JP7557697B2 - cap - Google Patents

Description

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

Enteral nutrition and intravenous nutrition are known methods for administering liquids, including nutrients and medicines, to patients who can no longer take food orally. In these methods, the liquid is stored in a container and flows from the container to the patient through a flow path. The flow path through which the liquid flows is generally made up of multiple flexible tubes connected in series. A connector consisting of a male connector and a female connector is used to connect the multiple tubes in sequence.

Prior to administering a liquid to a patient, priming is generally performed to fill the tube through which the liquid flows with the liquid. This is to prevent air in the tube from being injected into the patient. For example, if the flow path through which the liquid flows from a container to a patient is made up of two tubes, the liquid in the container is introduced into the container tube with the upstream tube (container tube) and downstream tube (patient tube) separated. When the liquid reaches the connector (container connector) provided at the downstream end of the container tube, the flow of the liquid is temporarily stopped. The container connector is then connected to the connector (patient connector) provided at the upstream end of the patient tube. The flow of the liquid is then resumed and the liquid is administered to the patient.

In order to prevent the container side connector and the patient side connector from unintentionally separating while administering a liquid to a patient, the container side connector and the patient side connector are often each provided with a locking mechanism to maintain the connection between the two. In this case, during priming, the liquid introduced into the container side tube may flow out of the container side connector and adhere to the locking mechanism provided on the container side connector. Since the locking mechanism has a complex shape or is provided in a location that is difficult to access, it is difficult to wipe off and remove the liquid that adheres to the locking mechanism. The liquid that adheres to the locking mechanism may interfere with the operation of the locking mechanism or cause the container side connector to become unsanitary.

In addition, if the flow rate of the liquid is high during priming, the liquid introduced into the container-side tube may forcefully flow out (spurt out) from the container-side connector. The liquid spurting out from the container-side connector may splash over a wide area, soiling the area around the container-side connector.

Patent Document 1 describes a cap that is attached to a container-side connector (female connector) when priming a container-side tube for enteral nutrition. The cap is configured to reduce the amount of liquid remaining in the tubular portion (female member) of the container-side connector after priming. Therefore, even if priming is performed with this cap attached to the container-side connector, there is a possibility that the liquid will adhere to the locking mechanism (spiral protrusion) provided on the container-side connector or that the liquid will spurt out forcefully from the container-side connector.

WO2016/158937A1

The present invention aims to solve the above problems that occur during priming. The first object of the present invention is to prevent liquid that flows out of the connector during priming from adhering to the locking mechanism provided on the connector. The second object of the present invention is to prevent liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

The cap of the present invention is detachable from a connector having a hollow tubular portion through which liquid flows out. The cap is configured so that when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid that flows out of the tubular portion flows through the cap to the outside world. The cap is equipped with a regulating wall that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid that flows out of the tubular portion does not flow along the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion when the cap is attached to the connector, and a stopper that is arranged on the axis of the tubular portion and spaced apart from the tubular portion so that the liquid that flows out of the tubular portion collides with the stopper when the cap is attached to the connector.

By attaching the cap of the present invention to the connector during priming, it is possible to prevent liquid that has flowed out of the connector from adhering to the locking mechanism provided on the connector, and also to prevent the liquid from splashing over a wide area.

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

In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the restricting wall may include a flange extending radially outward from the tubular portion. According to this aspect, the flange prevents liquid that has flowed out of the tubular portion from flowing toward the locking mechanism. This is advantageous in preventing liquid from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the connector.

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

In the above aspect, the regulating wall may further include an outer tube arranged radially outward of the gap between the flange and the stopper so as to surround the gap. According to this aspect, the liquid that flows out of the tubular portion can be caused to collide with the outer tube after colliding with the stopper. The liquid's flow rate is further reduced by colliding with the outer tube. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from scattering over a wide area during priming.

In the above embodiment, the outer tube may have a cylindrical shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction. According to this embodiment, the liquid can be reliably collided with the outer tube. This is further advantageous in preventing the liquid from scattering over a wide area during priming.

Alternatively, the outer tube may be provided with an opening that penetrates the outer tube in the radial direction. According to this aspect, the liquid can be allowed to flow out of the outer tube through the opening.

The stop portion may be disposed substantially along a plane along which the flange extends. This simplifies the cap's configuration and facilitates its manufacture. In addition, the dimension of the cap along its axial direction (the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion) can be shortened, making it easier to miniaturize the cap.

The area of the stopper may be 10% or more of the area of the flow path at the tip of the tubular portion. This aspect is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

At least one opening may be provided between the stopper and the flange through which liquid flowing out of the tubular section can pass. The diameter of a circle concentric with the axis of the tubular section and circumscribing the at least one opening may be greater than the inner diameter of the opening at the tip of the tubular section. This aspect is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area while ensuring the discharge of the liquid during priming.

In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the restricting wall may include a connecting tube that can be connected to the tubular portion. According to this aspect, the liquid that flows out of the tubular portion continues to flow inside the connecting tube. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from adhering to a locking mechanism provided in the connector.

In the above embodiment, the connecting tube may be configured to be able to fit into the tubular portion. When the tubular portion is a female member, applying this embodiment makes it easy to connect the female member and the connecting tube in a liquid-tight manner.

In the above aspect, the stopper may be disposed away from the opening of the connecting tube through which the liquid flows out. When the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion, the stopper may cover at least a portion of the opening of the connecting tube. According to this aspect, there is a high possibility that the liquid flowing out of the connecting tube will collide with the stopper. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

Alternatively, the connecting tube may be configured so that the tubular portion can be fitted into the connecting tube. According to this aspect, it is easy to increase the cross-sectional area of the flow path inside the connecting tube. This reduces the flow rate of the liquid flowing out of the connecting tube. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

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

In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the connector may be a first connector. The first connector may be connectable and disconnectable to the second connector. The first connector may include a locking mechanism that engages with the second connector so that the first connector is maintained connected to the second connector. The restricting wall may be configured so that when the cap is attached to the first connector, liquid that flows out of the tubular portion does not adhere to the locking mechanism of the first connector. This aspect is advantageous in preventing liquid that flows out of the first connector during priming from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the first connector.

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

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be a female thread that surrounds the tubular portion.

Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be a protrusion or recess provided on the inner peripheral surface of a locking tube that surrounds the tubular portion.

The restricting wall may include a flange extending radially outward from the tubular portion, and a protective tube extending from the flange toward the first connector. The protective tube may be configured such that the locking mechanism is housed within the inner cavity of the protective tube when the cap is attached to the first connector. This aspect is even more advantageous in preventing liquid that flows out of the first connector during priming from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the first connector.

The cap of the present invention may have a flange that protrudes radially outward from the tip of the protective tube. The flange functions as a restricting wall to prevent liquid that has flowed out of the tubular portion of the first connector from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the first connector. Also, by gripping the flange, it becomes easier to attach and detach (particularly remove) the cap to and from the first connector.

