JP7298595B2 - female connector - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a female connector into which a male member can be inserted and removed. More particularly, it relates to a female connector having a partition member made of a soft material and formed with a linear slit.

2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, a connecting tool consisting of a male member and a female connector is used to construct a flow path through which various liquids such as medicine and blood flow. Depending on the type of liquid flowing through the channel, it may be desired to prevent the liquid from leaking out to the outside. Patent Documents 1 to 5 describe female connectors that meet this demand. This female connector includes a thin plate-shaped partition member made of a soft material. A linear slit (notch) is formed in the partition member so as to penetrate the partition member in its thickness direction. When a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the female connector, the male member deforms the partition wall member and penetrates the slit, thereby establishing communication between the female connector and the male member. The septum member is in intimate contact with the outer peripheral surface of the male member to form a fluid tight seal therebetween. When the male member is pulled out from the female connector, the partition member immediately returns to its initial state and the slit is closed. The partition member functions as a self-closing valve that opens only when the male member is inserted (connected) to the female connector.

JP-A-11-197254 JP 2010-075684 A JP 2013-252165 A WO2013/154050 JP 2009-297544 A

When the male member is inserted into the female connector, the partition member is greatly deformed. Since a large repulsive force is generated in the deformed partition member, it is necessary to push the male member into the female connector with a large force in order to connect the male member to the female connector. When the male member is forcibly inserted into the female connector, a crack starting from the end of the slit may occur in the partition member.

By increasing the length of the slit, the force required to insert the male member can be reduced, and the possibility of cracks occurring in the partition member can be reduced. However, in a state in which the male member is inserted into the female connector, the adhesion of the partition member to the male member is lowered, so liquid leaks out from between the male member and the partition member.

A first object of the present invention is to reduce the repulsive force generated in the partition member when the male member is inserted. A second object of the present invention is to prevent the partition member from cracking due to the male member. A third object of the present invention is to ensure the adhesion of the partition member to the male member.

A female connector of the present invention comprises a thin plate-shaped partition member made of a soft material, a female connector main body, and a cap having an opening formed in the center. The partition member includes a central portion exposed through the opening of the cap, a linear slit formed in the central portion and penetrating the partition member in a thickness direction thereof, and surrounding the central portion. An annular outer peripheral portion that is sandwiched between the female connector main body and the cap in the thickness direction of the partition member, and a thin portion that is relatively thin with respect to the central portion. and an annular groove formed in the partition member so as to be formed between the outer peripheral portion.

According to the present invention, when the male member is inserted into the female connector, the repulsive force of the partition member can be reduced, the occurrence of cracks in the partition member due to the male member can be prevented, and the male member can be inserted into the female connector. Adhesion of the partition member to the member can be ensured.

1A is a perspective view of a female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention taken along a plane including its central axis. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective sectional view of the female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before connecting the tube tip of the syringe to the female connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tip of the syringe is connected to the female connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a conventional female connector. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a conventional female connector. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tip of a syringe is connected to a conventional female connector. 7 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a state in which a relatively small-diameter male luer is connected to the female connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention, taken along a plane including its central axis. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective sectional view of a female connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the tip of the syringe is connected to the female connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the above-described female connector of the present invention, when a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the thin portion may be stretched and the central portion may be displaced toward the female connector main body. Since the thin portion is relatively easy to deform, according to this aspect, it is possible to further reduce the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

The groove may be formed in a surface of the partition member on the side of the female connector main body. This aspect is advantageous in reducing the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

When a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the side surface of the groove on the side of the outer peripheral portion and the thin portion may radially adhere to each other. According to this aspect, a frictional force is generated between the side surface of the groove and the thin portion, and this frictional force prevents the deformed partition member from returning to its natural state. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

A protrusion projecting toward the central portion may be provided on a side surface of the groove on the outer peripheral portion side. According to this aspect, when the male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the convex portion and the thin-walled portion are in close contact with each other in the radial direction, and a greater frictional force is generated between them. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

In the above-described female connector of the present invention, the groove may be formed in the cap-side surface of the partition member. This aspect is advantageous in reducing the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

When a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the side surface of the groove on the central portion side and the thin portion may be in radial contact with each other. According to this aspect, a frictional force is generated between the side surface of the groove and the thin portion, and this frictional force prevents the deformed partition member from returning to its natural state. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

The groove may be a first groove. A second annular groove may be provided on the surface of the partition member on the side of the female connector main body. An annular third groove may be provided on the cap-side surface of the partition member. The second groove and the third groove may be arranged radially outward with respect to the first groove. A rib provided on the female connector body may be fitted into the second groove. A rib provided on the cap may be fitted into the third groove. According to this aspect, with a simple configuration, the outer peripheral portion of the partition member can be firmly held by the female connector main body and the cap.

