WO2018193965A1 - Connector assembly - Google Patents

Connector assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018193965A1
WO2018193965A1 PCT/JP2018/015407 JP2018015407W WO2018193965A1 WO 2018193965 A1 WO2018193965 A1 WO 2018193965A1 JP 2018015407 W JP2018015407 W JP 2018015407W WO 2018193965 A1 WO2018193965 A1 WO 2018193965A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
joint
tube
peripheral surface
connector assembly
inner peripheral
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/015407
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
浮田純次
瀧本和彦
上原康賢
Original Assignee
株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス filed Critical 株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス
Publication of WO2018193965A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018193965A1/en

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61MDEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M39/00Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
    • A61M39/10Tube connectors; Tube couplings
    • A61M39/12Tube connectors; Tube couplings for joining a flexible tube to a rigid attachment
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16LPIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L47/00Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
    • F16L47/06Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics with sleeve or socket formed by or in the pipe end

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a connector assembly in which a flexible tube is connected to a connector made of a hard material.
  • a flexible tube is used to form a flow path (sometimes referred to as a circuit) for flowing a liquid material (for example, blood, chemical liquid, etc.).
  • a connecting tool including a male connector and a female connector is used.
  • a slip connection type connection tool for fitting a male taper surface and a female taper surface (taper fitting) to prevent liquid leakage from between the male connector and the female connector is known.
  • the male taper surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical male member, and its outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip.
  • the female taper surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical female member, and its inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip.
  • the male taper surface and the female taper surface have the same diameter and taper angle. For this reason, when the male member is inserted into the female member, the male taper surface and the female taper surface come into liquid-tight surface contact.
  • Both the male connector and the female connector are made of a hard material that does not substantially deform.
  • the male connector includes a cylindrical base portion communicating with the male member, and a tube is connected to the base portion via an adhesive.
  • the female connector also includes a cylindrical base portion communicating with the female member, and another tube is connected to the base portion via an adhesive.
  • the entire connector (that is, the female connector and the male connector) including the connection tube may be made of a material having high toughness (that is, tenacious) (for example, polypropylene or polyethylene). It is valid.
  • such a tough resin generally has low adhesion to an adhesive. Therefore, when the connector is made of a tough resin, the connectivity between the base portion and the tube is lowered. This increases the possibility that the base portion and the tube are separated when a tensile force is applied to the tube, or the liquid material leaks out from the connection portion between the base portion and the tube.
  • the object of the present invention is to ensure the connectivity between the connector and the tube regardless of the material of the connecting cylinder.
  • the connector assembly of the present invention includes a connector and a flexible hollow tube connected to the connector.
  • the connector has a connector body made of a hard material, having a cylindrical connection tube at one end, a cylindrical base portion at the other end, and the connection tube communicating with the tube, and a joint. Prepare. The outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the joint are bonded together with the tube penetrating the joint and the distal end portion of the tube protruding from the joint.
  • the base portion includes a tube storage portion in which the distal end portion of the tube protruding from the joint is stored, and a joint storage portion in which the joint is stored.
  • a liquid-tight first seal portion is formed between the distal end portion of the tube and the connector main body.
  • a liquid-tight second seal portion is formed between the joint and the joint storage portion.
  • the connector main body having the connecting cylinder and the joint to which the tube is bonded are formed of separate members. For this reason, for example, it is possible to select the material of the joint in consideration of adhesiveness while selecting the material of the connector body so that damage such as cracks does not occur in the connection tube. Therefore, the connectivity between the connector and the tube can be ensured regardless of the material of the connection cylinder.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the female connector main body constituting the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2B is a side view of the female connector body.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a joint according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4B is a side view of the joint.
  • FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the joint.
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a joint according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4B is a side view of the joint.
  • FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing one manufacturing process of the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • 6A is a perspective view of an example of a male connector that can be connected to the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention
  • FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view thereof.
  • FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a female connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector body according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a joint according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9B is a side view of the joint.
  • FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the joint.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector main body according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of another female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of another female connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • the first seal portion may be formed between an outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the tube and an inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion.
  • sticker part can be formed with a simple structure.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion may compress the distal end portion of the tube in a radial direction so that the distal end portion of the tube is reduced in diameter.
  • the distal end portion of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion may be bonded. This is advantageous for further improving the sealing performance of the first seal portion.
  • An inner diameter transition region in which the inner diameter changes so that the inner diameter decreases from the joint storage section toward the tube storage section may be provided between the joint storage section and the tube storage section. This facilitates the insertion of the tube into the tube housing in the manufacture of the connector assembly.
  • the second seal part includes a circumferential annular protrusion provided on one of the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the inner peripheral surface of the joint storage part, and the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the joint storage part. You may form between the other of the internal peripheral surfaces. This is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the second seal portion with a simple configuration.
  • the other of the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion may be a cylindrical surface having a constant diameter in the central axis direction.
  • the second seal portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint, the male taper surface having an outer diameter that decreases as it approaches the tip, and the connection cylinder provided on the inner peripheral surface of the joint storage portion. Therefore, it may be formed between the female taper surface with a smaller inner diameter. This is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the second seal portion by the surface contact between the male taper surface and the female taper surface.
  • a liquid-tight third seal portion may be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the joint that are bonded to each other. This is advantageous for preventing the liquid from flowing out to the outside for a long period of time.
  • the joint may be firmly coupled to the connector main body so that the joint does not come out of the base portion. This is advantageous for further improving the connectivity between the connector and the tube.
  • the joint storage portion and the joint may be provided with an engagement structure that engages with each other. Accordingly, the connector body and the joint can be firmly coupled with a simple configuration.
  • the engagement structure may include a concave portion and a convex portion that fits into the concave portion. This is advantageous for simplifying the configuration of the engagement structure.
  • the concave portion may be an annular groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction. Thereby, a recessed part and a convex part can be engaged irrespective of the rotation direction position around the central axis of the joint.
  • the engagement structure provided in the joint housing portion and the engagement structure provided in the joint may be irreversibly engaged. Thereby, even if tension
  • the connector main body may further include an inner cylinder in the tube storage portion.
  • the inner cylinder may be inserted into the tip of the tube.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder may be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tube, and a liquid-tight seal portion (first seal portion) may be formed between the inner cylinder and the tube.
  • the inner cylinder may be deformed excessively so that a liquid-tight seal portion (first seal portion) is reliably formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion. It may be prevented.
  • the connecting tube may be a female member provided on its inner peripheral surface with a tapered surface whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip.
  • the female member is more susceptible to cracking than the male member.
  • the material of the connector body may be different from the material of the joint. This is advantageous in preventing the connection tube from being damaged such as cracks while securing the connectivity between the connector and the tube.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a female connector assembly 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly 1 along one plane including the central axis 1a.
  • the female connector assembly 1 includes a female connector 100 and a tube 180.
  • the female connector 100 includes a female connector main body 101 and a joint 130.
  • the central axis 1 a of the female connector assembly 1 is common to the central axes of the female connector main body 101, the joint 130, and the tube 180 constituting the female connector assembly 1.
  • a direction parallel to the central axis 1a is referred to as “vertical direction”. “Upper” and “Lower” are defined based on FIGS. 1A to 1B. However, “upper” and “lower” do not mean the orientation of the female connector assembly 1 in actual use.
  • a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a is referred to as a “horizontal direction”.
  • the direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a is referred to as “radial direction” or “radial direction”, and the direction of rotation around the central axis 1a is referred to as “circumferential direction”.
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the female connector body 101
  • FIG. 2B is a side view of the female connector body 101
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector body 101.
  • the female connector main body 101 includes a female member (connection tube) 110 at one end and a base body 120 at the other end.
  • the female member 110 and the base 120 are arranged coaxially.
  • the female member 110 has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the female member 110 includes a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) 112 whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip.
  • a small diameter portion 117 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the tapered surface 112 is provided behind the tapered surface 112.
  • the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 117 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tube 180 (see FIG. 1B).
  • the outer peripheral surface of the female member 110 includes a cylindrical surface 113 whose outer diameter is constant in the central axis direction.
  • the cylindrical surface 113 is provided with a screw-like projection (male screw) 115 (see FIG. 2A).
  • the spiral projection 115 extends along a spiral (ie, a string winding). In the present invention, the screw projection 115 may be omitted.
  • the base portion 120 also has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole.
  • the base portion 120 communicates with the female member 110 via the small diameter portion 117.
  • the base portion 120 includes a tube storage portion 121 in which the distal end portion of the tube 180 is stored and a joint storage portion 122 in which the joint 130 is stored (see FIG. 1B).
  • the tube storage part 121 is located on the small diameter part 117 side with respect to the joint storage part 122.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the tube storage part 121 includes a first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the first inner peripheral surface 121a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction.
  • the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 117 and slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 180 (see FIG. 1B).
  • a step surface 126 is provided at the boundary between the small diameter portion 117 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a due to the difference in inner diameter between the two.
  • the step surface 126 is an annular plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the joint storage part 122 includes a second inner peripheral surface 122a.
  • the second inner peripheral surface 122a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction.
  • the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a is larger than the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • an inner diameter transition region 127 is provided between the tube storage part 121 and the joint storage part 122 due to an inner diameter difference between the first inner peripheral surface 121a and the second inner peripheral surface 122a.
  • the inner diameter transition area 127 the inner diameter changes so that the inner diameter decreases from the joint housing portion 122 (second inner circumferential surface 122 a) toward the tube housing portion 121 (first inner circumferential surface 121 a).
  • the inner diameter transition region 127 of the present embodiment is configured by a convex curved surface that protrudes toward the inner cavity of the base portion 120 and has a substantially arc-shaped cross section.
  • the inner diameter transition region 127 of the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the inner diameter decreases from the joint housing part 122 (second inner circumferential surface 122a) toward the tube housing part 121 (first inner circumferential surface 121a). It may be a tapered surface inclined so as to be.
  • a step surface that is an annular flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis, similar to the step surface 126, may be provided between the tube storage portion 121 and the joint storage portion 122.
  • a convex curved surface or a tapered surface similar to the above-described inner diameter transition region 127 may be provided on the inner edge of the step surface (that is, the edge of the opening on the joint storage portion 122 side of the tube storage portion 121).
  • the inner circumferential surface of the joint housing portion 122 is adjacent to the opening side facing the lower side of the base portion 120 with respect to the second inner circumferential surface 122a (that is, the side opposite to the tube housing portion 121), in the circumferential direction.
  • a continuous annular groove 123 is provided.
  • the groove 123 is configured by combining two tapered surfaces having opposite taper directions so as to have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.
  • the taper angle of the taper surface 123a below the deepest part of the groove 123 (the part where the inner diameter of the groove 123 is maximum) is markedly greater than the taper angle of the taper surface above the deepest part (on the second inner peripheral surface 122a side). large.
  • the tapered surface 123a may be along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the central axis.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the base 120 is a substantially cylindrical surface.
  • a pair of grip portions 128 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 120 so as to protrude in the radial direction.
  • the pair of grip portions 128 makes it easy for an operator to grip the female connector main body 101 (further, the female connector 100) and apply a rotational force.
  • the cross-sectional shape along the horizontal direction of each grip part 128 is a hollow substantially “U” shape.
  • the shape of the grip part 128 is not limited to this and is arbitrary. For example, a thin plate-like object in which the grip portion extends along the radial direction may be used.
  • the grip portion may be spaced apart from the base portion 120 in the radial direction.
  • the grip part may have a substantially rectangular horizontal cross-sectional shape and surround the base part 120, similarly to a grip part 928 provided in a male connector 900 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) described later.
  • the grip portion 128 may be omitted.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 120 may be formed in, for example, a polygonal column surface (a quadratic column surface, a hexagonal column surface, etc.) to improve the gripping property of the female connector body 101 (further, the female connector 100).
  • the material of the female connector body 101 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that does not substantially deform due to external force.
  • a resin material such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) can be used.
  • PP polypropylene
  • PC polycarbonate
  • POM polyacetal
  • polystyrene polyamide
  • polyethylene hard polyvinyl chloride
  • ABS acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer
  • the female member 110 may be damaged, such as a crack.
  • the material of the female connector main body 101 has high toughness (that is, tenacity). From this viewpoint, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferable, and polypropylene is particularly preferable.
  • the female connector main body 101 can be integrally manufactured as a whole by injection molding or the like using the above resin material.
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the joint 130
  • FIG. 4B is a side view of the joint 130
  • FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the joint 130.
  • the joint 130 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape provided with a through hole 138 along the central axis.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 138 is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. Such a cylindrical surface may be provided only in a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 138 in the central axis direction.
  • the inner diameter of the cylindrical surface of the through-hole 138 is preferably substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube 138, and particularly preferably the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 138.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the joint 130 is provided with a cylindrical surface 131 and a protrusion (first protrusion) 133 adjacent to the cylindrical surface 131 on the lower side.
  • the outer diameter of the cylindrical surface 131 is constant in the central axis direction and is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a (see FIG. 3) of the female connector main body 101.
  • a protrusion (second protrusion) 132 protruding outward in the radial direction is provided on the cylindrical surface 131.
  • the protrusion 132 is an annular rib that is continuous in the circumferential direction.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 132 is not limited, but is substantially triangular in this embodiment.
  • the outer diameter of the protrusion 132 at the top of the protrusion 132 (the portion of the protrusion 132 having the largest outer diameter) is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the female connector body 101.
  • the protrusion 133 is also an annular rib that is continuous in the circumferential direction.
  • the protrusion 133 is configured by combining two tapered surfaces having opposite taper directions so as to have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape.
