JP2022107688A - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a connector capable of preventing an occurrence of liquid leakage when releasing a connection state in the middle of a line where liquid passes.

SOLUTION: A first connector 1A is used by being installed in the middle of a dialysis line where dialysis liquid passes, and can take a connection state for connecting the middle of the line in a liquid-tight manner and a connection releasing state for releasing the connection state. The first connector 1A includes: a pressure-closing part 36 whose operation is switched for pressure-closing a transfer tube 18 constituting the dialysis line while it is taking the connection releasing state, and for releasing the pressure-closing of the transfer tube 18 while it is taking the connection state; and an external cylinder 4 that functions as an operation part for switching the operation of the pressure-closing part 36 by making a rotation operation around the transfer tube 18 while keeping the position with respect to a longitudinal direction of the transfer tube 18. A clamping part 35 of the pressure-closing part 36 includes a first inclined surface 351 and a second inclined surface 352 whose inclination angles are different from each other.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to connectors.

In recent years, peritoneal dialysis therapy has attracted attention because, compared to dialysis using artificial kidneys, the equipment and instruments are smaller and simpler, treatment costs are lower, and peritoneal adhesions can be prevented. It is

This peritoneal dialysis method is attracting a great deal of attention because the patient can replace the dialysate bag by himself/herself at home or at work, thus facilitating social reintegration. In this peritoneal dialysis method, a tube connected to a patient is connected to a tube connected to a dialysate bag containing dialysate. These tubes are connected to each other by connecting connectors installed at the ends of each tube (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

However, with the connector described in Patent Document 1, when the connection between the connectors is released, the dialysate may leak from the released connector depending on the amount of dialysate remaining in the tube.

JP-A-5-31178

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a connector capable of preventing liquid leakage when the connection state is canceled in the middle of a line through which liquid passes.

Such objects are achieved by the present invention of the following (1) to (9).
(1) A connector that is installed in the middle of a line through which a liquid passes, and that can take a connection state in which the line is liquid-tightly connected and a disconnection state in which the connection state is released. ,
a clamping unit whose operation is switched so as to clamp the tube constituting the line while in the disconnection state and release the clamping of the tube during the connection state;
an operation unit that switches the operation of the closing unit by performing a rotational operation around the tube while maintaining the position in the longitudinal direction of the tube;
a protrusion that rotates around the tube by rotating the operation unit;
The pressing and closing section has a plurality of clamping sections arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and supported so as to be able to approach and separate from each other. By pinching and compressing and separating from each other, the clamping of the tube is released,
each of the plurality of holding portions has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and have different angles of inclination;
the inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface,
When switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion climbs over the first inclined surface, and when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion moves to the second slope. A connector characterized by surmounting a surface.

(2) A connector which is installed in the middle of a line through which a liquid passes, and which can take a connected state in which the middle of the line is liquid-tightly connected and a disconnected state in which the connected state is released. ,
a clamping unit whose operation is switched so as to clamp the tube constituting the line while in the disconnection state and release the clamping of the tube during the connection state;
an operation unit that switches the operation of the closing unit by performing a rotational operation around the tube while maintaining the position in the longitudinal direction of the tube;
a projecting portion that rotates around the tube by a rotating operation of the operating portion;
When changing from the disconnected state to the connected state, the completion of the connected state is notified by emitting at least one of sound and vibration, and when changing from the connected state to the disconnected state, the disconnected state starts. a notification unit that emits at least one of the sound and the vibration to notify the
The pressing and closing section has a plurality of clamping sections arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and supported so as to be able to approach and separate from each other. By pinching and compressing and separating from each other, the clamping of the tube is released,
each of the plurality of holding portions has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and have different angles of inclination;
When switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion climbs over the first inclined surface, and when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion moves to the second slope. A connector characterized by surmounting a surface.

(3) An outer cylinder in which the operation part is arranged, and an inner cylinder supported relatively concentrically rotatably in the outer cylinder and supporting the plurality of holding parts so as to approach and separate from each other. ,
The outer cylinder has the protrusion provided on the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder,
The notification part has the projection, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, and when the projection crosses over the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface, the sound is emitted. and the connector according to (2) above, which emits at least one of the vibrations.

(4) the force required for the screwing is smaller than the force required for the protrusion to climb over the first inclined surface;
The connector according to (3) above, wherein the force required for releasing the screwing is greater than the force required for the protrusion to climb over the second inclined surface.

(5) Any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein each of the plurality of holding portions has the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, and has an elastically deformable elastic portion. connector described in .

(6) Any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the resistance when the projection climbs over the first inclined surface is different from the resistance when the projection climbs over the second inclined surface. connector as described in section.

(7) the connector is configured such that the connected state is achieved by screwing and the disconnected state is achieved by releasing the screwed engagement;
When changing from the disconnected state to the connected state, the screwing is performed prior to the release of pressure closing on the tube, and when changing from the connected state to the disconnection state, pressure closing on the tube is performed. , the connector according to any one of the above (1) to (6), which is performed prior to the release of the screwing.