The present invention will be described in detail below, showing preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each figure referred to in the following description shows a simplified view of the main components constituting the embodiment of the present invention for the convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present invention may include any components not shown in the following figures. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, each component shown in the following figures may be modified or omitted. The same reference numerals are used in different drawings to identify or correspond to the same components. The description of such components is omitted in the following embodiments, and the description of the preceding embodiments should be taken into consideration as appropriate.

In the present invention, "axis" refers to the central axis of a member. The "axis" passes through the center of a circle contained in the member and/or coincides with the central axis of a cylinder contained in the member. The direction along a 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.

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

Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of enteral nutrition. The liquid (e.g., nutritional supplement) to be administered to the patient is stored in a container 801. The liquid flows from the container 801 through a nutrition set 810 and a catheter 820 in that order, and is administered to the patient. The nutrition set 810 is composed of a flexible tube 811. A connector 813 that can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from the port 803 of the container 801 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 811, and a female connector 830 is provided at the downstream end of the tube 811. A drip tube 815 for visualizing the flow of the liquid and a clamp 817 for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid are provided on the tube 811. The catheter 820 is composed of a flexible tube 821. The catheter 820 is inserted, for example, from the patient's nose, and its tip (not shown) reaches the digestive tract (e.g., the stomach). A male connector 850 that can be connected to and disconnected from the female connector 830 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 821.

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

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

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

A pair of gripping portions 838 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base pipe 837 so as to protrude in opposite directions along the radial direction. The gripping portions 838 make it easy for an operator to grip the female connector 830 and apply a rotational force to the female connector 830.

The flow path 836 extends along the axis of the female connector 830 and penetrates the female connector 830. The female member 831 and the base pipe 837 communicate with each other via the flow path 836. The flange 839 protrudes radially outward from a position between the female member 831 and the base pipe 837 in a flange-like shape. The flange 839 is a thin plate that has a circular shape when viewed along the axis of the female connector 830. The flange 839 prevents the fingers of an operator from touching the outer circumferential surface 833 and the helical projection 834 of the female member 831 when the operator holds the base pipe 837 and the grip portion 838 with his/her fingers, which helps to maintain good hygienic conditions.

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

The male connector 850 has a hollow cylindrical male member (tubular portion) 851 at one end. The male member 851 is coaxial with the axis of the male connector 850. The outer peripheral surface of the male member 851 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called male taper surface) 852 whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the male member 851. The male member 851 has a tip taper surface 859 having a larger taper angle than the taper surface 852 on the tip side of the taper surface 852. The male connector 850 further has a hollow cylindrical outer tube 853. The outer tube 853 is arranged coaxially with the male member 851 and surrounds the male member 851 while being spaced apart from the male member 851 in the radial direction. A female thread 854 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 853 facing the male member 851. The tip of the male member 851 (particularly the tip tapered surface 859) protrudes axially beyond the outer tube 853.

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

A pair of gripping portions 858 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base pipe 857 so as to protrude radially outward in opposite directions. The gripping portions 858 make it easy for an operator to grip the male connector 850 and apply a rotational force to the male connector 850.

The flow path 856 extends along the axis of the male connector 850 and passes through the male connector 850. The male member 851 and the connecting pipe 857 are in communication with each other via the flow path 856.

The female connector 830 and the female connector 850 are preferably made of a hard material, although there is no limitation thereto. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and hard polyvinyl chloride can be used. The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can each be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using these resin materials.

The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be connected by inserting the male member 851 into the female member 831 and screwing the helical protrusion 834 into the female thread 854. The tip of the male member 851 is provided with a tip tapered surface 859, and the tip tapered surface 859 protrudes beyond the tip of the outer tube 853, so that the male member 851 can be easily inserted into the female member 831. The female tapered surface 832 of the female member 831 and the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851 have the same diameter and taper angle, so that the two make liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fit). The helical protrusion 834 and the female thread 854 that screw into each other form a locking mechanism for maintaining the connection between the female connector 830 and the male connector 850. As long as the helical projection 834 is threadedly engaged with the female thread 854, the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 will not be unintentionally separated even if a pulling force is applied between the nutrition set 810 and the catheter 820. The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be separated by loosening the thread engagement between the helical projection 834 and the female thread 854. The female connector 830 can be repeatedly connected and disconnected from the male connector 850.

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

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

The flange 115 extends radially outward from one longitudinal end of the connecting tube 110. The flange 115 is a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) that has a circular opening in the center.

The outer tube 120 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 115. The outer tube 120 has a hollow cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the connecting tube 110, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 110. The flange 115 is located approximately in the center of the entire axial length of the outer tube 120. The part of the outer tube 120 that is on the connecting tube 110 side with respect to the flange 115 is called the protective tube 122, and the part of the outer tube 120 that is on the opposite side of the connecting tube 110 with respect to the flange 115 is called the outer peripheral tube 125. The protective tube 122 is radially spaced from the connecting tube 110 and surrounds the connecting tube 110.

The cap 110 further includes a stop portion 140 in the inner cavity of the outer tube 125. The stop portion 140 has a generally circular disk shape when viewed along the axis of the cap 100. The outer diameter of the stop portion 140 is preferably approximately the same as or larger than the opening diameter of the flange 115 side of the connecting tube 110 (or the opening diameter of the flange 115). Therefore, when viewed along the axis of the cap 100, the stop portion 140 covers the opening of the connecting tube 110 (or the opening of the flange 115) (see FIG. 6B). The surface of the stop portion 140 on the connecting tube 110 (or flange 115) side is a concave curved surface 141 whose center (the point where the axes intersect) is recessed away from the connecting tube 110 (or flange 115).

The stop portion 140 is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 110 and spaced apart from the flange 115 (or the connecting tube 110) in the axial direction. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) supports 145 arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the axis of the cap 100 support the stop portion 140. Each support 145 is a substantially rectangular thin plate parallel to both the axis of the cap 100 and the radial direction, and is held by the outer tube 125 and the flange 115. An opening 143 is provided between the stop portion 140 and the flange 115 (or the connecting tube 110) and between the supports 145 adjacent in the circumferential direction. The outer tube 125 faces the opening 143 in the radial direction. The outer tube 125 is arranged radially outward of the gap 147 between the flange 115 (or the connecting tube 110) and the stop portion 140 so as to surround the gap 147. The inner cavity of the connecting tube 110 is connected to the outside of the cap 100 via the gap 147, the opening 143, and the inner cavity of the outer tube 125 in that order.

The configuration of the support 145 is arbitrary as long as it can hold the stop portion 140 in the desired position. For example, the support 145 may be connected to only one of the outer tube 125 and the flange 115. The support 145 does not have to be a substantially rectangular thin plate, and may be, for example, an elongated plate or rod (columnar body). The support 145, which is an elongated plate or rod, may extend along the radial direction, parallel to the axis, or inclined relative to both the radial and axial directions.

The material of the cap 100 is not limited, but a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that does not substantially deform due to external forces is preferable. For example, resin materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, rigid polyvinyl chloride, and ABS (acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer) can be used, with polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and ABS being preferred. The cap 100 can be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using the above resin materials.

