JP6908040B2 - Connector cap and connector with cap - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector. The present invention also relates to a connector having a removable cap.

In the medical field, channels for flowing liquids are used. For example, in enteral nutrition, a liquid substance such as a nutritional supplement, a liquid diet (generally referred to as "enteral nutritional supplement"), or a drug is administered to a patient who cannot eat food by mouth via a catheter. .. The catheter is placed in the patient with it inserted into the gastrointestinal tract (eg, stomach) from outside the body. As the catheter, a nasal catheter inserted through the nose of a patient, a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) catheter inserted into a gastrostomy formed in the abdomen of a patient, and the like are known. When the liquid substance is administered to the patient, the container in which the liquid substance is stored and the catheter (nasal catheter, PEG catheter, etc.) indwelled in the patient are connected via a flexible tube or the like. In order to connect different members, a connector consisting of a male connector and a female connector is used.

Conventional general connectors include a male connector having a tapered tapered surface and a female connector having a hollow tubular shape into which the male connector is inserted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a connection method between the male connector and the female connector is generally called "slip connection".

International Publication No. 2008/152871 Pamphlet Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-22511

In the slip connection, the connection state between the male connector and the female connector is maintained by the frictional force generated between them. The slip connection generally has a low connection strength, and the male connector and the female connector may be unintentionally separated due to a tensile force or an increase in pressure in the flow path.

As a method of improving the connection strength between the male connector and the female connector, it is conceivable to provide the male connector and the female connector with a screw structure (that is, a male screw and a female screw) that are screwed together.

By the way, in enteral nutrition, in order to keep the flow path in the catheter clean, a connector provided at the upstream end of the catheter indwelled in the patient when the liquid substance is not administered (hereinafter, "patient side connector"). ”), It is common to attach a cap so as to close the opening (see, for example, Patent Document 2). When the patient-side connector is provided with a female screw in order to improve the connection strength, it is desirable to change the cap configuration according to the configuration of the patient-side connector.

Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the stomach rises with the cap attached to the patient-side connector, the cap receives a pressure that separates it from the patient-side connector. Even in such a case, it is desired that the cap has a high mounting strength with respect to the patient-side connector so that the cap does not fall off from the patient-side connector. It is also desirable that the cap be as small as possible so that the patient does not feel pain when the patient-side connector to which the cap is attached lays under the patient's body or face.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector having a female screw, which is hard to come off from the connector and is small in size. A second object of the present invention is to provide a connector with such a cap.

The connector cap of the present invention can be attached to and detached from a connector having a female screw provided on the inner peripheral surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape. The cap includes a top plate configured to close the opening of the outer cylinder, a rib provided on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder, and the rib. It has a protrusion protruding from the side surface. The protrusion is provided apart from the top plate so that it can be engaged with the female screw.

The capped connector of the present invention includes the above-mentioned cap and the above-mentioned connector of the present invention.

The cap of the present invention includes a protrusion on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion inserted into the outer cylinder of the connector so that it can engage with the female screw of the connector. Therefore, the cap does not easily come off from the connector, and the cap can be miniaturized. Further, when the cap is attached to the connector, a click feeling is generated when the protrusion engages with the female screw, so that the operator can always properly attach the cap to the connector. Further, since the top plate closes the opening of the outer cylinder of the connector, the female screw provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder can be kept clean.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a connector with a cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional perspective view of a connector with a cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector with a cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a capped connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a cap is attached to the tip of the connector. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the capped connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which a cap is attached to the tip of the connector. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a connector with a cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector with a cap according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a connector with a cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a cap is attached to the tip of the connector. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a connector with a cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the capped connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector with a cap according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a side view of the connector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the connector along the plane including the line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cap device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 10A to 10C are cross-sectional views showing various cross-sectional shapes of protrusions provided on the tubular portion in the present invention.

In the cap of the present invention, the rib may be a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape. In this case, the protrusion may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion. Having a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape is advantageous for improving the mechanical strength of the tubular portion. Therefore, the provision of the protrusion on such a tubular portion is advantageous for surely engaging the protrusion with the female screw when the cap is attached to the connector.

The connector may include a male member coaxially provided with the outer cylinder so as to be surrounded by the outer cylinder. A flow path penetrating the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member may be open at the tip of the male member. In this case, the tubular portion is configured so that when the cap is attached to the connector, a liquid-tight seal is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the male member. You may be. Such a configuration is advantageous in improving the sealing property of the flow path and improving the mounting strength of the cap to the connector. Further, since the engagement depth between the protrusion and the female screw is increased, it is advantageous to further improve the mounting strength of the cap to the connector.

The connector may include a male member coaxially provided with the outer cylinder so as to be surrounded by the outer cylinder. A flow path penetrating the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member may be open at the tip of the male member. In this case, the cap may further include a plug configured to fit into the opening of the flow path. Such a configuration is advantageous for improving the mounting strength of the cap with respect to the connector. Further, when the plug body is fitted into the flow path, the cap is positioned in the horizontal direction (the direction parallel to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the male member) with respect to the connector. This is advantageous for ensuring that the protrusion engages the female thread.

