WO2020080883A1

WO2020080883A1 - Medicine transfer device and medicinal liquid injection apparatus including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2020080883A1
Application number: PCT/KR2019/013753
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong Hyun Kim
Original assignee: Yong Hyun Kim
Priority date: 2018-10-19
Filing date: 2019-10-18
Publication date: 2020-04-23

Abstract

A medicine transfer device for medicinal liquid injection according to an embodiment includes: a first medicine transfer pipe having a first capillary channel constituting a portion of the channel; a second medicine transfer pipe having a second capillary channel disposed at a downstream side of the first capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the first capillary channel flows therein; and a housing to which the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe are coupled. An intervention space is formed between the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe in the housing.

Description

MEDICINE TRANSFER DEVICE AND MEDICINAL LIQUID INJECTION APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME

The present disclosure relates to a medicine transfer device and a medicinal liquid injection apparatus including the same.

A medicinal liquid injection apparatus that injects a liquid-state medicinal liquid (e.g., an injection) into a patient to supply medicine to the patients is known. A medicinal liquid that is in a predetermined storage space is injected into the body of a patient through a channel (e.g., the internal space of a tube and a needle) connected to the patient by the medicinal liquid injection apparatus.

A device having a medicinal liquid transfer pipe forming a capillary channel to prevent a medicinal liquid from being injected all at once into the body of a patient such that the medicinal liquid is slowly injected for a predetermined time for medical purposes is known. Since a medicinal liquid flows through the medicinal liquid transfer pipe, the flow rate of the medicinal liquid flowing through the channel of the medicinal liquid injection apparatus is reduced.

In the related art, a technology of forming a medicinal liquid transfer pipe having a capillary channel having a predetermined length in a continuous shape (a single medicinal liquid transfer pipe) to set the flow rate of a medicinal liquid to a predetermined level is known. As described above, when a single medicinal liquid transfer pipe is used, there is a problem in that air flowing in the medicinal liquid transfer pipe or air produced in the medicinal liquid transfer pipe makes the flow of a medicinal liquid remarkably slower than a set level or blocks the flow of a medicinal liquid. Embodiments of the present disclosure solve the problems in the related art.

Since the medicinal liquid transfer pipe has a capillary channel having a very small cross-sectional area, a loss of head depending on a channel length is large in the medicinal liquid transfer pipe and a pressure drop due to the loss of head makes substances dissolved in a medicinal liquid (e.g., dissolved oxygen or dissolved carbon dioxide) be easily discharged out of the medicinal liquid. Since the single medicinal liquid transfer pipe of the related art is formed to be relatively long, there is a problem in that (air) bubbles are easily produced by a loss of head (a drop of pressure) at the downstream side of the single medicinal liquid transfer pipe. Embodiments of the present disclosure solve the problems in the related art.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides embodiments of medicine transfer device for medicinal liquid injection in which a medicinal liquid channel is formed. A medicine transfer device according to a representative embodiment includes: a first medicine transfer pipe having a first capillary channel constituting a portion of the medicinal liquid channel; a second medicine transfer pipe having a second capillary channel disposed at a downstream side of the first capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the first capillary channel flows into the second capillary channel; and a housing to which the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe are coupled. An intervention space is formed between the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe in the housing. The first capillary channel, the intervention space, and the second capillary channel are sequentially positioned along the medicinal liquid channel. A channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel and a cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel.

In an embodiment, a downstream side portion of the first capillary channel may be in contact with an inner surface of the housing, and an upstream side portion of the second capillary channel may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing.

In an embodiment, an inner surface of the housing may constitute at least a portion of a boundary of the intervention space.

In an embodiment, the housing may include: a medicine transfer pipe housing in which the intervention space is disposed; an upstream housing in which an upstream side portion of the first medicine transfer pipe is accommodated; and a downstream housing in which a downstream side portion of the second medicine transfer pipe is accommodated.

In an embodiment, the housing may include: a first medicine transfer pipe housing that constitutes a portion of the intervention space and in which at least a portion of the first medicine transfer pipe is disposed; and a second medicine transfer pipe housing that constitutes a portion of the intervention space, in which at least a portion of the second medicine transfer pipe is disposed, and that is coupled to the first medicine transfer pipe housing at a position between the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe.

In an embodiment, a channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space may be larger than a cross-sectional area of a downstream side portion of the first medicine transfer pipe and a cross-sectional area of an upstream side portion of the second medicine transfer pipe.

In an embodiment, the medicine transfer device may further comprises an air vent configured to connect the intervention space to an external space such that air in the intervention space and air in the medicinal liquid are discharged to the external space.

In an embodiment, an intake port for the medicinal liquid to flow into the second capillary channel may be positioned further upstream than a downstream end of the intervention space.

In an embodiment, the medicine transfer device may further comprise an intake filter disposed at an upstream side of the first capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid flowing in the medicinal liquid channel passes through the intake filter.

In an embodiment, the medicine transfer device may further comprise a spacer disposed between an upstream end of the first medicine transfer pipe and the intake filter to maintain a gap.

In an embodiment, the medicine transfer device may further comprise: a first sealing member fitted between an outer surface of the first medicine transfer pipe and an inner surface of the housing; and a second sealing member fitted between an outer surface of the second medicine transfer pipe and an inner surface of the housing

In an embodiment, the medicine transfer device may further comprise a third medicine transfer pipe having a third capillary channel disposed at a downstream side of the second capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the second capillary channel flows into the third capillary channel. An additional intervention space may be formed between the second medicine transfer pipe and the third medicine transfer pipe in the housing. The second capillary channel, the additional intervention space, and the third capillary channel may be sequentially positioned along the medicinal liquid channel. A channel cross-sectional area of the additional intervention space may be larger than a cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel and a cross-sectional area of the third capillary channel.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides embodiments of a medicinal liquid injection apparatus. A medicinal liquid injection apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes: a pumping device configured to press a medicinal liquid; an extension tube in which the medicinal liquid flowing out of the pumping device by pressure applied by the pumping device flows; and a medicine transfer device in which a medicinal liquid channel is formed connected to the extension tube. The medicine transfer device includes: a first medicine transfer pipe having a first capillary channel constituting a portion of the medicinal liquid channel; a second medicine transfer pipe having a second capillary channel disposed at a downstream side of the first capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the first capillary channel flows into the second capillary channel; and a housing to which the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe are coupled. An intervention space is formed between the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe in the housing. The first capillary channel, the intervention space, and the second capillary channel are sequentially positioned along the medicinal liquid channel. A channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel and a cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a flow of a medicinal liquid from being blocked or to prevent the flow speed from remarkably decreasing under a predetermined level due to air bubbles in the medicine transfer pipe.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, since a plurality of medicine transfer pipes each having a relatively small length is implemented to set a predetermined flow speed, air bubbles can smoothly pass through the medicine transfer pipe. Further a loss of head in each medicine transfer pipe is low, so it is possible to prevent air bubbles from being produced from a medicinal liquid passing through the medicine transfer pipe and to remarkably reduce the amount of air that is produced from a medicinal liquid passing through the medicine transfer pipe.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to collect air that flows into the medicine transfer pipe or that is produced in the medicine transfer pipe, or to discharge the air to the outside.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the entire system of a medicinal liquid injection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a medicine transfer device 800 according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the medicine transfer device 800 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the medicine transfer device 800 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual cross-sectional view for explaining a function of an intervention space 820s between two capillary channels 820p1 and 820p2.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual cross-sectional view for explaining a phenomenon in which the inlet of the capillary channel 820p1 is clogged with air bubbles Ar.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modification of the medicine transfer device 800 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a medicine transfer device 2800 according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 8 viewed in another direction.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the medicine transfer device 2800 taken along line S1-S1' of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modification of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another modification of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another modification of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 3800 according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 4800 according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modification of the medicine transfer device 4800 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 5800 according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 6800 according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a medicine transfer device 7800 according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 8800 according to an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 9800 according to a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 10800 according to a tenth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated for the purpose of explaining the technical idea of the present disclosure. The scope of the rights according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the detailed descriptions of such embodiments.

All technical and scientific terms used in the present disclosure have the meaning generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, unless otherwise defined. All terms used in the present disclosure are chosen for the purpose of more clearly describing the present disclosure and are not chosen to limit the scope of rights according to the present disclosure.

