JP7448306B2 - microneedle applicator - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a microneedle applicator that can puncture the skin with microneedles for transdermally transmitting drugs and the like.

Transdermal drug administration methods such as subcutaneous injection and intravenous injection have been known. Transdermal drug administration through injection has the advantage of being more effective than oral drug administration, such as being more quickly effective and not being degraded by enzymes, but it is also invasive. It was often painful.

Therefore, a transdermal drug administration method using a microneedle has been proposed. In other words, drugs are administered transdermally by puncturing the skin with a microneedle coated with a drug, or by puncturing the skin with a hollow microneedle and injecting the drug through the lumen provided in the microneedle. can be done. By adopting a drug administration method using microneedles, it is believed that less painful transdermal treatment is possible. As a device for puncturing the skin with such microneedles, for example, a microneedle applicator as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-511105 (Patent Document 1) is known.

By the way, such a microneedle applicator is equipped with, for example, a housing and a biasing means housed in the housing, and the microneedle attached to the applicator protrudes from the housing by the biasing means and is applied to the patient. It is designed to puncture the skin. In other words, in such a microneedle applicator, the biasing means such as a compression coil spring is restored and deformed, and the microneedle is only instantaneously punctured. In some cases, the dose was not sufficient. Therefore, there has been a need for a microneedle applicator that can more reliably administer drugs transdermally.

Note that Patent Document 1 discloses a mode in which an additional plunger element is continuously impacted or collided with a first plunger element (microneedle) using a plurality of springs for the purpose of improving penetration. Proposed. However, when such a structure is adopted, a shocking external force is applied to the microneedles, which may cause the patient to feel discomfort such as pain.

Special table 2016-511105 publication

The present invention has been made against the background of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its objective is to more reliably administer drugs transdermally while suppressing discomfort such as pain felt by patients. The object of the present invention is to provide a microneedle applicator with a novel structure.

Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention made to solve such problems will be described. Note that the constituent elements employed in each aspect described below can be employed in any possible combination.

A first aspect of the present invention is a microneedle applicator in which microneedles are protruded from a housing by a biasing means , in which a protruding member disposed movably in the puncturing direction of the microneedles is moved in the protruding direction by the biasing means. When the microneedles are moved to the housing, the microneedles are protruded from the housing, and a buffer means comprising a compression spring member disposed on the proximal end side of the protrusion member and elastically deformed in the protrusion direction is provided. By continuously applying an additional external force in the protrusion direction to the microneedles protruded from the housing by the biasing means through the buffering means , the biasing means causes the microneedles to be applied to the skin. A buffering external force applying mechanism is provided for further pressing the punctured microneedles against the skin , and the buffering external force applying mechanism is provided with an additional external force generating member that generates the additional external force, and the additional external force generating member The additional external force generated by the microneedles is applied to the microneedles via the buffer means .

According to the microneedle applicator having the structure according to this aspect, since an additional external force is continuously applied to the microneedles that protrude from the housing and puncture the skin, the state of puncture of the microneedles into the skin can be maintained, thereby stabilizing transdermal administration of the drug. Further, since an additional external force is applied to the punctured microneedles via the buffer means, the effect of the impact force on the microneedles is reduced, and the patient's discomfort such as pain can be alleviated.

Further, according to the microneedle applicator having the structure according to this aspect, since the microneedle applicator is provided with an additional external force generating member, there is no need for the user to apply a large additional external force from the outside.

In a second aspect of the present invention, in the microneedle applicator according to the first aspect, the additional external force generating member is constituted by a compression spring member that generates the additional external force by being held in a compressed state. The additional external force on the compression spring member is applied to the buffer means via the pressing force transmission member, and a movement locking mechanism that prevents movement of the pressing force transmission member is releasable. It is provided.

According to the microneedle applicator having the structure according to this aspect, it becomes possible to control the action of an additional external force on the microneedles by using the pressurizing force transmission member.
A third aspect of the present invention is the microneedle applicator according to the first or second aspect, wherein the buffer means is constituted by the biasing means.
According to the microneedle applicator having the structure according to this aspect, by configuring the buffer means and the urging means from the same member, the structure can be simplified and the number of parts can be reduced.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a microneedle applicator in which a microneedle is projected from a housing by a biasing means , in which a protrusion member disposed movably in the puncturing direction of the microneedle is moved in the protruding direction by the biasing means. When the microneedles are moved to the housing, the microneedles are protruded from the housing, and a buffer means comprising a compression spring member disposed on the proximal end side of the protrusion member and elastically deformed in the protrusion direction is provided. By continuously applying an additional external force in the protrusion direction to the microneedles protruded from the housing by the biasing means via the buffer means, the biasing means punctures the skin. The buffering external force applying mechanism further presses the applied microneedles against the skin, and the buffering external force applying mechanism includes an additional external force operating member that applies the additional external force by an operation from the outside, The additional external force exerted by the external force operating member is applied to the microneedles via the buffer means.

According to the microneedle applicator having the structure according to this aspect, it is possible to appropriately and easily change or adjust the additional external force applied from the outside through the additional external force operating member.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the microneedle applicator according to the fourth aspect, which is provided with a releasable operation lock mechanism that prevents operation of the additional external force operation member.

According to the microneedle applicator having the structure according to this aspect, the operation locking mechanism can prevent unintended application of additional external force by the additional external force operating member.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the microneedle applicator according to the fourth or fifth aspect, in which the operation surface from the outside of the additional external force operation member extends from the surface of the housing at least in the storage state before puncturing. It is set in a position that is inside.

According to the microneedle applicator structured according to this aspect, unintended operation of the additional external force operating member can be more effectively prevented at least in the stored state.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the microneedle applicator according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the buffer means is constituted by an elastic member different from the biasing means. be.

According to the microneedle applicator structured according to the present aspect, for example, when the buffer means and the biasing means are composed of different elastic members, the elasticity, etc. of the buffer means and the biasing means can be adjusted separately. configurability, and the degree of freedom in designing the applicator can be improved.

According to the microneedle applicator structured according to the present invention, additional external force is applied to the microneedles punctured into the skin in a buffering manner, so that the drug can be administered more reliably while suppressing discomfort such as pain felt by the patient. Can be administered cutaneously.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a microneedle applicator according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a stored state before use. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional perspective view of a main part of the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 1, and is an explanatory diagram for explaining movement restricting means that prevents the movable cylinder from moving toward the housing side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 1 in its initial state before use, with the cap and cover removed from the housing, from the bottom side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 4 with the puncture rod pushed into the housing. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a case for holding microneedles is being attached to the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 6 in which a case for holding microneedles is attached. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 7 with the case cover removed from the case holding the microneedles. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 8 from a plane side. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line XX in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 9 in a state where the movable cylinder is pushed into the housing. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12; FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 1 in a state where microneedles are punctured. FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 14 with the outer housing removed, and is an explanatory diagram for explaining a movement locking mechanism that prevents movement of the pressurizing force transmission member. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which an additional external force is applied to the microneedle after puncturing in the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a microneedle applicator as a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a microneedle puncturing preparation state. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 18 with the outer housing and cylinder lock removed, and is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation lock mechanism that prevents operation of the additional external force operation member. FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the microneedle shown in FIG. 18. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the microneedle shown in FIG. 18, showing a state after puncturing the microneedle and before applying an additional external force. FIG. FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the microneedle shown in FIG. 21. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which an additional external force is applied to the microneedle after puncturing in the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 18. FIG. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a microneedle applicator according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a stored state before use. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 24 with the cap and cover removed and the puncture rod pushed into the housing side. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a puncturing state of a microneedle in the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 24; 25 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which an additional external force is applied to the microneedle in the microneedle applicator shown in FIG. 24. FIG.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the present invention more specifically, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 1 shows a microneedle applicator (hereinafter referred to as an applicator) 10 as a first embodiment of the present invention. Note that in FIG. 1, the applicator 10 is shown in a state before use, for example, in a stored state where it is distributed on the market as a product and provided to users. This applicator 10 includes a housing 12 and a puncture spring 14 as a biasing means housed in the housing 12. The biasing force of the puncture spring 14 causes microneedles 16 (see FIG. 8, etc.) It is possible to make the needle protrude from the housing 12 and puncture the skin. Thereby, the drug applied to the microneedles 16 is administered transdermally to the patient. In the following description, the vertical direction refers to the vertical direction in FIG. 1, which is the direction in which the puncture rod 18 moves as the puncture spring 14 is deformed, which will be described later. Further, the upper side refers to the upper side in FIG. 1, which is the side that the user grips and presses when the applicator 10 is pressed against the patient's skin (the side far from the skin), while the lower side refers to the side where the applicator 10 is held and pressed against the patient's skin. This refers to the lower side in Figure 1, which is the side where is located. Further, the front refers to the left side in FIG. 1, which is the direction in which the puncture button 122 and the pressure button 172, which will be described later, protrude from the housing 12, while the rear refers to the direction in which the puncture button 122 and the pressure button 172 are pushed. This refers to the right side in Figure 1, which is the direction.

More specifically, the applicator 10 includes a housing 12 that is generally shaped like an upside-down cylinder with a bottom and opens downward. In this embodiment, as also shown in FIG. 2, the housing 12 includes an outer housing 20 located on the outer circumferential side and an inner housing 22 located on the inner circumferential side. In addition, in the applicator 10, each member other than the spring is preferably formed of hard synthetic resin or the like.

The outer housing 20 as a whole has an inverted substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that opens downward, and a peripheral wall 26 extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper bottom wall 24 . The upper bottom wall portion 24 has a substantially annular shape or a substantially annular regular octagonal shape in plan view, and has a dome shape that bulges upward. A through hole 28 is formed. In addition, in the upper bottom wall portion 24, on the outer circumferential side of the through hole 28, a substantially rectangular window portion 29 penetrating in the vertical direction (see FIG. ) is formed. A substantially straight cylindrical peripheral wall portion 26 is integrally formed downward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper bottom wall portion 24.

