CN110022928B

CN110022928B - Connector with a locking member

Info

Publication number: CN110022928B
Application number: CN201880004651.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 栗本亮太
Original assignee: Terumo Corp
Current assignee: Terumo Corp
Priority date: 2017-02-01
Filing date: 2018-01-15
Publication date: 2022-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-15
Also published as: WO2018142902A1; JP7518873B2; JPWO2018142902A1; JP2022107688A; CN110022928A

Abstract

The first connector (1A) is provided in the middle of a dialysis line through which dialysate passes and can be used to obtain a connected state in which the middle of the line is connected in a liquid-tight manner and a disconnected state in which the connected state is disconnected. The first connector (1A) has: a pressure closing unit (36) that switches between operations so as to close the infusion tube (18) that forms the dialysis line while the connection is released and to release the pressure closing of the infusion tube (18) while the connection is released; and an outer tube (4) that functions as an operation unit and switches the operation of the pressure-closing unit (36) by rotating around the infusion tube (18) while maintaining the position in the longitudinal direction of the infusion tube (18). The clamping part (35) of the pressing part (36) is provided with a first inclined surface (351) and a second inclined surface (352) which have different inclined angles.

Description

Connector with a locking member

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector.

Background

In recent years, peritoneal dialysis-based treatment methods have attracted attention for the reasons that devices and instruments are smaller and simpler, treatment costs are lower, and peritoneal adhesions can be prevented, compared to dialysis methods using artificial kidneys.

In this peritoneal dialysis method, since the bag of dialysate can be replaced by the patient himself at his/her home or work, the patient is likely to return to the society, and therefore, the peritoneal dialysis method is attracting much attention. In this peritoneal dialysis method, a tube connected to the patient side is connected to a tube connected to the dialysate bag side containing dialysate. The pipes are connected to each other by connecting the pipes with each other by a connecting tool provided at each pipe end (see, for example, patent document 1).

However, in the connection tool described in patent document 1, when the connection between the connection tools is released, there is a possibility that the dialysate leaks from the released connection tool due to the remaining amount of the dialysate in the tube.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open No. 5-31178

Disclosure of Invention

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of preventing liquid leakage when the midway connection state of a pipeline through which liquid passes is released.

This object is achieved by the following aspects (1) to (11).

(1) A connector that is provided in a middle of a pipe through which a liquid passes and that can obtain a connected state in which the middle of the pipe is connected liquid-tightly and a disconnected state in which the connected state is disconnected, the connector comprising:

a pressure closing portion that switches an operation so as to close the pipe constituting the pipeline while the pipe is in the disconnected state and to release the pressure closing of the pipe while the pipe is in the connected state; and

an operation section that switches an operation of the press-closing section by rotating around the pipe while maintaining a position in a longitudinal direction of the pipe,

the connector is configured such that the connection state is realized by screwing and the connection release state is realized by releasing the screwing,

when the operation portion is rotated to release the tube from the state in which the tube is pressed and the connection state is set from the connection released state, a force required for the screwing is smaller than a force required for releasing the pressing of the tube,

when the operation portion is rotated to press the tube from a state in which the pressing of the tube is released and the connected state is set to the connection released state, a force required to release the screwing is larger than a force required to press the tube.

(2) A connector that is provided in a middle of a pipe through which a liquid passes and that can obtain a connected state in which the middle of the pipe is connected liquid-tightly and a disconnected state in which the connected state is disconnected, the connector comprising:

a pressure closing portion that switches an operation so as to close the pipe constituting the pipeline while the pipe is in the disconnected state and to release the pressure closing of the pipe while the pipe is in the connected state;

an operation unit that switches the operation of the press-closing unit by rotating around the pipe while maintaining a position in a longitudinal direction of the pipe; and

a protrusion rotated around the tube by a rotating operation of the operating portion,

the press-closing portion has a plurality of clamping portions arranged along a circumferential direction of the pipe and supported so as to be able to approach and separate from each other, the plurality of clamping portions clamping and pressing the pipe by approaching each other and releasing the press-closing of the pipe by separating from each other,

the plurality of clamping parts are respectively provided with a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface which are arranged along the circumferential direction of the pipe and have different inclined angles,

when switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion goes over the first inclined surface; when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion portion rides over the second inclined surface.

(3) The connector according to the above (2), wherein each of the plurality of holding portions has an elastic portion that is provided with the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface and that is elastically deformable.

(4) The connector according to the above (2) or (3), wherein a resistance when the protrusion crosses the first inclined surface is different from a resistance when the protrusion crosses the second inclined surface.

(5) The connector according to any one of the above (2) to (4), wherein an inclination angle of the first inclined face is larger than an inclination angle of the second inclined face.

(6) The connector according to any one of the above (2) to (5), configured such that the connection state is achieved by screwing and the connection release state is achieved by releasing the screwing,

when the connection state is set from the connection released state to the connection state, the screwing ratio is performed prior to the release of the press closure of the pipe; when the connection state is changed to the connection release state, the tube is pressed and closed before the screw is released.

(7) The connector according to any one of the above (2) to (6), which includes a notification portion that generates at least one of a sound and a vibration to notify completion of the connection state when the connection released state is set to the connection state, and generates at least one of the sound and the vibration to notify start of the connection released state when the connection released state is set to the connection released state.