As used in the present disclosure, expressions such as "comprising", "including", "having", and the like are to be understood as open-ended terms having the possibility of encompassing other embodiments, unless otherwise mentioned in the phrase or sentence containing such expressions.

The singular form described in the present disclosure may include a plural meaning, unless otherwise mentioned. This applies equally to the singular form recited in the claims.

The expressions, such as "first," "second," etc., which are shown in various embodiments of the present disclosure, are used to separate a plurality of elements from each other, and are not intended to limit an order or importance of the corresponding elements.

In the present disclosure, the description that one element is "connected," or "coupled" to another element should be appreciated to indicate that one element may be directly connected, or coupled, to another element, and should be further understood that a new element may be interposed between one element and another element.

Terms "upstream" and "downstream" used herein are defined on the basis of the flow direction of a medicinal liquid when a pumping device 100 presses the medicinal liquid. In detail, the directions of the arrows F2 and F3 in FIG. 1 and F4 in FIG. 4 are defined as downstream directions and the direction opposite to the downstream direction is defined as an upstream direction.

It should be understood that the term "medicinal liquid" used herein includes not only liquid containing treatment substances, but liquid that assists treatment substances or can be used with treatment substances and liquid that can be injected into a patient. Priming liquid to be described below is a kind of those medicinal liquids.

Hereafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding components may be given the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Further, repeated description of the same or corresponding components may be omitted in the following description of the embodiments. However, omission of a description of components is not intended to mean exclusion of the components from the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the entire system of a medicinal liquid injection apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. A process of injecting a medicinal liquid into a patient using the medicinal liquid injection apparatus 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a priming step and a medicinal liquid injection step that are sequentially performed.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the priming step, a priming liquid is made to flow through an extension tube 300. The priming liquid flowing through the extension tube 300 flows into the medicine transfer device 800. The medicinal liquid injection apparatus 1 may include an end cap 700 separably connected to the downstream side of the medicine transfer device 800. Air in the extension tube 300 can be discharged outside through the end cap 700.

Accordingly, the extension tube 300 and the medicine transfer device 800 are filled with the priming liquid. The priming liquid may be a liquid that contains treatment substances or that can be injected into a patient such as a saline solution.

The end cap 700 is configured to receive air and the priming liquid flowing through the medicine transfer device 800. The end cap 700 may be configured to allow air to flow outside, but to prevent the priming liquid from flowing outside.

The end cap 700 includes a vent filter 710 that blocks the priming liquid, but passes gas. The vent filter 710 includes a hydrophobic filter. The end cap 700 may include a sponge 720 disposed at an upstream side of the vent filter 710. The end cap 700 includes an end cap casing 730 accommodating the vent filter 710 therein. The end cap casing 730 accommodates the sponge 720 therein. The end cap casing 730 has a vent hole 730a through which gas passes. The end cap 700 includes an end cap coupling portion 740 configured to be coupled to a downstream connecting portion 815a of the medicine transfer device 800. The arrow E2 in FIG. 1 indicates the direction in which the end cap coupling portion 740 is coupled to and separated from the downstream connecting portion 815a.

When the end cap 700 is filled with the priming liquid, it is possible to separate the end cap 700 from the medicine transfer device 800 and then connect a patient connector 600 or 600' to the medicine transfer device 800.

The patient connector 600 or 600' may include a needle 610 or a catheter. The patient connector 600 or 600' includes a component that is injected into the body of a patient such as the needle 610.

The patient connector 600 or 600' may include 'an insert part including a component that is injected into the body of a patient such as the needle 610' and 'the other part'. The insert part and the other part may be configured to be separable from each other. In this case, with the insert part connected to a patient but separated from the other part, a user can couple the other part to the medicine transfer device 800 and then combine the insert part and the other part with each other. In this case, the liquid that has passed through the medicine transfer device 800 can flow into the body of the patient sequentially through the other part and the insert part.

The patient connector 600 or 600' includes a needle supporting portion 620 that supports the needle 610. The patient connector 600 or 600' includes a unit coupling portion 630 configured to be coupled to the downstream connecting portion 815a of the medicine transfer device 800. The arrow E3 in FIG. 1 indicates the direction in which the unit coupling portion 630 is coupled to and decoupled from the downstream connecting portion 815a.

For example, the patient connector 600 can be formed by sequentially connecting the needle 610, the needle supporting portion 620, and the unit coupling portion 630.

As another example, the patient connector 600 further has a patient connection tube fixing portion 650' connected to the downstream side of the unit coupling portion 630. The patient connector 600' further includes a patient connection tube 640' connecting the patient connection tube fixing portion 650' and the needle supporting portion 620. The patient connection tube 640' may be made of a flexible material. The patient connector 600' can be formed by sequentially connecting the needle 610, the needle supporting portion 620, the patient connection tube 640', the patient connection tube fixing portion 650', and the unit coupling portion 630.

In the medicinal liquid injection step, medicinal liquid is injected into the body of a patient by pressure that is applied by a pumping device 100. In the medicinal liquid injection step, the medicinal liquid is a liquid containing treatment substance. When the priming liquid is not a liquid containing treatment substance, but a saline solution, etc., the priming liquid can be injected first into the body of a patient and the liquid containing treatment substance flowing behind the priming liquid can be injected into the body of the patient.

The pumping device 100 includes a chamber 110 configured to be able to accommodate a medicinal liquid. The chamber 110 forms an internal space in cooperation with a pressing part 120. A medicinal liquid can be stored in the internal space. In another embodiment, a saline solution, etc. can be temporarily stored in the internal space. A discharge port 111 through which the liquid in the chamber 110 is discharged is formed at the chamber 110.

The pumping device 100 is configured to press a medicinal liquid. The pumping device 100 includes the pressing part 120 that presses the liquid in the chamber 110. The pressing part 120 can press the liquid in the chamber 110 by moving in a predetermined pressing direction Ap1. When a liquid is supplied into the chamber 110, the pressing part 120 is moved in the opposite direction Ap2 to the pressing direction Ap1. In FIG. 1, the position of the pressing part 120 that has moved in the opposite direction Ap2 is shown with reference to 120A.

The pumping device 100 may include a pressure operation part 130 that provides power such that the pressing part 120 moves in the pressing direction Ap1. For example, the pressure operation part 130 may be configured to press the liquid in the chamber 110 using volume expansion due to gas activation. As another example, the pressure operation part 130 provides a portion that a user can hold, so the user can move the pressing part 120 in the pressing direction Ap1 by applying force.

Though not shown, as another example, the pressing part 120 may be configured to press a liquid using the elasticity of an elastic member such as a balloon. In this case, the pressing part 120 may include the balloon configured to press a liquid in the balloon.

A medicinal liquid injection valve 200 is configured to fill the chamber 110 with a liquid. A liquid can flow into the extension tube 300 or the chamber 110 through the medicinal liquid injection valve 200. The medicinal liquid injection valve 200 may be connected to the extension tube 300 or, in another embodiment not shown in the figures, the medicinal liquid injection valve 200 may be connected to the chamber 110.

The medicinal liquid injection valve 200 has a first extension 210 connected to the downstream end of the first connecting portion 310 of the extension tube 300 and a second extension 220 connected to the upstream end of the second connecting portion 320 of the extension tube 300. The medicinal liquid injection valve 200 has an intake portion 230 configured such that a liquid can flow inside from the outside, and an intake port opening/closing part 240 that is separably coupled to the intake portion 230. The arrow E1 in FIG. 1 indicates the directions in which the intake port opening/closing part 240 is coupled and decoupled from the intake portion 230.

The extension tube 300 is configured to guide the flow of the priming liquid. The extension tube 300 can guide a medicinal liquid from the pumping device 100 to the medicine transfer device 800.

The extension tube 300 is configured such that a medicinal liquid discharged from the pumping device 100 by pressure applied by the pumping device 100 flows in the extension tube 300. The upstream end of the extension tube 300 is connected to the pumping device 100. The extension tube 300 has an upstream connecting portion 350 connected to a medicinal liquid injection discharge port 111 of the pumping device 100.

The downstream end of the extension tube 300 is connected to the medicine transfer device 800. A liquid that has passed through the extension tube 300 flows into the medicine transfer device 800 through the intake port of the medicine transfer device 800.

