Patent Description:
A syringe kit for mixing two medicines for mixing medicine in one barrel and medicine in the other barrel is disclosed, for example, in <CIT>. This syringe kit is provided with a first barrel (barrel for female syringe) including a connecting cylindrical portion provided with an inner tapered surface on an inner periphery and a male screw on an outer periphery, and a second barrel (barrel for male syringe) including a nozzle portion provided with an outer tapered surface on an outer periphery which may be fitted to the inner tapered surface of the connecting cylindrical portion and a screw cylindrical portion having a female screw screwable with the male screw on an inner periphery. In the syringe kit, in order to mix the medicine in the first barrel and the medicine in the second barrel, the connection cylindrical portion of the first barrel and the screw cylindrical portion of the second barrel are connected by screwing. <CIT> discloses an elastomeric stopper and a cap for hermetically sealing a parenteral fluid container which can be accessed by the use of a luer connector or a syringe <CIT> discloses a two-part coupling system with a pre-slit septum and a blunt cannula.

By the way, in order to prevent liquid leakage in a connected state, the first barrel and the second barrel need to be strongly fitted. In the syringe kit disclosed in <CIT> described above, a screwing portion of the connecting cylindrical portion of the first barrel and a screwing portion of the screw cylindrical portion of the second barrel are both screw-shaped, so that excessive screwing is possible. Therefore, there is a problem that the tapered surfaces are excessively fitted to each other, and the connection cylindrical portion (opening) of the first barrel is damaged or deformed, so that liquid tightness between the nozzle and the cylindrical portion is deteriorated. In addition, there is a problem that a distal end portion of either the first barrel or the second barrel is twisted to be damaged or deformed, and the liquid tightness between the nozzle and the cylindrical portion is deteriorated.

The present invention is achieved in consideration of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a female syringe and a syringe kit capable of preventing damage and deformation of the barrel for female syringe or a barrel for male syringe due to excessive torque and preventing deterioration in liquid tightness between a nozzle and a cylindrical portion when screwing the barrel for female syringe and the barrel for male syringe with each other.

In order to achieve the above object, a female syringe according to the present invention is provided with a barrel for female syringe including a hollow barrel body having an inner peripheral surface on which a gasket is slidable, a cylindrical portion extended in a distal end direction from a distal end of the barrel body into which a nozzle of a male syringe is insertable, and a projection with which a screw of a lock adapter of the male syringe is screwable; a hollow cylindrical packing made of an elastic material and arranged in the cylindrical portion to be integrated with the cylindrical portion; and a cap detachably attached to the cylindrical portion to liquid tightly close an opening of the packing, in which, when the cap is detached from the cylindrical portion, the packing integrated with the cylindrical portion remains in the cylindrical portion, the opening is opened, and the nozzle of the male syringe is liquid tightly fittable to an inner side of the packing, and at least in a state in which the cap is attached to the cylindrical portion and in a state in which the nozzle of the male syringe is liquid tightly fitted to the inner side of the packing, an outer peripheral surface of the packing is in close contact with an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion so as to make a full circle of a liquid tight sealing portion in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion.

According to the female syringe of the present invention having the above-described configuration, even when the cap is detached from the cylindrical portion of the barrel for female syringe, the packing remains in the cylindrical portion. Then, when the projection and the lock adapter are screwed together to connect the female syringe and the male syringe, the nozzle is inserted into the cylindrical portion. As a result, the cylindrical portion and the nozzle are liquid tightly fitted via the packing. For this reason, damage and deformation of the barrel for female syringe can be prevented while securing excellent liquid tightness at the time of fitting.

The cap includes a base and a convex fitting portion projecting in a proximal end direction from the base, and the packing may be held over an entire circumference in a compressed state between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and an outer peripheral surface of the convex fitting portion.

This configuration may ensure more excellent liquid tightness.

The inner peripheral surface of the packing may include a first fitting surface to which the convex fitting portion is fitted and a second fitting surface having an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first fitting surface to which the nozzle of the male syringe is fittable formed on a proximal end side than the first fitting surface.

With this configuration, the inner diameter is set individually for the first fitting surface and the second fitting surface, so that the liquid tightness may be excellently secured in the cap attached (unopened) state and the male/female syringe fitted state.

