JP7388146B2 - cleaning adapter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an adapter that is attached to a male connector and used for cleaning the male connector.

Enteral nutrition is known as a method of administering nutritional supplements, liquid foods (generally referred to as "enteral nutrition"), or liquid substances containing drugs to patients who are unable to take meals orally. In enteral nutrition, a catheter is inserted into the digestive tract (for example, the stomach) from outside the body and left in the patient. Known examples of catheters include transnasal catheters that are inserted through a patient's nose, and gastrostomy catheters that are inserted into the stomach through a hole (gastrostomy) formed in the patient's abdomen. The liquid is stored in a container. The container and the catheter (nasal catheter, gastrostomy catheter, etc.) are connected via a flexible tube (commonly called an extension tube). A connector consisting of a male connector and a female connector is used to form a flow path for the liquid from the container to the catheter.

As this connector, a male connector 910 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B and a female connector 960 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B are used.

The male connector 910 in FIGS. 11A and 11B includes a cylindrical male member 911 and an outer tube 915 surrounding the male member 911. The male member 911 and the outer cylinder 915 are connected via a bottom plate 914 that protrudes in a flange shape from the base end of the male member 911 in the radial direction. The outer circumferential surface 912 of the male member 911 is a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip. The male member 911 is provided with a flow path 913 that passes through the male member 911 along its longitudinal direction. A female thread 916 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 915 facing the male member 911.

The female connector 960 in FIGS. 12A and 12B has a hollow cylindrical tubular portion (female member) 961. The inner circumferential surface 962 of the tubular portion 961 is a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip. A spiral projection (male thread) 966 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 961 .

The male connector 910 and the female connector 960 are connected by inserting the male member 911 into the tubular portion 961 and screwing the female screw 916 and the threaded protrusion 966 together. Since the outer circumferential surface 912 of the male member 911 and the inner circumferential surface 962 of the tubular portion 961 are tapered surfaces with the same diameter and taper angle, they make liquid-tight surface contact (taper fit).

In enteral nutrition, the female connector 960 is used as an upstream (container side) connector with respect to the flow direction of the liquid, and the male connector 910 is used as a downstream (patient side) connector.

In the male connector 910, an outer cylinder 915 surrounds the male member 911, and a female thread 916 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 915. After enteral nutrition is performed, a liquid substance (for example, an enteral nutritional supplement) tends to remain in the gap 917 between the male member 911 and the outer tube 915 (for example, within the valley of the female screw 916). Gap 917 is so narrow that a common cotton swab cannot be inserted therein. Therefore, it is difficult to wipe away the liquid material within the gap 917.

When the male connector 910 is provided at the upstream end of the catheter, the male connector 910 is left in the patient together with the catheter for an extended period of time. The liquid remaining in the male connector 910 may deteriorate the sanitary condition of the male connector 910.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe adapters that can be preferably used for cleaning the male connector 910. The adapter includes a cylindrical portion into which the outer tube 915 of the male connector 910 is inserted and is liquid-tightly connected to the outer tube 915, and a port communicating with the inner cavity of the cylindrical portion. An outer cylinder 915 is connected to the cylindrical part, and a syringe storing cleaning liquid is connected to the port. In this state, the cleaning liquid in the syringe is injected into the lumen of the cylindrical part. The cleaning liquid flows into the gap 917 of the male connector 910 and washes away the liquid remaining in the gap 917.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-188522 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-188523

However, simply allowing the cleaning liquid to flow into the gap 917 does not allow the surface that defines the gap 917 (hereinafter referred to as the "inner surface of the gap 917"). It may be difficult to completely wash away liquid substances adhering to the female screws 916) and the surface of the bottom plate 914) together with the cleaning liquid. In this case, the liquid substance continues to remain on the inner surface of the gap 917 even after the cleaning liquid is washed away.

An object of the present invention is to provide an adapter with high cleaning performance for cleaning a male connector in which a female thread is provided so as to surround a male member.

The cleaning adapter of the present invention includes a cylindrical male member in which a flow path is formed, an outer cylinder surrounding the male member, and a female thread provided on an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder facing the male member. is removably attached to said male connector for cleaning said male connector. The adapter includes a housing into which the outer cylinder is inserted and can be fluid-tightly connected to the outer cylinder, a port communicating with the inner cavity of the housing, and a male member when the housing is connected to the outer cylinder. and a handle rotatable with respect to the housing. The brush is rotatable in conjunction with the handle.

According to the present invention, while the adapter is connected to the male connector, cleaning liquid is allowed to flow into the gap between the male connectors through the port, and then the brush is rotated to scrape off dirt adhering to the inner surface of the gap. After coming into contact with the cleaning liquid, dirt is easily separated from the inner surface because force is applied directly from the brush. Therefore, the cleaning adapter of the present invention has high cleaning performance.

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view for explaining a method of cleaning a male connector using a cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the adapter body that constitutes the cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a brush assembly that constitutes a cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the brush assembly. FIG. 5A is a perspective view from below of the handle that constitutes the cleaning adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the handle. FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing one step of cleaning a male connector using the cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing another process of cleaning a male connector using the cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a method of cleaning a male connector using a cleaning adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is an enlarged perspective view showing one step of cleaning a male connector using a cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing another process of cleaning a male connector using a cleaning adapter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10A. FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a male connector used as a patient-side connector in enteral nutrition. FIG. 11B is a sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis of the male connector. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a female connector used as a container-side connector in enteral nutrition. FIG. 12B is a sectional view taken along a plane including the central axis of the female connector.

In the cleaning adapter of the present invention, the brush may be rotatable around the male member when the housing is connected to the outer tube. According to this aspect, the brush can move while contacting the inner surface of the gap. This is advantageous for cleaning the male connector.

The adapter of the present invention may further include a brush assembly including the brush. The brush assembly may be magnetically coupled to the handle through the housing. Such an aspect is advantageous in facilitating assembly and disassembly of the adapter and in simplifying the configuration of the adapter.

A column may be provided in the inner cavity of the housing coaxially with the rotation center of the brush. According to this aspect, the column can be used as a rotating shaft of the brush, which is advantageous for stably rotating the brush.

The columnar body may be capable of liquid-tightly sealing the flow path of the male member. This aspect is, firstly, advantageous in cleaning the male connector, and secondly, dirt scraped off by the cleaning liquid or brush flows into the patient's body through the flow path of the male member. It is advantageous to prevent this.

The port may be arranged coaxially with the column. According to this aspect, the cleaning liquid injected from the port can easily flow into the gap between the male connectors. It is possible to efficiently fill the gap with the cleaning liquid. This is advantageous for cleaning the male connector.

The handle may be rotatable about the port. According to this aspect, the port can be used as the rotation axis of the handle. This is advantageous in simplifying the construction of the adapter.

