand of a patient and can slide along the longitudinal direction for a predetermined moving distance of the plunger of the autoinjector,

the pressing sleeve has a pressing head inside, and is configured such that the pressing head presses the plunger head of the autoinjector when the pressing sleeve slides toward the distal end side of the container body,

the aid has a1 st fitting part disposed in the container body,

the 1 st fitting part is configured to detachably hold a cylinder of the autoinjector at a predetermined holding position (A1) in the 1 st fitting part,

the 1 st fitting part is configured to be detachably engaged with the container body at each of a plurality of engagement positions (Bx) in the container body,

the plurality of engagement positions (Bx) are located along the longitudinal direction and correspond to different lengths (Lx) of the needle of the autoinjector,

by selecting the engagement position (Bx) according to the length (Lx) of the needle, the length of the needle protruding from the distal end opening of the cap becomes a constant length (C1),

instead of the 1 st fitting part there are more than one alternative fitting parts arranged in the container body,

the alternative adapter is configured to detachably hold the cylinder of the autoinjector at a predetermined alternative holding position (A2) in the alternative adapter,

the substitute holding position (A2) is shifted in the longitudinal direction from the holding position (A1) by a predetermined amount (k) which is a value that is set in advance based on the insertion depth corresponding to the patient and which is different for each substitute fitting portion,

the alternative adapter is configured to be detachably engaged with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx),

by selecting the engagement position (Bx) according to the length (Lx) of the needle, the length of the needle protruding from the distal end opening of the cover during use is a constant length (C2) different from the constant length (C1).

[2] In the assist device according to the above [1],

the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion are detachably engaged with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx) and have any one of the following configurations (I) to (IV).

(I) The inner surface of the container body is provided with a plurality of concave parts having the same shape corresponding to a plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part are provided with one convex part which is fitted into one of the concave parts.

(II) the container body is provided on the inner surface thereof with a plurality of convex portions having the same shape corresponding to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion are provided with a single concave portion into which one of the convex portions is fitted.

(III) the first fitting part 1 and the second fitting part are provided with a plurality of recesses having the same shape corresponding to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and the inner surface of the container body is provided with one projection that fits into one of the plurality of recesses.

(IV) the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part are provided with a plurality of convex parts having the same shape corresponding to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and the inner surface of the container body is provided with a concave part into which one of the convex parts is fitted.

[3] In the aid of the above [1] or [2],

characters or symbols indicating the length of the needle of the autoinjector are displayed on the inner surface of the container body at display positions corresponding to the respective engagement positions (Bx),

the above-mentioned characters or symbols are in the position covered and shielded by the 1 st adaptation part and the alternative adaptation part,

a through window is provided on the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part, through which only the characters or symbols displayed at one display position are visible, and,

the through-window is located at a position through which only characters or symbols indicating a length corresponding to the engagement position are visible when the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion are engaged with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx).

[4] The support device according to any one of the above [1] to [3],

one or both of the container body and the pressing sleeve is provided with a lock mechanism for blocking the sliding movement of the pressing sleeve, and the lock mechanism is provided with a lock release button for allowing the sliding movement of the pressing sleeve.

[5] In the assist device according to the above [4],

the locking mechanism is composed of a cantilever tongue-shaped part arranged on the outer surface of the container main body and a notch part arranged at the front end part of the pressing sleeve,

the shape of the notch part is a tongue shape which can be entered by the tongue part,

the tongue-shaped part extends to the rear end side along the long side direction and enters the notch part to block the sliding of the pressing sleeve to the front end side,

the distal end portion of the tongue portion functions as a lock release button, and when the distal end portion of the tongue portion is pressed from the outside, the tongue portion elastically deforms in a cantilever manner, and the distal end portion of the tongue portion sinks into the container body, so that the pressing sleeve can pass over the distal end portion of the tongue portion and slide toward the distal end side.

[6] In the assist device according to the above [5],

the container body has an opening for access to the autoinjector, the 1 st adapter and the alternative adapter, and, a lid closing the opening,

the cantilever-like tongue portion of the lock mechanism extends in the longitudinal direction from the rear end surface of the cover, and enters the notch portion of the pressing sleeve to prevent the pressing sleeve from sliding toward the distal end side.

[7] The support device according to any one of the above [1] to [5],

the container body has an opening for access by the autoinjector, the 1 st adapter and the alternate adapter, and has a lid closing the opening.