A radially projecting engaging convex portion may be provided on one of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the packing, an engaging concave portion having a depth in a radial direction may be provided on the other of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the packing, and movement of the packing in an axial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion may be restricted by engagement between the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion.

As a result, removal of the packing from the cylindrical portion when the cap is opened may be realized by a simple configuration, and the packing may be surely left inside the cylindrical portion after the cap is opened.

The engaging concave portion may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the packing.

By this configuration, the movement in the axial direction of the packing may be restricted without deteriorating rigidity of the cylindrical portion.

A distal end portion of the packing may be provided with the ring-shaped swelling portion projecting radially outward and is locked by the distal end surface of the cylindrical portion may be provided.

With this configuration, when the nozzle is fitted to the packing, the movement of the packing toward the barrel body may be surely prevented.

The present invention is a syringe kit provided with: a male syringe including a barrel for male syringe including a nozzle formed as a male lure and a lock adapter provided with a screw; and a female syringe including a barrel for female syringe including a cylindrical portion into which the nozzle is insertable, and a projection with which the screw of the lock adapter is screwable, in which the female syringe is provided with a hollow cylindrical packing made of an elastic material and fitted in the cylindrical portion, and a cap detachably attached to the cylindrical portion to liquid tightly close an opening of the packing, and when the cap is detached from the cylindrical portion, the packing remains in the cylindrical portion, the opening is opened, and the nozzle of the male syringe is liquid tightly fittable to an inner side of the packing.

By this configuration, damage and deformation of the barrel for female syringe can be prevented while securing excellent liquid tightness at the time of fitting.

In the above-described syringe kit, the cylindrical portion includes a first cylindrical portion provided with the projection and has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the screw, and a second cylindrical portion formed adjacent to a proximal end side of the first cylindrical portion and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion, and the screw on a distal end portion of the lock adapter may fit to the second cylindrical portion in a state in which the fitting of the nozzle to the cylindrical portion via the packing is completed.

With this configuration, when the screw on the distal end portion of the lock adapter is fitted at the time of fitting, a fitting force stronger than that only the fitting via the packing may be obtained.

In the above-described syringe kit, in a state in which the fitting of the nozzle to the cylindrical portion via the packing is completed, the packing may be held between the cylindrical portion and the nozzle in a compressed state over an entire circumference.

This configuration provides more excellent liquid tightness.

In the above-described syringe kit, the cylindrical portion may be provided with an abutment portion which restricts a fitting depth of the nozzle into the cylindrical portion by abutment of a distal end of the lock adapter when the nozzle is fitted to the cylindrical portion via the packing.

By this configuration, excessive fitting between the cylindrical portion and the nozzle may be effectively prevented.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent damage and deformation of the barrel for female syringe or the barrel for male syringe due to excessive torque and preventing deterioration in liquid tightness between the nozzle and the cylindrical portion when screwing the barrel for female syringe and the barrel for male syringe with each other.

A preferred embodiment of a female syringe and a syringe kit according to the present invention is hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A syringe kit <NUM> according to this embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is a mixing kit for mixing a filling in one barrel and a filling in the other barrel. The syringe kit <NUM> is provided with a male syringe <NUM> and a female syringe <NUM> which may be screwed to be connected to each other. Both the male syringe <NUM> and the female syringe <NUM> are formed as prefilled syringes filled with contents such as medicine in advance.

Note that, in the following description, as for the male syringe <NUM>, a side connected to the female syringe <NUM> or a direction thereof is referred to as a "distal end portion" or a "distal end direction", and the opposite side or the opposite direction is referred to as a "proximal end portion" or a "proximal end direction". Also, as for the female syringe <NUM>, a side connected to the male syringe <NUM> or a direction thereof is referred to as a "distal end portion" or a "distal end direction", and the opposite side or the opposite direction is referred to as a "proximal end portion" or a "proximal end direction".

