KR20230076205A - 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 providing a storage space for a liquid medicine, a sensing member provided at the rear of the reservoir, and inserted into the reservoir, between the opening and the sensing member A reservoir assembly may include a movable plunger, and a connector having a front part connected to the plunger and a rear part extending toward the sensing member to conduct electricity with the sensing member according to the movement of the plunger. And, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the reservoir assembly may further include a biasing member for biasing the plunger forward.

Description

Reservoir assembly and apparatus for injecting liquid containing the same

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

In general, a drug solution injection device such as an insulin injection device is used to inject a drug solution into a patient's body. Such a liquid injection device is also used by professional medical personnel such as doctors and nurses, but in most cases, it is used by ordinary people such as patients themselves or their guardians.

In the case of a diabetic patient, especially a pediatric diabetic patient, it is necessary to inject a drug solution such as insulin into the human body at regular intervals. A drug injection device in the form of a patch attached to the human body for a certain period of time is being developed, and this drug injection device can be used while being attached to the body such as the abdomen or waist of a patient for a certain period of time.

In order to increase the effect through drug injection, the drug injection device needs to control the precise injection of the drug into the patient's body, and it is important to precisely inject a small amount of the drug through the small drug injection device.

When attached to the human body, the drug injection device needs to be comfortable to wear, convenient to use, durable, and driven with low power. In particular, since the drug injection device is used by being directly attached to the patient's skin, it is important for the user to drive the drug injection device conveniently and safely.

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

As a means for achieving the above-described technical problem, a reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reservoir having an opening formed at the front and providing a storage space for a chemical solution, and a sensing device 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 having a front portion connected to the plunger and a rear portion extending toward the sensing member and electrically connected to the sensing member as the plunger moves. can include

In one embodiment, a biasing member for biasing the plunger forward may be further included.

In one embodiment, it may further include a plunger holder attached to 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 biasing member may be formed of a coil spring having a front side connected to the plunger and a rear side abutting against a rear side of the reservoir.

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

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

The chemical injection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a reservoir assembly in which the chemical solution is stored, a needle assembly for discharging the chemical solution, and the reservoir assembly, and the reservoir assembly moves from the reservoir to the needle assembly during operation. A driving unit for moving the liquid medicine; A plunger that is movable between the opening and the sensing member, and a connector having a front portion connected to the plunger and a rear portion extending toward the sensing member and electrically connected to the sensing member according to movement of the plunger.

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

The chemical solution injection device and the reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may measure an injection amount of the chemical solution stored in the reservoir. The sensor unit may measure the amount of the chemical solution stored in the reservoir and set the operation of the drug injection device. When the plunger moves linearly inside the reservoir, the connector connected to the plunger also moves and contacts or releases contact with the sensor unit, thereby sensing the amount of chemical liquid stored in the reservoir. The connector may reinforce stiffness and flexibility individually or simultaneously by deforming or processing the shape.

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

The chemical liquid injection device and the reservoir assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention have a simple structure and can measure the amount of chemical liquid stored in the reservoir while reducing the overall size. In addition, when the drug is injected into the user, air is prevented from entering the reservoir to prevent bubbles from being formed in the stored drug solution, and a fixed amount of the drug solution can be safely provided to the user. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects.

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

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. Effects and features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the embodiments described later in detail together 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, and when describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. .

In the following examples, expressions in the singular number include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the following embodiments, terms such as include or have mean that features or components described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

When an embodiment is otherwise implementable, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in an order reverse to the order described.

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

1 is a block diagram showing a chemical solution 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 sensor 40 . In the drug injection system 1, a user can drive and control the system using the user terminal 20, and based on blood sugar information monitored by the biometric information sensor 40, the drug solution injection device 10 administers the drug solution. It can be injected periodically.

Based on the data sensed by the biometric sensor 40, the drug injection device 10 administers drugs to be injected to the user, for example, insulin, glucagon, anesthetics, painkillers, dopamine, growth hormone, smoking cessation aids, and the like. It also performs the function of injecting.

In addition, the liquid medicine injection device 10 may transmit a device status message including information on the remaining battery capacity of the device, whether or not booting of the device was successful, whether injection was successful, etc. to the controller 30 . Messages delivered to the controller may be delivered to the user terminal 20 via the controller 30 . Alternatively, the controller 30 may transmit improved data obtained by processing the received messages to the user terminal 20 .