(8) The connector according to the above (7), comprising: an outer cylinder on which the operation portion is disposed; and an inner cylinder supported in the outer cylinder so as to be relatively rotatable concentrically and supporting the plurality of gripping portions so as to be capable of approaching and separating from each other,

the outer cylinder has the projection provided on an inner peripheral portion thereof,

the notification portion has the projection, the first inclined surface, and the second inclined surface, and generates at least one of the sound and the vibration when the projection passes over the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface.

(9) The connector according to the above (8), in which a force required for the screwing is smaller than a force when the protrusion crosses the first inclined surface,

the force required for releasing the screwing is larger than the force when the protrusion passes over the second inclined surface.

(10) The connector according to any one of the above (2) to (9), wherein the tube has elasticity and functions as a biasing portion that biases the plurality of gripping portions in a direction away from each other.

(11) The connector according to any one of the above (1) to (10), having a restricting portion that restricts a rotation limit of the operation portion.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, when the connection state in which the liquid-tight connection is established from the midway of the pipeline through which the liquid passes is set to the disconnection state in which the connection state is disconnected, the operation portion is operated prior to the disconnection state, and the pipe constituting the pipeline can be closed by pressure. This prevents leakage from occurring in the disconnected state.

Further, when the connection state is realized by screwing of the connector, the notification portion is provided, so that completion of the connection state and start of the disconnection state can be notified by at least one of sound and vibration. This makes it possible to easily and reliably grasp how far the connector is screwed in to complete the connection state. In addition, the start of the connection release state can be easily and reliably grasped.

Further, by making the inclination angle of the first inclined surface different from that of the second inclined surface, the projection can easily pass over the second inclined surface when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, for example.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a peritoneal dialysis set using a connector (first embodiment) of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional (perspective) view showing a connection released state of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional (perspective) view of the connector shown in fig. 1 when the connector is in a connected state, taken along line a-a in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 3 when the connector shown in fig. 1 is in a connection released state.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 3) showing a connection state of a connector (second embodiment) of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 3) showing a connection released state of the connector shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in fig. 7.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, the connector according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.

< first embodiment >

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a peritoneal dialysis set using a connector (first embodiment) of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector shown in fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional (perspective) view showing a connection released state of the connector shown in fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional (perspective) view of the connector shown in fig. 1 when the connector is in a connected state, taken along line a-a in fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 3 when the connector shown in fig. 1 is in a connection released state. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in fig. 1. For convenience of explanation, the upper side in fig. 2 and 3 is referred to as a "base end" and the lower side is referred to as a "tip end" hereinafter.

The peritoneal dialysis set 100 shown in fig. 1 can be suitably used in a peritoneal dialysis method, i.e., a method of injecting and supplying a dialysate into the peritoneum (i.e., into the abdominal cavity) of a patient and then recovering a drain of the dialysate when peritoneal dialysis is performed.

The peritoneal dialysis set 100 has: a dialysate bag 14 filled with dialysate in advance; a drain bag 19 for recovering the drained dialysate; a bag side tube 11 connected to the dialysate bag 14 and the drain bag 19, respectively; an infusion tube 18 connected to a catheter (not shown) placed in the peritoneum of the patient; and a connector 20 for peritoneal dialysis for detachably connecting the bag-side tube 11 and the infusion tube 18. In addition, the peritoneal dialysis set 100 can also omit the dialysate bag 14 or drain bag 19, as desired.

In the peritoneal dialysis set 100, the bag-side tube 11 and the infusion tube 18 constitute a dialysis line 10 through which dialysate (including drainage thereof) passes. The connector 20 for peritoneal dialysis includes a first connector 1A and a second connector 1B. By connecting the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, the dialysate can be made to flow down from upstream to downstream in the dialysis line 10. Further, by disconnecting the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, the middle of the dialysis line 10 can be separated. This enables, for example, replacement of the used dialysate bag 14 and drain bag 19 with a new, that is, unused dialysate bag 14 and drain bag 19.

The first connector 1A of the connector 20 for peritoneal dialysis is connected to the infusion tube 18 on the side opposite to the patient side. The infusion tube 18 is provided with a connector 17 detachably connected to the middle thereof, and a roller clamp (roller clamp)16 for opening and closing the interior of the infusion tube 18 on the first connector 1A side of the connector 17.

The bag-side tube 11 includes a tube 111 for connecting the dialysate bag 14 to the second connector 1B of the connector 20 for peritoneal dialysis, and a branch tube 112 branching off from the middle of the tube 111. The pipe 111 and the branch pipe 112 communicate with each other via a branch portion 113. The branch pipe 112 is connected to the drain bag 19 on the opposite side of the branch portion 113. In such a bag-side tube 11, a part thereof can be selectively closed to switch the flow path of the dialysate. In other words, in the bag-side tube 11, when the dialysate is supplied from the dialysate bag 14 to the patient side, the vicinity of the branch portion 113 of the branch tube 112 is blocked. When the drainage is collected from the patient side to the drainage bag 19, the vicinity of the branching portion 113 of the blocking tube 111 on the dialysate bag 14 side is blocked. The method of occluding the tube is not particularly limited, and for example, a method of attaching a drip clip (klemme) to the tube to be occluded can be mentioned.

