JPWO2006120890A1 - Tube and liquid supply - Google Patents

Abstract

The tube is a liquid through which the liquid passes. The tube has a flow passage through which a liquid can pass and is expanded / shrinked by a change in temperature. It has. In the tube having such a configuration, the cross-sectional area of the flow path changes at the portion where the regulating member is provided, as the tube body expands / contracts due to a temperature change.

Description

  The present invention relates to a tube through which a liquid passes and a liquid supply device including the tube.

  For example, as a chemical solution injection device (medical solution supply device) for administering a chemical solution to a patient, it is used in a medical institution such as a hospital and used when the patient himself administers at home or work. There is a thing. For example, in order to manage pain such as postoperative pain or cancer pain, a microinjection of an analgesic agent such as morphine is continuously performed using a drug solution injector.

  Such a chemical solution injector mainly includes a chemical solution supply source such as a balloon or a syringe pump having a function of storing the chemical solution and discharging the chemical solution, a chemical solution supply line extended from the chemical solution supply source, and the chemical solution It is comprised with the flow control apparatus installed in the middle of the supply line. The flow rate control device has an orifice with a small cross-sectional area of the flow path (having an extremely fine flow path), and controls the flow rate in a very small amount by a large pipe resistance when the chemical solution passes through the orifice ( For example, see JP-A-10-295811).

  However, in the chemical solution supply device having such a configuration, it is necessary to accurately ensure the dose of the chemical solution to the patient. However, depending on a change in use temperature (room temperature) at which the chemical solution supply device is used, the flow rate of the chemical solution may be increased. There was a case where the dose changed. In other words, in the chemical solution supply device having such a configuration, the viscosity of the chemical solution and the diameter of the flow path of the orifice may change due to a change in room temperature, and the flow rate of the chemical solution passing through the flow path may change. . For example, when the room temperature rises, the viscosity of the chemical solution decreases as the temperature rises, and the orifice expands to increase the diameter of the flow path. Thereby, the flow volume of a chemical | medical solution increases.

  As described above, there is a problem that a change in the flow rate of the chemical solution, that is, an error occurs, and it may be difficult to ensure an accurate dose of the chemical solution.

  The objective of this invention is providing the tube and liquid supply tool which can prevent that the flow volume of the liquid which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the tube of the present invention comprises:
A tube through which liquid passes;
A tube body in which a flow path through which a liquid can pass is formed and expands / contracts due to a temperature change;
Provided in at least part of the longitudinal direction of the tube body, and a regulating member for regulating the outer diameter of the tube body,
In the portion where the regulating member is provided, the cross-sectional area of the flow path changes as the tube body expands / contracts due to the temperature change.

  Thereby, it can prevent reliably that the flow volume of the liquid which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

  (2) In the tube of the present invention, the degree of expansion / contraction of the tube body due to the temperature change is set so that the flow rate of the liquid becomes constant when the liquid passes through the flow path. It is preferable.

  Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that the flow volume of the liquid which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

  (3) Moreover, in the tube of this invention, it is preferable that the said limitation member has a smaller thermal expansion coefficient than the said tube main body.

  Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that the flow volume of the liquid which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

  (4) Moreover, in the tube of this invention, it is preferable that the said control member is provided over substantially the full length of the longitudinal direction of the said tube main body.

  Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that the flow volume of the liquid which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

  (5) Moreover, in the tube of this invention, it is preferable that the said regulating member is provided with two or more intervals along the longitudinal direction of the said tube main body.

  Thereby, the ratio of the change of the cross-sectional area of a flow path can be relieved.

(6) Further, in the tube of the present invention, the tube body includes a laminated portion having an inner layer and an outer layer provided on the outer peripheral side of the inner layer and made of a material different from the inner layer,
The restriction member is preferably provided on the outer peripheral side of the outer layer.

  As a result, the rate of change in the cross-sectional area of the flow path can be set more appropriately, so that the flow rate of the liquid passing through the flow path can be more reliably prevented from changing due to temperature changes.

  (7) Moreover, in the tube of this invention, it is preferable that the said outer layer has a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the said inner layer.

  As a result, the rate of change in the cross-sectional area of the flow path can be set more appropriately, so that the flow rate of the liquid passing through the flow path can be more reliably prevented from changing due to temperature changes.