The adapter of the present invention may further include a sealing means capable of liquid-tightly sealing the port. According to this aspect, it is easy to store the cleaning liquid within the gap of the male connector for a desired time without leaking to the outside world. This is advantageous for cleaning the male connector.

The port may have an outer circumferential surface that is the same as an outer circumferential surface of the male member. According to this aspect, a female connector (for example, the tip of a syringe) connectable to the male member can also be connected to the port. Therefore, it becomes possible to use a common female connector for enteral nutrition and irrigation.

The adapter of the present invention may further include an insertion depth regulating structure that regulates the insertion depth of the outer tube into the housing. Such an embodiment allows the outer cylinder to be inserted into the housing always at the desired depth. This is advantageous for stably demonstrating the high cleaning performance of the adapter.

The port may be a first port. The adapter of the present invention may further include a second port communicating with the inner cavity of the housing. According to this aspect, with the adapter attached to the male connector, it becomes easy to both allow the cleaning liquid to flow into the gap in the male connector and to discharge the cleaning liquid in the gap to the outside world.

The device may further include a second sealing means capable of liquid-tightly sealing the second port. According to this aspect, it is easy to store the cleaning liquid within the gap of the male connector for a desired time without leaking to the outside world. This is advantageous for cleaning the male connector.

A flexible transparent tube may be connected to the second port. Such an embodiment facilitates the collection of used cleaning fluid via tubing into an empty container. Since the tube is flexible, it is easy to maintain the tube inserted into the container, and the second port can be easily opened and closed simply by attaching a general-purpose clamp to the tube. Since the tube is transparent, it is easy to determine when the gap in the male connector is filled with cleaning liquid.

The second port may have the same outer circumferential surface as the outer circumferential surface of the male member. According to this aspect, a female connector (for example, the tip of a syringe) connectable to the male member can also be connected to the second port. Therefore, it becomes possible to use a common female connector for enteral nutrition and irrigation.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail while showing preferred 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 explanation shows the main members constituting the embodiment of the present invention in a simplified manner. Therefore, the present invention may include any members not shown in the following figures. Moreover, each member shown in each of the following figures may be changed or omitted within the scope of the present invention. In the drawings cited in the description of each embodiment, members corresponding to those shown in the drawings cited in the preceding embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the drawing of the preceding embodiment. be. Regarding such members, redundant explanations are omitted, and the explanations of the preceding embodiments should be referred to as appropriate.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view for explaining a method of cleaning a male connector 900 using a cleaning adapter (hereinafter simply referred to as "adapter") 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. For convenience of explanation below, the direction parallel to the axis (center axis) common to the male connector 900, the adapter 1, and the syringe (injector) 950 will be referred to as the "up-down direction." In the vertical direction, the side of the syringe 950 is called the "upper" side, and the side of the male connector 900 is called the "lower" side. The direction parallel to the plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is called the "horizontal direction." The direction along the straight line perpendicular to the axis is called the ``radial direction.'' In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis is called the ``inner'' side, and the side farther from the axis is called the ``outer'' side. Note that the vertical direction and horizontal direction do not mean the orientation of the adapter 1 when it is used.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A along a vertical plane passing through the axis (not shown) of the adapter 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the adapter 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter 1 includes an adapter body 10, a brush assembly 50, and a handle 70.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the main part of the adapter body 10 along a vertical plane passing through the axis. The adapter main body 10 includes a housing 11 that has a bottomed cylindrical shape and includes a cylindrical portion 12 that has a hollow cylindrical shape and a circular top plate 13 that closes the upper end of the cylindrical portion 12. A protrusion 14 and an annular rib 15 protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12 . The annular rib 15 is continuous in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 14 is arranged closer to the top plate 13 than the annular rib 15 is. When the outer cylinder 915 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the male connector 900 is inserted into the housing 11, the protrusion 14 collides with the tip of the outer cylinder 915 to define the insertion depth of the outer cylinder 915 into the housing 11. However, the annular rib 15 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 915 to form a liquid-tight seal with the outer cylinder 915 (see FIG. 6B, which will be described later). Although the protrusions 14 are annularly continuous in the circumferential direction in this embodiment, they may be arranged discretely in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the annular rib 15 is made of the same material as the cylindrical portion 12 and is provided integrally with the cylindrical portion 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the annular rib 15 may be an O-ring attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12. Also in this case, a liquid-tight seal can be formed between the O-ring and the outer cylinder 915.

The housing 11 is provided with a first port 21 and a second port 22. The first and second ports 21 and 22 both have a hollow cylindrical shape and communicate with the inner cavity 17 of the housing 11. The first port 21 is arranged coaxially with the housing 11 and projects upward from the top plate 13. The second port 22 protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 12 at a position between the protrusion 14 and the top plate 13. The outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second ports 21 and 22 are, for example, the same as the outer circumferential surface 912 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) of the male member 911 of the male connector 900, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second ports 21 and 22 are tapered toward the tips. It may be a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) with a smaller diameter.

A column 16 projects downward from the top plate 13 into the inner cavity 17. The column body 16 has a solid cylindrical shape (rod shape), and is arranged coaxially with the housing 11 and the first port 21 . The column 16 is held on the inner peripheral surface of the first port 21 or on the top plate 13 so that communication between the first port 21 and the inner cavity 17 of the housing 11 is ensured. The tip (lower end) of the columnar body 16 is located slightly below the protrusion 14. The outer peripheral surface of the column 16 is provided with a tapered surface (male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the column 16. When the male connector 900 is connected to the housing 11, the column 16 is inserted into the flow path 913 (see FIG. 1B) of the male member 911, and the tapered surface of the column 16 comes into close contact with the inner surface defining the flow path 913. The flow path 913 is liquid-tightly sealed (see FIG. 6B described below).

As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter body 10 further includes a cap 18. The cap 18 is connected to the housing 11 (particularly to the outer peripheral end of the top plate 13) via a flexible and bendable band 19. The cap 18 is removably attached to the tip (upper end) of the first port 21 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B described later). The cap 18 functions as a sealing means (first sealing means) for liquid-tightly sealing the first port 21. The structure of the cap 18 is arbitrary as long as it can liquid-tightly seal the opening at the tip of the first port 21. In the present invention, the cap 18 does not need to be connected to the adapter body 10, and the band 19 may be omitted.

A flexible hollow tube 23 is connected to the second port 22 . The tip of the tube 23 (the end opposite to the second port 22) is open to the outside world. A clamp 25 is attached to the tube 23. The clamp 25 has an open state in which the inner lumen 17 of the housing 11 communicates with the outside world via the second port 22 and the tube 23, and an open state in which the inner lumen 17 of the housing 11 communicates with the outside world by crushing the tube 23 in the diametrical direction. It is possible to switch between the closed state and the closed state where the power is cut off. The clamp 25 functions as a sealing means (second sealing means) for liquid-tightly sealing the second port 22. The configuration of the clamp 25 is arbitrary, and any known clamp can be used.