In one embodiment, the drug injection device 10 is provided separately from the biometric information sensor 40 and may be installed to be spaced apart from the target 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 solution injection device 10 may be mounted on the user's body. Also, in another embodiment, the drug solution injection device 10 may be mounted on an animal to inject the drug solution.

The user terminal 20 may receive an input signal from a user in order to drive and control the drug solution injection system 1 . The user terminal 20 may generate a signal for driving the controller 30 and control the controller 30 to drive the drug injection device 10 . In addition, the user terminal 20 may display biometric information measured by the biometric information sensor 40 and state information of the drug injection device 10 .

The user terminal 20 refers to a communication terminal usable in a wired/wireless communication environment. For example, the user terminal 20 may include a smart phone, 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 reader, It may be a terminal for digital broadcasting, a navigation device, a kiosk, an MP3 player, a digital camera, a home appliance, a device equipped with a camera, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices. Also, the user terminal 2 may be a wearable device having a communication function and a data processing function, such as a watch, glasses, a hair band, and a ring. However, as described above, a terminal equipped with an application capable of internet communication may be borrowed without limitation.

The user terminal 20 may 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 drug solution injection device 10, and the user terminal 20 may be provided to the subject or a third person. Since the user terminal 20 is driven by the guardian, the safety of the drug injection system 1 can be increased.

In another embodiment, the user terminal 20 and the controller 30 may be provided as a single device. The controller 30 provided as one with the user terminal 20 may communicate with the drug injection device 10 to control injection of the drug solution.

The controller 30 performs a function of transmitting and receiving data to and from the drug injection device 10, transmits a control signal related to injection of a drug solution such as insulin to the drug injection device 10, and transmits a blood glucose level from the biometric information sensor 40. It is possible to receive a control signal related to the measurement of a biometric value such as the like.

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

The biometric information sensor 40 may perform a function of measuring biometric values such as a user's blood sugar level, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. according to a purpose. Data measured by the biometric information sensor 40 may be transmitted to the controller 30, and a cycle and/or an 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.

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

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

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

Referring to FIG. 2 , the drug solution injection device 10 is attached to a user to inject the drug solution, and may inject the drug solution stored therein in a predetermined amount to the user.

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

An embodiment of the drug solution injection device 10 may include a housing 11 covering the outside and an attachment portion 12 positioned adjacent to the user's skin. The chemical solution injection device 10 includes a plurality of parts disposed in the inner space between the housing 11 and the attachment part 12 . A separate bonding means may be further interposed between the attachment part 12 and the user's skin, and the drug solution injection device 10 may be fixed to the skin by the bonding means.

The drug injection device 10 may include a reservoir assembly 100, a driving unit 200, a driving module 300, a needle assembly 400, a battery, and the like.

3 is a perspective view of a reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 3, and FIGS. 5 to 7 are a reservoir assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. ) It is a diagram showing the driving of.

The reservoir assembly 100 stores the chemical liquid in at least a part of the internal space, and can discharge the chemical liquid to the needle assembly in a fixed amount using a driving force generated by the operation of a driving unit and a driving module 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 may form an 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 may be accommodated.

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

A part of the internal space of the reservoir 110 is formed as a storage space for the liquid medicine, and the storage space may be defined by the reservoir 110 and the plunger 120.

An opening 111 may be formed at the front of the reservoir 110 . The opening 111 may communicate with the flow path 112 formed in front of the reservoir 110 . The passage 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 passage 112 and communicate with the outlet end 112b through at least a portion of the passage 112 .

A conduit is connected to the outlet end 112b, and the outlet end 112b may be connected to the driving unit through the conduit. The chemical solution stored in the storage space may pass through the opening 111, the flow path 112, the outlet end 112b, and the conduit in order to flow to the needle assembly.

A packing member is provided at the inlet end 112a to prevent leakage of the chemical solution stored in the storage space through the inlet end 112a, but an injection needle (not shown) may be inserted into the packing member to inject the chemical solution. 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 may be defined by the front surface of the reservoir 110 and the plunger 120 in the internal space of the reservoir 110.

The outer circumferential surface of the plunger 120 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir 110 to prevent leakage of the chemical solution stored in the storage space. For example, the plunger 120 may be made of a material having elasticity, such as rubber or silicon, and may come into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir 110 .

