KR102662715B1 - Reservoir assembly and apparatus for infusing medical liquid comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

In one embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed in the front, a reservoir that provides a storage space for the chemical solution, a sensing member provided at the rear of the reservoir, and a sensing member inserted into the reservoir and between the opening and the sensing member. A reservoir assembly may be provided including a movable plunger and a connector whose front side is connected to the plunger and whose rear side extends toward the sensing member and is electrically connected to the sensing member as the plunger moves. And, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir assembly may further include a force member that forces the plunger forward.

Description

Reservoir assembly and apparatus for infusing medical liquid comprising the same}

The present invention relates to a reservoir assembly and a chemical injection device including the same.

Generally, a drug injection device such as an insulin injection device is used to inject a drug solution into the patient's body. These chemical injection devices are sometimes used by professional medical staff such as doctors and nurses, but in most cases, they are used by the general public, such as patients themselves or their guardians.

Diabetic patients, especially pediatric diabetic patients, need to inject medicinal solutions such as insulin into the body at set intervals. A patch-type drug injection device that is attached to the human body for a certain period of time is being developed, and this drug injection device can be used while attached to the patient's body, such as the abdomen or waist, in the form of a patch for a certain period of time.

In order to increase the effect through drug injection, the drug injection device needs to be controlled to precisely inject the drug into the patient's body. It is important to precisely inject a small amount of drug solution through a small drug injection device.

When attached to the human body, a chemical injection device needs to be comfortable to wear, convenient to use, durable, and run at low power. In particular, since the drug injection device is used by attaching it directly to the patient's skin, it is important for the user to conveniently and safely operate the drug injection device.
Meanwhile, Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0013870 discloses that the resistance value of the variable resistor varies depending on the contact position of the variable resistor disposed along the longitudinal direction of the reservoir and the electrically conductive member that moves together with the movement of the plunger. A drug injection system that can measure the delivery rate of a drug is being disclosed.

The present invention provides a reservoir assembly that senses the amount of stored chemical solution and accurately delivers the chemical solution, and a chemical injection device including the same.

As a means to achieve the above-described technical problem, a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reservoir having an opening formed in the front and providing a storage space for the chemical solution, and a sensing provided at the rear of the reservoir. A member, a plunger inserted into the reservoir and movable between the opening and the sensing member, and a connector whose front side is connected to the plunger and whose rear side extends toward the sensing member and is energized with the sensing member as the plunger moves. may include.

In one embodiment, the plunger may further include a force member that forces the plunger forward.

In one embodiment, it may further include a plunger holder that is detachable from the plunger and fixed to the front of the connector.

In one embodiment, the connector may be formed of a coil spring.

In one embodiment, the force member may be formed of a coil spring whose front part is connected to the plunger and whose rear part abuts the rear of the reservoir.

In one embodiment, the sensing member includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and may generate a signal when the connector contacts the first terminal and the second terminal.

In one embodiment, the reservoir may include a reservoir case and a reservoir cap coupled to the reservoir case at the rear of the reservoir case.

A chemical injection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a reservoir assembly that stores a chemical liquid, a needle assembly that discharges the chemical liquid, and the reservoir assembly, and when driven, the liquid flows from the reservoir to the needle assembly. It includes a driving unit that moves the chemical solution, and the reservoir assembly has an opening formed in the front, a reservoir that provides a storage space for the chemical solution, a sensing member provided at the rear of the reservoir, and is inserted into the reservoir, It may include a plunger movable between the opening and the sensing member, and a connector whose front side is connected to the plunger and whose rear side extends toward the sensing member and is electrically connected to the sensing member as the plunger moves.

Other aspects, features and advantages in addition to those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

The chemical injection device and reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention can measure the injection amount of the chemical liquid stored in the reservoir. The sensor unit measures the amount of chemical liquid stored in the reservoir, and the operation of the chemical liquid injection device can be set. When the plunger moves linearly inside the reservoir, the connector connected to the plunger also moves to contact or release contact with the sensor unit, allowing the amount of chemical solution stored in the reservoir to be sensed. The stiffness and flexibility of the connector can be strengthened separately or simultaneously by modifying or processing the shape.

The chemical injection device and reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention prevents gas outside the reservoir from flowing into the inside due to the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the reservoir when the chemical liquid stored in the reservoir is discharged. You can.

The chemical injection device and reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention has a simple structure and can measure the amount of chemical liquid stored in the reservoir while reducing the overall size. In addition, when a drug is injected into the user, air is prevented from entering the reservoir, preventing bubbles from forming in the stored drug solution, and safely providing a fixed amount of the drug solution to the user. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by this effect.

1 is a block diagram showing a chemical injection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a chemical injection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 3.
5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating the operation of a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the reservoir assembly in FIG. 4 further including a force member.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a driving unit and a driving module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various forms.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description thereof will be omitted. .