The extension tube 300 has a first connecting portion 310 connecting the upstream connecting portion 350 and the first extension 210 of the medicinal liquid injection valve 200. The extension tube 300 has a second connecting portion 320 connecting the second extension 220 of the medicinal liquid injection valve 200 and an external filter device 500. The extension tube 300 has a third connecting portion 330 connecting the external filter device 500 and the downstream end of the extension tube 300.

The medicinal liquid injection apparatus 1 may include at least one connection tube opening/closing device 400. The connection tube opening/closing device 400 can block the flow of a liquid at a predetermined point of the extension tube 300 by pressing the outer side of the extension tube 300. The at least one connection tube opening/closing device 400 may include a first opening/closing device 410 that can change whether to open/close a point B1 of the first connecting portion 310 and a second opening/closing device 420 that can change whether to open/close a portion B2 of the second connecting portion 320. For example, the connection tube opening/closing device 400 may be configured to be in a clamp shape.

The medicinal liquid injection apparatus 1 may include the external filter device 500 disposed on the extension tube 300. The external filter device 500 may include a filter casing 510 connected with the extension tube 300 and a filter 520 disposed in the filter casing 510. A particle filter that filters out impurities, an air filter that filters out air bubbles, or a combination thereof may be used as the filter 520 of the external filter device 500. The external filter device 500 may have an air vent configured such that the air filtered through the air filter is discharged outside.

The priming step and the medicinal liquid injection step according to one embodiment are described hereafter. In the priming step according to the one embodiment, not a medicinal liquid, but a saline solution, etc. is used as the priming liquid. In the priming step according to the one embodiment, the intake port opening/closing part 240 is separated from the inlet 230, the first connecting portion 310 is closed by the first connection tube opening/closing device 410 (see B1), and the other portion of the extension tube 300 except for the first connecting portion 310 is opened. Referring to the arrows F1 and F3, the priming liquid such as a saline solution, etc. flows sequentially through the inlet 230, the second extension 220, the second connecting portion 320, the third connecting portion 330, and the medicine transfer device 800, whereby the extension tube 300 and the medicine transfer device 800 are filled with the priming liquid.

After the priming step according to the one embodiment, the medicinal liquid injection step according to the one embodiment is performed. In the medicinal liquid injection step according to the one embodiment, the intake port opening/closing part 240 is separated from the inlet 230, the second connecting portion 320 is closed by the second connection tube opening/closing device 420 (see B2), and the first connecting portion 310 is opened by separating the first connection tube opening/closing device 410 from the first connecting portion 310. Referring to the arrow F0, while a medicinal liquid flows into the chamber 110 through the medicinal liquid injection valve 200 and the first connecting portion 310, the pressing part 120 is moved in the direction Ap2. Thereafter, the intake port opening/closing part 240 is coupled to the inlet 230 and the second connection tube opening/closing device 420 is separated from the second connecting portion 320, thereby opening the extension tube 300. Referring to the arrows F2 and F3, thereafter, the pressing part 120 is moved in the pressing direction Ap1, so the medicinal liquid can sequentially pass through the extension tube 300 and the medicine transfer device 800.

A priming step and a medicinal liquid injection step according to a different embodiment are described hereafter. In the priming step according to the different embodiment, a medicinal liquid is used as the priming liquid. In the priming step according to the different embodiment, the chamber 110 is filled with a medicinal liquid, the end cap 700 is connected to the medicine transfer device 800, the inlet 230 is closed by the intake port opening/closing part 240, and the connection tube opening/closing device 400 is separated from the extension tube 300, thereby opening the extension tube 300. Referring to the arrows F2 and F3, thereafter, the pressing part 120 is moved in the pressing direction Ap1, so the medicinal liquid that is the priming medicinal liquid can sequentially pass through the extension tube 300 and the medicine transfer device 800. Accordingly, the extension tube 300 and the medicine transfer device 800 are filled with the priming liquid.

After the priming step according to the different embodiment, the medicinal liquid injection step according to the different embodiment is performed. In the medicinal liquid injection step according to the different embodiment, referring to the arrows F2 and F3, the pressing part 120 is further moved in the pressing direction Ap1, so the medicinal liquid can sequentially pass through the extension tube 300 and the medicine transfer device 800.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a medicine transfer device 800 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the medicine transfer device 800 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the medicine transfer device 800 of FIG. 2. The medicine transfer device 800 according to the first embodiment is described hereafter with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

A medicinal liquid channel P is formed in the medicine transfer device 800. The medicine transfer device 800 is connected to the extension tube 300. The medicine transfer device 800 includes a plurality of medicine transfer pipes 820 each having a capillary channel 820p constituting a portion of the channel P. In this embodiment, the medicine transfer device 800 includes only two

medicine transfer pipes

821 and 822, but is not limited thereto and may include three or more medicine transfer pipes. The medicine transfer device 800 includes a housing 810 to which the medicine transfer pipes 820 are coupled.

The medicine transfer pipes 820 may have a function of a flow restricting component. That is, the medicine transfer pipes 820 may have a function of restricting the flow rate of a medicinal liquid flowing through the channel P. For example, the medicine transfer pipes 820 may include a capillary pipe. As another example, the medicine transfer pipes 820 may include a polymeric microtube. Further, the medicine transfer pipes 820 may be made of various materials in various shapes having a capillary channel.

The medicine transfer pipes 820 include a first medicine transfer pipe 821 having a first capillary channel 820p1 constituting a portion of the channel P and a second medicine transfer pipe 822 having a second capillary channel 820p2 constituting a portion of the channel P. The medicine transfer device 800 is configured such that a medicinal liquid flows through the first capillary channel 820p1 and the second capillary channel 820p2.

An intervention space 820s is formed between two

medicine transfer pipes

821 and 822 adjacent to each other in the up-downstream direction. The channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space 820s is larger than the cross-sectional area of the capillary channel 820p. That is, the channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space 820s is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel 820p1 and the cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel 820p2. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel 820p1 and the cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel 820p2 are the same, but they are not necessarily limited thereto. The term "channel cross-sectional area" used in the present disclosure means a cross-sectional area of a channel cut perpendicularly to the up-downstream direction.

When the channel cross-section of the intervention space 820s is a circle, the channel diameter of the intervention space 820s is larger than the diameter of the capillary channel 820p. For example, the capillary channel 820p has a diameter of about 0.04 to 0.08mm, thereby restricting the flow rate of a medicinal liquid. In an embodiment, the diameter of the intervention space 820s may be about ten to twenty times the diameter of the capillary channel 820p, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

Further, the inner diameter of the extension tube 300 is larger than the diameter of the capillary channel 820p. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the extension tube 300 may be about 0.5 to 3mm, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

The channel length L2 of the intervention space 820s may be smaller than the sum of the length L1 of the first capillary channel 820p1 and the length L3 of the second capillary channel 820p2. Further, the channel length L2 of the intervention space 820s may be smaller than the length L1 of the first capillary channel 820p1 and may be smaller than the length L3 of the second capillary channel 820p2. The term "channel length" used in the present disclosure means the length of a channel measured in the up-downstream direction.

The first medicine transfer pipe 821 may have an upstream side portion 821a where an upstream side portion of the first capillary channel 820p1 is formed and a downstream side portion 821c where a downstream side portion of the first capillary channel 820p1 is formed. The first medicine transfer pipe 821 has an intermediate portion 821b extending and connecting the upstream side portion 821a and the downstream side portion 821c.

The downstream side portion 821c of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing 810. The downstream side portion 821c of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 may be in contact with the inner surface of a medicine transfer pipe housing 811 and the upstream side portion 821a of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 may be in contact with the inner surface of an upstream housing 813. The first medicine transfer pipe 821 may be disposed through a first sealing member 831.

The inlet of the first capillary channel 820p1 is formed at an upstream end 821d of the first medicine transfer pipe 821. The upstream end 821d of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 may be in contact with a spacer 840.

The outlet of the first capillary channel 820p1 is formed at a downstream end 821e of the first medicine transfer pipe 821. The downstream end 821e of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 may form a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s.

The second medicine transfer pipe 822 has the second capillary channel 820p2 disposed at the downstream side of the first capillary channel 820p1 such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the first capillary channel 820p1 flows therein. The second medicine transfer pipe 822 may have an upstream side portion 822a where an upstream side portion of the second capillary channel 820p2 is formed and a downstream side portion 822c where a downstream side portion of the second capillary channel 820p2 is formed. The second medicine transfer pipe 822 has an intermediate portion 822b extending and connecting the upstream side portion 822a and the downstream side portion 822c.