  (8) Moreover, in the tube of this invention, it is preferable that the said control member has comprised the substantially cross-sectional shape in the ring shape.

  Thereby, it can prevent more reliably that the flow volume of the liquid which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

  (9) Moreover, in the tube of this invention, it is preferable that the said control member is mainly comprised with the metal material.

  This makes it possible to form (configure) a regulating member having a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the tube body.

  (10) Moreover, in the tube of this invention, it is preferable that the said liquid is a chemical | medical solution administered in the biological body.

  Thereby, it can prevent reliably that the flow volume of the chemical | medical solution which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

(11) In order to achieve the above object, the liquid supply device of the present invention comprises:
A liquid supply tool comprising the tube according to any one of the above (1) to (10) and including a flow rate adjusting unit for adjusting a flow rate of the liquid.

  Thereby, it can prevent that the flow volume of the liquid which passes a flow path changes with temperature changes.

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view showing a liquid supply tool of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the upper cover of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a state where the upper cover of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a state in which the upper cover of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. 1 is removed. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the tube of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view when the tube shown in FIG. 7 is deformed by a temperature change. FIG. 9 is a perspective view when the tube shown in FIG. 7 is deformed by a temperature change. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the tube of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the tube of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the tube of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature and the flow rate of water passing through the tube.

  Hereinafter, a tube and a liquid supply tool of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the liquid that passes through the inside of the tube of the present invention is used as a liquid that is administered into a living body, and the liquid supply device of the present invention is used as a liquid medicine supply device that supplies the chemical liquid. It is in form.

  1 is a sectional side view showing a liquid supply tool of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are plan views showing a state in which the upper cover of the liquid supply tool shown in FIG. 1 is removed.

  The left side in FIGS. 1 to 6 is referred to as “upstream side”, the right side is referred to as “downstream side”, the upper side in FIGS. 1 and 2 is referred to as “upper”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower”. explain.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a chemical solution supply device (liquid supply device) 1 of the present invention is mainly mounted on a first lower case 3, a second lower case 4, and upper portions thereof. A casing 2 constituted by a case 5 is provided.

  The first lower case 3 is formed with a chamber (chemical solution storage unit) 31 for storing a chemical solution, and chemical solution inlets 32 a and 32 b and an outlet port 33 communicating with the chamber 31.

  The chamber 31 is defined by a cylindrical recess formed at the center of the first lower case 3 and a diaphragm 7 attached to the upper part. Although the volume of the chamber 31 is not specifically limited, Usually, about 0.3-5.0 mL is preferable and about 2.0-3.0 mL is more preferable.

  The second lower case 4 is joined to the upstream side of the first lower case 3, and houses a flow rate switching means (flow rate adjustment unit) 9 described later between the upper case 5 and the second lower case 4. On the inner surface of the bottom of the second lower case 4, a recess 41 is formed that serves as a bearing for the operation dial 91 of the flow rate switching means 9. Similarly, an opening 56 serving as a bearing for the operation dial 91 is formed at a corresponding position of the upper case 5.

  On the downstream side of the upper case 5, a raised portion 51 is formed that protrudes upward, and one-shot injection (a predetermined amount of drug solution Q is temporarily injected into the patient) is performed on the raised portion 51. The operating means 6 having a discharge amount adjusting mechanism for adjusting the discharge amount of the chemical liquid Q from the outlet 33 at the time is housed.

  That is, a circular opening 52 into which the button housing 61 is movably inserted in the vertical direction is formed at the top of the raised portion 51. Further, at the lower end of the opening 52, a first stepped portion 53 that increases the cross-sectional area of the opening 52 and a second stepped portion 54 that further increases the cross-sectional area are formed.

  The button housing 61 is a ring-shaped member, and a female screw 67 is formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof.

  The button (pushing element) 62 corresponds to a pressing member that presses the diaphragm 7 and projects it to the inside of the chamber 31, and has a contact surface 63 that contacts the membrane 72 of the diaphragm 7 at its lower end. It is comprised with the substantially cylindrical member.

  A male screw 66 that engages with the female screw 67 is formed on the upper outer peripheral surface of the button 62. When the male screw 66 is screwed with the female screw 67, the button 62 is inserted into the button housing 61.