The female connector may be configured such that a rod-shaped first male member having an outer peripheral surface that can be fitted to the edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap. good. When the first male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface fits into the edge of the opening, the upper surface of the central portion is aligned with the tip of the first male member. The first male member and the female connector may be communicated with each other by closely contacting the member in the longitudinal direction and by diametrically separating lips defining the slit. According to this aspect, a relatively large-diameter first male member can be connected to the female connector of the present invention.

The female connector may be configured such that a rod-shaped first male member having an outer peripheral surface that can be fitted to the edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap. good. When the first male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface fits into the edge of the opening, the thin-walled portion is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first male member. Lips defining slits may be diametrically spaced apart to provide communication between the first male member and the female connector. According to this aspect, a relatively large-diameter first male member can be connected to the female connector of the present invention. A frictional force is generated between the thin portion and the outer peripheral surface of the first male member, and this frictional force prevents the deformed partition member from returning to its natural state. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the repulsive force of the partition member when the first male member is inserted into the female connector.

The female connector may be configured such that a rod-shaped second male member having an outer peripheral surface smaller in diameter than the edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap. When the second male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the second male member passes through the slit, and the lip that defines the slit is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second male member. 2 male members and the female connector may be communicated. According to this aspect, a relatively small-diameter second male member can be connected to the female connector of the present invention.

The present invention will be described in detail below while showing preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each drawing referred to in the following description is a simplified representation of main members (or elements) that constitute the embodiments of the present invention for convenience of explanation. Accordingly, any elements not shown in the drawings may be added or any elements shown in the drawings may be changed or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. In different drawings, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of such members are omitted, and the descriptions of the preceding drawings should be appropriately considered.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a female connector 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective sectional view of the female connector 1. FIG. In FIG. 1B, the dashed-dotted line 1a is the central axis of the female connector 1. As shown in FIG. For the convenience of the following description, the direction parallel to the central axis 1a will be referred to as the "vertical direction". "Upper" and "lower" are defined based on FIG. 1B. A direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a is called a "horizontal direction". However, "up", "down", and "horizontal" do not mean the orientation of the female connector 1 when it is actually used. A direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a is called a "radial direction" or a "diameter direction", and a direction rotating around the central axis 1a is called a "circumferential direction". In the radial direction, the side closer to the central axis 1a is called "inner", and the side farther from the central axis 1a is called "outer".

As shown in FIG. 2 , the female connector 1 includes a partition member (hereinafter referred to as “septum”) 10 , a female connector main body (hereinafter referred to as “main body”) 20 and a cap 40 . The main body 20 and the cap 40 vertically sandwich and fix the septum 10 .

The septum 10 has a circular sheet shape. The septum 10 is made of a soft material (so-called elastomer) having elasticity (or flexibility) so that it can be deformed relatively easily by an external force and immediately returns to the state before deformation (natural state) when the external force is removed. ). Examples of soft materials that can be used include, but are not limited to, soft polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based elastomers, olefin-based elastomers, and polyurethane-based elastomers, and rubbers such as isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, and butyl rubber. be able to. The septum 10 can be integrally manufactured as a whole as one piece using the materials described above.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, the septum 10 includes a central portion 11 having a circular plan view shape, and an annular outer peripheral portion 15 that surrounds the central portion 11 and is continuous in the circumferential direction. . The central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 are coaxial with the central axis 1a. A flat upper surface of the central portion 11 is exposed to the outside through an opening 42 of the cap 40 (see FIG. 1A). A linear ("-" shaped) slit (notch) 12 is formed in the central portion 11 to penetrate the septum 10 in its thickness direction. The slit 12 crosses the central axis 1a. The length of slit 12 is shorter than the diameter of central portion 11 and the inner diameter of circular opening 42 of cap 40 .

A first groove 16 and a second groove 17 are provided on the lower surface of the septum 10 , and a third groove 18 is provided on the upper surface of the septum 10 . The grooves 16, 17 and 18 are all circular annular grooves coaxial with the central axis 1a. The first groove 16 defines the outer peripheral edge of the lower surface of the central portion 11 . By forming the first groove 16 in the septum 10 , a thin portion 13 in which the thickness of the septum 10 is relatively thinned is provided between the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 . The thin portion 13 extends annularly along the first groove 16 so as to surround the central portion 11 and connects the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 . Of the two opposing side surfaces (both of which are substantially parallel to the central axis 1a) that define the width (radial dimension) of the first groove 16, from the side surface 16a on the outer peripheral portion 15 side, A convex portion 16b protrudes in the direction (that is, toward the central portion 11 or the central axis 1a). In Embodiment 1, the convex portion 16b is an annular rib-like projection that is continuous in the circumferential direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the protrusions 16b may be a plurality of protrusions discretely arranged in the circumferential direction.

