JP2022041685A - cap - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cap for preventing a liquid-state object flowed from a connector in priming, from adhering to a lock mechanism provided on the connector, and preventing the liquid-state object from scattering in a wide range in priming.SOLUTION: A cap 100 can be detachably attached to a connector 830 having a tubular part 831 from which a liquid-state object flows out. The cap is configured so that, when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid-state object flowed from the tubular part flows to an environment through the cap. The cap comprises: regulation walls 110, 115, 122, 125 for regulating flowing of the liquid-state object so that, when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid-state object flowed from the tubular part does not flow along a peripheral surface 833 of the tubular part; and a stop part 140 for being arranged on a shaft of the tubular part so as to be separated from the tubular part, so that, the liquid-state object flowed from the tubular part collides therewith, when the cap is attached to the connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8B

Description

The present invention relates to a cap attached to a connector during priming.

Enteral nutrition and intravenous nutrition are known as methods for administering a liquid substance containing a nutritional supplement, a drug, or the like to a patient who cannot eat a meal by mouth. In these methods, the liquid is stored in the container and the liquid flows from the container to the patient through the flow path. The flow path through which the liquid flows is generally composed of a plurality of flexible tubes connected in series. In order to connect a plurality of tubes in sequence, a connector consisting of a male connector and a female connector is used.

Prior to administering the liquid to the patient, "priming" is commonly performed to fill the tube through which the liquid flows with the liquid. This is to prevent the air in the tube from being injected into the patient. For example, when the flow path through which the liquid material flows from the container to the patient is composed of two tubes, the container is in a state where the upstream tube (container side tube) and the downstream tube (patient side tube) are separated. Introduce the liquid inside into the tube on the container side. When the liquid material reaches the connector (container side connector) provided at the downstream end of the container side tube, the flow of the liquid material is temporarily stopped. Then, the container-side connector is connected to the connector (patient-side connector) provided at the upstream end of the patient-side tube. Then, the flow of the liquid material is restarted, and the liquid material is administered to the patient.

In order to prevent the container-side connector and the patient-side connector from being unintentionally separated while the liquid material is being administered to the patient, both the container-side connector and the patient-side connector are used. A lock mechanism is often provided to maintain the connection state. In this case, during priming, the liquid material introduced into the container-side tube may flow out from the container-side connector, and the liquid material may adhere to the lock mechanism provided on the container-side connector. Since the lock mechanism has a complicated shape or is provided in a place where it is difficult to access, it is difficult to wipe off the liquid matter adhering to the lock mechanism. The liquid material adhering to the lock mechanism interferes with the operation of the lock mechanism and causes the container-side connector to become unsanitary.

Further, if the flow velocity of the liquid material is high during priming, the liquid material introduced into the container-side tube may vigorously flow out (spout) from the container-side connector. The liquid matter ejected from the container-side connector scatters over a wide area and stains the surroundings of the container-side connector.

Patent Document 1 describes a cap attached to a container-side connector (female connector) when priming a container-side tube in enteral nutrition. The cap is configured to reduce the amount of liquid matter remaining in the tubular portion (female member) of the container-side connector after priming. Therefore, even if priming is performed with this cap attached to the container-side connector, the liquid material may adhere to the lock mechanism (screw protrusion) provided on the container-side connector, or the liquid material may vigorously move from the container-side connector. It may spurt out.

WO2016 / 158937A1

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems at the time of priming. A first object of the present invention is to prevent the liquid material flowing out from the connector during priming from adhering to the lock mechanism provided on the connector. A second object of the present invention is to prevent the liquid material from being scattered over a wide area during priming.

The cap of the present invention can be attached to and detached from a connector having a hollow tubular portion through which a liquid material flows out. The cap is configured such that when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid material that has flowed out from the tubular portion flows out to the outside world through the cap. The cap includes a regulating wall that regulates the flow of the liquid substance so that the liquid substance flowing out from the tubular portion does not flow along the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion when the cap is attached to the connector, and the cap. A stop portion arranged so as to be separated from the tubular portion is provided on the axis of the tubular portion so that the liquid material flowing out from the tubular portion collides with the connector.

By attaching the cap of the present invention to the connector during priming, it is possible to prevent the liquid material flowing out from the connector from adhering to the lock mechanism provided on the connector, and also to prevent the liquid material from scattering over a wide area. can do.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of enteral nutrition to which the cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a female connector to which the cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be attached and detached. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the female connector of FIG. 2 along the first cross section. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the female connector of FIG. 2 along a second cross section. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a male connector that can be connected to and separated from the female connector of FIG. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 4 along the first cross section. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 4 along a second cross section. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6B is a front view of the cap of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap of FIG. 6A. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a female connector to which a cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached. 8B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of enteral nutrition to which the cap according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the cap according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 10B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap of FIG. 10A. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a male connector to which a cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention is attached. 11B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11A. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of parenteral nutrition to which the cap according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied. FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a male connector to which the cap according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be attached and detached. 13B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 13A. 14A is an exploded perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 13A. 14B is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 14A. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a female connector that can be connected to and separated from the male connector of FIG. 13A. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the cap according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 16B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap of FIG. 16A. FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a male connector to which a cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention is attached. 17B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17A.

In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the regulatory wall may include a flange extending radially outward with respect to the tubular portion. According to such an embodiment, the flange prevents the liquid material flowing out of the tubular portion from flowing toward the locking mechanism. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid matter from adhering to the locking mechanism provided on the connector.

In the above embodiment, the stop portion may be separated from the flange on the downstream side in the flow direction of the liquid material flowing out from the tubular portion. According to this aspect, the liquid material flowing out from the tubular portion collides with the stop portion, and the flow velocity (momentum) of the liquid matter decreases. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from being scattered over a wide area during priming. The flange prevents the liquid material that collides with the stop from flowing (or scattering) toward the locking mechanism. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid matter from adhering to the locking mechanism provided on the connector.

In the above aspect, the restricting wall may further include an outer peripheral cylinder arranged so as to surround the gap on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the gap between the flange and the stop portion. According to such an embodiment, the liquid material flowing out from the tubular portion can collide with the outer peripheral cylinder following the stop portion. When the liquid material collides with the outer cylinder, the flow velocity of the liquid material is further reduced. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from being scattered over a wide area during priming.

In the above aspect, the outer peripheral cylinder may have a tubular shape continuous in the circumferential direction. According to such an embodiment, the liquid material can be surely collided with the outer peripheral cylinder. This is even more advantageous in preventing the liquid from being scattered over a wide area during priming.

Alternatively, the outer peripheral cylinder may be provided with an opening that penetrates the outer peripheral cylinder in the radial direction. According to such an embodiment, the liquid material can be discharged from the outer peripheral cylinder through the opening.

The stop portion may be arranged substantially along a plane along which the flange is aligned. According to such an embodiment, the structure of the cap is simplified and the production of the cap is facilitated. Further, the dimension along the axial direction of the cap (longitudinal direction of the tubular portion) can be shortened, which facilitates miniaturization of the cap.

The area of the stop portion may be 10% or more of the area of the flow path at the tip of the tubular portion. Such an embodiment is advantageous in preventing the liquid material from being scattered over a wide area during priming.

At least one opening through which the liquid material flowing out of the tubular portion can pass may be provided between the stop portion and the flange. The diameter of the circle concentric with the axis of the tubular portion and circumscribing the at least one opening may be larger than the inner diameter of the opening at the tip of the tubular portion. Such an embodiment is advantageous in preventing the liquid material from scattering over a wide area while ensuring the discharge of the liquid material at the time of priming.

In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the regulatory wall may include a connecting tube connectable to the tubular portion. According to such an embodiment, the liquid material flowing out of the tubular portion subsequently flows in the connecting cylinder. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid matter from adhering to the locking mechanism provided on the connector.

In the above aspect, the connection tube may be configured to be fitted into the tubular portion. When the tubular portion is a female member, it is easy to liquidally connect the female member and the connecting cylinder by applying such an embodiment.

In the above aspect, the stop portion may be arranged away from the opening of the connection cylinder from which the liquid material flows out. When the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion, the stop portion may cover at least a part of the opening of the connecting cylinder. According to this aspect, there is a high possibility that the liquid material flowing out of the connecting cylinder will collide with the stop portion. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from being scattered over a wide area during priming.

Alternatively, the connecting tube may be configured so that the tubular portion can be fitted into the connecting tube. According to this aspect, it is easy to increase the cross-sectional area of the flow path in the connecting cylinder. As a result, the flow velocity of the liquid material flowing out of the connecting cylinder is reduced. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from being scattered over a wide area during priming.

In the above embodiment, when the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion, the stop portion may cover at least a part of the opening at the tip of the tubular portion. Preferably, the stop may cover the opening through which the liquid material of the connection tube flows out. According to this aspect, there is a high possibility that the liquid material flowing out of the connecting cylinder will collide with the stop portion. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from being scattered over a wide area during priming.