The following describes how to use the cap 100. The cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830 (see Figure 1) when performing priming, which is performed prior to administering liquid (e.g., nutrients) to a patient through enteral nutrition.

Priming is generally performed as follows. In FIG. 1, the connector 813 of the nutrition set 810 is connected to the port 803 of the container 801. At this time, the clamp 817 of the nutrition set 810 is closed. The container 801 is hung, for example, on an irrigator stand. A liquid (e.g., nutrients) is injected into the container 801. The catheter 820 is inserted through the patient's nasal cavity, and its tip (not shown) reaches the digestive tract (e.g., the stomach). The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 are not connected. In this state, the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830.

Figure 8A is a perspective view of a female connector 830 with a cap 100 attached. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 8A.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the connecting tube 110 is fitted into the female member 831. The male taper surface 112 of the connecting tube 110 and the female taper surface 832 of the female member 831 have the same diameter and taper angle, so they make liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fit). The friction between the male taper surface 112 and the female taper surface 832 securely fixes and holds the cap 100 coaxially to the female connector 830. The tube 811 of the nutrition set 810, the flow path 836 of the female connector 830, and the connecting tube 110 are connected in sequence.

The female member 831 is inserted into the gap between the protective tube 122 (outer tube 120) of the cap 100 and the connecting tube 110. The tip of the protective tube 122 (the part farthest from the flange 115) faces and is close to (or abuts) the flange 839 of the female connector 830 in the axial direction. The outer peripheral surface 833 and the helical projection 834 of the female member 831 are housed within the protective tube 122.

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

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

In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 817 so that the flow of the liquid stops when the liquid reaches the female member 831. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 817, the liquid may leak out of the female member 831 into the outside world.

Unlike the first embodiment, if priming is performed without attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830 (see Figures 2, 3A, and 3B), the following problems may occur due to liquid leaking from the female member 831.

First, the liquid adheres to the lock mechanism (spiral projection 834) provided on the female connector 830. That is, the liquid flowing out from the female member 831 flows along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831, and the liquid adheres to the outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral projection 834. Since the spiral projection 834 has a complex shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid adhered to the spiral projection 834. If the female connector 830 is connected to the male connector 850 (see Figures 4, 5A, and 5B) with the liquid adhered to the spiral projection 834, the liquid hinders the screwing of the spiral projection 834 with the female thread 854 of the male connector 850. In addition, the liquid adhered to the spiral projection 834 deteriorates the sanitary condition of the female connector 830. Furthermore, the liquid may transfer from the spiral projection 834 to the female thread 854 of the male connector 850. The gap 855 between the male member 851 and the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 is narrow, and the female thread 854 has a complex shape, so it is difficult to wipe off any liquid that adheres to the female thread 854 (particularly its thread groove). The male connector 850 may be left in the patient together with the catheter 820 for a long period of time. Any liquid that adheres to the female thread 854 may cause the male connector 850 to become unsanitary.

Secondly, the area around the female connector 830 becomes soiled with liquid. Depending on the opening of the clamp 817, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the tube 811 may be fast, causing the liquid to spurt out forcefully from the female member 831. The liquid may splash far away from the female member 831 and over a wide area, soiling the clothing and linens of patients and workers.

The above problem can be solved by priming the cap 100 while it is attached to the female connector 830 (see Figures 8A and 8B). This is explained below.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the connecting tube 110 is connected to the female member 831. The flange 115 extends radially outward from the open end of the connecting tube 110, and the outer tube 125 extends from the outer peripheral end of the flange 115 toward the opposite side of the connecting tube 110 (or the female connector 830). For this reason, the liquid flows from the flow path 836 of the female connector 830 into the connecting tube 110, passes through the opening 143, flows along the flange 115 and the outer tube 125 (particularly their inner peripheral surface), and flows out to the outside of the cap 100. In other words, the connecting tube 110, the flange 115, and the outer tube 125 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the female member 831 does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831. After reaching the tip of the outer peripheral tube 125, the liquid may flow toward the female connector 830 along the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral tube 125 depending on the orientation of the female connector 830 and the cap 100. In this case, the protective tube 122 connected to the outer peripheral tube 125 functions as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831. For this reason, in this embodiment 1, there is almost no possibility that the liquid will adhere to the outer peripheral surface 833 or the spiral projection 834. Even if the cap 100 is removed from the female connector 830 after priming and the female connector 830 is connected to the male connector 850 (see Figures 4, 5A, and 5B) without wiping and cleaning the outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral projection 834, the spiral projection 834 can be reliably screwed into the female thread 854. In addition, the liquid does not transfer to the female thread 854 of the male connector 850. The sanitary condition of the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be maintained well for a long period of time. In addition, after completing priming and removing the cap 100 from the female connector 830, the task of wiping off and cleaning the liquid from the female connector 830 can be omitted or simplified. As a result, the priming task can be performed simply and quickly overall, reducing the burden on the worker.

If the flow rate of the liquid during priming is high, the liquid will spurt out from the connection tube 110 with force. After spurting out from the connection tube 110, the liquid will collide with the concave curved surface 141 of the stopper 140, which is disposed on the axis of the female member 831 (or the connection tube 110) and spaced apart from the female member 831 and the connection tube 110. The liquid will flow outward in the radial direction from the opening 143 and collide with the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 125. The liquid will then flow along the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 125 and flow out to the outside. In this way, the stopper 140 weakens the momentum (flow rate) of the liquid spurted out from the connection tube 110. The inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 125 further weakens the momentum (flow rate) of the liquid flowing out through the opening 143. Therefore, the flow of the liquid flowing out from the outer tube 125 to the outside of the cap 100 will be gentle. The liquid will not splash over a wide area far from the cap 100. The concave curved surface 141 of the stopper 140 tilts the flow direction of the liquid after it collides with the stopper 140 slightly toward the flange 115. Therefore, the liquid that flows out from the opening 143 will surely collide with the flange 115 or the outer tube 125. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area from the cap 100.

When the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the connecting tube 110 is inserted into the female member 831. Because the flow path cross-sectional area in the connecting tube 110 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area in the female member 831, the flow rate of the liquid is faster in the connecting tube 110 than in the female member 831. For this reason, when the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the liquid spurts out from the connecting tube 110 with more force. However, the cap 100 can prevent the liquid from spurting out with force and soiling the surroundings as described above.

By attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830, the female member 831 and the helical projection 834 (locking mechanism) of the female connector 830 are housed within the cap 100. More specifically, the connecting tube 110 covers the female tapered surface 832 of the female member 831, and the flange 115 and the protective tube 122 cover the tip, outer peripheral surface, and helical projection 834 of the female member 831. Furthermore, the stopper 140 makes it difficult to access the flow path 836 of the female connector 830. Therefore, by attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830, it is possible to prevent the main parts of the female connector 830, such as the female member 831, the helical projection 834, and the flow path 836, from being contaminated by contact with the operator's fingers, etc.