In the assist device of the present invention (hereinafter, simply referred to as the assist device), a first fitting portion 1 for solving the problem 1 is removably and movably provided in a main body (container main body) constituting the assist device. The 1 st adapter moves and positions the autoinjector at a plurality of predetermined positions in the container body. Thus, even if the length of the needle is changed, the penetration depth can be made constant by moving the 1 st fitting part corresponding to the length of the needle, and the condition that the needle tip protrudes from the tip of the mantle so as to be seen by the patient can be prevented.

In addition, an alternative fitting portion for solving the 2 nd problem is given to the assist device. The substitute fitting replaces the 1 st fitting and is installed in the container main body. The position of the autoinjector retained by the alternative adapter is different from the position of the autoinjector retained by the 1 st adapter. Thus, the insertion depth for the patient differs between the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part even for the same needle length. Therefore, for example, in the case of using the 1 st adapter, the insertion depth to the patient can be always made constant (13mm or the like) even if the length of the needle is different, such as 13mm, 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, or the like, and in the case of using the substitute adapter, the insertion depth to the patient can be always made constant (10mm or the like) even if the length of the needle is different, such as 13mm, 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, or the like.

In more detail, the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part are respectively moved toward the rear end side within the container body according to the length of the needle (e.g., 13mm, 16mm, 19mm, 25 mm). Further, the position of the autoinjector held by the substitute fitting portion is moved by a prescribed amount (for example, 3mm) toward the rear end side than the position of the autoinjector held by the 1 st fitting portion. Thus, the penetration depth when using the alternative adapter is shallower, for example, by 3mm than when using the 1 st adapter.

By providing the 1 st fitting part and the substitute fitting part, the assistor can solve the 1 st problem and also the 2 nd problem.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a preferred configuration of the assist device of the present invention. In this figure, the lid provided in the container body is in an open state, and is visible in the container body. The 1 st fitting part is shown in a state of being drawn out of the container main body. An alternative fitting is shown next to the 1 st fitting. The alternative adaptations may also be multiple, but in this figure, one alternative adaptation is shown.

Fig. 2 is a view showing an appearance in a normal state (a state where the skin is not pressed) of the assist device shown in fig. 1, and shows a state where the cover is closed. An autoinjector is housed inside the assist device. The tip of the cap of the needle of this autoinjector slightly protrudes from the cover, but when the cap is removed, the needle is hidden inside the cover. Fig. 2 (a) is a front view of the auxiliary device, and fig. 2 (b) is a side view of the auxiliary device shown in fig. 2 (a) as viewed from the right side.

Fig. 3 is a view showing an external appearance of a state (a state of being pressed against the skin) in which the assistor shown in fig. 2 is used. The pressing sleeve slides to the tip side, and the mantle slides to the rear end side. The cover is guided into the container body to be hidden. The tip portion of the cap of the needle of the autoinjector is more exposed from the cover case than in fig. 2. Fig. 3 (a) is a front view of the auxiliary device, and fig. 3 (b) is a side view of the auxiliary device shown in fig. 3 (a) as viewed from the right side.

Fig. 4 is a view corresponding to fig. 2 (b), and is a view for easy understanding of the state of the boot and the spring inside the boot. In the figure, the cap is opened, and the autoinjector is inserted into the container body.

Fig. 5 is a view showing a state in which the 1 st fitting part is mounted in the container body of the assistant device shown in fig. 1 and the autoinjector is held in the 1 st fitting part. The lid is opened.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the functions of the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the overall shape of the auxiliary device. The autoinjector is not held inside, and the cap is in a closed state. The assist device shown in fig. 7 to 17 differs from the assist device shown in fig. 1 to 5 only in the appearance, such as the presence or absence of a window in the container body, in the detail of the appearance, and the operation and action thereof are the same.

Fig. 8 is a view showing the assist device shown in fig. 7, wherein (a) is a front view, (b) is a right side view of (a), (c) is a rear view of (a), (d) is a left side view of (a), (e) is a top view of (a) (a view seen from the rear end side of the assist device), and (f) is a bottom view of (a) (a view seen from the tip end side of the assist device).

Fig. 9 is a perspective view corresponding to fig. 1. In this figure, the lid provided on the container body is in an open state and is visible inside the container body. The 1 st fitting part is shown in a state of being drawn out of the container main body. Illustration of the alternative fitting is omitted.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the assist device shown in fig. 9 as viewed from the rear end side.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a state where the 1 st fitting part is attached to a certain engagement position in the container main body in the assist device shown in fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which the 1 st adapter part is attached to another engagement position in the assist device shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which an autoinjector is disposed in the assist device shown in fig. 12. The portion indicated by reference numeral 25a and a broken line is a tip end portion of the plunger in the barrel.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a state where the cover is closed in the assist device shown in fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state where the cover sleeve is moved to the retreat limit in the assist device shown in fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the pressing sleeve is moved to the tip side (a state in which the needle penetrates the skin and the plunger of the syringe is pressed at the time of use) in the assist device shown in fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a state in which a patient performs self-injection using the support device. Fig. 17 (a) shows a state in which the patient holds the assistor with the right hand and brings the assistor into contact with the skin, and fig. 17 (a) shows a state in which the patient presses the assistor against the skin and terminates the self-injection.

Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of an autoinjector.

Description of the reference numerals

A container body; a mantle; a cover; 1 st fitting; a replacement fitting; pressing the sleeve.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the structure of the assist device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the assist device. In fig. 1 to 18, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those of the assist device and the autoinjector, and the same description as in the respective drawings is omitted.

This support device is used for a patient to perform self-injection using an autoinjector as illustrated in fig. 18, and includes, as shown in fig. 1, at least a container body 10, a cap 10B, a pressing sleeve 16, a1 st fitting part 13A, and one or more substitute fitting parts 13B.

(Container main body)

The container body 10 has a long shape in the longitudinal direction, and has a thickness that allows an autoinjector to be housed and a thickness that is easy for a patient to handle. Hereinafter, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape of the container body 10. The container body 10 is configured to detachably accommodate an autoinjector along a longitudinal direction. When the autoinjector is housed in the container body, the longitudinal directions of the two are aligned. This detachable structure is realized by the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part. As shown in fig. 5, the container body 10 has a distal end side (lower side in fig. 5) corresponding to the needle side of the autoinjector and a rear end side (upper side in fig. 5) corresponding to the plunger side of the autoinjector.

The materials of the container body, the jacket, the pressing sleeve, the 1 st fitting part, and the substitute fitting part are not particularly limited, but for example, a moldable polymer material such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) is preferable. The container body, the jacket, the pressing sleeve, the 1 st fitting part, and the substitute fitting part may be made of the same material, may be made of different materials, or may be made of materials suitable for their respective functions.

(cover of container body)

The container body has an opening for access to the autoinjector, the 1 st adapter and the alternative adapter. In a preferred form of the aid, as shown in figure 1, a cover 11 is provided which closes the opening. The cover 11 is preferably configured to open and close around a hinge. In a preferred embodiment of the assist device, the cover is made of a transparent material. This makes it possible to confirm the presence or absence of the autoinjector inside and the arrangement state of the autoinjector, and to omit the small window 11d for observing the inside as shown in fig. 9.

As shown in fig. 1, in a preferred embodiment, a projection or rib 11f for pressing the stored autoinjector to prevent the movement thereof is provided on the inner side of the cap.

(cover)

The cap 10b is a tubular member that is provided on the distal end side of the container body and that covers the needle of the autoinjector from all around in order to prevent the needle from being seen from the patient. As can be seen from fig. 2 (a) and 3 (a), for example, the jacket 10b can slide between the forward limit (tip side) and the backward limit (rear side) in the longitudinal direction. As shown in fig. 4, the jacket 10b is urged by the spring member 10c to be located at the advance limit. In the case where the shroud 10b is at the forward limit, as shown in fig. 13 and 14, the needle of the autoinjector is covered by the shroud 10b and the patient does not see the needle 23. On the other hand, when the assist device is used while being pressed against the skin of the patient, as shown in fig. 15 and 16, the cap 10b is moved to the retreat limit, and the needle 23 of the autoinjector protrudes from the distal end opening of the cap (i.e., into the skin of the patient).

(pressing sleeve)

The pressing sleeve 16 is provided on the rear end side of the container body 10. The pressing sleeve 16 is a portion for the patient to hold by hand when performing self-injection. The pressing sleeve 16 can slide the plunger in the longitudinal direction by a movement distance of the plunger with respect to the container body. The moving distance of the plunger is predetermined. In a preferred embodiment of the assist device, the pressing sleeve slides while covering the outer surface of the trunk of the container body from all around. The pressing sleeve 16 has a pressing head (for example, a portion indicated by reference numeral 16c in fig. 13) inside, and when the pressing sleeve 16 slides toward the distal end side of the container body 10, the pressing head 16c presses the plunger head 25b of the autoinjector.

The structure of the pressing sleeve 16 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in fig. 1 to 5, a plurality of smooth concave portions 16b may be provided on the side surface of the pressing sleeve 16 so that the patient can easily grip the pressing sleeve 16 and can hardly slide the hand in the pressing direction.