In the following examples, singular terms include plural terms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have mean the presence of features or components described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of adding one or more other features or components.

In cases where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially at the same time, or may be performed in an order opposite to that in which they are described.

In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, so the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to what is shown.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a chemical injection system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the drug injection system 1 may include a drug injection device 10, a user terminal 20, a controller 30, and a biometric information sensor 40. The drug injection system 1 allows the user to drive and control the system using the user terminal 20, and the drug injection device 10 injects the drug based on the blood sugar information monitored by the biometric information sensor 40. It can be injected periodically.

The drug injection device 10 injects drugs, such as insulin, glucagon, anesthetics, painkillers, dopamine, growth hormone, and smoking cessation aids, to be injected into the user based on data sensed by the biometric information sensor 40. It also performs an injection function.

Additionally, the chemical injection device 10 may transmit a device status message including information on the device's remaining battery capacity, whether the device was successfully booted, whether the injection was successful, etc., to the controller 30 . Messages delivered to the controller may be delivered to the user terminal 20 through the controller 30. Alternatively, the controller 30 may transmit improved data processed from the received messages to the user terminal 20.

In one embodiment, the chemical injection device 10 is provided separately from the biometric information sensor 40 and may be installed to be spaced apart from the object. In another embodiment, the drug injection device 10 and the biometric information sensor 40 may be provided in one device.

In one embodiment, the drug injection device 10 may be mounted on the user's body. Additionally, in another embodiment, the chemical injection device 10 can be mounted on an animal to inject the chemical solution.

The user terminal 20 may receive an input signal from the user to drive and control the chemical injection system 1. The user terminal 20 can generate a signal that drives the controller 30 and control the controller 30 to drive the chemical injection device 10. Additionally, the user terminal 20 can display biometric information measured from the biometric information sensor 40 and status information of the chemical injection device 10 .

The user terminal 20 refers to a communication terminal that can be used in a wired or wireless communication environment. For example, the user terminal 20 includes a smartphone, a tablet PC, a PC, a smart TV, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a media player, a micro server, a global positioning system (GPS) device, an e-book terminal, It may be a digital broadcasting terminal, navigation, kiosk, MP3 player, digital camera, home appliance, camera-equipped device, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. Additionally, the user terminal 2 may be a wearable device such as a watch, glasses, hair band, or ring equipped with a communication function and data processing function. However, as described above, terminals equipped with applications capable of Internet communication can be borrowed without limitation.

The user terminal 20 can be connected one-to-one with the pre-registered controller 30. The user terminal 20 may be encrypted and connected to the controller 30 in order to prevent the controller 30 from being driven and controlled by an external device.

In one embodiment, the user terminal 20 and the controller 30 may be separated and provided as separate devices. For example, the controller 30 may be provided to a subject equipped with the chemical injection device 10, and the user terminal 20 may be provided to the subject or a third party. The user terminal 20 is driven by the guardian, thereby improving the safety of the chemical injection system 1.

In another embodiment, the user terminal 20 and the controller 30 may be provided as one device. The controller 30, which is provided as one with the user terminal 20, can communicate with the chemical solution injection device 10 to control the injection of the chemical solution.

The controller 30 performs a function of transmitting and receiving data with the drug injection device 10, transmits a control signal related to the injection of a drug solution such as insulin to the drug injection device 10, and detects blood sugar from the biometric information sensor 40. Control signals related to measurement of biometric values, such as the like, can be received.

For example, the controller 30 may transmit an instruction request to measure the user's current state to the chemical injection device 10 and receive measurement data from the chemical injection device 10 in response to the instruction request.

The biometric information sensor 40 may perform a function of measuring the user's biometric values such as blood sugar level, blood pressure, and heart rate depending on the purpose. Data measured by the biometric information sensor 40 may be transmitted to the controller 30, and the cycle and/or injection amount of the chemical solution may be set based on the measured data. Data measured by the biometric information sensor 40 may be transmitted to the user terminal 20 and displayed.

In one embodiment, the biometric information sensor 40 may be a sensor that measures the blood sugar level of the subject. It may be a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor. A continuous blood sugar measurement sensor can be attached to an object and continuously monitor blood sugar level.

The user terminal 20, the controller 30, and the chemical injection device 10 may communicate using a network. For example, networks include Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Value Added Network (VAN), mobile radio communication network, satellite communication network, and their It is a comprehensive data communication network that includes mutual combinations and allows each network member to communicate smoothly with each other, and may include wired Internet, wireless Internet, and mobile wireless communication networks. Additionally, wireless communications include, for example, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, ZigBee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra wideband), and infrared communication (IrDA). Data Association), NFC (Near Field Communication), 5G, etc., but are not limited to these.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a chemical injection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the drug injection device 10 is attached to the user to inject the drug, and can inject the drug stored inside in a fixed amount set to the user.