The male syringe <NUM> is provided with a barrel for male syringe <NUM> (hereinafter abbreviated as a "male barrel <NUM>") which is a hollow body, a cap <NUM> attached to the distal end portion of the male barrel <NUM>, a gasket <NUM> slidably inserted into the male barrel <NUM>, a pusher <NUM> connected to the gasket <NUM>, and medicine M filled in a barrel chamber <NUM> formed of the barrel for male syringe <NUM> and the gasket <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the male barrel <NUM> includes a barrel body <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape on a proximal end of which a proximal end opening 22a is formed, a nozzle <NUM> provided on a distal end of the barrel body <NUM>, a lock adapter <NUM> provided on an outer side of the nozzle <NUM>, and a flange <NUM> formed so as to project radially outward from the proximal end of the barrel body <NUM>. The barrel body <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM>, the lock adapter <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> are integrally molded.

An outer diameter D1 of the barrel body <NUM> is not especially limited, but is preferably <NUM> or larger. Also, a length L1 in an axial direction of the barrel body <NUM> is not especially limited, but is preferably <NUM> or longer, and is more preferably <NUM> or longer. By setting the outer diameter D1 and the length L1 in the axial direction of the barrel body <NUM> in this manner, it is possible to easily screw while gripping the barrel body <NUM> when connecting the male syringe <NUM> to the female syringe <NUM>.

The nozzle <NUM> extends from a central portion of the distal end of the barrel body <NUM> in the distal end direction such that a diameter thereof decreases with respect to the barrel body <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> includes a passage 24b which penetrates in the axial direction and is communicated with an inner cavity (barrel chamber <NUM>) of the barrel body <NUM>.

The nozzle <NUM> is formed as a male lure including a tapered outer peripheral surface 24a a cross-sectional outer shape of which is circular and an outer diameter of which decreases in the distal end direction. The nozzle <NUM> may be fitted in a cylindrical portion <NUM> (female lure) to be described later of the female syringe <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> projects in the distal end direction from a distal end surface of the lock adapter <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the lock adapter <NUM> is formed into a substantially hollow cylindrical shape which extends in the distal end direction from the distal end of the barrel body <NUM> and surrounds the nozzle <NUM> concentrically. A screw <NUM> is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the lock adapter <NUM>.

In an initial state of the male syringe <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the cap <NUM> is attached to the nozzle <NUM>, and a distal end opening 24c of the nozzle <NUM> is sealed by the cap <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is detached from the nozzle <NUM> when the male syringe <NUM> is used (when the syringe kit <NUM> is used).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cap <NUM> includes a hollow cap main body <NUM> made of a hard material and a sealing member <NUM> made of an elastic material attached to an inner side of the cap main body <NUM>. A projection 52a which releasably engages with the screw <NUM> of the lock adapter <NUM> is formed on an outer peripheral portion of a proximal end of the cap main body <NUM>.

The sealing member <NUM> is fixed to an inner peripheral portion of the cap main body <NUM>. The sealing member <NUM> includes a sealing concave portion 54a opened in the proximal end direction and the nozzle <NUM> fits in the sealing concave portion 54a. In a state before usage in which the cap <NUM> is attached to the nozzle <NUM> (unopened state), the sealing member <NUM> is in close contact with the nozzle <NUM> in a liquid tight manner.

In <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> is inserted into the barrel body <NUM> via the proximal end opening 22a which opens at the proximal end of the barrel body <NUM>. The proximal end side of the barrel body <NUM> is sealed in a liquid tight manner by the gasket <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> is made of, for example, an elastic material such as a rubber material. The gasket <NUM> is slidably arranged in the barrel body <NUM> with an outer peripheral portion in liquid tight contact with the inner peripheral surface of the barrel body <NUM>.

The gasket <NUM> is connected to a distal end portion of the pusher <NUM>. As a user pushes the pusher <NUM> in the axial direction (distal end direction or proximal end direction), the gasket <NUM> slides in the axial direction in the barrel body <NUM>. Note that, the pusher <NUM> may also be connected to the gasket <NUM> when the male syringe <NUM> is used.

As long as the medicine M is dissolved/diluted/mixed by medical fluid ML (specifically, solution such as physiological saline) filled in the female syringe <NUM>, this may be of any type such as powdered medicine, freeze-dried medicine, solid medicine, and liquid medicine. Such medicine M includes, for example, protein preparations, peptide preparations, antitumor agents, vitamins (multivitamins), various amino acids, antithrombotic agents such as heparin, insulin, antibiotics, analgesics, cardiotonic agents, intravenous injection anesthetics, medical narcotics, anti-parkinsonian agents, ulcer treatment agents, corticosteroids, arrhythmic agents and the like.