  Then, by adjusting the direction and amount of rotation of the button 62 relative to the button housing 61, the vertical position of the button 62 relative to the button housing 61, that is, the distance (separation distance) between the button 62 and the diaphragm 7 is adjusted and set. The In the state shown in FIG. 1, the contact surface 63 of the button 62 and the membrane 72 of the diaphragm 7 are in contact. The contact surface 63 of the button 62 and the membrane 72 of the diaphragm 7 are not limited to being in contact as described above. For example, the contact surface 63 of the button 62 is separated from the membrane 72 by a predetermined distance. Also good.

  When the button 62 is pressed to project the diaphragm 7 to the inside of the chamber 31, the volume of the chamber 31 is temporarily reduced, and the chemical solution Q in the chamber 31 is discharged from the outlet 33. This discharge amount corresponds to the vertical position of the button 62 with respect to the button housing 61.

  In this embodiment, since the discharge amount adjusting mechanism is provided by screwing the female screw 67 and the male screw 66, the vertical position of the button 62 relative to the button housing 61, that is, the button 62 is pressed (one-shot). The amount of protrusion (insertion state) of the membrane 72 of the diaphragm 7 into the chamber 31 during the injection operation can be adjusted in a stepless manner, thereby adjusting the discharge amount of the chemical Q from the outlet 33. Can do.

  In addition, since the discharge amount adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that adjusts the distance (separation distance) between the button 62 and the diaphragm 7, the discharge amount adjustment mechanism is not required to be discharged from the chamber 31 at any time (for example, even during microinjection). That adjustment can be made.

  A groove 64 for rotating the button 62 with respect to the button housing 61 is formed on the upper surface of the button 62. For example, a coin or a driver is inserted into the groove 64, the button 62 is rotated with respect to the button housing 61, and the vertical position thereof is adjusted and set.

  In addition, the chemical supply tool 1 is provided with a rotation stop mechanism for preventing the button housing 61 from rotating with respect to the upper case 5 when the button 62 is rotated as described above. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of grooves 611 extending in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 1 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the button housing 61, while corresponding to the grooves 611 of the upper case 5. A protrusion 55 inserted into the groove 611 is formed at the position where the button housing 61 is moved. When the button housing 61 is moved in the vertical direction (vertical direction), the protrusion 55 can slide along the groove 611 and move. However, when a rotational stress is applied to the upper case 5 of the button housing 61, the protrusion 55 and the groove 611 are engaged with each other, so that the rotation is prevented. Thereby, the button housing 61 can move only in the vertical direction in FIG.

  The button housing 61 and the button 62 held by the button housing 61 are biased upward by a coiled spring (biasing member) 65 in a compressed state.

  The upper end of the spring 65 is inserted into a spring seat 612 formed of a ring-shaped recess formed in the button housing 61, and the lower end of the spring 65 is in contact with the upper surface of the holding member 8. When the spring 65 is most contracted, all or most of the spring 65 is accommodated in the spring seat 612.

  A flange 613 is formed on the outer periphery of the lower end of the button housing 61, and the button housing 61 that is biased upward by a spring 65 is engaged with the first stepped portion 53. The limit of movement to is regulated.

  The diaphragm 7 is composed of a ring-shaped rim portion 71 and a film (thin wall portion) 72 formed on the inside thereof. The diaphragm 7 liquid-tightly seals the upper surface opening of the cylindrical recess formed in the first lower case 3, that is, defines the upper surface (part) of the chamber 31.

  The diaphragm 7 is made of various rubber materials such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, fluoro rubber, and various thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane, polyester, and polyamide. It is preferable that it is comprised with elastic bodies (elastic material), such as. Among these, silicone rubber is particularly preferable because of its high stability to the chemical solution Q.

  The diaphragm 7 is sandwiched between the first lower case 3 and a ring-shaped sandwiching member 8 located at the upper portion thereof, and maintains the liquid tightness of the upper portion of the chamber 31. That is, the rim portion 71 of the diaphragm 7 is inserted in the recessed portion 81 formed by the ring-shaped grooves formed in the first lower case 3 and the sandwiching member 8 respectively, and compressed in the vertical direction, and A membrane 72 in the vicinity of the inside of the rim portion 71 is sandwiched between the lip 34 formed on the upper outer peripheral edge of the chamber 31 of the first lower case 3 and the lower surface of the clamping member 8.