The connector 20 for peritoneal dialysis has the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B as described above, and is provided in the middle of the dialysis line 10 through which a dialysate (liquid) passes. The first connector 1A is a so-called "male connector", and the second connector 1B is a so-called "female connector", which are capable of being screwed together. The middle of the dialysis line 10 is connected in a liquid-tight manner by the screwing (see fig. 4). The screw engagement is released to set a connection released state in which the connection state is released (see fig. 3 and 5).

The first connector 1A is a connector of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2 to 5, the first connector 1A includes the connector body 2, the inner tube 3, the outer tube 4, and the press-closing portion 36, and is an assembly body in which these components are assembled with each other. The structure of each member will be described below. The material constituting each member is not particularly limited, but is preferably a resin such as polypropylene, cyclic polyolefin, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, or polyoxymethylene, for example. This makes it possible to easily form each member.

The connector body 2 has a tubular shape, and includes, in order from the distal end side thereof, a male screw portion 21, a flange portion 22, and a tube connecting portion 23.

The male screw portion 21 is provided at the distal end of the connector body 2 and has a male screw 211 formed on the outer periphery thereof. The male screw portion 21 can be screwed with a female screw portion (not shown) of the second connector 1B. This can reliably maintain the connection state shown in fig. 4. Further, a ring-shaped seal member 7 is provided at the base end portion of the external thread portion 21. The sealing member 7 can reliably seal the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B in the connected state, and can reliably connect the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B in a liquid-tight manner. The material constituting the sealing member 7 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various rubber materials such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and silicone rubber, and various thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, olefins, and styrenes, and elastic materials such as mixtures thereof.

Further, a second connector connecting portion 24 that is connected to the second connector 1B in a liquid-tight manner in the connected state is provided inside the external screw portion 21. The second connector connecting portion 24 communicates with the pipe connecting portion 23. This enables the dialysate to flow back and forth in the connected state.

The tube connection portion 23 is a portion provided at the base end portion of the connector main body 2, and into which the infusion tube 18 constituting a part of the dialysis line 10 is fitted and connected in a liquid-tight manner. A plurality of annular protrusions 231 are formed along the circumferential direction of the pipe connecting portion 23 on the outer circumferential portion thereof. These projections 231 are disposed at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the connector body 2, and can be engaged with the front end inner peripheral portion of the infusion tube 18. This can prevent the infusion tube 18 from falling off the tube connection portion 23.

A flange portion 22 is provided between the male screw portion 21 and the pipe connecting portion 23. The flange portion 22 is a portion formed to protrude in a plate shape on the outer peripheral portion of the connector body 2.

The tube connection portion 23 of the connector main body 2 is inserted into the inner tube 3 together with the infusion tube 18. The inner tube 3 has a flange portion 31, a flange portion 32, and a flange portion 33 in this order from the front end side thereof.

The flange portion 31 is a portion formed to protrude in a plate shape on the outer peripheral portion of the front end of the inner tube 3. The flange portion 31 of the inner tube 3 is fixed to the flange portion 22 of the connector body 2. The fixing method is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method by engagement, a method by welding (thermal welding, high-frequency welding, ultrasonic welding, or the like), and a method by adhesion (adhesion by an adhesive or a solvent).

The flange portion 32 is a portion formed to protrude in a plate shape in the middle of the outer peripheral portion of the inner tube 3 in the longitudinal direction.

The flange portion 33 is a portion formed to protrude in a plate shape on the outer peripheral portion of the base end of the inner cylinder 3. The flange 33 has a slit 331 formed therein and penetrating in the radial direction. A press-closing portion 36, that is, two pinching portions 35 capable of pinching the infusion tube 18, which will be described later, is inserted (supported) in the slit 331 so as to be movable along the forming direction of the slit 331. By this movement, the two gripping portions 35 can be moved toward each other (see fig. 3 and 5) or away from each other (see fig. 4).

The press-closing portion 36 is constituted by two clamping portions (clamping members) 35 in the present embodiment. By constituting the press-closing portion 36 by the two sandwiching portions 35, the length of the press-closing portion 36 in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1A (the length in the vertical direction in fig. 3) can be shortened. This can shorten the entire length of the first connector 1A, and can reduce the size of the first connector 1A.

The respective holding portions 35 are disposed along the circumferential direction of the infusion tube 18 in the middle of the infusion tube 18, that is, disposed with the infusion tube 18 interposed therebetween. Each of the clamping portions 35 is disposed in point symmetry with respect to the center of the first connector 1A in a plan view. Further, the respective gripping portions 35 protrude in opposite directions to each other. Since the two clamping portions 35 have the same configuration such as the shape (structure), one clamping portion 35 of the two clamping portions 35 will be described below.

As shown in fig. 6, the clamping portion 35 is formed of a small piece (member) having a predetermined shape. In the present embodiment, the shape of the clamping portion 35 is a shape in which a projection 350 projects from one side of a quadrangle in a plan view (as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1A). In addition, the shape of the projection 350 is concave on one end side (lower side in fig. 6) and convex on the other end side (upper side in fig. 6) of both side surfaces of the projection 350 in a plan view.