  • the taper angle of the taper surface 133a below the top of the protrusion 133 (the portion of the protrusion 133 having the largest outer diameter) is significantly larger than the taper angle of the taper surface above the top (on the cylindrical surface 131 side).
  • the tapered surface 133a may be along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the central axis.
  • the taper angle of the taper surface 133a is substantially the same as the taper angle of the taper surface 123a (see FIG. 3) constituting the groove 123 of the female connector main body 101.
  • the material of the joint 130 is not limited, but a resin material is preferable.
  • a resin material is preferable.
  • a hard resin material having an appropriate strength (rigidity), or a soft resin material that can be deformed relatively easily, such as urethane, soft polyvinyl chloride, or polybutadiene, can be used.
  • the joint 130 is preferably made of a hard material.
  • the joint 130 is bonded to the tube 180 inserted into the through hole 138.
  • the material of the joint 130 has good adhesiveness. From this viewpoint, among the above, hard polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and ABS are preferable, and hard polyvinyl chloride is particularly preferable.
  • the joint 130 can be integrally manufactured as a whole by using the above resin material by an injection molding method or the like.
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint 130 is inserted into the joint housing part 122 of the base body part 120.
  • the protrusion 133 of the joint 130 is fitted in the groove 123 of the base body 120. Since the groove 123 is an annular groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction, the protrusion 133 can be fitted into the groove 123 regardless of the rotational position around the central axis of the joint 130 with respect to the base portion 120.
  • the tapered surface 133a of the protrusion 133 is opposed (preferably abutted) to the tapered surface 123a of the groove 123 in the central axis direction.
  • the tapered surfaces 123a and 133a have a very large taper angle, once the protrusion 133 is fitted into the groove 123, the joint 130 is then pulled downward from the female connector body 101. However, it is difficult to release the engagement between the protrusion 133 and the groove 123. That is, the protrusion 133 and the groove 123 are irreversibly engaged.
  • the protrusion 132 of the joint 130 is in contact with the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the base body 120.
  • the outer diameter at the top of the protrusion 132 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a.
  • the second inner peripheral surface 122a is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to reduce the diameter of the protrusion 132.
  • / or the protrusion 132 is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to expand the diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a.
  • the protrusion 132 Due to the elastic restoring force of the protrusion 132 and / or the second inner peripheral surface 122a generated by these, the protrusion 132 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second inner peripheral surface 122a, and between the protrusion 132 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a. A liquid-tight seal S2 is formed.
  • the tip of the joint 130 is opposed (preferably abutted) in the central axis direction to an inner diameter transition region 127 between the tube storage part 121 and the joint storage part 122.
  • the tube 180 is inserted into the through hole 138 of the joint 130.
  • the outer peripheral surface of at least the portion inserted into the female connector 100 of the tube 180 is a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is constant in the longitudinal direction.
  • the tube 180 has such flexibility that it can be easily bent and compressed in the radial direction.
  • the material of the tube 180 is not limited, but is preferably a soft material.
  • a resin material such as soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, or polybutadiene can be used, and soft polyvinyl chloride is particularly preferable.
  • an adhesive 185 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the tube 180 and its vicinity.
  • the adhesive 185 can be appropriately selected according to the material of the tube 180 and the joint 130.
  • a solvent-based adhesive can be used.
  • the tube 180 coated with the adhesive 185 is inserted into the through hole 138 of the joint 130.
  • the tube 180 penetrates the joint 130 and further enters the tube storage part 121 of the base body part 120.
  • the tube 180 is inserted into the female connector 100 until the tip of the tube 180 collides with the step surface 126 at the boundary between the small diameter portion 117 and the tube storage portion 121.
  • An inner diameter transition area 127 guides the tube 180 to the tube storage part 121.
  • the adhesive 185 adheres the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 138 of the joint 130, and a liquid-tight seal portion S3 (see FIG. 1B) is formed therebetween. Further, the adhesive 185 may bond the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the tube 180 protruding from the joint 130 and the first inner peripheral surface 121 a of the tube storage portion 121. However, depending on the material of the female connector main body 101, the adhesive strength between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a may be relatively low.
  • the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 180. For this reason, the first inner peripheral surface 121a is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion of the tube 180.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 is in close contact with the first inner peripheral surface 121a by the elastic restoring force of the tube 180, and a liquid-tight seal portion S1 (see FIG. 1B) is formed between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the tube 180 is bonded to the joint 130, and the joint 130 is engaged with the female connector main body 101 by the engaging structure (the groove 123 and the protrusion 133).
  • the material of the female connector main body 101 and the joint 130 can be freely selected in consideration of the respective functions.
  • a material having high toughness for example, polypropylene
  • a material having good adhesion for example, hard polyvinyl chloride
  • a material having good adhesion for example, hard polyvinyl chloride
  • a two-color molding method is known as a method for integrating two parts made of different materials.
  • the two-color molding method has problems such as limited combinations of materials that can be used and high cost due to complicated mold structures.
  • the female connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment the female connector main body 101 and the joint 130 are integrated by the engagement of the engagement structure (the groove 123 and the protrusion 133) without using the two-color molding method.
  • the female connector assembly 1 according to the first embodiment can be manufactured at low cost by solving the above-described problems of the two-color molding method and selecting optimum materials for the female connector main body 101 and the joint 130, respectively.
  • the female member 110 of the female connector assembly 1 is connected to a male connector having a male member having a male tapered surface that matches the tapered surface 112.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B An example of the male connector is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.
  • 6A is a perspective view of the male connector 900
  • FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view thereof.
  • the male connector 900 includes a male member (connecting tube) 910 at one end and a base 920 at the other end.
  • the male member 910 has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole.
  • the flow path 911 penetrates the male member 910 along the longitudinal direction.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the male member 910 includes a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) 912 whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip.
  • a cylindrical outer cylinder 913 surrounds the male member 910.
  • a female screw 915 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 913 facing the male member 910.
  • the base portion 920 also has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole.
  • the base portion 920 is disposed coaxially with the male member 910 and communicates with the flow path 911.
  • a flexible tube 980 is inserted into the base portion 920.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the tube 980 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 920 with an adhesive.
  • a grip portion 928 surrounds the base portion 920.
  • the cross-sectional shape along a plane parallel to the horizontal direction of the grip portion 928 is a rectangle.
  • the grip portion 928 makes it easy for an operator to grip the male connector 900 and apply a rotational force.
  • the shape of the grip part 928 is not limited to this, and is arbitrary.
  • the grip portion 928 may be omitted.
  • the female connector assembly 1 and the male connector 900 are connected by inserting the male member 910 into the female member 110 and screwing the screw-shaped protrusion 115 and the female screw 915 together.
  • the diameter and taper angle of the female tapered surface 112 of the female member 110 and the male tapered surface 912 of the male member 910 coincide with each other, they are in surface contact with each other in a liquid-tight manner.
  • the liquid material flows through the tube 980, the male member 910, the female member 110, the small diameter portion 117, and the tube 180 in this order or vice versa.
  • the liquid-tight seal portion (first seal portion) S ⁇ b> 1 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121 a of the tube storage portion 121.
  • a liquid-tight seal portion (second seal portion) S ⁇ b> 2 is formed between the protrusion 132 of 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122 a of the joint housing portion 122, and further, the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the through hole 138 of the joint 130.
  • a liquid-tight seal portion (third seal portion) S3 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first and second inner surfaces.
  • the first seal portion S1 between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a is formed mainly by the first inner peripheral surface 121a compressing the tube 180 in the radial direction. For this reason, the sealing performance of the first seal portion S ⁇ b> 1 may be deteriorated by using the female connector assembly 1 for a long period of time. Even if the liquid material passes through the first seal portion S1, the second and third seal portions S2 and S3 prevent the liquid material from leaking out of the female connector assembly 1. Thus, since the female connector assembly 1 includes the multi-stage seal portions S1, S2, and S3, it is possible to prevent the liquid material from flowing out to the outside for a long period of time.
  • the second seal portion S ⁇ b> 2 is formed between the protrusion 132 of the joint 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122 a of the joint storage portion 122.
  • the second inner peripheral surface 122a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. This is advantageous for ensuring the sealing performance of the second seal portion S2 regardless of the position of the joint 130 in the central axis direction with respect to the base portion 120. For this reason, for example, even if the joint 130 is displaced in the central axis direction in the joint housing portion 122 due to play between the engagement structure (the protrusion 133 and the groove 123) of the joint 130 and the female connector main body 101, The sealing property of the two seal portion S2 does not change. This makes it possible to relax the dimensional accuracy of the engagement structure (groove 123 and protrusion 133).
  • the second seal portion S2 is formed by the top portion of the annular protrusion 132 pressing the second inner peripheral surface 122a. This configuration is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the second seal portion S2 because the pressing force is concentrated in an extremely narrow region where the top of the protrusion 132 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a are in contact with each other.
  • the surface 131 is a cylindrical surface.
  • the projection 132 forms the second seal portion S2
  • the surface 131 may not be an accurate cylindrical surface.
  • the protrusion 132 is not provided on the cylindrical surface 131 of the joint 130, and instead, the annular protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction is provided on the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the joint housing portion 122. May be.
  • the second seal portion S2 is formed between the annular protrusion and the cylindrical surface 131.
  • the annular protrusion constituting the second seal portion S2 may be constituted by a seal member such as an O-ring.
  • the seal member can be attached to an annular groove provided on one of the cylindrical surface 131 of the joint 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the joint storage portion 122.
  • the second seal portion S ⁇ b> 2 is formed between the seal member and the other of the cylindrical surface 131 of the joint 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122 a of the joint storage portion 122.
  • FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the female connector assembly 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly 2 along one plane including the central axis 1a.
  • the female connector assembly 2 includes a female connector 200 and a tube 180.
  • the female connector 200 includes a female connector main body 201 and a joint 230.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector main body 201.
  • 9A is a perspective view of the joint 230
  • FIG. 9B is a side view of the joint 230
  • FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the joint 230.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion 122 includes the second inner peripheral surface 122a, and the second inner peripheral surface 122a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. (See FIG. 3).
  • the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion 122 includes a second inner peripheral surface 222a, and the second inner peripheral surface 222a is This is a female taper surface whose inner diameter decreases as it approaches the tube storage part 121 (or the female member 110).
  • the second inner peripheral surface 222a is adjacent to the first inner peripheral surface 121a via the inner diameter transition region 127.
  • An annular groove 123 that is continuous in the circumferential direction is adjacent to the second inner peripheral surface 222a on the lower side (that is, the side opposite to the tube storage portion 121).
  • the cylindrical surface 131 is provided adjacent to the tip side with respect to the protrusion (first protrusion) 133, and the annular protrusion (second protrusion) 132 is provided on the cylindrical surface 131.
  • a male tapered surface 231 is provided adjacent to the protrusion (first protrusion) 133 on the tip side. Yes.
  • the male taper surface 231 is a taper surface whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the joint 230 (upper side in FIG. 9C).
  • the male taper surface 231 is not provided with the protrusion (second protrusion) 132 of the first embodiment.
  • the female connector assembly 2 is manufactured in the same manner as the male connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the diameter and taper angle of the second inner peripheral surface (female taper surface) 222a of the joint housing portion 122 and the male taper surface 231 of the joint 230 are the same. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the joint 230 is housed in the joint housing portion 122 so that the protrusion 133 fits into the groove 123, the male tapered surface 231 and the second inner peripheral surface 222a come into surface contact. A liquid-tight seal portion (second seal portion) S2 is formed between the two. The second seal portion S2 between the male tapered surface 231 and the second inner peripheral surface 222a is the same as the second seal portion S2 (see FIG. 1B) between the protrusion 132 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the first embodiment.
  • the first seal portion S1 between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a is complemented.
  • the female connector assembly 2 also includes the multi-stage seal portions S1, S2, and S3, it is possible to prevent the liquid material from flowing out to the outside over a long period of time.
  • the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above.
  • the description of the first embodiment is also applied to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the female connector assembly 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the female connector assembly 3 includes a female connector 300 and a tube 180. The female connector 300 includes a female connector main body 301 and a joint 130. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector main body 301.
  • the female connector assembly 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.
  • the inner tube 321 protrudes from the step surface 126 into the tube storage portion 121.
  • the inner tube 321 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is coaxial with the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the inner tube 321 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a are separated from each other in the radial direction.
  • the outer diameter of the inner tube 321 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tube 180.
  • the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 317 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner tube 321 and is smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 117 (see FIG. 3) of the first embodiment.
  • the distal end portion of the tube 180 is inserted between the inner tube 321 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the inner tube 321 is inserted into the tube 180.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 321 may be in close contact with each other, and a liquid-tight seal portion S1 'may be formed therebetween.
  • the seal part S1 ' constitutes a first seal part.
  • the liquid-tight seal portion S1 may or may not be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the liquid-tight seal portion S1 ' may not be formed between the inner peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 321.
  • the first seal portion is configured by a seal portion S1 between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the first inner peripheral surface 121a is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion of the tube 180. Is preferred.
  • the inner pipe 321 can prevent such excessive deformation of the tube 180, and can reliably form a liquid-tight seal portion S1 between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 321 are set so that one or both of the seal portion S1 and the seal portion S1 'are appropriately formed.
  • the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above.
  • the description of the first embodiment is also applied to the third embodiment.
  • the inner cylinder 321 of the third embodiment can be applied to the female connector assembly 2 of the second embodiment.
  • the first seal portion S1 is formed by the first inner peripheral surface 121a, which is a cylindrical surface, being in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • an annular protrusion (rib) that is continuous in the circumferential direction may be provided on the first inner peripheral surface 121a, and the liquid-tight first seal portion S1 may be formed between the protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180.
  • the inner diameter of the protrusion at the top of the protrusion is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 180. This configuration is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the first seal portion S1 because the protrusion locally presses the tube 180.