  In this case, the outer peripheral portion of the clamping member 8 engages with the second step portion 54 of the upper case 5 and receives a pressing force downward from the second step portion 5, whereby the first lower case 3 is clamped. The clamping force with the member 8 is obtained. Therefore, the diaphragm 7 is sandwiched between the first lower case 3 and the upper case 5 via the sandwiching member 8.

A circular opening 82 through which the button 62 can be inserted is formed at the center of the clamping member 8.
In the first lower case 3, a pair of inflow ports 32 a and 32 b communicating with the chamber 31 and an outflow port 33 are formed.

  The downstream ends of the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b are fitted into the inflow ports 32a and 32b in a liquid-tight manner, respectively.

  The downstream ends of the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b are formed with flow paths 11a and 11b having a small cross-sectional area, respectively, and when the chemical solution Q passes through the flow paths 11a and 11b, Receives a large pipe resistance (viscous resistance), and the flow rate is controlled to a very small amount.

In this case, the channel 11a and the channel 11b have different cross-sectional areas. That is, smaller than the cross-sectional area of the cross-sectional area flow path 11b of the flow channel 11a, thus, the flow rate _{V 1} of the chemical solution Q passing through the flow channel 11a, the flow rate _{V 2} is less than the chemical Q passing through the flow path 11b.

  Further, the upstream side of the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b has flexibility (flexibility) so that it can be deformed when the tube is closed, and particularly has a certain degree of resilience. Those are preferred. As a constituent material that satisfies such conditions, for example, various synthetic resins such as soft polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide, polyester, polyurethane, natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, Examples thereof include various rubbers such as butyl rubber, silicone rubber, and isoprene, and various thermoplastic elastomers.

  The upstream ends of the first tube 10 a and the second tube 10 b are connected to the tube 14 via the Y-shaped connector 13. The tube 14 protrudes out of the casing 2, and the upstream end of the tube 14 is connected to a chemical liquid supply source (not shown) such as a syringe pump or a balloon.

  On the downstream side of the outflow port 33, there is an enlarged portion 35 whose inner diameter is enlarged, and the connector 15 is fitted in the enlarged portion 35 in a liquid-tight manner.

  A one-way valve (check valve) 16 that restricts the flow of the chemical Q in one direction from the upstream side to the downstream side is installed on the upstream side inside the connector 15. As a result, the chemical liquid Q flows backward and is prevented from flowing into the chamber 31 through the outlet 33.

  A tube 17 is connected to the downstream side of the connector 15. For example, a puncture needle (not shown) is attached to the downstream end of the tube 17, and the drug solution Q can be administered by puncturing the puncture needle into the blood vessel or epidural surface of the patient.

  The tubes 14 and 17 each have flexibility (softness), and those having a certain level of resilience are particularly preferable. Examples of the constituent material of the tubes 14 and 17 satisfying such conditions include various synthetic resins such as soft polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide, polyester, polyurethane, natural rubber, Examples include various rubbers such as styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, and silicone rubber, and various thermoplastic elastomers.

  Further, the inner surfaces of the tubes 14 and 17 can be subjected to a surface treatment that does not adversely affect the chemical Q (particularly, formation of a coating layer). The purpose of the surface treatment is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to form a barrier layer that prevents the organic components in the constituent material of the tube from eluting into the chemical solution Q, and to apply a hydrophilic coat for the purpose of preventing air blocking. Can be mentioned.

  The flow rate switching means (flow rate adjustment unit) 9 switches (adjusts) the flow rate of the liquid, and includes an operation dial (operation member) 91 having a first tube 10a and a second tube 10b, and a pressure closing unit 92, Positioning means for positioning the operation dial 91 in the rotational direction, and a tube pressure closing mechanism composed of receiving members 94a and 94b for pressing and closing the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b with the pressure closing portion 92, respectively. 95.

  The operation dial 91 is rotatably supported with respect to the casing 2 by the concave portion 41 functioning as a bearing and the opening 56, and below the operation dial 91 is displaced with respect to the receiving members 94 a and 94 b and the first tube 10 a and the first tube 10. A cam-shaped press-closing portion 92 that can selectively close the two tubes 10b is formed. In addition, a grip portion 93 that grips the operation dial 91 to rotate is formed on the operation dial 91.