The second groove 17 is provided radially apart from the first groove 16 outside the first groove 16 (on the side farther from the central portion 11 ). An annular portion of the outer peripheral portion 15 between the first groove 16 and the second groove 17 is called an outer wall portion 19 . The convex portion 16 b is provided on the inner surface of the outer wall portion 19 . The third groove 18 is provided at a position substantially corresponding to the second groove 17 in the vertical direction.

The main body 20 has, on its upper side, a base 21 on which the septum 10 and the cap 30 are mounted. The pedestal 21 has a double tube structure consisting of an outer tube 22 and ribs (lower ribs) 23 . Both the outer cylinder 22 and the ribs 23 have a substantially cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis 1a. The outer cylinder 22 is spaced radially outward from the ribs 23 . The outer cylinder 22 extends upward to a higher position than the ribs 23 . The inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 22 is provided with a fitting structure 26 consisting of a projected line (annular rib) and/or a recessed line (annular groove) extending along the circumferential direction.

The main body 20 has a connecting portion 30 on its lower side. The connecting portion 30 is composed of a male member 31 and a skirt portion 35 coaxial with the central axis 1a. The male member 31 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape. A flow path 32 passes through the male member 31 along the central axis 1a. Channel 32 communicates with lumen 24 of base 21 (or rib 23). The outer peripheral surface 33 of the male member 31 is a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip. The skirt portion 35 has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape, surrounds the male member 31 and is radially spaced from the male member 31 . A female screw 36 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt portion 35 . The male member 31 is connected directly or indirectly via another member (not shown) to a flexible tube that constitutes a circuit through which a liquid (eg, blood, drug solution, physiological saline, etc.) flows. .

A pair of recesses 27 and an annular groove 28 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 20 . The concave portion 27 has a substantially “L” shape (hook shape) extending downward from the upper end of the outer cylinder 22 (see FIG. 1A). The pair of recesses 27 are symmetrical about the central axis 1a. The annular groove 28 continues in the circumferential direction along the boundary between the outer cylinder 22 and the skirt portion 35 .

The cap 40 includes a disk-shaped top plate 41 and a cylindrical peripheral wall 45 extending from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 41 . A circular opening (through hole) 42 is formed in the center of the top plate 41 . A substantially cylindrical rib (upper rib) 43 protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the top plate 41 . The top plate 41, the opening 42, the rib 43, and the surrounding wall 45 are all coaxial with the central axis 1a. Ribs 43 are positioned between and radially spaced apart from the edge of opening 42 and peripheral wall 45 . Perimeter wall 45 has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of septum 10 . The outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 45 is provided with a fitting structure 46 consisting of a projected line (annular rib) and/or a recessed line (annular groove) continuous in the circumferential direction.

Body 20 and cap 40 are preferably made of a rigid material. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and rigid polyvinyl chloride can be used. Each of the main body 20 and the cap 40 can be integrally manufactured as a single part using these resin materials by an injection molding method or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1B, septum 10 is housed within barrel 22 of body 20 . The peripheral wall 45 of the cap 40 is then fitted within the barrel 22 . Septum 10 is housed within peripheral wall 45 . The fitting structure 26 provided on the outer cylinder 22 of the main body 20 and the fitting structure 46 provided on the peripheral wall 45 of the cap 40 are fitted. Ribs 23 of body 20 fit into second grooves 17 on the bottom surface of septum 10 and ribs 43 of cap 40 fit into third grooves 18 on the top surface of septum 10 . The main body 20 and the cap 40 sandwich the outer peripheral portion 15 in the thickness direction of the septum 10 (that is, in the vertical direction). Since the ribs 23 and the ribs 43 are respectively fitted in the second grooves 17 and the third grooves 18 provided in the outer peripheral portion 15, the outer peripheral portion 15 is firmly held vertically and radially by the main body 20 and the cap 40. and restrained. The protrusion 16 b of the septum 10 is positioned radially inward of the rib 23 . The convex portion 16 b projects radially inwardly beyond an inner peripheral surface 24 a immediately below the outer wall portion 19 that defines the inner diameter of the bore 24 . The central portion 11 and the slit 12 of the septum 10 are exposed upward through the opening 41 of the cap 40 (see FIG. 1A). In a natural state in which no external force is applied to the septum 10, the pair of opposed lips 12a defining the slit 12 are in close contact with each other, and the slit 12 is substantially liquid-tightly closed. Even if the lumen 24 is filled with liquid, the liquid will not leak to the outside through the slit 12 . The septum 10 functions as a self-closing valve that prevents liquid from unintentionally leaking out of the female connector 1 .

The female connector 1 is connected with the male member by inserting the male member into the opening 42 of the cap 40 . The male member is a straight rod-shaped member. A flow path is provided in the male member along its longitudinal direction. The channel opens toward the outside at or near the tip of the male member. When the male member is connected to the female connector 1, the lumen 24 (further, the channel 32) of the female connector 1 and the channel of the male member are communicated.