The female syringe <NUM> is provided with a barrel for female syringe <NUM> (hereinafter abbreviated as a "female barrel <NUM>") which is a hollow body, a packing <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) arranged on an inner portion of the distal end of the female syringe <NUM>, and a cap <NUM> attached to the distal end portion of the female syringe <NUM>. The female syringe <NUM> is further provided with a gasket <NUM> slidably inserted into the female barrel <NUM>, a pusher <NUM> connected to the gasket <NUM>, and the medical fluid ML filled in a barrel chamber <NUM> formed of the barrel for female syringe <NUM> and the gasket <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the female barrel <NUM> includes a barrel body <NUM> having a substantially cylindrical shape and having a proximal end opening 36a formed on a proximal end thereof, a cylindrical portion <NUM> projecting in the distal end direction from a distal end of the barrel body <NUM>, and a flange <NUM> formed so as to project radially outward from the proximal end of the barrel body <NUM>. The barrel body <NUM>, the cylindrical portion <NUM>, and the flange <NUM> are integrally molded. Note that, although the cylindrical portion <NUM> is smaller than the barrel body <NUM> in <FIG>, the cylindrical portion <NUM> may be of the same size as that of the barrel body <NUM> or may be larger than the barrel body <NUM>.

An outer diameter D2 of the barrel body <NUM> is not especially limited, but is preferably <NUM> or larger. Also, a length L2 in an axial direction of the barrel body <NUM> is not especially limited, but is preferably <NUM> or longer, and is more preferably <NUM> or longer. By setting the outer diameter D2 and the length L2 in the axial direction of the barrel body <NUM> in this manner, it is possible to easily screw while gripping the barrel body <NUM> when connecting the female syringe <NUM> to the male syringe <NUM>.

The cylindrical portion <NUM> extends from a central portion of the distal end of the barrel body <NUM> in the distal end direction such that a diameter thereof decreases with respect to the barrel body <NUM>. The cylindrical portion <NUM> has a substantially cylindrical shape penetrating in the axial direction. The nozzle <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the male syringe <NUM> may be inserted into the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, on an outer peripheral portion of a distal end of the cylindrical portion <NUM>, two projections <NUM> projecting outward (radially outward) in opposite directions with respect to an axis a (center line) of the cylindrical portion <NUM> are provided. The two projections <NUM> may be screwed with the screw <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) provided on the lock adapter <NUM> of the male barrel <NUM>.

The cylindrical portion <NUM> includes a first cylindrical portion 38A provided with the projections <NUM> and having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the screw <NUM>, and a second cylindrical portion 38B formed so as to be adjacent to a proximal end side of the first cylindrical portion 38A and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 38A. The first cylindrical portion 38A forms a distal end side of the cylindrical portion <NUM>. The second cylindrical portion 38B forms a proximal end side of the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an engaging convex portion 39a projecting radially inward is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM>. The engaging convex portion 39a is formed into an annular shape to make a full circle in a circumferential direction. The engaging convex portion 39a is provided on the second cylindrical portion 38B. A projecting height of the engaging convex portion 39a from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> is shorter than a thickness of the cylindrical portion <NUM>. Note that, the engaging convex portion 39a may be formed in a range smaller than a full circle in the circumferential direction, or a plurality of the same may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The engaging convex portion 39a may also be provided on the first cylindrical portion 38A or may be provided across the first cylindrical portion 38A and the second cylindrical portion 38B.

As illustrated in <FIG>, on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM>, an abutment portion 38b is provided for restricting a fitting depth of the nozzle <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) into the cylindrical portion <NUM>. Specifically, the abutment portion 38b projects radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 38B and extends in the circumferential direction. In <FIG>, two abutment portions 38b are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the axis a of the cylindrical portion <NUM>. In a state in which the cap <NUM> is attached to the cylindrical portion <NUM> (cap unopened state) as illustrated in <FIG>, the abutment portion 38b is covered with the cap <NUM> and fitted to an inner peripheral surface of the cap <NUM>.