The present embodiment 1 is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment 1 and can be modified as appropriate.

The connecting tube 110 of the cap 100 may be connected to the female member 831. In this embodiment, the connecting tube 110 is fitted into the female member 831. However, the connection structure between the connecting tube 110 and the female member 831 is not limited to this. For example, the female member 831 may be fitted into the connecting tube 110 as in the second and third embodiments described below. Alternatively, the connecting tube 110 may be connected to the female member 831 by the tip of the connecting tube 110 abutting against the tip of the female member 831 in the axial direction. It is preferable that the connecting tube 110 is liquid-tightly connected to the female member 831. However, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks out from between the connecting tube 110 and the female member 831 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal between the two in the strict sense. For example, even if there is a small gap between the connecting tube 110 and the female member 831, as in a labyrinth seal, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks through the gap.

In this embodiment 1, the "control wall" that controls the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 is composed of the connection tube 110, the flange 115, the outer peripheral tube 125, and the protective tube 122. However, the configuration of the control wall is not limited to this.

For example, the cap 100 may not have one or both of the outer tube 125 and the protective tube 122. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out of the female member 831 will adhere to the helical protrusion 834.

Alternatively, the cap 100 does not need to have the connecting tube 110. For example, if the inner surface of the protective tube 122 is provided with a female thread that screws into the helical protrusion 834, the cap 100 can be firmly fixed to the female connector 830 even without the connecting tube 110. The flange 115 is abutted against the tip of the female member 831 in the axial direction. In this case, too, it is possible to reduce the possibility that liquid that flows out from the female member 831 will adhere to the helical protrusion 834.

Alternatively, the cap 100 may not include the flange 115, the outer tube 125, and the protective tube 122. For example, the connecting tube 110 is lengthened so that it protrudes from the female member 831. A stop portion (e.g., the stop portion 140 in this embodiment 1) is provided at the tip of the connecting tube 110, axially spaced from the tip of the connecting tube 110. In this case, it is also possible to reduce the possibility that liquid flowing out from the female member 831 will adhere to the spiral protrusion 834.

When the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the flange 839 of the female connector 830 may be housed within the protective tube 122.

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

For example, the surface of the stopper 140 facing the connecting tube 110 (or the flange 115) does not need to be a concave surface 141, but may be a flat surface or a convex surface, etc.

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

(Embodiment 2)
Another configuration example for enteral nutrition is shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 differs from Fig. 1 in that the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 are interchanged. In enteral nutrition, a connector consisting of a female connector 830 and a male connector 850 is generally provided so that the female connector 830 is on the upstream side and the male connector 850 is on the downstream side, as shown in Fig. 1. However, as shown in Fig. 9, there may be cases where the male connector 850 is on the upstream side and the female connector 830 is on the downstream side. The cap 200 of this embodiment 2 is detachable from the male connector 850 of Fig. 9.

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

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

The flange 215 extends radially outward from one longitudinal end of the connecting tube 210. The flange 215 is a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) that has a circular opening in the center.

The outer tube 225 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. The outer tube 225 has a hollow cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the connecting tube 210, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 210. The outer tube 225 extends from the flange 215 toward the opposite side to the connecting tube 210. Unlike the outer tube 125 of embodiment 1, the outer tube 225 has multiple openings 228 (six in this embodiment) that penetrate the outer tube 225 in the radial direction. The multiple openings 228 are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction.

The cap 210 further includes a stop portion 240 in the inner cavity of the outer tube 225. Unlike the stop portion 140 of the first embodiment, the stop portion 240 has a convex surface 241 protruding toward the connecting tube 210 (or the flange 215). The convex surface 241 has an approximately conical shape (or an approximately cone shape). The stop portion 240 further includes a flange 242 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral end (the part furthest from the connecting tube 210) of the convex surface 241. The flange 242 surrounds the circular outer peripheral end of the convex surface 241 in an annular shape. The surface of the stop portion 240 facing the connecting tube 210 and the flange 215 is composed of the convex surface 241 and the flange 242, which are smoothly connected. The stop portion 240 is supported by the outer tube 225. More specifically, the flange 242 of the stopper 240 is connected to the tip of the outer tube 225 (the point farthest from the flange 215). The stopper 240 is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 210, with the apex of the convex curved surface 241 facing the connecting tube 210, and spaced apart in the axial direction from the flange 215 (or the connecting tube 210). The outer diameter of the stopper 240 (i.e., the outer diameter of the flange 242) seen along the axis of the cap 200 is larger than the opening diameter on the flange 215 side of the connecting tube 210 (or the opening diameter of the flange 215), and is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the flange 215 and the outer tube 225. Therefore, although not shown, when seen along the axis of the cap 200, the stopper 240 covers the opening of the connecting tube 210 (or the opening of the flange 215).

The outer tube 225 is disposed radially outward of the gap 247 between the flange 215 (or the connecting tube 210) and the stopper 240, surrounding the gap 247. The inner cavity of the connecting tube 210 is connected to the outside of the cap 200 via the gap 247 and the opening 228 in that order.

The material of the cap 200 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by external forces. For example, the same resin material as that of the cap 100 of the first embodiment may be used. The cap 200 can be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using this resin material.

The method of using the cap 200 will now be described. As with the cap 100 of embodiment 1, the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850 (see FIG. 9) when performing priming prior to administering liquid (e.g., nutrients) to a patient through enteral nutrition.

Priming is generally performed as follows. In FIG. 9, the connector 813 of the nutrition set 810 is connected to the port 803 of the container 801. At this time, the clamp 817 of the nutrition set 810 is closed. The container 801 is hung, for example, on an irrigator stand. A liquid (e.g., nutrients) is injected into the container 801. The catheter 820 is inserted through the patient's nasal cavity, and its tip (not shown) reaches the digestive tract (e.g., the stomach). The male connector 850 and the female connector 830 are not connected. In this state, the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850.

Figure 11A is a perspective view of the male connector 850 with the cap 200 attached. Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 11A.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the male member 851 is fitted into the connecting tube 210. The tip of the male member 851 is provided with a tip tapered surface 859, and the tip tapered surface 859 protrudes beyond the tip of the outer tube 853, so that the male member 851 can be easily inserted into the connecting tube 210. The female tapered surface 212 of the connecting tube 210 and the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851 have the same diameter and taper angle, so that they make liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fit). The cap 200 is firmly fixed and held coaxially to the male connector 850 by the frictional force between the female tapered surface 212 and the male tapered surface 852. The tube 811 of the nutrition set 810, the flow path 856 of the male connector 850, and the connecting tube 210 are connected in sequence.

The connecting tube 210 is inserted into the gap 855 between the male member 851 of the male connector 850 and the outer tube 853. The flange 215 faces the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 in the axial direction and is close to (or abuts) it. The outer diameter of the flange 215 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer tube 853. Therefore, the outer peripheral end of the flange 215 forms a cylindrical surface that is approximately common with the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 853. The gap 855 of the male connector 850 is substantially filled by the connecting tube 210 and the flange 215 of the cap 200.