There is no restriction on the male member in the present invention. The male member may be, for example, a tip provided at the tip of the outer cylinder of the syringe. The connection and disconnection of the tip of the syringe with respect to the female connector 1 will be described below.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before the tip 82 of the outer cylinder 81 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 1. As shown in FIG. The tip 82 has an elongated cylindrical shape. An outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is a tapered surface (a so-called male tapered surface, eg, a 6% tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the tube tip 82 . A flow path 84 is provided in the tube tip 82 along the longitudinal direction of the tube tip 82 . The flow path 84 passes through the tube tip 82 and opens at the tip of the tube tip 82 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the tube tip 82 is coaxially opposed to the female connector 1 and the tube tip 82 is inserted into the opening 42 of the cap 40 of the female connector 1 . The outer diameter at the tip of the tube tip 82 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 42 . The tip of the tube tip 82 abuts on the upper surface of the central portion 11 of the septum 10 exposed in the opening 42, and pushes the central portion 11 toward the main body 20 (lumen 24).

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube tip 82 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT imaging of the female connector 1 to which the tube tip 82 is connected. As with the female connectors of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the tube tip 82 is inserted until its outer peripheral surface 83 fits into the edge defining the opening 42 of the cap 40 . The outer peripheral surface 83 and the edge of the opening 42 come into contact with each other, and a frictional force is generated therebetween. This frictional force acts to maintain the connected state between the female connector 1 and the tube tip 82 .

The central portion 11 of the septum 10 is displaced toward the main body 20 by the tube tip 82 and positioned within the lumen 24 of the base 21 . The tip of the tube tip 82 (the lower end of the tube tip 82 in FIG. 4) is still in vertical contact with the upper surface of the central portion 11 exposed in the opening 42 in the natural state (see FIG. 3). Since the central portion 11 is moved downward, the thin portion 13 (see FIG. 1B) connecting the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 is bent downward, and extends vertically along the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tip 82. being stretched. The repulsive force (elastic restoring force) of the thin portion 13 pulls the central portion 11 . Thus, the opposing lips 12a defining the slit 12 are diametrically spaced apart from each other and the slit 12 is opened. A channel 84 of the tube tip 82 communicates with the inner cavity 24 of the female connector 1 via the slit 12 .

When the tube tip 82 is pulled out from the female connector 1 in the state shown in FIG. 4, the septum 10 immediately returns to its natural state (see FIGS. 1A to 3). The lips 12a are in close contact with each other, and the slit 12 is closed in a liquid-tight manner.

The effects of the female connector 1 will be described in comparison with conventional female connectors.

5A is a perspective view of a conventional female connector 101, and FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the female connector 101. FIG. 5A and 5B, the members corresponding to the members constituting the female connector 1 of Embodiment 1 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2) have the reference numerals "100" attached to the members constituting the female connector 1. ” is attached. For example, “septum 110” of female connector 101 corresponds to “septum 10” of female connector 1 . The description of the members that are the same or substantially the same as those of the female connector 1 among the members that constitute the female connector 101 will be omitted, and the female connector 101 will be described focusing on the differences from the female connector 1 .

Female connector 101 differs significantly from female connector 1 with respect to septum 110 . As shown in FIG. 5B, the septum 110 is not provided with the first groove 16 (see FIGS. 1B and 2) provided on the septum 10 . Therefore, the septum 110 does not have the thin portion 13 (see FIGS. 1B and 2).

A pedestal 121 of the main body 120 has a single tube structure having a substantially cylindrical shape. Cap 140 is attached to body 120 such that seat 121 fits within peripheral wall 145 of cap 140 . A substantially cylindrical rib (lower rib) 123 protruding from the upper end of the base 121 fits into the groove 117 of the septum 110 . A claw 129 projecting from the pedestal 121 fits into a hole 149 provided in the peripheral wall 145 of the cap 140 to lock the cap 140 . The diameter of the top plate 141 of the cap 140 and the diameter of the septum 110 housed in the cap 140 are slightly larger than the diameter of the top plate 41 of the female connector 1 and the diameter of the septum 10 . However, the diameter of opening 142 is approximately the same as the diameter of opening 42 of female connector 1 .

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube tip 82 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 101. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6, like FIG. 4, schematically shows a cross-sectional image of the female connector 101 to which the tube tip 82 is connected, obtained by X-ray CT imaging. The nosepiece 82 is the same as the nosepiece 82 shown in FIGS. As in FIG. 4 , the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge defining the opening 142 of the cap 140 . The central portion 111 is bent downward and extends vertically along the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 . The portion of the septum 110 that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is the upper surface of the central portion 111 exposed within the opening 142 in the natural state (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The tube tip 82 substantially penetrates the slit 112 . The slit 112 is wide open with substantially the same diameter as the tube tip 82 . A pair of lips 112a defining the slit 112 are in close contact with each other in the natural state (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), but face opposite sides when the tube tip 82 is inserted.