The material of the adapter body 10 is not limited, but for example, resin materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomer (styrene elastomer, olefin elastomer, polyurethane elastomer, etc.) can be used. In order to enable liquid-tight connection to the male connector 900 and the tip 953 of the syringe 950 (see FIG. 1A), it is preferable that the adapter body 10 be relatively soft. Preferred materials include polypropylene, polyethylene, and thermoplastic elastomer. The adapter main body 10 can be integrally manufactured as a single component using the above-mentioned resin material by injection molding or the like.

The material of the cap 18 and the band 19 may be different from the material of the other parts of the adapter body 10 (the main part of the adapter body). The cap 18 and the band 19 are manufactured separately from the main part of the adapter body and then assembled to the main part of the adapter body. In this case, the cap 18 and band 19 may be made of a relatively flexible material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, and the main part of the adapter body may be made of a harder material than the cap 18 and band 19, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. can.

The tube 23 is made of a flexible and transparent (or translucent) material. Specifically, resins such as polyurethane and soft vinyl chloride can be used.

4A is a perspective view of the brush assembly 50 seen from below, and FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the brush assembly 50 seen from above. The brush assembly 50 includes a base 51, two brushes 55, and two magnets (first magnets) 58.

The base 51 has a thin plate-like substrate 52 parallel to the horizontal direction, and its planar shape is an arc (or approximately a "C" shape or a semicircle). The substrate 52 has an inner peripheral end 52a and an outer peripheral end 52b. The inner circumferential end 52a and the outer circumferential end 52b each extend along concentric circular arcs. A vertically extending axis (not shown) of brush assembly 50 passes through the centers of these arcs. The radius of the arc of the inner peripheral end 52a is the same as or slightly larger than the radius of the column 16 of the housing 11 (see FIG. 3). The radius of the arc of the outer circumferential end 52b is the same as the radius of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 12 (see FIG. 3) of the housing 11, but is slightly smaller than this radius. Two first support shafts 53 extend downward from the substrate 52 along the vertical direction. Two second support shafts 54 extend upward from the substrate 52 along the vertical direction coaxially with the two first support shafts 53, respectively. When viewed from above, the two first support shafts 53 are arranged at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the arc of the inner peripheral end 52a (or the axis of the brush assembly 50), and the two second support shafts 54 are also placed in symmetrical positions.

The base 51 is made of a hard material (rigid material) and has mechanical strength (rigidity) that does not substantially deform due to external force. Such hard materials include, but are not limited to, resin materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, and acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymers, among others. Polypropylene, polycarbonate and polyacetal are preferred. The base 51 can be integrally manufactured as a single piece by injection molding or the like using the above-mentioned resin material.

The brush 55, like an interdental brush, includes a large number of bristles 57 protruding from the outer surface of a cylindrical body 56 as a core. Some of the brush bristles 57 extend radially from the cylindrical body 56 along the horizontal direction, and some other bristles 57 extend downward from the tip (lower end) of the cylindrical body 56. The cylinder 56 has a hollow cylindrical shape with an upward opening. The first support shaft 53 is inserted into the cylinder 56, and the brush 55 is integrated with the base 51. The bristles 57 extending radially outwardly and downwardly extending from the axis of the brush assembly 50 are relatively long and extend toward the axis (i.e., radially inwardly). Brush bristles 57 are relatively short. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all the brush bristles 57 may have substantially the same length.

The brush bristles 57 are made of an elastic (or flexible) soft material (so-called elastomer). There are no restrictions on the soft material that can be used, but examples include soft polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomers (e.g. styrene elastomer, olefin elastomer, polyurethane elastomer), rubber (e.g. isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, butyl rubber), etc. can do. In the first embodiment, the entire brush 55 including the brush bristles 57 and the cylindrical body 56 is integrally manufactured using the above-mentioned materials. The base 51 and the brush 55 may be manufactured separately and then integrated, or either the base 51 or the brush 55 may be manufactured first, and then the other may be integrated therewith using a two-color molding method. It may be formed into

Note that the brush of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment as long as it has a large number of brush bristles that protrude outward, and any known brush configuration may be applied. For example, in a brush, a large number of filaments of a certain length are sandwiched between metal wires folded in half, and then the wires are twisted, so that a large number of filaments (brush bristles) extend radially from a core made of wire. It may also be a brush. In this case, the proximal end of the mandrel is fixed to the substrate 52 of the base 51.

The magnet 58 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The type of magnet 58 is not limited, but neodymium magnets are preferred because they are small and have high magnetic flux density. The outer surface of the magnet 58 is preferably subjected to anti-corrosion treatment. Although there are no restrictions on the antirust treatment, examples include plating (for example, nickel plating) and painting (for example, resin coating). The second support shaft 54 is inserted into the magnet 58 . The magnet 58 is firmly attached to the base 51 by friction, adhesive, or the like. Note that the shape of the magnet 58 and the method of fixing the magnet 58 to the base 51 are arbitrary. For example, similar to the magnet 78 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) described later, the magnet 58 may have a solid cylindrical shape, and the magnet is placed in a recess provided in the base 51 instead of the second support shaft 54. 58 may be stored.

5A is a perspective view of the handle 70 seen from below, and FIG. 5B is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the handle 70. The handle 70 includes a handle body 71 and two magnets (second magnets) 78. The handle body 71 has a cylindrical outer tube 72 whose downward opening is closed by a circular bottom plate 73. The bottom plate 73 is provided with a circular through hole 75 and two recesses 76. The through hole 75 is arranged at the center of the bottom plate 73, that is, coaxially with the outer cylinder 72, and passes through the handle body 71 in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the through hole 75 is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first port 21 (see FIG. 2). The two recesses 76 are arranged to sandwich the through hole 75 in the diametrical direction. The recess 76 has a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom and opening downward.

The handle body 71 is made of a hard material (rigid material) and has mechanical strength (rigidity) that does not substantially deform due to external force. Such hard materials include, but are not limited to, resin materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, and acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymers, among others. Polypropylene, polycarbonate and polyacetal are preferred. The handle body 71 can be integrally manufactured as a single component using the above resin material by injection molding or the like.

The magnet 78 has a solid cylindrical shape. The type of magnet 78 is not limited, but neodymium magnets are preferred because they are small and have high magnetic flux density. The magnet 78 is housed in the recess 76. The magnet 78 is firmly attached to the handle body 71 by friction, adhesive, or the like. The lower surface of the magnet 78 and the lower surface of the bottom plate 73 are substantially along a common horizontal plane (see FIG. 5A). The same antirust treatment as the magnet 58 may be applied to the outer surface of the magnet 78. Note that the shape of the magnet 78 and the method of fixing the magnet 78 to the handle body 71 are arbitrary. For example, like the magnet 58 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B), the magnet 78 may have a hollow cylindrical shape. In this case, a columnar projection that can be inserted into the magnet 78 may be provided on the bottom surface of the recess 76.