In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the connector may be the first connector. The first connector may be connectable and detachable with respect to the second connector. The first connector may include a locking mechanism that engages the second connector so that the first connector remains connected to the second connector. The regulation wall may be configured so that the liquid material flowing out of the tubular portion does not adhere to the lock mechanism of the first connector when the cap is attached to the first connector. Such an embodiment is advantageous in preventing the liquid material flowing out from the first connector during priming from adhering to the lock mechanism provided on the first connector.

In the above, the locking mechanism may be a spiral protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be a female screw provided so as to surround the tubular portion.

Alternatively, the lock mechanism may be a convex portion or a concave portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the lock cylinder surrounding the tubular portion.

The restricting wall may include a flange extending radially outward with respect to the tubular portion and a protective tube extending from the flange toward the side of the first connector. The protective cylinder may be configured such that the locking mechanism is housed in the lumen of the protective cylinder when the cap is attached to the first connector. Such an embodiment is further advantageous for preventing the liquid material flowing out from the first connector during priming from adhering to the lock mechanism provided on the first connector.

The cap of the present invention may include a collar protruding radially outward from the tip of the protective cylinder. The collar functions as a regulating wall to prevent liquid matter flowing out of the tubular portion of the first connector from adhering to the locking mechanism provided on the first connector. Further, by gripping the collar, the cap can be easily attached to and detached (particularly, removed) from the first connector.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to suitable embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For convenience of explanation, each figure referred to in the following description is a simplified representation of the main members constituting the embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention may include any member not shown in each of the following figures. Further, within the scope of the present invention, each member shown in each of the following figures may be changed or omitted. The same or corresponding members are designated by the same reference numerals in different drawings. The description of such members is omitted in the subsequent embodiments, and the description of the preceding embodiments should be taken into consideration as appropriate.

In the present invention, the "axis" means the central axis of the member. The "axis" passes through the center of the circle contained in the member and / or coincides with the central axis of the cylinder contained in the member. The direction along the straight line orthogonal to the axis is called the "radial direction". In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis is called the "inner" side, and the side farther from the axis is called the "outer" side.

(Embodiment 1)
In the first embodiment, a cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector used for enteral nutrition will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of enteral nutrition. The liquid material (eg, nutritional supplement) administered to the patient is stored in the container 801. The liquid material flows from the container 801 through the nutrition set 810 and the catheter 820 in this order, and is administered to the patient. The nutrition set 810 consists of a flexible tube 811. A connector 813 capable of repeatedly connecting and disconnecting to the port 803 of the container 801 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 811, and a female connector 830 is provided at the downstream end of the tube 811. On the tube 811, a drip tube 815 for visualizing the flow of the liquid material and a clamp 817 for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid material are provided. The catheter 820 is composed of a flexible tube 821. The catheter 820 is inserted, for example, through the patient's nose, the tip of which (not shown) reaches the gastrointestinal tract (eg, stomach). At the upstream end of the tube 821, a male connector 850 that can be connected to and separated from the female connector 830 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the female connector 830. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional perspective views along different cross sections of the female connector 830. The cross section of FIG. 3A and the cross section of FIG. 3B are orthogonal to each other along the axis (not shown) of the female connector 830.

The female connector 830 has a hollow cylindrical female member (tubular portion) 831 at one end thereof. The female member 831 is coaxial with the axis of the female connector 830. The inner peripheral surface of the female member 831 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) 832 whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip of the female member 831. A spiral protrusion (male screw) 834 is provided on the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831. In the present embodiment, the spiral protrusion 834 is a discontinuous screw in which the thread is divided, but it may be a continuous screw (general male screw) having continuous threads.

The female connector 830 has a base tube 837 at the end opposite to the female member 831. The base tube 837 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the female member 831. The tube 811 (see FIG. 1) is inserted into the base tube 837 and fixed to the base tube 837 using an adhesive or the like (see FIG. 8B described later).

A pair of grip portions 838 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube 837 so as to project toward opposite sides along the radial direction. The grip portion 838 facilitates the operator to grip the female connector 830 and apply a rotational force to the female connector 830.

The flow path 836 extends along the axis of the female connector 830 and penetrates the female connector 830. The female member 831 and the base pipe 837 communicate with each other via the flow path 836. The flange 839 projects radially outward from the position between the female member 831 and the base pipe 837 in a flange shape. The collar 839 is a thin plate having a circular shape as seen along the axis of the female connector 830. The collar 839 prevents the finger from touching the outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral protrusion 834 of the female member 831 when the operator grips the base pipe 837 and the grip portion 838 with the finger, and these hygienic conditions are maintained. Helps to maintain good.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the male connector 850. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional perspective views along different cross sections of the male connector 850. The cross section of FIG. 5A and the cross section of FIG. 5B are orthogonal to each other along the axis (not shown) of the male connector 850.

The male connector 850 has a hollow cylindrical male member (tubular portion) 851 at one end thereof. The male member 851 is coaxial with the axis of the male connector 850. The outer peripheral surface of the male member 851 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) 852 whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the male member 851. The male member 851 has a tip tapered surface 859 having a taper angle larger than that of the tapered surface 852 on the tip side of the tapered surface 852. The male connector 850 also has a hollow cylindrical outer cylinder 853. The outer cylinder 853 is arranged coaxially with the male member 851 and surrounds the male member 851 while being radially separated from the male member 851. A female screw 854 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 853 facing the male member 851. The tip of the male member 851 (particularly, the tip tapered surface 859) protrudes in the axial direction from the outer cylinder 853.

The male connector 850 has a base tube 857 at the end opposite to the male member 851. The base tube 857 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is arranged coaxially with the male member 851. The tube 821 (see FIG. 1) is inserted into the base tube 857 and fixed to the base tube 857 using an adhesive or the like.

A pair of grip portions 858 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base tube 857 so as to project outward in the radial direction toward opposite sides. The grip portion 858 facilitates the operator to grip the male connector 850 and apply a rotational force to the male connector 850.

The flow path 856 extends along the axis of the male connector 850 and penetrates the male connector 850. The male member 851 and the base pipe 857 communicate with each other via the flow path 856.

The female connector 830 and the female connector 850 are not limited, but are preferably made of a hard material. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and rigid polyvinyl chloride can be used. Each of the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be integrally manufactured as one component by an injection molding method or the like using these resin materials.

The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be connected by inserting the male member 851 into the female member 831 and screwing the screw protrusion 834 into the female screw 854. Since the tip tapered surface 859 is provided at the tip of the male member 851 and the tip tapered surface 859 protrudes from the tip of the outer cylinder 853, the male member 851 can be easily inserted into the female member 831. Since the diameter and the taper angle of the female tapered surface 832 of the female member 831 and the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851 are the same, they are in liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fitting). The screw protrusion 834 and the female screw 854 that are screwed together form a locking mechanism for maintaining the connection state between the female connector 830 and the male connector 850. As long as the spiral protrusion 834 is screwed into the female screw 854, the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 will unintentionally separate even if a tensile force is applied between the feeding set 810 and the catheter 820. There is no. The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be separated by loosening the screw between the screw protrusion 834 and the female screw 854. The female connector 830 can be repeatedly connected and disconnected from the male connector 850.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cap 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a front view of the cap 100. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap 100. The cross section of FIG. 7 includes the axis of the cap 100 (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 7, the cap 100 includes a connecting cylinder 110 having a hollow cylindrical shape, which is arranged coaxially with the axis of the cap 100. The outer peripheral surface of the connection cylinder 110 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) 112 whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the connection cylinder 110. The tapered surface 112 may have the same outer diameter and taper angle as the male tapered surface 852 of the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B).

The flange 115 extends radially outward from one end of the connecting cylinder 110 in the longitudinal direction. The flange 115 is a donut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) having a circular opening in the center as a whole.

The outer cylinder 120 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 115. The outer cylinder 120 has a hollow cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than that of the connecting cylinder 110, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting cylinder 110. The flange 115 is located substantially at the center of the total length of the outer cylinder 120 in the axial direction. Of the outer cylinder 120, the portion of the outer cylinder 120 on the side of the connection cylinder 110 with respect to the flange 115 is referred to as a protective cylinder 122, and the portion of the outer cylinder 120 opposite to the flange 115 with respect to the connection cylinder 110 is referred to as an outer cylinder 125. The protection cylinder 122 is separated from the connection cylinder 110 in the radial direction and surrounds the connection cylinder 110.

The cap 110 further includes a stop 140 in the lumen of the outer cylinder 125. The stop portion 140 has a substantially disk shape in which the shape seen along the axis of the cap 100 is circular. It is preferable that the outer diameter of the stop portion 140 is substantially the same as or larger than the opening diameter (or the opening diameter of the flange 115) on the flange 115 side of the connecting cylinder 110. Therefore, when viewed along the axis of the cap 100, the stop portion 140 covers the opening of the connecting cylinder 110 (or the opening of the flange 115) (see FIG. 6B). The surface of the stop portion 140 on the connecting cylinder 110 (or flange 115) side is a concave curved surface 141 whose center (point where the axes intersect) is recessed so as to be separated from the connecting cylinder 110 (or flange 115).