(8) The tube according to any one of (1) to (7) above, which has elasticity and functions as a biasing portion that biases the plurality of holding portions in a direction to separate them from each other. connector.

(9) The connector according to any one of (1) to (8) above, which has a restricting portion that restricts the rotation limit of the operating portion.

According to the present invention, when changing from a connected state in which a liquid-tight connection is made in the middle of a line through which liquid passes to a disconnected state in which the connected state is canceled, an operation is performed prior to the disconnection state. By manipulating the part, the tubes constituting the line can be compressed and closed. As a result, it is possible to prevent liquid leakage from occurring in the disconnected state.

In addition, when the connected state is achieved by screwing the connector, the completion of the connected state and the start of the disconnected state can be notified by at least one of sound and vibration by providing the notification unit. can. As a result, it is possible to easily and reliably grasp how much the connector needs to be screwed in to complete the connected state. In addition, it is possible to easily and reliably grasp that the disconnection state has started.

In addition, by making the inclination angle of the first inclined surface and the inclination angle of the second inclined surface different, for example, when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the projection easily moves to the second inclined surface. can get over.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a peritoneal dialysis set using the connector (first embodiment) of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional (perspective) view showing a disconnected state of the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional (perspective) view of the connector shown in FIG. 1 cut along line AA in FIG. 3 when the connector is in a connected state. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3 when the connector shown in FIG. 1 is in a disconnection state. 6 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3) showing the connected state of the connector (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3) showing the disconnected state of the connector shown in FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

A connector of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
<First embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a peritoneal dialysis set using the connector (first embodiment) of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view showing the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional (perspective) view showing a disconnected state of the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional (perspective) view of the connector shown in FIG. 1 cut along line AA in FIG. 3 when the connector is in a connected state. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3 when the connector shown in FIG. 1 is in a disconnection state. 6 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG. For convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIGS. 2 and 3 is hereinafter referred to as the "base end", and the lower side as the "tip end".

The peritoneal dialysis set 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be preferably used for peritoneal dialysis. It collects liquid waste.

The peritoneal dialysis set 100 includes a dialysate bag 14 filled with a dialysate in advance, a drainage bag 19 for collecting drainage of the dialysate, and bag-side tubes connected to the dialysate bag 14 and the drainage bag 19, respectively. 11, a transfer tube 18 connected to a catheter (not shown) placed in the patient's peritoneum, and a peritoneal dialysis connector 20 detachably connecting the bag-side tube 11 and the transfer tube 18. ing. Note that the peritoneal dialysis set 100 may omit the dialysate bag 14 or the drainage bag 19 as necessary.

In the peritoneal dialysis set 100, the bag-side tube 11 and the transfer tube 18 constitute the dialysis line 10 through which the dialysate (including its drainage) passes. Further, the peritoneal dialysis connector 20 has a first connector 1A and a second connector 1B. By connecting the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, the dialysate can flow down the dialysis line 10 from upstream to downstream. Further, by disconnecting the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, the dialysis line 10 can be separated in the middle. Thereby, for example, the used dialysate bag 14 or the drainage bag 19 can be replaced with a new, that is, an unused dialysate bag 14 or the drainage bag 19 .

A first connector 1A of a peritoneal dialysis connector 20 is connected to the side of the transfer tube 18 opposite to the patient side. Further, the transfer tube 18 is provided with a connector 17 detachably connected in the middle thereof, and a roller clamp 16 for opening and closing the inside of the transfer tube 18 on the first connector 1A side of the connector 17 .

The bag-side tube 11 is composed of a tube 111 connecting the dialysate bag 14 and the second connector 1B of the peritoneal dialysis connector 20, and a branch tube 112 branching from the middle of the tube 111. As shown in FIG. The tube 111 and the branch tube 112 communicate with each other via the branch portion 113 . Also, the branch tube 112 is connected to the drainage bag 19 on the side opposite to the branch portion 113 . A part of the bag-side tube 11 can be selectively blocked to switch the flow path of the dialysate. In other words, in the bag-side tube 11, when the dialysate is supplied from the dialysate bag 14 to the patient, the vicinity of the branch portion 113 of the branch tube 112 is blocked. Further, when the drainage is collected from the patient side into the drainage bag 19, the vicinity of the dialysate bag 14 side of the branch portion 113 of the tube 111 is blocked. A method for closing the tube is not particularly limited, and an example thereof includes a method of attaching a clamp to the tube to be closed.