The chemical injection device 10 can be used for various purposes depending on the type of chemical solution to be injected. For example, the drug solution may include an insulin-based drug solution for diabetic patients, a drug solution for the pancreas, a heart drug solution, and other various types of drug solutions.

One embodiment of the chemical injection device 10 may include a housing 11 covering the outside and an attachment portion 12 located adjacent to the user's skin. The chemical injection device 10 includes a plurality of parts disposed in the internal space between the housing 11 and the attachment portion 12. A separate joining means may be further interposed between the attachment portion 12 and the user's skin, and the chemical injection device 10 may be fixed to the skin by the joining means.

The chemical injection device 10 may include a reservoir assembly 100, a drive unit 200, a drive module 300, a needle assembly 400, a battery, etc.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of Figure 3, and Figures 5 to 7 are a reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. ) This is a diagram showing the operation of.

The reservoir assembly 100 stores a chemical solution in at least a portion of the internal space, and can discharge a fixed amount of the chemical solution to the needle assembly using a driving force generated by the operation of a drive unit and a drive module, which will be described later.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the reservoir assembly 100 may include a reservoir 110, a plunger 120, a connector 130, and a sensing member 140.

The reservoir 110 forms the exterior of the reservoir assembly 100 and may provide an internal space in which the plunger 120, the connector 130, and the sensing member 140 can be accommodated.

For example, the reservoir 110 may have a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the reservoir 110 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, with the front and rear sides closed, and may be formed as one piece. In another embodiment, the reservoir 110 may include a reservoir case 110a with the front closed and the rear open, and a reservoir cap 110b that can be coupled to the rear of the reservoir case 110a. there is. When the reservoir case 110a and the reservoir cap 110b are combined, an internal space in which the plunger, connector 130, and sensing member 140 can be accommodated may be provided.

A portion of the internal space of the reservoir 110 is formed as a storage space for the chemical solution, and the storage space may be defined by the reservoir 110 and the plunger 120.

The reservoir 110 may have an opening 111 formed at the front. The opening 111 may communicate with the flow path 112 formed in front of the reservoir 110. The flow path 112 may have an inlet end 112a formed at one end and an outlet end 112b formed at the other end. The opening 111 may communicate with the inlet end 112a through at least a portion of the flow path 112 and with the outlet end 112b through at least a portion of the flow path 112.

A conduit may be connected to the outlet end 112b, and the outlet end 112b may be connected to the drive unit through the conduit. The chemical solution stored in the storage space may flow to the needle assembly by sequentially passing through the opening 111, the flow path 112, the outlet end 112b, and the conduit.

A packing member is provided at the inlet end 112a to prevent the chemical solution stored in the storage space from leaking out through the inlet end 112a, and an injection needle (not shown) can be inserted into the packing member and the chemical solution can be injected. The chemical solution introduced through the inlet end 112a may flow into the storage space through the flow path 112 and the opening 111.

The plunger 120 is inserted into the reservoir 110, and a storage space in the internal space of the reservoir 110 may be defined by the front of the reservoir 110 and the plunger 120.

The outer peripheral surface of the plunger 120 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the reservoir 110 to prevent the chemical solution stored in the storage space from leaking. For example, the plunger 120 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicon, and may be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the reservoir 110.

The front of the plunger 120 forms a storage space for the chemical liquid together with the reservoir 110, and when the chemical liquid is stored in the reservoir 110, it can come into contact with the chemical liquid.

The rear of the plunger 120 may be connected to the connector 130. In one embodiment, the connector 130 may be installed directly behind the plunger 120. In another embodiment, the plunger 120 and the connector 130 may be connected via the plunger holder 121. For example, a plunger holder 121 that is detachable or fixedly installed to the plunger 120 may be coupled to the rear of the plunger 120. A connector fixing part 1211 is formed in a hollow state and extends a predetermined length at the rear of the plunger holder 121, and the connector 130 can surround the outer periphery of the connector fixing part 1211. At this time, the hook portion 130a formed in the front of the connector 130 is inserted and fixed into the fixing portion 1211 through the fastening slit 1211a formed in at least a portion of the connector fixing portion 1211, thereby forming the plunger holder 121 and the The coupling of the connector 130 can be strengthened. For example, the fastening slit 1211a is formed in the connector fixing part 1211 in a bent form at the front end, approximately in an 'L' shape, so that the hook portion 130a is fixed at the bent portion of the fastening slit 1211a. In this state, the plunger holder 121 and the connector 130 can be coupled. The front of the plunger holder 121 is coupled to the plunger 120, and the rear is coupled to the connector 130, so that the plunger holder 121 can connect the plunger 120 and the connector 130.

As the plunger 120 and the connector 130 are connected, the connector 130 can move together with the plunger 120.

The connector 130 may extend to the rear of the reservoir 110. The connector 130 is not limited to a specific shape and may have various shapes. For example, the connector 130 may be a coiled or spiral spring. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the embodiment of the connector 130 provided as a coiled spring as shown in the drawing.