(1 st adaptation part)

The 1 st fitting portion 13A is disposed in the container main body in a detachable manner. In the present invention, for identification, one of the plurality of fitting portions arranged in the container main body so as to be replaceable is referred to as a1 st fitting portion, and the other fitting portions are referred to as alternative fitting portions, but any one of the fitting portions may be referred to as a1 st fitting portion.

As shown in fig. 5, the 1 st fitting part 13A is configured to detachably hold the cylinder of the autoinjector at a predetermined holding position (a1) in the 1 st fitting part. A particularly important element of the predetermined holding position (a1) is a position predetermined in the longitudinal direction. In a preferred embodiment of the aid, the flange is supported by the fingers of the cylinder so as to hold the cylinder of the autoinjector at a predetermined holding position (a1) in the longitudinal direction.

As illustrated in fig. 18 (b), the autoinjector includes a cylinder 21, a plunger 25, and a needle (not shown) at the tip, and the flange 22 of the cylinder is often provided with a finger-supporting flange (also referred to as a finger grip) 22a for easy manual operation by the patient. In a preferred mode of the aid, as shown in fig. 13, a recess for fitting the finger rest flange 22a is provided in the 1 st fitting part, and the autoinjector is positioned in the 1 st fitting part by holding the finger rest flange 22 a.

The 1 st fitting part 13A moves to a plurality of engagement positions (Bx) in the container main body while holding the autoinjector. Thereby, the autoinjector is also moved to a plurality of engagement positions (Bx). The 1 st fitting portion 13A is detachably engaged with the container main body at each of a plurality of engagement positions (Bx) in the container main body. The structure for this engagement will be described later.

(multiple engagement positions (Bx))

The plurality of engagement positions (Bx) are positions along the longitudinal direction and correspond to different lengths (Lx) of the needle of the autoinjector. For example, if the length (Lx) of the needle is 13mm, 16mm, 19mm, 25mm, the plurality of engagement positions (Bx) are four engagement positions (B1 to B4), and the 1 st engagement position (B1) for 13mm, the 2 nd engagement position (B2) for 16mm, the 3 rd engagement position (B3) for 19mm, and the 4 th engagement position (B4) for 25mm are provided in this order from the distal end side to the rear end side. For example, in the case of using an autoinjector having a needle with a length of 13mm, the 1 st engagement position (B1) is selected. At this time, the length of the needle protruding from the distal end opening of the cap is 13mm in use. Next, in the case of using an autoinjector having a needle with a length of 16mm, the 1 st adapter is changed to the 2 nd engagement position (B2), and the autoinjector is moved 3mm toward the rear end side in the longitudinal direction within the container body. By moving the autoinjector 3mm to the rear end side, the length of the needle protruding from the aid in use is 13mm even for a needle of length 16 mm. By selecting a predetermined appropriate engagement position (Bx) in accordance with the length (Lx) of the needle in this manner, the length of the needle protruding from the distal end opening of the cover becomes a constant length (C1) during use.

(alternative adapter)

The substitute fitting portion 13B is a fitting portion disposed in the container main body in place of the 1 st fitting portion 13A. The function of the alternative fitting portion 13B in the container main body is the same as that of the 1 st fitting portion 13A described above, and the length of the needle protruding from the distal end opening of the cap is made constant at the time of use by selecting a predetermined appropriate engagement position (Bx) in accordance with the length (Lx) of the needle (C2). Here, the point is that the length (C2) of the protruding needle is different from the length (C1) in the case of using the 1 st adapter 13A.

The substitute fitting part 13B also detachably holds the barrel of the autoinjector at a predetermined substitute holding position (a 2). The structure for holding the cylinder may be the same as that of the first adapter part 1, and it is preferable that a recess for fitting the finger rest flange 22a is provided in the alternative adapter part as described above, and the autoinjector is positioned in the alternative adapter part by holding the finger rest flange 22 a.

(holding position (A1) and alternative holding position (A2))

The alternative adaptor 13B is focused on the point that the alternative holding position (a2) for holding the barrel of the autoinjector is different from the holding position (a1) of the 1 st adaptor. The alternative holding position (a2) is a position that is displaced by a prescribed amount (k) in the longitudinal direction relative to the holding position (a 1). The predetermined amount (k) is a value set in advance based on the penetration depth corresponding to the patient.

For example, in the case where the recommended penetration depth is 13mm for a patient with thick subcutaneous fat, the 1 st fitting part 13A is used. In contrast, in the case where the recommended penetration depth is 10mm for a patient whose subcutaneous fat is thin as compared with the above-described patient, the substitute fitting portion 13B is used. In this case, the alternative holding position (a2) of the alternative fitting part 13B is a position moved by a predetermined amount (k) of 3mm from the holding position (a1) of the 1 st fitting part 13A toward the rear end side.