More specifically, the projection 350 of the clamp portion 35 has a first inclined surface 351 and a second inclined surface 352 which are arranged along the circumferential direction of the infusion tube 18 and have different inclination angles in plan view. The first inclined surface 351 is disposed on one of both side surfaces of the protrusion 350, and the second inclined surface 352 is disposed on the other of both side surfaces of the protrusion 350. In addition, the first inclined surface 351 is composed of a first portion 3511 and a second portion 3512 continuous with the first portion 3511 and inclined at an angle different from that of the first portion 3511. In addition, the second inclined surface 352 is composed of a first portion 3521 and a second portion 3522 continuous with the first portion 3521 and inclined at an angle different from that of the first portion 3521.

Further, the first portion 3511 of the first inclined surface 351 is continuous with the first portion 3521 of the second inclined surface 352, and a boundary portion between the first portion 3511 and the first portion 3521 is rounded in a plan view. In addition, in a plan view, a boundary portion between the first portion 3511 and the second portion 3512 of the first inclined surface 351 is rounded. In addition, in a plan view, a boundary portion between the first portion 3521 and the second portion 3522 of the second inclined surface 352 is rounded.

In the present embodiment, the first segment 3511, the second segment 3512, the first segment 3521, and the second segment 3522 are linear in a plan view. The shapes of the first portion 3511, the second portion 3512, the first portion 3521, and the second portion 3522 are not limited to the straight lines, and may be curved in a plan view, for example.

Here, the inclination angle of the inclined surface is an angle formed by the inclined surface and the axis 8 orthogonal to the moving direction of the holding portion 35 in a plan view.

Specifically, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 351 is an angle θ 1 formed by the shaft 8 and the first portion 3511 of the first inclined surface 351 in a plan view. The inclination angle of the second inclined surface 352 is an angle θ 2 formed by the shaft 8 and the first portion 3521 of the second inclined surface 352 in a plan view. Hereinafter, the inclination angle of first inclined surface 351 is referred to as θ 1, and the inclination angle of second inclined surface 352 is referred to as θ 2.

In the clamping portion 35, the inclination angle θ 1 of the first inclined surface 351 is different from the inclination angle θ 2 of the second inclined surface 352. Specifically, the inclination angle θ 1 of the first inclined surface 351 is larger than the inclination angle θ 2 of the second inclined surface 352.

With this configuration, the resistance when the later-described protrusion 45 of the outer cylinder 4 passes over the first inclined surface 351 is different from the resistance when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352. Specifically, the resistance when the protrusion 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351 is larger than the resistance when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352. That is, the resistance when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352 is smaller than the resistance when the protrusion 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351.

With such a magnitude relation, the force required for screwing the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B can be set smaller than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351. This allows the notification unit 6 described later to notify completion of screwing (after completion of the connection state). Further, the force required to release the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B can be set to be larger than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352. Thus, the start of the screwing release (start of the connection released state) can be notified by the notification portion 6.

Further, when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion 45 can easily ride over the second inclined surface 352, and the probability of triggering a click feeling, which will be described later, by the notification portion 6 can be increased.

The inclination angle θ 1 of the first inclined surface 351 and the inclination angle θ 2 of the second inclined surface 352 are not particularly limited as long as they are different from each other, but the inclination angle θ 1 is preferably about 50 to 90 degrees, and more preferably about 60 to 80 degrees. The inclination angle θ 2 is preferably about 10 to 50 degrees, and more preferably about 20 to 40 degrees. The ratio (θ 1/θ 2) of the inclination angle θ 1 to the inclination angle θ 2 is preferably about 1.5 to 5, and more preferably about 2 to 4. By setting the inclination angles θ 1 and θ 2 within such ranges, the probability of triggering the click feeling by the notification unit 6 can be improved.

Further, in the first inclined surface 351, the inclination angle of the first portion 3511 is greater than that of the second portion 3512. In addition, in the second inclined surface 352, the inclination angle of the first portion 3521 is smaller than that of the second portion 3522.

As described later, the two gripping portions 35 are pressed in the direction of approaching each other against the elastic force of the infusion tube 18 by rotating the outer tube 4 in a predetermined direction. As shown in fig. 3 and 5, the middle of the infusion tube 18 can be pinched and closed by the pinching portions 35 that are close to each other. The press-closing can be maintained during the time when the connection release state is established. This can prevent the dialysate remaining in the infusion tube 18 from leaking from the first connector 1A.

Further, the pressing of each gripping portion 35 is released by rotating the outer cylinder 4 in the direction opposite to the above direction. Thus, the two clamping portions 35 are reliably urged in the directions away from each other by the elastic force, i.e., the restoring force, of the infusion tube 18. Then, as shown in fig. 4, the two grip portions 35 separated from each other release the closing of the infusion tube 18. The pressure release can be maintained during the time when the connection state is established. This enables the dialysate to flow back and forth.

In this way, the closing unit 36 performs switching operation so as to close the infusion tube 18 while the connection state is being established, and to release the closing of the infusion tube 18 while the connection state is being established. The infusion tube 18 has elasticity and functions as a biasing portion that biases the two clamping portions 35 in a direction away from each other.