Unlike the septum 10 of Embodiment 1, the septum 110 does not have a relatively thin portion inside the grooves 117 and 118 that is easily deformable (see FIG. 5B). Therefore, in order to deform the septum 110 as shown in FIG. 6, it is necessary to push the tube tip 82 toward the female connector 101 with a large force. This means that the repulsive force (elastic restoring force) generated in the deformed septum 110 to return to the natural state (see FIG. 5B) is large. This repulsive force acts to push out the tube tip 82 from the female connector 101 . Therefore, the state in which the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 142 of the cap 140 cannot be stably maintained as shown in FIG. There is a problem that there may be a case where it is lost.

Further, since the central portion 111 is deformed so that the upper surface of the central portion 111 is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82, the slit 112 is opened wide. Therefore, there is a problem that the septum 110 is likely to be cracked starting from the ends of the slits 112 in the longitudinal direction.

By lengthening the length of the slit 112, it is possible to reduce the repulsive force and suppress the occurrence of cracks. However, in this case, when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 101, the tightness between the septum 110 and the tube tip 82 deteriorates. Although illustration is omitted, gaps are particularly likely to occur between both ends of the slit 112 in the longitudinal direction and the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 . There is a problem that the liquid in the lumen 124 leaks out to the outside through this gap.

The female connector 1 of Embodiment 1 can solve the above problems of the female connector 101 .

The septum 10 of Embodiment 1 includes a relatively thin thin portion 13 between the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 . As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4 with FIG. 6, in the first embodiment, when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 1, the thin portion 13 is selectively bent and stretched. Since the thin portion 13 is relatively easy to deform, the repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is small. Therefore, the tube tip 82 can be inserted into the female connector 1 with a relatively small force. Once the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 as shown in FIG. 4, this state can be stably maintained. Even if vibration, external force, or the like is applied to the female connector 1 or the tube tip 82 while the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40, there is no possibility that the tube tip 82 will come out of the female connector 1 unintentionally. low. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unintended liquid leakage due to the tube tip 82 coming out of the female connector 1 .

The tube tip 82 does not pass through the slit 12 . Lips 12a defining slit 12 are only slightly spaced apart while remaining diametrically opposed to each other. The distance between lips 12 a is much smaller than the outer diameter of nose 82 . Since the deformation of the central portion 11 including the periphery of the slit 12 is small, the septum 10 is less likely to crack starting from the longitudinal ends of the slit 12 .

The central portion 11 is displaced toward the main body 20 while the tip of the tube tip 82 is in contact with its upper surface. Since the repulsive force of the thin portion 13 presses the central portion 11 against the tip of the tube tip 82 , a liquid-tight seal is formed between the upper surface of the central portion 11 and the tip of the tube tip 82 . Since the tube tip 82 does not pass through the slit 12, good adhesion between the septum 10 and the tube tip 82 can be easily ensured. Therefore, the possibility of the liquid in the lumen 24 leaking out to the outside through the space between the septum 10 and the tube tip 82 is low.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 1, the repulsive force of the septum 10 can be reduced, and the tube tip 82 prevents the septum 10 from cracking. Also, the tightness of the septum 10 to the tube tip 82 can be ensured.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the thin portion 13 radially adheres to the side surface 16a (see FIGS. 1B and 2) defining the first groove 16. As shown in FIG. Since the outer diameter of the tube tip 82 is relatively large, the thin portion 13 and the outer wall portion 19 are in close contact with each other in the radial direction between the tube tip 82 and the rib 23 and are compressed. This is particularly noticeable in the convex portion 16b provided on the outer wall portion 19 (see FIGS. 1B and 2). The close contact between the thin portion 13 and the side surface 16a generates a frictional force (first frictional force) therebetween. This first frictional force prevents the stretched thin portion 13 from shrinking back to its natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is further weakened. Therefore, the possibility that the tip 82 is pushed out of the female connector 1 by the repulsive force of the septum 10 is further reduced. This is advantageous in stably maintaining the state in which the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 as shown in FIG.

The thin portion 13 also adheres to the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 . A frictional force (second frictional force) is also generated between the thin portion 13 and the outer peripheral surface. This second frictional force prevents the stretched thin portion 13 from shrinking back to its natural state. Therefore, like the first frictional force, the second frictional force weakens the repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 . This is advantageous in stably maintaining the state in which the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 as shown in FIG.