In the example shown in fig. 1, the alternative fitting portion 13B is longer by 3mm than the 1 st fitting portion 13A, and the autoinjector held by the alternative fitting portion 13B is held at a position shifted by 3mm toward the rear end side than in the case of the 1 st fitting portion 13A. Thus, even with the same 13mm needle, the depth of penetration (the length of needle protrusion) was 13mm if the 1 st adapter was used, and 10mm if the alternate adapter was used.

Even in an autoinjector with a needle of another length attached to the medical institution, the insertion depth can be adjusted to 13mm at all times by using the 1 st adapter, and 10mm at all times by using the alternative adapter.

The substitute fitting portion may be provided in plural according to the kind of the recommended penetration depth. For example, if the insertion depth is three depths such as 10mm, 13mm, and 16mm, two kinds of substitute fitting portions may be provided according to the situation, and for example, three insertion depths (10mm, 13mm, and 16mm) in total can be handled by the 1 st fitting portion (insertion depth 10mm) and two kinds of substitute fitting portions (insertion depths 13mm and 16 mm).

Fig. 6 is a diagram for easily understanding the difference in the functions of the 1 st fitting part 13A and the alternative fitting part 13B.

In fig. 6 (a), the length of the needle provided by the medical institution is L1, and the penetration depth (the length of the needle protruding from the tip opening of the mantle 10 b) indicated is C1. In fig. 6 (a), the 1 st fitting part 13A is used, and the 1 st fitting part 13A is located at the 1 st engagement position (B1).

In fig. 6 (b), the length of the needle provided by the medical institution is L2(L1 < L2), and the penetration depth is indicated as C1 which is the same as that of fig. 6 (a). In fig. 6 (B), the 1 st fitting part 13A is used, but the 1 st fitting part 13A is located at the 2 nd engagement position (B2), and the autoinjector is moved to the rear end side. As a result, the penetration depth was adjusted to C1.

In fig. 6 (C), the length of the needle provided by the medical facility is the same as L1 of fig. 6 (a), but the penetration depth is indicated as C2(C2 < C1). In fig. 6 (c), the alternative fitting portion 13B is used, and therefore, the cylinder 21 of the autoinjector is located on the rear end side of fig. 6 (a). The alternative fitting portion 13B is located at the 1 st engagement position (B1). As a result, the penetration depth was adjusted to C2.

In fig. 6 (d), the length of the needle provided by the medical institution is L2(L1 < L2), and the penetration depth indicated is the same C2 as in fig. 6 (C). In fig. 6 (d), the alternative fitting portion 13B is used, but the alternative fitting portion 13B is located at the 2 nd engagement position (B2), and the autoinjector is moved to the rear end side. As a result, the penetration depth was adjusted to C2.

(Structure for changing engaging position of fitting part)

The structure for detachably engaging the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx) is not particularly limited, but a structure in which the concave portion and the convex portion are engaged with each other and engaged with each other is preferable because the structure is simple. The following structures (I) to (IV) are exemplified as such structures.

(I) As shown in fig. 6, a plurality of concave portions having the same shape are provided on the inner surface of the container body so as to correspond to a plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and one convex portion that fits into one of the plurality of concave portions is provided in the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion.

This structure is also shown in fig. 1, 4, 5, and 9 to 13.

When the plurality of concave portions are arranged in the longitudinal direction at equal intervals like the rack gear teeth, the convex portions may be arranged in the longitudinal direction at equal intervals like the rack gear teeth. In addition, the convex portion entering one concave portion may be divided into a plurality of convex portions. The addition of such a plurality of convex portions also belongs to the "configuration provided with one convex portion fitted into one concave portion among a plurality of concave portions" described herein.

(II) in contrast to the concave portion of the above-mentioned (I), a plurality of convex portions having the same shape are provided on the inner surface of the container body so as to correspond to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and one concave portion into which one of the plurality of convex portions is fitted is provided in the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion.

In this case, when the plurality of convex portions are arranged in the longitudinal direction at equal intervals like the rack gear, the concave portions may be arranged in the longitudinal direction at equal intervals like the rack gear. Further, the convex portion and the concave portion may be divided into a plurality of portions. The addition of such a plurality of concave portions also belongs to the "configuration in which one concave portion into which one convex portion of the plurality of convex portions is fitted" described herein.