As shown in FIG. 2, the brush assembly 50 is housed in the housing 11 from below. The handle 70 is placed on the housing 11 (or the top plate 13) from above.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the substrate 52 and magnet 58 of the brush assembly 50 are housed in the gap between the cylindrical portion 12 of the housing 11 and the column 16. The inner circumferential end 52a (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the substrate 52 contacts or approaches the outer circumferential surface of the columnar body 16 in the radial direction. The outer circumferential end 52b (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) of the substrate 52 contacts or approaches the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 12 in the radial direction. Brush assembly 50 is coaxial with housing 11 (or column 16). The upper surface of the magnet 58 is in contact with or close to the top plate 13. The substrate 52 is located above the protrusion 14. The tip (lower end) of the brush 55 is located below the protrusion 14. Brush assembly 50 is rotatable about column 16.

The first port 21 passes through a through hole 75 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the handle 70. The bottom plate 73 (see FIG. 5B) of the handle body 71 and the lower surface of the magnet 78 are in contact with or close to the top plate 13. Handle 70 is coaxial with housing 11 (or first port 21). Handle 70 is rotatable around first port 21 .

Two magnets 58 and two magnets 78 face each other in the vertical direction with the top plate 13 in between. The magnet 58 and the magnet 78, which face each other in the vertical direction, attract each other through the top plate 13 and are magnetically coupled. Therefore, when the handle 70 is rotated around the first port 21 with respect to the adapter body 10, the brush assembly 50 rotates with respect to the adapter body 10 around the column 16 following the handle 70. Further, even if the orientation (posture) of the adapter 1 is changed, the brush assembly 50 and the handle 70 do not separate from the adapter body 10 due to gravity.

The adapter 1 can be used to clean the male connector 900 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B) after performing enteral nutrition. Male connector 900 is compatible with conventional male connector 910 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Among the members constituting the male connector 900, the same members as those constituting the male connector 910 are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 11A and 11B, and detailed explanations of such members will be omitted. A male connector 900 is provided at the upstream end (or distal end) of a flexible nasal catheter 905. Although not shown, the catheter 905 is inserted through the patient's nasal cavity, and its tip reaches the stomach. Male connector 900 further includes a cap 928. The cap 928 is attached to the proximal end of the outer cylinder 915 via a flexible band 929 that can be bent and deformed. The cap 928 is removably attached to the tip of the outer cylinder 915. The cap 928 is attached to the tip of the outer cylinder 915 and connected to the flow path 913 of the male member 911 and the outer tube, except when administering a liquid (such as an enteral nutritional supplement) to a patient via the male connector 910. A gap 917 between the cylinder 915 and the cylinder 915 is closed.

Cap 928 and band 929 are made of deformable material. Specifically, relatively hard resin materials (e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene), rubber (e.g. isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, butyl rubber), thermoplastic elastomers (e.g. styrene elastomer, olefin elastomer, polyurethane elastomer), etc. A soft material having rubber elasticity (so-called elastomer) can be used.

The portions of the male connector 900 excluding the cap 928 and the band 929 are made of a hard material (rigid material) that has mechanical strength (rigidity) that does not substantially deform due to external force. Specifically, resin materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, and acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer can be used. The male connector 900 can be integrally manufactured using the above resin material by injection molding or the like.

Catheter 905 is made of a flexible, transparent (or translucent) material. The material of the catheter 905 is not limited, but in general, a soft material with rubber-like elasticity (so-called elastomer) can be used, and specifically, rubber (for example, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, silicone rubber), Alternatively, a thermoplastic elastomer (eg, styrene elastomer, olefin elastomer, polyurethane elastomer) can be used.

A method of cleaning the male connector 900 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a syringe 950 is prepared. Cleaning liquid is stored in the syringe 950. There are no restrictions on the cleaning liquid, but for example, lukewarm water, water, tea, diluted vinegar, etc. can be used. A female connector compatible with the female connector 960 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B is provided at the tip 953 of the outer cylinder 952 of the syringe 950. Therefore, the tip 953 of the syringe 950 can be connected to the male connector 900 in the same way as the female connector 960 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B) is connected to the male connector 910 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). Among the members constituting the tube tip 953, the same members as those constituting the conventional female connector 960 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 12A and 12B. A detailed explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the housing 11 of the adapter 1 is connected to the male connector 900. The tip 953 of the syringe 950 is connected to the first port 21 of the adapter 1 . The tube 23 of the adapter 1 is in an open state.

FIG. 6B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A. An outer tube 915 of the male connector 900 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 12 of the housing 11. The tip of the outer cylinder 915 vertically collides with the protrusion 14 (see FIGS. 1B and 3) protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 12, and the insertion depth of the outer cylinder 915 into the cylindrical part 12 is restricted. Ru. The annular rib 15 (see FIGS. 1B and 3) protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 12 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outer tube 915, and there is a gap between the cylindrical portion 12 (particularly the annular rib 15) and the outer tube 915. A liquid-tight seal is formed.

The columnar body 16 fits into the opening at the tip of the male member 911 to liquid-tightly seal the flow path 913.

The brush 55 is inserted into the gap 917 between the male member 911 and the outer cylinder 915. Relatively long bristles 57 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) extend radially outward from the axis of the adapter 1 (which is also the axis of the housing 11, the column 16, and the first port 21). , into the trough of a female thread 916 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 915. The relatively short bristles 57 (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) extending radially inward are in contact with the outer peripheral surface 912 of the male member 911 (see FIG. 1B). The brush bristles 57 extending downward are in contact with the bottom plate 914. Each brush bristle 57 is appropriately deformed by the inner surface of the gap 917.

The first port 21 is fitted into the tubular portion 961 of the tip 953 of the syringe 950 . The outer circumferential surface of the first port 21 is provided with a tapered surface that is the same as the tapered surface provided on the outer circumferential surface 912 of the male member 911 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B). Therefore, with a taper fitting similar to the taper fitting of the inner circumferential surface 962 of the female connector 960 (see FIGS. 12A and 12B) to the outer circumferential surface 912 of the male connector 910 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B), the first port A tube tip 953 is liquid-tightly connected to 21.

In the state shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the plunger 955 of the syringe 950 is pushed into the outer cylinder 952 to force out the cleaning liquid from the tip 953 of the syringe 950. The cleaning liquid flows into the inner cavity 17 of the housing 11 from the first port 21 and further into the gap 917 of the male connector 900. The air existing in the inner cavity 17 and the gap 917 is exhausted to the outside world through the second port 22 and the tube 23. It is preferred that the second port 22 and tube 23 face upward when injecting the cleaning liquid into the adapter 1 so that the lumen 17 and gap 917 are filled with the cleaning liquid.