The packing <NUM> is arranged in the cylindrical portion <NUM> and is integrated with the cylindrical portion <NUM>. In <FIG>, the packing <NUM> is fitted in the cylindrical portion <NUM> and is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> in a liquid tight manner over an entire circumference. The packing <NUM> is a hollow cylindrical member made of an elastic material and having an inner cavity <NUM> penetrating in the axial direction. The packing <NUM> is held between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and an outer peripheral surface of a convex fitting portion 58b to be described later of the cap <NUM> in a compressed state over the entire circumference. Note that the packing <NUM> may also be integrated with the cylindrical portion <NUM> by bonding, welding, two-color molding or the like.

At least in a state in which the cap <NUM> is attached to the cylindrical portion <NUM> and in a state in which the nozzle <NUM> of the male syringe <NUM> fits in the inner side of the packing <NUM> in a liquid tight manner, the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM> is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> so as to make a full circle of a liquid tight sealing portion in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion <NUM>. Note that, in a state in which the cap <NUM> is detached from the cylindrical portion <NUM> and in a state in which the nozzle <NUM> of the male syringe <NUM> is not inserted into the packing <NUM>, the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM> is not required to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

The packing <NUM> is provided with a first peripheral wall portion <NUM> including a first fitting surface 60a to which the convex fitting portion 58b is fitted in the unopened state of the cap <NUM> and a second peripheral wall portion <NUM> including a second fitting surface 62a formed on the proximal end side than the first fitting surface 60a. The first fitting surface 60a forms a distal end side area of the inner peripheral surface of the packing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first fitting surface 60a is formed into a tapered shape an outer diameter of which decreases in the proximal end direction. Note that the first fitting surface 60a may also be formed into a straight shape having a constant outer diameter in the axial direction.

The second fitting surface 62a forms a proximal end side area of the inner peripheral surface of the packing <NUM>. The second fitting surface 62a has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first fitting surface 60a, and the nozzle <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) of the male syringe <NUM> may be fitted thereto. A step is formed between the first fitting surface 60a and the second fitting surface 62a. The second fitting surface 62a is formed into a tapered shape (female lure) an outer diameter of which decreases in the proximal end direction. Note that the second fitting surface 62a may also be formed into a straight shape having a constant outer diameter in the axial direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM> is provided with an engaging concave portion 39b having a depth in the radial direction. The engaging concave portion 39b is formed into an annular shape which makes a full circle in the circumferential direction. The engaging concave portion 39b is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the second peripheral wall portion <NUM> (a position surrounding the second fitting surface 62a). As illustrated in <FIG>, the engaging convex portion 39a provided on the cylindrical portion <NUM> engages with the engaging concave portion 39b. Movement of the packing <NUM> in the axial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion <NUM> is restricted by the engagement of the engaging convex portion 39a with the engaging concave portion 39b.

Note that, the engaging concave portion 39b may be formed in a range smaller than a full circle in the circumferential direction, or a plurality of the same may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. It is also possible that an engaging convex portion which projects radially outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM>, an engaging concave portion having a depth in the radial direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM>, and the engaging convex portion and the engaging concave portion engage with each other unlike the configuration illustrated in <FIG> and the like.

A ring-shaped swelling portion <NUM> projecting radially outward is provided on a distal end portion of the packing <NUM> (a distal end portion of the first peripheral wall portion <NUM>). In a state in which the cap <NUM> is attached to the cylindrical portion <NUM>, the ring-shaped swelling portion <NUM> is held between a distal end surface 38e of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and a base 58a of the cap <NUM> in the axial direction, and is in close contact with the distal end surface 38e and the base 58a in a full circle in a liquid tight manner.

As an elastic material of the packing <NUM>, there may be, for example, various rubber materials such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and silicone rubber, various thermoplastic elastomers such as a polyurethane type, a polyester type, a polyamide type, an olefin type, and a styrene type, or a mixture thereof.

In an initial state of the female syringe <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the cap <NUM> is attached to the cylindrical portion <NUM>. The cap <NUM> is detached from the cylindrical portion <NUM> when the female syringe <NUM> is used (when the syringe kit <NUM> is used).

In <FIG>, the cap <NUM> closes the distal end opening 56a of the packing <NUM> in a liquid tight manner. As a result, the cap <NUM> closes the distal end opening 38a of the cylindrical portion <NUM> in a liquid tight manner via the packing <NUM>. The cap <NUM> covers the cylindrical portion <NUM> and detachably engages with the projection <NUM>. Specifically, the cap <NUM> includes the base 58a, the convex fitting portion 58b projecting in the proximal end direction from the base 58a, and a cylindrical cover portion 58c which surrounds the convex fitting portion 58b and projects in the proximal end direction from the base 58a.