The stop portion 140 is arranged coaxially with the connection cylinder 110 and axially separated from the flange 115 (or the connection cylinder 110). A plurality of (four in this embodiment) supports 145 arranged at equal intervals with respect to the axis of the cap 100 support the stop portion 140. Each support 145 is a substantially rectangular thin plate parallel to both the axis and the radial direction of the cap 100, and is held by the outer peripheral cylinder 125 and the flange 115. An opening 143 is provided between the stop portion 140 and the flange 115 (or the connecting cylinder 110) and between the supports 145 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral cylinder 125 faces the opening 143 in the radial direction. An outer peripheral cylinder 125 is arranged so as to surround the gap 147 on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the gap 147 between the flange 115 (or the connecting cylinder 110) and the stop portion 140. The lumen of the connecting cylinder 110 communicates with the outside world of the cap 100 through the gap 147, the opening 143, and the lumen of the outer peripheral cylinder 125 in order.

The configuration of the support 145 is arbitrary as long as the stop portion 140 can be held at a desired position. For example, the support 145 may be connected to only one of the outer peripheral cylinder 125 and the flange 115. The support 145 does not have to be a substantially rectangular thin plate, and may be, for example, an elongated plate or a rod (columnar body). The support 145, which is an elongated plate or bar, may extend along a radial direction, parallel to an axis, or tilted both radially and axially.

The material of the cap 100 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force. For example, resin materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, and ABS (acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer) can be used, and polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and ABS are particularly preferable. .. The cap 100 can be integrally manufactured as a single component by an injection molding method or the like using the above resin material.

How to use the cap 100 will be described. The cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830 (see FIG. 1) when performing priming performed prior to administration of a liquid (eg, a nutritional supplement) to a patient by enteral feeding.

Priming is generally performed by the following procedure. In FIG. 1, the connector 813 of the nutrition set 810 is connected to the port 803 of the container 801. At this time, the Clemme 817 of the nutrition set 810 is closed. The container 801 is suspended from, for example, an Ilrigator stand. A liquid substance (for example, a nutritional supplement) is injected into the container 801. The catheter 820 is inserted through the patient's nasal cavity and its tip (not shown) reaches the gastrointestinal tract (eg, stomach). The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 are not connected. In this state, the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the female connector 830 to which the cap 100 is attached. 8B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the connecting cylinder 110 is fitted into the female member 831. Since the male tapered surface 112 of the connecting cylinder 110 and the female tapered surface 832 of the female member 831 have the same diameter and taper angle, they are in liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fitting). The frictional force between the male tapered surface 112 and the female tapered surface 832 causes the cap 100 to be coaxially and firmly secured and held to the female connector 830. The tube 811 of the nutrient set 810, the flow path 836 of the female connector 830, and the connection cylinder 110 communicate with each other in this order.

The female member 831 is inserted in the gap between the protective cylinder 122 (outer cylinder 120) of the cap 100 and the connecting cylinder 110. The tip of the protective cylinder 122 (the portion farthest from the flange 115) faces and approaches (or abuts) axially the flange 839 of the female connector 830. The outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral protrusion 834 of the female member 831 are housed in the protective cylinder 122.

In this state, the Clemme 817 (see FIG. 1) of the nutrition set 810 is opened. The liquid material in the container 801 flows in the tube 811 by gravity. The liquid material pushes the air in the tube 811 to the outside through the female member 831 and the connecting cylinder 110. The inside of the tube 811 is gradually filled with a liquid material. Then, when the liquid material reaches the female member 831 (or the connecting cylinder 110), the clamp 817 is closed. The cap 100 is separated from the female connector 830. Connect the female connector 830 to the male connector 850. Then, the Clemme 817 is opened and the liquid substance is administered to the patient via the catheter 820.

As described above, the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830 provided at the downstream end of the nutrient set 810 when priming is performed to fill the flow path in the nutrient set 810 with the liquid material. At the end of priming, the cap 100 is removed from the female connector 830.

In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 817 so that the flow of the liquid material is stopped when the liquid material reaches the female member 831. However, depending on the timing at which the clamp 817 is closed, a situation may occur in which the liquid material flows out from the female member 831 to the outside world.

Unlike the first embodiment, when priming is performed without attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830 (see FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B), the following problems occur due to the outflow of liquid material from the female member 831. Can occur.

First, a liquid substance adheres to the lock mechanism (screw protrusion 834) provided on the female connector 830. That is, the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 flows along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831, and the liquid material adheres to the outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral protrusion 834. Since the spiral protrusion 834 has a complicated shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid matter adhering to the spiral protrusion 834. When the female connector 830 is connected to the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B) with the liquid material attached to the screw protrusion 834, the liquid material is transferred to the screw protrusion 834 and the female screw 854 of the male connector 850. Prevents screwing with. Further, the liquid matter adhering to the spiral protrusion 834 deteriorates the hygienic condition of the female connector 830. Further, the liquid material can be transferred from the spiral protrusion 834 to the female screw 854 of the male connector 850. Since the gap 855 between the male member 851 of the male connector 850 and the outer cylinder 853 is narrow and the female screw 854 has a complicated shape, a liquid substance adhering to the female screw 854 (particularly its thread groove). Is difficult to wipe off. The male connector 850, along with the catheter 820, may be indwelled in the patient for an extended period of time. The liquid matter adhering to the female screw 854 can lead the male connector 850 to an unsanitary condition.

Second, the periphery of the female connector 830 is contaminated with a liquid substance. Depending on the opening degree of the clamp 817 and the like, the flow velocity of the liquid material flowing through the tube 811 is high, and the liquid material may be vigorously ejected from the female member 831. The liquid matter scatters over a wide area from the female member 831 to a long distance, and stains the clothes and linen of patients and workers.

The above problem can be solved by performing priming with the cap 100 attached to the female connector 830 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). This will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the connection cylinder 110 is connected to the female member 831. The flange 115 extends outward in the radial direction from the open end of the connection cylinder 110, and the outer peripheral cylinder 125 extends from the outer peripheral end of the flange 115 toward the side opposite to the connection cylinder 110 (or female connector 830). Therefore, the liquid material flows into the connection cylinder 110 from the flow path 836 of the female connector 830, passes through the opening 143, flows along the flange 115 and the outer peripheral cylinder 125 (particularly the inner peripheral surface thereof), and flows to the outside world of the cap 100. Flow out to. That is, the connecting cylinder 110, the flange 115, and the outer peripheral cylinder 125 regulate the flow of the liquid material so that the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831. Functions as. After reaching the tip of the outer peripheral cylinder 125, the liquid material may flow toward the female connector 830 along the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral cylinder 125 depending on the orientation of the female connector 830 and the cap 100. In this case, the protective cylinder 122 continuous with the outer peripheral cylinder 125 functions as a "regulatory wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid material so that the liquid material does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831. Therefore, in the first embodiment, there is almost no possibility that the liquid material adheres to the outer peripheral surface 833 or the spiral protrusion 834. After priming, the cap 100 can be removed from the female connector 830, and the female connector 830 can be connected to the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B) without wiping and cleaning the outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral protrusion 834. The spiral protrusion 834 can be securely screwed into the female screw 854. Further, no liquid material is transferred to the female screw 854 of the male connector 850. The hygienic condition of the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be well maintained for a long period of time. Further, after priming is completed and the cap 100 is removed from the female connector 830, the work of wiping the liquid material from the female connector 830 and cleaning can be omitted or simplified. Therefore, the priming work can be performed easily and in a short time as a whole, and the burden on the operator is reduced.

When the flow velocity of the liquid material during priming is high, the liquid material is vigorously ejected from the connecting cylinder 110. After being ejected from the connecting cylinder 110, the liquid material collides with the concave curved surface 141 of the stop portion 140 arranged apart from the female member 831 and the connecting cylinder 110 on the axis of the female member 831 (or the connecting cylinder 110). .. The liquid material flows out from the opening 143 in the radial direction and collides with the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral cylinder 125. After that, the liquid material flows along the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral cylinder 125 and flows out to the outside world. In this way, the stop portion 140 weakens the momentum (flow velocity) of the liquid material ejected from the connection cylinder 110. The inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral cylinder 125 further weakens the momentum (flow velocity) of the liquid material flowing out through the opening 143. Therefore, the flow of the liquid material flowing from the outer peripheral cylinder 125 to the outside of the cap 100 becomes gentle. The liquid does not scatter over a wide area from the cap 100 to a distance. The concave curved surface 141 of the stop portion 140 slightly inclines the flow direction of the liquid material after colliding with the stop portion 140 toward the flange 115. Therefore, the liquid material flowing out from the opening 143 surely collides with the flange 115 or the outer peripheral cylinder 125. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid material from splashing over a wide area from the cap 100.

When the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the connecting cylinder 110 is inserted into the female member 831. Since the flow path cross-sectional area in the connecting cylinder 110 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area in the female member 831, the flow velocity of the liquid material is faster in the connecting cylinder 110 than in the female member 831. Therefore, when the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the liquid material is ejected more vigorously from the connection cylinder 110. However, the cap 100 can prevent the liquid material from vigorously ejecting and polluting the surroundings as described above.

By attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830, the female member 831 and the spiral protrusion 834 (lock mechanism) of the female connector 830 are housed in the cap 100. More specifically, the connecting cylinder 110 covers the female tapered surface 832 of the female member 831, and the flange 115 and the protective cylinder 122 cover the tip end surface, the outer peripheral surface, and the spiral protrusion 834 of the female member 831. Further, the stop 140 makes it difficult to access the flow path 836 of the female connector 830. Therefore, by attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830, the main parts of the female connector 830 such as the female member 831, the spiral protrusion 834, and the flow path 836 are contact-contaminated by the touch of the operator's finger or the like. Can be prevented.

The first embodiment is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and can be appropriately modified.

The connection cylinder 110 of the cap 100 may be communicated with the female member 831. In this embodiment, the connecting cylinder 110 is fitted into the female member 831. However, the connection structure between the connection cylinder 110 and the female member 831 is not limited to this. For example, the female member 831 may be fitted into the connection cylinder 110 as in the second and third embodiments described later. Alternatively, the connecting cylinder 110 may be communicated with the female member 831 by abutting the tip of the connecting cylinder 110 on the tip of the female member 831 in the axial direction. The connection cylinder 110 is preferably liquid-tightly connected to the female member 831. However, it is sufficient if no liquid material leaks between the connecting cylinder 110 and the female member 831 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal in a strict sense between the two. For example, even if there is a slight gap between the connecting cylinder 110 and the female member 831 as in the labyrinth seal, it is sufficient if the liquid material does not substantially leak through the gap.

In the first embodiment, the "regulatory wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 is composed of a connecting cylinder 110, a flange 115, an outer peripheral cylinder 125, and a protective cylinder 122. However, the composition of the regulatory wall is not limited to this.

For example, the cap 100 may not include one or both of the outer peripheral cylinder 125 and the protective cylinder 122. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 adheres to the spiral protrusion 834.

Alternatively, the cap 100 may not include the connecting cylinder 110. For example, if a female screw screwed to the spiral protrusion 834 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the protective cylinder 122, the cap 100 can be firmly fixed to the female connector 830 even without the connecting cylinder 110. The flange 115 is axially abutted against the tip of the female member 831. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 adheres to the spiral protrusion 834.

Alternatively, the cap 100 may not include the flange 115, the outer peripheral cylinder 125, and the protective cylinder 122. For example, the connecting cylinder 110 is lengthened so as to protrude from the female member 831. A stop portion (for example, the stop portion 140 of the first embodiment) is provided at the tip of the connection cylinder 110 so as to be axially separated from the tip of the connection cylinder 110. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 adheres to the spiral protrusion 834.

When the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the collar 839 of the female connector 830 may be housed in the protective cylinder 122.

The configuration of the stop unit 140 is not limited to this embodiment.

For example, the surface of the stop portion 140 facing the connection cylinder 110 (or the flange 115) does not have to be a concave curved surface 141, and may be a flat surface, a convex curved surface, or the like.

Instead of the stop portion 140, the outer peripheral cylinder 125, and the support 145, the stop portion 240 and the outer peripheral cylinder 225 of the second embodiment described later may be applied to the cap 100. Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 140, the outer peripheral cylinder 125, and the support 145, the stop portion 340 arranged along substantially the same plane as the flange 315 of the third embodiment described later may be applied to the cap 100.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 9 shows another configuration example of enteral nutrition. FIG. 9 differs from FIG. 1 in that the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 are interchanged. In enteral nutrition, the connector composed of the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 is generally provided so that the female connector 830 is on the upstream side and the male connector 850 is on the downstream side, as shown in FIG. It is a target. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the male connector 850 may be arranged on the upstream side and the female connector 830 may be arranged on the downstream side. The cap 200 of the second embodiment is removable from the male connector 850 of FIG.

10A is a perspective view of the cap 200, and FIG. 10B is a sectional perspective view of the cap 200. The cross section of FIG. 10B includes the axis of the cap 200 (not shown).

The cap 200 includes a connecting cylinder 210 having a hollow cylindrical shape, which is arranged coaxially with the axis of the cap 200. The inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder 210 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) 212 whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip of the connecting cylinder 210. The tapered surface 212 may have the same inner diameter and taper angle as the female tapered surface 832 of the female connector 830 (see FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B).

The flange 215 extends radially outward from one end of the connecting tube 210 in the longitudinal direction. The flange 215 is a donut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) having a circular opening in the center as a whole.

An outer peripheral cylinder 225 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. The outer peripheral cylinder 225 has a hollow cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than that of the connecting cylinder 210, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting cylinder 210. The outer peripheral cylinder 225 extends from the flange 215 toward the side opposite to the connecting cylinder 210. Unlike the outer peripheral cylinder 125 of the first embodiment, the outer peripheral cylinder 225 is provided with a plurality of (six in this embodiment) openings 228 that penetrate the outer peripheral cylinder 225 in the radial direction. The plurality of openings 228 are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction.

The cap 210 further includes a stop 240 in the lumen of the outer cylinder 225. Unlike the stop portion 140 of the first embodiment, the stop portion 240 has a convex curved surface 241 protruding toward the connection cylinder 210 (or the flange 215). The convex curved surface 241 has a substantially conical shape (or a substantially conical shape). The stop portion 240 further has a collar 242 extending outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral end (most portion from the connecting cylinder 210) of the convex curved surface 241. The collar 242 circularly surrounds the circular outer peripheral end of the convex curved surface 241. The surface of the stop portion 240 facing the connecting cylinder 210 and the flange 215 is composed of a convex curved surface 241 and a flange 242, and these are smoothly connected. The stop portion 240 is supported by the outer peripheral cylinder 225. More specifically, the flange 242 of the stop portion 240 is connected to the tip of the outer peripheral cylinder 225 (the farthest point from the flange 215). The stop portion 240 is arranged coaxially with the connecting cylinder 210 with the apex of the convex curved surface 241 facing the connecting cylinder 210 and axially separated from the flange 215 (or the connecting cylinder 210). The outer diameter of the stop portion 240 (that is, the outer diameter of the flange 242) seen along the axis of the cap 200 is larger than the opening diameter (or the opening diameter of the flange 215) on the flange 215 side of the connecting cylinder 210, and the flange 215. And the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 225 is substantially the same. Therefore, although not shown, the stop 240 covers the opening of the connecting tube 210 (or the opening of the flange 215) when viewed along the axis of the cap 200.

An outer peripheral cylinder 225 is arranged so as to surround the gap 247 on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the gap 247 between the flange 215 (or the connecting cylinder 210) and the stop portion 240. The lumen of the connecting cylinder 210 communicates with the outside world of the cap 200 through the gap 247 and the opening 228 in this order.

The material of the cap 200 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force. For example, the same resin material as the material of the cap 100 of the first embodiment can be used. The cap 200 can be integrally manufactured as one part by an injection molding method or the like using the resin material.

How to use the cap 200 will be described. Similar to Cap 100 of Embodiment 1, Cap 200 is a male connector 850 (see FIG. 9) when performing priming performed prior to administration of a liquid (eg, a nutritional supplement) to a patient by enteral nutrition. It is attached to.

Priming is generally performed by the following procedure. In FIG. 9, the connector 813 of the nutrition set 810 is connected to the port 803 of the container 801. At this time, the Clemme 817 of the nutrition set 810 is closed. The container 801 is suspended from, for example, an Ilrigator stand. A liquid substance (for example, a nutritional supplement) is injected into the container 801. The catheter 820 is inserted through the patient's nasal cavity and its tip (not shown) reaches the gastrointestinal tract (eg, stomach). The male connector 850 and the female connector 830 are not connected. In this state, the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the male connector 850 to which the cap 200 is attached. 11B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11A.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the male member 851 is fitted into the connecting cylinder 210. Since the tip tapered surface 859 is provided at the tip of the male member 851 and the tip tapered surface 859 protrudes from the tip of the outer cylinder 853, the male member 851 can be easily inserted into the connecting cylinder 210. Since the diameter and the taper angle of the female tapered surface 212 of the connecting cylinder 210 and the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851 are the same, they are in liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fitting). The frictional force between the female tapered surface 212 and the male tapered surface 852 causes the cap 200 to be coaxially and firmly secured and held to the male connector 850. The tube 811 of the nutrient set 810, the flow path 856 of the male connector 850, and the connection cylinder 210 communicate with each other in this order.

The connection cylinder 210 is inserted into the gap 855 between the male member 851 of the male connector 850 and the outer cylinder 853. The flange 215 is axially opposed to and close to (or abuts) the outer cylinder 853 of the male connector 850. The outer diameter of the flange 215 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 853. Therefore, the outer peripheral end of the flange 215 constitutes a cylindrical surface substantially in common with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 853. The gap 855 of the male connector 850 is substantially closed by the connecting cylinder 210 and the flange 215 of the cap 200.

In this state, the Clemme 817 (see FIG. 9) of the nutrition set 810 is opened. The liquid material in the container 801 flows in the tube 811 by gravity. The liquid material pushes the air in the tube 811 to the outside world through the male member 851 and the connecting cylinder 210. The inside of the tube 811 is gradually filled with a liquid material. Then, when the liquid material reaches the male member 851 (or the connecting cylinder 210), the clamp 817 is closed. Separate the cap 200 from the male connector 850. Connect the male connector 850 to the female connector 830. Then, the Clemme 817 is opened and the liquid substance is administered to the patient via the catheter 820.