When the plunger 955 is pushed further, the cleaning liquid flows into the second port 22 and the tube 23. After confirming that the cleaning liquid has flowed into the tube 23, the clamp 25 is switched to the closed state. Communication between the second port 22 and the outside world is cut off.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the syringe 950 is separated from the first port 21. Subsequently, the cap 18 is attached to the first port 21. The first port 21 is liquid-tightly sealed. The cleaning liquid is left for a predetermined period of time in a state where it is stored in the inner cavity 17 of the housing 11 and the gap 917 of the male connector 900 (a leaving step). The outer cylinder 915 is fluid-tightly connected to the housing 11, the first port 21 and the tube 23 are sealed, and the flow path 913 of the male member 911 is also sealed. Therefore, the cleaning liquid does not leak into the outside world or into the patient's body.

Thereafter, the handle 70 is rotated around the first port 21 with respect to the adapter body 10. As described above, since the brush assembly 50 is magnetically coupled to the handle 70, the brush assembly 50 rotates around the column 16 as the handle 70 rotates. As a result, the brush 55 rotates around the male member 911 within the gap 917. The brush bristles 57 move while contacting the female screw 916, the outer peripheral surface 912 of the male member 911, and the bottom plate 914. Dirt adhering to these surfaces (inner surfaces of the gap 917) is scraped off by the brush bristles 57 (brush cleaning step). Dirt separated from the surface floats in the cleaning solution.

Next, the cap 18 is removed from the first port 21, and the tip 953 of the syringe 950 is connected to the first port 21 instead. Cleaning liquid is stored in the syringe 950. Switch the clamp 25 to the open state. The adapter 1 is returned to a state that is substantially the same in appearance as in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Insert the tube 23 into an empty container (not shown) with the tip facing downward. In this state, plunger 955 is pushed into outer cylinder 952. The cleaning liquid in the syringe 950 passes through the second port 22 and the tube 23 the cleaning liquid that was already present in the lumen 17 and the gap 917 (in which dirt scraped by the brush 55 is floating). and push it out into a container. Further, the cleaning liquid in the syringe 950 is injected into the lumen 17 and the gap 917 to wash away dirt remaining in the lumen 17 and the gap 917 and discharged into the container. By forcefully pushing the plunger 955 into the outer cylinder 952, the cleaning liquid may be vigorously injected (flushed) into the inner cavity 17 and the gap 917.

Then, the syringe 950 is separated from the first port 21. Air from the outside world flows into the lumen 17 and the gap 917 through the first port 21 . The cleaning liquid that was present in the lumen 17 and gap 917 is drained into the container via the second port 22 and tube 23. After draining the cleaning liquid in the lumen 17 and the gap 917, the adapter 1 is separated from the male connector 900. The cleaning liquid adhering to the male connector 900 is wiped off as much as possible, and a cap 928 (see FIG. 1A) is attached to the tip of the outer tube 915. The cleaned male connector 900 is placed in the patient.

It is preferable to perform the cleaning operation of the male connector 900 using the adapter 1 described above every time immediately after performing enteral nutrition via the male connector 900.

In the above cleaning method, after performing the brush cleaning step, the adapter 1 may be separated from the male connector 900 while the cleaning liquid is present in the lumen 17 and the gap 917. During separation, the cleaning liquid in the lumen 17 and the gap 917 is collected in a container, a towel, or the like so that the cleaning liquid does not spill out and contaminate the surrounding area.

As described above, in the method of cleaning the male connector 900 using the adapter 1, cleaning liquid is left in the gap 917 between the male member 911 and the outer cylinder 915 for a predetermined period of time (standing step), and then the brush is removed. At step 55, dirt adhering to the inner surface of the gap 917 is scraped off (brush cleaning step).

If the liquid used for enteral nutrition remains on the inner surface of the gap 917 of the male connector 900 for a long time, the liquid will dry and stick to the inner surface of the gap 917 as a solid substance. In the leaving step, this solid matter (dirt) is immersed in the cleaning liquid for a predetermined period of time to be softened and easily separated from the inner surface.

In the subsequent brush cleaning step, the brush bristles 57 directly contact the solid matter adhering to the inner surface of the gap 917 and apply force to separate the solid matter from the inner surface. Any solid matter stuck to the inner surface has been soaked with a cleaning solution in a previous leaving step. Therefore, it is easy to scrape off solid matter from the inner surface with the brush 55. Further, the brush cleaning process is performed with the cleaning liquid stored in the gap 917. Therefore, the solid matter separated from the inner surface of the gap 917 floats in the cleaning liquid and is unlikely to re-adhere to the inner surface.

The cleaning adapters of Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above do not use a brush and simply wash away dirt together with the cleaning liquid. Even if the cleaning liquid is vigorously sprayed into the gap 917, it is difficult to remove the dirt (solid matter) strongly adhered to the inner surface of the gap 917 just by the flow of the cleaning liquid. Moreover, since the strength of the flow of the cleaning liquid is uneven within the gap 917, dirt tends to remain in areas where the flow of the cleaning liquid is weak. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the brush bristles 57 move while contacting the inner surface of the gap 917 (that is, the outer peripheral surface 912 of the male member 911, the female screw 916, and the bottom plate 914). Therefore, dirt adhering to the inner surface of the gap 917 can be scraped off evenly with the brush bristles 57. Therefore, the adapter 1 has significantly improved dirt removal ability and high cleaning performance compared to conventional cleaning adapters.

The time of the leaving step and the number of rotations of the brush 55 (or handle 70) in the brush cleaning step can be changed as appropriate depending on the degree of dirt on the male connector 900, the type of liquid used for enteral nutrition, etc. Depending on the case, the time of the leaving step may be shortened or the leaving step may be omitted.

The adapter 1 includes a housing 11 that can be liquid-tightly connected to an outer cylinder 915 of a male connector 900, a column 16 that can liquid-tightly seal a flow path 913 of a male member 911, and a first port 21 that is liquid-tight. It includes a cap 18 that can be sealed and a clamp 25 that indirectly seals the second port 22 in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, the cleaning liquid injected from the syringe 950 can be reliably stored in the lumen 17 of the housing 11 and the gap 917 of the male connector 900 for a desired period of time.

Note that in the first embodiment, one or both of the cap 18 and the clamp 25 can be omitted. For example, if only one of the first port 21 and the second port 22 is sealed during the leaving step and the brush cleaning step (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), there is a low possibility that the cleaning liquid will leak from the other port. Further, in the embodiment described above, it is also possible to perform the leaving step and the brush cleaning step with the syringe 950 connected to the first port 21, and in this case, the cap 18 can be omitted.

The brush assembly 50 and the handle 70 are coupled by magnetic coupling between the first magnet 58 and the second magnet 78. This is advantageous in facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the adapter 1 and in simplifying the configuration of the adapter 1.