The outer tube 4 functions as an operation portion for switching the operation of the pressure closing portion 36 with respect to the infusion tube 18 by rotating around the infusion tube 18. An infusion tube 18 connected to the connector body 2 protrudes from the proximal end side of the outer tube 4.

As shown in fig. 3, the outer cylinder 4 has a reduced diameter portion 41 whose inner diameter of the front end inner peripheral portion is reduced. The reduced diameter portion 41 is positioned between the flange portion 31 and the flange portion 32 of the inner tube 3, and is engageable with the flange portion 31 and the flange portion 32, respectively. By this engagement, the outer tube 4 can rotate concentrically around the infusion tube 18 with respect to the inner tube 3 while maintaining the position in the longitudinal direction with respect to the infusion tube 18 (inner tube 3), that is, while restricting the movement in the longitudinal direction of the infusion tube 18. Then, the rotation operation can switch between the closing and releasing of the pressure to the infusion tube 18. Further, since the movement of the outer tube 4 in the longitudinal direction of the infusion tube 18 is restricted regardless of the rotational operation, the entire first connector 1A can be downsized.

In addition, two slits 46 penetrating the wall of the outer tube 4 are formed. Each slit is disposed at a position facing the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3. The slits 46 are disposed on opposite sides of the infusion tube 18. As shown in fig. 4, a part of the outer peripheral side of the clamping portion 35 can enter each slit 46. Thus, the two clamping portions 35 can be separated from each other as much as possible, and the inside of the infusion tube 18 is enlarged to such an extent that the dialysate can easily pass therethrough. The two gripping portions 35 are urged by the elastic force of the infusion tube 18. This can maintain the separated state of the clamping portion 35.

Further, in the vicinity of the inner peripheral portion of the outer tube 4 in the clockwise direction in fig. 4, which is each slit 46, a protrusion 45 is formed. The two projections 45 project inward in the direction facing each other at the position facing the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3 in the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4. The projections 45 have rounded shapes (cross-sectional shapes) in plan view. The projections 45 thus formed are rotated around the infusion tube 18 by the rotating operation of the outer tube 4. Then, depending on the rotation direction of the outer cylinder 4, the first inclined surface 351 of the clamping portion 35 is passed over from the opposite side of the second inclined surface 352, or the second inclined surface 352 is passed over from the opposite side of the first inclined surface 351. Specifically, when switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion 45 rides over the first inclined surface 351; when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion 45 rides over the second inclined surface 352. In addition, sound and vibration are generated in each crossing. The user of the first connector 1A can surely recognize the completion of the connected state and the start of the disconnected state by feeling the generated sound and vibration, respectively. Further, the vibration is obtained as a click feeling for the user.

Therefore, the first inclined surface 351 and the second inclined surface 352 of the gripping portion 35 and the projection 45 of the outer cylinder 4 function as the notification portion 6 that notifies the completion of the connected state and the start of the disconnected state.

In the state shown in fig. 4, the pinching portions 35 are released from the pressure-closing of the infusion tube 18.

When the outer cylinder 4 is rotated in the direction of arrow α as shown in fig. 5 from the state shown in fig. 4, each protrusion 45 moves toward the first inclined surface 351 while passing over the second inclined surface 352 of each grip 35. At this time, the two clamp portions 35 are pressed in the directions approaching each other by the two protrusions 45 against the elastic force (biasing force) of the infusion tube 18. By this pressing, the two clamping portions 35 can clamp the infusion tube 18 in contact with each other. This brings about a state in which the infusion tube 18 is closed by pressure. As described above, the first inclined surface 351, the second inclined surface 352, and the projection 45 can be referred to as a pressing portion that presses the two clamping portions 35 in a direction to approach each other against the elastic force (biasing force) of the infusion tube 18. Therefore, in the first connector 1A, since the part of the first inclined surface 351, the part of the second inclined surface 352, and the projection 45 function as the pressing portion, the operation of the press-closing portion 36 can be reliably switched with a simple configuration.

Further, two handles 43 are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the outer tube 4. The two handles 43 project in opposite directions to each other and can be used for fingers to be placed thereon. Thus, when the outer tube 4 is rotated, the finger can be easily engaged with the handle 43.

The first connector 1A has a restricting portion 5 that restricts the rotation limit of the outer cylinder 4. The restricting portion 5 includes a projecting portion 44a, a projecting portion 44b, a projecting portion 44c, and a projecting portion 44d formed to project from the outer cylinder 4, and a projecting portion 38a and a projecting portion 38b formed to project from the inner cylinder 3.

The projecting

portions

38a and 38b project outward in opposite directions from each other from the edge of the flange portion 33 of the inner tube 3. Further, the top portions 381 of the projecting

portions

38a and 38b are convexly curved and abut against the inner peripheral portion of the outer tube 4.

The protruding

portions

44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d are disposed at positions facing the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3 in the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4. The projection 44a and the projection 44c are disposed at a predetermined interval, and the projection 44b and the projection 44d are disposed at a predetermined interval. The projecting portion 44a and the projecting portion 44b project inward in the direction facing each other, and the projecting portion 44c and the projecting portion 44d project inward in the direction facing each other. The top sections 441 of the protruding

sections

44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d are concavely curved and abut against the outer peripheral section of the inner tube 3.