As described above, the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850 provided at the downstream end of the nutrient set 810 when priming is performed to fill the flow path in the nutrient set 810 with the liquid material. At the end of priming, the cap 200 is removed from the male connector 850.

In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 817 so that the flow of the liquid material is stopped when the liquid material reaches the male member 851. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 817, a situation may occur in which the liquid material flows out from the male member 851 to the outside world.

Unlike the second embodiment, when priming is performed without attaching the cap 200 to the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B), the following problems occur due to the outflow of liquid material from the male member 851. Can occur.

First, a liquid substance adheres to the lock mechanism (female screw 854) provided on the male connector 850. That is, the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 flows along the outer peripheral surface 852 of the male member 851, flows into the gap 855 between the male member 851 and the outer cylinder 853, and a part thereof adheres to the female screw 854. .. Since the gap 855 is narrow and the female screw 854 has a complicated shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid matter adhering to the female screw 854 (particularly the screw groove thereof). When the male connector 850 is connected to the female connector 830 (see FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B) with the liquid material attached to the female screw 854, the liquid material screwes the female screw 854 and the screw protrusion 834. Hinder. In addition, the male connector 850 may be indwelled in the patient for a long period of time together with the catheter 820. Therefore, the liquid matter adhering to the female screw 854 can bring the male connector 850 into an unsanitary state.

Second, the periphery of the male connector 850 becomes dirty with a liquid substance. Depending on the opening degree of the clamp 817 and the like, the flow velocity of the liquid material flowing through the tube 811 is high, and the liquid material may be vigorously ejected from the male member 851. The liquid matter scatters over a wide area from the male member 851 and stains the clothes and linen of patients and workers.

The above problem can be solved by performing priming with the cap 200 attached to the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). This will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 11B, when the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the connection cylinder 210 is connected to the male member 851. The flange 215 extends radially outward from the open end of the connecting cylinder 210. Therefore, the liquid material flows into the connection cylinder 210 from the flow path 856 of the male connector 850, flows along the flange 215, and flows out to the outside world of the cap 200 through the opening 228. That is, the connecting cylinder 210 and the flange 215 function as a "regulatory wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid material so that the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 852 of the male member 851. After exiting the opening 228, the liquid material may flow over the cap 200 toward the male connector 850, depending on the orientation of the male connector 850 and the cap 200. However, the outer cylinder 853 of the male connector 850 faces and approaches (or abuts) the outer peripheral end of the flange 215 in the axial direction. Therefore, in the second embodiment, there is almost no possibility that the liquid substance adheres to the female screw 854. After priming, the cap 200 can be removed from the male connector 850 and the male connector 850 can be connected to the female connector 830 (see FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B) without wiping and cleaning the gap 855 (particularly the female screw 854). , The spiral protrusion 834 of the female connector 830 can be securely screwed into the female screw 854. Further, the liquid material does not transfer to the spiral protrusion 834. The hygienic condition of the male connector 850 and the female connector 830 can be well maintained for a long period of time. Further, after priming is completed and the cap 200 is removed from the male connector 850, the work of wiping and cleaning the liquid material from the male connector 850 can be omitted or simplified. Therefore, the priming work can be performed easily and in a short time as a whole, and the burden on the operator is reduced.

When the flow velocity of the liquid material during priming is high, the liquid material is vigorously ejected from the male member 851. After being ejected from the male member 851, the liquid material collides with the convex curved surface 241 of the stop portion 240 arranged apart from the male member 851 and the connection cylinder 210 on the axis of the male member 851 (or the connection cylinder 210). .. The liquid material flows outward in the radial direction along the convex curved surface 241 and the flange 242. Then, it flows out to the outside world of the cap 200 through the opening 228 provided in the outer peripheral cylinder 225. In this way, the stop portion 240 weakens the momentum (flow velocity) of the liquid material ejected from the male member 851 (or the connection cylinder 210). Therefore, the flow of the liquid material flowing from the opening 228 to the outside of the cap 200 becomes gentle. The liquid does not scatter over a wide area from the cap 200 to a distance. Since the surface of the stop portion 240 facing the connecting cylinder 210 (male member 851) has a collar 242 around the convex curved surface 241, the momentum of the liquid material is further weakened when shifting from the convex curved surface 241 to the collar 242. .. Further, a part of the liquid material flowing along the stop portion 240 collides with the inner surface of the outer peripheral cylinder 225 to change the flow direction thereof, and then flows out from the opening 228. Therefore, the momentum of the liquid material flowing out from the opening 228 is further weakened. As described above, the collar 242 and the outer peripheral cylinder 225 are advantageous for preventing the liquid material from scattering over a wide range from the cap 200.

When the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the connection cylinder 210 fits into the outer peripheral surface 852 of the male member 851. Even if the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 856 in the male member 851 does not change, and therefore the flow velocity of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 does not change either. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid material from scattering over a wide area.

By attaching the cap 200 to the male connector 850, the male member 851 and the female screw 854 (lock mechanism) of the male connector 850 are housed in the cap 200. More specifically, the connecting cylinder 210 covers the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851, and the flange 215 closes the opening at the tip of the outer cylinder 853. Further, the stop portion 240 makes it difficult to access the tip of the male member 851 and the flow path 856 of the male connector 850. Therefore, by attaching the cap 200 to the male connector 850, the main parts of the male connector 850 such as the male member 851, the female screw 854, and the flow path 856 are contact-contaminated by the touch of the operator's finger or the like. Can be prevented.

The second embodiment is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the second embodiment, and can be appropriately modified.

The connecting cylinder 210 of the cap 200 may be communicated with the male member 851. In this embodiment, the male member 851 is fitted into the connecting cylinder 210. However, the connection structure between the connection cylinder 210 and the male member 851 is not limited to this. For example, as in the first embodiment, the connection cylinder 210 may be fitted into the male member 851. Alternatively, the connection cylinder 210 may be communicated with the male member 851 by abutting the tip of the connection cylinder 210 on the tip of the male member 851 in the axial direction. The connection cylinder 210 is preferably liquid-tightly connected to the male member 851. However, it is sufficient if no liquid material leaks between the connecting cylinder 210 and the male member 851 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal in a strict sense between the two. For example, even if there is a slight gap between the connecting cylinder 210 and the male member 851 as in the labyrinth seal, it is sufficient if the liquid material does not substantially leak through the gap.

In the second embodiment, the "regulatory wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 is composed of the connecting cylinder 210 and the flange 215. However, the composition of the regulatory wall is not limited to this.

For example, the cap 200 may not include the connecting tube 210. For example, a protective cylinder similar to the protective cylinder 322 of the third embodiment described later is provided at the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. If the outer cylinder 853 of the male connector 850 is fitted into the protective cylinder, the cap 200 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 850 without the connecting cylinder 210. Alternatively, the flange 215 is provided with a hollow cylinder provided with a male screw to be screwed into the female screw 854 instead of the connection cylinder 210. By screwing a male screw into the female screw 854, the cap 200 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 850. In either case, the flange 215 is axially abutted against the tip of the male member 851. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 adheres to the female screw 854.

Alternatively, the cap 200 may not include the flange 215. For example, the connecting cylinder 210 is lengthened so as to protrude from the male member 851. A stop portion (for example, the stop portion 140 of the first embodiment) is provided at the tip of the connection cylinder 210 so as to be axially separated from the tip of the connection cylinder 210. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 adheres to the female screw 854.

A protection cylinder similar to the protection cylinder 322 of the third embodiment described later may be provided at the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. The outer cylinder 853 provided with the female screw 854 (lock mechanism) is housed in the protective cylinder. In this case, this protective tube can function as a "regulatory wall".

The configuration of the stop unit 240 is not limited to this embodiment.

For example, the surface of the stop portion 240 facing the connecting cylinder 210 (or the flange 215, the male member 851) does not have to be a convex curved surface 241 and may be a flat surface or a concave curved surface.

Instead of the stop portion 240 and the outer peripheral cylinder 225, the stop portion 140 and the support 145 of the first embodiment may be applied to the cap 200. Further, the outer peripheral cylinder 125 of the first embodiment may be provided on the flange 215. In this case, the outer cylinder 125 can function as a "regulatory wall".

Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 240 and the outer peripheral cylinder 225, the stop portion 340 arranged along substantially the same plane as the flange 315 of the third embodiment described later may be applied to the cap 200.