Furthermore, a locking pawl 30 that projects downward is provided at the opening periphery of the through hole 28 of the upper bottom wall portion 24 . The locking pawl 30 is elastically deformable in the radial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) that is perpendicular to the axis of the housing 12. In addition, in this embodiment, the four locking claws 30 are formed at approximately equal intervals (approximately every 90 degrees) on the circumference.

Further, in the upper bottom wall portion 24, on the outer peripheral side of the locking pawl 30 (between the locking pawl 30 and the peripheral wall portion 26 in the radial direction), there are two flat or curved plate-shaped support walls that protrude downward. 32a and 32b are formed to face each other in the radial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1). That is, a support wall portion 32a is provided on one side of the applicator 10 with members such as the puncture spring 14 and the puncture rod 18 provided at the center thereof interposed therebetween, and a support wall portion 32b is provided on the other side. There is. In this embodiment, the vertical dimension of one of the supporting wall parts 32a is larger than the vertical dimension of the other supporting wall part 32b. Note that a guide protrusion 34 (see FIG. 3, etc.) that protrudes toward the outer circumference is formed in the widthwise (circumferential) center portion of one of the support wall portions 32a, extending in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, a puncture button hole 36 and a pressure button hole 38 are formed in the vertically intermediate portion of the outer housing 20 to penetrate through the upper bottom wall portion 24 and/or the peripheral wall portion 26 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, both the holes 36 and 38 have substantially horizontally elongated rectangular shapes, and are arranged in parallel and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on a part of the circumference (left side in FIG. 1). There is. In particular, in this embodiment, the puncture button hole 36 has a slightly larger size than the pressure button hole 38, and is located below the pressure button hole 38.

On the other hand, the inner housing 22 is generally smaller than the outer housing 20 and has an inverted substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom. That is, a lid portion 40 having substantially the same shape as the through hole 28 of the outer housing 20 is provided at the upper end portion of the inner housing 22 . A locking hole 42 penetrating in the radial direction is provided below the lid portion 40 at a position corresponding to the locking claw 30 of the outer housing 20. Further, on the inner surface (lower surface) of the lid part 40, a substantially cylindrical or polygonal pillar-shaped spring support part 46 that supports a pressure spring 88 as an additional external force generating member, which will be described later, is integrally provided and projects downward. ing. In this embodiment, the lower end of the spring support portion 46 reaches the vertically intermediate portion of the housing 12 (the vertically intermediate portion of the peripheral wall portion 26 in the outer housing 20).

Furthermore, the peripheral wall portion extending downward from the outer periphery of the lid portion 40 is provided with a step in the middle portion in the height direction, and the portion below the step is a peripheral wall portion 48 having a large diameter. This peripheral wall portion 48 has a substantially rounded rectangular shape or a substantially regular octagonal shape, and includes a wall portion 50a located inside the support wall portion 32a of the outer housing 20, and a wall located inside the support wall portion 32b. A portion 50b and a pair of wall portions 50c, 50c interconnecting the wall portions 50a, 50b located opposite to each other in the radial direction. Further, the outer surface of the wall portion 50a is a vertical plane extending from the upper end to near the lower end below the step, and a contact surface extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis is formed at the lower end of the vertical plane.

Further, a guide groove 52 (see FIG. 10, etc.) is formed in the inner surface of the wall portion 50a at substantially the center in the width direction, extending below the level difference over substantially the entire length in the vertical direction and opening inward. Furthermore, the above-mentioned locking holes 42 are formed in each of the wall portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50c constituting the peripheral wall portion 48, respectively, located above the step. Further, the wall portion 50b is provided with a notch 54 extending downward from the locking hole 42, and the wall portions 50c, 50c are provided with notches 56, 56 extending downward from the locking hole 42, 42. It is provided. Further, in this embodiment, ribs extending in the vertical direction are partially provided on each outer surface of the wall portions 50b, 50c, and 50c. Further, at the lower end of the inner housing 22, a collar portion 58 whose inner periphery is widened and projects downward is formed.

The housing 12 is constructed by inserting and assembling the above-described inner housing 22 into the above-described outer housing 20 from below. Further, the lid portion 40 of the inner housing 22 is fitted into the through hole 28 of the outer housing 20, and each of the locking claws 30 is locked in the locking hole 42.

In both the outer and inner housings 20 and 22, the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the through hole 28 and the lid portion 40 overlap in the radial direction and have a non-circular shape (in this embodiment, each has a substantially regular octagonal shape). This allows for positioning in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the locking action of the locking pawl 30 on the locking hole 42 and the contact between the lower end of the support wall 32a of the outer housing 20 and the abutting surface formed at the lower end of the wall 50a of the inner housing 22 Due to this action, the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 22 are fixed in a vertically positioned position. In this fixed state, the upper end surface of the outer housing 20 (the upper end surface of the upper bottom wall section 24) and the upper end surface of the inner housing 22 (the upper end surface of the lid section 40) are at approximately the same position in the vertical direction. There is.

Furthermore, a puncture rod 18 is arranged inside the housing 12 . In the present embodiment, the puncture rod 18 has a cylindrical portion 60 and a bottom wall portion 62, and has a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that extends in the vertical direction as a whole. The outer peripheral shape of the cylindrical portion 60 is slightly smaller than the inner peripheral shape of the peripheral wall portion 48 of the inner housing 22.

The cylindrical portion 60 includes wall portions 64a, 64b, 64c, and 64c that face the wall portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50c in the radial direction on the inner peripheral side of the inner housing 22, respectively. Note that a guide protrusion 66 is provided at approximately the center in the width direction of the wall portion 64a to protrude outward, extending over approximately the entire length in the vertical direction. Further, a through window 68 is formed in the upper portion of the wall portion 64b so as to pass through the wall portion 64b. Furthermore, a positioning protrusion 70 that protrudes outward is provided at each upper end portion of the wall portion 64c.

Furthermore, the bottom wall portion 62 has a substantially disk shape with an outer diameter larger than that of the cylindrical portion 60, and protrudes like a flange at the lower end of the puncture rod 18. A substantially cylindrical spring support portion 71 is provided on the top surface of the bottom wall portion 62 and projects into the cylindrical portion 60 to support the lower end of the puncture spring 14 .

The puncture rod 18 as described above is inserted into the peripheral wall portion 48 of the inner housing 22 from below and assembled in the cylindrical portion 60. Further, a guide protrusion 66 provided on the outer surface of the wall portion 64a of the cylindrical portion 60 is inserted into the guide groove 52 provided on the inner surface of the wall portion 50a of the peripheral wall portion 48, and a guide groove 66 provided on the outer surface of the wall portion 64a of the cylindrical portion 60 is inserted. A positioning protrusion 70 provided on the wall portion 64c is inserted into the notch 56 provided therein. As a result, the lid portion 40 of the inner housing 22 and the puncture rod 18 face each other in the vertical direction, and the puncture rod 18 and the inner housing 22 are movable in the vertical direction, that is, they approach each other and move away from each other. It is said that relative movement is possible in the direction of

Note that the outer diameter of the bottom wall portion 62 of the puncture rod 18 is smaller than the inner diameter of the collar portion 58 of the inner housing 22, and the upward moving end of the puncture rod 18 with respect to the inner housing 22 is, for example, at the bottom. It can be defined by the outer peripheral portion of the wall portion 62 hitting the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 48, or by the puncture rod 18 coming into contact with a pressurizing rod 72 as a pressurizing force transmitting member, which will be described later. Further, the downward movement end of the puncture rod 18 with respect to the inner housing 22 may be defined by, for example, the positioning protrusion 70 hitting the lower end of the notch 56.

Furthermore, a pressurizing rod 72 as a pressurizing force transmitting member is disposed between the puncture rod 18 and the inner housing 22 in the vertical direction. The pressure rod 72 as a whole has a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape that opens upward, and includes a cylindrical portion 74 that extends in the vertical direction, and a substantially circular bottom plate that closes the lower opening of the cylindrical portion 74. 76. The outer diameter of this cylindrical portion 74 is smaller than the inner dimension of the cylindrical portion 60 in the puncture rod 18, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 74 is set to a spring support that projects downward from the lid portion 40. The outer dimensions of the portion 46 are larger than those of the portion 46 .

The upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 74 has an outer cylindrical portion 78 that extends downward so as to be folded back toward the outer periphery, and there is a space between the cylindrical portion 74 and the outer cylindrical portion 78 in the radial direction. A substantially annular spring support portion 80 is formed which opens downward and supports the upper end portion of the puncture spring 14 .

Note that a thick wall portion 82 with an increased thickness is provided on a part of the circumference of the outer cylinder portion 78 (on the left side in FIG. During assembly, the thick portion 82 is inserted into the guide groove 52 provided on the inner surface of the wall portion 50a of the inner housing 22. Thereby, the inner housing 22 and the pressure rod 72 are positioned relative to each other in the circumferential direction, and are movable while being guided in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, locking protrusions 84 that protrude toward the outer circumferential side are provided on both sides of the outer circumferential cylinder portion 78 in one radial direction (both sides in the front and back direction of the paper in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, these locking protrusions 84, 84 are formed at positions corresponding to the notches 56, 56 provided in the walls 50c, 50c of the inner housing 22, and the inner housing 22 and the pressure rod 72, each locking protrusion 84 is located within the respective notch 56. In particular, in this embodiment, a locking projection 84 is formed on the upper end surface of the locking projection 84 in the direction of movement of a pressurizing button 172 (direction from left to right in FIG. 1), which will be described later. A sloped surface 86 is formed that slopes in a direction in which the thickness dimension (vertical dimension) decreases.