  The receiving members 94a and 94b are respectively placed in contact with the inner surface of the upstream side wall of the casing 2. Each of the receiving members 94a and 94b is formed with a protrusion 941 that protrudes toward the operation dial 91. The projection 941 and the pressure closing portion 92 of the operation dial 91 close the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b, and close the flow paths (internal flow paths) 11a and 11b.

  In the present embodiment, the receiving members 94a and 94b are integrated with the second lower case 4, but may be separate members.

  The positioning means 95 includes three concave portions 96a, 96b, and 96c formed on the outer peripheral surface of the operation dial 91 on the opposite side to the pressure closing portion 92 at substantially equal intervals, and the tip portion is one of the concave portions 96a, 96b, and 96c. The pin 97 is inserted into the operation dial 91 side, a coil spring (biasing member) 98 for urging the pin 97 toward the operation dial 91, and a stopper 99.

  The pin 97 and the spring 98 are inserted into the hole 43 of the support portion 42 erected from the bottom of the second lower case 4, and the tip end of the pin 97 protrudes from the downstream end of the hole 43. A stopper 99 is inserted into the upstream end of the hole 43 and sealed. A spring 98 is inserted in a compressed state between the pin 97 and the stopper 99, and biases the pin 97 downstream.

  The tip of the pin 97 is urged by a spring 98 and inserted into one of the recesses 96a, 96b, 96c. In this state, the position of the operation dial 91 in the rotational direction is stopped and positioning is performed.

  That is, the position of the operation dial 91 in the rotational direction is set in three stages (first state, second state, and third state) by the positioning means 95 (see FIGS. 4 to 6). Accordingly, a pattern in which the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b are closed and sealed is selected, and the flow rate of the chemical solution Q is set.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the tip of the pin 97 is inserted into the central recess 96b (third state / reference position), both the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b are closed. Accordingly, the chemical Q passes through the flow paths 11a and 11b of the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b, and flows into the chamber 31 through the inflow ports 32a and 32b. Therefore, the flow rate V ₃ of liquid Q at this time is the approximately equal to the sum of the flow rate V ₁ and the flow rate V _2, the maximum flow rate.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the state where the tip end portion of the pin 97 is inserted into the recess 96a (first state), only the first tube 10a of the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b is compressed. Accordingly, the chemical Q passes through the flow path 11b of the second tube 10b and flows into the chamber 31 through the inlet 32b. The flow rate of the chemical liquid Q at this time is the flow rate V _2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the tip end portion of the pin 97 is inserted into the recess 96c (second state), only the second tube 10b of the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b is compressed. Accordingly, the chemical Q passes through the flow path 11a of the first tube 10a and flows into the chamber 31 through the inlet 32a. At this time, the flow rate of the chemical solution Q is the flow rate V ₁ (<V ₂ ).

Thus, in the flow rate switching means 9, the flow rate of the chemical solution Q is set to V ₁ by selecting the distribution pattern of the chemical solution Q to each of the two flow paths 11a, 11b (the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b). , V ₂ , V ₃ (which satisfy the relationship of V ₁ <V ₂ <V ₃ ). By setting the positioning means 95, such a flow rate setting operation can be performed easily and accurately.

  In addition, in this invention, when three or more tubes are used (not shown), the flow rate can be set at a stage more than the number of tubes (flow paths) by their combination (pattern). This enables finer flow rate adjustment (flow rate switching).

  In addition, a scale 18 indicating the position of the operation dial 91 in the rotational direction, that is, the magnitude of the flow rate of the drug solution Q is formed. Thereby, flow volume adjustment can be performed more easily and without an erroneous operation.

  Further, the drug solution Q supplied by the drug solution supply tool 1 of the present invention is appropriately selected according to the purpose of use. For example, analgesics such as morphine (narcotic analgesics), insulin preparations, antibiotics, anticancer agents, Examples include narcotics. In addition, the kind of the chemical | medical solution Q is not limited to this, For example, what does not exhibit direct medicinal effects, such as physiological saline, electrolyzed water, a washing | cleaning liquid, an anticoagulant, and a contrast agent, is contained.

