KR102349983B1 - Caps for connectors and connectors with caps - Google Patents

Abstract

The cap 30 is detachable from the connector 1 provided with the female screw 16 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 15 which has a cylindrical shape. The cap 30 includes a top plate 31 configured to block the opening of the outer cylinder 15 , a rib 32 installed on the top plate 31 and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder 15 , and a rib 32 . ) and a protrusion 33 protruding from the side surface. The protrusion 33 is provided to be spaced apart from the top plate 31 so as to be engaged with the female screw 16 .

Description

Caps for connectors and connectors with caps

The present invention relates to a cap detachable from a connector. Moreover, this invention relates to the connector provided with a detachable cap.

In the medical field, a flow path for flowing a liquid is used. For example, in the enteral nutrition method, liquids such as nutrients, liquid foods (generally called "enteral nutrition"), or pharmaceuticals are administered through a catheter to a patient who is unable to take a meal by mouth. The catheter is placed in the patient while being inserted into the digestive tract (eg, stomach) from outside the body. As a catheter, a nasal catheter inserted from the nose of a patient, a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) catheter inserted into the gastrostomy formed in the stomach of a patient, etc. are known. When administering a liquid to a patient, the container in which the liquid is stored and the catheter (nasal catheter, PEG catheter, etc.) placed in the patient are connected via a flexible tube or the like. In order to connect different members, a connecting port composed of a male connector and a female connector is used.

A conventional general connector includes a male connector having a tapered surface and a female connector having a hollow cylindrical shape into which the male connector is inserted (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The connection method of such a male connector and a female connector is generally called "slip connection".

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

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

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

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

In addition, when the internal pressure of the stomach increases while the cap is attached to the patient-side connector, the cap receives pressure to be separated from the patient-side connector. Even in such a case, it is preferable that the attachment strength of the cap to the patient-side connector is high so that the cap does not come off from the patient-side connector. In addition, it is preferable that the cap is as small as possible so that the patient does not feel pain when the patient-side connector to which the cap is attached is laid on the patient's body or face.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a cap that is detachable from a connector provided with a female screw, and which is hard to come off from the connector and has a compact size. A second object of the present invention is to provide a connector with such a cap.

The cap for connectors of the present invention is detachable from a connector provided with a female screw provided on an inner peripheral surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape. The cap includes a top plate configured to block the opening of the outer cylinder, a rib installed on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder, and a protrusion protruding from a side surface of the rib. The protrusion is provided to be spaced apart from the top plate so as to be coupled to the female screw.

The capped connector of this invention is provided with the said cap of this invention, and the said connector.

The cap of the present invention is provided with a protrusion that can be engaged with the female screw of the connector on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion inserted into the outer cylinder of the connector. For this reason, the cap is hard to come off from a connector, and the cap can be downsized. In addition, since a clicking feeling is generated when the protrusion engages the female screw when attaching the cap to the connector, the operator can always properly attach the cap to the connector. Moreover, since the top plate closes the opening of the outer cylinder of a connector, the female screw provided in the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder can be kept clean.

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

In the cap of the present invention, the rib may have a cylindrical shape having a cylindrical shape. In this case, the said projection may be provided in the outer peripheral surface of the said cylindrical part. It is advantageous for the cylindrical part to have a cylindrical shape for the improvement of the mechanical strength of a cylindrical part. Therefore, the provision of the projection on the cylindrical portion is advantageous for securely engaging the projection with the female screw when the cap is attached to the connector.

The said connector may be provided with the male member provided coaxially with the said outer cylinder so that it may be surrounded by the said outer cylinder. A flow path passing through the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member may be opened at the tip of the male member. In this case, the cylindrical portion may be configured such that, when the cap is attached to the connector, a liquid-tight seal is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the male member. Such a configuration is advantageous in improving the sealing properties of the flow path and improving the strength of attaching the cap to the connector. In addition, since the coupling depth between the protrusion and the female screw is increased, it is advantageous to further improve the mounting strength of the cap to the connector.

The said connector may be provided with the male member provided coaxially with the said outer cylinder so that it may be surrounded by the said outer cylinder. A flow path passing through the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member may be opened at the tip of the male member. In this case, the cap may further include a stopper configured to be fitted into the opening of the flow path. Such a configuration is advantageous in improving the strength of the cap to the connector. Further, by fitting the plug into the flow path, the cap is positioned in the horizontal direction with respect to the connector (a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the male member). This is advantageous for securely engaging the projection to the female thread.