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

A rear end 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 detachably or fixedly installed to the plunger 120 may be coupled to the rear of the plunger 120 . A connector fixing part 1211 extending a predetermined length in a hollow state is formed at the rear of the plunger holder 121, and the outer circumference of the connector fixing part 1211 may be covered by the connector 130. At this time, the hook part 130a formed in the front of the connector 130 is inserted and fixed into the fixing part 1211 through the fastening slit 1211a formed in at least a part of the connector fixing part 1211, so that the plunger holder 121 and Coupling of the connector 130 may be strengthened. For example, the fastening slit 1211a is formed in the connector fixing part 1211 in a shape in which the front end is bent, approximately 'L', so that the hook part 130a is fixed at the bent portion of the fastening slit 1211a In this state, the plunger holder 121 and the connector 130 may 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 may connect the plunger 120 and the connector 130.

As the plunger 120 and the connector 130 are connected, the connector 130 may 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, connector 130 may be a coiled or helical spring. However, in the following, for convenience of description, an embodiment of the connector 130 provided as a coiled spring as shown in the drawings will be mainly described.

The connector 130 may reinforce stiffness and flexibility individually or simultaneously by deforming or processing a shape.

The connector 130 may have flexibility and elasticity. The connector 130 may be compressed and restored by an external force. When the plunger 120 moves backward, the connector 130 also moves, but when the rear of the connector 130 is pressed, the connector 130 is compressed and the plunger 120 continues to move a predetermined distance. Also, 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 formed of a metal material. The connector 130 may be formed of a metal spring and may have predetermined 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 has conductivity, when in contact with the sensing member 140 provided at the rear of the reservoir 110, the sensing member 140 may be energized.

The number of turns in the front and rear portions of the connector 130 is increased, or the front and rear ends of the connector 130 are ground, so that connection with the plunger holder 121 and contact with the sensing member 140 may be advantageous.

The sensing member 140 may be provided behind the reservoir 110 . The sensing member 140 is a component of a sensor unit for detecting the drug being injected into the storage space. Here, the sensor unit may be provided with various sensors capable of sensing the position of a part. For example, the sensor unit may be provided with various types of sensors such as an optical sensor and a contact sensor. However, hereinafter, for convenience of description, the sensor unit will be described based on an embodiment in which the contact sensor is 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 kept apart from each other to form an open circuit to the sensor unit. The connector 130 may form a closed circuit with respect to the sensor unit by shorting the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b while contacting the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b. That is, the connector 130 may make an electrical connection by contacting the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b.

When the connector 130 is electrically connected to the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b, the control module may generate a signal.

The operation of the reservoir assembly 100 can be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 . 5 shows a state before the chemical solution D flows into the reservoir 110, FIG. 6 shows a state that the chemical solution D flows into the reservoir 110, and FIG. 7 shows a state in which the chemical solution D flows into the reservoir 110 A state in which all of the chemical solution D may be introduced.

As shown, in the inner space of the reservoir 110 formed by combining the reservoir case 110a and the reservoir cap 110b, the plunger 120, the plunger holder 121, the connector 130 and the sensing member (140) may be acceptable. An opening 111 may be formed at the 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.

The plunger 120 may be inserted into the inner space of the reservoir 110 so that the front faces the opening 111 . A fixed plunger holder 121 coupled to the connector 130 may be coupled to the rear of the plunger 120 .

<Process of introducing the chemical solution (D) into the reservoir 110>

In the order of FIGS. 5 to 7 , the chemical solution D may be stored in the reservoir 110 . While the chemical liquid D is stored in the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 may move from the front to the rear, 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 is introduced into the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 has a front side of the plunger 120 and a front side of the reservoir 110 in which the opening 111 is formed. It may be located at the contacting first position (P-1). At this time, a storage space may not be formed in the inner 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 lengths (second length L2) from the front side of the connector 130 to the first terminals 140a and the second terminals 140b, and the rear side of the connector 130 is the first terminal. (140a) and the second terminal (140b) may be spaced apart from each other 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 liquid D introduced through the inlet may flow into the reservoir 110 through the opening 111 along the flow path 112 . As the chemical liquid D flows into the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 moves backward inside the reservoir 110, and a storage space is formed, which can gradually increase.