(III) the 1 st fitting part and the alternative fitting part are provided with a plurality of concave parts having the same shape corresponding to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and the inner surface of the container body is provided with one convex part fitting into one of the plurality of concave parts.

In this case, similarly to the above (I), a plurality of convex portions are additionally provided on the inner surface of the container main body, and the "configuration in which one convex portion that fits into one concave portion of the plurality of concave portions" is provided "also belongs to the present description.

(IV) contrary to the above (III), a plurality of convex portions having the same shape are provided in the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion so as to correspond to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and one concave portion into which one of the plurality of convex portions is fitted is provided on the inner surface of the container body.

In this case, similarly to the above (II), a plurality of concave portions are additionally provided on the inner surface of the container main body, and the "configuration in which one concave portion into which one convex portion of the plurality of convex portions is fitted" described herein also belongs to.

(through window showing the length of the needle)

In a preferred embodiment of the aid, as shown in fig. 1, characters (or symbols) 101 indicating the length of the needle of the autoinjector are displayed on the inner surface of the container body 10 at display positions corresponding to the respective engagement positions (Bx). In the example of fig. 1, the lengths (13, 16, 19, 25) of the needles of the autoinjector are shown at intervals corresponding to their lengths. For example, the numeral "16" is located 3mm closer to the rear end side than the numeral "13". These characters (or symbols) 101 may be directly printed on the container main body, but as shown in fig. 1, a method of attaching a sheet on which these characters (or symbols) 101 are printed to the inner surface of the container main body is simple and preferable.

When one of the 1 st fitting part 13A and the alternative fitting part 13B is mounted in the container main body, the above-mentioned characters (or symbols) 101 are in a position covered and shielded by the 1 st fitting part 13A and the alternative fitting part 13B.

On the other hand, the 1 st fitting part and the substitute fitting part are respectively provided with a through

window

131 and 132, and only characters (or symbols) displayed at one display position are visible through the through

windows

131 and 132. When one of the 1 st fitting part 13A and the alternative fitting part 13B is engaged with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), only characters (or symbols) indicating the length of the needle corresponding to the engagement position are visible through the through

windows

131 and 132. For example, in the example of fig. 1, when the needle length is 13mm and the insertion depth is 13mm, the 1 st fitting portion 13A is positioned at one of the engagement positions (Bx). At this time, the through window 131 is aligned with the position of "13" in the text 101, and only "13" is visible to the patient. When the needle length is 13mm and the insertion depth is 10mm, the substitute fitting portion 13B is positioned at one of the engagement positions (Bx). At this point, the through window 132 is aligned with the position of "13" in the text 101, and only "13" is visible to the patient.

(locking mechanism for preventing sliding)

One or both of the container body and the pressing sleeve is provided with a lock mechanism for preventing the sliding of the pressing sleeve. According to this lock mechanism, when the patient holds the pressing sleeve and presses the auxiliary device against the skin during use, the force directed toward the pressing sleeve is directly transmitted to the container body, and the cap on the distal end side slides to the rear end side to start the needle insertion. If the mantle slides to the retreat limit, the penetration to the predetermined depth is completed.

The lock mechanism is provided with a lock release button that allows the push sleeve to slide. When the patient operates the lock release button in the state where the puncture is completed, the push sleeve is slidable, and the push sleeve is moved to the distal end side by the force of the patient, thereby pushing the plunger to inject the drug solution.

(preferable mode of the locking mechanism)

A preferable embodiment of the lock mechanism includes a cantilever-shaped tongue portion provided on an outer surface of the container body and a notch portion provided at a distal end portion of the pressing sleeve. The tongue may be provided somewhere on the outer surface of the container body, but is more preferably provided on the lid 11 as shown in fig. 1.

As shown in fig. 1, the notch 16a provided at the distal end of the pressing sleeve 16 has a tongue shape into which the tongue portion 11e can enter. The tongue-shaped portion 11e extends toward the rear end side along the longitudinal direction. When the cover is closed, as shown in fig. 2, the tongue-shaped portion 11e enters the notch portion 16a, and blocks the sliding of the pressing sleeve 16 toward the distal end side.

The tip end portion of the tongue portion 11e (a portion shown as "PUSH" in fig. 2 a) functions as an unlock button. When the tip end portion of the tongue portion 11e is pressed from the outside (that is, when the patient presses with the thumb or the like), the tongue portion 11e elastically deforms like a leaf spring, and the tip end portion of the tongue portion 11e sinks into the container body 10. Thereby, as shown in fig. 3, the pressing sleeve 16 can pass over the outer surface of the tongue portion and slide toward the tip side.