  • the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is preferably slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 180.
  • the first inner peripheral surface 121a need not be a cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter in the central axis direction.
  • the first seal portion S ⁇ b> 1 is formed between the step surface 126 and the tube 180 by pressing the distal end of the tube 180 against the lower surfaces of the small diameter portions 117 and 317 (that is, the step surface 126) in the central axis direction. Also good.
  • the female member of the present invention is not limited to Embodiments 1 to 3 described above.
  • the female member 110 only needs to have a taper surface (female taper surface) 112 whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip.
  • the dimensions (inner diameter, taper angle, length in the central axis direction, etc.) of the female taper surface are arbitrary.
  • the outer peripheral surface 113 of the female member 110 does not need to be a cylindrical surface, and the cylindrical surface 113 may not be provided with the screw-like projection 115. If the female member 110 has the female taper surface 112, the female member 110 receives an outward force in the radial direction from the inserted male member, and the female member 110 may be damaged such as a crack.
  • the present invention is advantageous in preventing such damage of the female member 110. Therefore, the female connector assembly of the present invention is connected to the male connector simply by fitting the male taper surface of the male connector to the female taper surface 112 without screwing connection using the screw-like projection 115 (this is the case). Such a connection may be referred to as a “slip connection”.
  • the engagement structure for irreversibly engaging the joint with the female connector main body is not limited to the groove 123 and the protrusion 133, and the protrusion and the recess that engage with each other, or the protrusion and the protrusion that engage with each other. It may be a part.
  • the convex portion may be an annular convex portion that is continuous in the circumferential direction like the projection 133, or may be one or more convex portions that are discontinuous in the circumferential direction.
  • the recess may be an annular recess that is continuous in the circumferential direction like the groove 123, or may be one or more recesses that are discontinuous in the circumferential direction.
  • the cross-sectional shape along the plane including the central axis of the convex portion and the concave portion does not need to be substantially triangular, and is arbitrary such as a semicircular shape and a rectangular shape.
  • the convex portion may be provided in the joint housing portion 122 and the concave portion may be provided in the joint.
  • the second seal portion S2 is formed at a position different from the engaging structure provided on the female connector main body and the joint, and the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the second seal portion S2 may be formed between the engagement structure provided in the female connector body and the engagement structure provided in the joint. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a structure for forming the second seal portion S2 in the female connector main body and the joint separately from the engagement structure, so that the configuration of the female connector main body and the joint can be simplified.
  • the female connector main body and the joint are provided with the engagement structure that engages with each other.
  • the structure for firmly coupling the joint to the female connector main body is not limited to the engagement structure so that the joint does not come out of the female connector main body.
  • the joint and the female connector body may be provided with a fitting structure that allows the joint to be integrated with the female connector body by press-fitting the joint into the joint housing portion of the female connector body.
  • a male taper surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint
  • a female taper surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion of the female connector body, and the male taper surface and the female taper surface are brought into firm surface contact, thereby allowing the joint to be female.
  • the first cylindrical surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint
  • the second cylindrical surface having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the first cylindrical surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion of the female connector body
  • the first cylindrical surface is provided.
  • the joint can be firmly coupled to the female connector main body by press-fitting into the second cylindrical surface and fitting them together.
  • the second seal portion S2 is formed in a fitting structure, it is not necessary to provide a structure for forming the second seal portion S2 in the joint and the female connector main body separately from the fitting structure.
  • the material of the female connector main body, the joint, and the tube is not limited to the above. There are various combinations of materials that can prevent damage to the female member and improve the connectivity of the tube, and the present invention encompasses all these combinations. However, the material of the female connector body is preferably different from the material of the joint. The adhesive for bonding the joint and the tube may be appropriately changed according to the material of the joint and the tube.
  • the manufacturing method of the female connector assembly is not limited to the first to third embodiments.
  • the tube may be inserted into the joint such that its tip protrudes from the joint, and after the tube and the joint are bonded, the joint may be inserted into the base portion of the female connector body.
  • the small-diameter portion 117 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is provided adjacent to the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
  • the small diameter portion 117 can be omitted.
  • the small-diameter portion 117 may be omitted in the female connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 12B, the female connector assembly 2 of the second embodiment.
  • the small diameter portion 117 may be omitted.
  • the step surface 126 is also omitted.
  • the male connector assembly includes a male connector and a tube.
  • the male connector includes a male member having a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip as the connecting tube.
  • the male connector includes a base portion 920 to which the tube 980 is connected, a base end portion having a tube storage portion and a joint storage portion, a joint, It may be replaced with.
  • the male connector may not include the outer cylinder 913 and the female screw 915.
  • the application field of the present invention is not particularly limited, but can be preferably used as a connector assembly used to form a flow path for flowing a liquid substance in the medical field.
  • a connector assembly used to form a flow path for flowing a liquid substance in the medical field.
  • limiting in the kind in liquid For example, blood, a chemical
  • the present invention is not limited to the medical field, and can be widely used in any field (for example, a field of food, chemistry, etc.) that needs to form a flow path through which a liquid material flows.
  • 1,2,3 Female connector assembly (Connector assembly) 100, 200, 300 Female connector (connector) 101, 201, 301 Female connector body (connector body) 110 Female member (connecting cylinder) 112 Tapered surface (inner peripheral surface of female member) 115 screw-like projection 120 base part 121 tube storage part 121a first inner peripheral surface (inner peripheral surface of tube storage part) 122 Joint housing portion 122a Second inner circumferential surface (inner circumferential surface of the joint housing portion, cylindrical surface) 222a 2nd inner peripheral surface (the inner peripheral surface of a joint storage part, a female taper surface) 123 groove (engagement structure, recess) 127 Inner diameter transition region 130, 230 Joint 131 Cylindrical surface (outer peripheral surface of joint) 231 Male taper surface 132 of joint Annular projection 133 Protrusion (engagement structure, convex portion) 180 Tube 321 Inner cylinder S1, S1 '1st seal part S2 2nd seal part S3 3rd seal part

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Abstract

A connector body (101) has a connection cylinder (110) at one end thereof and has a base body (120) at the other end thereof. A tube (180) extends through a joint (130), and the tube and the joint are bonded together while the front end of the tube protrudes from the joint. The base body is provided with: a tube containing section (121) having contained therein the front end of the tube, which protrudes from the joint; and a joint containing section (122) having the joint contained therein. A liquid-tight first seal (S1) is formed between the front end of the tube and the connector body, and a liquid-tight second seal (S2) is formed between the joint and the joint containing section.

Description

コネクタ組立体Connector assembly
 本発明は、硬質材料からなるコネクタに柔軟なチューブが接続されたコネクタ組立体に関する。 The present invention relates to a connector assembly in which a flexible tube is connected to a connector made of a hard material.
 医療の分野において、柔軟なチューブを用いて、液状物(例えば血液、薬液など)を流すための流路(回路と呼ばれることもある)が形成される。2本のチューブを接続するために、オスコネクタとメスコネクタとからなる接続具が用いられる。このような接続具として、オスコネクタとメスコネクタとの間からの液漏れを防止するために、オステーパ面とメステーパ面とを嵌合(テーパ嵌合)させるスリップ接続方式の接続具が知られている(例えば特許文献1参照)。オステーパ面は、筒形状のオス部材の外周面に設けられており、その外径は、先端に近づくにしたがって小さくなる。メステーパ面は、筒形状のメス部材の内周面に設けられており、その内径は、先端に近づくにしたがって大きくなる。オステーパ面とメステーパ面とは、径及びテーパ角度が一致する。このため、オス部材をメス部材に挿入すると、オステーパ面とメステーパ面とは液密に面接触する。オスコネクタ及びメスコネクタは、いずれも実質的に変形しない硬質材料で構成される。オスコネクタは、オス部材に連通する筒形状の基体部を備え、当該基体部にチューブが接着剤を介して接続されている。メスコネクタも、メス部材に連通する筒形状の基体部を備え、当該基体部に別のチューブが接着剤を介して接続されている。かくして、2本のチューブを、オスコネクタとメスコネクタとからなる接続具を介して連通させることができる。 In the medical field, a flexible tube is used to form a flow path (sometimes referred to as a circuit) for flowing a liquid material (for example, blood, chemical liquid, etc.). In order to connect two tubes, a connecting tool including a male connector and a female connector is used. As such a connection tool, a slip connection type connection tool for fitting a male taper surface and a female taper surface (taper fitting) to prevent liquid leakage from between the male connector and the female connector is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). The male taper surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical male member, and its outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip. The female taper surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical female member, and its inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip. The male taper surface and the female taper surface have the same diameter and taper angle. For this reason, when the male member is inserted into the female member, the male taper surface and the female taper surface come into liquid-tight surface contact. Both the male connector and the female connector are made of a hard material that does not substantially deform. The male connector includes a cylindrical base portion communicating with the male member, and a tube is connected to the base portion via an adhesive. The female connector also includes a cylindrical base portion communicating with the female member, and another tube is connected to the base portion via an adhesive. Thus, the two tubes can be communicated with each other via a connector composed of a male connector and a female connector.
特開2012-075495号公報JP 2012-074495 A
 上述した従来のスリップ接続方式の接続具では、オス部材をメス部材内に強く挿入すればするほど、オステーパ面とメステーパ面との間の液密性は向上する。しかしながら、オス部材をメス部材内に強く挿入し過ぎると、メス部材はオス部材から拡径されるような力を受け、また、オス部材はオス部材から縮径されるような力を受ける。このため、オス部材及びメス部材(これらを総称して「接続筒」という)のうちの一方又は両方にクラック等の損傷が生じることがある。接続筒の損傷を防止するためには、接続筒を含むコネクタ(即ち、メスコネクタ及びオスコネクタ)の全体を、高い靱性を有する(即ち、粘り強い)材料(例えばポリプロピレンやポリエチレン)で構成することが有効である。 In the conventional slip connection type connector described above, the stronger the male member is inserted into the female member, the better the liquid tightness between the male tapered surface and the female tapered surface. However, if the male member is inserted too strongly into the female member, the female member receives a force that increases the diameter from the male member, and the male member receives a force that decreases the diameter from the male member. For this reason, damage such as cracks may occur in one or both of the male member and the female member (collectively referred to as “connecting cylinder”). In order to prevent the connection tube from being damaged, the entire connector (that is, the female connector and the male connector) including the connection tube may be made of a material having high toughness (that is, tenacious) (for example, polypropylene or polyethylene). It is valid.
 ところが、このような高靱性の樹脂は一般に接着剤に対する接着性が低い。従って、コネクタを高靱性の樹脂で構成した場合、その基体部とチューブとの接続性が低下する。これは、チューブに引張り力が加えられたときに基体部とチューブとが分離したり、基体部とチューブとの接続部分から液状物が外界に漏れ出たりする可能性を高める。 However, such a tough resin generally has low adhesion to an adhesive. Therefore, when the connector is made of a tough resin, the connectivity between the base portion and the tube is lowered. This increases the possibility that the base portion and the tube are separated when a tensile force is applied to the tube, or the liquid material leaks out from the connection portion between the base portion and the tube.
 本発明の目的は、接続筒の材料に関わらず、コネクタとチューブとの間の接続性を確保することにある。 The object of the present invention is to ensure the connectivity between the connector and the tube regardless of the material of the connecting cylinder.
 本発明のコネクタ組立体は、コネクタと、前記コネクタに接続された柔軟な中空のチューブとを備える。前記コネクタは、一端に筒形状の接続筒を有し、他端に筒形状の基体部を有し、前記接続筒が前記チューブに連通している、硬質材料からなるコネクタ本体と、ジョイントとを備える。前記チューブが前記ジョイントを貫通し、前記チューブの先端部が前記ジョイントから突出した状態で、前記チューブの外周面と前記ジョイントの内周面とが接着されている。前記基体部は、前記ジョイントから突出した前記チューブの前記先端部が収納されたチューブ収納部と、前記ジョイントが収納されたジョイント収納部とを備える。前記チューブの前記先端部と前記コネクタ本体との間に液密な第1シール部が形成されている。前記ジョイントと前記ジョイント収納部との間に液密な第2シール部が形成されている。 The connector assembly of the present invention includes a connector and a flexible hollow tube connected to the connector. The connector has a connector body made of a hard material, having a cylindrical connection tube at one end, a cylindrical base portion at the other end, and the connection tube communicating with the tube, and a joint. Prepare. The outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the joint are bonded together with the tube penetrating the joint and the distal end portion of the tube protruding from the joint. The base portion includes a tube storage portion in which the distal end portion of the tube protruding from the joint is stored, and a joint storage portion in which the joint is stored. A liquid-tight first seal portion is formed between the distal end portion of the tube and the connector main body. A liquid-tight second seal portion is formed between the joint and the joint storage portion.
 本発明のコネクタは、接続筒を有するコネクタ本体と、チューブが接着されたジョイントとが別個の部材で構成されている。このため、例えば接続筒にクラック等の損傷が生じないようにコネクタ本体の材料を選択しながら、接着性を考慮してジョイントの材料を選択することができる。従って、接続筒の材料に関わらず、コネクタとチューブとの間の接続性を確保することができる。 In the connector of the present invention, the connector main body having the connecting cylinder and the joint to which the tube is bonded are formed of separate members. For this reason, for example, it is possible to select the material of the joint in consideration of adhesiveness while selecting the material of the connector body so that damage such as cracks does not occur in the connection tube. Therefore, the connectivity between the connector and the tube can be ensured regardless of the material of the connection cylinder.