As described above, the peritoneal dialysis connector 20 has the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, and is installed in the middle of the dialysis line 10 through which the dialysate (liquid) passes. The first connector 1A is a so-called "male connector" and the second connector 1B is a so-called "female connector" and can be screwed together. By this screwing, the dialysis line 10 is in a liquid-tight connection state (see FIG. 4). Further, by releasing the screwing, the connection state is released (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

The first connector 1A is the connector of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the first connector 1A comprises a connector body 2, an inner cylinder 3, an outer cylinder 4, and a press-close portion 36, and is an assembly formed by assembling these members together. be. The configuration of each member will be described below. In addition, although the constituent material of each member is not particularly limited, resins such as polypropylene, cyclic polyolefin, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, and polyacetal are preferable, for example. Thereby, each member can be easily molded.

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

The male threaded portion 21 is provided at the tip of the connector body 2 and has a male thread 211 formed on its outer periphery. This male threaded portion 21 can be screwed with a female threaded portion (not shown) of the second connector 1B. As a result, the connection state shown in FIG. 4 can be reliably maintained. A ring-shaped sealing member 7 is installed at the proximal end of the male threaded portion 21 . The sealing member 7 can reliably seal the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B in the connected state, and reliably liquid-tightly connect the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B. can be connected. The constituent material of the sealing member 7 is not particularly limited. , various thermoplastic elastomers such as polyamides, olefins, and styrenes, and elastic materials such as mixtures thereof.

Further, inside the male screw portion 21, a second connector connecting portion 24 is provided that is liquid-tightly connected to the second connector 1B in a connected state. The second connector connecting portion 24 communicates with the tube connecting portion 23 . This allows the dialysate to flow back and forth in the connected state.

The tube connecting portion 23 is provided at the proximal end portion of the connector main body 2 and is a portion to which the transfer tube 18 constituting a part of the dialysis line 10 is fitted and connected in a liquid-tight manner. A plurality of ring-shaped projecting portions 231 are formed along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral portion of the tube connecting portion 23 . These projections 231 are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the connector body 2 and can be engaged with the inner periphery of the tip of the transfer tube 18 . This can prevent the transfer tube 18 from slipping out of the tube connecting portion 23 .

A flange portion 22 is provided between the male screw portion 21 and the tube connection portion 23 . The flange portion 22 is a plate-like protruding portion formed on the outer peripheral portion of the connector main body 2 .

The tube connecting portion 23 of the connector body 2 is inserted into the inner cylinder 3 together with the transfer tube 18 . The inner cylinder 3 has a flange portion 31, a flange portion 32, and a flange portion 33 in order from the tip side.

The flange portion 31 is a plate-like protruding portion formed on the outer peripheral portion of the distal end of the inner cylinder 3 . The flange portion 31 of the inner cylinder 3 is fixed to the flange portion 22 of the connector main body 2 . The fixing method is not particularly limited. methods and the like.

The flange portion 32 is a plate-like protruded portion in the middle of the outer peripheral portion of the inner cylinder 3 in the longitudinal direction.

The flange portion 33 is a plate-like protruding portion formed on the outer peripheral portion of the proximal end of the inner cylinder 3 . A slit 331 is formed through the flange portion 33 along its radial direction. Into the slit 331 , the pressure-closing portion 36 , that is, two clamping portions 35 capable of clamping the transfer tube 18 are inserted (supported) so as to be movable along the formation direction of the slit 331 . By this movement, the two clamping portions 35 can be brought closer to each other (see FIGS. 3 and 5) or separated (see FIG. 4).

The press-and-close portion 36 is composed of two holding portions (holding members) 35 in this embodiment. By configuring the pressure-closing portion 36 with two holding portions 35, the length of the pressure-closing portion 36 in the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1A (length in the vertical direction in FIG. 3) can be shortened. Thereby, the overall length of the first connector 1A can be shortened, and the miniaturization of the first connector 1A can be achieved.

Further, each clamping portion 35 is arranged in the middle of the transfer tube 18 along the circumferential direction thereof, that is, arranged via the transfer tube 18 . Moreover, each clamping part 35 is arranged so as to be point-symmetrical with respect to the center of the first connector 1A in plan view. Moreover, each clamping part 35 protrudes in the opposite direction to each other. Since the configuration such as the shape (structure) of the two holding portions 35 is the same, one holding portion 35 of the two holding portions 35 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 35 is composed of small pieces (members) having a predetermined shape. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 35 has a shape in which a projection 350 protrudes from one side of a square when viewed from above (as seen from the longitudinal direction of the first connector 1A). Also, the shape of the protrusion 350 is such that, in a plan view, one end (lower side in FIG. 6) of both side surfaces of the protrusion 350 is concave, and the other end (upper side in FIG. 6) is convex. None.

More specifically, in plan view, the projection 350 of the clamping portion 35 is arranged along the circumferential direction of the transfer tube 18 and has a first inclined surface 351 and a second inclined surface 352 with different inclination angles. there is The first inclined surface 351 is arranged on one end side of both side surfaces of the protrusion 350 , and the second inclined surface 352 is arranged on the other end side of both side surfaces of the protrusion 350 . The first inclined surface 351 is composed of a first portion 3511 and a second portion 3512 that is continuous with the first portion 3511 and has a different angle of inclination from the first portion 3511 . The second inclined surface 352 is composed of a first portion 3521 and a second portion 3522 that is continuous with the first portion 3521 and has an inclination angle different from that of the first portion 3521 .