The upstream side portion 822a of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing 810. The upstream side portion 822a of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may be in contact with the inner surface of the medicine transfer pipe housing 811 and the downstream side portion 822c of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may be in contact with the inner surface of a downstream housing 813. The second medicine transfer pipe 822 may be disposed through a second sealing member 832.

The inlet of the second capillary channel 820p2 is formed at an upstream end 822d of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The upstream end 822d of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may form a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s.

The outlet of the second capillary channel 820p2 is formed at a downstream end 822e of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The downstream end 822e of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may be spaced apart from the inner surface the housing 810 in the up-downstream direction. The downstream end 822e of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may form a portion of the boundary of a downstream space 820t to be described below.

The intervention space 820s is formed between the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the second medicine transfer pipe 822 in the housing 810. The intervention space 820s is configured such that a medicinal liquid that has passed through the first capillary channel 820p1 flows therein. The intervention space 820s is configured such that the medicinal liquid therein moves to the second capillary channel 820p2.

The inner surface of the housing 810 may form at least a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s. The first medicine transfer pipe 821 may form a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s. The second medicine transfer pipe 822 may form a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s.

The boundary of the intervention space 820s may include an upstream end 820s1 and a downstream end 820s2. The downstream end 821e of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 may form at least a portion of the upstream end 820s1 of the intervention space 820s. The upstream end 822d of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may form at least a portion of the downstream end 820s2 of the intervention space 820s.

The boundary of the intervention space 820s may include a radial end 820s3 that is a circumferential surface around the up-downstream direction. The inner surface of the housing 810 may form the radial end 820s3 of the intermediate space 820s.

In an embodiment, a small gap may be formed between the radial end 820s3 and the upstream end 820s1 of the intervention space 820s, and a small gap may be formed between the radial end 820s3 and the downstream end 820s2 of the intervention space 820s. In another embodiment, the radial end 820s3 and the upstream end 820s1 of the intervention space 820s may meet each other, thereby forming an upstream edge, and the radial end 820s3 and the downstream end 820s2 of the intervention space 820s may meet each other, thereby forming a downstream edge.

The channel P of a medicinal liquid is connected to the extension tube 300 such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the extension tube 300 flows into the channel P. The channel P includes the first capillary channel 820p1, the intervention space 820s, and the second capillary channel 820p2. The first capillary channel 820p1, the intervention space 820s, and the second capillary channel 820p2 are sequentially positioned on the channel P.

The channel P may include an upstream channel P1 disposed at an upstream side of the first capillary channel 820p1. The upstream channel P1 has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel 820p1. The housing 810 may form the upstream channel P1.

An intake port O1 of the medicine transfer device 800 is the inlet of the upstream channel P1. The upstream channel P1 can connect an intake portion O2 and the first capillary channel 820p1. An intake filter 850 may be disposed in the upstream channel P1. A hole of the spacer 840 to be described below may form a downstream end portion of the upstream channel P1.

The channel P may include a downstream channel P2 disposed at a downstream side of the second capillary channel 820p2. The downstream channel P2 has a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel 820p2. The housing 810 may form the downstream channel P2.

A discharge port O2 of the medicine transfer device 800 is the exit of the downstream channel P2. The downstream channel P2 can connect the second capillary channel 820p2 and the discharge port O2.

In this embodiment, a downstream space 820t is formed between the second capillary channel 820p2 and the downstream channel P2 in the channel P. The downstream space 820t has a channel cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel 820p2. The downstream space 820t has a channel cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the downstream channel P2.

The first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the second medicine transfer pipe 822 are coupled to the housing 810. At least a portion of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and at least a portion of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 are disposed in the housing 810. For example, the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the second medicine transfer pipe 822 are disposed in the housing 810 in the embodiment of FIG. 4. As another example, in the embodiment of FIG. 19 to be described below, a portion of the first medicine transfer pipe 821' and a portion of the second medicine transfer pipe 822' are disposed in housings 811', 813', and 815'.

The housing 810 has an intake port O1 configured at the upstream end such that a medicinal liquid flows into the channel P. The housing 810 has a discharge port O2 configured at the downstream end such that a medicinal liquid is discharged from the channel P.

The housing 810 may form a portion of the channel P. The inner surface of the housing 810 forms at least a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s. The inner surface of the housing 810 may define at least a portion of the upstream channel P1. The inner surface of the housing 810 may define at least a portion of the downstream channel P2. The inner surface of the housing 810 may define at least a portion of the downstream space 820t.

The housing 810 includes the medicine transfer pipe housing 811. The intervention space 820s is positioned in the medicine transfer pipe housing 811. The housing 810 may include an upstream housing 813 coupled to the upstream side portion of the medicine transfer pipe housing 811. The housing 810 may include a downstream housing 815 coupled to the downstream side portion of the medicine transfer pipe housing 811.

The medicine transfer pipe housing 811 may include a first coupling portion 811f coupled to the upstream housing 813. The first coupling portion 811f may have a hook shape. The first coupling portion 811f may be latched to a first counter-coupling portion 813a of the upstream housing 813.

The medicine transfer pipe housing 811 may include a second coupling portion 811g coupled to the downstream housing 815. The second coupling portion 811g may have a hook shape. The second coupling portion 811g may be latched to a second counter-coupling portion 815b of the downstream housing 815.

The medicine transfer pipe housing 811 may have a first seat 811c in which a portion of the downstream side of the upstream housing 813 is inserted. The medicine transfer pipe housing 811 may have a second seat 811d in which a portion of the upstream side of the downstream housing 815 is inserted.

The medicine transfer pipe housing 811 may have an intervention portion 811e disposed between the first seat 811c and the second seat 811d. The intervention space 820s is positioned in the intervention portion 811e. The downstream end 821e of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 is inserted in the intervention portion 811e. The upstream end 821d of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 is inserted in the intervention portion 811e.

The upstream housing 813 may accommodate at least a portion of the first medicine transfer pipe 821. The upstream side portion 821e of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 is accommodated in the upstream housing 813. The upstream housing 813 has a first insertion portion 813c that is inserted in the medicine transfer pipe housing 811. The intake port O1 is formed at the upstream housing 813.

The downstream housing 815 may accommodate at least a portion of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The downstream side portion 822c of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 is accommodated in the downstream housing 815. The downstream housing 815 has a second insertion portion 815c that is inserted in the medicine transfer pipe housing 811. The discharge port O2 is formed at the downstream housing 815. The downstream connecting portion 815a connected with the patient connector is formed at the downstream housing 815.

The medicine transfer device 800 may include at least one sealing member 830 fitted between the outer surface of the medicine transfer pipe 820 and the inner surface of the housing 810. The sealing member 830 can prevent a medicinal liquid from flowing between the outer surface of the medicine transfer pipe 820 and the inner surface of the housing 810. The sealing member 830 can surround the medicine transfer pipe 820. The sealing member 830 may be formed in a ring shape. The sealing member 830 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber.

The at least one sealing member 830 includes a first sealing member 831 fitted between the outer surface of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the inner surface of the housing 810. The at least one sealing member 830 includes a second sealing member 832 fitted between the outer surface of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 and the inner surface of the housing 810.

The medicine transfer device 800 includes the spacer 840 being in contact with the upstream end of the medicine transfer pipe 820. The spacer 840 may be in contact with the upstream end 820s1 of the first medicine transfer pipe 821. A hole is formed through the center of the spacer 840. The hole of the spacer 840 constitutes a portion of the upstream channel P1. A medicinal liquid that has passed through the hole of the spacer 840 flows into the capillary channel 820p.

The spacer 840 may be disposed between the upstream end 821d of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the intake filter 850, thereby maintaining a gap. The spacer 840 spaces the intake filter 850 from the inlet of the first capillary channel 820p1 such that the intake filter 850 does not block the inlet of the first capillary channel 820p1.