These inner housing 22, puncture rod 18, and pressure rod 72 are assembled to each other. That is, the spring support portion 46 protruding downward from the lid portion 40 of the inner housing 22 is inserted from above into the cylindrical portion 74 of the pressure rod 72, and the cylindrical portion 74 is inserted into the puncture rod 18. The inner housing 22, the puncture rod 18, and the pressure rod 72 are arranged substantially coaxially and in series in the vertical direction. ing.

Further, a puncture spring 14, which is a compression coil spring, is disposed between the puncture rod 18 and the pressure rod 72 in the vertical direction. That is, the puncture spring 14 is externally inserted into the cylindrical part 74 of the pressure rod 72 and inserted into the cylindrical part 60 of the puncture rod 18, so that the upper end portion of the puncture spring 14 is inserted into the spring support part 80 of the pressure rod 72. On the other hand, the lower end portion of the puncture spring 14 is fixed to the spring support portion 71 of the puncture rod 18. As a result, the puncture spring 14 is compressed, and a downward biasing force is applied to the puncture rod 18. Note that in the stored state of the applicator 10 shown in FIG. 1 or in the initial state (see FIG. 4, described later) in which the cover 194 and cap 192, which will be described later, are removed from the state shown in FIG. has been done.

Furthermore, a pressurizing spring 88 as an additional external force generating member is disposed between the pressurizing rod 72 and the inner housing 22 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the pressure spring 88 is constituted by a compression spring member (compression coil spring). That is, the pressure spring 88 is externally inserted into the spring support portion 46 of the inner housing 22 and inserted into the cylindrical portion 74 of the pressure rod 72, so that the upper end portion of the pressure spring 88 is inserted into the lid portion of the inner housing 22. 40 , while the lower end portion of the pressure spring 88 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 76 of the pressure rod 72 . As a result, the pressure spring 88 is compressed, and a downward biasing force is applied to the pressure rod 72. Note that the pressure spring 88 is already assembled in a compressed state in the storage state shown in FIG.

Furthermore, a movable cylinder 90 having a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole is attached to the housing 12 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 92 has a substantially octagonal shape.

Further, an insertion port 94 is provided on a portion of the circumference of the peripheral wall portion 92 (left side in FIG. 1). This inlet 94 is shaped like a cutout window that is open downward. As will be described later, the user can easily insert his or her fingers into the movable cylinder 90 from the outside side of the movable cylinder 90 through the insertion opening 94 .

Further, a contact plate portion 96 that projects upward is formed on a portion of the circumference of the peripheral wall portion 92 (left side in FIG. 1). This abutting plate portion 96 is provided with protruding abutting portions 98, 98 that protrude from both sides in the width direction (circumferential direction of the peripheral wall portion 92). Each protruding abutting portion 98 extends downward by a predetermined length from the upper end of the abutting plate portion 96, and the lower end of the protruding abutting portion 98 is an inclined surface 100. Further, the protruding abutting portions 98 are not provided on both sides in the width direction of the base end portion (lower portion) of the abutting plate portion 96, and a notch-shaped abutment avoidance region 102 is formed. Further, a guide recess 104 is formed at approximately the center of the inner surface of the abutting plate portion 96 in the width direction, and extends over approximately the entire length in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, a substantially cylindrical spring accommodating portion 106 that opens upward is formed in the peripheral wall portion 92 . In the present embodiment, a pair of spring accommodating parts 106, 106 are provided so as to face each other in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the peripheral wall part 92 (the direction from the front to the back of the paper in FIG. 1). In addition, in this embodiment, the spring accommodating part 106 protrudes above the peripheral wall part 92 of the movable cylinder 90. Furthermore, a pressing portion 108 (see FIG. 13) is provided protruding from the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of spring housing portions 106, 106, respectively. In addition, in each pressing part 108, the front surface on the puncture button 122 side (the left side surface in FIG. 1), which will be described later, becomes farther away from the puncture button 122 as it goes downward toward the rear (to the right in FIG. 1). It is an inclined surface 110 (see FIG. 13).

Further, the movable cylinder 90 is provided with a pair of case holding parts 112, 112 that hold a case 210 of the microneedle 16, which will be described later, and protrude below the pair of spring accommodating parts 106, 106. Each case holding portion 112 has a substantially rectangular frame shape, and a claw portion 114 that projects inward is provided approximately at the center of the lower side portion. In particular, in this embodiment, the inner surface of the claw portion 114 is provided with unevenness, so that it can engage with the unevenness provided on the outer circumferential surface of the case 210 of the microneedle 16, as will be described later.

Further, in the peripheral wall portion 92 of the movable cylinder 90, a stopper 116 that projects downward is provided on the rear side facing the insertion port 94 in the radial direction. The stopper 116 defines a moving end at which the case 210 of the microneedle 16 is pushed rearward when the case 210 of the microneedle 16, which will be described later, is attached to the movable cylinder 90.

When the movable cylinder 90 is assembled to the housing 12, the circumferential wall 92 of the movable cylinder 90 is located between the circumferential wall 26 of the outer housing 20 and the circumferential wall 48 of the inner housing 22. Further, the guide projections 34 of the support wall portion 32a of the outer housing 20 are inserted into the guide recesses 104 provided in the abutting plate portion 96 of the movable cylinder 90, and the guide projections 34 and the guide recesses 104 are guided. This action allows the movable cylinder 90 to move with respect to the housing 12 without tilting in the vertical direction.

Further, between the movable cylinder 90 and the housing 12, there are presser springs 118, 118, each consisting of a pair of compression coil springs whose lower portions are inserted into a pair of spring accommodating parts 106, 106. The urging force of is exerted. That is, as the movable cylinder 90 and the housing 12 move relative to each other in the direction toward each other, the presser springs 118, 118 are compressed and deformed, and the movable cylinder 90 and the housing 12 are elastically deformed due to the elastic restoring deformation of the presser springs 118, 118. The housing 12 can be moved relative to each other in a direction away from each other. Note that the upper end portion of each presser spring 118 is inserted into a spring holding portion 120 (see FIG. 10) that protrudes downward from the upper bottom wall portion 24 of the outer housing 20, so that, for example, the upper end of the presser spring 118 is attached to the upper bottom. It is fixed to the inner surface of the wall portion 24.

Furthermore, a puncture button 122 for puncturing the microneedle 16 and a lock lever 124 are assembled into the housing 12. The puncture button 122 has a puncture button main body 126 that is fitted into the puncture button hole 36 so as to be removable and protrudes outside the outer housing 20, and a puncture button body 126 that expands inside the puncture button hole 36 to prevent it from slipping out from the outer housing 20. A flange portion 128 is provided. Furthermore, engagement protrusions 130, 130 that protrude inward are provided at both end portions of the flange portion 128 in the width direction (front to back direction in the paper plane in FIG. 1). Note that the protruding tip surface of each engaging protrusion 130 is provided with an inclined surface 132 (see FIG. 2) whose protruding height gradually increases downward.

On the other hand, the lock lever 124 is a generally rectangular frame-shaped member as a whole, and the peripheral wall portion 134 has substantially flat wall portions 136a and 136b facing each other in the front-rear direction, and substantially flat wall portions 136a and 136b facing each other in the left-right direction. It is composed of wall portions 136c, 136c.

The front wall 136a of the peripheral wall 134 is provided with cut-out through grooves 138, 138 that open upward at positions corresponding to the engagement protrusions 130, 130 of the puncture button 122. Then, the flange 128 of the puncture button 122 is overlapped with the wall 136a from the outside, and the engagement protrusion 130 is inserted into the through groove 138 and projects inward of the peripheral wall 134 of the lock lever 124. There is.

Further, the rear wall 136b of the peripheral wall 134 includes a spring support portion 140 that projects outward (backward) from the approximate center in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 134, and a locking portion that projects inward (forward). 142 are provided. Further, the lower surface of the protruding tip of the locking portion 142 is an inclined surface whose inward protrusion height increases as it goes upward, and in this embodiment, it is an inclined curved surface 144 which is inclined while curving. ing. On the other hand, the upper surface of the locking portion 142 is a flat surface 146 that spreads substantially horizontally.

Furthermore, each of the left and right wall portions 136c, 136c of the peripheral wall portion 134 is provided with an opening groove 148 that opens outward and extends over substantially the entire length in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, an inclined surface 150 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the inner surface of the front side of the open groove 148 so that the groove width becomes narrower as it goes downward.

Further, a cylinder lock 152 is provided above the lock lever 124 to prevent the movable cylinder 90 from moving upward. The cylinder lock 152 is generally a rectangular frame-shaped member, and the peripheral wall portion 154 includes substantially flat wall portions 156a and 156b facing each other in the front-rear direction, and a pair of wall portions 156c facing each other in the left-right direction. , 156c.

The rear wall portion 156b is provided with a spring support portion 158 that projects outward (backward) from approximately the center in the circumferential direction, and an engagement portion 160 that projects inward (forward). The lower surface of the protruding tip of the engaging portion 160 is an inclined surface that slopes upward toward the protruding tip, and in this embodiment, it is an inclined curved surface 162 that slopes while curving.

Further, a contact protrusion 164 that protrudes downward is provided on each of the left and right wall portions 156c, 156c. Furthermore, from the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) of one of the left and right wall portions 156c, 156c (in this embodiment, the wall portion 156c on the far side of the paper in FIG. 1), , an engaging claw portion 166 that projects upward is provided. This engaging claw portion 166 protrudes upward with a predetermined width direction dimension (left and right direction dimension in FIG. 1), and has an upper end portion bent inward in the opposing direction of the left and right wall portions 156c, 156c. A bent portion 168 is provided. In this embodiment, the front portion of the upper end surface of the bent portion 168 is a colored portion 170 (see FIG. 16 described later) colored in a different color from the rear portion. In FIG. 16, the rear part of the upper end surface of the bent part 168 is colorless (white), and the front part (colored part 170) is colored gray; ) and the color of the rear part are not limited in any way. In the storage state and pre-use state shown in FIG. 1, specifically, in the state before the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the housing 12, the area visible through the window 29 in FIG. 16 is as shown by the broken line. In addition, the color (colorless or white in the figure) of the rear portion of the upper end surface of the bent portion 168 can be visually recognized through the window portion 29 provided in the outer housing 20.