The stopper may be configured such that a liquid-tight seal is formed between an outer circumferential surface of the stopper and an inner circumferential surface defining the flow path when the stopper is fitted into the opening of the flow path. Such a configuration is advantageous in reducing the possibility that the cap is detached from the connector when the pressure in the flow path of the male member is increased due to the increase in the internal pressure. Further, even if the stopper is slightly displaced in the direction in which it exits from the flow path with respect to the male member, it is advantageous to continue forming the liquid-tight seal.

When the cap of the present invention is attached to the connector, the protrusion may be configured to be spaced apart from the thread constituting the female screw. According to this configuration, even if the cap is continuously attached to the connector for a long period of time, the projection is not permanently deformed by the screw thread. For this reason, the effect|action of a processus|protrusion is exhibited without weakening over a long period.

The cap is preferably made of a material softer than that of the connector. This is advantageous for facilitating attachment and detachment of the cap to and from the connector body, and also for improving durability against repeated attachment and detachment.

The cap may further include a rotation limiting mechanism for restricting rotation of the cap around a central axis of the connector. Thereby, even if it repeats attachment and detachment of the cap with respect to a connector, the position of the projection with respect to the thread of the female screw of a connector can always be made constant.

The cap may further include an operation tab protruding from an outer peripheral edge of the top plate. In this case, the operation tab may be disposed on the same side as the projection with respect to the rib. This is advantageous in facilitating the removal operation of the cap, since the protrusion is disposed in the vicinity of the operation tab to which a force is applied when the cap is removed from the connector.

The cap may further include a band for connecting the cap to the connector. This is advantageous in preventing loss of the cap. Also, it is advantageous to prevent forgetting to attach the cap to the connector when the connector is not in use.

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

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

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, this invention is demonstrated in detail, showing suitable embodiment. However, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Each drawing referred to in the following description shows the main member which comprises embodiment of this invention simplified for convenience of description. Accordingly, the present invention may include any member not shown in each of the drawings below. In addition, within the scope of the present invention, each member shown in the following drawings may be changed or omitted. In the drawings cited in the description of each embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the drawings of the preceding embodiment are attached to members corresponding to the members shown in the drawings cited in the preceding embodiment. About such a member, the overlapping description is abbreviate|omitted, and description of the preceding embodiment should be considered as appropriate.

(Embodiment 1)

A connector installed at the upstream end of the nasal catheter will be described as an example.

1A is a perspective view from above of a connector (male connector) 1 with a cap 30 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1B is a cross-sectional perspective view of a connector 1 with a cap 30 . In FIG. 1B , the dashed-dotted line 1a is the central axis of the connector 1 . The connector 1 has, on one side, a connector body portion 10 to which an extension tube or an injector is connected, and on the other side, a proximal end portion 20 to which an upstream end of a nasal catheter 9 inserted into a patient is connected. to provide In the present invention, in the connector 1 , the side of the connector body portion 10 is referred to as a "tip side" or "upper side", and the side of the base end 20 is referred to as a "base end side" or "lower side". The direction (ie, the direction along the central axis 1a) connecting the connector body 10 and the proximal end 20 is referred to as the “up and down direction”, and the direction parallel to the plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a is “ horizontal direction”. A direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a is called a "radial direction", and a direction rotating around the central axis 1a is called a "circumferential direction". However, "upward", "downward", "up and down direction", and "horizontal direction" do not mean the direction at the time of use of the connector 1 .

As shown in FIG. 1B , the connector body portion 10 has a male member 11 and an outer cylinder 15 coaxial with the central axis 1a. The male member 11 is a rod-shaped member. The flow path 12 passes through the male member 11 along the longitudinal direction of the male member 11 . The outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11 is a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the front-end|tip. The outer cylinder 15 has a hollow cylindrical shape and surrounds the male member 11 . A female screw 16 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 15 (the surface facing the male member 10 ). The male member 11 and the outer cylinder 15 (particularly, the thread of the female screw 16 thereof) are spaced apart in the radial direction, and a gap 18 exists between them. The outer peripheral surface 17 of the outer cylinder 15 is a cylindrical surface with a constant outer diameter in an up-down direction. The connector main body 10 may be compliant with the male connector of the international standard ISO80369-3 relating to nutritional medical devices, which is being considered for international standardization.