(Embodiment 3)
In the third embodiment, a cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector used for parenteral nutrition (or infusion) will be described.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of parenteral nutrition. The liquid material to be administered to the patient (for example, an infusion agent containing an electrolyte or the like in water) is stored in a container (infusion bag) 901. The liquid material flows from the container 901 through the infusion set 910 and the extension tube 920 in this order, and is administered to the patient. The infusion set 910 is composed of a flexible tube 911. A connector (puncture needle) 913 that can be repeatedly connected to and separated from the port (rubber stopper) 903 of the container 901 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 911, and an male lure 919 is provided at the downstream end of the tube 911. Has been done. A male connector 950 is connected to the male connector 919. On the tube 911 of the infusion set 910, a drip tube 915 for visualizing the flow of the liquid material and a clamp 917 for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid material are provided. The extension tube 920 is composed of a flexible tube 921. A female connector 930 that can be connected to and separated from the male connector 950 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 921. An indwelling needle device 925 is provided at the downstream end of the tube 921. The indwelling needle device device 925 is indwelled in the patient in a state of being punctured in the vein of the patient.

FIG. 13A is a perspective view seen from below the male connector 950 (the side to which the female connector 930 is connected). 13B is a cross-sectional perspective view of FIG. 13A. 14A is an exploded perspective view of the male connector 950 as viewed from below, and FIG. 14B is an exploded sectional perspective view of FIG. 14A. The cross section of FIG. 13B and the cross section of FIG. 14B include the axis of the male connector 950 (not shown).

The male connector 950 includes a connector body 960 and a lock body 970.

The connector body 960 has an elongated hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. The connector main body 960 is provided with a male member (tubular portion) 961 at one end thereof and a base tube 967 at the other end thereof, which are arranged coaxially. The male member 961 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) 962 whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the male member 961 is provided on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The base tube 967 also has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) 968 whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip of the base tube 967 is provided on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The male lure 919 (see FIG. 12) is inserted into the base tube 967. At the tip of the Osurua 919, a female tapered surface 968 and a male tapered surface that can be tapered and fitted are provided (not shown).

A groove 963 extending in the circumferential direction of the connector main body 960 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector main body 960 between the male member 961 and the base pipe 967. Two ribs 964 extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector body 960 intersect the groove 963. The groove 963 is divided into two in the circumferential direction by two ribs 964.

The flow path 966 extends along the axis (longitudinal direction) of the connector main body 960 and penetrates the connector main body 960. The male member 961 and the base pipe 967 communicate with each other via the flow path 966.

The lock body 970 is provided with a lock cylinder 971 at one end thereof and a support cylinder 975 at the other end. Both the lock cylinder 971 and the support cylinder 975 have a hollow cylindrical shape and are arranged coaxially. The lock cylinder 971 has a diameter larger than that of the support cylinder 975. On the inner peripheral surface of the lock cylinder 971, two lock protrusions 974 protruding inward in the radial direction (only one lock protrusion 974 can be seen in FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B) are provided. On the inner peripheral surface of the support cylinder 975, four locking projections 976 protruding inward in the radial direction (only two locking projections 976 can be seen in FIG. 14B) are provided. A pair of grip portions 978 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support cylinder 975 so as to project outward in the radial direction toward opposite sides. The grip portion 978 facilitates the operator to grip the lock body 970 and apply a rotational force to the lock body 970.

The connector main body 960 is inserted into the lock main body 970 with the male member 961 facing the support cylinder 975 as shown in FIG. 14A. By fitting the locking projection 976 of the lock body 970 into the groove 963 of the connector body 960, the connector body 960 is positioned axially with respect to the lock body 970. When the locking projection 976 of the lock body 970 collides with the rib 963 of the connector body 960 in the circumferential direction, the rotation of the connector body 960 with respect to the lock body 970 is restricted. The connector body 960 is arranged coaxially with the lock body 970.

The connector body 960 and the lock body 970 are not limited, but are preferably made of a hard material. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and rigid polyvinyl chloride can be used. Each of the connector main body 960 and the lock main body 970 can be integrally manufactured as one part by an injection molding method or the like using these resin materials.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the female connector 930 (see FIG. 12). The female connector 930 has a circular top plate 935 with a circular opening 936 in the center. Septam 931 is exposed in the opening 936. The septum 931 is a circular thin plate made of an elastic material such as rubber and having a diameter larger than the opening 936. A linear slit (cut) 932 that penetrates the septum 931 in the thickness direction is formed in the center of the septum 931. The slit 932 in the initial state is closed in a liquidtight and airtight manner. Two grooves 934 having a substantially "J" shape (only one groove 934 can be seen in FIG. 15) are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the female connector 930.

Although not shown, when the male connector 950 is connected to the female connector 930, the male member 961 is inserted into the opening 936. The male member 961 deforms the septum 931 and is inserted into the slit 932 of the septum 931. The male connector 950 (particularly its flow path 966) communicates with the female connector 930. The lock projection 974 of the male connector 950 is engaged with the groove 934 of the female connector 930. The locking projections 974 and grooves 934 that engage with each other constitute a locking mechanism for maintaining a connected state between the male connector 950 and the female connector 930. As long as the lock protrusion 974 is engaged in the groove 934, the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 will not unintentionally separate even if a tensile force is applied between the infusion set 910 and the extension tube 920. do not have. Separation of the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 is possible by allowing the lock protrusion 974 to escape from the groove 934. When the male member 961 is pulled out from the septum 931, the septum 931 immediately returns to the initial state, and the slit 932 is closed in a liquidtight and airtight manner. The septum 932 of the female connector 930 functions as a self-closing valve. The male connector 950 can be repeatedly connected and disconnected from the female connector 930.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the cap 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap 300.

The cap 300 includes a connecting cylinder 310 having a hollow cylindrical shape, which is arranged coaxially with the axis of the cap 300. A cylindrical surface 312 having a constant inner diameter in the axial direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder 310. Even if the inner peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder 310 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip (upper end in FIG. 16B) of the connecting cylinder 310 instead of the cylindrical surface 312. good.

The flange 315 extends radially outward from one end (lower end in FIG. 16B) of the connecting cylinder 310 in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the flange 315 is composed of an inner first flange portion 315a, an outer second flange portion 315b, and a connecting cylinder 315c between the first and second flange portions 315a and 315b, which are caps. It is coaxial with the axis of 300.

The first flange portion 315a is a donut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) extending outward in the radial direction from the lower end of the connecting cylinder 310. A stop portion 340 is provided inside the first flange portion 315a. The stop portion 340 is connected to the inner peripheral end of the first flange portion 315a via a plurality of (three in this embodiment) supports 345. The stop portion 340 is arranged substantially along a plane along which the first flange portion 315a is along. An opening 343 is provided between the stop portion 340 and the first flange portion 315a and between the supports 345 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The lumen of the connecting cylinder 310 communicates with the outside world of the cap 300 through a plurality of (three in this embodiment) openings 343. The diameter of the circumscribed circle of the plurality of openings 343 (the circumscribed circle is concentric with the cap 300) is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the opening (flow path 966) at the tip of the male member 961.

The upper end of a substantially cylindrical connecting cylinder 315c is connected to the outer peripheral end of the first flange portion 315a. The second flange portion 315b extends outward in the radial direction from the lower end of the connecting cylinder 315c. The second flange portion 315b is a donut-shaped thin plate (circular plate). The second flange portion 315b is displaced downward in the axial direction (the side opposite to the connection cylinder 310) with respect to the first flange portion 315a.

In addition, unlike the present embodiment, the flange 315 is a single donut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) in which the connecting cylinder 315c is omitted and the first flange portion 315a and the second flange portion 315b extend along the same plane. ) May be configured.

A protective cylinder 322 having a hollow cylindrical shape is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 315 (second flange portion 315b). The protective cylinder 322 has a hollow cylindrical shape having a diameter larger than that of the connecting cylinder 310, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting cylinder 310. The protective cylinder 322 extends from the flange 315 toward the same side as the connecting cylinder 310. A flange 323 protruding outward in the radial direction is provided at the tip of the protective cylinder 322 (the portion farthest from the flange 315). The collar 323 is continuous in an annular shape over the entire circumference of the protective cylinder 322. By gripping the collar 323, it is easy to attach / detach (particularly remove) the cap 300 to / from the male connector 950. A plurality of (six in this embodiment) first protrusions 325a (only three first protrusions 325a can be seen in FIGS. 16A and 16B) protrude inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the protective cylinder 322. The first protrusion 325a has a rib shape extending in the axial direction of the cap 300, and is arranged at equal intervals with respect to the axis.

A plurality of (three in this embodiment) second protrusions 325b (only one second protrusion 325b can be seen in FIG. 16B) protrude from the flange 315 (second flange portion 315b) toward the same side as the connecting cylinder 310. ing. In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 325b projects from the outer peripheral surface of the connecting cylinder 315c (or the separating cylinder 327) toward the protective cylinder 322.

A separation cylinder 327 having a hollow cylindrical shape is provided between the connection cylinder 310 and the protection cylinder 322. The separation cylinder 327 extends from the outer peripheral end of the first flange portion 315a toward the same side as the connection cylinder 310 so as to be continuous with the connection cylinder 315c. In this embodiment, the separation cylinder 327 can be omitted.

The material of the cap 300 is not limited, but a resin material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force is preferable. For example, the same resin material as the material of the cap 100 of the first embodiment can be used. The cap 300 can be integrally manufactured as one part by an injection molding method or the like using the resin material.

How to use the cap 300 will be described. The cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950 (see FIG. 12) when performing priming performed prior to administering the liquid (eg, infusion) to the patient by intravenous feeding (or infusion).