When the plunger 120 is positioned 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 the first terminal 140a. ) and the second terminal 140b. In this case, the fourth length L4 may be equal to the third length L3. When the rear side of the connector 130 contacts the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b, the connector 130 short-circuits and electrically connects 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 may 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 (eg 10%, 20%). %, 30%, etc.). The first reference amount may vary according to the third length L3.

Upon recognizing that the chemical solution D is stored in the reservoir 110 as the set first reference amount, the controller may wake up the chemical solution injection device in the first mode (AWAKE). That is, the controller may confirm that a certain amount of the chemical liquid D is stored in the reservoir 110, and may start to partially drive the chemical liquid injection device to preheat. also. Through the user terminal 20 or the like, the user may be notified that the reservoir 110 stores the chemical solution D as much as the preset first reference amount, so that the user may be notified in advance to use the chemical solution injection device.

Referring to FIG. 7, as the chemical liquid 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 any more or the plunger holder 121 may stop at a third position P-3 moved by a fifth distance L5 from the first position P-1 due to contact with the rear of the reservoir 110 or the like. At this time, the storage space may be formed to the maximum. Further, the rear of the connector 130 maintains a state in contact with the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b to electrically connect the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b. .

Thereafter, the controller may inject the drug solution D into the patient in the second mode.

<The process of discharging the chemical solution (D) 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) starts, 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 a conduit connected to the outlet end. . While the chemical liquid 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- 1) can be moved.

In the process of discharging the chemical solution D to 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.

As an example, the controller may activate the third mode when the electrical connection between the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b is disconnected. If the connector 130 maintains contact with the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b and is separated, the electrical connection between the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b may be disconnected. When the electrical connection between the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b is disconnected, the controller may recognize a specific event of the reservoir assembly 100 .

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

The second reference amount may be defined as the amount of the chemical liquid D set by the controller at the time of driving in the third mode. The controller informs the user that the amount of the chemical solution D remaining in the reservoir 110 is the preset second reference 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 storage amount of the chemical solution D as the second reference amount. That is, the second reference amount may be set equal to the amount of the chemical liquid D stored in the actual 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 Since the positions where ) and the terminals 140a and 140b of the sensing member 140 contact each other and the positions where they are separated are the same, the first reference amount and the second reference amount may be set to be the same.

In another embodiment, the first reference amount may be set to a storage amount of the 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 the same as the amount of the liquid chemical D stored in the reservoir 110 . However, the second reference amount is the chemical solution (D) recognized by the controller at the time when the third mode starts (at least one contact between the connector 130 and the first terminal 140a and the second terminal 140b is separated). The amount of may be set to be smaller than the amount of the chemical solution D actually remaining in the reservoir 110.

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

Since the remaining amount of the chemical solution D is important in the third mode, the controller can calculate the injected amount of the chemical solution D and the remaining amount of the chemical solution D in the reservoir 110 very precisely in the third mode. In the third mode, the controller accurately measures the rotation angle of the driving unit and the moving distance of the plunger 120 based on the data obtained from the encoder or the like, and the discharge amount of the chemical solution D and the chemical solution remaining in the reservoir 110 ( D) The amount can be strictly calculated. The residual amount of the chemical solution D accurately calculated in the third mode is delivered to the user in real time, so that the user can recognize the danger.

In one embodiment, the chemical solution injection device may accurately count the amount of the chemical solution D left in the reservoir 110 only in the third mode. In the second mode, since the amount of the chemical solution D stored in the reservoir 110 exceeds a preset range (ie, the second reference amount), the amount of the chemical solution D in the reservoir 110 is not accurately counted, In the third mode, the amount of the chemical solution D stored in the reservoir 110 may be quantitatively counted. Since the amount of the chemical solution D stored in the chemical solution injection device is accurately counted only at the level at which an alarm is required, the control load of the drug solution injection device can be reduced.

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

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

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

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

8 to 9, the reservoir assembly 100 further includes a force member 150, and the force member 150 can be fixed to the rear of the reservoir 110 or to 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 circumferential surface of the force member fixing part 1101 to secure a fixing force.