The shape of the connector 130 can be modified or processed to enhance stiffness and flexibility separately or simultaneously.

The connector 130 may have flexibility and elasticity. The connector 130 can be compressed and restored by external force. When the plunger 120 moves rearward, the connector 130 also moves together. When the rear of the connector 130 is pressed, the connector 130 is compressed and the plunger 120 can continue to move a predetermined distance. Then, when the plunger 120 moves forward, the connector 130 is restored to its original state and can move together with the plunger 120.

At least a portion of the connector 130 may include a conductive material. In one embodiment, the connector 130 may be made of a metal material. The connector 130 may be formed of a metal spring and may have a certain stiffness and flexibility. In another embodiment, a conductive material may be included in at least an outer region of the rigid and flexible connector 130. Since the connector 130 is conductive, when it comes into contact with the sensing member 140 provided at the rear of the reservoir 110, it may be energized with the sensing member 140.

The connector 130 may have an increased number of turns at the front and rear ends or may be ground at the front and rear ends, which may be advantageous for connection with the plunger holder 121 and contact with the sensing member 140.

The sensing member 140 may be provided at the rear of the reservoir 110. The sensing member 140 is a component of a sensor unit for detecting when a drug is injected into a storage space. Here, the sensor unit may be provided with various sensors capable of sensing the position of a component. For example, the sensor unit may be provided as various types of sensors, such as optical sensors and contact sensors. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on an embodiment in which the sensor unit is a contact sensor configured to measure the position of the plunger 120 by contact between the connector 130 and the sensing member 140. .

The sensing member 140 may have a plurality of contact terminals. For example, the sensing member 140 may include a first terminal 140a and a second terminal 140b. The first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b may be maintained spaced apart from each other to form an open circuit with respect to the sensor unit. The connector 130 may form a closed circuit with respect to the sensor unit by contacting the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b and short-circuiting the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b. That is, the connector 130 can form an electrical connection by contacting the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b.

When the connector 130 and the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b are electrically connected, the control module can generate a signal.

With reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 , the operation of the reservoir assembly 100 can be described. Figure 5 shows the state before the chemical solution (D) flows into the reservoir 110, Figure 6 shows the state before the chemical solution (D) flows into the reservoir 110, and Figure 7 shows the state before the chemical solution (D) flows into the reservoir 110. This may indicate a state in which all of the chemical solution (D) has flowed in.

As shown, in the inner space of the reservoir 110 formed by combining the reservoir case 110a and the reservoir cap 110b, a plunger 120, a plunger holder 121, a connector 130, and a sensing member are provided. (140) is acceptable. An opening 111 may be formed in front of the reservoir 110, and a sensing member 140 including a first terminal 140a and a second terminal 140b may be provided at the rear thereof.

The plunger 120 may be inserted into the internal space of the reservoir 110 with the front facing toward the opening 111. A fixed plunger holder 121 coupled to the connector 130 may be coupled to the rear of the plunger 120.

<The process in which the chemical solution (D) flows into the reservoir 110>

The chemical solution D may be stored in the reservoir 110 in the order of FIGS. 5 to 7 . While the chemical solution D is stored in the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 may move from front to back, preferably from the first position (P-1) to the third position (P-3).

Referring to FIG. 5, in the initial state before the chemical solution (D) flows into the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 is positioned so that the front of the plunger 120 is the front of the reservoir 110 where the opening 111 is formed. It may be located at the first contact location (P-1). At this time, a storage space may not be formed in the internal space of the reservoir 110.

The length of the connector 130 may extend to a first length L1 along the longitudinal direction of the reservoir 110. The first length L1 is shorter than the length (second length, L2) from the front of the connector 130 to the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b, and the rear of the connector 130 is the first terminal. It may be spaced apart from (140a) and the second terminal (140b) by a third length (L3).

While the plunger 120 moves from the first position (P-1) to the second position (P-2), the connector 130 does not contact the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b, Electricity may not flow between the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b.

Referring to FIG. 6, the chemical solution (D) flowing in through the inlet end may flow into the reservoir 110 through the opening 111 along the flow path 112. As the chemical solution (D) flows into the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 moves backward inside the reservoir 110 to form a storage space, and the formed storage space can gradually become larger.

When the plunger 120 is located at the second position (P-2) moved by the fourth length (L4) from the first position (P-1), the rear of the connector 130 is located at the first first terminal 140a. ) and the second terminal 140b. At this time, the fourth length L4 may be equal to the third length L3. When the rear of the connector 130 contacts the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b, the connector 130 can be electrically connected by short-circuiting the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b. there is. When the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b are electrically connected through the connector 130, the controller can recognize a specific event of the lever unit.