図1Aは、本発明の実施形態1にかかるメスコネクタ組立体の斜視図である。FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 図1Bは、本発明の実施形態1にかかるメスコネクタ組立体の断面図である。FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 図2Aは、本発明の実施形態1にかかるメスコネクタ組立体を構成するメスコネクタ本体の斜視図である。図2Bは、メスコネクタ本体の側面図である。FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the female connector main body constituting the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view of the female connector body. 図3は、本発明の実施形態1にかかるメスコネクタ本体の断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 図4Aは、本発明の実施形態1にかかるジョイントの斜視図である。図4Bは、ジョイントの側面図である。図4Cは、ジョイントの断面図である。FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a joint according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a side view of the joint. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the joint. 図5は、本発明の実施形態1にかかるメスコネクタ組立体の一製造工程を示した断面図である。FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing one manufacturing process of the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 図6Aは、本発明の実施形態1にかかるメスコネクタ組立体に接続することができるオスコネクタの一例の斜視図、図6Bはその断面斜視図である。6A is a perspective view of an example of a male connector that can be connected to the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view thereof. 図7Aは、本発明の実施形態2にかかるメスコネクタ組立体の斜視図である。図7Bは、本発明の実施形態2にかかるメスコネクタ組立体の断面図である。FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a female connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. 図8は、本発明の実施形態2にかかるメスコネクタ本体の断面図である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector body according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 図9Aは、本発明の実施形態2にかかるジョイントの斜視図である。図9Bは、ジョイントの側面図である。図9Cは、ジョイントの断面図である。FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a joint according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a side view of the joint. FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the joint. 図10は、本発明の実施形態3にかかるメスコネクタ組立体の断面図である。FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 図11は、本発明の実施形態3にかかるメスコネクタ本体の断面図である。FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector main body according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 図12Aは、本発明の実施形態1にかかる別のメスコネクタ組立体の断面図である。図12Bは、本発明の実施形態2にかかる別のメスコネクタ組立体の断面図である。FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of another female connector assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of another female connector assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
 上記の本発明のコネクタ組立体において、前記第1シール部は、前記チューブの前記先端部の外周面と前記チューブ収納部の内周面との間に形成されていてもよい。これにより、第1シール部を簡単な構成で形成することができる。 In the connector assembly according to the present invention, the first seal portion may be formed between an outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the tube and an inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion. Thereby, a 1st seal | sticker part can be formed with a simple structure.
 前記第1シール部において、前記チューブ収納部の前記内周面は、前記チューブの前記先端部が縮径するように前記チューブの前記先端部を径方向に圧縮していてもよい。これにより、コネクタ本体の材料が接着性に優れていなくても、チューブとコネクタ本体との間に液密な第1シール部を形成することができる。 In the first seal portion, the inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion may compress the distal end portion of the tube in a radial direction so that the distal end portion of the tube is reduced in diameter. Thereby, even if the material of a connector main body is not excellent in adhesiveness, a liquid-tight 1st seal | sticker part can be formed between a tube and a connector main body.
 前記第1シール部において、前記チューブの前記先端部と前記チューブ収納部の内周面とが接着されていてもよい。これは、第1シール部のシール性を更に向上させるのに有利である。 In the first seal portion, the distal end portion of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion may be bonded. This is advantageous for further improving the sealing performance of the first seal portion.
 前記ジョイント収納部と前記チューブ収納部との間に、前記ジョイント収納部から前記チューブ収納部に向かって内径が小さくなるように内径が変化する内径遷移域が設けられていてもよい。これは、コネクタ組立体の製造において、チューブをチューブ収納部に挿入するのを容易にする。 An inner diameter transition region in which the inner diameter changes so that the inner diameter decreases from the joint storage section toward the tube storage section may be provided between the joint storage section and the tube storage section. This facilitates the insertion of the tube into the tube housing in the manufacture of the connector assembly.
 前記第2シール部は、前記ジョイントの外周面及び前記ジョイント収納部の内周面のうちの一方に設けられた周方向に連続する環状の突起と、前記ジョイントの外周面及び前記ジョイント収納部の内周面のうちの他方との間に形成されていてもよい。これは、簡単な構成で、第2シール部のシール性を向上するのに有利である。 The second seal part includes a circumferential annular protrusion provided on one of the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the inner peripheral surface of the joint storage part, and the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the joint storage part. You may form between the other of the internal peripheral surfaces. This is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the second seal portion with a simple configuration.
 前記ジョイントの前記外周面及び前記ジョイント収納部の前記内周面のうちの前記他方は、中心軸方向において径が一定である円筒面であってもよい。これにより、ジョイントがジョイント収納部内で中心軸方向に位置ずれしたとしても、第2シール部のシール性を確保することができる。 The other of the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion may be a cylindrical surface having a constant diameter in the central axis direction. Thereby, even if the joint is displaced in the central axis direction in the joint housing portion, the sealing performance of the second seal portion can be ensured.
 前記第2シール部は、前記ジョイントの外周面に設けられた、先端に近づくにしたがって外径が小さくなるオステーパ面と、前記ジョイント収納部の内周面に設けられた、前記接続筒に近づくにしたがって内径が小さくなるメステーパ面との間に形成されていてもよい。これは、オステーパ面とメステーパ面とが面接触することにより、第2シール部のシール性を向上させるのに有利である。 The second seal portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint, the male taper surface having an outer diameter that decreases as it approaches the tip, and the connection cylinder provided on the inner peripheral surface of the joint storage portion. Therefore, it may be formed between the female taper surface with a smaller inner diameter. This is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the second seal portion by the surface contact between the male taper surface and the female taper surface.
 互いに接着された前記チューブの前記外周面と前記ジョイントの前記内周面との間に液密な第3シール部が形成されていてもよい。これは、液状物の外界への流出を長期間にわたって防止するのに有利である。 A liquid-tight third seal portion may be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the joint that are bonded to each other. This is advantageous for preventing the liquid from flowing out to the outside for a long period of time.
 前記ジョイントが前記基体部から抜け出ることがないように、前記ジョイントは前記コネクタ本体に強固に結合されていてもよい。これは、コネクタとチューブとの間の接続性を更に向上するのに有利である。 The joint may be firmly coupled to the connector main body so that the joint does not come out of the base portion. This is advantageous for further improving the connectivity between the connector and the tube.
 前記ジョイント収納部及び前記ジョイントには、互いに係合する係合構造が設けられていてもよい。これにより、簡単な構成で、コネクタ本体とジョイントとを強固に結合させることができる。 The joint storage portion and the joint may be provided with an engagement structure that engages with each other. Accordingly, the connector body and the joint can be firmly coupled with a simple configuration.
 前記係合構造は、凹部と、前記凹部に嵌入する凸部とを含んでいてもよい。これは、係合構造の構成を簡単化するのに有利である。 The engagement structure may include a concave portion and a convex portion that fits into the concave portion. This is advantageous for simplifying the configuration of the engagement structure.
 前記凹部は、周方向に連続した環状の溝であってもよい。これにより、ジョイントの中心軸回りの回転方向位置に関わらず、凹部と凸部とを係合させることができる。 The concave portion may be an annular groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction. Thereby, a recessed part and a convex part can be engaged irrespective of the rotation direction position around the central axis of the joint.
 前記ジョイント収納部に設けられた前記係合構造と、前記ジョイントに設けられた前記係合構造とは、不可逆的に係合していてもよい。これにより、チューブに張力が加えられても、チューブがジョイントとともにコネクタ本体から抜け出るのを防止することができる。 The engagement structure provided in the joint housing portion and the engagement structure provided in the joint may be irreversibly engaged. Thereby, even if tension | tensile_strength is applied to a tube, it can prevent that a tube pulls out from a connector main body with a joint.
 前記コネクタ本体は、前記チューブ収納部内に内筒を更に備えてもよい。この場合、前記内筒は前記チューブの前記先端部に挿入されていてもよい。内筒の外周面はチューブの内周面に密着し、内筒とチューブとの間に液密なシール部(第1シール部)が形成されてもよい。あるいは、チューブの外周面とチューブ収納部の内周面との間に液密なシール部(第1シール部)が確実に形成されるように、内筒は、チューブが過大に変形するのを防止してもよい。 The connector main body may further include an inner cylinder in the tube storage portion. In this case, the inner cylinder may be inserted into the tip of the tube. The outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder may be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tube, and a liquid-tight seal portion (first seal portion) may be formed between the inner cylinder and the tube. Alternatively, the inner cylinder may be deformed excessively so that a liquid-tight seal portion (first seal portion) is reliably formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion. It may be prevented.
 前記接続筒は、その内周面に、先端に近づくにしたがって内径が大きくなるテーパ面が設けられたメス部材であってもよい。メス部材は、オス部材に比べてクラックが発生し易い。本発明のコネクタが、メス部材を備えたメスコネクタである場合、メスコネクタとチューブとの間の接続性を確保しながら、メス部材の耐久性を向上させるのに有利である。 The connecting tube may be a female member provided on its inner peripheral surface with a tapered surface whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip. The female member is more susceptible to cracking than the male member. When the connector of this invention is a female connector provided with the female member, it is advantageous in improving the durability of the female member while ensuring the connectivity between the female connector and the tube.
 前記コネクタ本体の材料は前記ジョイントの材料と異なっていてもよい。これは、コネクタとチューブとの間の接続性を確保しながら、接続筒にクラック等の損傷が生じるのを防止するのに有利である。 The material of the connector body may be different from the material of the joint. This is advantageous in preventing the connection tube from being damaged such as cracks while securing the connectivity between the connector and the tube.
 以下に、本発明を好適な実施形態を示しながら詳細に説明する。但し、本発明は以下の実施形態に限定されないことはいうまでもない。以下の説明において参照する各図は、説明の便宜上、本発明の実施形態を構成する主要部材を簡略化して示したものである。従って、本発明の範囲内において、図面に示されていない任意の部材を追加したり、あるいは、図面に示された任意の部材を変更もしくは省略したりしてもよい。各実施形態の説明において引用する図面において、先行する実施形態で引用した図面に示された部材に対応する部材には、当該先行する実施形態の図面で付された符号と同じ符号が付してある。そのような部材については、重複する説明が省略されており、先行する実施形態の説明を適宜参酌すべきである。 Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail while showing preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each drawing referred to in the following description shows simplified main members constituting an embodiment of the present invention for convenience of description. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, arbitrary members not shown in the drawings may be added, or arbitrary members shown in the drawings may be changed or omitted. In the drawings cited in the description of the respective embodiments, members corresponding to those shown in the drawings cited in the preceding embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the drawings of the preceding embodiments. is there. About such a member, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted and you should consider the description of previous embodiment suitably.
 (実施形態1)
 本発明をメスコネクタ組立体に適用した実施形態を示す。図1Aは、本発明の実施形態1にかかるメスコネクタ組立体1の斜視図である。図1Bは、中心軸1aを含む一平面に沿ったメスコネクタ組立体1の断面図である。図1Bに示されているように、メスコネクタ組立体1は、メスコネクタ100とチューブ180とを備える。メスコネクタ100は、メスコネクタ本体101とジョイント130とを備える。メスコネクタ組立体1の中心軸1aは、これを構成するメスコネクタ本体101、ジョイント130、及びチューブ180の各中心軸と共通する。以下の説明の便宜のために、中心軸1aに平行な方向を「上下方向」という。「上」及び「下」は、図1A~図1Bに基づいて定義する。但し、「上」及び「下」は、メスコネクタ組立体1の実際の使用時の向きを意味するものではない。中心軸1aに垂直な平面に平行な方向を「水平方向」という。中心軸1aに直交する方向を「半径方向」又は「径方向」といい、中心軸1aの周りを回転する方向を「周方向」という。
(Embodiment 1)
The embodiment which applied this invention to the female connector assembly is shown. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a female connector assembly 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly 1 along one plane including the central axis 1a. As shown in FIG. 1B, the female connector assembly 1 includes a female connector 100 and a tube 180. The female connector 100 includes a female connector main body 101 and a joint 130. The central axis 1 a of the female connector assembly 1 is common to the central axes of the female connector main body 101, the joint 130, and the tube 180 constituting the female connector assembly 1. For convenience of the following description, a direction parallel to the central axis 1a is referred to as “vertical direction”. “Upper” and “Lower” are defined based on FIGS. 1A to 1B. However, “upper” and “lower” do not mean the orientation of the female connector assembly 1 in actual use. A direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a is referred to as a “horizontal direction”. The direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a is referred to as “radial direction” or “radial direction”, and the direction of rotation around the central axis 1a is referred to as “circumferential direction”.
 図2Aはメスコネクタ本体101の斜視図、図2Bはメスコネクタ本体101の側面図、図3はメスコネクタ本体101の断面図である。メスコネクタ本体101は、一端にメス部材(接続筒)110を備え、他端に基体部120を備える。メス部材110と基体部120とは同軸に配置されている。 2A is a perspective view of the female connector body 101, FIG. 2B is a side view of the female connector body 101, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector body 101. The female connector main body 101 includes a female member (connection tube) 110 at one end and a base body 120 at the other end. The female member 110 and the base 120 are arranged coaxially.
 図3に示されているように、メス部材110は、全体として中空の略円筒形状を有する。メス部材110の内周面は、先端に近づくにしたがって内径が大きくなるテーパ面(いわゆるメステーパ面)112を含む。テーパ面112より奥に、テーパ面112より小さな内径を有する小径部117が設けられている。好ましくは、小径部117の内径は、チューブ180(図1B参照)の内径とほぼ同じである。メス部材110の外周面は、外径が中心軸方向に一定である円筒面113を含む。円筒面113には螺状突起(雄ネジ)115が設けられている(図2A参照)。螺状突起115は、螺旋(即ち、弦巻線)に沿って延びている。本発明では、螺状突起115を省略してもよい。 As shown in FIG. 3, the female member 110 has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole. The inner peripheral surface of the female member 110 includes a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) 112 whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip. A small diameter portion 117 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the tapered surface 112 is provided behind the tapered surface 112. Preferably, the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 117 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tube 180 (see FIG. 1B). The outer peripheral surface of the female member 110 includes a cylindrical surface 113 whose outer diameter is constant in the central axis direction. The cylindrical surface 113 is provided with a screw-like projection (male screw) 115 (see FIG. 2A). The spiral projection 115 extends along a spiral (ie, a string winding). In the present invention, the screw projection 115 may be omitted.