To explain in detail, in the state shown in FIG. The assembly of the adapter 1 is completed by magnetic coupling with the magnet 78 (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). Even if the first magnet 58 is misaligned with respect to the second magnet 78 in the rotational direction, the magnetic attraction between the first magnet 58 and the second magnet 78 automatically corrects this misalignment. Therefore, when assembling the adapter 1, alignment in the rotational direction between the brush assembly 50 and the handle 70 is not necessary.

Further, in the state shown in FIG. 1A, if the handle 70 is pulled up with a force greater than the magnetic attraction force, the handle 70 can be separated from the adapter main body 10. At the same time, the magnetic coupling between brush assembly 50 and handle 70 is broken, and brush assembly 50 falls from housing 11 (see FIG. 2).

Thus, magnetically coupling the brush assembly 50 to the handle 70 facilitates assembly and disassembly of the adapter 1. Therefore, it is easy to disassemble the used adapter 1 into the adapter main body 10, the brush assembly 50, and the handle 70 and wash each of them. This is advantageous in keeping the adapter 1 clean at all times. Therefore, the problem of the male connector 900 being contaminated by the unclean adapter 1 can be avoided.

Further, since the brush assembly 50 is magnetically coupled to the handle 70 via the housing 11, there is no need for a mechanism to connect the handle 70 and the brush assembly 50 so that rotational force is transmitted from the handle 70 to the brush 55. . This is advantageous in simplifying the sealing structure for preventing the cleaning liquid from leaking out of the housing 11. Thus, the magnetic coupling between brush assembly 50 and handle 70 simplifies the construction of adapter 1.

A column 16 is provided in the inner cavity 17 of the housing 11 coaxially with the rotation center of the brush 55. When the adapter 1 is connected to the male connector 900, the column 16 becomes coaxial with the male member 911 (see FIGS. 6B and 7B). Therefore, the column 16 can be used as a rotation axis of the brush assembly 50 including the brush 55. The column body 16 is advantageous for stably rotating the brush 55.

When the adapter 1 is connected to the male connector 900, the column 16 liquid-tightly seals the flow path 913 of the male member 911 (see FIGS. 6B and 7B). This has the following effects. First, since the leaving step can be performed prior to the brush cleaning step, it is possible to clean the male connector. Second, it is possible to prevent cleaning liquid and dirt scraped off by the brush 55 from flowing into the patient's body through the flow path 913 of the male member 911.

The first port 21 is arranged coaxially with the columnar body 16. Therefore, the first port 21 is also coaxial with the male connector 900 connected to the housing 11 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). The cleaning liquid injected from the first port 21 flows almost straight along the axial direction and flows into the gap 917. Therefore, it is easy to discharge the air existing in the gap 917 and fill the gap 917 with the cleaning liquid. This is advantageous for cleaning the male connector 900.

Handle 70 is rotatable around first port 21 . That is, the first port 21 is used as the rotation axis of the handle 70. This is advantageous in simplifying the configuration of the adapter 1. However, unlike the above embodiment, a columnar projection that functions as a rotation axis of the handle 70 is provided at the position of the first port 21, and the first port 21 is symmetrical with the second port 22 with respect to the columnar body 16, for example. It may be arranged as follows.

The first port 21 has the same outer circumferential surface as the outer circumferential surface 912 of the male member 911 . Since the first port 21 is compatible with the male member 911, the tip 953 of the syringe 950 that can be connected to the male member 911 can also be connected to the first port 21. That is, the syringe 950 that is connected to the male connector 900 when performing enteral nutrition can also be connected to the first port 21 of the adapter 1 when cleaning the male connector 900. There is no need to prepare separate syringes dedicated to enteral nutrition and irrigation.

The adapter 1 further includes a second port 22 communicating with the lumen 17 of the housing 11 . Therefore, with the adapter 1 connected to the male connector 900 (see FIG. 6B), it is easy to fill the gap 917 with cleaning liquid, and it is also easy to discharge the cleaning liquid in the gap 917 to the outside world.

A tube 23 is connected to the second port 22. Therefore, by inserting the tip of the tube 23 into an empty container, the used cleaning liquid can be collected from the tube 23 into the container. In order to reliably maintain the state in which the tip of the tube 23 is inserted into the container, the tip of the tube 23 may be provided with a member that engages with the container, a connector that is liquid-tightly connected to the container, or the like. . Since the tube 23 is flexible, it is easy to maintain the state in which the tip of the tube 23 is inserted into the container even if the position or orientation of the adapter 1 changes. Further, with a simple configuration in which a general-purpose clamp 25 is provided on the flexible tube 23, the second port 22 can be easily switched between opening and sealing. Further, since the tube 23 is transparent, it is possible to determine whether the lumen 17 and the gap 917 are filled with the cleaning liquid by visually observing that the cleaning liquid injected from the syringe 950 has flowed into the tube 23.

However, in the first embodiment, the tube 23 may be omitted. Switching between opening and sealing of the second port 22 may be performed by attaching and detaching a cap similar to the cap 18 to the second port 22.

Alternatively, an empty syringe (second syringe) may be connected to the second port 22 instead of or via the tube 23. A syringe (first syringe) 950 connected to the first port 21 and a second syringe connected to the second port 22 communicate with each other via the lumen 17 and the gap 917. For example, by moving the cleaning liquid back and forth between the first syringe and the second syringe, a flow of the cleaning liquid can be generated within the gap 917, thereby increasing the cleaning effect. Further, if the used cleaning liquid is collected into the second syringe, the possibility of accidentally spilling the used dirty cleaning liquid into the outside world can be reduced compared to the case where the used cleaning liquid is collected into the container from the tube 23. The leaving step and the brush cleaning step may be performed with the first and second syringes connected to the first and second ports 21 and 22.

The outer circumferential surface of the second port 22 has the same outer circumferential surface as the outer circumferential surface 912 of the male member 911, similar to the outer circumferential surface of the first port 21. Since the second port 22 is compatible with the male member 911, the syringe 950 that is connected to the male connector 900 when performing enteral nutrition can also be connected to the second port 22. That is, the same syringe can be connected to the male connector 900, the first port 21, and the second port 22.

The protrusion 14 provided on the cylindrical portion 12 of the housing 11 functions as an insertion depth regulating structure that defines the insertion depth of the outer tube 915 into the housing 11 (see FIG. 6B). If the insertion depth of the outer cylinder 915 into the housing 11 is too deep, the second port 22 will be blocked by the outer cylinder 915, the tip of the brush 55 will collide with the bottom plate 914 of the male connector 900, and the brush 55 will be damaged. A problem arises. On the other hand, if the insertion depth of the outer cylinder 915 into the housing 11 is too shallow, the insertion depth of the brush 55 into the gap 917 of the male connector 900 will be shallow, so that the deep part of the gap 917 (near the bottom plate 914) will not be sufficiently cleaned. Problems such as The insertion depth regulating structure ensures that the outer cylinder 915 is always inserted into the housing 11 at the desired depth, so the above problem does not occur and the high cleaning performance of the adapter 1 is stably exhibited. make it possible.