Furthermore, a pressure button 172 is provided above the cylinder lock 152 to allow the pressure rod 72 to move downward. The pressure button 172 includes a peripheral wall portion 174 having a substantially rectangular frame shape as a whole. , a substantially flat wall portion 176b facing the pressure button body 176a in the front-back direction, and a pair of wall portions 176c, 176c connecting the pressure button body 176a and the wall portion 176b and facing each other in the left-right direction. It is composed of.

A holding portion 178 that protrudes downward is provided with a predetermined width dimension at an intermediate portion of the left and right wall portions 176c in the length direction (left and right direction in FIG. 1). These holding parts 178 face each other at a predetermined distance in the left-right direction, and a locking protrusion 180 that projects inward in the opposing direction is formed on the inner surface of the holding part 178. In this embodiment, an inclined curved surface 182 is provided on the front end surface of the lower end of the locking protrusion 180 .

Furthermore, a spring support portion 184 is formed on the rear wall portion 176b of the peripheral wall portion 174 and projects outward (rearward) from approximately the center in the circumferential direction.

The lock lever 124, the cylinder lock 152, and the pressurizing button 172 each have a puncture button spring 186 and a locking spring, each of which is a compression coil spring extending in the front-rear direction, with respect to the outer housing 20 that accommodates them. 188 and a pressure button spring 190. One end of the puncture button spring 186 is fitted onto the spring support portion 140 of the lock lever 124 , and the other end is supported by the opposing inner surface of the outer housing 20 . Similarly, the lock spring 188 and the pressure button spring 190 have one end inserted into the spring support 158 of the cylinder lock 152 and the spring support 184 of the pressure button 172, and the other end of the spring support 184 of the outer housing 20. It is supported on the opposing inner surface.

As a result, in the pre-use state shown in FIG. The puncture button body 126 of the puncture button 122 protrudes from the puncture button hole 36 of the outer housing 20, and the pressure button body 176a of the pressure button 172 protrudes from the pressure button hole 38 of the outer housing 20. ing.

Further, the lock lever 124, the cylinder lock 152, and the pressure button 172 are stacked vertically, and each of these members 124, 152, 172 is connected to the support wall 32b of the outer housing 20 and the inner housing 20 in the housing 12. The locking part 142 is vertically sandwiched and supported by the wall part 50b (and the rib projecting outward from the wall part 50b), and the locking part 142 projects inwardly from the wall part 136b of the lock lever 124. An engaging portion 160 protruding inward from the wall portion 156b of the cylinder lock 152 is inserted into a notch 54 provided in the wall portion 50b of the inner housing 22.

Furthermore, the engagement claw portion 166 that projects upward from the cylinder lock 152 engages with the wall portion 176c of the pressure button 172 (the bent portion 168 is in contact with the upper end surface of the wall portion 176c). Holding parts 178, 178 projecting downward from the walls 176c, 176c of the pressure button 172 are inserted into the walls 156c, 156c of the cylinder lock 152 and abut on the inside and outside.

As a result, the puncture button 122, lock lever 124, cylinder lock 152, and pressure button 172 are assembled in a vertically positioned position with respect to the housing 12, and each member 122, 124, 152, 172 is assembled. , the puncture button spring 186, the locking spring 188, and the pressure button spring 190 are deformed so that they can be moved in the front and rear directions.

The applicator 10 as described above has, for example, a puncture button spring 186, a lock spring 188, a pressure button spring 190, a puncture button 122, a lock lever 124, a cylinder lock 152, and a pressure button 172 with respect to the outer housing 20. After assembly, the inner housing 22, pressure spring 88, pressure rod 72, presser springs 118, 118, movable cylinder 90, puncture spring 14, and puncture rod 18 are assembled in order from the lower opening of the outer housing 20. However, the order of assembly is not limited in any way.

Here, in the state before use shown in FIG. 1, the pressure spring 88 provided between the inner housing 22 and the pressure rod 72 in the vertical direction is held in a compressed state. That is, in the state before use shown in FIG. 1, the lower surface of the lid part 40 in the inner housing 22 to which the upper end of the pressure spring 88 is fixed and the bottom plate part of the pressure rod 72 to which the lower end of the pressure spring 88 is fixed. The distance between the upper surface of the pressure rod 76 and the pressure spring 88 is shorter than the natural length of the pressure spring 88, and a downward biasing force based on the elastic restoring force of the pressure spring 88 is applied to the pressure rod 72. ing.

Here, in the state shown in FIG. 1, the pressure rod 72 is prevented from moving downward. That is, when the applicator 10 is in a state before use, as shown in FIG. It is locked by a locking protrusion 180 that protrudes inward from the left and right wall portions 176c of 172. Thereby, downward movement of the pressure rod 72 based on the biasing force of the pressure spring 88 is prevented by the locking protrusion 84 being locked with the locking protrusion 180 . That is, in this embodiment, the movement locking mechanism 191 that positions and holds the pressure rod 72 upward and prevents it from moving downward is configured to include the locking protrusion 84 and the locking protrusion 180. .

Note that locking of the locking protrusion 84 to the locking protrusion 180 is achieved by pushing the pressure rod 72 into the pressure button 172 from below so that the locking protrusion 84 gets over the locking protrusion 180. It has become so. That is, by assembling the pressure rod 72 to the outer housing 20 to which the pressure button 172 is assembled, the slope 86 of the locking protrusion 84 of the pressure rod 72 and the locking protrusion 180 of the pressure button 172 are aligned. The inclined curved surface 182 comes into contact with the pressing button 172, and the pressing button 172 is pushed backward while the pressing button spring 190 is compressed and deformed. This makes it possible to push the pressure rod 72 further upwards, and when the locking protrusion 84 overcomes the locking protrusion 180, pressure is applied due to the elastic restoration deformation of the pressure button spring 190. The button 172 returns to the initial position and the locking protrusion 84 is locked to the locking protrusion 180.

On the other hand, the puncture spring 14, the presser springs 118, 118, the puncture button spring 186, the lock spring 188, and the pressure button spring 190 provided inside the applicator 10 are all at their natural length or in a slightly initial compressed state. Both the puncture rod 18 and the movable cylinder 90 protrude downward from the housing 12. In particular, in the present embodiment, before use, the bottom wall portion 62 of the puncture rod 18 is located inside the peripheral wall portion 92 of the movable cylinder 90 and is exposed to the external space. Access to the bottom wall portion 62 of the puncture rod 18 is made possible through an entry port 94 provided in the portion 92 . However, in the state before use, the puncture rod may protrude further outward (downward) than the movable cylinder. In addition, in the state before use, the puncture button 122 (puncture button body 126) and the pressure button 172 (pressure button body 176a) are connected to the puncture button hole 36 of the housing 12 (outer housing 20) and the pressure button hole 36 of the housing 12 (outer housing 20). It is in a state of protruding outward from 38. Further, in the state before use, the lock lever 124 and the cylinder lock 152 are connected to the inclined curved surfaces 144 and 162 provided at the protruding tips of the locking portion 142 and the engaging portion 160 provided inwardly. , and the wall portion 64b of the cylindrical portion 60 of the puncture rod 18 are arranged at a position where they overlap in the vertical projection.

Here, in this embodiment, a cap 192 is provided to cover the puncture rod 18 protruding from the housing 12 from the outside, and a cover 194 is provided to cover the lower opening of the housing 12 from the outside. contact of the puncture rod 18 is prevented.

That is, this cap 192 has a cup shape having a bottom wall portion 196 and a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall portion 198. Furthermore, a flange portion 200 that protrudes toward the outer periphery is provided at the opening peripheral portion of the peripheral wall portion 198 . The outer diameter of the flange 200 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 92 of the movable cylinder 90, and the cap 192 can be inserted from the lower opening of the movable cylinder 90 with the opening of the cap 192 facing upward. The flange 200 of the cap 192 is substantially fitted into the peripheral wall 92 of the movable cylinder 90, so that the cap 192 can be removably assembled to the movable cylinder 90. By attaching such a cap 192, the puncture rod 18 protruding from the housing 12 is covered from the outside, and a gap is set between the puncture rod 18 and the cap 192, so that the external force applied to the cap 192 is applied to the puncture rod. It is designed to prevent children under the age of 18 from being affected.

Further, in the storage state shown in FIG. 1, the housing 12 is covered with a cover 194 from below. The cover 194 has an approximately cup shape as a whole, and includes a bottom wall portion 202 and a peripheral wall portion 204 that are approximately octagonal in shape. The peripheral wall 204 is removably fitted onto the peripheral wall 26 of the housing 12 (outer housing 20) to protect the movable cylinder 90 and the puncture rod 18 from external force. .

Here, in the state before use shown in FIG. 1 etc., as shown in an enlarged view of the main part in FIG. and contact projections 164, 164 projecting downward from the walls 156c, 156c of the cylinder lock 152 are in contact with each other in the vertical direction. This prevents the movable cylinder 90 from moving toward the housing 12 in the state before use, and in this embodiment, the movement restricting means 206 that prevents the movable cylinder 90 from moving toward the housing 12 It is configured to include a protruding contact portion 98 of the cylinder 90 and a contact protrusion 164 of the cylinder lock 152.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the movement of the movable cylinder 90 toward the housing 12 is allowed by pushing the puncture rod 18 toward the housing 12, so that the puncture rod 18 does not come into direct contact with the movable cylinder 90. The movement restricting means 206 that prevents the movable cylinder 90 from moving toward the housing 12 may be configured to include a cap 192 that prevents the movement of the movable cylinder 90 toward the housing 12 side. Alternatively, since it is impossible to directly apply an external force to the movable cylinder 90 by covering the lower opening of the housing 12 with the cover 194, the cover 194 may be used without providing the cylinder lock 152 or the cap 192. The movement restriction means 206 may be configured, or the movement restriction means 206 may be configured by providing the cylinder lock 152 and the cap 192 and further including the cover 194.