The plug body is configured so that when the plug body is fitted into the opening of the flow path, a liquid-tight seal is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the plug body and the inner peripheral surface defining the flow path. It may have been done. Such a configuration is advantageous in reducing the possibility that the cap will fall out of the connector when the pressure in the flow path of the male member increases due to the increase in the internal pressure of the stomach. Further, even if the plug body is slightly displaced from the male member in the direction of exiting the flow path, it is advantageous to continue to form a liquid-tight seal.

When the cap of the present invention is attached to the connector, the protrusion may be configured to be separated from the threads constituting the female screw. According to this configuration, the protrusions are not permanently deformed by the threads even if the cap is continuously attached to the connector for a long period of time. Therefore, the action of the protrusions is played for a long period of time without deterioration.

The cap is preferably made of a material softer than the connector. This is advantageous in facilitating the attachment / detachment of the cap to the connector main body and improving the durability against repeated attachment / detachment.

The cap may further include a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the cap around the central axis of the connector. As a result, even if the cap is repeatedly attached to and detached from the connector, the position of the protrusion of the female screw of the connector with respect to the thread can always be kept constant.

The cap may further include an operation tab protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate. In this case, the operation tab may be arranged on the same side as the protrusion with respect to the rib. This is advantageous in facilitating the cap removal operation because the protrusions are located near the operation tabs to which force is applied when removing the cap from the connector.

The cap may further include a band for connecting the cap to the connector. This is advantageous in preventing the cap from being lost. It is also advantageous to prevent the cap from being forgotten to be attached to the connector when the connector is not in use.

An annular ring may be provided at the end of the band opposite to the cap. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the ring may be provided with an inclined surface that is inclined so that the inner diameter changes in the thickness direction of the ring. Such a configuration facilitates insertion of the connector into the ring.

The connector may be a male connector conforming to ISO80369-3. By applying the cap of the present invention to the male connector, the effect of the present invention is remarkably exhibited.

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. In the drawings cited in the description of each embodiment, the members corresponding to the members shown in the drawings cited in the preceding embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the preceding embodiments. Overlapping description of such members has been omitted, and description of the preceding embodiments should be taken into account as appropriate.

(Embodiment 1)
A connector provided at the upstream end of the nasal catheter will be described as an example.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the connector (male connector) 1 with a cap 30 according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector 1 with a cap 30. In FIG. 1B, the alternate long and short dash line 1a is the central axis of the connector 1. The connector 1 is provided with a connector main body 10 to which an extension tube and an injector are connected on one side, and a proximal end 20 to which the upstream end of a nasal catheter 9 to be inserted into a patient is connected to the other side. To be equipped. In the present invention, in the connector 1, the side of the connector main body 10 is referred to as "tip side" or "upper side", and the side of the base end portion 20 is referred to as "base end side" or "lower side". The direction connecting the connector main body 10 and the base end 20 (that is, the direction along the central axis 1a) is referred to as the "vertical direction", and the direction parallel to the plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a is referred to as the "horizontal direction". The direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a is called the "radial direction", and the direction rotating around the central axis 1a is called the "circumferential direction". However, "upper side", "lower side", "vertical direction", and "horizontal direction" do not mean the orientation when the connector 1 is used.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the connector main body 10 has a male member 11 and an outer cylinder 15 coaxial with the central axis 1a. The male member 11 is a rod-shaped member. The flow path 12 penetrates the male member 11 along the longitudinal direction of the male member 11. The outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11 is a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip. The outer cylinder 15 has a hollow cylindrical shape and surrounds the male member 11. A female screw 16 is provided on the inner peripheral surface (the surface facing the male member 10) of the outer cylinder 15. The male member 11 and the outer cylinder 15 (particularly the thread of the female screw 16 thereof) are separated in the radial direction, and a gap 18 exists between the two. The outer peripheral surface 17 of the outer cylinder 15 is a cylindrical surface having a constant outer diameter in the vertical direction. The connector main body 10 may conform to the male connector of ISO80369-3, an international standard for nutritional medical devices, which is being considered for international standardization.

The base end portion 20 includes a tubular connecting pipe 21 provided coaxially with the male member 11. The through hole 22 penetrates the connecting pipe 21 along the central axis 1a. The through hole 22 communicates with the flow path 12 of the male member 11. A nasal catheter 9 is inserted and fixed in the through hole 22. The method of fixing the catheter 9 to the connecting tube 21 is arbitrary, and for example, an adhesive method can be used. The catheter 9 is not limited, and for example, a flexible catheter (tube) used for any known nasal catheter can be used.

The grip portion 25 surrounds the connecting pipe 21. The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the grip portion 25 along the plane parallel to the horizontal direction is rectangular. As shown in FIG. 1A, the grip portion 25 has two flat grip surfaces 25a including the long sides of the rectangle (in FIG. 1A, only one grip surface 25a is visible). The operator can easily apply a rotational force to the connector 1 by gripping the gripping surface 25a.

The configuration of the base end portion 20 is not limited to the first embodiment. However, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the catheter 9 can be fixed so as to communicate with the flow path 12 of the male member 11. The configuration of the grip portion 25 can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the gripping surface 25a may be directly provided on the connecting pipe 21. Alternatively, the grip portion 25 and the grip surface 25a may be omitted.