 基体部120も、全体として中空の略円筒形状を有する。基体部120は、小径部117を介してメス部材110と連通する。基体部120は、その内腔内に、チューブ180の先端部が収納されるチューブ収納部121と、ジョイント130が収納されるジョイント収納部122とを備える(図1B参照)。チューブ収納部121は、ジョイント収納部122に対して小径部117側に位置している。 The base portion 120 also has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole. The base portion 120 communicates with the female member 110 via the small diameter portion 117. The base portion 120 includes a tube storage portion 121 in which the distal end portion of the tube 180 is stored and a joint storage portion 122 in which the joint 130 is stored (see FIG. 1B). The tube storage part 121 is located on the small diameter part 117 side with respect to the joint storage part 122.
 チューブ収納部121の内周面は、第1内周面121aを含む。第1内周面121aは、内径が中心軸方向において一定である円筒面である。第1内周面121aの内径は、小径部117の内径より大きく、且つ、チューブ180(図1B参照)の外径よりわずかに小さい。 The inner peripheral surface of the tube storage part 121 includes a first inner peripheral surface 121a. The first inner peripheral surface 121a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. The inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 117 and slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 180 (see FIG. 1B).
 小径部117と第1内周面121aとの境界には、両者の内径差に起因して段差面126が設けられている。段差面126は、中心軸に対して略垂直な環状の平面である。 At the boundary between the small diameter portion 117 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a, a step surface 126 is provided due to the difference in inner diameter between the two. The step surface 126 is an annular plane that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.
 ジョイント収納部122の内周面は、第2内周面122aを含む。第2内周面122aは、内径が中心軸方向において一定である円筒面である。第2内周面122aの内径は、第1内周面121aの内径より大きい。 The inner peripheral surface of the joint storage part 122 includes a second inner peripheral surface 122a. The second inner peripheral surface 122a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. The inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a is larger than the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
 チューブ収納部121とジョイント収納部122との間に、第1内周面121aと第2内周面122aとの内径差に起因して内径遷移域127が設けられている。内径遷移域127では、ジョイント収納部122(第2内周面122a)からチューブ収納部121(第1内周面121a)に向かって内径が小さくなるように、内径が変化している。本実施形態の内径遷移域127は、基体部120の内腔に向かって突出した、略円弧状の断面を有する凸曲面で構成されている。但し、本発明の内径遷移域127は、これに限定されず、例えば、ジョイント収納部122(第2内周面122a)からチューブ収納部121(第1内周面121a)に向かって内径が小さくなるように傾斜したテーパ面であってもよい。チューブ収納部121とジョイント収納部122との間に、段差面126と同様の、中心軸に対して略垂直な環状の平面である段差面が設けられてもよい。当該段差面の内側端縁(即ち、チューブ収納部121のジョイント収納部122側の開口の端縁)に、上述した内径遷移域127と同様の凸曲面またはテーパ面が設けられていてもよい。 Between the tube storage part 121 and the joint storage part 122, an inner diameter transition region 127 is provided due to an inner diameter difference between the first inner peripheral surface 121a and the second inner peripheral surface 122a. In the inner diameter transition area 127, the inner diameter changes so that the inner diameter decreases from the joint housing portion 122 (second inner circumferential surface 122 a) toward the tube housing portion 121 (first inner circumferential surface 121 a). The inner diameter transition region 127 of the present embodiment is configured by a convex curved surface that protrudes toward the inner cavity of the base portion 120 and has a substantially arc-shaped cross section. However, the inner diameter transition region 127 of the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the inner diameter decreases from the joint housing part 122 (second inner circumferential surface 122a) toward the tube housing part 121 (first inner circumferential surface 121a). It may be a tapered surface inclined so as to be. A step surface that is an annular flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis, similar to the step surface 126, may be provided between the tube storage portion 121 and the joint storage portion 122. A convex curved surface or a tapered surface similar to the above-described inner diameter transition region 127 may be provided on the inner edge of the step surface (that is, the edge of the opening on the joint storage portion 122 side of the tube storage portion 121).
 ジョイント収納部122の内周面には、第2内周面122aに対して基体部120の下方に向いた開口側(即ち、チューブ収納部121とは反対側)に隣接して、周方向に連続した環状の溝123が設けられている。溝123は、略三角形の断面形状を有するように、テーパの向きが逆である2つのテーパ面が組み合わされて構成されている。溝123の最深部(溝123の内径が最大である部分)より下側のテーパ面123aのテーパ角度は、最深部より上側(第2内周面122a側)のテーパ面のテーパ角度より格段に大きい。テーパ面123aは、中心軸に垂直な水平面に沿っていてもよい。 The inner circumferential surface of the joint housing portion 122 is adjacent to the opening side facing the lower side of the base portion 120 with respect to the second inner circumferential surface 122a (that is, the side opposite to the tube housing portion 121), in the circumferential direction. A continuous annular groove 123 is provided. The groove 123 is configured by combining two tapered surfaces having opposite taper directions so as to have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. The taper angle of the taper surface 123a below the deepest part of the groove 123 (the part where the inner diameter of the groove 123 is maximum) is markedly greater than the taper angle of the taper surface above the deepest part (on the second inner peripheral surface 122a side). large. The tapered surface 123a may be along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the central axis.
 図2Aに示されているように、基体部120の外周面は、略円筒面である。基体部120の外周面に、一対のグリップ部128が半径方向に突出するように設けられている。一対のグリップ部128は、作業者がメスコネクタ本体101(更には、メスコネクタ100)を把持して回転力を加えるのを容易にする。本実施形態では、各グリップ部128の水平方向に沿った断面形状は、中空の略「U」字形状である。但し、グリップ部128の形状はこれに限定されず任意である。例えば、グリップ部が半径方向に沿って延びた薄い板状物であってもよい。グリップ部が、基体部120から半径方向に離間していてもよい。例えば後述するオスコネクタ900(図6A及び図6Bを参照)に設けられたグリップ部928と同様に、グリップ部が略長方形の水平方向断面形状を有し、基体部120を取り囲んでいてもよい。あるいは、グリップ部128を省略してもよい。基体部120の外周面を例えば多角柱面(四角柱面、六角柱面等)に形成して、メスコネクタ本体101(更には、メスコネクタ100)の把持性を向上させてもよい。 As shown in FIG. 2A, the outer peripheral surface of the base 120 is a substantially cylindrical surface. A pair of grip portions 128 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the base portion 120 so as to protrude in the radial direction. The pair of grip portions 128 makes it easy for an operator to grip the female connector main body 101 (further, the female connector 100) and apply a rotational force. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape along the horizontal direction of each grip part 128 is a hollow substantially “U” shape. However, the shape of the grip part 128 is not limited to this and is arbitrary. For example, a thin plate-like object in which the grip portion extends along the radial direction may be used. The grip portion may be spaced apart from the base portion 120 in the radial direction. For example, the grip part may have a substantially rectangular horizontal cross-sectional shape and surround the base part 120, similarly to a grip part 928 provided in a male connector 900 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) described later. Alternatively, the grip portion 128 may be omitted. The outer peripheral surface of the base portion 120 may be formed in, for example, a polygonal column surface (a quadratic column surface, a hexagonal column surface, etc.) to improve the gripping property of the female connector body 101 (further, the female connector 100).
 メスコネクタ本体101の材料は、制限はないが、外力によって実質的に変形しない機械的強度(剛性)を有する硬質材料が好ましい。例えば、ポリプロピレン(PP)、ポリカーボネート(PC)、ポリアセタール(POM)、ポリスチレン、ポリアミド、ポリエチレン、硬質ポリ塩化ビニル、アクリル-ブタジエン-スチレン共重合体(ABS)等の樹脂材料を用いることができる。メス部材110にオス部材(例えば図6A及び図6Bに示したオス部材910)が挿入されたときにメス部材110が受ける、メス部材110を拡径させる向き(即ち、半径方向の外向き)の力によって、メスコネクタ本体101の材料によってはメス部材110にクラック等の損傷が生じる可能性がある。この可能性を低減するためには、メスコネクタ本体101の材料は高い靱性(即ち、粘り強さ)を有することが好ましく、この観点から、上記のうち、ポリプロピレン、ポリエチレンが好ましく、特にポリプロピレンが好ましい。メスコネクタ本体101は、上記の樹脂材料を用いて、射出成形法等により全体を一部品として一体的に製造することができる。 The material of the female connector body 101 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that does not substantially deform due to external force. For example, a resin material such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) can be used. When the male member (for example, the male member 910 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B) is inserted into the female member 110, the female member 110 receives the female member 110 in the direction of expanding the diameter (that is, outward in the radial direction). Depending on the force, depending on the material of the female connector main body 101, the female member 110 may be damaged, such as a crack. In order to reduce this possibility, it is preferable that the material of the female connector main body 101 has high toughness (that is, tenacity). From this viewpoint, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferable, and polypropylene is particularly preferable. The female connector main body 101 can be integrally manufactured as a whole by injection molding or the like using the above resin material.
 図4Aはジョイント130の斜視図、図4Bはジョイント130の側面図、図4Cはジョイント130の断面図である。ジョイント130は、中心軸に沿った貫通孔138が設けられた、全体として中空の略円筒形状を有する。貫通孔138の内周面は、内径が中心軸方向に一定である円筒面である。このような円筒面は、貫通孔138の内周面のうち、中心軸方向の一部の領域のみに設けられていてもよい。貫通孔138の円筒面の内径は、チューブ138の外径とほぼ同じであることが好ましく、特にチューブ138の外径と同じかこれよりわずかに小さいことが好ましい。 4A is a perspective view of the joint 130, FIG. 4B is a side view of the joint 130, and FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the joint 130. The joint 130 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape provided with a through hole 138 along the central axis. The inner peripheral surface of the through hole 138 is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. Such a cylindrical surface may be provided only in a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 138 in the central axis direction. The inner diameter of the cylindrical surface of the through-hole 138 is preferably substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube 138, and particularly preferably the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 138.
 ジョイント130の外周面には、円筒面131と、円筒面131に対して下側に隣接する突起(第1突起)133とが設けられている。 The outer peripheral surface of the joint 130 is provided with a cylindrical surface 131 and a protrusion (first protrusion) 133 adjacent to the cylindrical surface 131 on the lower side.
 円筒面131の外径は、中心軸方向に一定であり、メスコネクタ本体101の第2内周面122a(図3参照)の内径よりわずかに小さい。円筒面131に、半径方向の外向きに突出した突起(第2突起)132が設けられている。突起132は、周方向に連続した環状のリブである。突起132の断面形状は、制限されないが、本実施形態では略三角形である。突起132の頂部(突起132の、外径が最大である部分)での突起132の外径は、メスコネクタ本体101の第2内周面122aの内径よりわずかに大きい。 The outer diameter of the cylindrical surface 131 is constant in the central axis direction and is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a (see FIG. 3) of the female connector main body 101. A protrusion (second protrusion) 132 protruding outward in the radial direction is provided on the cylindrical surface 131. The protrusion 132 is an annular rib that is continuous in the circumferential direction. The cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 132 is not limited, but is substantially triangular in this embodiment. The outer diameter of the protrusion 132 at the top of the protrusion 132 (the portion of the protrusion 132 having the largest outer diameter) is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the female connector body 101.
 突起133も、周方向に連続した環状のリブである。突起133は、略三角形の断面形状を有するように、テーパの向きが逆である2つのテーパ面が組み合わされて構成されている。突起133の頂部(突起133の、外径が最大である部分)より下側のテーパ面133aのテーパ角度は、頂部より上側(円筒面131側)のテーパ面のテーパ角度より格段に大きい。テーパ面133aは、中心軸に垂直な水平面に沿っていてもよい。テーパ面133aのテーパ角度は、メスコネクタ本体101の溝123を構成するテーパ面123a(図3参照)のテーパ角度とほぼ同じである。 The protrusion 133 is also an annular rib that is continuous in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 133 is configured by combining two tapered surfaces having opposite taper directions so as to have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. The taper angle of the taper surface 133a below the top of the protrusion 133 (the portion of the protrusion 133 having the largest outer diameter) is significantly larger than the taper angle of the taper surface above the top (on the cylindrical surface 131 side). The tapered surface 133a may be along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the central axis. The taper angle of the taper surface 133a is substantially the same as the taper angle of the taper surface 123a (see FIG. 3) constituting the groove 123 of the female connector main body 101.