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

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

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

The cap 30 is connected to the connector 1 via a band 37 . For this reason, it can prevent that the cap 30 is lost. Moreover, when the connector 1 is not in use, the possibility of forgetting to attach the cap 30 to the front-end|tip of the connector 1 (refer FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B which will be described later) is also low.

The cap 30 has a circular top plate 31 . The outer diameter of the top plate 31 is, when the cap 30 is attached to the tip of the connector 1 (refer to FIGS. 3A and 3B to be described later), the top plate 31 blocks the opening facing upward of the outer cylinder 15. is set to allow Specifically, the outer diameter of the top plate 31 is larger than the trough diameter of the female screw 16 provided in the outer cylinder 15 . Generally, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the top plate 31 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 15, or it is slightly larger than this. A band 37 is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 31 . The band 37 is a strip-shaped thin flat plate extending straight along the radial direction. An operation tab 36 protrudes from a position on the opposite side to the band 37 among the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 31 .

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

A stopper 34 is provided in the region surrounded by the cylindrical portion 32 . The plug 34 has a circular planar shape and protrudes upward. The plug body 34 has a sealing surface 34a in the vicinity of the top plate 31 . The sealing surface 34a is a cylindrical surface with a constant outer diameter, or a male tapered surface (that is, a conical surface) whose outer diameter becomes smaller as spaced upward from the top plate 31 . The top plate 31, the cylindrical part 32, and the stopper 34 are arrange|positioned concentrically. The cylindrical part 32 surrounds the plug body 34 and is spaced apart from the plug body 34 .

1A and 1B, the state in which the opening of the front-end|tip side (upper side) of the outer cylinder 15 of the connector 1 was exposed is called "open state" in this invention.

2 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 1 with the cap 30 attached thereto. An annular ring 38 is provided at the end opposite to the cap 30 of the band 37 . The outer peripheral surface of the ring 38 is a cylindrical surface of substantially the same diameter as the outer cylinder 15 of the connector 1 . Although the inner peripheral surface of the ring 38 is a cylindrical surface, four recessed parts (cut-outs) 38a are provided at equal angular intervals. The cap 30 , the band 37 , and the ring 38 are integrated to constitute the cap device 39 .

It is the outer peripheral surface of the connector 1, and the groove|channel 28 continuous in the circumferential direction is provided in the position between the connector main body part 10 and the base end part 20. As shown in FIG. In the groove 28, four convex portions 28a (only two convex portions 28a are visible in Fig. 2) projecting outwardly along the radial direction are provided at equal angular intervals with respect to the central axis 1a. has been

1A and 1B , the cap device 39 is mounted to the connector 1 so that the ring 38 fits into the groove 28 . The convex portion 28a in the groove 28 fits into the concave portion 38a of the ring 38 . The cap 30 is connected to the ring 38 via a band 37 . For this reason, the cap device 39 including the cap 30 cannot rotate in the circumferential direction with respect to the connector 1 . That is, the concave portion 38a of the ring 38 and the band 37 constitute a “rotation limiting mechanism” that restricts the rotation of the cap 30 around the central axis 1a of the connector 1 . Note that the configuration of the rotation limiting mechanism is not limited to the first embodiment. For example, the number and arrangement|positioning of the recessed part 38a and the convex part 28a are not limited to this Embodiment 1, It can change arbitrarily. Instead of the concave portion 38a and the convex portion 28a, an arbitrary shape (for example, a polygonal columnar surface) to be fitted with each other may be provided in the inner peripheral surface of the ring 38 and the groove 28 (for example, See Embodiment 3 described later). The rotation limiting mechanism only needs to be able to substantially limit the rotation around the central axis 1a of the cap 30 . For example, displacement in the circumferential direction of the cap 30 due to the deformation of the band 37 is allowed.

Although there is no limitation on the material of the connector 1, it is preferable that it is a hard material (hard material) which has a mechanical strength (rigidity) enough to not deform|transform substantially by an external force. For example, resin materials such as polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), rigid polyvinyl chloride, polyacetal (POM), polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), etc. Among them, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and rigid polyvinyl chloride are preferable. The connector 1 can be integrally manufactured as a whole as a part by an injection molding method or the like using the above-mentioned resin material.

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

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

The cap 30 can be attached to the tip of the connector 1 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B . That is, the cap 30 and the connector body 10 are vertically opposed to each other so that the surface of the top plate 31 on the side on which the cylindrical part 32 is installed faces the male member 11, and the cap 30 is removed. Push it towards the connector (1). 3A and 3B , the opening on the tip side (upper side) of the outer cylinder 15 is blocked by the top plate 31 of the cap 30 . This state is called "closed state" in this invention. The band 37 is curved in a substantially circular arc shape. The curved band 37 and the operation tab 36 protrude in opposite directions to a radially outer side from the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 15. As shown in FIG.