The cap 30 is connected to the connector 1 via a band 37. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cap 30 from being lost. It is also unlikely that the cap 30 will be forgotten to be attached to the tip of the connector 1 when the connector 1 is not in use (see FIGS. 3A and 3B described later).

The cap 30 has a circular top plate 31. The outer diameter of the top plate 31 is such that when the cap 30 is attached to the tip of the connector 1 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B described later), the top plate 31 can close the opening of the outer cylinder 15 facing upward. Set. Specifically, the outer diameter of the top plate 31 is larger than the valley diameter of the female screw 16 provided on the outer cylinder 15. In general, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the top plate 31 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 15. A band 37 is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 31. The band 37 is a strip-shaped thin flat plate extending straight along the radial direction. The operation tab 36 projects from a position on the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 31 opposite to the band 37.

A cylindrical portion (rib) 32 having a cylindrical shape projects upward from one surface of the top plate 31 (the surface facing upward in FIG. 1A). The protrusion 33 projects from the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 32. The protrusion 33 is arranged on the same side as the operation tab 36 with respect to the tubular portion 32. As shown in FIG. 1B, the protrusion 33 is slightly separated from the top plate 31. When viewed from above, the band 37, the top plate 31, the protrusion 33, and the operation tab 36 are arranged in a straight line along the radial direction with respect to the central axis 1a.

A plug 34 is provided in the area surrounded by the tubular portion 32. The plug 34 has a circular plan view shape and projects upward. The plug body 34 has a sealing surface 34a in the vicinity of the top plate 31. The sealing surface 34a is a cylindrical surface having a constant outer diameter, or a male tapered surface (that is, a conical surface) whose outer diameter decreases as the distance from the top plate 31 increases. The top plate 31, the tubular portion 32, and the plug body 34 are arranged concentrically. The tubular portion 32 surrounds the plug body 34 and is separated from the plug body 34.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the state in which the opening on the tip end side (upper side) of the outer cylinder 15 of the connector 1 is exposed is referred to as an "open state" in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 1 with a cap 30. An annular ring 38 is provided at the end of the band 37 opposite to the cap 30. The outer peripheral surface of the ring 38 is a cylindrical surface having substantially the same diameter as the outer cylinder 15 of the connector 1. The inner peripheral surface of the ring 38 is a cylindrical surface, but four recesses (notches) 38a are provided at equal intervals. The cap 30, the band 37, and the ring 38 are integrated to form the cap device 39.

A groove 28 continuous in the circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connector 1 at a position between the connector main body portion 10 and the base end portion 20. In the groove 28, four convex portions 28a (only two convex portions 28a are visible in FIG. 2) protruding outward along the radial direction are provided at equal intervals with respect to the central axis 1a. There is.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cap device 39 is attached to the connector 1 so that the ring 38 fits into the groove 28. The convex portion 28a in the groove 28 fits into the concave portion 38a of the ring 38. The cap 30 is connected to the ring 38 via a band 37. Therefore, the cap device 39 including the cap 30 cannot rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the connector 1. That is, the recess 38a and the band 37 of the ring 38 constitute a "rotation limiting mechanism" that restricts the cap 30 from rotating around the central axis 1a of the connector 1. The configuration of the rotation limiting mechanism is not limited to the first embodiment. For example, the number and arrangement of the concave portions 38a and the convex portions 28a are not limited to the first embodiment and can be arbitrarily changed. Instead of the concave portion 38a and the convex portion 28a, arbitrary shapes (for example, polygonal prism surfaces) that are fitted to each other may be provided in the inner peripheral surface and the groove 28 of the ring 38 (for example, the third embodiment described later). reference). The rotation limiting mechanism may substantially limit the rotation of the cap 30 around the central axis 1a. For example, the displacement of the cap 30 in the circumferential direction due to the deformation of the band 37 is allowed.

The material of the connector 1 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material (hard material) having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force. For example, resin materials such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), hard polyvinyl chloride, polyacetal (POM), polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene (PP) can be used, among others. Polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and hard polyvinyl chloride are preferred. The connector 1 can be integrally manufactured as a single component by an injection molding method or the like using the above resin material.

The material of the cap device 39 is not limited, but has flexibility and durability that can be deformed in order to facilitate attachment / detachment of the cap 30 to the connector main body 10 and to enable repeated attachment / detachment. It is preferable to have. In particular, the cap device 39 is preferably made of a material softer than that of the connector 1. Specifically, a resin material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) can be used. Alternatively, a soft material having rubber elasticity (so-called elastomer) such as rubber such as isoprene rubber, silicone rubber and butyl rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer such as styrene-based elastomer, olefin-based elastomer, polyurethane-based elastomer and vinyl chloride-based elastomer. Can be used. The cap device 39 can be integrally manufactured as one part by using the above materials, for example, by an injection molding method or the like.

The method of integrating the connector 1 and the cap device 39 is arbitrary. For example, the connector 1 and the cap device 39 can be manufactured separately, and the connector 1 (that is, the connector main body 10 or the base end 20) can be inserted into the ring 38 to be assembled (insertion method). In the insertion method, when the connector main body portion 10 (or the base end portion 20) passes through the ring 38, the ring 38 is extended in the circumferential direction so as to increase the diameter. Therefore, the fact that the cap device 39 is made of the above-mentioned soft material is advantageous for attaching the cap device 39 to the connector 1 by the insertion method. Alternatively, the connector 1 and the cap device 39 may be integrated by a two-color molding method. Specifically, the connector 1 can be molded with the primary mold, the cap device 39 can be molded with the secondary mold, and this can be integrated with the connector 1. The two-color molding method can also be used when the material of the cap device 39 is a relatively high-strength material that is difficult to assemble by the insertion method.