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

In addition, in the present embodiment, the first portion 3511, the second portion 3512, the first portion 3521 and the second portion 3522 each form a straight line in plan view. Note that the shapes of the first portion 3511, the second portion 3512, the first portion 3521, and the second portion 3522 are not limited to the linear shapes described above. good.

Here, the inclination angle of the inclined surface refers to the angle formed by the inclined surface and the axis 8 perpendicular to the moving direction of the holding portion 35 in plan view.

Specifically, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 351 is the angle θ1 between the axis 8 and the first portion 3511 of the first inclined surface 351 in plan view. The inclination angle of the second inclined surface 352 is the angle θ2 formed between the axis 8 and the first portion 3521 of the second inclined surface 352 in plan view. Hereinafter, the inclination angle of the first inclined surface 351 is assumed to be θ1, and the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 352 is assumed to be θ2.

In this clamping portion 35, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 351 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 352 are different. Specifically, the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 351 is larger than the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 352 .

With such a configuration, the resistance when the later-described projection 45 of the outer cylinder 4 climbs over the first inclined surface 351 differs from the resistance when the projection 45 gets over the second inclined surface 352 . Specifically, the resistance when the projection 45 climbs over the first inclined surface 351 is greater than the resistance when the projection 45 gets over the second inclined surface 352 . That is, the resistance when the projection 45 climbs over the second inclined surface 352 is smaller than the resistance when the projection 45 gets over the first inclined surface 351 .

Due to this size relationship, the force required for screwing the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B together is set to be smaller than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 climbs over the first inclined surface 351. can do Thus, after the screwing is completed (after the connected state is completed), the completion can be notified by the notification unit 6, which will be described later. Further, it is possible to set the force required to release the screwed connection between the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B to be greater than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 climbs over the second inclined surface 352. can. As a result, the notification unit 6 can notify the start of disengagement (the start of the disconnection state).

In addition, when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion 45 can easily climb over the second inclined surface 352, and the probability of triggering a click feeling, which will be described later, by the notification unit 6 can be improved.

The inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 351 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 352 are not particularly limited as long as they are different from each other, but the inclination angle θ1 is preferably about 50 to 90 degrees. , about 60 to 80 degrees. Also, the inclination angle θ2 is preferably about 10 to 50 degrees, more preferably about 20 to 40 degrees. Also, the ratio (θ1/θ2) between the tilt angle θ1 and the tilt angle θ2 is preferably about 1.5-5, more preferably about 2-4. By setting the tilt angles θ1 and θ2 within such a range, the probability of generating a click feeling by the notification unit 6 can be improved.

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

As will be described later, the two clamping portions 35 are pressed toward each other against the elastic force of the transfer tube 18 by rotating the outer cylinder 4 in a predetermined direction. Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the transfer tube 18 can be pinched and closed in the middle by the pinching portions 35 that are close to each other. This closure is maintained during the disconnected state. This can prevent the dialysate remaining in the transfer tube 18 from leaking out from the first connector 1A.

Further, by rotating the outer cylinder 4 in the direction opposite to the above, the pressure applied to each clamping portion 35 is released. As a result, the two clamping portions 35 are reliably urged away from each other by the elastic force of the transfer tube 18, that is, the restoring force. Then, as shown in FIG. 4 , the two clamping portions 35 that are spaced apart from each other release the compression and closing of the transfer tube 18 . This press-and-close release is maintained while in the connected state. This allows the flow of dialysate.

In this way, the clamping portion 36 is switched to clamp the transfer tube 18 while in the disconnected state, and release the clamping of the transfer tube 18 while in the connected state. Also, the transfer tube 18 has elasticity and functions as a biasing portion that biases the two clamping portions 35 in a direction to separate them from each other.

The outer cylinder 4 functions as an operating section that switches the operation of the closing section 36 with respect to the transfer tube 18 by rotating around the transfer tube 18 . A transfer tube 18 connected to the connector main body 2 protrudes from the proximal end side of the outer cylinder 4 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the outer cylinder 4 has a reduced-diameter portion 41 in which the inner diameter of the inner peripheral portion of the distal end is reduced. The reduced diameter portion 41 is located between the flange portion 31 and the flange portion 32 of the inner cylinder 3 and can be engaged with the flange portion 31 and the flange portion 32 respectively. Due to this engagement, the outer cylinder 4 maintains the position of the transfer tube 18 (inner cylinder 3) in the longitudinal direction, that is, the transfer tube 18 is restricted from moving in the longitudinal direction. It can rotate concentrically with respect to the inner cylinder 3. By this rotating operation, the transfer tube 18 is switched between closing and release of the closing. Further, since the movement of the outer cylinder 4 along the longitudinal direction of the transfer tube 18 is restricted regardless of the rotation operation, the size of the first connector 1A as a whole can be reduced.