3 and 4, the female connector 1 is connected to a cylindrical tip 82 having a diameter large enough to fit into the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40. In FIGS. However, it is also possible to connect a male member having a smaller diameter than the tube tip 82 to the female connector 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a state in which the male luer 90 is connected to the female connector 1. FIG. Similar to FIG. 4, FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT imaging of the female connector 1 to which the male luer 90 is connected. The male luer 90 is an elongated rod-shaped member, and its outer peripheral surface 93 is a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) in which the outer diameter decreases toward the tip. However, the shape of the outer peripheral surface 93 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is constant in its longitudinal direction, or any other shape. The outer diameter of the male luer 90 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube tip 82 . A flow path 94 is provided in the male luer 90 along the longitudinal direction of the male luer 90 . The flow path 94 communicates with the outside of the male luer 90 via a horizontal hole 95 provided near the tip of the male luer 90 and diametrically penetrating the male luer 90 . Such a male luer 90 is known, for example, from US Pat.

As shown in FIG. 7, male luer 90 is inserted to a depth such that lateral hole 95 communicates with lumen 24 of female connector 1 . Since the male luer 90 has a relatively small diameter, unlike the tube tip 82 (see FIG. 4), the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 does not fit (contact) the edge defining the opening 42 of the cap 40. . Male luer 90 passes through slit 12 of septum 10 . The portion of the septum 10 that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 is the lip 12a of the slit 12 that was in close contact with each other in the natural state (see FIGS. 1A-2). The frictional force between the male luer 90 and the septum 10 when the male luer 90 passes through the slit 12 displaces the central portion 11 of the septum 10 toward the main body 20 and is positioned within the lumen 24 of the pedestal 21 . Since the central portion 11 is moved downward, the thin portion 13 (see FIG. 1B) connecting the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 is bent downward and stretched vertically.

7, when the male luer 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, the thin portion 13, which is relatively easily deformable, is selectively bent and stretched. Therefore, the male luer 90 can be inserted into the female connector 1 with a relatively small force. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is small.

A male luer 90 passes through the slit 12 . However, the male luer 90 has a relatively small diameter. When the male luer 90 passes through the slit 12 , the lip 12 a of the slit 12 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 . As is clear from a comparison of FIG. 7 with FIG. 6, deformation of central portion 11 including the periphery of slit 12 when male luer 90 passes through slit 12 is small. Therefore, the septum 10 is less likely to crack starting from the longitudinal ends of the slits 12 .

The lip 12a of the slit 12 is in liquid-tight contact with the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface 93 . Therefore, the possibility of the liquid in the lumen 24 leaking out to the outside through the space between the septum 10 and the male luer 90 is low.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, even when the relatively small-diameter male luer 90 is inserted into the female connector 1 , the repulsive force of the septum 10 can be reduced, and the male luer 90 causes cracks in the septum 10 . It is possible to prevent this from occurring and to secure the adhesion of the septum 10 to the male luer 90 .

By penetrating the male luer 90 through the slit 12 of the septum 10, the central portion 11 is diametrically expanded. Since the central portion 11 having the enlarged diameter displaces the thin portion 13 radially outward, the thin portion 13 and the outer wall portion 19 are brought into close contact with each other in the radial direction. Therefore, even when a small-diameter male luer 90 is connected, a frictional force is generated between the thin portion 13 and the side surface 16a (see FIG. 1B), similarly to when the tube tip 82 is connected (see FIG. 4). This frictional force prevents the stretched thin portion 13 from shrinking back to its natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is weakened.

In the conventional female connector 101 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), the length of the slit 112 of the septum 110 is such that the relatively large-diameter tip 82 can pass through the slit 112 (see FIG. 6). Sometimes it is arranged that a fluid tight seal is formed between the septum 110 and the nose 82 . When a relatively small-diameter male luer 90 is connected to this female connector 101 , although not shown, the slit 112 is too long for the outer diameter of the male luer 90 . A gap is generated between the surface 93 and the surface 93 . For this reason, the male luer 90 is connected to a female connector having a slit shortened according to the outer diameter of the male luer 90 . When attempting to insert the large-diameter tube tip 82 into a female connector provided with a short slit that is suitable for a small-diameter male luer 90, a large repulsive force is generated on the septum, making insertion difficult. If the tip 82 is forced to be inserted, the septum will crack. Therefore, conventionally, it was necessary to prepare a plurality of types of female connectors having different slit lengths corresponding to male members (cylinder tip 82, male luer 90) having different outer diameters.