For example, when the connector 130 contacts the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b, the controller adjusts the chemical solution D stored in the reservoir 110 to a first reference amount (for example, 10%, 20%). %, 30%, etc.) can be recognized. The first reference amount may vary depending on the third length L3.

When recognizing that the chemical solution D is stored in the reservoir 110 as a set first reference amount, the controller can AWAKE the chemical injection device in the first mode. That is, the controller can confirm that a certain amount of chemical solution D is stored in the reservoir 110 and start some operation to preheat the chemical injection device. also. The user may be notified through the user terminal 20 or the like that a preset first reference amount of the chemical solution D is stored in the reservoir 110, thereby informing the user in advance to use the chemical injection device.

Referring to FIG. 7, as the chemical solution (D) flows into the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 moves to the rear of the reservoir 110, and then the connector 130 cannot be compressed anymore or the plunger holder Due to the fact that (121) touches the rear of the reservoir 110, it may stop at the third position (P-3) moved by the fifth distance (L5) from the first position (P-1). At this time, the storage space can be maximized. In addition, the rear of the connector 130 is maintained in contact with the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b to electrically connect the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b. .

Afterwards, the controller can inject the medical solution (D) into the patient in the second mode.

<The process in which the chemical solution (D) is discharged from the reservoir (110) to the needle>

The chemical solution D may be discharged from the reservoir 110 in the order of FIGS. 7 to 5 .

When the discharge of the chemical solution (D) begins, the chemical solution (D) stored in the reservoir 110 flows through the opening 111 and the flow path 112, and then can be discharged to the needle assembly through the conduit connected to the outlet end. . While the chemical solution (D) is discharged from the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 is moved between the sensing member 140 and the opening 111, preferably from the third position (P-3) to the first position (P- You can move up to 1).

In the process of discharging the chemical solution (D) through the needle, the plunger 120 passes through the second position (P-2) and the connector 130 loses contact with the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b. It can be.

In one embodiment, the controller may activate the third mode when the electrical connection between the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b is broken. If the connector 130 is separated while maintaining contact with the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b, the electrical connection between the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b may be broken. When the electrical connection between the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b is broken, the controller may recognize a specific event of the reservoir assembly 100.

In the third mode, the controller may transmit an alarm signal that the amount of the stored chemical solution (D) corresponds to the second reference amount to the user through the user terminal, controller, and/or alarm unit (not shown).

The second reference amount can be defined as the amount of chemical solution (D) set by the controller at the time of operation in the third mode. The controller informs the user that the amount of chemical solution D remaining in the reservoir 110 is a preset second standard amount, so that the user can prepare to replace the chemical solution injection device.

In one embodiment, the first reference amount may be set to the same chemical solution (D) storage amount as the second reference amount. That is, the second reference amount may be set equal to the amount of chemical solution D actually stored in the reservoir 110. As the plunger 120 moves from the first position (P-1) to the third position (P-3), or from the third position (P-3) to the first position (P-1), the connector 130 ) and the terminals 140a and 140b of the sensing member 140 contact each other and separate positions are the same, so the first reference amount and the second reference amount can be set to be the same.

In another embodiment, the first reference amount may be set to a storage amount of chemical solution (D) that is greater than the second reference amount. The first reference amount is a reference value set for driving in the first mode, and is preferably set to be substantially equal to the amount of chemical solution D stored in the reservoir 110. However, the second reference amount is the chemical solution (D) recognized by the controller at the point when the third mode starts (the contact of at least one of the connector 130 and the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b is separated). The amount may be set to be smaller than the amount of chemical solution D actually remaining in the reservoir 110.

That is, when the plunger 120 passes the second position (P-2), the actual amount of chemical solution (D) remaining in the reservoir 110 is greater than the second reference amount recognized by the controller, so the controller Even if the risk due to exhaustion of (D) is recognized, a surplus corresponding to the difference between the actual remaining amount of the chemical solution (D) at the second location (P-2) and the second reference amount may exist in the reservoir 110. Then, even if a signal is generated from the chemical solution injection device that the chemical solution (D) is completely exhausted, the user can use the extra chemical solution (D), thereby preventing sudden disconnection of the chemical solution (D) or accident, and thus injecting the chemical solution. The safety of the device can be improved.

Since the remaining amount of the chemical solution (D) is important in the third mode, the controller can very accurately calculate the injection amount of the chemical solution (D) and the remaining amount of the chemical solution (D) in the reservoir 110 in the third mode. In the third mode, based on data acquired from an encoder, etc., the controller accurately measures the rotation angle of the drive unit and the moving distance of the plunger 120, and determines the discharge amount of the chemical solution (D) and the chemical solution ( D) The amount can be calculated precisely. In the third mode, the accurately calculated residual amount of the chemical solution (D) is delivered to the user in real time, allowing the user to recognize the risk.