Further, the outer cylinder 4 is formed with two slits 46 penetrating the cylinder wall. Each slit is arranged at a position facing the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3 . Also, the slits 46 are arranged opposite to each other with the transfer tube 18 interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 4 , each slit 46 can accommodate a portion of the outer peripheral side of the clamping portion 35 . As a result, the two clamping portions 35 can be spaced apart from each other as much as possible, so that the inside of the transfer tube 18 expands to the extent that the dialysate can easily pass through. Also, the two holding portions 35 are biased by the elastic force of the transfer tube 18 . Thereby, the separated state of the holding portion 35 is maintained.

A protrusion 45 is formed in the vicinity of each slit 46 in the clockwise direction in FIG. The two protrusions 45 protrude inward, in opposite directions, at positions facing the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3 in the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4 . Further, the shape (cross-sectional shape) of each protrusion 45 in plan view is rounded. Each protrusion 45 thus formed rotates around the transfer tube 18 by rotating the outer cylinder 4 . Depending on the direction of rotation of the outer cylinder 4 , the first inclined surface 351 of the clamping portion 35 can be climbed over from the side opposite to the second inclined surface 352 , or the second inclined surface 352 can be crossed with the first inclined surface 351 . Get over it from the other side. Specifically, when switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion 45 climbs over the first inclined surface 351, and when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion 45 moves to the second slope. Climb over surface 352 . Then, sound and vibration will be emitted at the time of any overriding. A user of the first connector 1A can reliably recognize the completion of the connected state and the start of the disconnected state by feeling the emitted sound and vibration. Note that the vibration is obtained as a click feeling for the user.

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

In the state shown in FIG. 4, the pressing and closing of the clamping portions 35 with respect to the transfer tube 18 is released.

When the outer cylinder 4 is rotated in the direction of arrow α from the state shown in FIG. 4 as shown in FIG. move to At this time, the two holding portions 35 are pressed in a direction toward each other by the two projecting portions 45 against the elastic force (biasing force) of the transfer tube 18 . By this pressing, the two clamping portions 35 can approach each other and clamp the transfer tube 18 . As a result, the transfer tube 18 is closed. In this manner, the first inclined surface 351, the second inclined surface 352, and the protrusion 45 press the two clamping portions 35 in a direction toward each other against the elastic force (biasing force) of the transfer tube 18. It can be said that it is a pressing portion for pressing. Therefore, in the first connector 1A, a portion of the first inclined surface 351, a portion of the second inclined surface 352, and the protrusion 45 function as the pressing portion, so that the press-and-close portion 36 can be closed with a simple structure. operation can be reliably switched.

Two levers 43 are provided on the outer circumference of the outer cylinder 4 . These two levers 43 protrude in opposite directions and can be hooked with fingers. As a result, when rotating the outer cylinder 4, the lever 43 can be hooked with a finger to facilitate the rotating operation.

The first connector 1A also has a restricting portion 5 that restricts the rotation limit of the outer cylinder 4. As shown in FIG. The restricting portion 5 is composed of a projecting portion 44a, a projecting portion 44b, a projecting portion 44c, and a projecting portion 44d which are formed to project from the outer cylinder 4, and a projecting portion 38a and a projecting portion 38b which are formed to project from the inner cylinder 3. there is

The projecting portion 38a and the projecting portion 38b protrude from the edge portion of the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3 in opposite directions, ie, outward. Each apex 381 of the projecting portion 38 a and the projecting portion 38 b is curved in a convex shape and abuts against the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4 .

The projecting portion 44a, the projecting portion 44b, the projecting portion 44c, and the projecting portion 44d are arranged on the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4 at positions where the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3 faces. The projecting portions 44a and 44c are arranged at a predetermined interval, and the projecting portions 44b and 44d are arranged at a predetermined interval. The protruding portions 44a and 44b protrude inward, ie, opposite directions, and the protruding portions 44c and 44d protrude inward, in opposite directions. Top portions 441 of the projecting portions 44 a , 44 b , 44 c and 44 d are curved concavely and are in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the inner cylinder 3 .

In the state shown in FIG. 4 , the projecting portion 44 c of the outer cylinder 4 contacts the projecting portion 38 a of the inner cylinder 3 , and the projecting portion 44 d of the outer cylinder 4 contacts the projecting portion 38 b of the inner cylinder 3 . As a result, clockwise rotation in FIG. 4 of the outer cylinder 4 with respect to the inner cylinder 3 is restricted. Also, at this time, the closing of the transfer tube 18 is released.