The cap 30 can be attached to the tip of the connector 1 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. That is, the cap 30 and the connector main body 10 face each other in the vertical direction so that the surface of the top plate 31 on the side where the tubular portion 32 is provided faces the male member 11, and the cap 30 faces the connector 1. Push it in. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the opening on the tip end side (upper side) of the outer cylinder 15 is closed by the top plate 31 of the cap 30. This state is referred to as a "closed state" in the present invention. The band 37 is curved in a substantially arc shape. The curved band 37 and the operation tab 36 project in opposite directions toward the outside in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 15.

The catheter 9 is inserted into the patient via the nose so that its end (not shown) reaches the stomach. A connector 1 is attached to the upstream end of the catheter 9. In this state, the catheter 9 and the connector 1 continue to be indwelled in the patient. When performing enteral nutrition, the cap 30 is removed from the tip of the connector 1 to open the connector 1 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). Then, a female connector (container-side connector) is connected to the connector main body 10, and the liquid substance is administered to the patient. The female connector is provided, for example, at the downstream end of a tube connected to a container that stores the liquid material, or at the mouth of an injector (for example, a syringe) that stores the liquid material. The female connector preferably has a male screw (or protrusion) that is screwed into the female screw 16. The female connector may be ISO 80369-3 compliant. When the enteral feeding method is completed, the female connector is separated from the connector main body 10, and instead, the cap 30 is attached to the tip of the connector main body 10 to close the connector 1 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B). In this way, the cap 30 can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the tip of the connector 1.

As shown in FIG. 3B, in the closed state, the tubular portion 32 of the cap 30 is fitted into the gap 18 between the outer cylinder 15 and the male member 11, and the plug body 34 of the cap 30 is male. It is fitted in the flow path 12 of the member 11. Further, the top plate 31 of the cap 30 is in contact with the upper end of the outer cylinder 15. Therefore, the flow path 12 of the male member 11 and the gap 18 between the outer cylinder 15 and the male member 11 are closed by the cap 30. By closing the connector 1 when the connector 1 is not used without enteral nutrition, the flow path 12 and the gap 18 can be kept clean.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the protrusion 33 protruding from the tubular portion 32 of the cap 30 fits into the gap between the threads 16a and 16b adjacent to each other in the vertical direction of the female screw 16 provided on the outer cylinder 15. is doing. Since the protrusion 33 is separated from the top plate 31 in the vertical direction, the protrusion 33 can be fitted between the threads 16a and 16b in a state where the top plate 31 is in contact with the tip of the outer cylinder 15. The tip of the protrusion 33 is located on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the tips of the threads 16a and 16b. That is, the protrusion 33 is engaged with the female screw 16 (particularly the screw thread 16a).

In the process from the open state shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B to the closed state shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the protrusion 33 needs to get over the thread 16a of the female screw 16. The protrusion 33 is deformed when it gets over the screw thread 16a, and immediately returns to its original shape immediately after it gets over the screw thread 16a. The force with which the operator pushes the cap 30 toward the connector 1 increases sharply when the protrusion 33 gets over the screw thread 16a, and decreases sharply immediately after the protrusion 33 gets over the screw thread 16a. The operator perceives such a change in force as a click feeling, and thereby recognizes that the cap 30 is properly attached to the tip of the connector 1. Therefore, the cap 30 can always be properly attached to the connector 1. Since the tubular portion 32 has a cylindrical shape, it has a relatively large strength. Since the protrusion 33 is provided on the tubular portion 32, the protrusion 33 can surely get over the thread 16a of the female screw 16 when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1.

After attaching the cap 30 to the connector 1, the protrusion 33 engages the thread 16a of the female screw 16 as shown in FIG. 3B. In order to remove the cap 30 from the connector 1, the protrusion 33 needs to get over the screw thread 16a, and at this time, the protrusion 33 must be deformed. A large force is required to remove the cap 30 from the connector 1. Therefore, it is unlikely that the cap 30 will unintentionally fall off from the connector 1. The protrusion 33 that engages with the female screw 16 is advantageous for improving the mounting strength of the cap 30 with respect to the connector 1. As described above, the pressure in the flow path 12 may increase due to the increase in the internal pressure of the patient's stomach. Even if the pressure in the flow path 12 rises while the closed connector 1 is indwelled in the patient, it is unlikely that the cap 30 will come out of the connector 1. Further, even if an upward force is erroneously applied to the operation tab 36, the top plate 31, or the like, it is unlikely that the cap 30 will be unintentionally detached from the connector 1.

Unlike the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the mounting strength of the cap 30 to the connector 1 without using the protrusion 33.