In the structure in which the lock release button is pushed in the direction of the inside of the container body to release the lock, the direction of the force of the finger (particularly, the thumb) when the assist device is held with one hand is the same as the direction of the force in which the lock release button is pushed in. Therefore, it is preferable to hold the pressing sleeve 16 of the assist device with one hand and to press the lock release button with the thumb or the like of the one hand.

Hereinafter, an example of use of the assist device will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 9 and 10, a convex portion 14 is provided below the tip of the 1 st fitting portion 13A, and can be fitted into any of the concave portions 12a of the engaging portions 12 on the container body side. As shown in fig. 9, the engaging claws 15 (one engaging claw 15a and the other engaging claw 15b) are provided on the inner surface of the container body 10. When the convex portion 14 entering the fitting portion 13 of the container body 10 is fitted into any of the concave portions 12a of the engaging portion 12, the engaging claw 15 engages with the 1 st fitting portion 13A, and the 1 st fitting portion 13A is fixed in the container body. The structure of the locking portion 15 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in fig. 9, a structure is exemplified in which the locking portion 1 vertically protrudes from both sides of the inner surface in the vicinity of the center of the container body 10 and holds the fitting portion 13A that enters the container body 10.

As shown in fig. 11, it is preferable that a doctor, a nurse, or the like in the medical institution opens the lid 11 and inserts the convex portion 14 of the 1 st fitting portion 13A into any one of the concave portions 12a of the engaging portion 12 of the container body 10. Then, as shown in fig. 13, the patient fixes the barrel 21 and finger flange 22 of the autoinjector 20 on the 1 st adapter 13A at the time of injection.

Here, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, the projection 14 of the 1 st fitting portion 13A is inserted into any one of the recesses 12a of the engaging portion 12, whereby the fixing position of the 1 st fitting portion 13A can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction. By adjusting the position of the 1 st fitting part 13A, the autoinjector can be fixed at an appropriate position in the container body 10 in accordance with the length of the needle, and a constant penetration depth can be always achieved. The same is true for other penetration depths that are achieved using alternative adaptations in place of the 1 st adaptation 13A.

For example, when the needle is long, the convex portion 14 of the 1 st fitting portion 13A is inserted into the concave portion 12a closer to the rear end side among the plurality of concave portions 12a of the engaging portion 12, so that the 1 st fitting portion 13A is positioned on the rear end side, and the needle of the autoinjector is also hidden near the opening of the cover. Fig. 13 to 16 show a state in which the cap 24 covers the needle 23 of the autoinjector.

On the other hand, when the needle is short, the convex portion 14 of the 1 st fitting portion 13A is inserted into the concave portion 12a closer to the tip side among the plurality of concave portions 12a of the engaging portion 12, so that the 1 st fitting portion 13A is positioned on the tip side, and the needle of the autoinjector is also hidden near the opening of the cover.

Next, as shown in fig. 14 and 17 (a), the patient closes the cover 11, removes the cap 24 of the autoinjector needle, and pushes the distal end portion of the auxiliary device against the skin to perform puncturing (fig. 14 shows a state where the cap 24 covers the needle 23). As shown in fig. 15, the cap 10b is pushed by the pressing force to move to the retreating limit and enters the container main body, and the needle 23 of the autoinjector pierces the skin. Next, while the patient presses the lock release button at the distal end of the tongue portion 11e with the thumb, the pressing sleeve 16 is pushed toward the distal end side and slid as shown in fig. 16 and 17 (b), and the plunger of the autoinjector is pressed by the pressing head in the pressing sleeve 16, whereby the drug solution is injected subcutaneously.

The container body 10 and the cover 11 are preferably shaped to facilitate easy handling and easy storage of the autoinjector by the patient. The cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the pressing sleeve is preferably a shape that can be easily grasped with a hand (particularly, one hand), and is preferably an oval, ellipse, circle, or the like as shown in fig. 8 (e) and (f). The dimension of the long axis of the oval is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 56mm to 50mm, for example. The dimension of the minor axis of the oval is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 34mm to 30mm, for example. The overall length of the assist device in a normal state is appropriately determined according to the autoinjector, and is, for example, about 281mm to 275mm, and about 278mm in the embodiment of fig. 1.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7 to 17, a window 11d is provided between the vicinity of the tip and the center of the cover 11. This makes it possible to visually confirm the inside of the container body 10 through the window 11d, and thus, to confirm whether or not the autoinjector is present in the container body 10. As described above, by making the entire cover 11 transparent, the presence or absence of the autoinjector and the state of the autoinjector can be confirmed more easily.