Next, the effect | action of the chemical | medical solution supply tool 1 is demonstrated.
First, the micro injection of the chemical solution Q will be described.

  When injecting a small amount of the drug solution Q, the grip portion 93 is gripped and the operation dial 91 is rotated, and the third state shown in FIG. 4 (the state where the tip portion of the pin 97 is inserted into the recess 96b), Either the first state shown in FIG. 5 (the state where the tip end of the pin 97 is inserted into the recess 96a) or the second state shown in FIG. 6 (the state where the tip end of the pin 97 is inserted into the recess 96c) And the chemical solution Q is supplied from the upstream side of the tube 14. After a predetermined time elapses, the chamber 31 is filled with the chemical Q and primed (filled).

When the operation dial 91 is set to the third state (reference position), the chemical solution Q that has passed through the tube 14 is diverted by the Y-shaped connector 13, and each of the first tube 10 a and the second tube 10 b. And flows into the chamber 31 through the inlets 32a and 32b. As a result, the drug solution Q stored in the chamber 31 having approximately the same amount as the inflow amount flows out from the outflow port 33, is sent downstream through the one-way valve 16 and the tube 17, and is administered to the patient. . At this time, the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q flowing out from the outflow port 33 is V ₃ (= V ₁ + V ₂ ).

When the operation dial 91 is set to the first state, the chemical liquid Q from the tube 14 flows through the second tube 10b through the Y-shaped connector 13 and flows into the chamber 31 through the inlet 32b. . As a result, the drug solution Q stored in the chamber 31 having approximately the same amount as the inflow amount flows out from the outflow port 33, is sent downstream through the one-way valve 16 and the tube 17, and is administered to the patient. . At this time, the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q flowing out from the outlet 33 is the V _2.

When the operation dial 91 is set to the second state, the chemical liquid Q from the tube 14 flows through the first tube 10a through the Y connector 13 and flows into the chamber 31 through the inlet 32a. . As a result, the drug solution Q stored in the chamber 31 having approximately the same amount as the inflow amount flows out from the outflow port 33, is sent downstream through the one-way valve 16 and the tube 17, and is administered to the patient. . At this time, the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q flowing out from the outlet 33 is the V _1.

As described above, the flow rate of the drug solution Q to be injected and administered can be set in three stages of V ₁ , V ₂ , and V ₃ (which satisfy the relationship of V ₁ <V ₂ <V ₃ ).

  Now, the tube of the present invention having the constant temperature flow rate function as described below can be adopted as at least one of the first tube 10a and the second tube 10b. Here, the case where the tube of the present invention is applied (adopted) to the second tube 10b will be described, and the tube of the present invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a tube (second tube) according to the present invention, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are views when the second tube shown in FIG. 7 is deformed by a temperature change, respectively. FIG.

  The 2nd tube 10b is provided with the tube main body 12 in which the flow path 11b through which the chemical | medical solution Q can pass is formed in the downstream site | part, and the control member 19 which regulates the outer diameter of the tube main body 12 ( (See FIGS. 4 and 7).

  The regulating member 19 has a substantially cross-sectional shape in a ring shape, and is fixed (provided) to a downstream side portion of the tube main body 12 (see FIGS. 4 and 7). The restricting member 19 is made of a material having a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the tube body 12.

  As for the 2nd tube 10b, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 11b changes (increase / decrease) in the site | part in which the control member 19 was provided with expansion / contraction of the tube main body 12 by a temperature change. Hereinafter, this “increasing / decreasing the cross-sectional area” is referred to as “the diameter of the channel 11b is increased / decreased”.

  When the temperature rises, the tube body 12 tries to expand outward (in the direction of the arrow toward the outside of the tube body 12 in FIG. 8), but the outer periphery (outside) of the tube body 12 is regulated by the regulating member 19. The tube body 12 cannot expand outward. For this reason, the tube main body 12 expands toward the center side (arrow direction toward the inside of the tube main body 12 in FIG. 8). Accordingly, the diameter of the flow path 11b is reduced.

On the other hand, when the temperature decreases, the flow path 11b expands in the opposite direction.
Further, assuming that the diameter of the flow path 11b does not change (constant), the viscosity of the chemical liquid Q decreases as the temperature increases, and the resistance of the chemical liquid Q flowing in the flow path 11b decreases. When a certain pressure difference is generated at both ends, the flow rate of the chemical solution Q increases.