In addition, in this pre-use state, as shown in FIG. 10, which will be described later, the engagement protrusion 130 protruding inward from the puncture button 122 is inserted into the through groove 136 provided in the wall 136a of the lock lever 124. The protruding tip of the engaging protrusion 130 contacts the protruding abutting part 98 of the abutting plate part 96 of the movable cylinder 90 provided inside the wall part 136a. They are designed to abut in the front and rear directions. As a result, the puncturing buttons 122 cannot be pushed in before use, and in this embodiment, the safety mechanism 208 that makes the puncturing buttons 122 inoperable is connected to the engaging protrusion 130 of the puncturing buttons 122. and a protruding contact portion 98 of the movable cylinder 90.

When using the applicator 10, first, the cover 194 and cap 192 are sequentially removed from the storage state shown in FIG. 1 to bring it to the initial state before use shown in FIG. 4. From this initial state, the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the housing 12, as shown in FIG. That is, by pressing the bottom wall portion 62 of the puncture rod 18 with a finger inserted through the insertion port 94 of the movable cylinder 90, the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the upper part of the housing 12 while compressing and deforming the puncture spring 14. When pushing the puncture rod 18 into the housing 12, the guiding protrusion 66 of the puncturing rod 18 and the guide groove 52 of the inner housing 22 act as guides, and the positioning protrusion 70 of the puncturing rod 18 moves through the cut of the inner housing 22. The guiding effect of fitting into the notch 56 allows the puncture rod 18 to be pushed into the housing 12 without tilting.

In addition, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the applicator 10 is shown upside down from the state shown in FIG. 1, and for example, as shown in FIGS. Although the puncture rod 18 may be operated to be pushed down, the direction in which the puncture rod 18 is pushed is not limited in any way.

By pushing the puncture rod 18 into the housing 12, the puncture rod 18 moves upward, and the upper end of the wall portion 64b of the puncture rod 18 and the locking portion 142 protruding inward from the lock lever 124 are bent at an angle. The surface 144 is in contact with the surface 144 . By further pushing the puncture rod 18 from this contact state, the puncture button spring 186 is compressed and deformed, and the lock lever 124 is moved rearward.

Then, by further pushing the puncture rod 18 into the housing 12, the upper end of the wall portion 64b of the puncture rod 18 and the inclined curved surface 162 of the engaging portion 160 protruding inward from the cylinder lock 152 come into contact. . By further pushing the puncture rod 18 from this contact state, the locking spring 188 is compressed and deformed, and the cylinder lock 152 is moved rearward. As a result, the contact between the protruding abutting portion 98 of the movable cylinder 90 and the abutting protruding portion 164 of the cylinder lock 152 in the movement restricting means 206 that prevents the movable cylinder 90 from moving toward the housing 12 is released. Movement of the movable cylinder 90 toward the housing 12 is allowed. That is, in the present embodiment, the releasing means that releases the movement restricting means 206 to allow the movable cylinder 90 to move toward the housing 12 brings the protruding abutting part 98 and the abutting protrusion 164 into a non-contact state. It is composed of a mechanism that Therefore, in the present embodiment, the movement of the movable cylinder 90 is prevented by the contact between the movable cylinder 90 and the cylinder lock 152, and the movement of the movable cylinder 90 is allowed by the release of the contact between the movable cylinder 90 and the cylinder lock 152. This can be achieved selectively by moving the lock 152.

Note that before the cylinder lock 152 was moved, the rear part of the upper end surface of the bent part 168 of the cylinder lock 152 was visible through the window 29 of the outer housing 20, but after the cylinder lock 152 was moved, the rear part of the upper end surface of the bent part 168 in FIG. The broken line part indicating the area that can be visually recognized by the window part 29 moves into the colored part 170, and the front part (colored part 170) which is different in color from the rear part of the upper end surface of the bent part 168 is visually recognized from the window part 29. It has become so. That is, depending on the color visible from the window portion 29, it is possible to confirm whether the cylinder lock 152 is moving or not, in other words, whether the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the housing 12. It should be noted that a mechanism for checking whether or not the cylinder lock 152 is moving using the window 29 is not essential, that is, the window 29 and the colored portion 170 are not essential.

Further, when the through window 68 provided in the wall 64b of the puncture rod 18 that moves by the pushing operation reaches the position of the lock lever 124, the locking part 142 of the lock lever 124 enters into the through window 68, and the lock lever 124 moves forward based on the elastic restoring force of the puncture button spring 186. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later, the flat surface 146 at the protruding tip of the locking part 142 comes into contact with the inner surface of the through window 68, so that the locking part 142 is locked in the through window 68. It has become. As a result, the puncture rod 18 is prevented from moving downward, and the puncture rod 18 is held in a state where it is pushed into the housing 12 and is biased downward by the puncture spring 14 .

After the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the housing 12 in this manner, the case 210 holding the microneedle 16 is attached to the movable cylinder 90 of the applicator 10, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. In this embodiment, the case 210 includes a case body 212 that holds the microneedles 16, and a case cover 214 that covers the case body 212 from the outside.

That is, the case body 212 of this embodiment has a generally annular shape as a whole, and an outer peripheral flange part 218 and an inner peripheral flange part 220 (see FIG. 12) are formed at the upper end of the cylindrical wall part 216. has been done. The outer diameter of the cylindrical wall 216 is approximately equal to the distance between the opposing case holding parts 112, 112 in the movable cylinder 90, and the inner diameter of the inner flange 220 of the cylindrical wall 216 is set to The outer diameter of the bottom wall portion 62 of the rod 18 is larger than that of the bottom wall portion 62 of the rod 18 . In particular, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 216 is provided with irregularities.

The outer circumferential portion of a substantially circular adhesive sheet 222 is overlapped and fixed to the inner circumferential flange portion 220 . The microneedles 16 are fixed to the center portion of the lower surface of the adhesive sheet 222 and arranged in the center hole of the inner flange portion 220 .

Although the specific structure of the microneedle 16 is not limited, in this embodiment, it is configured to include a needle body 224 made of a plurality of minute solid needles, and a base portion 226 to which the needle body 224 is fixed. , the needle body 224 is coated with a drug to be administered to the patient.

On the other hand, the case cover 214 has a substantially U-shape as a whole, and includes a pair of cover parts 228, 228 that sandwich and cover the case main body 212 from both upper and lower sides, and a part of the periphery that covers these cover parts 228, 228. A connecting portion 230 is provided. The case cover 214 is removable from the case body 212 toward the side.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, with the case cover 214 attached to the case body 212, the case 210 can be attached to and removed from the movable cylinder 90 through the insertion port 94. Note that when the case body 212 is attached to the movable cylinder 90, the outer peripheral flange portion 218 is sandwiched between the claw portion 114 of the case holding portion 112 and the peripheral wall portion 92 in the vertical direction, and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 216 The recesses and recesses provided on the claw portion 114 are engaged with each other.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, by pulling out the case cover 214 from the case body 212 through the insertion port 94, the microneedles 16 are exposed to the outside.

Furthermore, the applicator 10 equipped with the case body 212 equipped with the microneedles 16 is pressed against the patient's skin on the lower surface of FIGS. 9 and 10 where the microneedles 16 are exposed. That is, the housing 12 is pushed down while the lower end of the cylindrical wall portion 216 of the case body 212 is in contact with the patient's skin, and the housing 12 and the case body 212 are moved closer to each other. In addition, in FIG. 10 and FIG. 13 described later, illustration of the pressure rod 72, the pressure spring 88, and the spring support portion 46 located inside the puncture spring 14 is omitted.

As a result, the movable cylinder 90 is moved toward the housing 12 (upward) as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. That is, by moving the movable cylinder 90 toward the housing 12, substantially the entire peripheral wall portion 92 of the movable cylinder 90 is housed in the housing 12 while the presser spring 118 is compressed and deformed. The movement of the movable cylinder 90 into the housing 12 is caused by the guiding action of the guide protrusion 34 of the housing 12 and the guide recess 104 of the movable cylinder 90, so that the movable cylinder 90 is moved straight in the vertical direction relative to the housing 12.

In addition, in the state before use shown in FIG. 1 etc., the safety mechanism 208 is configured by the engagement protrusion 130 of the puncture button 122 and the protruding abutment part 98 of the movable cylinder 90 coming into contact with each other, and the puncture Although the push-in operation of the button 122 was considered impossible, the movable cylinder 90 moves upward within the housing 12 (moves toward the housing 12 side), causing the engagement protrusion 130 and the protruding abutting portion 98 to come into contact with each other. is released, and the engaging protrusion 130 is moved to the contact avoidance area 102 located below the protruding abutting part 98. This releases the safety mechanism 208 and allows the puncture button 122 to be pushed inside through the puncture button hole 36 of the housing 12.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, in the puncture preparation state in which the movable cylinder 90 has entered the housing 12, the pressing portion 108 provided in the spring accommodating portion 106 of the movable cylinder 90 is provided in the wall portion 136c of the lock lever 124. The inclined surface 110 provided on the pressing portion 108 and the inclined surface 150 provided on the opened groove 148 face each other while being separated from each other in the front-rear direction.

With the applicator 10 in the puncturing preparation state, by pressing the puncturing button 122 and pushing it in, the microneedle 16 is operated to puncture, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Note that FIGS. 14 and 15 show a state in which the pressure on the puncture button 122 is released after the microneedle 16 has been punctured. That is, from the state shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the puncture button 122 and the lock lever 124 located inside the puncture button 122 are moved backward while the puncture button spring 186 is compressed and deformed. The locking of the locking portion 142 by the window 68 is released, and the puncture rod 18 is moved downward based on the elastic restoring force of the puncture spring 14.