Priming is generally performed by the following procedure. In FIG. 12, the connector 913 of the infusion set 910 is connected to the port 903 of the container 901. At this time, the cleansing 917 of the infusion set 910 is closed. The container 901 is suspended from, for example, an Ilrigator stand. A liquid substance to be administered to the patient is stored in the container 901 in advance. The indwelling needle device device 925 is indwelled in the patient in a state of being punctured in the vein of the patient. The male connector 950 and the female connector 930 are not connected. In this state, the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950.

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the male connector 950 to which the cap 300 is attached. 17B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17A. The cross section of FIG. 17B is orthogonal to the cross section of FIGS. 13B and 14B at the axis (not shown) of the male connector 950. In FIGS. 17A and 17B, the infusion set 910 (particularly, its Osluar 919 and tube 911, see FIG. 12) is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 17A, three ribs 317 are provided on the outer surface (the surface opposite to the connecting cylinder 310) of the first flange portion 315a. The ribs 317 are provided radially outward from the stop portion 340 in the radial direction. The rib 317 prevents the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 from being contact-contaminated by touching the operator's fingers or the like. The fact that the first flange portion 315a provided with the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 is retracted from the second flange portion 315b is also advantageous in preventing the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 from being contact-contaminated.

As shown in FIG. 17B, the lock cylinder 971 of the lock body 970 is inserted in the gap between the protection cylinder 322 of the cap 300 and the separation cylinder 327. Although not shown, the tip of the lock cylinder 971 is radially sandwiched between the first protrusion 325a and the second protrusion 325b (see FIG. 16B) provided on the cap 300. The frictional force between the first and second protrusions 325a, 325b and the lock tube 971 causes the cap 300 to be coaxially and firmly secured and held to the male connector 950.

The lock cylinder 971 faces and approaches (or abuts) the flange 315 (particularly, its second flange portion 315b) in the axial direction. Almost all of the lock cylinder 971 is housed in the protection cylinder 322. The opening on the distal end side of the lock cylinder 971 is substantially covered by the connection cylinder 310 of the cap 300, the flange 315, and the protection cylinder 322. The connecting cylinder 310 and the separating cylinder 327 are inserted into the gap 955 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B) between the male member 961 and the lock cylinder 971. The separation cylinder 327 is arranged radially inside the lock protrusion 974 provided on the lock cylinder 971 and faces the lock protrusion 974.

A male member 961 is fitted in the connection cylinder 310. The male tapered surface 962 of the male member 961 is fitted to the cylindrical surface 312 of the connecting cylinder 310, and both are liquidtightly connected. The tube 911 of the infusion set 910, the male luer 919 (see FIG. 12), the flow path 966 of the male connector 950, and the connection cylinder 310 communicate with each other in this order.

The stop portion 340 is axially separated from the male member 961 on the axis of the male member 961. The outer diameter of the stop portion 340 (the diameter of the inscribed circle of the plurality of openings 343 (this inscribed circle is concentric with the cap 300)) is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the flow path 966 at the tip of the male member 961. Larger is preferred. That is, when viewed along the axes of the male connector 950 and the cap 300, the stop portion 340 preferably covers the opening of the male member 961. However, in general, the area of the stop portion 340 (the area of the inscribed circle of the plurality of openings 343) is preferably 10% or more, preferably 80% or more of the area (opening area) of the flow path 966 at the tip of the male member 961. Is more preferable.

In this state, the drip tube 915 (see FIG. 12) of the infusion set 910 is crushed several times in the radial direction (so-called pumping), and a predetermined amount of the drip tube 915 (about 1/3 to 1/2 of the capacity of the drip tube 915). Fill with liquid. Then, the cleanse 917 of the infusion set 910 is opened. The liquid material in the container 901 flows in the tube 911 by gravity. The liquid material pushes the air in the tube 911 to the outside world through the connector main body 960, the connection cylinder 310, and the opening 343. The inside of the tube 911 is gradually filled with a liquid material. Then, when the liquid material reaches the male member 961 (or the connecting cylinder 310), the clamp 917 is closed. The cap 300 is separated from the male connector 950. Connect the male connector 950 to the female connector 930. Then, the Clemme 917 is opened and the liquid material is administered to the patient via the extension tube 920.

As described above, the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950 provided at the downstream end of the infusion set 910 when priming is performed to fill the flow path in the infusion set 910 with the liquid material. At the end of priming, the cap 300 is removed from the male connector 950.

In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 917 so that the flow of the liquid material is stopped when the liquid material reaches the male member 961. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 917, a situation may occur in which the liquid material flows out from the male member 961 to the outside world.

Unlike the third embodiment, when priming is performed without attaching the cap 300 to the male connector 950 (see FIGS. 13A to 14B), the following problems may occur due to the outflow of the liquid material from the male member 961.

First, a liquid substance adheres to the lock mechanism (lock protrusion 974) provided on the male connector 950. That is, the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 flows along the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961, and a part thereof drops on the inner peripheral surface of the lock cylinder 971 and adheres to the lock protrusion 974. Since the gap 955 between the male member 961 and the lock cylinder 971 is narrow and the lock protrusion 974 has a complicated shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid matter adhering to the lock protrusion 974. If the male connector 950 is connected to the female connector 930 (see FIG. 15) with the liquid material attached to the lock protrusion 974, the liquid material prevents the lock protrusion 974 from engaging with the groove 934 of the female connector 930. Further, the liquid material adhering to the lock protrusion 974 deteriorates the hygienic condition of the male connector 950.

Second, the periphery of the male connector 950 becomes dirty with a liquid substance. Depending on the opening degree of the clamp 917 and the like, the flow velocity of the liquid material flowing through the tube 911 is high, and the liquid material may be vigorously ejected from the male member 961. The liquid matter scatters over a wide area from the male member 961 and stains the clothes and linen of patients and workers.

The above problem can be solved by performing priming with the cap 300 attached to the male connector 950 (see FIGS. 17A and 17B). This will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 17B, when the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the connection cylinder 310 is connected to the male member 961. A flange 315 extends outward from the connecting cylinder 310 in the radial direction. Therefore, the liquid material flows into the connection cylinder 310 from the flow path 966 of the male connector 950, passes through the opening 343, and flows out to the outside of the cap 300. After that, the liquid material flows along the flange 315. That is, the connection cylinder 310 and the flange 315 function as a "regulatory wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid material so that the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961. After reaching the outer peripheral end of the flange 315, the liquid material may flow toward the male connector 950 along the outer peripheral surface of the protective cylinder 322, depending on the orientation of the male connector 950 and the cap 300. In this case, the protective cylinder 322 and the collar 323 function as a "regulatory wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid material so that the liquid material does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961. Therefore, in the third embodiment, there is almost no possibility that the liquid substance adheres to the lock protrusion 974. After priming, the lock protrusion 974 can be securely engaged with the groove 934 even if the cap 300 is removed from the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 is connected to the male connector 950 (see FIG. 15) without wiping and cleaning the lock protrusion 974. Can be made to. Further, the liquid material does not transfer to the groove 934 of the female connector 930. The hygienic condition of the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 can be well maintained for a long period of time. Further, after priming is completed and the cap 300 is removed from the male connector 950, the work of wiping and cleaning the liquid material from the male connector 950 can be omitted or simplified. Therefore, the priming work can be performed easily and in a short time as a whole, and the burden on the operator is reduced.

When the flow velocity of the liquid material during priming is high, the liquid material is vigorously ejected from the male member 961 into the connecting cylinder 310. After being ejected from the male member 961, the liquid material collides with the stop portion 340 arranged apart from the male member 961 on the axis of the male member 961 (or the connecting cylinder 310). After that, the liquid material flows out to the outside world of the cap 300 through the opening 343 arranged around the stop portion 340. In this way, the stop portion 340 weakens the momentum (flow velocity) of the liquid material ejected from the male member 961. Therefore, the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the opening 343 to the outside of the cap 300 becomes gentle. The liquid does not scatter over a wide area from the cap 300.

When the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the connection cylinder 310 fits into the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961. Even if the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 966 in the male member 961 does not change, and therefore the flow velocity of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 does not change either. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid material from scattering over a wide area.

By attaching the cap 300 to the male connector 950, the male member 961 and the lock protrusion 974 (lock mechanism) of the male connector 950 are housed in the cap 300. More specifically, the connecting cylinder 310 covers the male tapered surface 962 of the male member 961, the flange 315 closes the gap 955 between the male member 961 and the lock cylinder 971, and the protective cylinder 322 covers the lock cylinder 971. The separation cylinder 327 is inserted into the gap 955 and faces the lock protrusion 974. Further, the stop portion 340 makes it difficult to access the tip of the male member 961 and the flow path 966 of the male connector 950. Therefore, by attaching the cap 300 to the male connector 950, the main parts of the male connector 950 such as the male member 961, the lock protrusion 974, and the flow path 966 are contact-contaminated by touching the operator's finger or the like. Can be prevented. The gap between the protective cylinder 322 and the lock cylinder 971 is preferably as narrow as possible so that it is difficult for a finger or the like to access the tip of the lock cylinder 971.