For example, even when the vertical dimension of the tubular portion 32 is increased to increase the fitting depth between the tubular portion 32 and the male member 11 (or the outer cylinder 15), the mounting strength of the cap 30 is improved. It is possible to make it. However, when the vertical dimension of the tubular portion 32 is increased, it is necessary to move the cap 30 in the vertical direction with respect to the connector 1 by a long distance when the cap 30 is attached to and detached from the connector 1. This reduces the workability of attaching and detaching the cap 30. Further, since it is necessary to lengthen the band 37, the amount of protrusion along the radial direction of the band 37 when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) increases. As a result, when the connector 1 to which the cap 30 is attached becomes the underlay of the patient's body or face, the patient is likely to feel pain due to the greatly protruding band 37.

Alternatively, when a cylindrical rib projecting toward the same side as the tubular portion 32 is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 31 and the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the tip portion of the outer cylinder 15 has the cylindrical shape. It can be configured to fit into the rib. In this case, for example, an engaging structure (for example, a convex portion and a concave portion into which the convex portion fits) can be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical rib and the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 15. .. Also in this configuration, it is possible to improve the mounting strength of the cap 30 with respect to the connector 1 without using the protrusion 33. However, in this configuration, it is necessary to increase the outer diameter of the cap 30 (particularly the top plate 31). As a result, when the connector 1 to which the cap 30 is attached becomes the underlay of the patient's body or face, there is a high possibility that the patient will feel pain due to the top plate 31 that protrudes greatly in the radial direction.

As can be seen from the above description, in the configuration in which the protrusion 33 that engages with the female screw 16 is provided on the cap 30 as in the first embodiment, the cap 30 is provided with the mounting strength of the cap 30 on the connector 1. It is advantageous for improving the workability of putting on and taking off and for reducing the size of the cap 30. Since the female screw 16 provided on the connector 1 is used, it is not necessary to change the configuration of the connector 1 in order to improve the mounting strength of the cap 30.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the protrusion 33 is preferably separated from the threads 16a and 16b of the female screw 16 in the vertical direction. The protrusion 33 does not receive a force from the female screw 16 and does not deform. Therefore, even if the connector 1 is left in the patient for a long period of time in the closed state, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the protrusion 33 is permanently deformed due to contact with the female screw 16. This is advantageous for allowing the above-mentioned action of the protrusion 33 to be performed for a long period of time without deterioration.

In the first embodiment, the concave portion 38a provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring 38 is fitted into the convex portion 28a provided in the groove 28 of the connector 1 (see FIG. 2), and the cap 30 is the band 37. Since it is connected to the ring 38 via the connector 1, the position of the cap 30 in the rotation direction around the central axis 1a with respect to the connector 1 does not change with time and is substantially constant. Therefore, even if various external forces are applied to the cap 30, such as repeatedly attaching and detaching the cap 30 to the connector 1, the protrusion 33 is always placed between the threads 16a and 16b adjacent to each other in the vertical direction of the female screw 16. It can be fitted apart from the above in the vertical direction.

Preferably, the inner diameter of the tubular portion 32 is set to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11. As a result, when the male member 11 is inserted into the tubular portion 32, the tubular portion 32 is deformed so as to slightly expand its diameter. The inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 32 and the outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11 are in surface contact with each other, and a liquid-tight seal is formed between the two. This is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the flow path 12 and improving the mounting strength of the cap 30 with respect to the connector 1. Further, by expanding the diameter of the tubular portion 32, the protrusion 33 is deeply inserted into the groove of the female screw 16. This increases the engagement depth between the protrusion 33 and the female screw 16, which is advantageous for improving the mounting strength of the cap 30 with respect to the connector 1.

In the first embodiment, when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the tubular portion 32 and the female screw 16 provided on the outer cylinder 15 are separated from each other in the radial direction. However, this is not essential in the present invention. For example, when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the tubular portion 32 and the female screw 16 provided on the outer cylinder 15 may come into contact with each other in the radial direction. This may be advantageous for further improving the mounting strength of the cap 30 with respect to the connector 1.

In order to remove the cap 30 from the connector 1 in the closed state shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the operation tab 36 may be lifted upward. Since the protrusion 33 is provided on the same side as the operation tab 36 with respect to the tubular portion 32 (see FIGS. 1A and 2), the operation tab 36 and the protrusion 33 are close to each other. Therefore, when the operation tab 36 is lifted, the protrusion 33 can also be moved upward, so that the cap 30 can be easily removed.

The plug 34 is fitted into the opening on the tip end side of the flow path 12 of the male member 11. This is advantageous for improving the mounting strength of the cap 30 with respect to the connector 1. Preferably, the plug 34 tightly seals the flow path 12. Sealing the flow path 12 with the plug 34 is advantageous in reducing the possibility that the cap 30 will fall off from the connector 1 when the pressure in the flow path 12 rises due to the rise in the internal pressure of the stomach. The reason is as follows.

Unlike the first embodiment, it is possible to seal the flow path 12 without using the plug 34. For example, the flow path 12 can be indirectly sealed by a seal formed between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion 32 and the outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11 by omitting the plug body 34.

The upward force received by the cap 30 when the pressure in the flow path 12 rises is proportional to the area on which the pressure acts. The configuration of the first embodiment in which the flow path 12 is sealed with the plug body 34 has a higher pressure than the configuration in which the flow path 12 is sealed with a seal between the tubular portion 32 and the male member 11 without using the plug body 34. Since the area of action is small, the force received by the cap 30 when the pressure in the flow path 12 rises is small. Therefore, in the first embodiment, it is advantageous to prevent the cap 30 from falling off from the connector 1 when the pressure of the flow path 12 rises.