 ジョイント130の材料は、制限はないが、樹脂材料が好ましい。例えば、ポリプロピレン(PP)、ポリカーボネート(PC)、ポリアセタール(POM)、ポリスチレン、ポリアミド、ポリエチレン、硬質ポリ塩化ビニル、アクリル-ブタジエン-スチレン共重合体(ABS)等の、外力によって実質的に変形しない機械的強度(剛性)を有する硬質の樹脂材料や、ウレタン、軟質ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリブタジエン等の、比較的容易に変形可能な軟質の樹脂材料を用いることができる。ジョイント130と基体部120との間に高い結合強度を得るためには、ジョイント130は硬質材料からなることが好ましい。また、後述するようにジョイント130は、貫通孔138に挿入されたチューブ180と接着される。接着強度を高めるために、ジョイント130の材料は良好な接着性を有することが好ましく、この観点から、上記のうち、硬質ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリカーボネート、ABSが好ましく、特に硬質ポリ塩化ビニルが好ましい。ジョイント130は、上記の樹脂材料を用いて、射出成形法等により全体を一部品として一体的に製造することができる。 The material of the joint 130 is not limited, but a resin material is preferable. For example, polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, acryl-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), etc. A hard resin material having an appropriate strength (rigidity), or a soft resin material that can be deformed relatively easily, such as urethane, soft polyvinyl chloride, or polybutadiene, can be used. In order to obtain a high bonding strength between the joint 130 and the base portion 120, the joint 130 is preferably made of a hard material. As will be described later, the joint 130 is bonded to the tube 180 inserted into the through hole 138. In order to increase the adhesive strength, it is preferable that the material of the joint 130 has good adhesiveness. From this viewpoint, among the above, hard polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, and ABS are preferable, and hard polyvinyl chloride is particularly preferable. The joint 130 can be integrally manufactured as a whole by using the above resin material by an injection molding method or the like.
 次に、メスコネクタ組立体1の製造方法を説明する。 Next, a method for manufacturing the female connector assembly 1 will be described.
 最初に、メスコネクタ本体101の基体部120の下方を向いた開口(図3参照)に、ジョイント130(図4A~図4C参照)を挿入する。図5は、基体部120のジョイント収納部122にジョイント130が挿入された状態を示した断面図である。 First, the joint 130 (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) is inserted into the opening (see FIG. 3) facing downward of the base portion 120 of the female connector main body 101. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the joint 130 is inserted into the joint housing part 122 of the base body part 120.
 ジョイント130の突起133が基体部120の溝123に嵌入している。溝123は、周方向に連続した環状溝であるので、基体部120に対するジョイント130の中心軸回りの回転方向位置にかかわらず、突起133を溝123に嵌入させることができる。突起133のテーパ面133aが溝123のテーパ面123aに中心軸方向に対向(好ましくは当接)している。上述したように、テーパ面123a,133aは非常に大きなテーパ角度を有しているので、一旦、突起133が溝123に嵌入してしまうと、その後、ジョイント130をメスコネクタ本体101から下方に引っ張っても、突起133と溝123との係合を解除することは困難である。即ち、突起133と溝123とは不可逆的に係合する。 The protrusion 133 of the joint 130 is fitted in the groove 123 of the base body 120. Since the groove 123 is an annular groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction, the protrusion 133 can be fitted into the groove 123 regardless of the rotational position around the central axis of the joint 130 with respect to the base portion 120. The tapered surface 133a of the protrusion 133 is opposed (preferably abutted) to the tapered surface 123a of the groove 123 in the central axis direction. As described above, since the tapered surfaces 123a and 133a have a very large taper angle, once the protrusion 133 is fitted into the groove 123, the joint 130 is then pulled downward from the female connector body 101. However, it is difficult to release the engagement between the protrusion 133 and the groove 123. That is, the protrusion 133 and the groove 123 are irreversibly engaged.
 ジョイント130の突起132が基体部120の第2内周面122aに当接している。上述したように、突起132の頂部での外径は第2内周面122aの内径よりわずかに大きい。このため、第2内周面122aは、突起132を縮径するように半径方向にわずかに圧縮変形させる。かつ/または、突起132は、第2内周面122aを拡径するように半径方向にわずかに圧縮変形させる。これらによって発生する突起132及び/又は第2内周面122aの弾性復元力によって、突起132は第2内周面122aの内周面に密着し、突起132と第2内周面122aとの間に液密なシール部S2が形成される。 The protrusion 132 of the joint 130 is in contact with the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the base body 120. As described above, the outer diameter at the top of the protrusion 132 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a. For this reason, the second inner peripheral surface 122a is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to reduce the diameter of the protrusion 132. And / or the protrusion 132 is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to expand the diameter of the second inner peripheral surface 122a. Due to the elastic restoring force of the protrusion 132 and / or the second inner peripheral surface 122a generated by these, the protrusion 132 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second inner peripheral surface 122a, and between the protrusion 132 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a. A liquid-tight seal S2 is formed.
 ジョイント130の先端は、チューブ収納部121とジョイント収納部122との間の内径遷移域127に中心軸方向に対向(好ましくは当接)している。 The tip of the joint 130 is opposed (preferably abutted) in the central axis direction to an inner diameter transition region 127 between the tube storage part 121 and the joint storage part 122.
 次に、ジョイント130の貫通孔138に、チューブ180を挿入する。チューブ180の少なくともメスコネクタ100に挿入される部分の外周面は、外径が長手方向に一定である円筒面である。チューブ180は、曲げ変形や径方向の圧縮変形が容易に可能な程度の柔軟性を有する。チューブ180の材料は、制限はないが、軟質材料が好ましく、例えば、軟質ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリウレタン、ポリブタジエン等の樹脂材料を用いることができ、特に軟質ポリ塩化ビニルが好ましい。 Next, the tube 180 is inserted into the through hole 138 of the joint 130. The outer peripheral surface of at least the portion inserted into the female connector 100 of the tube 180 is a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is constant in the longitudinal direction. The tube 180 has such flexibility that it can be easily bent and compressed in the radial direction. The material of the tube 180 is not limited, but is preferably a soft material. For example, a resin material such as soft polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, or polybutadiene can be used, and soft polyvinyl chloride is particularly preferable.
 チューブ180をジョイント130の貫通孔138に挿入するのに先立って、チューブ180の先端及びその近傍部分の外周面に接着剤185を塗布する。接着剤185としては、チューブ180及びジョイント130の材料に応じて適宜選択することができる。例えば、溶剤系接着剤を用いることができる。 Prior to inserting the tube 180 into the through hole 138 of the joint 130, an adhesive 185 is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the tip of the tube 180 and its vicinity. The adhesive 185 can be appropriately selected according to the material of the tube 180 and the joint 130. For example, a solvent-based adhesive can be used.
 接着剤185を塗布したチューブ180をジョイント130の貫通孔138に挿入する。チューブ180は、ジョイント130を貫通し、更に基体部120のチューブ収納部121に進入する。チューブ180の先端が、小径部117とチューブ収納部121との境界の段差面126に衝突するまで、チューブ180をメスコネクタ100に挿入する。内径遷移域127が、チューブ180をチューブ収納部121へ案内する。 The tube 180 coated with the adhesive 185 is inserted into the through hole 138 of the joint 130. The tube 180 penetrates the joint 130 and further enters the tube storage part 121 of the base body part 120. The tube 180 is inserted into the female connector 100 until the tip of the tube 180 collides with the step surface 126 at the boundary between the small diameter portion 117 and the tube storage portion 121. An inner diameter transition area 127 guides the tube 180 to the tube storage part 121.
 しばらくすると、接着剤185が、チューブ180の外周面と、ジョイント130の貫通孔138の内周面とを接着させ、両者間に液密なシール部S3(図1B参照)が形成される。更に、接着剤185は、ジョイント130から突出したチューブ180の先端部の外周面と、チューブ収納部121の第1内周面121aとを接着させてもよい。但し、メスコネクタ本体101の材料によっては、チューブ180と第1内周面121aとの間の接着強度は相対的に低くてもよい。 After a while, the adhesive 185 adheres the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 138 of the joint 130, and a liquid-tight seal portion S3 (see FIG. 1B) is formed therebetween. Further, the adhesive 185 may bond the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the tube 180 protruding from the joint 130 and the first inner peripheral surface 121 a of the tube storage portion 121. However, depending on the material of the female connector main body 101, the adhesive strength between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a may be relatively low.
 上述したように、第1内周面121aの内径はチューブ180の外径よりわずかに小さい。このため、第1内周面121aが、チューブ180の先端部を縮径するように径方向にわずかに圧縮変形させる。チューブ180の弾性復元力によってチューブ180の外周面は第1内周面121aに密着し、チューブ180と第1内周面121aとの間に液密なシール部S1(図1B参照)が形成される。 As described above, the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 180. For this reason, the first inner peripheral surface 121a is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion of the tube 180. The outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 is in close contact with the first inner peripheral surface 121a by the elastic restoring force of the tube 180, and a liquid-tight seal portion S1 (see FIG. 1B) is formed between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a. The
 かくして、本実施形態1のメスコネクタ組立体1が得られる(図1A及び図1B参照)。 Thus, the female connector assembly 1 of Embodiment 1 is obtained (see FIGS. 1A and 1B).
 図1Bに示されているように、メスコネクタ組立体1では、チューブ180はジョイント130に接着され、ジョイント130はメスコネクタ本体101に係合構造(溝123及び突起133)によって係合されている。メスコネクタ本体101及びジョイント130の材料は、それぞれの機能を考慮して自由に選択することができる。例えば、メス部材110にクラック等の損傷が生じるのを防止するために、メス部材110を含むメスコネクタ本体101の材料として高い靱性を有する材料(例えばポリプロピレン)を選択することができる。また、チューブ180とジョイント130との間に高い接着強度を確保するために、ジョイント130の材料として接着性が良好な材料(例えば硬質ポリ塩化ビニル)を選択することができる。これにより、メス部材110の損傷の低減と、メスコネクタ100とチューブ180との接続性の確保とを、両立することができる。 As shown in FIG. 1B, in the female connector assembly 1, the tube 180 is bonded to the joint 130, and the joint 130 is engaged with the female connector main body 101 by the engaging structure (the groove 123 and the protrusion 133). . The material of the female connector main body 101 and the joint 130 can be freely selected in consideration of the respective functions. For example, a material having high toughness (for example, polypropylene) can be selected as the material of the female connector main body 101 including the female member 110 in order to prevent the female member 110 from being damaged such as cracks. In addition, in order to ensure high adhesive strength between the tube 180 and the joint 130, a material having good adhesion (for example, hard polyvinyl chloride) can be selected as the material of the joint 130. Thereby, reduction of the damage of the female member 110 and securing of the connectivity between the female connector 100 and the tube 180 can be achieved at the same time.
 異なる材料からなる2部品を一体化させる方法として、二色成形法が知られている。しかしながら、二色成形法は、使用できる材料の組み合わせに制限がある、金型構造が複雑になるためコスト高である、等の課題を有する。本実施形態1のメスコネクタ組立体1では、二色成形法を用いずに、係合構造(溝123及び突起133)の係合によりメスコネクタ本体101とジョイント130とが一体化されている。本実施形態1のメスコネクタ組立体1は、二色成形法の上記の課題を解消し、メスコネクタ本体101及びジョイント130にそれぞれ最適な材料を選択して低コストで製造することができる。 A two-color molding method is known as a method for integrating two parts made of different materials. However, the two-color molding method has problems such as limited combinations of materials that can be used and high cost due to complicated mold structures. In the female connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment, the female connector main body 101 and the joint 130 are integrated by the engagement of the engagement structure (the groove 123 and the protrusion 133) without using the two-color molding method. The female connector assembly 1 according to the first embodiment can be manufactured at low cost by solving the above-described problems of the two-color molding method and selecting optimum materials for the female connector main body 101 and the joint 130, respectively.
 メスコネクタ組立体1のメス部材110は、テーパ面112に適合するオステーパ面を有するオス部材を備えたオスコネクタに接続される。オスコネクタの一例を図6A及び図6Bに示す。図6Aはオスコネクタ900の斜視図、図6Bはその断面斜視図である。図6Bに示されているように、オスコネクタ900は、一端にオス部材(接続筒)910を備え、他端に基体部920を備える。オス部材910は、全体として中空の略円筒形状を有する。流路911が、オス部材910を、その長手方向に沿って貫通している。オス部材910の外周面は、先端に近づくにしたがって外径が小さくなるテーパ面(いわゆるオステーパ面)912を含む。円筒形状の外筒913がオス部材910を取り囲んでいる。外筒913のオス部材910に対向する内周面には雌ネジ915が設けられている。基体部920も、全体として中空の略円筒形状を有する。基体部920は、オス部材910と同軸に配置され、流路911と連通している。基体部920内に、柔軟なチューブ980が挿入されている。チューブ980の外周面は基体部920の内周面に、接着剤を介して固定されている。基体部920をグリップ部928が取り囲んでいる。グリップ部928の水平方向に平行な面に沿った断面形状は長方形である。グリップ部928は、メスコネクタ本体101の一対のグリップ部128と同様に、作業者がオスコネクタ900を把持して回転力を加えるのを容易にする。グリップ部928の形状は、これに限定されず、任意である。グリップ部928を省略してもよい。メスコネクタ組立体1とオスコネクタ900とは、オス部材910をメス部材110に挿入し、且つ、螺状突起115と雌ネジ915とを螺合させることにより接続される。メス部材110のメステーパ面112とオス部材910のオステーパ面912とは、径及びテーパ角度が一致するから、両者は液密に面接触する。液状物は、チューブ980、オス部材910、メス部材110、小径部117、チューブ180をこの順に、またはこれとは逆に、流れる。 The female member 110 of the female connector assembly 1 is connected to a male connector having a male member having a male tapered surface that matches the tapered surface 112. An example of the male connector is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. 6A is a perspective view of the male connector 900, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view thereof. As shown in FIG. 6B, the male connector 900 includes a male member (connecting tube) 910 at one end and a base 920 at the other end. The male member 910 has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole. The flow path 911 penetrates the male member 910 along the longitudinal direction. The outer peripheral surface of the male member 910 includes a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) 912 whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip. A cylindrical outer cylinder 913 surrounds the male member 910. A female screw 915 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 913 facing the male member 910. The base portion 920 also has a hollow, generally cylindrical shape as a whole. The base portion 920 is disposed coaxially with the male member 910 and communicates with the flow path 911. A flexible tube 980 is inserted into the base portion 920. The outer peripheral surface of the tube 980 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the base portion 920 with an adhesive. A grip portion 928 surrounds the base portion 920. The cross-sectional shape along a plane parallel to the horizontal direction of the grip portion 928 is a rectangle. As with the pair of grip portions 128 of the female connector main body 101, the grip portion 928 makes it easy for an operator to grip the male connector 900 and apply a rotational force. The shape of the grip part 928 is not limited to this, and is arbitrary. The grip portion 928 may be omitted. The female connector assembly 1 and the male connector 900 are connected by inserting the male member 910 into the female member 110 and screwing the screw-shaped protrusion 115 and the female screw 915 together. Since the diameter and taper angle of the female tapered surface 112 of the female member 110 and the male tapered surface 912 of the male member 910 coincide with each other, they are in surface contact with each other in a liquid-tight manner. The liquid material flows through the tube 980, the male member 910, the female member 110, the small diameter portion 117, and the tube 180 in this order or vice versa.