In this embodiment, the movement of the lock lever 124 in conjunction with the pushing operation of the puncture button 122 causes the slope 110 of the pressing portion 108 in the movable cylinder 90 and the slope 150 of the opening groove 148 of the lock lever 124 to mutually move. They are designed to touch each other. By adopting such a contact structure, the pressure on the puncture button 122 is released, the applicator 10 is separated from the skin, and the movable cylinder 90 is moved by the elastic restoring force of the puncture button spring 186 and the presser spring 118. When moving the lock lever 124 to the initial position, the movement of both the members 90 and 124 to the initial position can be realized stably.

By pressing the puncture button 122 in this manner, the lower end portion of the puncture rod 18 passes through the inside of the case body 212, and the bottom wall portion 62 of the puncture rod 18 causes the microneedle 16 to protrude downward from the housing 12. The microneedles 16 and the adhesive sheet 222 are pressed against the skin to puncture the skin. Note that by releasing the pressure on the puncture button 122 from the pressing operation of the puncture button 122, the lock lever 124 is returned to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the puncture button spring 186, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. It is set to return. Further, as the puncture rod 18 moves downward, the contact between the wall portion 64b of the puncture rod 18 and the engaging portion 160 of the cylinder lock 152 is also released, so that the elastic restoring force of the locking spring 188 The cylinder lock 152 returns to the initial position, and as a result, the color (colorless (white) in this embodiment) of the rear portion of the upper end surface of the bent portion 168 can be seen from the window portion 29 of the outer housing 20. It is now visible.

Note that by pushing the puncture button 122 in this way and releasing the locking of the locking part 142 by the penetration window 68, the puncture rod 18 moves downward due to the elastic restoring force of the puncture spring 14, and the microneedle 16 It is thought that the skin is punctured instantaneously. Here, the following mechanism may be adopted in order to realize the puncture depth of the microneedle 16 into the skin and to stabilize the puncture state.

In this embodiment, after operating the puncture button 122 and puncturing the microneedle 16 using the restoring force of the puncturing spring 14, the pressure button 172 is further pressed and the housing 12 is pressed against the microneedle 16. An additional external force is applied in the direction of protrusion (downward) from the microneedles 16 to further push the microneedles 16 into the skin and maintain the puncturing state more stably. That is, before the pressing operation of the pressurizing button 172, as shown in FIG. 191 is configured to prevent the pressure rod 72 from moving downward due to the biasing force of the pressure spring 88. Here, by moving the pressure button 172 backward, the contact between the locking protrusion 84 and the locking protrusion 180 is released, and as shown in FIG. The pressure rod 72 is moved downward with the restoring deformation. As a result, the amount of compression of the puncture spring 14 supported between the pressure rod 72 and the puncture rod 18 is increased, and the elastic restoring force of the pressure spring 88 is applied to the puncture rod via the puncture spring 14. By acting as an additional external force that further presses the microneedles 18 and the microneedles 16 against the skin, the microneedles 16 are maintained in a state where they are punctured into the skin.

In short, the restoring force of the pressure spring 88, which has been compressed in advance, is applied as an additional external force to the puncture spring 14 via the pressure rod 72, and the additional external force is further applied to the puncture spring 14 via the puncture spring 14. It is adapted to be applied to the microneedles 16 in a cushioning manner. Therefore, in this embodiment, the buffering means for applying an additional external force to the microneedles 16 in a cushioning manner is constituted by the puncture spring 14, and the cushioning external force applying mechanism for applying a cushioning external force is configured to pressurize the microneedle 16. It includes a spring 88 and a pressure rod 72. In particular, in this embodiment, the puncture spring 14 also functions as a biasing device that biases the microneedle 16, and the buffering device is constituted by the biasing device. Further, in this embodiment, the additional external force generating member that generates the additional external force is constituted by the pressure spring 88, and the additional external force generated by the pressure spring 88 being held in a compressed state is The pressure is applied to the puncture spring 14 and the microneedle 16 via a pressure rod 72 as a pressure transmission member.

Such a state in which the microneedles 16 penetrate the skin is achieved when the user presses the applicator 10 against the skin. That is, when the user presses the applicator 10 against the skin and punctures the skin with the puncture spring 14, the user continuously applies an additional external force to the microneedles 16 by the pressure spring 88, so that the microneedles 16 In addition to being punctured at a predetermined depth (for example, closer to the root), the state of puncturing the skin of the microneedles 16 is also maintained continuously over a predetermined period of time, so that the drug applied to the microneedles 16 Transdermal administration of can be more reliably achieved. Although the time period for which the microneedles 16 are pressed against the skin is not limited in any way, the user removes the applicator 10 from the skin after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. In this embodiment, even after the applicator 10 is removed, the microneedles 16 are stuck to the skin with the adhesive sheet 222, so that the state of puncturing the skin can be maintained.

In addition, in FIG. 17, after the pressure rod 72 moves downward, by releasing the push on the pressure button 172, the pressure button 172 returns to the initial position due to the elastic restoring force of the pressure button spring 190. The restored state is shown. In such a state, the locking protrusion 84 of the pressure rod 72 comes into contact with the locking protrusion 180 of the pressure button 172 from below, so that the upward movement of the pressure rod 72 is also prevented. , the puncturing state of the microneedles 16 into the skin is maintained more stably.

Furthermore, if the pressurizing button 172 is pressed before the puncturing button 122 is pressed, the puncturing rod 18 is locked to the lock lever 124 and held within the housing 12, so the pressure is applied. The rod 72 contacts the puncture rod 18 and is restricted from moving downward. That is, in this embodiment, the pressing operation of the pressure button 172 before the pressing operation of the puncture button 122 is restricted. In other words, by pushing in the puncture button 122, the pressure button 172 is pushed in and the pressure rod 72 is allowed to move downward (the movement locking mechanism 191 is released).

In the applicator 10 having the above-described structure, as described above, the state of puncturing the skin of the microneedles 16 is maintained continuously over a predetermined period of time, so that the drug applied to the microneedles 16 is Transdermal administration can be achieved more reliably. In particular, after puncturing the microneedles 16, an additional external force is applied to the microneedles 16 to press them against the skin. This will be applied in a buffering manner. Therefore, it is avoided that an impactful load is applied to the microneedles 16, and the possibility that the patient will feel pain can be effectively reduced.

In particular, in this embodiment, since the urging means for urging the microneedles 16 and the buffering means for buffering the additional external force on the microneedles 16 are both constituted by the same puncture spring 14, the structure is improved. Simplification and reduction of the number of parts can be achieved. Note that the initial puncturing force of the microneedle 16 by the puncturing spring 14 and the additional external force by the pressure spring 88 can be adjusted appropriately by setting the spring constant, compression rate, etc. of the puncturing spring 14 and the pressing spring 88 separately. It is possible to adjust to

Further, in this embodiment, a pressurizing spring 88 is provided as an additional external force generating member that generates an additional external force to the microneedle 16. Since the pressurized state of the microneedles 16 is maintained, for example, troublesome operations such as continuing to apply an external force by human power as an additional external force between the housing 12 and the microneedles 16 are avoided, resulting in good operation. sexuality can be demonstrated.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a movement locking mechanism 191 that prevents movement of the pressure rod 72 is provided to prevent the pressure rod 72 from moving unintentionally. In particular, in this embodiment, since the movement locking mechanism 191 prevents the pressure rod 72 from moving before the puncture button 122 is pressed, the pressure rod 72 is prevented from moving before the microneedles 16 are punctured into the skin. is prevented from moving.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the movable cylinder 90 is prevented from moving into the housing 12 before the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the housing 12, for example, before the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the housing 12. The microneedles 16 (case 210) are attached to the movable cylinder 90, and erroneous puncturing of the microneedles 16 caused by pressing the applicator 10 against the skin in this state can be stably prevented.

Next, FIG. 18 shows a microneedle applicator (hereinafter referred to as applicator) 240 as a second embodiment of the present invention in a puncture preparation state (the puncture rod 18 and movable cylinder 90 are pushed into the housing 242 side). The applicator 240 is shown in FIG. 19 with the outer housing 244 and cylinder lock 152 omitted. The applicator 240 of this embodiment differs from the applicator (10) of the first embodiment in that it applies an additional external force to the punctured microneedles 16 to press the microneedles 16 against the skin. ing. That is, the mechanism for attaching the case 210 that holds the microneedles 16 to the applicator 240 and puncturing the skin with the microneedles 16 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and in the following description, the mechanism for puncturing the skin with the microneedles 16 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. Substantially the same members and parts are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings as in the embodiment described above, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

That is, the outer housing 244 of this embodiment has substantially the same structure as the outer housing (20) in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but the outer housing 244 of the present embodiment is different from the outer housing (20) in the first embodiment. Unlike (20), the pressure button hole (38) is not provided, and only the puncture button hole 36 is provided in the peripheral wall portion 26.

On the other hand, like the first embodiment, the inner housing 246 of this embodiment has a substantially reversed bottomed cylindrical shape. A pressure boss hole 248 is formed to penetrate in the direction. Inside the inner housing 246, there is disposed a pressure boss member 250 which has a generally reversed cylindrical shape with a bottom. The boss body 252 projects upward through the pressure boss hole 248 at the center of the lid portion 40. Further, in the pressurizing boss member 250, a flange-shaped portion 254 that protrudes toward the outer circumference is provided at the lower end of the pressurizing boss main body 252. The outer diameter of the flange-shaped portion 254 is larger than the inner diameter of the pressure boss hole 248, and the pressure boss member 250 is prevented from falling out through the pressure boss hole 248. There is.