Further, in the first embodiment, the seal surface 34a constituting the outer peripheral surface of the plug body 34 is an inner peripheral surface defining the flow path 12 of the male member 11 (particularly, the inner peripheral surface near the opening on the tip end side of the flow path 12). A liquid-tight seal is formed between the two. That is, the seal surface 34a and the inner peripheral surface defining the flow path 12 are in close contact with each other in the substantially radial direction to form a seal. In this configuration, even if the plug 34 is slightly displaced with respect to the male member 11 in the central axis 1a direction, it is possible to continue to form a liquid-tight seal. For example, even when the pushing depth of the cap 30 into the connector 1 when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1 is slightly shallow, or when the cap 30 is slightly lifted upward from the connector 1 due to the pressure increase of the flow path 12. , The flow path 12 can continue to be sealed. Therefore, the first embodiment is advantageous in preventing the backflow of the contents of the stomach.

In the first embodiment, the cap 30 not only seals the flow path 12 of the male member 11, but the top plate 31 also closes the opening on the tip end side of the outer cylinder 15. Therefore, the gap 18 between the outer cylinder 15 and the male member 11 can be kept clean. Since the distance between the outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11 and the female screw 16 of the outer cylinder 15 is very narrow, it is difficult to clean the gap 18 by inserting, for example, a cotton swab or the like. If the hygiene of the gap 18 is poor, bacteria may propagate in the gap 18 and the bacteria may invade the patient's body through the flow path 12. Since the cap 30 of the first embodiment closes the opening on the tip end side of the outer cylinder 15, even if the connector 1 is left in the patient for a long period of time, the gap 18 can be kept clean and the bacteria invade the patient. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation that causes serious complications.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the connector (male connector) 1 with a cap 230 according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector 1 with a cap 230. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in terms of the shape of the rib provided with the protrusion 33 that engages with the female screw 16. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the protrusion 33 is provided on the side surface of the substantially plate-shaped rib 232 protruding from the surface of the top plate 31 (the surface facing upward in FIG. 4A). When viewed from above, the rib 232 follows a substantially arc. That is, the rib 232 forms a part of the cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape is the same as the cylindrical shape constituting the tubular portion 32 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cap 230 is attached to the tip of the connector 1. The rib 232 is fitted into the gap 18 between the outer cylinder 15 and the male member 11, and the protrusion 33 is engaged with the female screw 16.

The plug 34 is fitted into the opening on the tip end side of the flow path 12 of the male member 11. Therefore, the cap 230 is positioned horizontally with respect to the connector 1. This is advantageous for securely engaging the protrusion 33 with the female screw 16. Further, the surface of the rib 232 opposite to the protrusion 33 (the surface on the plug 34 side) is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11. This is also advantageous for securely engaging the protrusion 33 with the female screw 16.

The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment may be appropriately applied to the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the connector (male connector) 3 with a cap 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the connection pipe 21 side. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the connector 3 with a cap 30. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 3 with a cap 30. 8A is a side view of the connector 3, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the connector 3 along the plane including the line 8B-8B of FIG. 8A. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cap device 339 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, including the cap 30.

As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, a substantially rectangular through hole 338a is formed in the ring 338 of the cap device 339 of the third embodiment. The inner diameter of the through hole 338a is not constant in the thickness direction of the ring 338. As shown in FIG. 9, an inclined surface 338b inclined so that the inner diameter becomes larger toward the surface on the same side as the surface on which the tubular portion 32 is formed is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 338a. ing.

As shown in FIG. 7, the proximal end 320 comprises a substantially cylindrical connecting tube 21. A pair of gripping pieces 326 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe 21 so as to project in the radial direction. The cross-sectional shape of each grip piece 326 along the horizontal direction is a hollow substantially "U" shape. The pair of gripping pieces 326 and the connecting pipe 21 between them form the gripping portion 325 of the connector 3. The grip portion 325, like the grip portion 25 of the first embodiment, facilitates the operator to grip the grip portion 325 and apply a rotational force to the connector 3. The configuration of the gripping piece 326 is not limited to the third embodiment. For example, the gripping piece 326 may be a solid substantially quadrangular prism, or may be a thin plate-like object extending along the radial direction from the connecting pipe 21.

Grooves 328a and 328b are provided at positions adjacent to the connector main body 10 on the surfaces of the connecting pipe 21 and the gripping piece 326 facing outward in the radial direction. The grooves 328a and 328b are along the horizontal direction. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the connector 3 along a surface passing through the grooves 328a and 328b. The cross-sectional shape of the connector 3 shown in FIG. 8B is configured to be inscribed in a substantially rectangular edge defining a through hole 338a (see FIG. 7) provided in the ring 338.