 図1Bにもどり、液状物の一部は、段差面126とチューブ180の先端との間に浸入する可能性がある。この液状物が、メスコネクタ組立体1の外界へ流れ出るのを防止する必要がある。 Returning to FIG. 1B, there is a possibility that a part of the liquid material enters between the step surface 126 and the tip of the tube 180. It is necessary to prevent this liquid from flowing out to the outside of the female connector assembly 1.
 上述したように、メスコネクタ組立体1では、チューブ180の外周面とチューブ収納部121の第1内周面121aとの間に液密なシール部(第1シール部)S1が形成され、ジョイント130の突起132とジョイント収納部122の第2内周面122aとの間に液密なシール部(第2シール部)S2が形成され、更に、チューブ180の外周面とジョイント130の貫通孔138の内周面との間に液密なシール部(第3シール部)S3が形成される。 As described above, in the female connector assembly 1, the liquid-tight seal portion (first seal portion) S <b> 1 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121 a of the tube storage portion 121. A liquid-tight seal portion (second seal portion) S <b> 2 is formed between the protrusion 132 of 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122 a of the joint housing portion 122, and further, the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the through hole 138 of the joint 130. A liquid-tight seal portion (third seal portion) S3 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the first and second inner surfaces.
 チューブ180と第1内周面121aとの間の第1シール部S1は、主として第1内周面121aがチューブ180を径方向に圧縮することによって形成される。このため、第1シール部S1のシール性は、メスコネクタ組立体1の長期間わたる使用によって低下する可能性がある。仮に液状物が第1シール部S1を通過したとしても、第2及び第3シール部S2,S3が液状物がメスコネクタ組立体1外に漏れ出るのを阻止する。このように、メスコネクタ組立体1は、多段のシール部S1,S2,S3を備えるので、液状物の外界への流出を長期間にわたって防止することができる。 The first seal portion S1 between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a is formed mainly by the first inner peripheral surface 121a compressing the tube 180 in the radial direction. For this reason, the sealing performance of the first seal portion S <b> 1 may be deteriorated by using the female connector assembly 1 for a long period of time. Even if the liquid material passes through the first seal portion S1, the second and third seal portions S2 and S3 prevent the liquid material from leaking out of the female connector assembly 1. Thus, since the female connector assembly 1 includes the multi-stage seal portions S1, S2, and S3, it is possible to prevent the liquid material from flowing out to the outside for a long period of time.
 図5で説明したように、第2シール部S2は、ジョイント130の突起132とジョイント収納部122の第2内周面122aとの間に形成される。第2内周面122aは、その内径が中心軸方向において一定である円筒面である。これは、基体部120に対するジョイント130の中心軸方向の位置に関わらず、第2シール部S2のシール性を確保するのに有利である。このため、例えばジョイント130及びメスコネクタ本体101の係合構造(突起133及び溝123)間に遊びがあるために、ジョイント130がジョイント収納部122内で中心軸方向に位置ずれしたとしても、第2シール部S2のシール性は変化しない。これは、係合構造(溝123及び突起133)の寸法精度を緩和することを可能にする。 As described with reference to FIG. 5, the second seal portion S <b> 2 is formed between the protrusion 132 of the joint 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122 a of the joint storage portion 122. The second inner peripheral surface 122a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. This is advantageous for ensuring the sealing performance of the second seal portion S2 regardless of the position of the joint 130 in the central axis direction with respect to the base portion 120. For this reason, for example, even if the joint 130 is displaced in the central axis direction in the joint housing portion 122 due to play between the engagement structure (the protrusion 133 and the groove 123) of the joint 130 and the female connector main body 101, The sealing property of the two seal portion S2 does not change. This makes it possible to relax the dimensional accuracy of the engagement structure (groove 123 and protrusion 133).
 また、第2シール部S2は、環状の突起132の頂部が第2内周面122aを押圧するすることによって形成される。この構成は、突起132の頂部と第2内周面122aとが接触する極めて狭い領域に押圧力が集中するので、第2シール部S2のシール性を向上させるのに有利である。 The second seal portion S2 is formed by the top portion of the annular protrusion 132 pressing the second inner peripheral surface 122a. This configuration is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the second seal portion S2 because the pressing force is concentrated in an extremely narrow region where the top of the protrusion 132 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a are in contact with each other.
 なお、上記の実施形態では、面131は円筒面であったが、突起132が第2シール部S2を形成する限り、面131は正確な円筒面でなくてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the surface 131 is a cylindrical surface. However, as long as the projection 132 forms the second seal portion S2, the surface 131 may not be an accurate cylindrical surface.
 上記の実施形態とは異なり、ジョイント130の円筒面131に突起132を設けず、この代わりに、ジョイント収納部122の第2内周面122aに、半径方向の内向きに突出した環状突起を設けてもよい。この場合、当該環状突起と円筒面131との間に、第2シール部S2が形成される。 Unlike the above-described embodiment, the protrusion 132 is not provided on the cylindrical surface 131 of the joint 130, and instead, the annular protrusion protruding inward in the radial direction is provided on the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the joint housing portion 122. May be. In this case, the second seal portion S2 is formed between the annular protrusion and the cylindrical surface 131.
 第2シール部S2を構成する環状突起が、Oリング等のシール部材で構成されていてもよい。シール部材は、ジョイント130の円筒面131及びジョイント収納部122の第2内周面122aのうちの一方に設けた環状の溝に装着することができる。この場合、当該シール部材と、ジョイント130の円筒面131及びジョイント収納部122の第2内周面122aのうちの他方との間に、第2シール部S2が形成される。メスコネクタ本体101及びジョイント130とは別部品であるシール部材を用いることは、メスコネクタ組立体1を構成する部品数を増加させるが、第2シール部S2のシール性の向上に有利である場合がある。 The annular protrusion constituting the second seal portion S2 may be constituted by a seal member such as an O-ring. The seal member can be attached to an annular groove provided on one of the cylindrical surface 131 of the joint 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the joint storage portion 122. In this case, the second seal portion S <b> 2 is formed between the seal member and the other of the cylindrical surface 131 of the joint 130 and the second inner peripheral surface 122 a of the joint storage portion 122. Use of a seal member that is a separate component from the female connector main body 101 and the joint 130 increases the number of components constituting the female connector assembly 1, but is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the second seal portion S2. There is.
 (実施形態2)
 図7Aは、本発明の実施形態2にかかるメスコネクタ組立体2の斜視図である。図7Bは、中心軸1aを含む一平面に沿ったメスコネクタ組立体2の断面図である。実施形態1と同様に、メスコネクタ組立体2は、メスコネクタ200とチューブ180とを備える。メスコネクタ200は、メスコネクタ本体201とジョイント230とを備える。図8はメスコネクタ本体201の断面図である。図9Aはジョイント230の斜視図、図9Bはジョイント230の側面図、図9Cはジョイント230の断面図である。以下に、実施形態1との相違点を中心に、本実施形態2のメスコネクタ組立体2を説明する。
(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the female connector assembly 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector assembly 2 along one plane including the central axis 1a. Similar to the first embodiment, the female connector assembly 2 includes a female connector 200 and a tube 180. The female connector 200 includes a female connector main body 201 and a joint 230. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector main body 201. 9A is a perspective view of the joint 230, FIG. 9B is a side view of the joint 230, and FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the joint 230. Below, the female connector assembly 2 of this Embodiment 2 is demonstrated centering around difference with Embodiment 1. FIG.
 実施形態1のメスコネクタ本体101では、ジョイント収納部122の内周面は第2内周面122aを含み、第2内周面122aは、内径が中心軸方向において一定である円筒面であった(図3参照)。これに対して、本実施形態のメスコネクタ本体201では、図8に示されているように、ジョイント収納部122の内周面は第2内周面222aを含み、第2内周面222aは、チューブ収納部121(または、メス部材110)に近づくにしたがって内径が小さくなるメステーパ面である。第2内周面222aは、内径遷移域127を介して第1内周面121aに隣接する。第2内周面222aに対して下側(即ち、チューブ収納部121とは反対側)に、周方向に連続した環状の溝123が隣接している。 In the female connector main body 101 of the first embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion 122 includes the second inner peripheral surface 122a, and the second inner peripheral surface 122a is a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the central axis direction. (See FIG. 3). On the other hand, in the female connector main body 201 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion 122 includes a second inner peripheral surface 222a, and the second inner peripheral surface 222a is This is a female taper surface whose inner diameter decreases as it approaches the tube storage part 121 (or the female member 110). The second inner peripheral surface 222a is adjacent to the first inner peripheral surface 121a via the inner diameter transition region 127. An annular groove 123 that is continuous in the circumferential direction is adjacent to the second inner peripheral surface 222a on the lower side (that is, the side opposite to the tube storage portion 121).
 また、実施形態1のジョイント130では、突起(第1突起)133に対して先端側に隣接して円筒面131が設けられ、円筒面131に環状の突起(第2突起)132が設けられていた(図4A~図4C参照)。これに対して、本実施形態2のジョイント230では、図9A~図9Cに示されているように、突起(第1突起)133に対して先端側に隣接してオステーパ面231が設けられている。オステーパ面231は、ジョイント230の先端(図9Cにおいて上側)に近づくにしたがって外径が小さくなるテーパ面である。オステーパ面231には、実施形態1の突起(第2突起)132は設けられていない。 Further, in the joint 130 of the first embodiment, the cylindrical surface 131 is provided adjacent to the tip side with respect to the protrusion (first protrusion) 133, and the annular protrusion (second protrusion) 132 is provided on the cylindrical surface 131. (See FIGS. 4A to 4C). On the other hand, in the joint 230 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, a male tapered surface 231 is provided adjacent to the protrusion (first protrusion) 133 on the tip side. Yes. The male taper surface 231 is a taper surface whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the joint 230 (upper side in FIG. 9C). The male taper surface 231 is not provided with the protrusion (second protrusion) 132 of the first embodiment.
 メスコネクタ組立体2は、実施形態1のオスコネクタ組立体1と同様に製造される。 The female connector assembly 2 is manufactured in the same manner as the male connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment.
 ジョイント収納部122の第2内周面(メステーパ面)222aとジョイント230のオステーパ面231とは、径及びテーパ角度が一致する。このため、図7Bに示されているように、突起133が溝123に嵌入するようにジョイント230をジョイント収納部122に収納したとき、オステーパ面231と第2内周面222aとが面接触し、両者間に液密なシール部(第2シール部)S2が形成される。オステーパ面231と第2内周面222aとの間の第2シール部S2は、実施形態1の突起132と第2内周面122aとの間の第2シール部S2(図1B参照)と同様に、チューブ180と第1内周面121aとの間の第1シール部S1を補完する。このため、メスコネクタ組立体2も、多段のシール部S1,S2,S3を備えるので、液状物の外界への流出を長期間にわたって防止することができる。 The diameter and taper angle of the second inner peripheral surface (female taper surface) 222a of the joint housing portion 122 and the male taper surface 231 of the joint 230 are the same. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the joint 230 is housed in the joint housing portion 122 so that the protrusion 133 fits into the groove 123, the male tapered surface 231 and the second inner peripheral surface 222a come into surface contact. A liquid-tight seal portion (second seal portion) S2 is formed between the two. The second seal portion S2 between the male tapered surface 231 and the second inner peripheral surface 222a is the same as the second seal portion S2 (see FIG. 1B) between the protrusion 132 and the second inner peripheral surface 122a of the first embodiment. In addition, the first seal portion S1 between the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a is complemented. For this reason, since the female connector assembly 2 also includes the multi-stage seal portions S1, S2, and S3, it is possible to prevent the liquid material from flowing out to the outside over a long period of time.
 本実施形態2は、上記を除いて実施形態1と同様である。実施形態1の説明が本実施形態2にも適用される。 The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the second embodiment.
 (実施形態3)
 図10は、本発明の実施形態3にかかるメスコネクタ組立体3の断面図である。実施形態1と同様に、メスコネクタ組立体3は、メスコネクタ300とチューブ180とを備える。メスコネクタ300は、メスコネクタ本体301とジョイント130とを備える。図11はメスコネクタ本体301の断面図である。以下に、実施形態1との相違点を中心に、本実施形態3のメスコネクタ組立体3を説明する。
(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the female connector assembly 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the female connector assembly 3 includes a female connector 300 and a tube 180. The female connector 300 includes a female connector main body 301 and a joint 130. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector main body 301. Hereinafter, the female connector assembly 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.