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

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

In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 817 so that the flow of the liquid stops when the liquid reaches the male member 851. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 817, the liquid may leak out of the male member 851 into the outside world.

Unlike the second embodiment, if priming is performed without attaching the cap 200 to the male connector 850 (see Figures 4, 5A, and 5B), the following problems may occur due to liquid leaking from the male member 851.

First, the liquid adheres to the locking mechanism (female thread 854) provided in the male connector 850. That is, the liquid flowing out from the male member 851 flows along the outer peripheral surface 852 of the male member 851, flows into the gap 855 between the male member 851 and the outer tube 853, and a part of it adheres to the female thread 854. Since the gap 855 is narrow and the female thread 854 has a complex shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid adhered to the female thread 854 (especially its thread groove). If the male connector 850 is connected to the female connector 830 (see Figures 2, 3A, and 3B) with the liquid adhering to the female thread 854, the liquid prevents the female thread 854 from screwing into the helical protrusion 834. In addition, the male connector 850 may be left in the patient together with the catheter 820 for a long period of time. Therefore, liquid adhering to the female thread 854 can cause the male connector 850 to become unsanitary.

Secondly, the area around the male connector 850 becomes soiled with liquid. Depending on the opening of the clamp 817, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the tube 811 may be fast, causing the liquid to spurt out forcefully from the male member 851. The liquid may splash far away from the male member 851 and over a wide area, soiling the clothing and linens of patients and workers.

The above problem can be solved by priming the cap 200 while it is attached to the male connector 850 (see Figures 11A and 11B). This is explained below.

11B, when the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the connecting tube 210 is connected to the male member 851. The flange 215 extends radially outward from the open end of the connecting tube 210. For this reason, the liquid flows from the flow path 856 of the male connector 850 into the connecting tube 210, flows along the flange 215, and flows out to the outside of the cap 200 through the opening 228. That is, the connecting tube 210 and the flange 215 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the male member 851 does not flow along the outer circumferential surface 852 of the male member 851. After leaving the opening 228, the liquid may flow on the cap 200 toward the male connector 850 depending on the orientation of the male connector 850 and the cap 200. However, the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 faces and approaches (or abuts) the outer circumferential end of the flange 215 in the axial direction. Therefore, in this embodiment 2, there is almost no possibility that the liquid will adhere to the female thread 854. After priming, even if the cap 200 is removed from the male connector 850 and the male connector 850 is connected to the female connector 830 (see Figures 2, 3A, and 3B) without wiping and cleaning the inside of the gap 855 (particularly the female thread 854), the spiral projection 834 of the female connector 830 can be reliably screwed into the female thread 854. In addition, the liquid will not transfer to the spiral projection 834. The sanitary condition of the male connector 850 and the female connector 830 can be maintained well for a long period of time. In addition, after completing priming and removing the cap 200 from the male connector 850, the task of wiping and cleaning the liquid from the male connector 850 can be omitted or simplified. Therefore, the priming task can be performed simply and quickly overall, reducing the burden on the worker.

If the flow rate of the liquid during priming is high, the liquid will spurt out from the male member 851 with force. After spurting out from the male member 851, the liquid will collide with the convex surface 241 of the stopper 240, which is disposed on the axis of the male member 851 (or the connecting tube 210) and spaced apart from the male member 851 and the connecting tube 210. The liquid will flow radially outward along the convex surface 241 and the flange 242. Then, it will flow out to the outside of the cap 200 through the opening 228 provided in the outer tube 225. In this way, the stopper 240 weakens the momentum (flow rate) of the liquid spurted out from the male member 851 (or the connecting tube 210). Therefore, the flow of the liquid flowing out from the opening 228 to the outside of the cap 200 will be gentle. The liquid will not splash over a wide area far from the cap 200. The surface of the stopper 240 facing the connecting tube 210 (male member 851) has a flange 242 around the convex surface 241, so the momentum of the liquid is further weakened when it moves from the convex surface 241 to the flange 242. In addition, part of the liquid that flows along the stopper 240 collides with the inner surface of the outer tube 225, changes its flow direction, and then flows out from the opening 228. This further weakens the momentum of the liquid flowing out from the opening 228. In this way, the flange 242 and the outer tube 225 are advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area from the cap 200.

When the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the connection tube 210 fits onto the outer circumferential surface 852 of the male member 851. Even when the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 856 in the male member 851 does not change, and therefore the flow rate of the liquid flowing out of the male member 851 does not change either. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area.

By attaching the cap 200 to the male connector 850, the male member 851 and the female screw 854 (locking mechanism) of the male connector 850 are housed within the cap 200. More specifically, the connecting tube 210 covers the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851, and the flange 215 closes the opening at the tip of the outer tube 853. Furthermore, the stopper 240 makes it difficult to access the tip of the male member 851 and the flow path 856 of the male connector 850. Therefore, by attaching the cap 200 to the male connector 850, it is possible to prevent the main parts of the male connector 850, such as the male member 851, the female screw 854, and the flow path 856, from being contaminated by contact with the operator's fingers, etc.

The present embodiment 2 is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment 2 and can be modified as appropriate.

The connection tube 210 of the cap 200 may be connected to the male member 851. In this embodiment, the male member 851 is fitted into the connection tube 210. However, the connection structure between the connection tube 210 and the male member 851 is not limited to this. For example, the connection tube 210 may be fitted into the male member 851 as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the tip of the connection tube 210 may be abutted against the tip of the male member 851 in the axial direction, so that the connection tube 210 is connected to the male member 851. It is preferable that the connection tube 210 is liquid-tightly connected to the male member 851. However, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks out from between the connection tube 210 and the male member 851 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal between the two in the strict sense. For example, even if there is a small gap between the connection tube 210 and the male member 851, as in a labyrinth seal, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks through the gap.

In this second embodiment, the "control wall" that controls the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 is formed by the connection tube 210 and the flange 215. However, the configuration of the control wall is not limited to this.

For example, the cap 200 may not have the connection tube 210. For example, a protective tube similar to the protective tube 322 of the third embodiment described later is provided at the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. By fitting the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 into the protective tube, the cap 200 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 850 even without the connection tube 210. Alternatively, instead of the connection tube 210, a hollow tube having a male thread that screws into the female thread 854 is provided on the flange 215. By screwing the male thread into the female thread 854, the cap 200 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 850. In either case, the flange 215 is abutted against the tip of the male member 851 in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out from the male member 851 will adhere to the female thread 854.

Alternatively, the cap 200 may not have a flange 215. For example, the connection tube 210 may be elongated so that it protrudes from the male member 851. A stop portion (e.g., the stop portion 140 in embodiment 1) may be provided at the tip of the connection tube 210, spaced axially from the tip of the connection tube 210. In this case as well, it is possible to reduce the possibility that liquid that has flowed out from the male member 851 will adhere to the female thread 854.

A protective tube similar to the protective tube 322 of the third embodiment described below may be provided at the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. An outer tube 853 provided with a female thread 854 (locking mechanism) is housed within the protective tube. In this case, this protective tube can function as a "control wall."