In the inner space provided by the reservoir 110, the biasing member 150 is disposed at a position from the rear of the plunger 120 to the rear of the reservoir 110 to bias the plunger 120 forward. there is. In one embodiment, the pressing member 150 may be disposed to press the plunger 120 forward while the front side is connected to the plunger 120 and the rear side is fixed to the pressing member fixing part 1101 . 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 biasing member 150 may be a coiled or helical spring. However, in the following, for convenience of description, an embodiment of the biasing member 150 provided as a coiled spring as shown in the drawings will be mainly described. Also, the force member 150 may not have conductivity so as not to form an electrical connection with the sensing member 140 .

The biasing member 150 may extend rearward while the front is connected to the plunger holder 121, but may not interfere with the connector 130. In one embodiment, the biasing member 150 may be formed of a coil spring having a smaller diameter than the connector 130, and thus the biasing member 150 and the connector 130 may be coupled to the plunger holder 121, respectively. At this time, the pressing member 150 is inserted inside the connector fixing part 1211, and the connector 130 surrounds the outer circumferential 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 pressing member 150 is disposed inside the connector 130, so that the pressing member 150 and the connector 130 may not interfere with each other even while being compressed.

Referring to the drawings, a configuration in which the biasing member 150 has a diameter smaller than that of the connector 130 and is disposed inside the connector 130 is described, but the connector 130 may contact the sensing member 140 Under configuration, the placement of the force member 150 and the connector 130 can be interchanged.

5 to 7, while the chemical solution is stored in the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 moves from the front to the rear, preferably from the first position (P-1) to the third position (P-3). 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 up to P-1). That is, the plunger 120 may be moved by the chemical solution flowing into and out of the reservoir 110 through the opening 111 .

However, while the chemical liquid is flowing out of the reservoir 110, the plunger 120 may not move as much as the amount of liquid flowing out due to the friction formed between the outer circumferential surface of the plunger 120 and the inner circumferential surface of the reservoir 110. can If the movement of the plunger 120 corresponding to the outflowing chemical solution is not smooth, a negative pressure is formed in the storage space and external gas is introduced, and bubbles may be formed in the chemical solution stored in the storage space. The urging member 150 may prevent bubbles from being generated in the chemical solution stored in the storage space during the outflow of the chemical solution by forcing the plunger 120 forward.

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

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

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

The base 210 supports the driving unit 200 and may form an exterior. 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 on the base 210.

The base 210 may have a guide part 215 . The guide part 215 extends along the circumferential direction of the second rotating 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 a curved section of the tube 240 . In addition, another part of the guide part 215 may also extend in a straight section of the tube 240 .

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

In one embodiment, the guide part 215 may be disposed outside the curved section, and the region where the force unit 230 applies pressure to the tube 240 may be disposed inside the curved section.

The drawing shows an embodiment in which the guide unit 215 is disposed outside the tube 240 and the force unit 230 is disposed inside the tube 240, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the guide unit disposed inside the tube, and the force unit may be disposed outside the tube.

The rotating unit 220 is mounted on the front of the base 210 and can rotate by receiving driving force from the driving module 300 . The rotating unit 220 contacts the end of the driving piece 250, but may 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 capable of receiving driving force from the driving module 300 and rotating at least some components to rotate the force unit 230 .

In one embodiment, a plurality of members of the rotation unit 220 may be connected in a driving manner. The rotation unit 220 may include a first rotation member 221 and a second rotation member 222 .

The first rotating 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 rotating member 222 may be connected to the first rotating member 221 and rotate according to the rotation of the first rotating member 221 . The second rotating member 222 has a plate shape and can rotate around 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 chemical liquid inside the tube 240 is discharged in a fixed amount according to the rotation angle of the force unit 230 when the second rotating member 222 rotates. 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 exert force on the tube 240 while rotating about the second axis AX2 . The urging unit 230 may energize the tube 240 so that the tube 240 is compressed at the contact point when contacting the curved section of the tube 240 .

The force unit 230 may include a plurality of rollers. When the driving unit 200 is driven, at least one force unit may be disposed in the curved section. More preferably, when the force unit 230 rotates, at least two or more force units may form force points in a curved section.

As described above, at a point where the urging portion of the urging unit 230 and the tube 240 come into contact, the tube is compressed by the urging portion, so that the inner sectional area of the tube 240 is zero. Since at least two stress points are formed in the curved section, a fixed amount of liquid medicine may be discharged according to the rotation angle of the second rotation member 222 .