The catheter 9 is inserted into the patient via the nose so that its distal end (not shown) reaches the stomach. A connector 1 is mounted on the upstream end of the catheter 9 . In this state, the catheter 9 and the connector 1 are still retained in the patient. In the case of enteral feeding, the cap 30 is removed from the tip of the connector 1, and the connector 1 is opened (refer to Figs. 1A and 1B). Then, a female connector (container-side connector) is connected to the connector body portion 10, and the liquid is administered to the patient. The female connector is provided, for example, at a downstream end of a tube connected to a container for storing a liquid, or at a mouth of an injector (for example, a syringe) for storing a liquid. The female connector preferably has a male screw (or protrusion) that is screwed to the female screw 16 . The female connector may be compliant with ISO80369-3. Upon completion of the enteral feeding method, the female connector is removed from the connector body portion 10, a cap 30 is attached to the tip of the connector body portion 10 instead, and the connector 1 is placed in a closed state (Fig. 3A). and Figure 3b). In this way, the cap 30 can be repeatedly attached and detached from the tip of the connector 1 .

As shown in Fig. 3B, in the closed state, the cylindrical portion 32 of the cap 30 is fitted into the gap 18 between the outer cylinder 15 and the male member 11, and the cap ( The stopper 34 of 30 is fitted into the flow path 12 of the male member 11 . Further, the top plate 31 of the cap 30 is in contact with the upper end of the outer cylinder 15 . For this reason, the flow path 12 of the male member 11 and the clearance gap 18 between the outer cylinder 15 and the male member 11 are blocked with the cap 30. As shown in FIG. When the connector 1 is not in use for which enteral feeding is not performed, the flow path 12 and the clearance gap 18 can be kept clean by making the connector 1 into the closed state.

As shown in FIG. 3B , the protrusion 33 protruding from the cylindrical portion 32 of the cap 30 is adjacent to the female screw 16 provided in the outer cylinder 15 in the vertical direction. sandwiched in the gap between them. Since the projection 33 is spaced apart from the top plate 31 in the vertical direction, the projection 33 can be inserted between the threads 16a and 16b while the top plate 31 is in contact with the tip of the outer cylinder 15 . have. The tip of the projection 33 is located radially outward from the tip of the screw threads 16a and 16b. That is, the projection 33 is coupled to the female screw 16 (in particular, the screw thread 16a thereof).

In the process of reaching the closed state shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B from the open state shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B , the projection 33 needs to ride over the thread 16a of the female screw 16 . The protrusion 33 is deformed when riding over the screw thread 16a, and immediately returns to its original shape immediately after riding over the screw thread 16a. The force by which the operator pushes the cap 30 toward the connector 1 increases rapidly when the projection 33 rides over the screw thread 16a, and decreases rapidly immediately after riding over the screw thread 16a. The operator senses this change in force as a clicking feeling, thereby recognizing that the cap 30 is properly attached to the tip of the connector 1 . Accordingly, it is always possible to properly mount the cap 30 to the connector 1 . Since the cylindrical part 32 has a cylindrical shape, it has comparatively large intensity|strength. Since the protrusion 33 is provided on the tubular portion 32, when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the protrusion 33 can surely ride over the thread 16a of the female screw 16. have.

After the cap 30 is mounted to the connector 1 , the protrusion 33 is engaged with the thread 16a of the female screw 16 , as shown in FIG. 3B . In order to remove the cap 30 from the connector 1, the protrusion 33 needs to ride over the screw thread 16a, and at this time, the protrusion 33 must be deformed. A large force is required to remove the cap 30 from the connector 1 . For this reason, the possibility that the cap 30 will fall off from the connector 1 unintentionally is low. The protrusion 33 engaging the female screw 16 is advantageous in improving the mounting strength of the cap 30 to the connector 1 . As described above, as the internal pressure in the patient's stomach rises, the pressure in the flow passage 12 may increase. Even if the pressure of the flow path 12 increases while the closed connector 1 is placed on the patient, the possibility that the cap 30 will come out of the connector 1 is low. Moreover, even if a force is accidentally applied upwardly to the operation tab 36 , the top plate 31 , or the like, the possibility that the cap 30 is unintentionally detached from the connector 1 is low.