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

For example, the surface of the stopper 240 facing the connecting tube 210 (or the flange 215, the male member 851) does not need to be a convex surface 241, but may be a flat surface or a concave surface, etc.

Instead of the stop portion 240 and the outer tube 225, the stop portion 140 and the support 145 of embodiment 1 may be applied to the cap 200. Furthermore, the outer tube 125 of embodiment 1 may be provided on the flange 215. In this case, the outer tube 125 can function as a "regulating wall."

Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 240 and the outer tube 225, the stop portion 340 arranged along approximately the same plane as the flange 315 in the third embodiment described below may be applied to the cap 200.

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

Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of intravenous nutrition. A liquid to be administered to a patient (for example, an infusion agent containing electrolytes in water) is stored in a container (infusion bag) 901. The liquid flows from the container 901 through an infusion set 910 and an extension tube 920 in that order, and is administered to the patient. The infusion set 910 is composed of a flexible tube 911. A connector (puncture needle) 913 that can be repeatedly connected and disconnected to a port (rubber plug) 903 of the container 901 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 911, and a male lure 919 is provided at the downstream end of the tube 911. A male connector 950 is connected to the male lure 919. A drip tube 915 for visualizing the flow of the liquid and a clamp 917 for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid are provided on the tube 911 of the infusion set 910. The extension tube 920 is composed of a flexible tube 921. The upstream end of the tube 921 is provided with a female connector 930 that can be connected to and disconnected from a male connector 950. The downstream end of the tube 921 is provided with an indwelling needle device 925. The indwelling needle device 925 is placed in the patient by puncturing the patient's vein.

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

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

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

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

The flow passage 966 extends along the axis (longitudinal direction) of the connector body 960 and penetrates the connector body 960. The male member 961 and the connecting pipe 967 are in communication with each other via the flow passage 966.

The lock body 970 has a lock tube 971 at one end and a support tube 975 at the other end. The lock tube 971 and the support tube 975 are both hollow cylindrical and arranged coaxially. The lock tube 971 has a larger diameter than the support tube 975. The inner peripheral surface of the lock tube 971 is provided with two locking protrusions 974 (only one locking protrusion 974 is visible in Figs. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B) protruding radially inward. The inner peripheral surface of the support tube 975 is provided with four locking protrusions 976 (only two locking protrusions 976 are visible in Fig. 14B) protruding radially inward. A pair of grip portions 978 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support tube 975 so as to protrude radially outward toward opposite sides. The grip portions 978 make it easy for an operator to grip the lock body 970 and apply a rotational force to the lock body 970.

The connector body 960 is inserted into the lock body 970 with the male member 961 facing the support tube 975 as shown in FIG. 14A. The locking projection 976 of the lock body 970 fits into the groove 963 of the connector body 960, thereby positioning the connector body 960 in the axial direction relative to the lock body 970. The locking projection 976 of the lock body 970 collides with the rib 963 of the connector body 960 in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the rotation of the connector body 960 around the axis relative to the lock body 970. The connector body 960 is arranged coaxially with the lock body 970.

The connector body 960 and the lock body 970 are preferably made of a hard material, although there is no limitation thereto. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and hard polyvinyl chloride can be used. The connector body 960 and the lock body 970 can each be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using these resin materials.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the female connector 930 (see Figure 12). The female connector 930 has a circular top plate 935 with a circular opening 936 in the center. A septum 931 is exposed in the opening 936. The septum 931 is a circular thin plate made of an elastic material such as rubber and has a larger diameter than the opening 936. A linear slit (cut) 932 is formed in the center of the septum 931, penetrating the septum 931 in the thickness direction. In the initial state, the slit 932 is closed liquid-tight and airtight. Two grooves 934 (only one groove 934 is visible in Figure 15) that are approximately "J" shaped are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the female connector 930.

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

Figure 16A is a perspective view of a cap 300 according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 16B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap 300.

The cap 300 includes a connecting tube 310 having a hollow cylindrical shape and arranged coaxially with the axis of the cap 300. The inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube 310 is provided with a cylindrical surface 312 whose inner diameter is constant in the axial direction. Note that instead of the cylindrical surface 312, the inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube 310 may be provided with a tapered surface (so-called female taper surface) whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip of the connecting tube 310 (the upper end in FIG. 16B).

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

The first flange portion 315a is a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) extending radially outward from the lower end of the connecting tube 310. A stop portion 340 is provided inside the first flange portion 315a. The stop portion 340 is connected to the inner peripheral end of the first flange portion 315a via a plurality of (three in this embodiment) supports 345. The stop portion 340 is disposed approximately along the plane along which the first flange portion 315a is disposed. An opening 343 is provided between the stop portion 340 and the first flange portion 315a and between the supports 345 adjacent in the circumferential direction. The inner cavity of the connecting tube 310 is connected to the outside of the cap 300 via a plurality of (three in this embodiment) openings 343. It is preferable that the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the multiple openings 343 (this circumscribing circle is concentric with the cap 300) be greater than the inner diameter of the opening (flow path 966) at the tip of the male member 961.

The upper end of the generally cylindrical connecting tube 315c is connected to the outer peripheral end of the first flange portion 315a. The second flange portion 315b extends radially outward from the lower end of the connecting tube 315c. The second flange portion 315b is a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate). The second flange portion 315b is offset axially downward (opposite the connecting tube 310) from the first flange portion 315a.

Unlike this embodiment, the flange 315 may be configured as a single doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) in which the connecting tube 315c is omitted and the first flange portion 315a and the second flange portion 315b extend along the same plane.

A protective tube 322 having a hollow cylindrical shape is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 315 (second flange portion 315b). The protective tube 322 has a hollow cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the connecting tube 310, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 310. The protective tube 322 extends from the flange 315 toward the same side as the connecting tube 310. A flange 323 protruding radially outward is provided at the tip of the protective tube 322 (the part farthest from the flange 315). The flange 323 is continuous in a ring shape around the entire circumference of the protective tube 322. By gripping the flange 323, it is easy to attach and detach (particularly remove) the cap 300 to the male connector 950. A plurality of (six in this embodiment) first protrusions 325a (only three first protrusions 325a are visible in Figures 16A and 16B) protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the protective tube 322. The first protrusions 325a have a rib shape that extends in the axial direction of the cap 300 and are arranged at equal angular intervals relative to the axis.

Multiple (three in this embodiment) second protrusions 325b (only one second protrusion 325b is visible in FIG. 16B) protrude from the flange 315 (second flange portion 315b) toward the same side as the connecting tube 310. In this embodiment, the second protrusion 325b protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the connecting tube 315c (or the separating tube 327) toward the protective tube 322.

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

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

The following describes how to use the cap 300. The cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950 (see FIG. 12) when priming is performed prior to administering a liquid (e.g., an infusion) to a patient through intravenous nutrition (or infusion).