The medicine transfer device 800 may include an intake filter 850 disposed at the upstream side of the capillary channel 820p. The intake filter 850 may be disposed at the upstream side of the first capillary channel 820p1. The intake filter 850 is disposed such that a medicinal liquid flowing in the channel P passes through the intake filter 850. The intake filter 850 can prevent relatively large air bubbles that have passed through the upstream channel P1 from clogging the inlet of the first capillary channel 820p1. This will be described in detail below.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual cross-sectional view for explaining a function of an intervention space 820s between two capillary channels 820p1 and 820p2. The operational principles of embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereafter with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Air may exist in the chamber 110 and the extension tube 300 (see FIG. 1). For example, in the priming step, air may remain without being completely removed in the chamber 110 and the extension tube 300.

Further, air is dissolved in a medicinal liquid in the chamber 110 of the medicinal liquid injection apparatus 1. For example, an amount of the air that flows inside when the chamber 110 is filled with a medicinal liquid can be dissolved in the medicinal liquid in the chamber 110 under pressure larger than atmospheric pressure. In relation with this, the amount of air dissolved in the medicinal liquid can be inferred from a formula c1/p1=c2/p2 according to Henry's law. In the formula, c1 and c2 are molar concentration (mol/L) of the air dissolved in the medicinal liquid, and p1 and p2 are partial pressures of the air. c1 and p1 are values in an any one state, and c2 and p2 are values in another one state.

When a medicinal liquid flows, the flow speed increases in the extension tube 300 relatively less in the channel cross-sectional area (diameter) than in the chamber 110, so the pressure decreases in accordance with Bernoulli's principle. As the pressure decreases in the extension tube 300, the air dissolved in the medicinal liquid in the extension tube 300 can be discharged in accordance with Henry's law. The air exists in an air bubble state in the extension tube 300. Further, even though there is an external filter device 500, air that has not been completely filtered out by the external filter device 500 or the air produced at the downstream side of the external filter device 500 may reach the inside of the medicine transfer device 800.

Further, when the medicinal liquid flowing through the channel of the extension tube 300 and the upstream channel P1 of the medicine transfer device 800, which have relatively large channel cross-sectional areas, flows into the capillary channel 820p, the flow speed relatively increases, so the pressure decreases in accordance with Bernoulli's principle. Since the pressure decreases in the capillary channel 820p, an environment in which substances dissolved in the medicinal liquid (e.g., dissolved oxygen or dissolve carbon dioxide) in the capillary channel 820p are easily discharged into the air is created in accordance with Henry's law.

In this situation, the medicinal liquid keeps decreasing in pressure while flowing through the capillary channel 820p, so a dissolved substance in a medicinal liquid is easily discharged into the air as it goes the downstream side in any one capillary channel. For example, as it goes to the downstream side of the medicinal liquid transfer pipe, the internal pressure decreases and much air is discharged from the medicinal liquid, so the flow of the liquid may become difficult. This is because the cross-sectional area of the capillary channel 820p is very small, and accordingly, the loss of head per channel length is relatively large. Such a pressure drop in a capillary channel can be theoretically confirmed through Bernoulli's principle.

An assumed situation according to the following formula is set as an embodiment with reference to FIG. 5.

, Z1=Z2=Z3 , D1=D3, A1=A3, A2=400A1

is specific gravity of a medicinal liquid in the first capillary channel 820p1 and

is specific gravity of a medicinal liquid in the intervention space 820s, in which the specific gravity can be briefly expressed as

under the assumption that the specific gravity is the same at any position. ρ is the density of a medicinal liquid. Z1 is the height of the first capillary channel 820p1, Z2 is the height of the intervention space 820s, and Z3 is the height of the second capillary channel 820p2, in which the heights may be changed, but it is assumed that the height are the same values.

D1 is the diameter of the first capillary channel 820p1, D2 is the diameter of the intervention space 820s, and D3 is the diameter of the second capillary channel 820p2. Further, A1 is the cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel 820p1, A2 is the cross-sectional area of the intervention space 820s, and A3 is the cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel 820p2. For example, when D2 is 1mm and D1 is 0.05mm, D2=20ХD1 and A2=400×A1 are satisfied.

Q is a volume flow rate per unit time and V is a flow speed, and in this case, Q=AV is satisfied. The volume flow rate per unit time is the same in all of the first capillary channel 820p1, the intervention space 820s, and the second capillary channel 820p2, so the following formulae are satisfied on the basis of the above A2=400×A1.

V1=400×V2

V2=V1/400

V1 is a flow speed in the first capillary channel 820p1, and V2 is a flow speed in intervention space 820s.

Further, using Bernoulli's principle, the following formula can be induced on the basis of the states of the first capillary channel 820p1 and the intervention space 820s.

Herein, g is the acceleration of gravity. Further, h1 is a loss of head and hl=hf+hb may be satisfied. hf is a loss of head due to friction in a pipe and hb is a loss of head due to other factors except for the friction in a pipe. Further, P1 is fluid pressure in the first capillary channel 820p1 and P2 is fluid pressure in the intervention space 820s. The following formula is obtained by substituting Z1=Z2 into the above formula.

The following formula is obtained by substituting V1=400×V2 into the above formula.

The following Formula 1 is derived by arranging the above formula.

[Formula 1]

Assuming that the pressure at an upstream position is defined as P11 and the pressure at a downstream position is defined as P12 in the same first capillary channel 820p1, and the loss of head from the upstream position to the downstream position is defined as hlp, the following formula is obtained.

The following Formula 2 is derived by arranging the above formula.

[Formula 2]

It can be seen from Formula 2 that a loss of head hlp is generated when a liquid flows in one capillary channel and pressure drops is generated as much as the generated loss of head hlp (P11>P12). Accordingly, it is found that dissolved substances in a medicinal liquid are more easily discharged into the air moving downstream in the same pipe.

In an embodiment that uses only one medicine transfer pipe having a predetermined length to set the flow rate of a medicinal liquid at a predetermined level, the length of the only one capillary channel is long, so the loss of head is relatively larger at the downstream side portion than at the upstream end of the capillary channel and a relatively large amount of air is produced at the downstream side portion of the capillary channel, whereby the possibility of clogging of the capillary channel increases.

However, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the embodiment that divides the medicine transfer pipe 820 having a predetermined length into several pieces to set the flow rate of a medicinal liquid at a predetermined level, the loss of head of the liquid flowing through one capillary channel 820p1 or 820p2 is decreased, whereby a relatively small amount of air is produced in the capillary channel 820p1 and 820p2. Accordingly, the possibility that the capillary channel is clogged with air bubbles Ar1 is remarkably reduced. Even if air bubbles Ar1 are produced in the capillary channels 820p1 and 820p2, the channel lengths that the air bubbles Ar1 moves to reach the outlets of the capillary channels 820p1 and 820p2 are small, so the possibility that the capillary channel 820p is clogged with air bubbles Ar1 is remarkably reduced.

Further, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, even if small air bubbles Ar1 are produced in the first capillary channel 820p1, air bubbles Ar2 are gathered and contained in the intervention space 820s, so only a medicinal liquid with air bubbles removed can flow into the second capillary channel 820p2 at the downstream side. Since the medicinal liquid with air bubbles removed flows into the second capillary channel 820p2, the medicinal liquid can smoothly flow at a predetermined level.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual cross-sectional view for explaining a phenomenon in which the inlet of the capillary channel 820p1 is clogged with air bubbles Ar. The problem that the inlet of the capillary channel 820p1 according to an embodiment is clogged with air bubbles Ar, whereby the flow speed of a medicinal liquid decreases or a medicinal liquid cannot flow into the capillary channel 820p1, is described hereafter. This problem is easily generated in an embodiment without the intake filter 850 at the inlet of a medicine transfer pipe.

When relatively large air bubbles Ar are produced by van der Waals forces, pressure Pr1 in the upstream channel P1 that pushes the air bubbles Ar to the downstream side and reacting force Pr2 of the medicine transfer pipe that pushes the air bubbles Ar to the upstream side are in equilibrium, so the air bubbles Ar may clog the inlet of the capillary channel 820p1.

In order to solve this problem, the intake filter 850 may be provided in the embodiment referring to FIG. 4. For example, the intake filter 850 may be configured in any one manner of a net structure and a dense fiber structure. The net structure or the dense fiber structure can induce a liquid to be absorbed in the intake filter 850 and flow into the inlet of a medicine transfer pipe by avoiding bubbles clogging the inlet. The net structure may also break large bubbles into small bubbles. The intake filter 850 having a net structure may be made of a hydrophobic material or a hydrophilic material. The intake filter 850 having a dense fiber structure may be preferably made of a hydrophilic material.