In the state shown in fig. 4, the projection 44c of the outer cylinder 4 abuts against the projection 38a of the inner cylinder 3, and the projection 44d of the outer cylinder 4 abuts against the projection 38b of the inner cylinder 3. This can restrict the clockwise rotation of the outer cylinder 4 relative to the inner cylinder 3 in fig. 4. At this time, the pressure closure of the infusion tube 18 is released.

When the outer cylinder 4 is rotated in the arrow α direction, i.e., counterclockwise in fig. 4, as shown in fig. 5 from the state shown in fig. 4, the projection 44a, the projection 44b, the projection 44c, and the projection 44d of the outer cylinder 4 slide on the outer peripheral portion of the inner cylinder 3, and the projection 38a and the projection 38b of the inner cylinder 3 slide on the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4. Finally, the projection 44a of the outer cylinder 4 abuts against the projection 38a of the inner cylinder 3, and the projection 44b of the outer cylinder 4 abuts against the projection 38b of the inner cylinder 3. This can restrict further rotation of the outer cylinder 4 relative to the inner cylinder 3 in the arrow α direction, that is, stop of rotation of the outer cylinder 4 relative to the inner cylinder 3. In addition, the infusion tube 18 is now occluded.

Further, the outer cylinder 4 can be stably rotated by the respective sliding of the projection 44a, the projection 44b, the projection 44c, and the projection 44d of the outer cylinder 4 and the respective sliding of the projection 38a and the projection 38b of the inner cylinder 3.

The maximum rotation angle of the outer cylinder 4 with respect to the inner cylinder 3, which is restricted by the restricting portion 5, is about 36 degrees in the present embodiment, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less. By providing the restricting portion 5 having such a configuration, the maximum rotation angle of the outer cylinder 4 to be restricted can be made relatively small, and the operability of the rotation operation of the outer cylinder 4 can be improved.

Further, from the state shown in fig. 5, the outer cylinder 4 can be rotated in the direction of arrow β (the direction opposite to the direction α), that is, in the clockwise direction in fig. 5. This can release the pressure closure of the infusion tube 18 again.

Each of the clamping portions 35 protrudes from the outer peripheral portion (edge portion) of the flange portion 33 of the inner tube 3 in both the connected state and the disconnected state.

Next, the operation of the entire first connector 1A will be described with reference to fig. 3 to 5.

First, an operation of connecting the second connector 1B to the first connector 1A in the disconnected state until the connected state is achieved will be described.

[1-1] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first connector 1A is in a disconnected state. At this time, the pressure closing unit 36 closes the infusion tube 18. The restricting portion 5 restricts rotation of the outer cylinder 4 relative to the inner cylinder 3 in the arrow α direction. Each of the projections 45 of the outer cylinder 4 is positioned on the first inclined surface 351 of the corresponding gripping portion 35.

[1-2] then, the outer cylinder 4 of the first connector 1A is held with one hand, and the second connector 1B is held with the other hand.

[1-3] subsequently, the entire first connector 1A is rotated in the direction of arrow β while holding the first connector 1A in order to screw the male screw portion 21 of the first connector 1A into the second connector 1B. Thereby, screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is started. The outer cylinder 4 is not yet rotated relative to the inner cylinder 3 but is kept in a stopped state or is gradually rotated in the arrow β direction. This state continues until the screwing is completed.

[1-4] when the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are brought into a connected state by completing the screwing (see FIG. 4) and a torque is applied to rotate the first connector 1A, the outer tube 4 can be rotated by the torque until the rotation is restricted by the restricting portion 5 as shown in FIG. 4. At this time, each protrusion 45 moves in the direction of arrow β along the first inclined surface 351 of the corresponding clamping portion 35, and moves in the direction of arrow β along the second inclined surface 352 while passing over the first inclined surface 351, and the protrusion 350 of each clamping portion 35 is inserted into the corresponding slit 46. The completion of the connection state is notified by the sound and vibration generated by the crossing. This enables the user to reliably recognize the completion of the connection state, and thus, peritoneal dialysis can be performed with confidence. In addition, the pressure closing of the infusion tube 18 by the pressure closing portion 36 is released at the position where the rotation of the outer tube 4 is regulated. Thus, peritoneal dialysis can be achieved.

As described above, in the first connector 1A, the force required for screwing the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is set smaller than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351. Thus, as described above, the completion of screwing, that is, the completion of the connection state can be recognized by the generation of overtime sound and vibration. Further, the subsequent operation can be safely performed. The magnitude relation that satisfies such a force can be realized by, for example, appropriately setting the inclination angle θ 1 of the first inclined surface 351 and the size of the protrusion 45.

The force required for screwing the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is set to be smaller than the force required for releasing the occlusion of the infusion tube 18. The "force required for screwing" is a force required until the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are screwed together to ensure airtightness.

That is, the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is performed earlier than the release of the press-closing of the infusion tube 18 performed immediately after the projection 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351. This enables the dialysate to flow back and forth after the screwing is reliably completed, and thus leakage of the dialysate from between the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B can be reliably prevented.

Next, an operation of disconnecting the second connector 1B from the first connector 1A in the connected state until the second connector 1B becomes the disconnected state again will be described.