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

For example, even when the vertical dimension of the cylindrical portion 32 is increased to increase the fitting depth between the cylindrical portion 32 and the male member 11 (or the outer cylinder 15), the cap 30 ), it is possible to improve the mounting strength of However, when the vertical dimension of the cylindrical portion 32 is increased, it is necessary to move the cap 30 vertically with respect to the connector 1 for a long distance when the cap 30 is attached to and detached from the connector 1 . . This reduces the workability of attaching and detaching the cap 30 . In addition, since it is necessary to lengthen the band 37, the amount of protrusion along the radial direction of the band 37 in the state where the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1 (refer to FIGS. 3A and 3B ) increases. . As a result, when the connector 1 to which the cap 30 is mounted is laid on the patient's body or face, the patient is highly likely to feel pain due to the large protruding band 37 .

Alternatively, a cylindrical rib protruding toward the same side as the cylindrical portion 32 is provided on the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 31, and when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the outer cylinder 15 It can be configured so that the tip of the rib is fitted into the cylindrical rib. In this case, for example, a coupling structure (eg, a convex portion and a concave portion into which the convex portion is fitted) can be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical rib and the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 15 . Also in this configuration, it is possible to improve the attachment strength of the cap 30 to the connector 1 without using the projection 33 . However, in this configuration, it is necessary to increase the outer diameter of the cap 30 (especially the top plate 31). As a result, when the connector 1 to which the cap 30 is mounted is laid on the patient's body or face, the patient is highly likely to feel pain due to the radially protruding top plate 31 .

As can be seen from the above description, in the configuration in which the cap 30 is provided with the protrusion 33 that engages the female screw 16 as in the first embodiment, the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1 . It is advantageous for improving the workability of attaching and detaching the cap 30 while ensuring the strength, and for reducing the size of the cap 30 . Since the female screw 16 provided in the connector 1 is used, there is no need to change the configuration of the connector 1 in order to improve the mounting strength of the cap 30 .

As shown in FIG. 3B , when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1 , preferably, the projection 33 is spaced apart from the threads 16a and 16b of the female screw 16 in the vertical direction. . The projection 33 does not receive a force from the female screw 16 and does not deform. Therefore, even if the connector 1 is held in the patient over a long period of time in the closed state, the situation in which the projection 33 comes into contact with the female screw 16 and is permanently deformed can be avoided. This is advantageous for exerting the above action by the projections 33 without worsening over a long period of time.

In the first embodiment, the concave portion 38a provided on the inner circumferential surface of the ring 38 is fitted to the convex portion 28a provided in the groove 28 of the connector 1 (refer to Fig. 2), and the cap Since 30 is connected to the ring 38 via the band 37, the position in the rotational direction about the central axis 1a of the cap 30 with respect to the connector 1 does not change with time, and substantially to be constant For this reason, even if various external forces act on the cap 30 , such as repeatedly attaching and detaching the cap 30 to and from the connector 1 , the protrusions 33 are always adjacent to the upper and lower threads of the female screw 16 . Between (16a, 16b), it can be spaced apart in the up-down direction from these and can be inserted.

Preferably, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 32 is set slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11 . Thereby, when the male member 11 is inserted into the cylindrical part 32, the cylindrical part 32 is deform|transformed so that a diameter may expand a little. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32 and the outer peripheral surface 13 of the male member 11 are in surface contact, and a liquid-tight seal is formed therebetween. This is advantageous in improving the sealing properties of the flow path 12 and improving the strength of attaching the cap 30 to the connector 1 . In addition, as the diameter of the cylindrical portion 32 is enlarged, the projection 33 is deeply inserted by the groove of the female screw 16 . This increases the engagement depth between the protrusion 33 and the female screw 16 , and thus is advantageous in improving the strength of the cap 30 to the connector 1 .

In this Embodiment 1, when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the cylindrical part 32 and the female screw 16 provided in the outer cylinder 15 are radially spaced apart. However, in the present invention, this is not essential. For example, when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, the cylindrical part 32 and the female screw 16 provided in the outer cylinder 15 may contact in a radial direction. This may be advantageous in that the mounting strength of the cap 30 to the connector 1 is further improved.

In order to detach the cap 30 from the connector 1 in the closed state shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , the operation tab 36 may be lifted upward. Since the projection 33 is provided on the same side as the operation tab 36 with respect to the cylindrical portion 32 (refer to FIGS. 1A and 2 ), the operation tab 36 and the projection 33 are approaching. For this reason, when the operation tab 36 is lifted, since the projection 33 can also be moved upward, the removal operation|work of the cap 30 is easy.