  On the other hand, when the temperature decreases, the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q decreases in the case of the same pressure difference as described above.

  Therefore, in the tube of the present invention, when the temperature rises, the flow path 11b is reduced in diameter so as to offset the increase in the flow rate of the chemical solution Q due to the decrease in the viscosity of the chemical solution Q. On the other hand, when the temperature decreases, the flow path 11b expands so as to offset the decrease in the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q due to the increase in the viscosity of the chemical liquid Q.

  With the above configuration, the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q passing through the flow path 11b can be made constant regardless of the temperature change. That is, it is possible to prevent the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q passing through the flow path 11b from changing due to a temperature change. Hereinafter, a state in which the flow rate of the chemical liquid Q is constant regardless of the temperature change is referred to as an “equilibrium state”.

  In addition, for example, when an analgesic such as morphine is administered (injected) to a patient, microinjection is required. Therefore, management of the dose (flow rate per unit time) must be performed very strictly. The tube of the present invention is also very suitable for such a case.

  Moreover, it is not limited to applying the tube of this invention only to the 2nd tube 10b, For example, it is more preferable when the tube of this invention is applied to each of the 1st tube 10a and the 2nd tube 10b.

  Examples of the constituent material of the tube body 12 include various plastics such as soft polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, and polybutadiene, and various rubbers such as natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and isoprene rubber. The easy thing is preferable.

  The restricting member 19 is preferably mainly composed of a metal material. Examples of the metal material include various metals such as iron, nickel, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and titanium, or alloys containing these metals. In addition, a plastic having a low rigidity / expansion due to a temperature change and a high rigidity can be used.

  Thereby, the regulating member 19 having a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the tube body 12 can be formed (configured).

  In addition, the method for fixing the tube main body 12 and the regulating member 19 is not particularly limited. For example, the tube main body 12 and the regulating member 19 can be fixed by bonding with an adhesive. Thereby, when the tube main body 12 shrink | contracts, separation | spacing with the tube main body 12 and the control member 19 can be prevented, and, therefore, the diameter of the flow path 11b can be expanded reliably. The adhesive layer preferably has a smaller thickness.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the tube (second tube) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the tube of the present invention will be described with reference to this figure, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration (installation state) of the regulating member is different.
As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of regulating members 19A are provided along the longitudinal direction of the tube body 12 at intervals (intermittently). The restricting member 19A has a cylindrical shape with a predetermined length.

  By providing (forming) such a configuration, that is, a portion (part) where there is no portion regulated by the regulating member 19A, the ratio of diameter expansion / contraction of the flow path 11b (hereinafter referred to as “correction rate”). Can be relaxed. As a result, the correction factor can be set more appropriately by appropriately adjusting the number of forming the regulating members 19A (the number of installations), the size of the interval between the neighboring regulating members 19A, and the like. 10b can be brought closer to an equilibrium state.

  Further, the tube main body 12 can be easily bent, and therefore the second tube 10b can be easily (compactly) stored (installed) in the chemical liquid supply tool 1.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the tube (second tube) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the tube of the present invention will be described with reference to this figure, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

  The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the tube main body is different.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the tube main body 12A includes a laminated portion 123A having an inner layer 121 and an outer layer 122 provided on the outer peripheral side of the inner layer 121. The stacked portion 123A is formed over substantially the entire length of the second tube 10b (tube body 12A) in the longitudinal direction.

The inner layer 121 is made of a material that is more inert with respect to the chemical liquid Q.
The outer layer 122 is made of a material having an appropriate coefficient of thermal expansion in order to maintain an equilibrium state. The coefficient of thermal expansion is preferably larger than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the inner layer 121.
The regulating member 19 is provided over almost the entire length of the outer layer 122 in the longitudinal direction.

  With such a configuration, the correction rate can be set more appropriately, and thus the second tube 10b can be brought closer to an equilibrium state.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the tube (second tube) of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the fourth embodiment of the tube of the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing. However, the difference from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

The present embodiment is the same as the third embodiment except that the configuration of the laminated portion is different.
As shown in FIG. 12, the laminated portion 123B of the tube body 12B is provided (formed) on a part of the tube body 12B. The outer layer 122 of the laminated portion 123B is solidified by filling (injecting) a liquid material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the inner layer 121 into a gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner layer 121 and the inner peripheral surface of the regulating member 19. It is formed by letting.