In one embodiment, the chemical solution injection device can accurately count the amount of chemical solution D remaining in the reservoir 110 only in the third mode. In the second mode, since the amount of chemical solution (D) stored in the reservoir 110 exceeds the preset range (i.e., the second reference amount), the amount of chemical solution (D) in the reservoir 110 is not precisely counted. In the third mode, the amount of chemical solution (D) stored in the reservoir 110 can be counted quantitatively. Since the amount of chemical solution (D) stored in the chemical solution injection device is precisely counted only at a level that requires an alarm, the control load of the chemical solution injection device can be reduced.

The chemical injection device and reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can measure the injection amount of the chemical liquid D stored in the reservoir 110. The amount of chemical solution (D) stored in the reservoir 110 is measured by the controller through a sensor unit, and the operation of the chemical injection device can be set. When the plunger moves linearly inside the reservoir 110, the connector 130 connected to the plunger also moves together, causing the connector 130 and the sensing member 140 to contact or release, and the chemical liquid stored in the reservoir 110 The amount of (D) can be sensed.

The chemical injection device and reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention accurately measures the amount of chemical solution (D) stored in the reservoir 110 while reducing the overall volume by using the compressible connector 130. can do. Also, by arranging the connector 130 and the sensing member 140 in the internal space provided by the reservoir 110, the device can be simply constructed and its size can be reduced.

The chemical injection device and reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is preheated when the chemical liquid D is filled to a certain extent in the reservoir 110, thereby improving driving efficiency. When the sensor unit senses that the amount of chemical liquid (D) injected into the reservoir 110 is greater than or exceeds the first reference amount, the chemical liquid injection device prepares to drive some parts in the first mode, and the chemical liquid injection device is operated by the user. Once attached, the chemical solution (D) can be immediately injected. The chemical injection device 10 and the reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can sense and notify the user when the chemical liquid stored in the reservoir 110 falls below a predetermined range. When the sensor unit senses that the amount of chemical liquid stored in the reservoir 110 is below or falls below the second reference amount, the chemical liquid injection device 10 precisely counts the amount of chemical liquid remaining in the reservoir 110, Information about this can be delivered to the user.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the reservoir assembly 100 further including a force member 150, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8.

8 to 9, the reservoir assembly 100 further includes a force member 150, and the force member 150 may be fixed to the rear of the reservoir 110 or the reservoir cap 110b. A force member fixing portion 1101 may be further formed. In one embodiment, the force member fixing part 1101 may be formed in a cylindrical shape extending a predetermined length from the rear to the front of the reservoir 110. The rear of the force member 150 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the force member fixing part 1101 and can secure fixing force.

In the internal space provided by the reservoir 110, the force member 150 is disposed at a position from the rear of the plunger 120 to the rear of the reservoir 110 to force the plunger 120 forward. there is. In one embodiment, the front of the force member 150 is connected to the plunger 120, and the rear side is fixed to the force member fixing part 1101, and may be arranged to force the plunger 120 toward the front. At this time, the force member 150 may not contact the sensing member 140 disposed behind the reservoir 110.

The force member 150 is not limited to a specific shape and may have various shapes. For example, the force member 150 may be a coiled or helical spring. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the embodiment of the load member 150 provided as a coiled spring as shown in the drawing. Additionally, the force member 150 may not be conductive so as not to form an electrical connection with the sensing member 140 .

The force member 150 extends rearward with its front side connected to the plunger holder 121, but may not cause interference with the connector 130. In one embodiment, the force member 150 is formed of a coil spring having a smaller diameter than the connector 130, so that the force member 150 and the connector 130 can each be coupled to the plunger holder 121. At this time, the pressing member 150 is inserted into the inside of the connector fixing part 1211, and the connector 130 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the connector fixing part 1211, and the pressing member 150 and the connector 130 are each It may be coupled to the plunger holder 121. The force member 150 is disposed inside the connector 130, so that the force member 150 and the connector 130 may not interfere with each other even while each is compressed.

Referring to the drawings, a configuration in which the force member 150 has a smaller diameter than the connector 130 and is disposed inside the connector 130 is described, but the connector 130 may be in contact with the sensing member 140. Depending on the configuration, the arrangement of the force member 150 and the connector 130 may be interchanged.

5 to 7, while the chemical solution is stored in the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 moves from front to back, preferably from the first position (P-1) to the third position (P-3). You can move up to And, referring back to FIGS. 5 to 7, while the chemical liquid is discharged from the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 moves from the rear to the front, preferably from the third position (P-3) to the first position ( You can move to P-1). That is, the plunger 120 may move due to the chemical liquid flowing into and out of the reservoir 110 through the opening 111.