The base 58a forms a distal end portion of the cap <NUM>. The convex fitting portion 58b is formed into a cylindrical shape which projects in the proximal end direction from a central portion of the base 58a. The outer peripheral portion of the convex fitting portion 58b is formed into a tapered shape an outer diameter of which decreases in the proximal end direction. Note that the outer peripheral portion of the convex fitting portion 58b may also be formed into a straight shape having a constant outer diameter in the axial direction. In a state in <FIG> in which the cap <NUM> is attached to the cylindrical portion <NUM>, the convex fitting portion 58b fits to the first fitting surface 60a of the packing <NUM> but does not fit to the second fitting surface 62a, and the outer peripheral surface of the convex fitting portion 58b is in close contact with the first fitting surface 60a over the entire circumference.

The cylindrical cover portion 58c projects in the proximal end direction from the convex fitting portion 58b. The cylindrical cover portion 58c is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. A screw 58d is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical cover portion 58c. In <FIG>, the screw 58d engages with the projection <NUM> provided on the cylindrical portion <NUM>. A most proximal end portion 58de of the screw 58d is located on the proximal end side (opening 58f side of the cap <NUM>) than a proximal end surface 58be of the convex fitting portion 58b (refer to <FIG>).

The cap <NUM> is formed of a material harder than that of the packing <NUM> (for example, selected from those exemplified below as components of the male barrel <NUM> and the female barrel <NUM>).

In <FIG>, the gasket <NUM> is inserted into the barrel body <NUM> via the proximal end opening 36a that opens at the proximal end of the barrel body <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> seals the proximal end of the barrel body <NUM> in a liquid tight manner. The gasket <NUM> is formed of, for example, an elastic material such as a rubber material. The gasket <NUM> is slidably arranged in the barrel body <NUM> with an outer peripheral portion in liquid tight contact with the inner peripheral surface of the barrel body <NUM>.

The gasket <NUM> is connected to a distal end portion of the pusher <NUM>. When the user pushes the pusher <NUM> in the axial direction (distal end direction or proximal end direction), the gasket <NUM> slides in the axial direction in the barrel body <NUM>. Note that, the pusher <NUM> may be connected to the gasket <NUM> when the female syringe <NUM> is used.

The medical fluid ML is fluid capable of dissolving, diluting, or mixing the medicine M in the male syringe <NUM>. Such medical fluid ML may be medicine solvent such as physiological saline, medicine diluent, medicine mixture, or medicine solution containing medicine (for example, vitamins and minerals). Note that, it is sufficient that the medical fluid ML is not filled in advance in the female syringe <NUM> as in this embodiment but sucked by a required amount from a vial or the like into the empty female syringe <NUM> as necessary.

In this embodiment, the male barrel <NUM> and the female barrel <NUM> are both made of cyclic polyolefin having high rigidity and high toughness. Note that the male barrel <NUM> and female barrel <NUM> may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, poly-(<NUM>-methylpentene-<NUM>), acrylic resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate and the like.

Next, a method of using the syringe kit <NUM> configured as described above is described.

First, in the male syringe <NUM> and female syringe <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the cap <NUM> is detached from the nozzle <NUM> of the male barrel <NUM> and the cap <NUM> is detached from the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the female barrel <NUM> (opened). When the cap <NUM> is detached from the cylindrical portion <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the packing <NUM> remains in the cylindrical portion <NUM>, and the distal end opening 56a of the packing <NUM> is opened. That is, since the packing <NUM> is fixed to the cylindrical portion <NUM> by the engagement between the engaging convex portion 39a and the engaging concave portion 39b, the packing <NUM> is separated from the cap <NUM> (convex fitting portion 58b) along with the removal of the cap <NUM> from the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

Next, as illustrated in <FIG>, the male barrel <NUM> and the female barrel <NUM> are connected to each other. Specifically, the screw <NUM> of the lock adapter <NUM> and the projection <NUM> provided on the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the female barrel <NUM> are screwed together. Along with this screwing, the nozzle <NUM> of the male barrel <NUM> is inserted into the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the female barrel <NUM> and the packing <NUM>. As a result, the packing <NUM> is held between the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> in a compressed state, the inner peripheral surface of the packing <NUM> is brought into close contact with the tapered outer peripheral surface 24a of the nozzle <NUM> in a liquid tight manner over the entire circumference, and the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM> is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> in a liquid tight manner over the entire circumference.