The plug 34 is fitted into the opening on the tip side of the flow path 12 of the male member 11 . This is advantageous in improving the mounting strength of the cap 30 to the connector 1 . Preferably, the plug 34 seals the flow path 12 in a liquid-tight manner. Sealing the flow path 12 with the plug 34 is advantageous in reducing the possibility that the cap 30 will drop off from the connector 1 when the pressure of the flow path 12 is increased due to an increase in the internal pressure. . The reason is as follows.

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

The upward force that the cap 30 receives when the pressure in the flow passage 12 rises is proportional to the area on which the pressure acts. The configuration of the first embodiment in which the flow path 12 is sealed with the plug 34 is not used for the plug 34 but is sealed with a seal between the cylindrical portion 32 and the male member 11 . In comparison, since the area on which the pressure acts is small, the force that the cap 30 receives when the pressure in the flow passage 12 rises is small. For this reason, in this Embodiment 1, it becomes advantageous for preventing the cap 30 from falling off from the connector 1 when the pressure of the flow path 12 rises.

In the first embodiment, the sealing surface 34a constituting the outer circumferential surface of the plug 34 is the inner circumferential surface defining the flow path 12 of the male member 11 (especially in the vicinity of the opening on the tip side of the flow path 12 ). of the inner circumferential surface), and a liquid-tight seal is formed between the two. That is, the sealing surface 34a and the inner peripheral surface defining the flow path 12 are closely contacted in a substantially radial direction to form a seal. In this configuration, even if the stopper 34 is slightly shifted in the central axis 1a direction with respect to the male member 11, it is possible to continue to form the liquid-tight seal. For example, when the cap 30 is attached to the connector 1, when the depth of pushing the cap 30 into the connector 1 is slightly shallow, or when the pressure in the flow path 12 increases, the cap 30 Even if it slightly lifts upward from this connector 1, the flow path 12 can continue to be sealed. For this reason, this Embodiment 1 is advantageous for prevention of backflow etc. of stomach contents.

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

(Embodiment 2)

4A is a perspective view from above of a connector (male connector) 1 with a cap 230 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 4B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connector 1 with a cap 230 . The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment with respect to the shape of the rib provided with the projection 33 engaged with the female screw 16 . Hereinafter, this Embodiment 2 is demonstrated centering on the point different from Embodiment 1.

In the second embodiment, the projections 33 are provided on the side surfaces of the substantially plate-shaped ribs 232 protruding from the surface of the top plate 31 (the surface facing upward in FIG. 4A ). When viewed from above, the ribs 232 substantially follow a circular arc. That is, the rib 232 forms a part of the cylindrical shape. This cylindrical shape is the same as the cylindrical shape which comprises the cylindrical part 32 of Embodiment 1. FIG.

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

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

Embodiment 2 is the same as Embodiment 1 except for the above. The description of the first embodiment can be appropriately applied to the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a connector (male connector) 3 with a cap 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, seen from the connecting pipe 21 side. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the connector 3 with the cap 30 attached thereto. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 3 with the cap 30 attached thereto. Fig. 8A is a side view of the connector 3, and Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view in the arrow direction of the connector 3 along a plane including the line 8B-8B in Fig. 8A. 9 is a perspective view of a cap device 339 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, including a cap 30 .

7 and 9, a substantially rectangular through hole 338a is formed in the ring 338 of the cap device 339 of the third embodiment. The inner diameter of the through hole 338a is not constant in the thickness direction of the ring 338 . As shown in FIG. 9, the inclined surface 338b inclined so that an inner diameter may become large toward the surface on the same side as the surface on which the cylindrical part 32 was formed is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 338a.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the base end 320 includes a connecting pipe 21 having a substantially cylindrical shape. A pair of gripping pieces 326 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube 21 so as to protrude in the radial direction. The cross-sectional shape of each holding piece 326 along the horizontal direction is a hollow substantially "U" shape. A pair of gripping pieces 326 and a connecting tube 21 therebetween constitute a gripping portion 325 of the connector 3 . The gripping part 325 makes it easy for an operator to grip the gripping part 325 to apply a rotational force to the connector 3 , similarly to the gripping part 25 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the gripping piece 326 is not limited to the third embodiment. For example, the gripping piece 326 may be a solid substantially rectangular columnar body, or may be a thin plate-shaped object extending from the connecting pipe 21 in the radial direction.