The third embodiment is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the third embodiment, and can be appropriately modified.

The connecting cylinder 310 of the cap 300 may be communicated with the male member 961. In this embodiment, the male member 961 is fitted into the connecting cylinder 310. However, the connection structure between the connection cylinder 310 and the male member 961 is not limited to this. For example, as in the first embodiment, the connection cylinder 310 may be fitted into the male member 961. Alternatively, the connecting cylinder 310 may be communicated with the male member 961 by abutting the tip of the connecting cylinder 310 against the tip of the male member 961 in the axial direction. The connection cylinder 310 is preferably liquidtightly connected to the male member 961. However, it is sufficient that no liquid material leaks between the connecting cylinder 310 and the male member 961 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal in a strict sense between the two. For example, even if there is a slight gap between the connection cylinder 310 and the male portion 961 as in the labyrinth seal, it is sufficient if the liquid material does not substantially leak through the gap.

In the third embodiment, the "regulatory wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 is composed of a connecting cylinder 310, a flange 315, a protective cylinder 322, and a flange 323. However, the composition of the regulatory wall is not limited to this.

For example, the cap 300 may not have a collar 323. Further, the cap 300 may not be provided with the protective cylinder 322 and the collar 323. Also in these cases, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 adheres to the lock protrusion 974.

When the cap 300 does not include the protective cylinder 122, the first protrusion 325a (see FIGS. 16A and 16B) provided on the protective cylinder 122 is omitted. In this case, for example, the same groove as the groove 934 (see FIG. 15) of the female connector 930 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the separation cylinder 327. By engaging the lock protrusion 974 with this groove, the cap 300 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 950.

Alternatively, the cap 300 may not include the connecting cylinder 310. For example, the flange 315 (first flange portion 315a) is brought into axial contact with the tip of the male member 961. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 adheres to the lock protrusion 974.

Alternatively, the cap 300 may not include the flange 315, the protective tube 322, and the flange 323. For example, the connecting cylinder 310 is lengthened so as to protrude from the male member 961. A stop portion (for example, the stop portion 140 of the first embodiment) is provided at the tip of the connection cylinder 310 so as to be axially separated from the tip of the connection cylinder 310. Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 adheres to the lock protrusion 974.

An outer peripheral cylinder similar to the outer peripheral cylinder 125 of the first embodiment may be provided at the outer peripheral end of the flange 315. In this case, this outer cylinder can function as a "regulatory wall".

The configuration of the stop unit 340 is not limited to this embodiment.

For example, the surface of the stop portion 340 facing the male member 961 does not have to be a flat surface, and may be a concave curved surface, a convex curved surface, or the like.

Instead of the stop portion 340 and the support 345, the stop portion 140 and the support 145 of the first embodiment may be applied to the cap 300. Further, the outer peripheral cylinder 125 of the first embodiment may be provided on the flange 315. In this case, the outer cylinder 125 can function as a "regulatory wall".

Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 340 and the support 345, the stop portion 240 and the outer peripheral cylinder 225 of the second embodiment may be applied to the cap 300.

The fixing structure of the cap 300 to the male connector 950 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the first and second protrusions 325a and 325b are omitted, the outer peripheral surface of the lock cylinder 971 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the protection cylinder 322, and the cap is provided by the frictional force between the protection cylinder 322 and the lock cylinder 971. The 300 may be fixed and held to the male connector 950. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the protective cylinder 322 may be provided with a tapered surface whose inner diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the protective cylinder 322 (that is, the collar 323).

The configuration of the male connector 950 is not limited to this embodiment.

The tube 911 of the infusion set 910 (see FIG. 12) may be directly connected to the base tube 967 of the connector body 960 without going through the male lure 919.

The male connector 950 may be composed of one component integrally formed with the connector body 960 and the lock body 970, instead of the two components.

The configuration of the locking mechanism provided in each of the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 can be arbitrarily changed. Instead of the groove 934, the female connector 930 may be provided with a convex portion protruding outward in the radial direction instead of the groove 934, and the lock protrusion 974 may be engaged with the convex portion. Alternatively, the female connector 930 may be provided with a convex portion protruding outward in the radial direction, and the male connector 950 may be provided with a concave portion (for example, a groove) with which the convex portion engages.

The caps 100, 200, and 300 of the above-described first to third embodiments are composed of one component integrally molded, but a plurality of separately manufactured components (for example, two components) are combined. It may be configured.

In the above embodiments 1 to 3, the caps 100, 200, and 300 are attached to the connector at the time of priming, but in order to prevent the connector from being contaminated by contact with a finger or the like, a stage before priming is performed. You may attach it to the connector with. For example, the nutrition set 810 (see FIGS. 1, 9) or the infusion set 910 (see FIG. 12) is sold with the cap of the present invention attached to the connector (830, 850, or 950) at the downstream end thereof. Then, after the priming of the nutrition set 810 or the infusion set 910 is completed at a medical institution or the like, the cap may be removed from the connector.

The present invention is not limited, but can be preferably used as a cap attached to a connector provided at the downstream end of the flow path when priming the flow path through which the liquid material flows. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be preferably used in the medical field, particularly in the field of enteral nutrition, intravenous nutrition (infusion), drug solution, blood or anesthesia administration.

100,200,300 Cap 110,210,310 Connection tube (regulatory wall)
115,215,315 Flange (regulatory wall)
122,322 Protective cylinder (regulatory wall)
125 Outer cylinder (regulatory wall)
140, 240, 340 Stop part 147, 247 Gap between the flange and the stop part 225 Outer cylinder 228 Opening of outer cylinder 323 Flange (regulatory wall)
343 Opening between stop and flange 830 Female connector 831 Female member (tubular part)
833 Outer peripheral surface of tubular part 834 Spiral protrusion (lock mechanism)
850,950 Male connector 851,961 Male member (tubular part)
852,962 Outer peripheral surface of tubular part 854 Female screw (lock mechanism)
974 Lock protrusion (lock mechanism)

Claims (20)

A cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector with a hollow tubular part through which liquid material flows out.
The cap is configured so that when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid material that has flowed out from the tubular portion flows out to the outside world through the cap.
The cap is
A regulatory wall that regulates the flow of the liquid material so that the liquid material flowing out of the tubular portion does not flow along the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion when the cap is attached to the connector.
It is characterized by including a stop portion arranged so as to be separated from the tubular portion on the axis of the tubular portion so that the liquid material flowing out from the tubular portion collides with the cap when the cap is attached to the connector. Cap to do. The cap according to claim 1, wherein the regulation wall includes a flange extending radially outward with respect to the tubular portion. The cap according to claim 2, wherein the stop portion is separated from the flange on the downstream side in the flow direction of the liquid material flowing out from the tubular portion. The cap according to claim 3, wherein the regulation wall further includes an outer peripheral cylinder arranged so as to surround the gap on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the gap between the flange and the stop portion. The cap according to claim 4, wherein the outer peripheral cylinder has a tubular shape continuous in the circumferential direction. The cap according to claim 4, wherein the outer peripheral cylinder is provided with an opening that penetrates the outer peripheral cylinder in the radial direction. The cap according to claim 2, wherein the stop portion is arranged substantially along a plane along which the flange is aligned. The cap according to claim 7, wherein the area of the stop portion is 10% or more of the area of the flow path at the tip of the tubular portion. At least one opening through which the liquid material flowing out of the tubular portion can pass is provided between the stop portion and the flange.
The cap according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the diameter of the circle concentric with the axis of the tubular portion and circumscribing the at least one opening is larger than the inner diameter of the opening at the tip of the tubular portion. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the regulation wall includes a connection tube that can be connected to the tubular portion. The cap according to claim 10, wherein the connecting cylinder is configured to be fitted into the tubular portion. The stop portion is arranged so as to be separated from the opening of the connection cylinder from which the liquid material flows out.
The cap according to claim 11, wherein when the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion, the stop portion covers at least a part of the opening of the connection cylinder. The cap according to claim 10, wherein the connecting cylinder is configured so that the tubular portion can be fitted into the connecting cylinder. 13. The cap according to claim 13, wherein when the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion, the stop portion covers at least a part of the opening at the tip of the tubular portion. The connector is the first connector.
The first connector can be connected to and separated from the second connector.
The first connector includes a locking mechanism that engages the second connector so that the first connector remains connected to the second connector.
One of claims 1 to 14, wherein the regulation wall is configured so that the liquid material flowing out from the tubular portion does not adhere to the lock mechanism of the first connector when the cap is attached to the first connector. The cap described in item 1. The cap according to claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism is a spiral protrusion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion. The cap according to claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism is a female screw provided so as to surround the tubular portion. The cap according to claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism is a convex portion or a concave portion provided on an inner peripheral surface of a lock cylinder surrounding the tubular portion. The regulatory wall includes a flange extending radially outward with respect to the tubular portion and a protective tube extending from the flange toward the side of the first connector.
The protection cylinder is according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to be housed in the lumen of the protection cylinder when the cap is attached to the first connector. Cap. 19. The cap according to claim 19, further comprising a collar protruding radially outward from the tip of the protective tube.

Images