Next, the medical fluid ML and the medicine M are mixed by performing a pumping operation using the pusher <NUM> of the male syringe <NUM> and the pusher <NUM> of the female syringe <NUM>. Specifically, the medical fluid ML is injected from the female barrel <NUM> into the male barrel <NUM> by pushing the pusher <NUM> of the female syringe <NUM> toward the female syringe <NUM>, and the medical fluid ML is mixed with the medicine M in the male barrel <NUM>. Next, the pusher <NUM> of the male syringe <NUM> is pushed toward the male syringe <NUM> to inject the mixture (the mixture of the medical fluid ML and the medicine M) from the male barrel <NUM> into the female barrel <NUM>. Then, by repeating such movement of the mixture several times between the male barrel <NUM> and the female barrel <NUM>, dissolution, dilution or mixing of the medicine M is promoted, and desired medicine solution is prepared.

In this case, according to this embodiment, the female syringe <NUM> is provided with the hollow cylindrical packing <NUM> arranged in the cylindrical portion <NUM> and is integrated with the cylindrical portion <NUM>, and the cap <NUM> which covers the cylindrical portion <NUM> and closes the distal end opening 56a of the packing <NUM> in a liquid tight manner. Then, when the cap <NUM> is detached from the cylindrical portion <NUM>, the packing <NUM> integrated with the cylindrical portion <NUM> remains in the cylindrical portion <NUM>, the distal end opening 56a is opened, and the nozzle <NUM> may be liquid tightly fit to the inner side of the packing <NUM>. For this reason, even when the cap <NUM> is detached from the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the female barrel <NUM>, the packing <NUM> remains in the cylindrical portion <NUM>. Then, when the projection <NUM> and the lock adapter <NUM> are screwed together to connect the female barrel <NUM> and the male barrel <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM> is inserted into the cylindrical portion <NUM>. As a result, the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> are liquid tightly fitted via the packing <NUM>. Therefore, damage and deformation of the female barrel <NUM> may be prevented while securing excellent liquid tightness at the time of fitting.

The cap <NUM> includes the base 58a and the convex fitting portion 58b projecting in the proximal end direction from the base 58a, and before opening the cap <NUM>, the packing <NUM> is held between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the convex fitting portion 58b over an entire circumference in a compressed state. This configuration may ensure more excellent liquid tightness.

The inner peripheral surface of the packing <NUM> includes the first fitting surface 60a to which the convex fitting portion 58b is fitted and the second fitting surface 62a having the inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first fitting surface 60a formed on the proximal end side than the first fitting surface 60a to which the nozzle <NUM> of the male syringe <NUM> may be fitted. With this configuration, the inner diameter is set individually for the first fitting surface 60a and the second fitting surface 62a, so that the liquid tightness may be excellently secured in the cap attached (unopened) state and the male/female syringe fitted state.

In this case, the second peripheral wall portion <NUM> having the second fitting surface 62a is held between the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> in a compressed state. Therefore, a liquid tight seal is formed over the entire circumference between a distal end portion outer peripheral surface 24d of the nozzle <NUM> and the packing <NUM>, and a liquid tight seal is formed over the entire circumference between a proximal end portion outer peripheral surface 56b of the packing <NUM> and the female barrel <NUM>. Therefore, the liquid tightness in the fitting state between the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> may be secured more excellently.

In one of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM>, a radially projecting engaging convex portion 39a is provided, and on the other of the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM>, the engaging concave portion 39b having a depth in the radial direction is provided. Then, movement of the packing <NUM> in the axial direction with respect to the cylindrical portion <NUM> is restricted by the engagement of the engaging convex portion 39a with the engaging concave portion 39b. As a result, removal of the packing <NUM> from the cylindrical portion <NUM> when the cap <NUM> is opened may be realized by a simple configuration, and the packing <NUM> may be surely left inside the cylindrical portion <NUM> after the cap <NUM> is opened.