Further, on the outer circumferential surface of the flange-like portion 254, a notch-shaped opening groove 256 that opens on the outer circumferential side and extends in the vertical direction is formed. A pair of opening grooves 256, 256 are formed at the lower right and upper left of Furthermore, an inclined surface 258 is formed at the upper end portion of the inner surface on the front side of the opening groove 256, and the inclined surface 258 is inclined toward the front side as it goes upward.

The puncture spring 14 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the inner housing 246 between the pressurizing boss member 250 and the puncture rod 18 in the vertical direction. In the pressure boss member 250, the inner diameter of the flange-shaped portion 254 is larger than the inner diameter of the pressure boss body 252, and the inner peripheral surface of the pressure boss body 252 and the flange-shaped portion 254 An annular step surface 260 (see FIG. 21, etc.) that extends in the direction perpendicular to the axis (direction perpendicular to the vertical direction) is formed between the inner circumferential surface and the inner peripheral surface. The upper end portion of the puncture spring 14 is fixed to the stepped surface 260 of the pressure boss member 250, and the lower end portion of the puncture spring 14 is fixed to the spring support portion 71 of the puncture rod 18. Thereby, as will be described later, by pressing the pressure boss member 250 from above, the puncture rod 18 is urged downward.

Further, the lock lever 262 of this embodiment has substantially the same structure as the lock lever (124) of the first embodiment, but there is an upper A retaining portion 264 is provided that protrudes from the inside, and a locking protrusion 266 is formed on the inner surface of the upper end of the retaining portion 264 so as to protrude toward the inner circumferential side. In particular, in this embodiment, the lower end surface of the locking protrusion 266 is an inclined curved surface 268 (see FIG. 20) in which the vertical dimension of the locking protrusion 266 decreases toward the front. On the other hand, the puncture button 122 and cylinder lock 152 in this embodiment have substantially the same structure as in the previous embodiment. However, in the cylinder lock 152 of this embodiment, the engaging claw portions 166 protrude upward from each of the pair of left and right walls 156c of the peripheral wall portion 154, and when the cylinder lock 152 is assembled to the housing 242 , for example, The inner housing 246 is adapted to be engaged therewith.

Also in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the puncture button 122, the lock lever 262, and the cylinder lock 152 are assembled to the outer housing 244 via the puncture button spring 186 and the lock spring 188. At the same time, the inner housing 246, the pressurizing boss member 250, the presser springs 118, 118, the puncture spring 14, and the puncture rod 18 are further assembled, and the cap 192 and the cover 194 are assembled as necessary. An applicator 240 is configured.

Here, as shown in FIG. 19 in particular, in a state before the puncture button 122 is pressed to puncture the microneedle 16, the locking protrusion 266 protruding inward from the holding portion 264 of the lock lever 262 is It protrudes into the inside of the inner housing 246 through a notch 56 provided in the wall 50 c that constitutes the inner housing 246 , and inside the inner housing 246 , the flange-shaped portion 254 of the pressure boss member 250 engages with the lock lever 262 . It is locked by abutting on the locking protrusion 266 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, before the puncture button 122 is pressed to puncture the microneedle 16, the pressure boss member 250 is in contact with the flange-like portion 254 and the locking protrusion 266. Downward movement is prevented. That is, in this embodiment, the operation locking mechanism 270 that prevents the operation (movement) of the pressure boss member 250, which is an additional external force operation member to be described later, is configured to include the flange-shaped portion 254 and the locking protrusion 266. There is.

Also in the applicator 240 of this embodiment having the above structure, when the puncturing button 122 is pressed, the puncturing operation of the microneedle 16 is realized as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. That is, when the puncture button 122 is pressed, the lock lever 262 is pushed backward while the puncture button spring 186 is compressed and deformed, and the puncture rod 18 is pushed into the through window 68 of the locking portion 142 of the lock lever 262. is released, the puncture rod 18 moves downward according to the biasing force of the puncture spring 14, and the microneedle 16 punctures the skin. As the lock lever 262 moves rearward in this way, the locking protrusion 266 of the lock lever 262 enters the opening groove 256 provided in the flange-shaped portion 254 of the pressure boss member 250, and the flange-shaped portion 254 The lock at is released. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation locking mechanism 270 that prevents the operation (movement) of the pressure boss member 250 can be released in response to the pressing operation of the puncture button 122.

Thereby, as shown in FIG. 23, it becomes possible to push the pressurizing boss member 250 downward (into the housing 242). As a result, the puncture spring 14 is compressed between the pressure boss member 250 and the puncture rod 18, and its elastic restoring force presses the puncture rod 18 downward, so that the microneedle 16 punctures the skin more reliably. be done. That is, by pushing the pressurizing boss member 250 downward after the microneedles 16 puncture the skin, the additional external force is applied to the microneedles 16 in a cushioning manner and continuously through the puncture spring 14, which is a buffering means. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be exhibited in this embodiment as well. Therefore, in this embodiment, the additional external force is applied by an external operation, and the additional external force operating member that applies the external additional external force includes the pressurizing boss member 250. . A buffering external force applying mechanism that applies a buffering external force is configured to include a pressurizing boss member 250 as an additional external force operating member.

In particular, in this embodiment, the additional external force is applied to the microneedles 16 only while pushing the pressure boss member 250 downward, so that the microneedles 16 are pressed against the skin. In other words, it becomes possible for the user to easily adjust the time period during which additional external force is applied to the microneedles 16, depending on the drug to be used and the like.

Next, FIG. 24 shows a microneedle applicator (hereinafter referred to as an applicator) 280 as a third embodiment of the present invention in a stored state before use. Also in this applicator 280, compared to the applicators (10, 240) of the first and second embodiments, an additional external force is applied to the punctured microneedles 16 to press the microneedles 16 against the skin. The mechanism is different. That is, the mechanism for attaching the case 210 that holds the microneedles 16 to the applicator 280 and puncturing the skin with the microneedles 16 is substantially the same as in the first and second embodiments, and in the following description, the Members and parts that are substantially the same as those in the embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings as in the embodiment, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the outer housing 282 in this embodiment, a substantially circular circular recess 284 that opens upward is formed in the center of the upper bottom wall 24, and a center portion of the bottom wall of the circular recess 284 is formed. A through hole 28 is formed in the. Then, by inserting and fixing the lid part 40 of the inner housing 286 into the through hole 28, the outer housing 282 and the inner housing 286 are fixed to each other, thereby forming the housing 288 of this embodiment. . Note that a pressurizing boss hole 248 is formed in the center portion of the lid portion 40 and passes through the lid portion 40 in the vertical direction.

Further, a pressurizing boss member 290 serving as an additional external force operating member is inserted into the inner housing 286 from above. The pressurizing boss member 290 of this embodiment includes a rod-shaped portion 292 extending in the vertical direction, and has a stepped portion 294 at an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the rod-shaped portion 292. 294, the diameter is larger in the upper part than in the lower part. Further, the upper end portion of the rod-shaped portion 292 is provided with a substantially circular pressing operation portion 296 that extends toward the outer periphery, and the lower end portion of the rod-shaped portion 292 is provided with an engaging portion 298 that protrudes toward the outer periphery. It is provided. The upper surface 296a of the pressing operation section 296 is an operation surface that is directly operated from the outside when applying an external force to the microneedle 16, as described later.

On the other hand, a puncture rod 300 is inserted into the inner housing 286 from below. This puncture rod 300 is equipped with a cylindrical portion 60 and a bottom wall portion 62 as in the first and second embodiments, but at the center of the bottom wall portion 62 there is a substantially protruding portion into the cylindrical portion 60. A cylindrical spring support portion 302 is provided, and an engagement claw portion 304 that protrudes toward the inner circumference is provided at the upper end portion of the spring support portion 302 .

The rod-shaped portion 292 of the pressure boss member 290 having the above structure is inserted into the inner housing 286 from above and extends downward, and the pressing operation portion 296 of the pressure boss member 290 is inserted into the inner housing 286 from above and extends downward. Located within a circular recess 284 of housing 282. On the other hand, by inserting the puncture rod 300 into the inner housing 286 from below, the cylindrical part 60 of the puncture rod 300 is located on the outer peripheral side of the pressure boss member 290, and the lower end of the rod-shaped part 292 The portion is inserted into the spring support portion 302 of the puncture rod 300, and the engaging portion 298 and the engaging claw portion 304 are engaged. Thereby, the pressurizing boss member 290 and the puncture rod 300 can be moved relative to each other in the vertical direction while being unable to be pulled out.

Here, inside the inner housing 286, the puncture spring 14 is disposed so as to be fitted over the rod-shaped portion 292 of the pressurizing boss member 290, and the upper end portion of the puncture spring 14 is attached to the lid portion of the inner housing 286. The lower end portion of the puncture spring 14 is fitted onto the spring support portion 302 of the puncture rod 300 and fixed to the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 62 . In addition, a pressure spring 306 as a buffer means is inserted into a portion of the rod-shaped portion 292 that has a smaller diameter below the step-shaped portion 294, and the upper end portion of the pressure spring 306 is attached to the rod-shaped portion. The lower end portion of the pressure spring 306 is fixed to the spring support portion 302 of the puncture rod 300.

That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the puncture button 122, the lock lever 124, and the cylinder lock 152 are connected to the puncture button spring 186 and the locking spring 186 for the housing 288 consisting of the outer housing 282 and the inner housing 286. It is assembled via a spring 188. Further, the pressurizing boss member 290 and the puncture rod 300 are assembled to the housing 288 from above and below via the puncturing spring 14 and the pressurizing spring 306, and the movable cylinder 90 is attached to the presser spring 118, It is assembled from below via 118.