However, while the chemical liquid flows out of the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 does not move as much as the flowing chemical liquid due to friction formed on the outer peripheral surface of the plunger 120 and the inner peripheral surface of the reservoir 110. You can. If the plunger 120 corresponding to the flowing chemical solution does not move smoothly, negative pressure may be formed in the storage space and external gas may flow in, forming bubbles in the chemical solution stored in the storage space. The pressing member 150 can prevent bubbles from being generated in the chemical solution stored in the storage space during the outflow of the chemical solution by pressing the plunger 120 forward.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a driving unit and a driving module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 10, the driving unit 200 is connected to the driving module 300 and may be driven by the driving force generated by the driving module 300.

The driving unit 200 includes a base 210, a rotation unit 220, a force unit 230, a tube 240, and a driving piece 250, and the driving module 300 is connected to the driving piece 250. You can.

The base 210 supports the driving unit 200 and may form an exterior appearance. In the base 210, at least one of the rotation unit 220, the force unit 230, the tube 240, and the driving piece 250 may be installed and supported.

The base 210 may be provided with a guide portion 215. The guide portion 215 extends along the circumferential direction of the second rotation member 222 and may support the tube 240. A portion of the guide portion 215 protrudes from one surface of the base 210 and may extend along the curved section of the tube 240. Additionally, another part of the guide portion 215 may extend to a straight section of the tube 240.

The guide unit 215 may support the force applied by the force unit 230 and guide the movement of the chemical solution. When the force unit 230 forces the tube 240, the guide portion 215 supports the tube 240 on the opposite side of the force unit 230. When the force unit 230 forces the tube 240 in a curved section, the tube 240 may be compressed so that the internal cross-sectional area through which the chemical solution flows is zero at the force point where the tube 240 and the force portion contact. At this time, when the force unit 230 rotates, the chemical liquid in the tube 240 also moves.

In one embodiment, the guide unit 215 may be disposed outside the curve section, and the area where the force unit 230 forces the tube 240 may be disposed inside the curve section.

The drawing shows an embodiment in which the guide unit 215 is disposed on the outside of the tube 240 and the force unit 230 is disposed on the inside of the tube 240, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the guide unit is It is placed on the inside of the tube, and the forcing unit can be placed on the outside of the tube.

The rotation unit 220 is mounted in front of the base 210 and can rotate by receiving driving force from the drive module 300. The rotation unit 220 contacts the end of the driving piece 250 and can rotate in one direction according to the linear reciprocating motion of the driving piece 250. The rotation unit 220 may be defined as a configuration that receives driving force from the driving module 300 and rotates at least some components to rotate the force unit 230.

In one embodiment, the rotation unit 220 may have a plurality of members drivenly connected to each other. The rotation unit 220 may include a first rotation member 221 and a second rotation member 222.

The first rotation member 221 may contact the end of the driving piece 250 and rotate according to the linear reciprocating motion of the driving piece 250. The second rotation member 222 is connected to the first rotation member 221 and can rotate according to the rotation of the first rotation member 221. The second rotation member 222 has a plate shape and can rotate about the second axis AX2.

The discharge amount of the chemical liquid is set according to the rotation angle of the second rotation member 222. That is, the second rotation member 222 rotates and the chemical liquid inside the tube 240 is discharged in a fixed amount according to the rotation angle of the force unit 230. The rotation angle and rotation speed of the second rotation member 222 may be set according to the number of movements of the drive shaft 310 and the number of teeth of the rotation unit 220.

The force unit 230 is mounted on the rotation unit 220 and can rotate together with the rotation unit 220. The force unit 230 may force the tube 240 while rotating about the second axis AX2. When contacting a curved section of the tube 240, the force unit 230 may force the tube 240 so that the tube 240 is compressed at the point of contact.

The force unit 230 may be provided with a plurality of rollers. When the driving unit 200 is driven, at least one force portion may be disposed in the curve section. More preferably, when the force unit 230 rotates, at least two force units may form a force point in the curved section.

As described above, at the point where the force portion of the force unit 230 and the tube 240 contact, the tube is compressed by the force portion, so that the internal cross-sectional area of the tube 240 is zero. Since at least two force points are formed in the curve section, a fixed amount of chemical solution can be discharged according to the rotation angle of the second rotation member 222.

The tube 240 is disposed adjacent to the rotation unit 220, and at least a portion may have a curved section extending in the circumferential direction. The tube 240 is made of a flexible material and can be compressed by the force portion of the force unit 230.

The tube 240 may be installed between the reservoir assembly 100 and the needle assembly 400 and may be installed to pass through the rotation unit 220. A portion of the tube 240 may extend in the circumferential direction of the second rotation member 222.

One end of the tube 240 is connected to the first conduit (PI1), so that the chemical solution in the reservoir 110 can move. The other end of the tube 240 is connected to the second conduit (PI2) and can be discharged to the needle of the needle assembly 400.

The driving piece 250 is disposed between the driving module 300 and the rotation unit 220 and can transmit the driving force generated by the driving module 300 to the rotating unit 220. The drive piece 250 is connected to the drive shaft 310 and can make a linear reciprocating motion according to the movement of the drive shaft 310.