For example, the intake filter 850 may be a filter made of a hydrophilic material. The intake filter 850 made of a hydrophilic material can prevent air bubbles Ar from clogging the inlet of the capillary channel 820p1 by breaking the air bubbles Ar at the upstream side of the capillary channel 820p1. When the intake filter 850 made of a hydrophilic material is provided, a medicinal liquid can permeate into and pass through the intake filter 850 even in the state that air bubbles Ar are caught in the upstream side of the intake filter 850.

As another example, the intake filter 860 may be a filter made of a hydrophobic material having a net with relatively large meshes such that a medicinal liquid can pass through the intake filter 860. In this case, the intake filter 850 made of a hydrophobic material can prevent air bubbles Ar from clogging the inlet of the capillary channel 820p1 by breaking the air bubbles Ar at the upstream side of the capillary channel 820p1.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modification of the medicine transfer device 800 of FIG. 4. The medicine transfer device 800 of FIG. 7 is described mainly in relation to the differences from FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 7, the medicine transfer device 800 may be configured without the downstream space 820t of FIG. 4. The downstream end of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may be latched in contact with the inner surface of a housing (e.g., the downstream housing 815). In another embodiment not shown, a spacer may be disposed between the downstream end of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 and the inner surface of the housing 810. Further, a second capillary channel 820p2 and a downstream channel P2 may be sequentially connected in a channel P'. The channel P' includes an upstream channel P1, a first capillary channel 820p1, an intervention space 820s, a second capillary channel 820p2, and a downstream channel P2 that are sequentially positioned.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a medicine transfer device 2800 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 8 viewed in another direction. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 8. The medicine transfer device 2800 according to the second embodiment is described hereafter mainly in relation to differences from the first embodiment with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

The medicine transfer device 2800 further includes an integrated air filter device. In this embodiment, an air-passing filter 960' and a vent hole 910h are provided at the upstream side of the first medicine transfer pipe 821, so the air in the upstream channel P1 can be discharged out of the medicine transfer device 2800.

The medicine transfer device 2800 includes an upstream housing 910 coupled to the medicine transfer pipe housing 811. The housing in which the air-passing filter 960' and the vent hole 910h are provided may be referred to as a "filter housing 910" and the upstream housing 910 of the medicine transfer device 2800 is the filter housing 910.

A channel formed in the filter housing 910 may be referred to as a "filter channel". In this embodiment, the filter channel constitutes a portion of the upstream channel P1. An air passage R diverging from the filter channel and connected to the outside is formed in the filter housing 910. The air passage R has the vent hole 910h formed at the filter housing 910.

The medicine transfer device 2800 may include a hydrophobic air-passing filter 960' disposed on the boundary between the air passage R and the filter channel. The air-passing filter 960' blocks a medicinal liquid, but passes air. The arrow R1 in FIG. 11 indicates the direction in which air flows through the passage R.

The medicine transfer device 2800 may include a hydrophilic boundary filter 980 that is disposed in the filter channel and divides the filter channel into a first channel Q1 at the upstream side and a second channel Q2 at the downstream side. The air-passing filter 960' may be disposed at the boundary of the air passage R and the first channel Q1.

The first channel Q1 includes a contact channel Q1c configured such that a medicinal liquid therein comes in contact with the air-passing filter 960'. The first channel Q1 includes a facing channel Q1b connected to the upstream side of the contact channel Q1c. The facing channel Q1b is configured to discharge a medicinal liquid into the contact channel Q1c toward the air-passing filter 960. The facing channel Q1b may extend toward the air-passing filter 960. The first channel Q1 may include an intake channel Q1a connected to an intake port O1 of the first channel Q1 and positioned at the upstream side of the contact channel Q1c. The intake channel Q1a may be connected to the upstream side of the facing channel Q1b.

The second channel Q2 includes a discharge channel Q2c connected to an exit of the second channel Q2. The discharge channel Q2c guides a medicinal liquid to be discharged through the exit of the second channel Q2. The second channel Q2 includes an extension channel Q2b including a portion extending in a direction opposite to the medicinal liquid discharging direction of the facing channel Q1b. The extension channel Q2b curves or bends while extending. The extension channel Q2b may be connected to the upstream side of the discharge channel Q2c. The second channel Q2 may have a gap Q2a between the boundary filter 980 and the housing 910. The extension channel Q2b may be connected to the downstream side of the gap Q2a.

The filter housing 910 includes a filter body 911 in which the boundary filter 980 is disposed. A coring groove 910g recessed toward the boundary filter 980 is formed on the body part 911d forming the outer surface of the filter body 911. The filter housing 910 may have a first counter-coupling portion 911a and a first insert portion 911c. The filter housing 910 may have an intake portion 911e where an intake port O1 is formed.

The filter housing 910 includes a vent cap 912 having a vent hole 910h. The vent cap 912 has a cover portion 912a coupled to the filter housing 910. The vent cap 912 may include a vent protrusion 912b protruding outward from the cover portion 912a. The vent hole 910h may be formed at a protrusive end of the vent protrusion 912b. In addition, there may be various embodiments for the position and shape of the vent hole.

The medicine transfer device 2800 may further include a hydrophobic secondary air-passing filter 970. The secondary air-passing filter 970 is disposed in the air passage R such that air that has passed through the air-passing filter 960' passes it. The secondary air-passing filter 970 can perform a function that prevents a medicinal liquid from flowing outside from the inside even if the air holes or the bonding portion of the air-passing filter 960' are damaged.

The boundary filter 980 is configured to act as a pressure interface between the first channel Q1 and the second channel Q2 when it is wetted with a medicinal liquid. A pressure (e.g., atmospheric pressure) is relatively low in the upstream space of the boundary filter 980 and a pressure is relatively high in a downstream space of the boundary filter 980. The boundary filter 980 may be disposed at an upstream side of the intake filter 850.

The filter housing 910 includes an air-passing filter seat 913' to which the air-passing filter 960 is coupled. The air-passing filter seat 913' may be formed on the inner surface of the vent cap 912.

The filter housing 910 includes a secondary air-passing filter seat 914 forming a groove in which the secondary air-passing filter 970 is inserted. The secondary air-passing filter seat 914 may be formed on the inner surface of the vent cap 912.

The filter housing 910 includes a boundary filter seat 915 to which the circumferential portion of the boundary filter 980 is coupled. The boundary filter seat 915 may be formed on the filter body 911.

The filer housing 910 may include a space-maintaining portion 916 protruding toward the boundary filter 980 in order to maintain the gap Q2a between a surface opposite to the surface facing the first channel Q1 of the boundary filter 980 and the inner surface of the filter housing 910. The space-maintaining portion 916 may have at least one rib. The space-maintaining portion 916 can prevent deterioration of moisture permeation efficiency due to the boundary filter 980 sticking to the inner surface of the housing 810 when the boundary filter 980 is wetted with a liquid. The space-maintaining portion 916 may be formed on the filter body 911.

FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the medicine transfer device 2800 taken along line S1-S1' of FIG. 11. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the medicine transfer device 2800 may further have an air vent 890 configured to connect the intervention space 820s to the external space such that air in the intervention space 820s and air in a medicinal liquid are discharged to the external space. A vent hole 890h of the air vent 980 may be formed in the medicine transfer pipe housing 811.

The air vent 890 includes a hydrophobic air-passing filter 891. The air vent 890 has an air channel 890p through which the air in the intervention space passes (see the arrow R2). The air-passing filter 891 forms the boundary between the air passage 890p and the intervention space 820s.

The intervention space 820s may further include an air passage connection space 820sp configured to be connected with the air passage 890p. The air passage connection space 820sp may be formed at a radial end 820s3 of the intervention space 820s. The air-passing filter 891 forms the boundary between the air passage 890p and the air passage connection space 820sp.

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modification of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 11. The medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 13 is described mainly in relation to differences from FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 13, the length of an air-passing filter 891' of the air vent 890 in the up-downstream direction may be longer than the channel length of the intervention space 820s. Further, the air-passing filter 891' may be configured in various shapes and may be coupled to the housing 810 in various ways.

The boundary of the downstream space 820t shown in FIG. 11 includes a stepped portion. On the other hand, the boundary of the downstream space 820t' of FIG. 13 includes an inclined surface narrowing toward the downstream channel P2. Further, the downstream space 820t' may be configured in various shapes.