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

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

One end of the tube 240 is connected to the first conduit PI1 so that the liquid medicine in the reservoir 110 can move. The other end of the tube 240 may be connected to the second conduit PI2 and discharged through a needle of the needle assembly 400 .

The drive piece 250 may be disposed between the drive module 300 and the rotation unit 220 to transmit driving force generated by the drive module 300 to the rotation unit 220 . The drive piece 250 is connected to the drive shaft 310 and may linearly reciprocate according to the movement of the drive shaft 310 .

As the driving module 300 , all types of devices having a power to suck in the chemical solution and to discharge the chemical solution by electricity may be used.

For example, all types of pumps such as mechanical displacement micropumps and electromagnetic motion micropumps may be used as the driving module 300 . The mechanical displacement type micropump is a pump that uses the movement of solids or fluids such as gears or diagrams to create a pressure difference to induce fluid flow. Diaphragm displacement pumps, fluid displacement pumps ), and rotary pumps. An electrokinetic micropump is a pump that uses energy in the form of electricity or magnetism directly to move a fluid, and includes an electrohydrodynamic pump (EHD), an electroosmotic pump, and a magnetohydrodynamic pump ( Magneto hydrodynamic pump) and Electro wetting pump.

In the drug solution injection device 10, the drug solution D is discharged from the reservoir 110 to the needle assembly 400 by driving the driving unit 200. When the driving force generated by 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 applies pressure to the tube, while the chemical solution D move the

That is, the reservoir assembly 100 does not have an additional component for moving the plunger 120. By rotation of the force unit 230, the chemical solution D may be discharged from the reservoir 110 to the needle. Therefore, since a complicated mechanism for driving the plunger 120 is not required, the reservoir assembly 100 can be compactly configured. In addition, since the compact reservoir assembly 100 is provided, the overall size of the chemical solution injection device 10 can be reduced.

Since the reservoir assembly 100 applies a constant pressure to the outside, it is possible to discharge the chemical solution in a fixed amount. 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 the external atmospheric pressure applies to the rear 122. Referring to FIG. 4 , a portion of the internal space of the reservoir 110 connected to the connector 130 is connected to the outside of the reservoir 110 . Therefore, the portion connected to the connector 130 can always maintain a constant external atmospheric pressure.

Since the front of the plunger 120 is connected to the outside of the reservoir assembly 100, a constant external pressure can always be maintained. As a result, when a certain driving force is transmitted from the drive unit 200, a certain amount of the chemical solution D may be discharged through the needle.

The spirit of the present invention should not be limited to the above-described embodiments and should not be determined, and not only the claims to be described later, but also all ranges equivalent to or equivalently changed to these claims fall within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. would be said to belong.

1: liquid medicine injection system
10: chemical solution injection device
110: reservoir
120: plunger
130: connector
130: guide member
140: sensing member
150: absence of force

Claims (8)

a reservoir having an opening formed in the front thereof and providing a storage space for a liquid medicine;
a sensing member provided behind the reservoir;
a plunger inserted into the reservoir and movable between the opening and the sensing member; and
A reservoir assembly comprising: a connector having a front portion connected to the plunger and a rear portion extending toward the sensing member and electrically connected to the sensing member according to movement of the plunger.
According to claim 1,
A reservoir assembly further comprising; a urging member for urging the plunger forward.
According to claim 1,
Detachable from the plunger, further comprising a plunger holder to which the front of the connector is fixed, the reservoir assembly.
According to claim 1,
The reservoir assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector is formed of a coil spring.
According to claim 2,
The urging member is formed of a coil spring, the front of which is connected to the plunger and the rear is disposed to come into contact with the rear of the reservoir.
According to claim 1,
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,
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 a liquid medicine is stored;
a needle assembly for discharging the liquid medicine; and
a driving unit connected to the reservoir assembly and moving the liquid medicine from the reservoir to the needle assembly when driven; include,
The reservoir assembly,
a reservoir having an opening formed in the front thereof and providing a storage space for a liquid medicine;
a sensing member provided behind the reservoir;
a plunger inserted into the reservoir and movable between the opening and the sensing member; and
and a connector having a front portion connected to the plunger and a rear portion extending toward the sensing member and electrically connected to the sensing member according to movement of the plunger.

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