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

The cap device 339 is mounted to the connector 3 by inserting the proximal end 320 into the ring 338 as shown in FIG. 7 . When the connecting pipe 21 and the gripping piece 326 are inserted into the through hole 338a, the inclined surface 338b (refer to FIG. 9) formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 338a has an inner diameter of the through hole 338a. The ring 338 is deformed to enlarge. Thus, insertion of the connector 3 (in particular the proximal end 320) to the ring 338 is easy. When the end edge of the through hole 338a reaches the grooves 328a and 328b, the ring 338 returns to the state before deformation, and as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, the end edge of the through hole 338a becomes the groove. (328a, 328b) is interposed.

The cross-sectional shape of the connector 3 in the grooves 328a and 328b fits into the substantially rectangular through-hole 338a of the ring 338 . Because of this, rotation of the ring 338 relative to the connector 3 is restricted. The through hole 338a provided in the ring 338 and the band 37 connecting the ring 338 and the cap 30 restrict the cap 30 from rotating around the central axis of the connector 3 . constitutes a "rotation limiting mechanism".

Embodiment 3 is the same as Embodiment 1 except for the above. The description of the first embodiment can be appropriately applied to the present third embodiment. Similar to the inclined surface 338b provided on the ring 338, an inclined surface inclined so that the inner diameter changes in the thickness direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the ring 38 of Embodiment 1, and the cap 30 by the insertion method is attached. Assembling of the connector 1 may be facilitated.

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

The said Embodiments 1-3 are only an illustration. This invention is not limited to the said Embodiment 1-3, It can change suitably.

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

The shape of the projection 33 provided on the cap is arbitrary. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 33 along the surface including the central axis of the cap (or stopper 34) is a trapezoid shown in Fig. 10A, a triangle shown in Fig. 10B, a semicircle shown in Fig. 10C, etc. Any of these may be sufficient, or arbitrary shapes other than these may be sufficient. The length of the projection 33 (a dimension along the direction of rotation about the central axis of the cap) is also arbitrary. The protrusion 33 may extend along a spiral that coincides with the groove of the female screw 16 .

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

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

A rotation limiting mechanism that restricts rotation of the cap relative to the connector may be omitted. For example, in Embodiment 1, one or both of the concave portion 38a and the convex portion 28a are omitted, and the ring 38 rotates freely about the central axis 1a with respect to the connector 1 . It may be fitted into the groove 28 as much as possible. In this case, by rotating the cap with respect to the connector so that the protrusion 33 moves in the groove of the female screw 16, the attachment/detachment operation of the cap to the connector 1 may be performed. This configuration may be advantageous in improving the mounting strength of the cap to the connector 1 since the protrusion 33 can be deeply engaged by the female screw 16 . Also, it may be advantageous to shorten the band 37 .

In Embodiments 1 to 3, when the cap is attached to the tip of the connector, the band 37 is curved in an arc shape, but the configuration of the band 37 is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the boundary portions between the band 37 and the band 37 and the cap and the boundary portions between the band 37 and the rings 38 and 338 may be provided with a hinge that can be rotated freely. When attaching and detaching the cap to the connector, the band 37 is not substantially deformed other than the hinge. This configuration may be advantageous in reducing the amount of protrusion along the radial direction of the band 37 in the closed state of the connector.

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

The shape, number, position, etc. of the operation tabs 36 are not limited to the said Embodiment 1 - 3, It can change arbitrarily. The operation tab 36 may protrude from the top plate 31 toward the side opposite to the cylindrical part 32 . Alternatively, the operation tab 36 may be omitted. For example, if the outer diameter of the top plate 31 of the cap is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer tube 15 of the connector so that the top plate 31 protrudes from the outer cylinder 15 in the radial direction, even without the operation tab 36 . It is possible to remove the cap from the connector.

In the above embodiments 1 to 3, the case where the connector is installed at the upstream end of the nasal catheter 9 has been described, but the connector is any catheter (eg, PEG catheter) used in enteral nutrition other than the nasal catheter. It can be installed upstream. Moreover, it can also install in the tube used for the intravenous nutrition method other than enteral nutrition, for example.

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

Although the cap of this invention is not restrict|limited, It can be used as a cap for connectors provided in the end of a catheter or a tube. The field of use of the connector is not limited, and may be used in food or chemical fields, but is preferably used in the medical field and enteral nutrition. In particular, it is preferable that the present invention be used as a connector cap that is fixed to the upstream end of a catheter inserted into a patient's body, such as a nasal catheter or a PEG catheter, and is continuously indwelled in the patient over a long period of time together with the catheter.