The configuration of the insertion depth regulating structure is not limited to the protrusion 14 as long as it can regulate the insertion depth of the outer tube 915 into the housing 11.

For example, a tapered surface (female tapered surface) may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 12 such that the inner diameter increases toward the downwardly directed opening of the cylindrical portion 12 . This tapered surface functions as an insertion depth regulating structure that defines the insertion depth of the outer cylinder 915 into the housing 11 by fitting into the outer cylinder 915. The tapered surface can form a liquid-tight seal with the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 915, and in this case, the annular rib 15 (see FIG. 3) can be omitted.

Alternatively, the column 16 may function as an insertion depth regulating structure. For example, the male tapered surface provided on the outer peripheral surface of the column 16 can also function as an insertion depth regulating structure that defines the insertion depth of the outer tube 915 into the housing 11.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a method of cleaning the male connector 900 using the cleaning adapter 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The adapter 2 of the second embodiment does not have the second port 22 (see FIG. 1B) that the adapter 1 of the first embodiment had. Therefore, the adapter 2 does not include the tube 23 connected to the second port 22 nor the clamp 25 provided on the tube 23 (see FIG. 1A).

The method of cleaning the male connector 900 using the adapter 2 is approximately the same as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the housing 11 of the adapter 2 is connected to the male connector 900. The tip 953 of a syringe 950 containing cleaning liquid is connected to the port 21 of the adapter 2 . The lumen 17 of the housing 11 and the gap 917 of the male connector 900 communicate only with the syringe 950 via the port 21.

In this state, the plunger 955 of the syringe 950 is pushed into the outer cylinder 952. Air exists within the lumen 17 and the gap 917. Since air is compressible, it is possible to inject the cleaning liquid into the lumen 17 and the gap 917 by pushing the plunger 955 . Unlike the first embodiment, it is difficult to substantially fill the lumen 17 and the gap 917 with the cleaning liquid by pushing the plunger 955 once. However, by repeating the combined operation of pushing and pulling the plunger 955 and raising and lowering the adapter 2 with respect to the syringe 950, the air that previously existed in the lumen 17 and the gap 917 is moved to the syringe 950, and instead Irrigation liquid can be moved into the lumen 17 and the gap 917.

The syringe 950 is then separated from the port 21, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Subsequently, the cap 18 is attached to the port 21. Port 21 is liquid-tightly sealed. The cleaning liquid is left for a predetermined period of time in a state where it is stored in the inner cavity 17 of the housing 11 and the gap 917 of the male connector 900 (a leaving step). Preferably, the adapter 2 is left on top and the male connector 900 on the bottom. This is because even if a small amount of air remains in the lumen 17 and the gap 917, at least the gap 917 can be filled with the cleaning liquid.

Thereafter, the handle 70 is rotated around the port 21 relative to the adapter body 10. The brush assembly 50 rotates around the column 16 following the rotation of the handle 70. As a result, the brush 55 rotates around the male member 911 within the gap 917. Dirt adhering to the female screw 916, the outer peripheral surface 912 of the male member 911, and the bottom plate 914 is scraped off by the brush bristles 57 (brush cleaning step). The dirt separated from these floats in the cleaning solution.

Next, the cap 18 is removed from the port 21, and the tip 953 of the syringe 950 is connected to the port 21 instead. A small amount of air is stored inside the syringe 950. The adapter 2 is returned to a state that is substantially the same in appearance as in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this state, by repeating the combined operation of pushing and pulling the plunger 955 and raising and lowering the adapter 2 with respect to the syringe 950, the cleaning liquid in the lumen 17 and the gap 917 is moved to the syringe 950, and the cleaning liquid in the syringe 950 is moved instead. air is moved into the lumen 17 and the gap 917.

Then, the adapter 2 is separated from the male connector 900. The cleaning liquid has already been collected into the syringe 950. The cleaning liquid adhering to the male connector 900 is wiped off as much as possible, and a cap 928 (see FIG. 8) is attached to the tip of the outer cylinder 915. The cleaned male connector 900 is placed in the patient.

In the above cleaning method, after the brush cleaning step is performed, the adapter 2 may be separated from the male connector 900 while the cleaning liquid is present in the lumen 17 and the gap 917. During separation, the cleaning liquid in the lumen 17 and the gap 917 is collected in a container, a towel, or the like so that the cleaning liquid does not spill out and contaminate the surrounding area.

Similarly to Embodiment 1, in the method for cleaning the male connector 900 using the adapter 2, cleaning liquid is left in the gap 917 between the male member 911 and the outer cylinder 915 for a predetermined period of time (standing step), and then , the dirt adhering to the inner surface of the gap 917 is scraped off with the brush 55 (brush cleaning step). Therefore, the adapter 2 has significantly improved ability to remove dirt and has high cleaning performance.

The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. Except for the explanation regarding the second port 22, the explanation 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 embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate.

The configurations of the first and second ports 21 and 22 are not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and can be arbitrarily changed. For example, the outer circumferential surface of the first port 21 and/or the second port 22 may not have the same tapered surface as the outer circumferential surface 912 (see FIG. 1B) of the male member 911 of the male connector 900. . Alternatively, in order to make the first port 21 and/or the second port 22 compatible with the male connector 900, in addition to the same tapered surface as the outer peripheral surface 912, the outer cylinder 915 of the male connector 900 and the female thread It may further include the same outer cylinder and female thread as 916.

In Embodiments 1 and 2, the syringe 950 was directly connected to the first port 21 (see FIGS. 6A, 6B, 9A, and 9B), but the first port 21 and the syringe 950 may be connected via a flexible tube, for example. May be connected. In this case, a clamp similar to the clamp 25 may be provided on the tube, and the cap 18 may be omitted.

In the first and second embodiments, the columnar body 16 liquid-tightly sealed the flow path 913 of the male member 911 when the male connector 900 was connected to the housing 11. The structure of the columnar body 16 capable of sealing the flow path 913 is arbitrary. For example, the columnar body 16 is configured such that when the male connector 900 is connected to the housing 11, the columnar body 16 abuts the tip of the male member 911 in the vertical direction to liquid-tightly seal the flow path 913 of the male member 911. may be configured. The columnar body 16 configured in this manner can also function as an insertion depth regulating structure that defines the insertion depth of the outer tube 915 into the housing 11. In this case, the protrusion 14 may be omitted.