Priming is generally performed as follows. In FIG. 12, the connector 913 of the infusion set 910 is connected to the port 903 of the container 901. At this time, the clamp 917 of the infusion set 910 is closed. The container 901 is hung, for example, on an irrigator stand. The container 901 contains a liquid to be administered to the patient. The indwelling needle device 925 is placed in the patient's vein and is inserted into the patient's vein. The male connector 950 and the female connector 930 are not connected. In this state, the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950.

Figure 17A is a perspective view of the male connector 950 with the cap 300 attached. Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view of Figure 17A. The cross-section of Figure 17B is perpendicular to the cross-sections of Figures 13B and 14B at the axis of the male connector 950 (not shown). In Figures 17A and 17B, the infusion set 910 (particularly its male luer 919 and tube 911, see Figure 12) is omitted from illustration.

As shown in FIG. 17A, three ribs 317 are provided on the outer surface of the first flange portion 315a (the surface opposite the connecting tube 310). The ribs 317 are provided radially outward from the stop portion 340. The ribs 317 prevent the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 from being contaminated by contact with the operator's fingers, etc. The fact that the first flange portion 315a on which the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 are provided is set back from the second flange portion 315b is also advantageous in preventing the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 from being contaminated by contact.

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

The lock tube 971 faces and is close to (or abuts) the flange 315 (particularly the second flange portion 315b) in the axial direction. Almost the entirety of the lock tube 971 is housed in the protective tube 322. The opening at the tip end of the lock tube 971 is substantially covered by the connecting tube 310 of the cap 300, the flange 315, and the protective tube 322. The connecting tube 310 and the separation tube 327 are inserted into the gap 955 (see Figures 13A and 13B) between the male member 961 and the lock tube 971. The separation tube 327 is disposed radially inward of the lock protrusion 974 provided on the lock tube 971 and faces the lock protrusion 974.

The male member 961 is fitted into the connection tube 310. The male tapered surface 962 of the male member 961 fits into the cylindrical surface 312 of the connection tube 310, and the two are connected in a liquid-tight manner. The tube 911 of the infusion set 910, the male luer 919 (see Figure 12), the flow path 966 of the male connector 950, and the connection tube 310 are connected in this order.

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

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

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

In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 917 so that the flow of the liquid stops when the liquid reaches the male member 961. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 917, the liquid may leak out of the male member 961 into the outside world.

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

First, the liquid adheres to the lock mechanism (lock protrusion 974) provided on the male connector 950. That is, the liquid flowing out from the male member 961 flows along the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961, and part of it drips onto the inner peripheral surface of the lock tube 971 and adheres to the lock protrusion 974. Since the gap 955 between the male member 961 and the lock tube 971 is narrow and the lock protrusion 974 has a complex shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid adhered to the lock protrusion 974. If the male connector 950 is connected to the female connector 930 (see FIG. 15) with the liquid adhered to the lock protrusion 974, the liquid prevents the lock protrusion 974 from engaging with the groove 934 of the female connector 930. In addition, the liquid adhered to the lock protrusion 974 deteriorates the sanitary condition of the male connector 950.

Secondly, the area around the male connector 950 becomes soiled with liquid. Depending on the opening of the clamp 917, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the tube 911 may be fast, causing the liquid to spurt out forcefully from the male member 961. The liquid may splash far away from the male member 961 and over a wide area, soiling the clothing and linens of patients and workers.

The above problem can be solved by priming the cap 300 while it is attached to the male connector 950 (see Figures 17A and 17B). This is explained below.

17B, when the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the connecting tube 310 is connected to the male member 961. The flange 315 extends radially outward from the connecting tube 310. For this reason, the liquid flows from the flow path 966 of the male connector 950 into the connecting tube 310 and flows out to the outside of the cap 300 through the opening 343. The liquid then flows along the flange 315. That is, the connecting tube 310 and the flange 315 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the male member 961 does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961. After reaching the outer peripheral end of the flange 315, depending on the orientation of the male connector 950 and the cap 300, the liquid may flow toward the male connector 950 along the outer peripheral surface of the protective tube 322. In this case, the protective tube 322 and the flange 323 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid does not flow along the outer circumferential surface 962 of the male member 961. Therefore, in this embodiment 3, there is almost no possibility that the liquid will adhere to the locking protrusion 974. After priming, even if the cap 300 is removed from the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 is connected to the male connector 950 (see FIG. 15) without wiping and cleaning the locking protrusion 974, the locking protrusion 974 can be reliably engaged with the groove 934. In addition, the liquid does not transfer to the groove 934 of the female connector 930. The sanitary condition of the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 can be maintained well for a long period of time. In addition, after completing priming and removing the cap 300 from the male connector 950, the task of wiping and cleaning the liquid from the male connector 950 can be omitted or simplified. Therefore, the priming task can be performed simply and in a short time overall, reducing the burden on the operator.

If the flow rate of the liquid during priming is high, the liquid will spurt out from the male member 961 into the connecting tube 310 with force. After spurting out from the male member 961, the liquid will collide with the stopper 340, which is disposed on the axis of the male member 961 (or the connecting tube 310) at a distance from the male member 961. The liquid will then flow out to the outside of the cap 300 through the opening 343 disposed around the stopper 340. In this way, the stopper 340 weakens the force (flow rate) of the liquid spurted out from the male member 961. Therefore, the flow of the liquid flowing out from the opening 343 to the outside of the cap 300 will be gentle. The liquid will not splash over a wide area far from the cap 300.

When the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the connection tube 310 fits onto the outer circumferential surface 962 of the male member 961. Even when the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 966 in the male member 961 does not change, and therefore the flow rate of the liquid flowing out of the male member 961 does not change either. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area.

By attaching the cap 300 to the male connector 950, the male member 961 and the locking protrusion 974 (locking mechanism) of the male connector 950 are housed in the cap 300. More specifically, the connecting tube 310 covers the male taper surface 962 of the male member 961, the flange 315 closes the gap 955 between the male member 961 and the locking tube 971, and the protective tube 322 covers the locking tube 971. The separation tube 327 is inserted into the gap 955 and faces the locking protrusion 974. Furthermore, the stopper 340 makes it difficult to access the tip of the male member 961 and the flow path 966 of the male connector 950. Therefore, by attaching the cap 300 to the male connector 950, it is possible to prevent the main parts of the male connector 950, such as the male member 961, the locking protrusion 974, and the flow path 966, from being contaminated by contact with the operator's fingers, etc. It is preferable that the gap between the protective tube 322 and the lock tube 971 be as narrow as possible so that it is difficult for fingers to access the tip of the lock tube 971.

The present embodiment 3 is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment 3 and can be modified as appropriate.

The connection tube 310 of the cap 300 may be connected to the male member 961. In this embodiment, the male member 961 is fitted into the connection tube 310. However, the connection structure between the connection tube 310 and the male member 961 is not limited to this. For example, the connection tube 310 may be fitted into the male member 961 as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the tip of the connection tube 310 may be abutted against the tip of the male member 961 in the axial direction, so that the connection tube 310 is connected to the male member 961. It is preferable that the connection tube 310 is liquid-tightly connected to the male member 961. However, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks out from between the connection tube 310 and the male member 961 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal between the two in the strict sense. For example, even if there is a small gap between the connection tube 310 and the male part 961, as in a labyrinth seal, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks through the gap.