Here, in the storage state before use shown in FIG. 24, the puncture spring 14 and the pressure spring 306 are at substantially natural length, and the lower end portion of the puncture rod 300 protrudes from the housing 288 and is positioned within the movable cylinder 90. are doing. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in the storage state shown in FIG. 24, the pressing operation part 296 located at the upper end of the pressing boss member 290 is in contact with the bottom surface of the circular recess 284 in the outer housing 282, so that An upper surface 296a of the pressing operation portion 296, which is an operation surface, is set at a position that extends inside from the surface of the housing 288 (for example, the upper end surface of the upper bottom wall portion 24 of the outer housing 282). In this embodiment, a cap 192 that covers the lower end portion of the puncture rod 300 protruding from the housing 288 is assembled to the movable cylinder 90, and a cover 194 that covers the movable cylinder 90 and the cap 192 is attached to the housing 288 (outside It is assembled so as to close the lower opening of the housing 282).

To use the applicator 280 structured as above, first, as shown in FIG. 26, after removing the cover 194 and the cap 192, the puncture rod 300 is pushed into the housing 288 (upwards). . As a result, the puncture spring 14 is compressed, and the locking portion 142 of the lock lever 124 is locked to the through window 68 of the puncture rod 300. Here, since the puncture rod 300 and the pressure boss member 290 are engaged with each other by the engaging claw portion 304 and the engagement portion 298, the pressure boss member 290 also moves upward as the puncture rod 300 moves upward. be moved to Accordingly, in such a state, the upper surface 296a of the pressing operation part 296 in the pressurizing boss member 290 is located at approximately the same position as the surface of the housing 288 (for example, the upper end surface of the upper bottom wall portion 24 of the outer housing 282). It is located slightly above.

By pushing the puncture rod 300 into the housing 288 in this way, the movable cylinder 90 is allowed to move into the housing 288 (upward). In this state, by attaching the microneedle 16 (case 210) to the movable cylinder 90 and pressing the puncture button 122, as shown in FIG. 300 moves downward and the microneedle 16 punctures the skin. Note that as the puncture rod 300 moves downward, the pressurizing boss member 290 also moves downward, so that in the puncturing state of the microneedle 16, the pressing operation portion 296 of the pressurizing boss member 290 moves downwardly into the circular recess 284. The lower surface of the pressing operation portion 296 faces the bottom surface of the circular recess 284 at a predetermined distance in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, from the puncturing state of the microneedle 16, as shown in FIG. The pressure spring 306 located between the rod 300 and the spring support 302 is compressed. Then, the puncturing rod 300 is pressed downward by the elastic restoring action of the pressure spring 306, and the microneedles 16 in the puncturing state are further pressed against the skin. Thereby, transdermal drug administration using the microneedles 16 can be achieved more reliably. In particular, also in this embodiment, since the additional external force is applied to the microneedles 16 in a cushioning manner via the pressure spring 306, which is a cushioning means, the possibility that the patient will feel pain can be reduced. Further, since an additional external force is continuously applied to the microneedles 16 while the pressing operation is performed on the pressurizing boss member 290, the applicator 280 of this embodiment also has the first Effects similar to those of the embodiment can be achieved. In particular, in this embodiment, the additional external force operating member that applies an additional external force by an external operation is constituted by the pressure boss member 290, and includes the additional external force operating member (pressure boss member 290). A buffering external force applying mechanism is configured to apply a buffering external force.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the puncturing spring 14 is used as a biasing means that biases the microneedle 16 (puncture rod 18) downward when compressed, and also prevents additional external force from being applied to the microneedle 16. The damping means acting as a shock absorber is constituted by the pressure spring 306, that is, the biasing means and the shock absorbing means are constituted by mutually different members. This makes it possible, for example, to set the spring force (spring constant) of the biasing means (puncture spring 14) and the spring force (spring constant) of the buffer means (pressure spring 306) separately, and the design of the applicator 280 It is also possible to improve the degree of freedom.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, not only the storage state of the applicator 280 shown in FIG. 24 but also the puncturing state of the microneedle 16 shown in FIG. The upper surface 296a) of the portion 296 is set at a position deeper into the interior than the surface of the housing 288 (the upper end surface of the outer housing 282). Therefore, the possibility that the pressure boss member 290, which is an additional external force operating member, is unintentionally pressed not only when the applicator 280 is stored but also when the microneedle 16 is punctured can be reduced. Although this embodiment is not provided with the operation locking mechanism (270) as in the second embodiment, such an operation locking mechanism is provided to prevent the additional external force operation member (pressure boss) from pressing down on the puncture button. (member) may be prevented from being operated.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited by the specific descriptions in such embodiments, and various changes, modifications, improvements, etc. can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It can be implemented in a manner in which the following is added.

For example, in the embodiment, the cylinder lock 152 is provided, and the abutting protrusion 164 of the cylinder lock 152 and the protruding abutting part 98 of the abutting plate part 96 of the movable cylinder 90 contact each other, so that the puncture rod Although the movement restricting means 206 is configured to prevent the movable cylinder 90 from moving into the housing 12,242,288 before the movable cylinder 90 is pushed into the housing 12,242,288, the present invention is limited to this embodiment. It's not a thing. Furthermore, in the earlier embodiment, the provision of the cap 192 and the cover 194 prevents the puncture rod 18, 300 from being pushed into the housing 12, 242, 288. Although it is possible to conceive that the configuration includes the following, it is not limited to this aspect. That is, for example, there is no need to provide a movement restriction means for preventing movement of the movable cylinder into the housing before the puncture rod is pushed into the housing, and members such as cylinder locks, caps, and covers are essential in the present invention. It's not a thing.

Further, in the embodiment, a solid needle is used as the microneedle 16, and the drug to be administered is applied to the solid needle, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Microneedles can also adopt a structure in which, for example, a hollow needle has a lumen, and a drug is administered from a reservoir that holds a separate drug through the lumen of the hollow needle. There are no limitations on the structure, number, etc.

Further, the biasing and buffering of the puncture rod, movable cylinder, lock lever, lock member (cylinder lock), etc. are not limited to the springs as in the above embodiments, but may also be made of elastic materials such as rubber or elastomer, etc. This may also be achieved by a magnet or the like. That is, for example, a spring may be employed as the biasing means, and an elastic body other than a spring may be employed as the buffering means, or an elastic body other than a spring may be employed as the biasing means, and the buffering means may be an elastic body other than a spring. A spring may also be used as a spring.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the puncture spring 14 and the pressure spring 88 are arranged in series in the vertical direction with the pressure rod 72 in between, and in the third embodiment, the puncture spring 14 and the pressure spring 88 are arranged vertically in series with the pressure rod 72 in between. Although the pressure springs 306 are arranged in parallel on the inner peripheral side of the springs 14, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. That is, when the puncture spring and the pressure spring are arranged in series as in the first embodiment, the restoring force of the pressure spring may be applied to the puncture spring via the pressure rod, The puncture spring and the pressure spring do not necessarily have to be arranged in the vertical direction. Further, when the puncture spring and the pressure spring are arranged in parallel as in the third embodiment, the lower end of the puncture spring and the lower end of the pressure spring are fixed to the puncture rod, and these puncture springs It is sufficient that the pressure springs operate independently of each other, and they do not necessarily need to be arranged in an internally and externally inserted state.

10,240,280: Microneedle applicator, 12,242,288: Housing, 14: Puncture spring (biasing means, buffering means), 16: Microneedle, 72: Pressure rod (cushioning external force applying mechanism, Pressure transmission member), 88: Pressure spring (buffer external force application mechanism, additional external force generation member), 191: Movement lock mechanism, 250, 290: Pressure boss member (buffer external force application mechanism, additional external force operation member), 270: Operation lock mechanism, 296a: Top surface (operation surface), 306: Pressure spring (buffer means)

Claims (7)

A microneedle applicator in which a microneedle is projected from a housing by a biasing means,
A protruding member disposed movably in the puncturing direction of the microneedle is moved in the protruding direction by the urging means, so that the microneedle is protruded from the housing, and
A buffer means made of a compression spring member disposed on the proximal end side of the protrusion member and elastically deformed in the protrusion direction is provided, and the buffer means is provided in the protrusion direction with respect to the microneedles protruded from the housing by the biasing means. a buffering external force applying mechanism that further presses the microneedles punctured into the skin by the urging means against the skin by continuously applying an additional external force to the skin through the buffering means;
The buffering external force applying mechanism includes an additional external force generating member that generates the additional external force, and the additional external force generated by the additional external force generating member is applied to the microneedles via the buffering means. A microneedle applicator featuring The additional external force generating member is constituted by a compression spring member that generates the additional external force by being held in a compressed state, and the additional external force in the compression spring member causes a pressurizing force transmitting member to be applied to the buffer means. 2. The microneedle applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the microneedle applicator is releasably provided with a movement locking mechanism that prevents movement of the pressurizing force transmission member. The microneedle applicator according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the buffer means is constituted by the biasing means. A microneedle applicator in which a microneedle is projected from a housing by a biasing means,
A protruding member disposed movably in the puncturing direction of the microneedle is moved in the protruding direction by the biasing means, so that the microneedle is protruded from the housing, and
A buffer means made of a compression spring member disposed on the proximal end side of the protrusion member and elastically deformed in the protrusion direction is provided, and the buffer means is arranged in the protrusion direction with respect to the microneedles protruded from the housing by the biasing means. The device further includes a buffering external force applying mechanism that further presses the microneedles punctured into the skin by the urging means by continuously applying an additional external force to the skin through the buffering means ,
The buffering external force applying mechanism includes an additional external force operating member that applies the additional external force by external operation, and the additional external force applied by the additional external force operating member is applied to the microneedles via the buffering means. A microneedle applicator characterized in that : The microneedle applicator according to claim 4, further comprising a releasable operation locking mechanism that prevents operation of the additional external force operation member. The microneedle applicator according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the external operation surface of the additional external force operation member is set at a position where it enters the inside from the surface of the housing at least in a storage state before puncturing. The microneedle applicator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the buffer means is constituted by an elastic member different from the biasing means.

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