The driving module 300 can be any type of device that has chemical suction power and chemical liquid discharge power by electricity.

For example, the driving module 300 can be any type of pump, such as a mechanical displacement micropump and an electromagnetic motion micropump. A mechanical displacement micropump is a pump that uses the movement of solids or fluids, such as gears or diagrams, to create a pressure difference to induce the flow of fluid, and is called a diaphragm displacement pump or fluid displacement pump. ), rotary pump, etc. Electromagnetic micropumps are pumps that use energy in the form of electricity or magnetism directly to move fluid, and include electrohydrodynamic pumps (EHD), electroosmotic pumps, and magnetohydrodynamic pumps ( Magneto hydrodynamic pump, electro wetting pump, etc.

The chemical solution injection device 10 discharges the chemical solution D from the reservoir 110 to the needle assembly 400 by driving the driving unit 200. When the driving force generated in the driving module 300 is transmitted to the driving unit 200, the rotation unit 220 of the driving unit 200 rotates, and the force unit 230 forces the tube, and the chemical solution (D) Move .

That is, the reservoir assembly 100 has no additional configuration for moving the plunger 120. By rotating the force unit 230, the chemical solution (D) may be discharged from the reservoir 110 to the needle. Accordingly, since a complicated mechanism for driving the plunger 120 is not required, the reservoir assembly 100 can be configured compactly. Additionally, since the compact reservoir assembly 100 is provided, the overall size of the chemical injection device 10 can be reduced.

Since the reservoir assembly 100 applies a certain pressure to the outside, it can discharge a fixed amount of chemical liquid. In the reservoir assembly 100, the front of the plunger 120 is in contact with the chemical liquid, and the rear 122 is in communication with the outside, so that external atmospheric pressure applies to the rear 122. Referring to FIG. 4, of the internal space of the reservoir 110, the portion connected to the connector 130 is connected to the outside of the reservoir 110. Therefore, the part connected to the connector 130 can always maintain a constant external atmospheric pressure.

The reservoir assembly 100 can always maintain a constant external pressure because the front of the plunger 120 is connected to the outside. Therefore, when a certain driving force is transmitted from the driving unit 200, a certain amount of chemical solution D can be discharged to the needle.

The spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the claims described below, as well as all scopes equivalent to or equivalently changed from the claims, are within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. It will be said that it belongs.

1: Chemical injection system
10: Chemical injection device
110: reservoir
120: plunger
130: connector
130: Guide member
140: Sensing member
150: absence of force

Claims (8)

A reservoir that has an opening in the front and provides a storage space for the chemical solution;
A sensing member provided at the rear of the reservoir;
a plunger inserted into the reservoir and movable between the opening and the sensing member;
It is formed of a coil spring, and the front part is connected to the plunger, and the rear part extends toward the sensing member. As the reservoir is filled with the chemical solution, when the plunger moves to the rear of the reservoir, it contacts the sensing member and detects the sensing member. A connector that conducts electricity with the member; and
It is formed of a coil spring that has a diameter different from that of the connector, but is connected to the plunger at the front and disposed at the rear to contact the rear of the reservoir, and is arranged in parallel with the connector, but is arranged so as not to contact the connector. , a force member that prevents negative pressure from occurring inside the reservoir by forcing the plunger forward when the chemical liquid is discharged from the reservoir.
delete According to claim 1,
The reservoir assembly further includes a plunger holder that is detachable from the plunger and fixed to the front of the connector.
delete delete According to claim 1,
The reservoir assembly wherein the sensing member includes a first terminal and a second terminal, and generates a signal when the connector contacts the first terminal and the second terminal.
According to claim 1,
The reservoir is,
A reservoir assembly comprising a reservoir case and a reservoir cap coupled to the reservoir case at the rear of the reservoir case.
a reservoir assembly in which the chemical liquid is stored;
a needle assembly that discharges the chemical solution; and
a driving unit connected to the reservoir assembly and moving the chemical solution from the reservoir to the needle assembly when driven; Contains,
The reservoir assembly,
A reservoir that has an opening in the front and provides a storage space for the chemical solution;
A sensing member provided at the rear of the reservoir;
a plunger inserted into the reservoir and movable between the opening and the sensing member;
It is formed of a coil spring, and the front part is connected to the plunger, and the rear part extends toward the sensing member. As the reservoir is filled with the chemical solution, when the plunger moves to the rear of the reservoir, it contacts the sensing member and detects the sensing member. A connector that conducts electricity with the member; and
It is formed of a coil spring that has a diameter different from that of the connector, but is connected to the plunger at the front and disposed at the rear to contact the rear of the reservoir, and is arranged in parallel with the connector, but is arranged so as not to contact the connector. , a force member that prevents negative pressure from occurring inside the reservoir by forcing the plunger forward when the chemical solution is discharged from the reservoir.

Images