When the outer cylinder 4 is rotated in the direction of the arrow α, that is, counterclockwise in FIG. 4, from the state shown in FIG. 4 to the state shown in FIG. The projections 44d slide on the outer circumference of the inner cylinder 3, and the projections 38a and 38b of the inner cylinder 3 slide on the inner circumference of the outer cylinder 4, respectively. Finally, the projecting portion 44a of the outer cylinder 4 comes into contact with the projecting portion 38a of the inner cylinder 3, and the projecting portion 44b of the outer cylinder 4 comes into contact with the projecting portion 38b of the inner cylinder 3. As a result, further rotation of the outer cylinder 4 relative to the inner cylinder 3 in the direction of arrow α is restricted, that is, the rotation of the outer cylinder 4 relative to the inner cylinder 3 is stopped. Also, at this time, the transfer tube 18 is closed.

It should be noted that due to the sliding of the protrusions 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d of the outer cylinder 4 and the sliding of the protrusions 38a and 38b of the inner cylinder 3, the outer cylinder 4 can be rotated stably.

Further, the maximum rotation angle of the outer cylinder 4 with respect to the inner cylinder 3 regulated by the regulating portion 5 is about 36 degrees in this embodiment, but is not limited thereto. can be By providing the restricting portion 5 having such a configuration, the maximum rotation angle of the outer cylinder 4 to be restricted can be made relatively small, and the operability of rotating the outer cylinder 4 can be improved.

5, the outer cylinder 4 can also be rotated in the direction of the arrow .beta. (opposite to the direction of .alpha.), that is, clockwise in FIG. As a result, the closing of the transfer tube 18 is released again.

Each clamping portion 35 protrudes from the outer peripheral portion (edge portion) of the flange portion 33 of the inner cylinder 3 regardless of the connected state or disconnected state.

Next, the operation of the entire first connector 1A will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG.
First, the operation from connecting the second connector 1B to the first connector 1A in the disconnection state until the connection state is established will be described.

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

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

[1-3] Next, in order to screw the male screw portion 21 of the first connector 1A into the second connector 1B, the entire first connector 1A is rotated in the direction of arrow β while holding the first connector 1A. go. Thereby, screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is started. Further, the outer cylinder 4 remains stationary without rotating with respect to the inner cylinder 3, or gradually rotates in the direction of the arrow β. This state continues until screwing is completed.

[1-4] Then, when the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are screwed together and connected (see FIG. 4), torque is applied to further rotate the first connector 1A. , this torque allows the outer cylinder 4 to rotate until the rotation is restricted by the restricting portion 5 as shown in FIG. Also, at this time, each projection 45 moves in the direction of arrow β along the first inclined surface 351 of the corresponding holding portion 35 , climbs over the first inclined surface 351 , and reaches the second inclined surface 352 . , and the projection 350 of each clamping portion 35 is inserted into the corresponding slit 46 . Due to this overriding, sound and vibration are generated to notify completion of the connected state. Thereby, the user can surely recognize the completion of the connection state, and therefore can perform peritoneal dialysis without anxiety. Further, at the position where the rotation of the outer cylinder 4 is restricted, the closing of the transfer tube 18 by the closing portion 36 is released. This enables peritoneal dialysis.

As described above, in the first connector 1A, the force required for screwing the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B together is smaller than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 climbs over the first inclined surface 351. is set to be As a result, as described above, it is possible to recognize that the screwing is completed, that is, the connected state is completed, as long as the sound and vibration are generated when riding. Then, subsequent operations can be safely performed. In order to satisfy such a force magnitude relationship, for example, it is possible to appropriately set the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 351, the dimensions of the projection 45, and the like.

In addition, the force required to screw the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B together is set to be smaller than the force required to release the compression and closing of the transfer tube 18 . The "force required for screwing together" refers to the force required to ensure airtightness when the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are screwed together.

That is, the screwing of the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is performed prior to the releasing of the compression and closing of the transfer tube 18 immediately after the projection 45 climbs over the first inclined surface 351 . As a result, the movement of the dialysate is performed after the screwing is securely completed, and thus it is possible to reliably prevent the dialysate from leaking from between the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B. .

Next, the operation from disconnecting the second connector 1B from the first connector 1A in the connected state until the connection is released again will be described.

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

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

[2-3] Next, in order to release the first connector 1A from the second connector 1B, while holding the first connector 1A, rotate the entire first connector 1A in the opposite direction, that is, by the arrow α. rotate in the direction. As a result, prior to releasing the screwed connection between the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B, the outer cylinder 4 rotates in the direction of the arrow α with respect to the inner cylinder 3 until the rotation is restricted by the restricting portion 5. continue. At this time, immediately after the outer cylinder 4 starts to rotate, each projection 45 moves in the direction of the arrow α along the second inclined surface 352 of the corresponding holding portion 35, and reaches the second inclined surface 352. Overcoming the surface 352 and moving in the direction of the arrow α along the first inclined surface 351 , the projection 350 of each clamping portion 35 comes out of the corresponding slit 46 . As a result of this overriding, sound and vibration are generated to notify that the disconnection state is about to occur, ie, the start of the disconnection state. This allows the user to reliably recognize the start of the disconnected state. At the position where the rotation of the outer cylinder 4 is restricted, the pressure-closing portion 36 pressure-closes the transfer tube 18 . Thereby, even if the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B are unscrewed, the dialysate can be prevented from leaking from the first connector 1A.