Referring to FIG. 13, an air-passing filter seat 913 may protrude such that the rear surface of the air-passing filter 960 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the filter housing 910. The air-passing filter seat 913 may protrude toward the contact channel Q1c from the inner surface of the filter housing 910 and may extend along the circumference of the air-passing filter 960. A gap 913a between the rear surface of the air-passing filter 960 and the vent cap 912 constitutes a portion of the air passage R.

Referring to FIG. 13, a boundary filter 980' may be implemented in various shapes and various arrangement manners. Various shapes and boundaries of a first channel Q1' and a second channel Q2' of the upstream channel P1' may be implemented. The boundary filter 980' may be disposed to have a thickness facing the inlet of the capillary channel 820p. The second channel Q2' includes the discharge channel Q1c described above and may not include the extension channel Q2b and the gap Q2a. The first channel Q1' may have a contact channel Q1c having various shapes. The position and the arrangement direction of the boundary filters 980 and 980' shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 are only some examples and are not necessarily limited thereto.

FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another modification of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 11. The medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 14 is described mainly in relation to the differences between FIG. 11 and FIG. 13. The medicine transfer device 2800 may not include the air vent 890 described above.

FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another modification of the medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 11. The medicine transfer device 2800 of FIG. 15 is described mainly in relation to differences from FIG. 14. The boundary of a downstream space 820t'' may be formed without the stepped portion.

FIG. 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 3800 according to a third embodiment. The medicine transfer device 3800 according to the third embodiment is described hereafter mainly in relation to difference from the first embodiment and the second embodiment with reference to FIG. 16.

The channel cross-sectional area of an intervention space 820s' of the medicine transfer device 3800 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the downstream side portion of the first medicine transfer pipe 821. The channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space 820s' may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the upstream side portion of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. For example, the diameter l1 of the outer circumferential surface of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the diameter l2 of the outer circumferential surface of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 may be smaller than the diameter l3 of the cross-sectional area of the intervention space 820s'. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the length of the medicine transfer device 3800 while increasing the volume of the intervention space 820s' and it is also possible to increase the area of a stepped portion to which air bubbles are blocked.

The housing (e.g., the medicine transfer pipe housing 811) may include a first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a forming a portion of the intervention space 820s' and a second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b forming a portion of the intervention space 820s'. The first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a is coupled to the second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b.

At least a portion of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 is disposed in the first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a. The downstream end of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 is inserted in the first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a.

At least a portion of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 is disposed in the second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b. The upstream end of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 is inserted in the second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b.

The first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a and the second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b are combined with each other between the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The portion where the first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a and the second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b are combined may be defined as a coupling boundary 811B. The coupling boundary 811B may be positioned between the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The coupling boundary 811B may be disposed at the boundary of the intervention space 820s'.

The first medicine transfer pipe housing 811 may be formed by injection molding. When injection-molding the first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a and the second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b, even if the cross-sectional area of the intervention space 820s' is larger than the cross-sectional area of the medicine transfer pipe 820, the first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a and the second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b can be respectively simply pulled out of the injection molds in the up-downstream direction.

FIG. 17 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 4800 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modification of the medicine transfer device 4800 of FIG. 17. The medicine transfer device 4800 according to the fourth embodiment is described hereafter mainly in relation to differences from the third embodiment with reference to FIGS. 17 to 18.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18,

intake ports

819a and 819a' for a medicinal liquid to flow into the second capillary channel 820p2 of the medicine transfer device 4800 are positioned further upstream than the downstream end 820s2 of the intervention space 820s'. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the air bubbles in the intervention space 820s' from flowing into the second capillary channel 820p2.

Referring to FIG. 17, the intake port 819a of the medicine transfer device 4800 may be formed at the housing 810. The housing 810 may include a protrusive intake portion 819 forming a channel connecting the intervention space 820s' and the inlet of the second capillary channel 820p2. The protrusive intake portion 819 may protrude in the upstream direction. The intake port 819a may be formed at a protrusive end of the protrusive intake portion 819. The medicine transfer device 4800 may include a catching portion 818 to which the upstream end of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 is caught. The catching portion 818 may form a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s'. The protrusive intake portion 819 protrudes in the upstream direction from the catching portion 818.

Referring to FIG. 18, the intake port 819a' of the medicine transfer device 4800 may be the inlet of the second capillary channel 820p2. The second medicine transfer pipe 822 forms the intake port 819a'. The second medicine transfer pipe 822 may include a protrusive intake portion 819' protruding in the upstream direction into the intervention space 820s'. The outer circumferential surface and the upstream side end surface of the protrusive intake portion 819' form a portion of the boundary of the intervention space 820s'. In another embodiment not shown, the protrusive intake portion 819' may be formed in a conical shape of which the cross-sectional area decreases as it goes in the upstream direction, or may be formed in a shape in which only the center portion of the upstream end of the second medicine transfer pipe 822 protrudes in the downstream direction.

FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 5800 according to a fifth embodiment. The medicine transfer device 5800 according to the fifth embodiment is described hereafter mainly in relation to differences from the first embodiment and the third embodiment with reference to FIG. 19.

A first medicine transfer pipe 821' and a second medicine transfer pipe 822' may be made of a flexible material. A medicine transfer pipe housing 811' and an upper housing 813' may be spaced apart from each other, and the medicine transfer pipe housing 811' and a downstream housing 815' may be separated from each other. The upstream end of the first medicine transfer pipe 821' is coupled to the upstream housing 813' and the downstream end of the first medicine transfer pipe 821' is coupled to the medicine transfer pipe housing 811'. The upstream end of the second medicine transfer pipe 822' is coupled to the medicine transfer pipe housing 811' and the downstream end of the second medicine transfer pipe 822' is coupled to the downstream housing 815'. The medicine transfer pipe housing 811' may include a first medicine transfer pipe housing 811a' and a second medicine transfer pipe housing 811b' that are combined with each other.

The materials of the medicine transfer pipes 821' and 822' may be a plastic polymer material of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PU (polyurethanes). The medicine transfer pipes 821' and 822' may be formed in flexible tube shapes. In another embodiment, the medicine transfer pipes may be made of glass.

FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 6800 according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 7800 according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 22 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 8800 according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 9800 according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 24 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a medicine transfer device 10800 according to a tenth embodiment. Embodiments of FIGS. 20 to 24 are described hereafter mainly in relation to differences from the first to fifth embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 24, the medicine transfer device may include at least one medicine transfer pipe 820 and at least one air-passing filter 960. The medicine transfer pipe 820 may be disposed at the downstream side and/or the upstream side of the air-passing filter 960.

The at least one air-passing filter 960 may include a plurality of air-passing filters 960. For example, the at least one air-passing filter 960 may include n air-passing filters 960. An n-th air-passing filter means an air-passing filter disposed at the n-th position from the upstream side to the downstream side. n is a natural number.

The at least one medicine transfer pipe 820 may include a plurality of medicine transfer pipes 820. For example, the at least one medicine transfer pipe 820 may include n medicine transfer pipes 820. An n-th medicine transfer pipe means a medicine transfer pipe disposed at the n-th position from the upstream side to the downstream side. An n-th capillary channel 820p means a capillary channel 820p disposed at the n-th position from the upstream side to the downstream side. n is a natural number.

A medicine transfer pipe may be disposed at the downstream side of the n-th air-passing filter. A medicine transfer pipe may be disposed at the upstream side of the n-th air-passing filter. A medicine transfer pipe may be disposed at each of the upstream side and the downstream side of the n-th air-passing filter.

Referring to FIG. 20, in the medicine transfer device 6800 according to the sixth embodiment, the air-passing filter 960 is disposed at the downstream side of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the upstream side of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The filter housing 910 of the medicine transfer device 6800 may also perform the function of a medicine transfer pipe housing. The intervention space 820s includes a first channel Q1 and a second channel Q2 divided by the boundary filter 980.

Referring to FIG. 21, in the medicine transfer device 7800 according to the seventh embodiment, the air-passing filter 960 is disposed at the downstream side of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The medicine transfer device 7800 includes a downstream housing 815' coupled to the medicine transfer pipe housing 811. The downstream housing 815' may include a filter housing 910. The downstream housing 815' may further include an auxiliary housing 816 coupled to the downstream side of the filter housing 910 and forming the discharge port O2. The downstream channel P2 includes a first channel Q1 and a second channel Q2 divided by the boundary filter 980.