1, 3: Connector 11: Male member
12: flow path of male member 13: outer peripheral surface of male member
15: outer cylinder 16: female thread
16a, 16b: female thread 30: cap
31: top plate 32: cylindrical part (rib)
33: projection 34: stopper
34a: sealing surface (outer peripheral surface of the plug) 36: operation tab
37: band (rotation limiting mechanism) 38, 338: ring
38a: recess (rotation limiting mechanism) 230: cap
232: rib 338a: through hole (rotation limiting mechanism)
338b: slope

Claims (17)

A cap for a connector detachable from a connector having a female screw installed on an inner circumferential surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape, comprising:
a top plate configured to block the opening of the outer cylinder;
a rib installed on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder;
and a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the rib;
The protrusion is installed to be spaced apart from the top plate so as to be coupled to the female screw,
When the connector cap is mounted to the connector, the protrusion is inserted into a gap between the first and second threads at the tip of the female screw, the connector cap. The method according to claim 1,
and a rotation limiting mechanism for limiting rotation of the cap about a central axis of the connector. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
and a band for connecting the cap to the connector, wherein the band is connected to an outer peripheral end edge of the top plate. 4. The method according to claim 3,
An annular ring is installed at the end opposite to the cap of the band,
The cap for a connector is provided with the inclined surface inclined so that an inner diameter may change in the thickness direction of the said ring, on the inner peripheral surface of the said ring. A cap for a connector detachable from a connector having a female screw installed on an inner circumferential surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape, comprising:
a top plate configured to block the opening of the outer cylinder;
a rib installed on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder;
and a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the rib;
The protrusion is installed to be spaced apart from the top plate so as to be coupled to the female screw,
The connector cap further comprises a rotation limiting mechanism for restricting rotation of the cap around a central axis of the connector. 6. The method of claim 5,
and a band for connecting the cap to the connector, wherein the band is connected to an outer peripheral end edge of the top plate. 7. The method of claim 6,
An annular ring is installed at the end opposite to the cap of the band,
The cap for a connector is provided with the inclined surface inclined so that an inner diameter may change in the thickness direction of the said ring, on the inner peripheral surface of the said ring. A cap for a connector detachable from a connector having a female screw installed on an inner circumferential surface of an outer cylinder having a cylindrical shape, comprising:
a top plate configured to block the opening of the outer cylinder;
a rib installed on the top plate and configured to be inserted into the outer cylinder;
and a protrusion protruding from the side surface of the rib;
The protrusion is installed to be spaced apart from the top plate so as to be coupled to the female screw,
The connector cap further includes a band for connecting the cap to the connector,
The band is connected to the outer peripheral end edge of the top plate,
An annular ring is installed at the end opposite to the cap of the band,
A connector cap, characterized in that the inner peripheral surface of the ring is provided with an inclined surface inclined so that the inner diameter changes in the thickness direction of the ring. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8,
The said rib is a cylindrical part which has a cylindrical shape, and the said protrusion is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the said cylindrical part, The cap for connectors. 10. The method of claim 9,
The connector includes a male member installed coaxially with the outer cylinder so as to be surrounded by the outer cylinder,
A flow path passing through the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member is opened at the front end of the male member,
The cap for a connector is configured such that, when the cap is attached to the connector, the cylindrical portion is configured such that a liquid-tight seal is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and the outer peripheral surface of the male member. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8,
The connector includes a male member installed coaxially with the outer cylinder so as to be surrounded by the outer cylinder,
A flow path passing through the male member along the longitudinal direction of the male member is opened at the front end of the male member,
The cap may further include a plug configured to be fitted into the opening of the flow path. 12. The method of claim 11,
wherein the plug is configured such that a liquid-tight seal is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the plug and an inner peripheral surface defining the passage when the plug is fitted into the opening of the flow passage. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8,
When the cap is mounted to the connector, the protrusion is spaced apart from the thread constituting the female screw, the connector cap. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8,
The connector cap is made of a material softer than that of the connector, the connector cap. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8,
Further comprising an operation tab protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate,
and the operation tab is disposed on the same side as the projection with respect to the rib. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8,
The connector is a male connector conforming to ISO80369-3, The connector cap. A connector with a cap comprising the cap according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5 to 8, and the connector.

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