[2-4] Then, when torque is applied to further rotate the first connector 1A, this torque gradually disengages the first connector 1A from the second connector 1B. Finally, the second connector 1B is separated from the first connector 1A. As a result, the connection is released again (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

As described above, in the first connector 1A, the force required to release the screwed connection between the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is greater than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 climbs over the second inclined surface 352. is set to be large. In other words, the force required to release the screwed connection between the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is set to be greater than the force required to compress and close the transfer tube 18 .

As a result, as described above, the transfer tube 18 is pressed and closed by the press-and-close portion 36 prior to releasing the screw engagement. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dialysate from leaking when the disconnection state is reached. In order to satisfy such a force magnitude relationship, for example, it is possible to appropriately set the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 352, the dimensions of the projection 45, and the like.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3) showing the connected state of the connector (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view (corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 3) showing the disconnected state of the connector shown in FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a clamping portion of the connector shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

The second embodiment of the connector of the present invention will be described below with reference to these drawings, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same items will be omitted.

This embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, except that the configuration of the clamping portion 35 of the press-and-close portion 36 is different.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, in the first connector 1A of the present embodiment, each clamping portion 35 of the press-and-close portion 36 has an elastically deformable elastic portion 356 and an elastically deformable elastic portion 356. and a support portion 357 for supporting. Since each holding portion 35 has the same configuration, one holding portion 35 of the two holding portions 35 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the elastic portion 356 of the holding portion 35 is cantilevered by the support portion 357 . Specifically, one end of the elastic portion 356 (the upper end in FIG. 9), that is, the end of the elastic portion 356 on the side of the second inclined surface 352 is one end of the support portion 357 (in FIG. 9). (upper end of the ). In this embodiment, the elastic portion 356 and the support portion 357 are integrally formed. When the elastic portion 356 is elastically deformed, the one end portion of the elastic portion 356 is mainly deformed. Also, the elastic portion 356 is provided with a first inclined surface 351 and a second inclined surface 352 . Also, the first inclined surface 351 is composed of only the first portion 3511 . Note that the first inclined surface 351 may be composed of, for example, a first portion 3511 and a second portion (not shown). Also, the second inclined surface 352 is composed of a first portion 3521 and a second portion 3522 .

By providing such an elastic portion 356 , the elastic portion 356 is elastically deformed when the projecting portion 45 climbs over the second inclined surface 352 of the clamping portion 35 , thereby causing the projecting portion 45 to move toward the second inclined surface 352 . You can reduce the resistance when crossing. On the other hand, when the projecting portion 45 climbs over the first inclined surface 351 of the holding portion 35, the elastic portion 356 is less likely to be elastically deformed. Thereby, the resistance when the protrusion 45 gets over the first inclined surface 351 can be increased.

This facilitates setting such that the force required to release the screwed connection between the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B is greater than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 climbs over the second inclined surface 352. and can be done reliably. In addition, it is possible to easily and reliably set the force required for screwing the first connector 1A and the second connector 1B to be smaller than the resistance (force) when the protrusion 45 climbs over the first inclined surface 351. It can be carried out.

In addition, the outer cylinder 4 has contact portions 47 that can contact the elastic portions 356 of the corresponding holding portions 35 in the respective slits 46 . As shown in FIG. 7 , each contact portion 47 contacts the elastic portion 356 of the corresponding sandwiching portion 35 while the elastic portion 356 of the corresponding sandwiching portion 35 is inserted into the corresponding slit 46 . As a result, the elastic portion 356 of each holding portion 35 is restricted from moving toward the outer circumference.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the contact portion 47 is configured as a separate member from the other portions of the outer cylinder 4, but the contact portion 47 is not limited to this, and may be formed integrally, for example.

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

In addition, the range in which each resistor can be set is widened, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in design.

Although the connector of the present invention has been described above based on the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and each part constituting the connector may have any configuration capable of exhibiting similar functions. can be replaced with Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

Moreover, the connector of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

In addition, although the first connector and the second connector are used for peritoneal dialysis in each of the above-described embodiments, they are not limited to this, and can be used for, for example, transfusions, blood systems, cell culture systems, and the like.

Moreover, although the number of sandwiching portions that function as closing portions is two in each of the above-described embodiments, it is not limited to this, and may be, for example, three or more. When the number of clamping portions to be installed is three or more, these clamping portions are preferably arranged at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the transfer tube.

Moreover, although the shape and size of each holding portion are the same in each of the above-described embodiments, they are not limited to this, and for example, either one or both of the shape and size may be different. As a specific example, for example, there is a combination in which one of the two holding portions is configured by the holding portion of the first embodiment and the other is configured by the holding portion of the second embodiment.