Referring to FIG. 22, in the medicine transfer device 8800 according to the eighth embodiment, the first air-passing filter 961 is disposed at the upstream side of the first medicine transfer pipe 821. The second air-passing filter 962 of the medicine transfer device 8800 is disposed at the downstream side of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the upstream side of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The medicine transfer device 8800 may include a secondary air-passing filter 971 and a first boundary filter 981, corresponding to the first air-passing filter 961. The medicine transfer device 8800 may include a secondary air-passing filter 972 and a second boundary filter 982, corresponding to the second air-passing filter 962. A first filter housing 910-1 in which the first air-passing filter 961 is disposed may be referred to as an upstream housing 910-1. A second filter housing 910-2 in which the second air-passing filter 962 is disposed may be referred to as a medicine transfer pipe housing 910-2. The upstream channel P1 includes a first channel Q1-1 and a second channel Q2-1 divided by the first boundary filter 981. The intervention space 820s includes a first channel Q1-1 and a second channel Q2-1 divided by the second boundary filter 982.

Referring to FIG. 23, in the medicine transfer device 9800 according to the ninth embodiment, the first air-passing filter 961 is disposed at the downstream side of the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the upstream side of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The second air-passing filter 962 of the medicine transfer device 9800 is disposed at the downstream side of the second medicine transfer pipe 822. The medicine transfer device 9800 may include a secondary air-passing filter 971 and a first boundary filter 981, corresponding to the first air-passing filter 961. The medicine transfer device 8800 may include a secondary air-passing filter 972 and a second boundary filter 982, corresponding to the second air-passing filter 962. A first filter housing 910-1 in which the first air-passing filter 961 is disposed may be referred to as a medicine transfer pipe housing 910-1. A downstream housing 815' of the medicine transfer device 9800 includes a second filer housing 910-2 in which the second air-passing filter 962 is disposed. The downstream housing 815' may further include an auxiliary housing 816 coupled to the downstream side of the second filter housing 910-2 and forming the discharge port O2. The intervention space 820s includes a first channel Q1-1 and a second channel Q2-1 divided by the first boundary filter 981. The downstream channel P2 includes a first channel Q1-2 and a second channel Q2-2 divided by the second boundary filter 982.

Referring to FIG. 24, the medicine transfer device 10800 according to the tenth embodiment further includes a third medicine transfer pipe 823 having a third capillary channel 820p3 disposed at the downstream side of the second capillary channel 820p2 such that a medicinal liquid that has passed through the second capillary channel 820p2 flows therein. The medicine transfer device 10800 further includes a third sealing member 833 corresponding to the third medicine transfer pipe 823. The medicine transfer device 10800 includes a third air-passing filter 963. The medicine transfer device 10800 may include a secondary air-passing filter 973 and a third boundary filter 983, corresponding to the third air-passing filter 963. In the medicine transfer device 10800, the first air-passing filter 971, the first medicine transfer pipe 821, the second air-passing filter 972, the second medicine transfer pipe 822, the third air-passing filter 973, and the third medicine transfer pipe 823 are sequentially disposed.

A first intervention space 820s-1 is positioned between the first medicine transfer pipe 821 and the second medicine transfer pipe 822 in the housing 810 of the medicine transfer device 10800. A second intervention space 820s-2 is positioned between the second medicine transfer pipe 822 and the third medicine transfer pipe 823 in the housing 810. The second capillary channel 820p2, the second intervention space 820s-2, and the third capillary channel 820p3 are sequentially positioned on the channel P. That is, the channel cross-sectional area of the second intervention space 820s-2 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel 820p2 and the cross-sectional area of the third capillary channel 820p3. The second intervention space 820s-2 may be referred to as an additional intervention space 820s-2.

The housing 810 of the medicine transfer device 10800 includes a first filter housing 910-1 in which the first air-passing filter 961 is disposed, a second filter housing 910-2 in which the second air-passing filter 962 is disposed, and a third filter housing 910-3 in which the third air-passing filter 963 is disposed. The upstream channel P1 includes a first channel Q1-1 and a second channel Q2-1 divided by the first boundary filter 981. The first intervention space 820s-1 includes a first channel Q1-2 and a second channel Q2-2 divided by the second boundary filter 982. The second intervention space 820s-2 includes a first channel Q1-3 and a second channel Q2-3 divided by the third boundary filter 983.

Although the spirit of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments and the examples shown in the figures, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be replaced, changed, and modified by those skilled in the art in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Further, those replacements, changes, and modifications should be considered as being included in the claims.

Claims

A medicine transfer device for medicinal liquid injection in which a medicinal liquid channel is formed, the medicine transfer device comprising:

a first medicine transfer pipe having a first capillary channel constituting a portion of the medicinal liquid channel;

a second medicine transfer pipe having a second capillary channel disposed at a downstream side of the first capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the first capillary channel flows into the second capillary channel; and

a housing to which the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe are coupled,

wherein an intervention space is formed between the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe in the housing,

the first capillary channel, the intervention space, and the second capillary channel are sequentially positioned along the medicinal liquid channel, and

a channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel and a cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, wherein a downstream side portion of the first capillary channel is in contact with an inner surface of the housing, and

an upstream side portion of the second capillary channel is in contact with the inner surface of the housing.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the housing constitutes at least a portion of a boundary of the intervention space.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes:

a medicine transfer pipe housing in which the intervention space is disposed;

an upstream housing in which an upstream side portion of the first medicine transfer pipe is accommodated; and

a downstream housing in which a downstream side portion of the second medicine transfer pipe is accommodated.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes:

a first medicine transfer pipe housing that constitutes a portion of the intervention space and in which at least a portion of the first medicine transfer pipe is disposed; and

a second medicine transfer pipe housing that constitutes a portion of the intervention space, in which at least a portion of the second medicine transfer pipe is disposed, and that is coupled to the first medicine transfer pipe housing at a position between the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, wherein a channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space is larger than a cross-sectional area of a downstream side portion of the first medicine transfer pipe and a cross-sectional area of an upstream side portion of the second medicine transfer pipe.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, further comprising an air vent configured to connect the intervention space to an external space such that air in the intervention space and air in the medicinal liquid are discharged to the external space.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, wherein an intake port for the medicinal liquid to flow into the second capillary channel is positioned further upstream than a downstream end of the intervention space.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, further comprising an intake filter disposed at an upstream side of the first capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid flowing in the medicinal liquid channel passes through the intake filter.
The medicine transfer device of claim 9, further comprising a spacer disposed between an upstream end of the first medicine transfer pipe and the intake filter to maintain a gap.
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first sealing member fitted between an outer surface of the first medicine transfer pipe and an inner surface of the housing; and

a second sealing member fitted between an outer surface of the second medicine transfer pipe and an inner surface of the housing
The medicine transfer device of claim 1, further comprising a third medicine transfer pipe having a third capillary channel disposed at a downstream side of the second capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the second capillary channel flows into the third capillary channel,

wherein an additional intervention space is formed between the second medicine transfer pipe and the third medicine transfer pipe in the housing, and

the second capillary channel, the additional intervention space, and the third capillary channel are sequentially positioned along the medicinal liquid channel, and

a channel cross-sectional area of the additional intervention space is larger than a cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel and a cross-sectional area of the third capillary channel.
A medicinal liquid injection apparatus comprising:

a pumping device configured to press a medicinal liquid;

an extension tube in which the medicinal liquid flowing out of the pumping device by pressure applied by the pumping device flows; and

a medicine transfer device in which a medicinal liquid channel is formed connected to the extension tube,

wherein the medicine transfer device includes:

a first medicine transfer pipe having a first capillary channel constituting a portion of the medicinal liquid channel;

a second medicine transfer pipe having a second capillary channel disposed at a downstream side of the first capillary channel such that the medicinal liquid that has passed through the first capillary channel flows into the second capillary channel; and

a housing to which the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe are coupled,

an intervention space is formed between the first medicine transfer pipe and the second medicine transfer pipe in the housing,

the first capillary channel, the intervention space, and the second capillary channel are sequentially positioned along the medicinal liquid channel, and

a channel cross-sectional area of the intervention space is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first capillary channel and a cross-sectional area of the second capillary channel.