In a case of this embodiment, the engaging concave portion 39b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the packing <NUM>. By this configuration, the movement in the axial direction of the packing <NUM> may be restricted without deteriorating rigidity of the cylindrical portion <NUM>.

On the distal end portion of the packing <NUM>, the ring-shaped swelling portion <NUM> which projects radially outward and is locked by the distal end surface 38e of the cylindrical portion <NUM> is provided. Therefore, when the nozzle <NUM> is fitted to the packing <NUM>, the movement of the packing <NUM> toward the barrel body <NUM> may be surely prevented.

The cylindrical portion <NUM> includes a first cylindrical portion 38A provided with the projections <NUM> and having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the screw <NUM>, and a second cylindrical portion 38B formed so as to be adjacent to a proximal end side of the first cylindrical portion 38A and having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 38A. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, in a state in which the fitting of the nozzle <NUM> to the cylindrical portion <NUM> via the packing <NUM> is completed, the screw <NUM> on the distal end portion of the lock adapter <NUM> is fitted to the second cylindrical portion 38B. With this configuration, when the screw <NUM> on the distal end portion of the lock adapter <NUM> is fitted at the time of fitting, a fitting force stronger than that only the fitting via the packing <NUM> may be obtained.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the abutment portion 38b provided on the cylindrical portion <NUM> restricts the fitting depth of the nozzle <NUM> into the cylindrical portion <NUM> because the distal end 26a of the lock adapter <NUM> abuts when the nozzle <NUM> is fitted to the cylindrical portion <NUM> via the packing <NUM>. Therefore, excessive fitting between the cylindrical portion <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> may be effectively prevented.

In the above-described syringe kit <NUM>, the outer diameter D1 of the barrel body <NUM> of the male barrel <NUM> and the outer diameter D2 of the barrel body <NUM> of the female barrel <NUM> may be both <NUM> or larger, and the length in the axial direction of the barrel body <NUM> of the male barrel <NUM> and the length in the axial direction of the barrel body <NUM> of the female barrel <NUM> may be both <NUM> or longer.

In general, a barrel for a syringe including a barrel body with such an outer dimension is likely to be subjected to strong torque at the time of screwing and is easily broken or deformed; however, the present invention in which breakage or deformation of the cylindrical portion <NUM> may be prevented and deterioration in the liquid tightness between the nozzle <NUM> and the cylindrical portion <NUM> may be effectively prevented is useful.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claim 1:
A female syringe (<NUM>) comprising:
a barrel for female syringe (<NUM>) including a hollow barrel body (<NUM>) having an inner peripheral surface on which a gasket (<NUM>) is slidable, a cylindrical portion (<NUM>) extended in a distal end direction from a distal end of the barrel body (<NUM>) into which a nozzle (<NUM>) of a male syringe (<NUM>) is insertable, and a projection (<NUM>) with which a screw of a lock adapter (<NUM>) of the male syringe (<NUM>) is screwable;
a hollow cylindrical packing (<NUM>) made of an elastic material and arranged in the cylindrical portion (<NUM>) to be integrated with the cylindrical portion (<NUM>); and
a cap (<NUM>) detachably attached to the cylindrical portion (<NUM>) to liquid tightly close an opening (56a) of the packing (<NUM>),
wherein when the cap (<NUM>) is detached from the cylindrical portion (<NUM>), the packing (<NUM>) integrated with the cylindrical portion (<NUM>) remains in the cylindrical portion (<NUM>), the opening (56a) is opened, and the nozzle (<NUM>) of the male syringe (<NUM>) is liquid tightly fittable to an inner side of the packing (<NUM>), and
at least in a state in which the cap (<NUM>) is attached to the cylindrical portion (<NUM>) and in a state in which the nozzle (<NUM>) of the male syringe (<NUM>) is liquid tightly fitted to the inner side of the packing (<NUM>), an outer peripheral surface of the packing (<NUM>) is in close contact with an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion (<NUM>) so as to make a full circle of a liquid tight sealing portion in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion (<NUM>),
wherein the cap (<NUM>) includes a base (58a) and a convex fitting portion (58b) projecting in a proximal end direction from the base (58a), and
the packing (<NUM>) is held in a compressed state over an entire circumference between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion (<NUM>) and an outer peripheral surface of the convex fitting portion (58b).