  With such a configuration, by appropriately adjusting the length, outer diameter, constituent material, and the like of the outer layer 122, the correction factor can be set more appropriately, and thus the second tube 10b is brought closer to an equilibrium state. Can do.

  Examples of the liquid material include epoxy resin, water, oil, various gel substances, and those in which bubbles are mixed.

  As mentioned above, although the tube and liquid supply tool of this invention were demonstrated based on each embodiment of illustration, this invention is not limited to these, For example, the structure of each part can exhibit the same function. Any configuration can be substituted.

  Further, the tube is not limited to being used in a liquid supply tool as shown in FIG. 1, and may be used in, for example, an infusion bag.

Next, specific examples of the present invention will be described.
1. Tube making

(Example)
A tube having the structure shown in FIG. 10 was produced. The specification of this tube is shown below.

Tube body material: Polyvinyl chloride Tube body length: 31 mm
Tube body outer diameter: 1.5mm
Inner diameter of tube body: 0.06mm (25 ° C)
Constituent material of restriction member: Stainless steel Number of formation of restriction member (number of installations): 4 Length per restriction member: 3 mm
Regulating member outer diameter: 1.8 mm
Inner diameter of regulating member: 1.6 mm
Spacing between each regulating member: 5 mm

(Comparative example)
The tube of only the tube main body which removed the control member from the tube of the said Example (deleted) was produced.

2. Evaluation Next, the flow rate was measured when water having a constant pressure applied to one end side through each flow path of the tube of the example and the tube of the comparative example while changing the temperature.

  The results are shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature and the flow rate of water passing through the tube.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the tube of the example has a smaller width of the change in the flow rate of water due to the temperature change than the tube of the comparative example. Therefore, it was confirmed that the tube of the example can keep the flow rate of water as constant as possible regardless of the temperature change.

  In addition, when tubes having the structures shown in FIGS. 7, 11, and 12 were respectively produced and evaluated in the same manner as in the above example, the same result as in the above example was obtained.

The tube of the present invention is a tube through which a liquid passes, and a tube main body that is formed with a flow path through which the liquid can pass and that expands / shrinks due to a temperature change, and at least a part of the tube main body in the longitudinal direction. A regulating member that regulates the outer diameter of the tube body, and a cross-sectional area of the flow path changes in accordance with the expansion / contraction of the tube body due to the temperature change at a portion where the regulating member is provided. To do. Therefore, the flow rate of the liquid passing through the flow path can be made constant regardless of the temperature change. That is, it is possible to prevent the flow rate of the liquid passing through the flow path from changing due to a temperature change. Therefore, the tube of the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims (11)

A tube through which liquid passes;
A tube body in which a flow path through which a liquid can pass is formed and expands / contracts due to a temperature change;
Provided in at least part of the longitudinal direction of the tube body, and a regulating member for regulating the outer diameter of the tube body,
A tube characterized in that a cross-sectional area of the flow path changes in accordance with expansion / contraction of the tube body due to the temperature change at a portion where the regulating member is provided. The tube according to claim 1, wherein a degree of expansion / contraction of the tube body due to the temperature change is set so that a flow rate of the liquid becomes constant when the liquid passes through the flow path. . The tube according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member has a smaller coefficient of thermal expansion than the tube body. The tube according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member is provided over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the tube body. The tube according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the regulating members are provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the tube body. The tube body includes a laminated portion having an inner layer and an outer layer provided on the outer peripheral side of the inner layer and made of a material different from the inner layer,
The tube according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is provided on an outer peripheral side of the outer layer. The tube according to claim 6, wherein the outer layer has a larger coefficient of thermal expansion than the inner layer.   The tube according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member has a substantially ring-shaped cross section. The tube according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member is mainly made of a metal material. The tube according to claim 1, wherein the liquid is a chemical solution administered into a living body. A liquid supply tool comprising the tube according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and comprising a flow rate adjusting unit for adjusting a flow rate of the liquid.

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