The cap device 339 is attached to the connector 3 by inserting the base end portion 320 into the ring 338 as shown in FIG. 7. When the connecting pipe 21 and the gripping piece 326 are inserted into the through hole 338a, the inclined surface 338b (see FIG. 9) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 338a is ringed so that the inner diameter of the through hole 338a is expanded. 338 is deformed. Therefore, it is easy to insert the connector 3 (particularly the base end portion 320) into the ring 338. When the edge of the through hole 338a reaches the grooves 328a and 328b, the ring 338 returns to the state before deformation, and the edge of the through hole 338a fits into the groove 328a and 328b as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

The cross-sectional shape of the connector 3 in the grooves 328a and 328b fits into the substantially rectangular through hole 338a of the ring 338. Therefore, the rotation of the ring 338 with respect to the connector 3 is restricted. A through hole 338a provided in the ring 338 and a band 37 connecting the ring 338 and the cap 30 constitute a "rotation limiting mechanism" that restricts the cap 30 from rotating around the central axis of the connector 3.

The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment may be appropriately applied to the third embodiment. Similar to the inclined surface 338b provided on the ring 338, an inclined surface inclined so that the inner diameter changes in the thickness direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring 38 of the first embodiment, and a connector with a cap 30 by an insertion method is provided. The assembly of 1 may be facilitated.

The above configuration of the third embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment.

The above embodiments 1 to 3 are merely examples. The present invention is not limited to the above-described first to third embodiments, and can be appropriately modified.

The rib provided with the protrusion 33 that engages with the female screw 16 is the cylindrical portion 32 having a cylindrical shape in the first and third embodiments, and the rib 232 forming a part of the cylindrical shape in the second embodiment. The present invention is not limited to this. The rib may have any shape as long as it is configured so that it can be inserted into the outer cylinder 15 of the connector when the cap is attached to the connector. For example, the rib may have an arbitrary shape such as a flat plate shape, a columnar shape (or a rod shape), and the like. The rib is erected substantially vertically from one surface of the top plate 31. A plurality of ribs may be provided on the top plate 31. For example, the plurality of ribs may be arranged discretely on a circle concentric with the outer cylinder 15.

The shape of the protrusion 33 provided on the cap is arbitrary. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 33 along the surface including the central axis of the cap (or plug 34) may be trapezoidal as shown in FIG. 10A, triangular as shown in FIG. 10B, semicircular as shown in FIG. 10C, or the like. Or any shape other than these. The length of the protrusion 33 (the dimension along the direction of rotation around the central axis of the cap) is also arbitrary. The protrusion 33 may extend along a spiral that matches the groove of the female screw 16.

The number of protrusions 33 is not limited to one, and may be two or more. The positions of the two or more protrusions 33 on the ribs 32 and 230 are arbitrary. One of the vertical position and the circumferential position of the two or more protrusions 33 may be the same. When the cap is provided with a plurality of ribs, all of the plurality of ribs may be provided with one or more protrusions 33, or only some of the plurality of ribs may be provided with one or more protrusions 33. It may be provided.

The configuration for fixing the cap devices 39 and 339 to the connector is not limited to the rings 38 and 338. For example, instead of the rings 38 and 338, a fixing portion having a substantially "T" shape (or a substantially "Y" shape) may be provided at the tip of the band 37. This fixing portion is fitted or embedded in the connector. Also in this configuration, the cap device can be fixed to the connector while limiting the rotation of the cap in the circumferential direction, as in the above embodiment.

The rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the cap with respect to the connector may be omitted. For example, in the first embodiment, one or both of the concave portion 38a and the convex portion 28a may be omitted, and the ring 38 may be fitted into the groove 28 so as to be freely rotatable around the central axis 1a with respect to the connector 1. In this case, the cap can be attached to and detached from the connector 1 by rotating the cap with respect to the connector so that the protrusion 33 moves in the groove of the female screw 16. This configuration can be advantageous in improving the mounting strength of the cap to the connector 1 because the protrusion 33 can be deeply engaged with the female screw 16. It can also be advantageous in shortening the band 37.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, when the cap is attached to the tip of the connector, the band 37 is curved in an arc shape, but the configuration of the band 37 is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the band 37, the boundary between the band 37 and the cap, and the boundary between the band 37 and the rings 38, 338 may be provided with a freely rotatable hinge. When the cap is attached to and detached from the connector, the band 37 is substantially not deformed except for the hinge. This configuration can be advantageous in reducing the amount of protrusion along the radial direction of the band 37 when the connector is closed.

In the present invention, the band 37 may be omitted and the cap may be a component separated from the connector.

The shape, number, position, etc. of the operation tabs 36 are not limited to the above-described first to third embodiments, and can be arbitrarily changed. The operation tab 36 may protrude from the top plate 31 toward the side opposite to the tubular portion 32. Alternatively, the operation tab 36 may be omitted. For example, if the outer diameter of the top plate 31 of the cap is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 15 of the connector so that the top plate 31 protrudes in the radial direction from the outer cylinder 15, even if the operation tab 36 is not provided. The cap can be removed from the connector.

In the above embodiments 1 to 3, the case where the connector is provided at the upstream end of the nasal catheter 9 has been described, but the connector is an arbitrary catheter (for example, a PEG catheter) used in enteral nutrition methods other than the nasal catheter. ) Can be provided at the upstream end. It can also be provided in a tube used for, for example, intravenous nutrition, other than enteral nutrition.