In this third embodiment, the "control wall" that controls the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 is composed of the connection tube 310, the flange 315, the protective tube 322, and the flange 323. However, the configuration of the control wall is not limited to this.

For example, the cap 300 may not have the flange 323. The cap 300 may not have the protective tube 322 and the flange 323. In these cases, it is possible to reduce the possibility that liquid that has flowed out from the male member 961 will adhere to the locking protrusion 974.

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

Alternatively, the cap 300 may not include the connecting tube 310. For example, the flange 315 (first flange portion 315a) may be abutted against the tip of the male member 961 in the axial direction. In this case, it is also possible to reduce the possibility that liquid that flows out from the male member 961 will adhere to the locking protrusion 974.

Alternatively, the cap 300 may not include the flange 315, the protective tube 322, and the brim 323. For example, the connection tube 310 may be elongated so that it protrudes from the male member 961. A stop portion (e.g., the stop portion 140 in embodiment 1) is provided at the tip of the connection tube 310, axially spaced from the tip of the connection tube 310. In this case, it is also possible to reduce the possibility that liquid that flows out from the male member 961 will adhere to the lock protrusion 974.

An outer tube similar to the outer tube 125 of embodiment 1 may be provided at the outer end of the flange 315. In this case, this outer tube can function as a "control wall."

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

For example, the surface of the stopper 340 facing the male member 961 does not need to be a flat surface, but may be a concave or convex surface, etc.

Instead of the stop portion 340 and the support 345, the stop portion 140 and the support 145 of embodiment 1 may be applied to the cap 300. Furthermore, the outer peripheral tube 125 of embodiment 1 may be provided on the flange 315. In this case, the outer peripheral tube 125 can function as a "regulating wall."

Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 340 and the support 345, the stop portion 240 and the outer tube 225 of embodiment 2 may be applied to the cap 300.

The structure for fixing the cap 300 to the male connector 950 can be changed as desired. For example, the first and second protrusions 325a, 325b may be omitted, and the outer peripheral surface of the locking tube 971 may be fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the protective tube 322, and the cap 300 may be fixed and held to the male connector 950 by the frictional force between the protective tube 322 and the locking tube 971. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the protective tube 322 may be provided with a tapered surface whose inner diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the tip of the protective tube 322 (i.e., the flange 323).

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

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

The male connector 950 may be configured as a single component, in which the connector body 960 and the lock body 970 are integrally molded, rather than being configured as two components.

The configuration of the locking mechanism provided in each of the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 may be changed as desired. Instead of the groove 934, the female connector 930 may be provided with a convex portion protruding radially outward, and the locking protrusion 974 may be engaged with the convex portion. Alternatively, the female connector 930 may be provided with a convex portion protruding radially outward, and the male connector 950 may be provided with a concave portion (e.g., a groove) with which the convex portion engages.

The caps 100, 200, and 300 in the above embodiments 1 to 3 are configured as a single part that is molded as a whole, but they may also be configured by combining multiple parts (e.g., two parts) that are manufactured separately.

In the above embodiments 1 to 3, the caps 100, 200, and 300 are attached to the connector during priming, but they may be attached to the connector at a stage prior to priming to prevent the connector from being contaminated by contact with fingers or the like. For example, the nutrition set 810 (see Figs. 1 and 9) or the infusion set 910 (see Fig. 12) may be sold with the cap of the present invention attached to the connector (830, 850, or 950) at its downstream end, and the cap may be removed from the connector after priming of the nutrition set 810 or the infusion set 910 is completed at a medical institution or the like.

The present invention can be preferably used as a cap that is attached to a connector provided at the downstream end of a flow path through which a liquid flows when priming the flow path, although it is not limited thereto. The present invention can be preferably used in the medical field, particularly in the fields of enteral nutrition, intravenous nutrition (infusion), administration of medicinal fluids, blood, or anesthesia.

100, 200, 300 Cap 110, 210, 310 Connection tube (control wall)
115, 215, 315 Flange (control wall)
122,322 Protection tube (regulatory wall)
125 Outer cylinder (regulating wall)
140, 240, 340 Stopping portion 147, 247 Gap between flange and stopping portion 225 Outer cylinder 228 Opening 323 of outer cylinder Flange (control wall)
343: Opening between stop and flange 830: Female connector 831: Female member (tubular portion)
833 Outer circumferential surface of tubular portion 834 Spiral projection (locking mechanism)
850, 950 Male connector 851, 961 Male member (tubular portion)
852, 962 Outer circumferential surface of tubular portion 854 Female thread (locking mechanism)
974 Lock protrusion (lock mechanism)

Claims (9)

A cap that is detachable from a connector having a hollow tubular portion through which a liquid flows out,
The cap is
A connecting tube connectable to the tubular portion;
a flange extending radially outward from a lower end of the connecting tube;
a stop portion disposed on the inside of the flange substantially along a plane along which the flange extends, the stop portion being disposed on the axis of the tubular portion and spaced apart from the tubular portion so that liquid flowing out of the tubular portion will collide with the stop portion when the cap is attached to the connector ;
at least one opening between the stop and the flange;
When the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid flows out of the tubular portion into the connecting tube and flows out to the outside of the cap through the at least one opening ,
A cap characterized in that the connecting tube and the flange function as a regulating wall that regulates the flow of liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion does not flow along the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion when the cap is attached to the connector. 2. The cap of claim 1 , wherein the area of the stop portion is 10% or more of the area of the flow passage at the tip of the tubular portion. 3. The cap according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a diameter of a circle concentric with the axis of the tubular portion and circumscribing the at least one opening is greater than an inner diameter of the opening at the tip of the tubular portion. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the connecting tube is configured so that the tubular portion can be fitted into the connecting tube. The cap according to claim 4 , wherein the stop portion covers at least a portion of an opening at a tip end of the tubular portion when the cap attached to the connector is viewed along an axis of the tubular portion. the connector is a first connector,
the first connector is connectable to and disconnectable from the second connector;
the first connector includes a locking mechanism that engages with the second connector so as to maintain a state in which the first connector is connected to the second connector;
A cap as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the regulating wall further prevents liquid flowing out of the tubular portion from adhering to the locking mechanism of the first connector when the cap is attached to the first connector. The cap according to claim 6 , wherein the locking mechanism is a protrusion or a recess provided on an inner peripheral surface of a locking cylinder surrounding the tubular portion. The cap further includes a protective tube extending from the flange toward the first connector and functioning as the restricting wall.
8. The cap according to claim 6 , wherein the protective tube is configured such that, when the cap is attached to the first connector, the locking mechanism is housed within an inner cavity of the protective tube. The cap according to claim 8 , further comprising a flange protruding radially outward from a tip of the protective tube.