In the present invention, when the male connector 900 is attached to the housing 11, the column 16 does not need to seal the flow path 913 of the male member 911. For example, the column 16 may be so short that it cannot contact the male member 911. Alternatively, the outer diameter of the column 16 may be smaller than the inner diameter of the channel 913 so that the column 16 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the channel 913 in the radial direction. If the flow path 913 is not sealed, it may be difficult to perform a leaving step in which the cleaning liquid is maintained in the gap 917 of the male connector 900. Even in such a case, for example, if cleaning liquid is injected into the gap 917 while the male connector 900 is connected to the housing 11, the solid matter adhering to the inner surface of the gap 917 will come into contact with the cleaning liquid and become wet. After that, by leaving it for a predetermined period of time, it is possible to soak the solid matter with the cleaning liquid. In the brush cleaning step, the brush 55 directly applies force to dirt adhering to the inner surface of the gap 917 to scrape it off. Therefore, the adapter of the present invention has higher cleaning performance than the cleaning adapters of Patent Documents 1 and 2, which are capable of only allowing cleaning liquid to flow into the gap 917. Note that if the columnar body 16 does not seal the flow path 913 of the male member 911, there is a possibility that cleaning liquid and dirt may flow into the patient's body through the flow path 913 of the male member 911. However, liquids that are harmless to the human body are generally used as cleaning fluids, and stains are caused by the liquids administered to patients during enteral nutrition. Therefore, even if the cleaning liquid or dirt flows into the patient's body, there is a low possibility that the patient will be adversely affected.

The adapter of the present invention does not need to include the column 16. This is advantageous in simplifying the construction of the housing 11. Even without the column 16, it is possible to stably rotate the brush assembly 50 (and even the brush 55) by rotating the brush assembly 50 along the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 12. .

The configuration of the brush assembly 50 can also be changed arbitrarily. The shape of the substrate 52 in plan view does not necessarily have to be a circular arc (or a substantially "C" shape), and may be, for example, a donut shape (an annular ring). When the male connector 900 is connected to the housing 11 (see FIGS. 6B and 9B), the board 52 is moved up and down to facilitate the movement of cleaning liquid and air between the ports 21 and 22 and the gap 917 of the male connector 900. A hole or notch penetrating in the direction may be provided in the substrate 52. The number of brushes 55 provided in the brush assembly 50 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. The number, arrangement, length, material, etc. of the brush bristles 57 can be arbitrarily selected.

In the first and second embodiments, the first magnet 58 and the second magnet 78 faced each other in the vertical direction with the top plate 13 in between, but the arrangement of the first and second magnets 58 and 78 is not limited to this. For example, the first magnet 58 and the second magnet 78 may face each other in the radial direction with the cylindrical portion 12 of the housing 11 in between. In this case, the handle 70 may be arranged so as to surround the cylindrical portion 12.

The number of first magnets 58 and the number of second magnets 78 can also be changed arbitrarily. The number of first magnets 58 and second magnets 78 may not be the same.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the brush assembly 50 was magnetically coupled to the handle 70 via the housing 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the handle 70 and the brush 55 may be structurally coupled rather than magnetically coupled. A structure for connecting the handle 70 and the brush 55 may extend through the housing 11. In this case, a sealing material (for example, an O-ring) may be provided between the movable part (handle 70 or connection structure) and the housing 11 to prevent leakage of the cleaning liquid.

There are no limitations to the uses of male connectors cleaned with the adapter of the present invention. The male connector may be provided at the upstream end of a catheter (nasal catheter, gastrostomy catheter, etc.) placed in a patient during enteral nutrition, or may be provided on an extension tube connected to the catheter. . Furthermore, the male connector may be used for purposes other than enteral nutrition. The male connector need not be provided on the flexible tube, but may be provided on the container, for example.

The adapter of the present invention can be used to clean a male connector that includes a male member in which a flow path is formed, an outer cylinder surrounding the male member, and a female thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder. I can do it. In particular, the adapter of the present invention can be preferably used to clean a male connector provided at the upstream end of a catheter placed in a patient for enteral nutrition.

1, 2 Cleaning adapter (adapter)
10 Adapter main body 11 Housing 12 Cylindrical part 13 Top plate 14 Protrusion (insertion depth regulation structure)
15 Annular rib 16 Column 17 Inner cavity 18 of housing Cap (first sealing means)
21 1st port (port)
22 Second port 23 Tube 25 Clamp (second sealing means)
50 Brush assembly 55 Brush 57 Brush bristles 58 First magnet 70 Handle 78 Second magnet 900 Male connector 911 Male member 912 Male member outer peripheral surface 913 Male member flow path 914 Bottom plate 915 Outer cylinder 916 Female screw 917 Male member and outer cylinder the gap between

Claims (13)

Cleaning a male connector including a cylindrical male member in which a flow path is formed, an outer cylinder surrounding the male member, and a female thread provided on an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder facing the male member. a cleaning adapter that is removably attached to the male connector, the adapter comprising:
a housing into which the outer cylinder is inserted and connectable to the outer cylinder in a liquid-tight manner;
a port communicating with the lumen of the housing;
a brush disposed within the housing so as to be inserted into a gap between the male member and the outer cylinder when the housing is connected to the outer cylinder;
a brush assembly including the brush;
a handle rotatable relative to the housing, the handle being disposed outside the housing;
the brush assembly is magnetically coupled to the handle through the housing;
A cleaning adapter, wherein the brush is rotatable in conjunction with the handle. Cleaning a male connector including a cylindrical male member in which a flow path is formed, an outer cylinder surrounding the male member, and a female thread provided on an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder facing the male member. a cleaning adapter that is removably attached to the male connector, the adapter comprising:
a housing into which the outer cylinder is inserted and connectable to the outer cylinder in a liquid-tight manner;
a port communicating with the lumen of the housing;
a brush disposed within the housing so as to be inserted into a gap between the male member and the outer cylinder when the housing is connected to the outer cylinder;
a handle rotatable relative to the housing, the handle being disposed outside the housing;
The brush is rotatable in conjunction with the handle,
A column is provided in the inner cavity of the housing coaxially with the rotation center of the brush,
A cleaning adapter characterized in that the port is arranged coaxially with the columnar body. The cleaning adapter according to claim 2 , wherein the columnar body is capable of liquid-tightly sealing the flow path of the male member. 4. A cleaning adapter according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the handle is rotatable around the port. further comprising a brush assembly including the brush;
A cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the brush assembly is magnetically coupled to the handle via the housing. The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the brush is rotatable around the male member when the housing is connected to the outer cylinder. The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a sealing means capable of liquid-tightly sealing the port. The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the port has an outer peripheral surface having the same shape as the outer peripheral surface of the male member. The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising an insertion depth regulating structure that regulates the insertion depth of the outer cylinder into the housing. the port is a first port,
The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the adapter further comprises a second port communicating with the inner cavity of the housing. The cleaning adapter according to claim 10, further comprising a second sealing means capable of liquid-tightly sealing the second port. The cleaning adapter according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein a flexible and transparent tube is connected to the second port. The cleaning adapter according to any one of claims 10 to 12 , wherein the second port has an outer peripheral surface having the same shape as the outer peripheral surface of the male member.

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