The structure of the engaging portion 12 is not particularly limited, but convex portions having a quadrangular or triangular cross-sectional shape may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction as shown in fig. 5 and 6, for example, so that the concave portions 12a are formed between the convex portions. The number of the concave portions 12a is not particularly limited.

The structure of the 1 st fitting part 13A and the alternative fitting part 13B is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to have a holding structure for preventing the displacement of the barrel of the autoinjector in the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. For example, as shown in fig. 9, it is preferable that the configuration includes: a rectangular frame 13a for receiving and holding the trunk of the barrel of the autoinjector; and a plate 13b which constitutes a recess for receiving and holding the finger grip portion of the cylindrical body, and may be shaped to hold a long tray over the entire body of the cylindrical body.

Industrial applicability of the utility model

The present invention is useful as an aid for patient autoinjection with an autoinjector such as a prefilled syringe preparation, and is particularly effective for autoinjectors having different needle lengths depending on medical institutions.

For this aid, the respective adapter parts having the 1 st adapter part and one or more alternative adapter parts in a manner interchangeable with each other are likewise movable within the container body. The positions of the autoinjectors held by the respective adapter portions are different from each other, and correspond to a plurality of insertion depths different from one patient to another.

According to these features, the 1 st problem that the length of the needle differs according to medical institutions can be solved, and the 2 nd problem that the recommended value of the penetration depth differs according to the thickness of the subcutaneous fat of the patient can be solved.

Claims

1. An assistor for a self-injector, characterized in that,

the auxiliary device has a container body having a long shape in the longitudinal direction,

the container body is configured to house the autoinjector so as to be detachable along the longitudinal direction,

the assist device has a cap provided on the top end side of the container body,

the mantle is slidable between a forward limit and a backward limit along the longitudinal direction,

the mantle is urged by a spring member to be located at the advancing limit,

when the aid is pressed on the skin of a patient for use, the cover sleeve moves to the retreating limit, and the needle of the autoinjector protrudes from the top end opening of the cover sleeve;

the pressing sleeve is a part for being held by a hand of a patient and can slide along the long side direction for a predetermined moving distance of the plunger of the autoinjector,

the aid has a1 st fitting part disposed in the container body,

the length of the needle protruding from the distal end opening of the cap at the time of use is made constant by selecting the engagement position (Bx) according to the length (Lx) of the needle (C1),

the auxiliary device is provided with more than one alternative adapting parts which are arranged in the container main body instead of the 1 st adapting part,

the substitute holding position (A2) is shifted in the longitudinal direction from the holding position (A1) by a prescribed amount (k) which is a value that is set in advance based on the insertion depth corresponding to the patient and which is different for each substitute fitting portion,

the alternative adapting part is configured to be detachably engaged with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx),

2. The aid of claim 1,

the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion are detachably engaged with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx) and are configured as any one of the following configurations (I) to (IV):

(I) a structure in which a plurality of concave portions having the same shape are provided on the inner surface of the container body so as to correspond to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and a single convex portion that fits into one of the plurality of concave portions is provided on the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion;

(II) a structure in which a plurality of convex portions having the same shape are provided on the inner surface of the container body so as to correspond to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and one concave portion into which one of the convex portions is fitted is provided on the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion;

(III) a structure in which a plurality of concave portions having the same shape are provided in the 1 st fitting portion and the alternative fitting portion so as to correspond to the plurality of engagement positions (Bx), and one convex portion that fits into one of the plurality of concave portions is provided on the inner surface of the container body;

3. The aid of claim 1 or 2,

the characters or symbols are positioned at the position covered and shielded by the 1 st adaptation part and the substitute adaptation part,

the through-window is located at a position through which only characters or symbols indicating the length of the needle corresponding to the engagement position are visible when the 1 st adapter portion and the alternative adapter portion are engaged with the container body at each of the plurality of engagement positions (Bx).

4. The aid of claim 1,

5. The aid of claim 4,

the tongue-shaped part extends to the rear end side along the long side direction and enters the notch part to block the sliding of the pressing sleeve to the top end side,

6. The aid of claim 5,

the container body has an opening for the ingress and egress of the autoinjector, the 1 st adapter and the alternative adapter, and has a lid closing the opening,

the cantilever-like tongue portion of the lock mechanism extends in the longitudinal direction from the rear end surface of the cover, and enters the notch portion of the pressing sleeve to block the sliding of the pressing sleeve toward the distal end side.

7. The aid of claim 1,

the container body has an opening for access of the autoinjector, the 1 st adapter and the alternative adapter, and has a lid closing the opening.