[2-1] As shown in FIG. 4, the first connector 1A is in a connected state. At this time, the pressure closing of the infusion tube 18 by the pressure closing portion 36 is released. The restricting portion 5 restricts rotation of the outer cylinder 4 relative to the inner cylinder 3 in the direction of the arrow β. Further, each projection 45 of the outer cylinder 4 is positioned on the second inclined surface 352 of the corresponding grip 35. Further, the projection 350 of each clip 35 is inserted into the corresponding slit 46.

[2-2] then, the outer cylinder 4 of the first connector 1A is held with one hand, and the second connector 1B is held with the other hand.

[2-3] subsequently, in order to unscrew the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, the entire first connector 1A is rotated in the direction opposite to the aforementioned direction, i.e., in the direction of arrow α, while the first connector 1A is held. Thus, first, before the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are unscrewed, the outer tube 4 rotates in the arrow α direction with respect to the inner tube 3 until the rotation is restricted by the restricting portion 5. At this time, immediately after the outer cylinder 4 starts rotating, each of the protrusions 45 moves in the arrow α direction along the second inclined surface 352 of the corresponding grip portion 35, and moves in the arrow α direction along the first inclined surface 351 while passing over the second inclined surface 352, and the protrusion 350 of each grip portion 35 is disengaged from the corresponding slit 46. The overtaking causes sound and vibration to notify the start of the connection release state. This enables the user to reliably recognize the start of the connection release state. The closing unit 36 closes the infusion tube 18 at a position where the rotation of the outer tube 4 is restricted. Thus, even if the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is released, the dialysate can be prevented from leaking from the first connector 1A.

[2-4] when a torque is applied to further rotate the first connector 1A, the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is gradually released by the torque, and finally the second connector 1B is disengaged from the first connector 1A. Thereby, the connection released state is again achieved (see fig. 3 and 5).

As described above, in the first connector 1A, the force required to release the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is set to be larger than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352. That is, the force required to release the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is set to be larger than the force required to press-close the infusion tube 18.

As a result, as described above, the pressure-closing portion 36 can press-close the infusion tube 18 prior to the release of screwing. This prevents the dialysate from leaking when the connection is released. The magnitude relation that satisfies such a force can be realized by, for example, appropriately setting the inclination angle θ 2 of the second inclined surface 352, the size of the protrusion 45, and the like.

< second embodiment >

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 3) showing a connection state of a connector (second embodiment) of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a in fig. 3) showing a connection released state of the connector shown in fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in fig. 7.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the connector according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and descriptions of the same matters will be omitted.

The present embodiment is mainly the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the clamping portion 35 of the press-closing portion 36 is different.

As shown in fig. 7 to 9, in the first connector 1A of the present embodiment, each of the clamping portions 35 of the press-closing portion 36 includes an elastic portion 356 that is elastically deformable, and a support portion 357 that elastically supports the elastic portion 356 so as to be deformable. Since the structures of the respective clamping portions 35 are the same, one clamping portion 35 of the two clamping portions 35 will be described below.

As shown in fig. 9, the elastic portion 356 of the clamp portion 35 is cantilever-supported by the support portion 357. Specifically, one end (upper end in fig. 9) of the elastic portion 356, that is, the end of the elastic portion 356 on the second inclined surface 352 side is supported by one end (upper end in fig. 9) of the support portion 357. In the present embodiment, the elastic portion 356 is formed integrally with the support portion 357. When the elastic portion 356 is elastically deformed, mainly the one end portion of the elastic portion 356 is deformed. The elastic portion 356 is provided with a first inclined surface 351 and a second inclined surface 352. In addition, the first inclined surface 351 is formed only by the first portion 3511. The first inclined surface 351 may be formed of, for example, a first portion 3511 and a second portion (not shown). In addition, the second inclined surface 352 is formed of a first portion 3521 and a second portion 3522.

By providing such an elastic portion 356, the elastic portion 356 is elastically deformed when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352 of the clamp portion 35, and thus resistance when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352 can be reduced. On the other hand, when the protrusion 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351 of the clamping portion 35, the elastic portion 356 is less likely to be elastically deformed. This can increase the resistance when the protrusion 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351.

Thus, the force required to release the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B can be set to be larger than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 passes over the second inclined surface 352 easily and reliably. In addition, the force required for screwing the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B can be set to be smaller than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 passes over the first inclined surface 351 easily and reliably.

The outer cylinder 4 has a contact portion 47 in each slit 46 that can come into contact with the elastic portion 356 of the corresponding gripping portion 35. As shown in fig. 7, each abutting portion 47 abuts against the elastic portion 356 of the corresponding clamping portion 35 in a state where the elastic portion 356 of the corresponding clamping portion 35 is inserted into the corresponding slit 46. This can restrict the movement of the elastic portion 356 of each of the clamping portions 35 to the outer peripheral side.

In the present embodiment, the abutting portion 47 is formed by another part of the outer cylinder 4 and another member, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed integrally, for example.

According to the second embodiment as described above, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the range in which each resistance can be set is wide, and thus the degree of freedom in design is improved.

The connector of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and each part constituting the connector can be replaced with any structure that can exhibit the same function. In addition, any structure may be added.

The connector of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more of the structures (features) of the above embodiments.

In addition, the first connector and the second connector are used for peritoneal dialysis in the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be used for, for example, a transfusion system, a blood system, a cell culture system, and the like.