On the other hand, to the female connector 1 of the first embodiment, a plurality of types of male members (cylinder tip 82, male luer 90) having different outer diameters can be connected without liquid leakage. When a relatively large diameter tube tip 82 is connected to the female connector 1, the tube tip 82 does not pass through the slit 12 (see FIG. 4). , the male luer 90 passes through the slit 12 (see FIG. 7). Since the large-diameter tip 82 does not need to pass through the slit 12, the slit 12 may be shorter than the slit 112 of the female connector 101 adapted to the conventional tip 82. The length of the slit 12 is such that the male luer 90 having a small diameter can pass through the slit 12 as shown in FIG. can be set to adhere to As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to connect male members having different outer diameters to the single specification female connector 1 provided with the relatively short slit 12 . The present invention eliminates the conventionally necessary complicated work of preparing and storing a plurality of types of female connectors for each outer diameter of the male member.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 9 is an exploded perspective sectional view of the female connector 2. FIG. 8 and 9, the same members as those constituting the female connector 1 (see FIGS. 1B and 2) of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as the members constituting the female connector 1. be. A description of such members will be omitted, and the female connector 2 will be described focusing on the differences from the female connector 1 .

In Embodiment 1, the first groove 16 was provided on the bottom surface of the septum 10 . In contrast, in Embodiment 2, the first groove 216 is provided on the upper surface of the septum 210 . By forming the first groove 216 in the septum 210 , a thin portion 213 in which the septum 210 is relatively thin is provided between the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 . The thin portion 213 extends annularly along the first groove 216 so as to surround the central portion 11 and connects the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 . Of the two opposing side surfaces (both of which are substantially parallel to the central axis 1a) that define the width (radial dimension) of the first groove 216, the side surface 216a on the central portion 11 side It fits into the edge defining the opening 42 . As can be understood from FIG. 8, the first groove 216 is covered with the top plate 41 of the cap 40. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube tip 82 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT imaging of the female connector 2 to which the tube tip 82 is connected, similarly to FIG.

An outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge defining the opening 42 of the cap 40 . The central portion 11 of the septum 210 is displaced toward the main body 20 by the tube tip 82 and positioned within the lumen 24 of the base 21 . A thin portion 213 (see FIG. 8) is bent downward and extends vertically along the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 . The tube tip 82 does not pass through the slit 12 . The repulsive force (elastic restoring force) of the thin portion 213 pulls the central portion 11 . The opposing lips 12a defining the slit 12 are diametrically spaced apart from one another so that the slit 12 is open. The tip of the tube tip 82 abuts on the upper surface of the central portion 11 in the vertical direction, and a liquid-tight seal is formed therebetween. Therefore, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 2, the repulsive force of the septum 210 can be reduced, and the tube tip 82 causes the septum 210 to crack. In addition, the adhesion of the septum 210 to the tube tip 82 can be ensured.

Unlike Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the first groove 216 is provided on the upper surface of the septum 210 . Therefore, when the tube tip 82 is connected to the female connector 2 , the thin portion 213 radially adheres to the side surface 216 a (see FIG. 8 ) of the central portion 11 that defines the first groove 216 . A frictional force (first frictional force) is generated between the thin portion 213 and the side surface 216a. The thin portion 213 also adheres to the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 . A frictional force (second frictional force) is also generated between the thin portion 213 and the outer peripheral surface. These first frictional force and second frictional force prevent the stretched thin portion 213 from shrinking back to its natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 210 is further weakened. This is advantageous in stably maintaining the state in which the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 as shown in FIG. A protrusion similar to the protrusion 16b of the first embodiment may be provided on the side surface 216a.

It is also possible to connect a male member (for example, a male luer 90 ) having a diameter smaller than that of the tube tip 82 to the female connector 2 . Although not shown, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 7), when the male luer 90 communicates with the female connector 2, the central portion 11 is moved downward, and the thin portion 213 is bent downward. stretched vertically. Male luer 90 passes through slit 12 in septum 210 . The lip 12 a of the septum 210 contacts the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 . Even when a relatively small-diameter male luer 90 is inserted into the female connector 2, the repulsive force of the septum 210 can be reduced, and cracking of the septum 210 by the male luer 90 can be prevented. Adhesion of the septum 210 to the 90 can be ensured.

In this manner, a plurality of types of male members (cylinder tip 82, male luer 90) having different outer diameters can be connected to the female connector 2 without liquid leakage.

When the male luer 90 is connected to the female connector 2 , the thin portion 213 may radially adhere to the side surface 216 a (see FIG. 8 ) of the central portion 11 that defines the first groove 216 . In this case, frictional force is generated between the thin portion 213 and the side surface 216a, as in the case where the tube tip 82 is connected (see FIG. 10). This frictional force prevents the stretched thin portion 213 from shrinking back to its natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 210 is weakened.

In the examples of FIGS. 8 to 10, the side surface 216a of the first groove 216 on the central portion 11 side fits into the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first groove 216 is spaced radially outward from the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 such that the side surface 216a of the first groove 216 is positioned radially outward from the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40. good too.

Embodiment 2 is the same as Embodiment 1 except for the above. The description of the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment.

The first and second embodiments described above are merely examples. The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate.