Also, although the number of levers installed is two in each of the above embodiments, it is not limited to this, and may be, for example, one or three or more. When three or more levers are installed, these levers are preferably arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder. It is also possible to omit the lever.

In addition, although the notification unit is configured to emit both sound and vibration in each of the above embodiments, it is not limited to this, and may be configured to emit either sound or vibration, for example.

1A first connector 1B second connector 2 connector main body 21 male screw portion 211 male screw 22 flange portion 23 tube connection portion 231 projecting portion 24 second connector connection portion 3 inner cylinder 31, 32, 33 flange portion 331 slit 35 holding portion 350 Protrusion 351 First inclined surface 3511 First portion 3512 Second portion 352 Second inclined surface 3521 First portion 3522 Second portion 356 Elastic portion 357 Support portion 36 Closure portion 38a, 38b Projection portion 381 Top portion 4 Outer cylinder 41 Reduced diameter portion 43 Lever 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d Protruding portion 441 Top portion 45 Protruding portion 46 Slit 47 Contacting portion 5 Regulating portion 6 Reporting portion 7 Sealing member 8 Shaft 10 Dialysis line 11 Bag-side tube 111 Tube 112 branch tube 113 branch 14 dialysate bag 16 roller clamp 17 connector 18 transfer tube 19 drainage bag 20 peritoneal dialysis connector 100 peritoneal dialysis set α, β arrow

Claims (9)

A connector which is installed in the middle of a line through which a liquid passes, and which can take a connected state in which the middle of the line is liquid-tightly connected and a disconnected state in which the connected state is released,
a clamping unit whose operation is switched so as to clamp the tube constituting the line while in the disconnection state and release the clamping of the tube during the connection state;
an operation unit that switches the operation of the closing unit by performing a rotational operation around the tube while maintaining the position in the longitudinal direction of the tube;
a protrusion that rotates around the tube by rotating the operation unit;
The pressing and closing section has a plurality of clamping sections arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and supported so as to be able to approach and separate from each other. By pinching and compressing and separating from each other, the clamping of the tube is released,
each of the plurality of holding portions has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and have different angles of inclination;
the inclination angle of the first inclined surface is greater than the inclination angle of the second inclined surface,
When switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion climbs over the first inclined surface, and when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion moves to the second slope. A connector characterized by surmounting a surface. A connector which is installed in the middle of a line through which a liquid passes, and which can take a connected state in which the middle of the line is liquid-tightly connected and a disconnected state in which the connected state is released,
a clamping unit whose operation is switched so as to clamp the tube constituting the line while in the disconnection state and release the clamping of the tube during the connection state;
an operation unit that switches the operation of the closing unit by performing a rotational operation around the tube while maintaining the position in the longitudinal direction of the tube;
a projecting portion that rotates around the tube by a rotating operation of the operating portion;
When changing from the disconnected state to the connected state, the completion of the connected state is notified by emitting at least one of sound and vibration, and when changing from the connected state to the disconnected state, the disconnected state starts. a notification unit that emits at least one of the sound and the vibration to notify the
The pressing and closing section has a plurality of clamping sections arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and supported so as to be able to approach and separate from each other. By pinching and compressing and separating from each other, the clamping of the tube is released,
each of the plurality of holding portions has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that are arranged along the circumferential direction of the tube and have different angles of inclination;
When switching from the disconnected state to the connected state, the protrusion climbs over the first inclined surface, and when switching from the connected state to the disconnected state, the protrusion moves to the second slope. A connector characterized by surmounting a surface. An outer cylinder in which the operation part is arranged, and an inner cylinder that is supported relatively concentrically rotatably in the outer cylinder and supports the plurality of holding parts so that they can approach and separate from each other,
The outer cylinder has the protrusion provided on the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder,
The notification part has the projection, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface, and when the projection crosses over the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface, the sound is emitted. and said vibration. the force required for the screwing is smaller than the force required for the protrusion to climb over the first inclined surface;
4. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the force required for releasing the screw engagement is greater than the force required for the protrusion to ride over the second inclined surface. 5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of said plurality of clamping portions has said first inclined surface and said second inclined surface and has an elastically deformable elastic portion. 6. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the resistance when said projection climbs over said first inclined surface is different from the resistance when said projection gets over said second inclined surface. The connector is configured such that the connected state is achieved by screwing, and the disconnected state is achieved by releasing the screwed engagement,
When changing from the disconnected state to the connected state, the screwing is performed prior to the release of pressure closing on the tube, and when changing from the connected state to the disconnection state, pressure closing on the tube is performed. 7. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said screwing is preceded by said disengagement. 8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tube has elasticity and functions as an urging portion that urges the plurality of holding portions in a direction to separate them from each other. 9. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a regulating portion that regulates the rotation limit of said operating portion.

Images