The number of the arrangement of the pinching portions functioning as the pressure-closing portions is two in the above-described embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be three or more, for example. When the number of the clamping portions is three or more, the clamping portions are preferably arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the infusion tube.

In addition, the shape and size of each clamping portion are the same in the above embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, either one or both of the shape and size may be different. As a specific example, a combination of two clamping portions, one of which is composed of the clamping portion of the first embodiment and the other of which is composed of the clamping portion of the second embodiment, and the like can be cited.

The number of handles provided is two in the above embodiments, but the number is not limited to this, and may be one or three or more, for example. When the number of the handles is three or more, the handles are preferably arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder. In addition, the handle can also be omitted.

In the above embodiments, the notification unit is configured to generate both sound and vibration, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to generate one of sound and vibration, for example.

Industrial applicability

A connector according to the present invention is a connector that is used by being installed in a middle of a pipe through which a liquid passes, and that can obtain a connected state in which the middle of the pipe is connected liquid-tightly and a disconnected state in which the connected state is disconnected, the connector including:

when the operation portion is rotated to release the tube from the state in which the tube is pressed and set from the connection released state to the connection state, a force required for the screwing is smaller than a force required for releasing the pressing of the tube,

A connector according to the present invention is a connector that is provided in a middle of a pipe through which a liquid passes and that can obtain a connected state in which the middle of the pipe is connected liquid-tightly and a disconnected state in which the connected state is disconnected, the connector including:

when switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion goes over the first inclined surface; when the connected state is switched to the disconnected state, the protrusion portion rides over the second inclined surface.

According to the present invention, when the connection state in which the middle of the pipeline through which the liquid passes is liquid-tightly connected is changed to the connection release state in which the connection state is released, the pipe constituting the pipeline can be closed by operating the operation portion so as to be in the connection release state at first. This prevents leakage from occurring in the disconnected state. Further, when the connection state is realized by screwing of the connector, the notification portion is provided, so that completion of the connection state and start of the disconnection state can be notified by at least one of sound and vibration. This makes it possible to easily and reliably grasp how far the connector is screwed in to complete the connection state. In addition, the start of the connection release state can be easily and reliably grasped. Further, by making the inclination angle of the first inclined surface different from that of the second inclined surface, the projection can easily pass over the second inclined surface when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, for example.

Therefore, it has industrial applicability.

Description of the reference numerals

1A first connector

1B second connector

2 connector body

21 external thread part

211 external thread

22 flange part

23 pipe connection

231 projection

24 second connector connecting part

3 inner cylinder

31. 32, 33 flange parts

331 slit

35 clamping part

350 projection

351 first inclined plane

3511 first part

3512 second part

352 second inclined plane

3521 first part

3522 second part

356 elastic part

357 supporting part

36 pressing and closing part

38a, 38b projection

381 Top of the top

4 outer cylinder

41 reduced diameter portion

43 handle

44a, 44b, 44c, 44d protrusions

441 top

45 protruding part

46 slit

47 abutting part

5 restriction part

6 notification unit

7 sealing member

8-shaft

10 dialysis line

11 bag side tube

111 tube

112 branching pipe

113 branching part

14 dialysate bag

16 rolling clamp

17 connector

18 infusion tube

19 liquid discharge bag

20 connector for peritoneal dialysis

100 peritoneal dialysis Assembly

Alpha, beta arrow

Claims

1. A connector that is provided in a middle of a pipe through which a liquid passes and that can obtain a connected state in which the middle of the pipe is connected liquid-tightly and a disconnected state in which the connected state is disconnected, the connector comprising:

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein a restricting portion that restricts a rotation limit of the operation portion is provided.

3. A connector that is provided in a middle of a pipe through which a liquid passes and that can obtain a connected state in which the middle of the pipe is connected liquid-tightly and a disconnected state in which the connected state is disconnected, the connector comprising:

when switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion goes over the first inclined surface; when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion goes over the second inclined surface,

the plurality of holding portions each have an elastic portion that is provided with the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface and that is elastically deformable.

4. The connector of claim 3, wherein a resistance of the protrusion when passing over the first inclined surface is different from a resistance of the protrusion when passing over the second inclined surface.

5. The connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein an inclination angle of the first inclined face is larger than an inclination angle of the second inclined face.

6. The connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connection state is realized by screwing and the connection release state is realized by releasing the screwing,

7. The connector according to claim 6, comprising a notification unit that generates at least one of a sound and a vibration to notify completion of the connection state when the connection released state is set to the connection state, and generates at least one of the sound and the vibration to notify start of the connection released state when the connection released state is set to the connection released state.

8. The connector according to claim 7, comprising: an outer cylinder on which the operation portion is disposed; and an inner cylinder supported in the outer cylinder so as to be relatively rotatable concentrically and supporting the plurality of gripping portions so as to be capable of approaching and separating from each other,

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein a force required for the screwing is smaller than a force when the protrusion crosses the first inclined surface,

10. The connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the tube has elasticity and functions as a biasing portion that biases the plurality of gripping portions in a direction away from each other.

11. The connector according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that there is a restricting portion that restricts a rotation limit of the operation portion.