The configuration of the female connector is not limited to the first and second embodiments. For example, the structure in which the body 20 and the cap 40 hold the septum outer periphery 15 may be changed arbitrarily. One or both of the septum grooves 17 and 18 may be omitted, and the ribs 23 and 43 may hold the outer peripheral portion 15 while locally compressing it vertically.

The female connector of the present invention may have the same configuration as the conventional female connector 101 except for the septum 110. FIG.

The septum may not have the projection 16b on the side 16a. Furthermore, the side surfaces 16a, 216a and the thin portions 13, 213 may be separated from each other when the male member is inserted into the female connector. In this case also, the thin portions 13 and 213, which are relatively easily deformable, are selectively stretched, so that the repulsive force of the septum can be reduced when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

The two opposing side surfaces that define the width (radial dimension) of the first grooves 16, 216 need not be substantially parallel to the central axis 1a. For example, one or both of the two side surfaces may be conically inclined, or one or both of the two side surfaces may have the above-described convex portion (convex portion 16b of Embodiment 1). Additionally or alternatively, any shape (for example, a stepped step) may be provided such that the radial position of the side surface changes in the direction of the central axis 1a.

In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the small-diameter male luer 90 passed through the slit 12 of the septum (see FIG. 7). However, the present invention does not require that the small diameter male luer 90 pass through the septum slit 12 . For example, the flow path 94 of the male luer 90 may open at the distal end of the male luer 90 in the same manner as the flow path 84 of the barrel tip 82 (see FIG. 3). In this case, the male luer 90 and the female connectors 1 and 2 can be communicated with each other even if the male luer 90 does not pass through the slit 12 . The fact that the male luer 90 does not pass through the slit 12 further reduces deformation of the septum when the male luer 90 is connected.

The female connectors of Embodiments 1 and 2 described above have a connecting portion 30 for connecting the female connector to the distal end of the tube. The configuration of the connecting portion 30 can be changed arbitrarily. A female connector may be provided in the middle of the tube as a so-called mixed injection port instead of being provided at the end of the tube (see Patent Documents 1, 2, 4 and 5). In this case, the connecting portion 30 is omitted.

The configuration of the male member connected to the female connector is also arbitrary. A male connector having a male member may be provided with a lock mechanism for stably maintaining the state in which the male member is connected to the female connector. If the male member is too small in diameter to fit into the opening 42 of the cap 40 of the female connector (see FIG. 7), the male member should be prevented from being pushed out of the female connector by the repulsive force of the septum. It is particularly effective to provide the locking mechanism integrally with the member. The configuration of the lock mechanism is arbitrary. For example, as described in Patent Document 4, the locking mechanism may consist of a swingable locking lever provided with a pawl that fits into the annular groove 28 of the female connector. Alternatively, as described in Patent Literature 5, the lock mechanism may consist of a projection that engages with a substantially L-shaped recess 27 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the female connector.

The field of application of the present invention is not particularly limited, but it can be widely used as a female connector into which a rod-shaped male member is inserted. The female connector is configured so that liquid does not leak to the outside when the male member is connected or disconnected. Therefore, the present invention can be used particularly preferably in the medical field where dangerous drug solutions (such as anticancer drugs) and blood are handled. Furthermore, the present invention can also be used in fields other than medical use, such as food, where arbitrary liquids are handled.

1, 2 female connector 1a center shaft 10, 210 partition member (septum)
11 central portion 12 slit 12a slit lip 13, 213 thin portion 15 outer peripheral portion 16, 216 first groove 16a outer peripheral side surface 16b of groove convex portion 216a central portion side surface 17 second groove 18 third groove 20 female connector main body (main body)
23 rib 40 cap 42 opening 43 rib 82 tube tip (first male member)
83 Outer peripheral surface 90 Male luer (second male member)
93 outer surface

Claims (2)

A female connector comprising a thin plate-shaped partition member made of a soft material, a female connector main body, and a cap having an opening formed in the center,
The partition member is
a central portion exposed through the opening of the cap;
a linear slit formed in the central portion and penetrating the partition member in its thickness direction;
an annular outer peripheral portion surrounding the central portion, the outer peripheral portion being sandwiched between the female connector main body and the cap in the thickness direction of the partition member;
an annular groove formed in the partition member so that a thin portion relatively thin with respect to the central portion is formed between the central portion and the outer peripheral portion ;
the groove is formed on a surface of the partition member on the side of the female connector main body,
A female connector, wherein a protrusion projecting toward the central portion is provided on a side surface of the groove on the outer peripheral portion side . the groove is a first groove,
an annular second groove is provided on a surface of the partition member on the side of the female connector main body,
an annular third groove is provided on the cap-side surface of the partition member,
the second groove and the third groove are arranged radially outward with respect to the first groove;
a rib provided on the female connector body is fitted into the second groove,
2. A female connector according to claim 1 , wherein a rib provided on said cap is fitted into said third groove.

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