In the above embodiment, the connector main body 10 is a male connector conforming to ISO80369-3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The cap of the present invention can be applied to any connector having an outer cylinder provided with a female screw. The connector does not have to include the male member 11. The connector may be a female connector.

The cap of the present invention is not limited, but can be used as a cap for a connector provided at one end of a catheter or a tube. The field of use of the connector is not limited and may be used in the fields of food and chemistry, but it is preferably used in the medical field and further in the enteral nutrition method. In particular, the present invention is used as a cap for a connector that is fixed to the upstream end of a catheter inserted into a patient's body, such as a nasal catheter or a PEG catheter, and is kept in the patient for a long period of time together with the catheter. Is preferable.

1,3 Connector 11 Male member 12 Male member flow path 13 Male member outer peripheral surface 15 Outer cylinder 16 Female screw 16a, 16b Female screw thread 30 Cap 31 Top plate 32 Cylindrical part (rib)
33 Protrusion 34 Plug body 34a Seal surface (outer peripheral surface of plug body)
36 Operation tab 37 Band (Rotation limiting mechanism)
38,338 Ring 38a Recess (Rotation limiting mechanism)
230 Cap 232 Rib 338a Through hole (Rotation limiting mechanism)
338b slope

Claims (24)

A connector cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector having a female screw provided on the inner peripheral surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape.
A top plate configured to close the opening of the outer cylinder,
Ribs provided on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder,
With a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the rib,
The protrusion is provided apart from the top plate so that it can be engaged with the female screw .
When the cap is attached to the connector, the protrusion is fitted into a gap between the first thread and the second thread from the tip of the female screw . The connector cap according to claim 1, wherein when the cap is attached to the connector, the protrusion is separated from the threads constituting the female screw. The connector cap according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the cap around the central axis of the connector. The connector cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a band for connecting the cap to the connector. An annular ring is provided at the end of the band opposite to the cap.
The connector cap according to claim 4, wherein an inclined surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring so that the inner diameter changes in the thickness direction of the ring. A connector cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector having a female screw provided on the inner peripheral surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape.
A top plate configured to close the opening of the outer cylinder,
Ribs provided on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder,
With a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the rib,
The protrusion is provided apart from the top plate so that it can be engaged with the female screw.
When mounting the cap on the connector, said protrusions connector cap, characterized in that spaced from threads constituting the female screw. The connector cap according to claim 6, further comprising a rotation limiting mechanism for limiting the rotation of the cap around the central axis of the connector. The connector cap according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a band for connecting the cap to the connector. An annular ring is provided at the end of the band opposite to the cap.
The connector cap according to claim 8, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the ring is provided with an inclined surface whose inner diameter is inclined so as to change in the thickness direction of the ring. A connector cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector having a female screw provided on the inner peripheral surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape.
A top plate configured to close the opening of the outer cylinder,
Ribs provided on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder,
With a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the rib,
The protrusion is provided apart from the top plate so that it can be engaged with the female screw.
The cap is a connector cap, further comprising a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the cap around the central axis of the connector. The connector cap according to claim 10, wherein when the cap is attached to the connector, the protrusion is separated from the threads constituting the female screw. The connector cap according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a band for connecting the cap to the connector. An annular ring is provided at the end of the band opposite to the cap.
The connector cap according to claim 12, wherein an inclined surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring so that the inner diameter changes in the thickness direction of the ring. A connector cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector having a female screw provided on the inner peripheral surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape.
A top plate configured to close the opening of the outer cylinder,
Ribs provided on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder,
With a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the rib,
The protrusion is provided apart from the top plate so that it can be engaged with the female screw.
The cap further comprises a band for connecting the cap to the connector.
An annular ring is provided at the end of the band opposite to the cap.
A connector cap characterized in that the inner peripheral surface of the ring is provided with an inclined surface whose inner diameter changes in the thickness direction of the ring. The connector cap according to claim 14, wherein when the cap is attached to the connector, the protrusion is separated from the threads constituting the female screw. The connector cap according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the cap around the central axis of the connector. The connector cap according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the rib is a cylindrical portion having a cylindrical shape, and the protrusion is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion. The connector includes a male member coaxially provided with the outer cylinder so as to be surrounded by the outer cylinder.
A flow path penetrating the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member is open at the tip of the male member.
The tubular portion is configured so that when the cap is attached to the connector, a liquid-tight seal is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the male member. Item 17. The connector cap according to item 17. The connector includes a male member coaxially provided with the outer cylinder so as to be surrounded by the outer cylinder.
A flow path penetrating the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member is open at the tip of the male member.
The connector cap according to any one of claims 1 to 18 , further comprising a plug body configured to fit into the opening of the flow path. The plug body is configured so that when the plug body is fitted into the opening of the flow path, a liquid-tight seal is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the plug body and the inner peripheral surface defining the flow path. The connector cap according to claim 19. The connector cap according to any one of claims 1 to 20 , which is made of a material softer than the connector. Further provided with an operation tab protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate,
The connector cap according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the operation tab is arranged on the same side as the protrusion with respect to the rib. The connector cap according to any one of claims 1 to 22 , wherein the connector is a male connector conforming to ISO80369-3. A connector with a cap comprising the cap and the connector according to any one of claims 1 to 23.

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