 図11に示されているように、内管321が、段差面126からチューブ収納部121内に突出している。内管321は、中空の円筒形状を有し、第1内周面121aと同軸である。内管321と第1内周面121aとは、半径方向に離間している。内管321の外径は、チューブ180の内径と略同一である。小径部317の内径は、内管321の内径と略同一であり、実施形態1の小径部117(図3参照)の内径より小さい。 As shown in FIG. 11, the inner tube 321 protrudes from the step surface 126 into the tube storage portion 121. The inner tube 321 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is coaxial with the first inner peripheral surface 121a. The inner tube 321 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a are separated from each other in the radial direction. The outer diameter of the inner tube 321 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tube 180. The inner diameter of the small diameter portion 317 is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the inner tube 321 and is smaller than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 117 (see FIG. 3) of the first embodiment.
 図10に示されているように、内管321と第1内周面121aとの間に、チューブ180の先端部が挿入される。内管321はチューブ180内に挿入される。 As shown in FIG. 10, the distal end portion of the tube 180 is inserted between the inner tube 321 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a. The inner tube 321 is inserted into the tube 180.
 本実施形態3では、チューブ180の内周面と内管321の外周面とが密着し、両者間に液密なシール部S1’が形成されてもよい。シール部S1’は第1シール部を構成する。この場合、チューブ180の外周面と第1内周面121aとの間に、液密なシール部S1は形成されてもされなくてもよい。チューブ180の先端部とメスコネクタ本体301との間に液密なシール部S1,S1’が形成される場合、シール部S1,S1’が第1シール部を構成し、当該第1シール部のシール性が向上される。 In the third embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 321 may be in close contact with each other, and a liquid-tight seal portion S1 'may be formed therebetween. The seal part S1 'constitutes a first seal part. In this case, the liquid-tight seal portion S1 may or may not be formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a. When the liquid-tight seal portions S1 and S1 ′ are formed between the distal end portion of the tube 180 and the female connector main body 301, the seal portions S1 and S1 ′ constitute a first seal portion, and the first seal portion Sealability is improved.
 あるいは、チューブ180の内周面と内管321の外周面との間に液密なシール部S1’が形成されなくてもよい。この場合、第1シール部は、チューブ180の外周面と第1内周面121aとの間のシール部S1で構成される。液密なシール部S1を形成するためには、実施形態1で説明したように、第1内周面121aは、チューブ180の先端部を縮径するように径方向にわずかに圧縮変形させることが好ましい。ところが、チューブ180の外周面が凹状に窪むほどにチューブ180が大きく変形すると、チューブ180と第1内周面121aとが離間し、液密なシール部S1が形成されない場合がある。内管321は、チューブ180のこのような過大な変形を防止し、チューブ180の外周面と第1内周面121aとの間に液密なシール部S1を確実に形成させることができる。 Alternatively, the liquid-tight seal portion S1 'may not be formed between the inner peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 321. In this case, the first seal portion is configured by a seal portion S1 between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a. In order to form the liquid-tight seal portion S1, as described in the first embodiment, the first inner peripheral surface 121a is slightly compressed and deformed in the radial direction so as to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion of the tube 180. Is preferred. However, if the tube 180 is greatly deformed so that the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 is recessed, the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a are separated from each other, and the liquid-tight seal portion S1 may not be formed. The inner pipe 321 can prevent such excessive deformation of the tube 180, and can reliably form a liquid-tight seal portion S1 between the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180 and the first inner peripheral surface 121a.
 本実施形態3では、第1内周面121aの内径及び内筒321の外径は、シール部S1及びシール部S1’の一方又は両方が適切に形成されるように設定される。 In the third embodiment, the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a and the outer diameter of the inner cylinder 321 are set so that one or both of the seal portion S1 and the seal portion S1 'are appropriately formed.
 本実施形態3は、上記を除いて実施形態1と同様である。実施形態1の説明が本実施形態3にも適用される。本実施形態3の内筒321を、実施形態2のメスコネクタ組立体2に適用することができる。 The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the third embodiment. The inner cylinder 321 of the third embodiment can be applied to the female connector assembly 2 of the second embodiment.
 上記の実施形態1~3は例示に過ぎない。本発明は、実施形態1~3に限定されず、適宜変更することができる。 The above embodiments 1 to 3 are merely examples. The present invention is not limited to Embodiments 1 to 3, and can be modified as appropriate.
 上記の実施形態1~3では、第1シール部S1は、円筒面である第1内周面121aがチューブ180の外周面に密着することによって形成されたが、本発明はこれに限定されない。例えば、第1内周面121aに、周方向に連続する環状の突起(リブ)を設け、当該突起とチューブ180の外周面との間に液密な第1シール部S1を形成してもよい。突起の頂部での突起の内径は、チューブ180の外径よりわずかに小さい。この構成は、突起がチューブ180を局所的に押圧するので、第1シール部S1のシール性を向上させるのに有利である。この構成では、第1内周面121aの内径は、チューブ180の外径よりわずかに大きいことが好ましい。第1内周面121aは、中心軸方向に内径が一定である円筒面である必要はない。 In the above first to third embodiments, the first seal portion S1 is formed by the first inner peripheral surface 121a, which is a cylindrical surface, being in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an annular protrusion (rib) that is continuous in the circumferential direction may be provided on the first inner peripheral surface 121a, and the liquid-tight first seal portion S1 may be formed between the protrusion and the outer peripheral surface of the tube 180. . The inner diameter of the protrusion at the top of the protrusion is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 180. This configuration is advantageous in improving the sealing performance of the first seal portion S1 because the protrusion locally presses the tube 180. In this configuration, the inner diameter of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is preferably slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 180. The first inner peripheral surface 121a need not be a cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter in the central axis direction.
 あるいは、チューブ180の先端を小径部117,317の下面(即ち、段差面126)に中心軸方向に押圧させることによって、段差面126とチューブ180との間に第1シール部S1を形成してもよい。 Alternatively, the first seal portion S <b> 1 is formed between the step surface 126 and the tube 180 by pressing the distal end of the tube 180 against the lower surfaces of the small diameter portions 117 and 317 (that is, the step surface 126) in the central axis direction. Also good.
 本発明のメス部材は上記の実施形態1~3に限定されない。メス部材110は、その内周面に、先端に近づくにしたがって内径が大きくなるテーパ面(メステーパ面)112を有していればよい。メステーパ面の寸法(内径、テーパ角度、中心軸方向の長さ等)は任意である。メス部材110の外周面113は円筒面である必要はなく、また、円筒面113に螺状突起115が設けられていなくてもよい。メス部材110がメステーパ面112を有していれば、メス部材110は、挿入されたオス部材から半径方向の外向きの力を受け、メス部材110にクラック等の損傷が生じる可能性がある。本発明は、メス部材110のこのような損傷を防止するのに有利である。従って、本発明のメスコネクタ組立体は、螺状突起115を用いた螺合結合をともなうことなく、単にメステーパ面112にオスコネクタのオステーパ面を嵌合させるだけでオスコネクタと接続される(このような接続は、「スリップ接続」と呼ばれることがある)ように構成されていてもよい。 The female member of the present invention is not limited to Embodiments 1 to 3 described above. The female member 110 only needs to have a taper surface (female taper surface) 112 whose inner diameter increases as it approaches the tip. The dimensions (inner diameter, taper angle, length in the central axis direction, etc.) of the female taper surface are arbitrary. The outer peripheral surface 113 of the female member 110 does not need to be a cylindrical surface, and the cylindrical surface 113 may not be provided with the screw-like projection 115. If the female member 110 has the female taper surface 112, the female member 110 receives an outward force in the radial direction from the inserted male member, and the female member 110 may be damaged such as a crack. The present invention is advantageous in preventing such damage of the female member 110. Therefore, the female connector assembly of the present invention is connected to the male connector simply by fitting the male taper surface of the male connector to the female taper surface 112 without screwing connection using the screw-like projection 115 (this is the case). Such a connection may be referred to as a “slip connection”.
 ジョイントをメスコネクタ本体に不可逆的に係合させるための係合構造は、溝123及び突起133に限定されず、互いに係合し合う凸部と凹部、または、互いに係合し合う凸部と凸部等であってもよい。凸部は、突起133のように周方向に連続した環状凸部であってもよく、あるいは周方向に不連続の1または2以上の凸部であってもよい。同様に、凹部は、溝123のように周方向に連続した環状凹部であってもよく、あるいは周方向に不連続の1または2以上の凹部であってもよい。凸部及び凹部の中心軸を含む面に沿った断面形状は、略三角形である必要はなく、半円形、四角形など任意である。係合構造が凸部と凹部とで構成される場合、凸部がジョイント収納部122に設けられ、凹部がジョイントに設けられていてもよい。 The engagement structure for irreversibly engaging the joint with the female connector main body is not limited to the groove 123 and the protrusion 133, and the protrusion and the recess that engage with each other, or the protrusion and the protrusion that engage with each other. It may be a part. The convex portion may be an annular convex portion that is continuous in the circumferential direction like the projection 133, or may be one or more convex portions that are discontinuous in the circumferential direction. Similarly, the recess may be an annular recess that is continuous in the circumferential direction like the groove 123, or may be one or more recesses that are discontinuous in the circumferential direction. The cross-sectional shape along the plane including the central axis of the convex portion and the concave portion does not need to be substantially triangular, and is arbitrary such as a semicircular shape and a rectangular shape. In the case where the engaging structure is constituted by a convex portion and a concave portion, the convex portion may be provided in the joint housing portion 122 and the concave portion may be provided in the joint.
 上記の実施形態では、メスコネクタ本体及びジョイントに設けられた、互いに係合し合う係合構造とは異なる位置に、第2シール部S2が形成されたが、本発明はこれに限定されない。即ち、メスコネクタ本体に設けられた係合構造とジョイントに設けられた係合構造との間に第2シール部S2が形成されてもよい。この場合、係合構造とは別に、第2シール部S2を形成するための構造をメスコネクタ本体及びジョイントに設ける必要がなくなるので、メスコネクタ本体及びジョイントの構成を簡単化することができる。 In the above-described embodiment, the second seal portion S2 is formed at a position different from the engaging structure provided on the female connector main body and the joint, and the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the second seal portion S2 may be formed between the engagement structure provided in the female connector body and the engagement structure provided in the joint. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a structure for forming the second seal portion S2 in the female connector main body and the joint separately from the engagement structure, so that the configuration of the female connector main body and the joint can be simplified.
 上記の実施形態では、メスコネクタ本体及びジョイントに、互いに係合する係合構造が設けられた。しかしながら、本発明では、ジョイントがメスコネクタ本体から抜け出ることがないように、ジョイントをメスコネクタ本体に強固に結合するための構造は、係合構造に限定されない。例えば、ジョイントをメスコネクタ本体のジョイント収納部に圧入することにより、ジョイントをメスコネクタ本体に一体化させることができる嵌合構造をジョイント及びメスコネクタ本体に設けてもよい。具体的には、ジョイントの外周面にオステーパ面を設け、メスコネクタ本体のジョイント収納部の内周面にメステーパ面を設け、オステーパ面とメステーパ面とを強固に面接触させることにより、ジョイントをメスコネクタ本体に強固に結合するすることができる。あるいは、ジョイントの外周面に第1円筒面を設け、メスコネクタ本体のジョイント収納部の内周面に、第1円筒面よりわずかに小さな内径を有する第2円筒面を設け、第1円筒面を第2円筒面に圧入して両者を嵌合させることにより、ジョイントをメスコネクタ本体に強固に結合するすることができる。これらの場合、第2シール部S2は嵌合構造に形成されるので、第2シール部S2を形成するための構造を、嵌合構造とは別にジョイント及びメスコネクタ本体に設ける必要はない。 In the above embodiment, the female connector main body and the joint are provided with the engagement structure that engages with each other. However, in the present invention, the structure for firmly coupling the joint to the female connector main body is not limited to the engagement structure so that the joint does not come out of the female connector main body. For example, the joint and the female connector body may be provided with a fitting structure that allows the joint to be integrated with the female connector body by press-fitting the joint into the joint housing portion of the female connector body. Specifically, a male taper surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint, a female taper surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion of the female connector body, and the male taper surface and the female taper surface are brought into firm surface contact, thereby allowing the joint to be female. It can be firmly coupled to the connector body. Alternatively, the first cylindrical surface is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint, the second cylindrical surface having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the first cylindrical surface is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion of the female connector body, and the first cylindrical surface is provided. The joint can be firmly coupled to the female connector main body by press-fitting into the second cylindrical surface and fitting them together. In these cases, since the second seal portion S2 is formed in a fitting structure, it is not necessary to provide a structure for forming the second seal portion S2 in the joint and the female connector main body separately from the fitting structure.
 メスコネクタ本体、ジョイント、及び、チューブの材料は、上記のものに限定されない。メス部材の損傷を防止することができ且つチューブの接続性を向上させることができる様々な材料の組み合わせが存在し、本発明はそれらの全ての組み合わせを包含する。但し、メスコネクタ本体の材料は、ジョイントの材料と異なることが好ましい。ジョイントとチューブとを接着するための接着剤は、ジョイント及びチューブの材料に応じて適宜変更してよい。 The material of the female connector main body, the joint, and the tube is not limited to the above. There are various combinations of materials that can prevent damage to the female member and improve the connectivity of the tube, and the present invention encompasses all these combinations. However, the material of the female connector body is preferably different from the material of the joint. The adhesive for bonding the joint and the tube may be appropriately changed according to the material of the joint and the tube.
 メスコネクタ組立体の製造方法は、上記の実施形態1~3に限定されない。例えば、チューブを、その先端がジョイントから突出するようにジョイントに挿入し、チューブとジョイントとを接着した後、ジョイントをメスコネクタ本体の基体部に挿入してもよい。 The manufacturing method of the female connector assembly is not limited to the first to third embodiments. For example, the tube may be inserted into the joint such that its tip protrudes from the joint, and after the tube and the joint are bonded, the joint may be inserted into the base portion of the female connector body.
 上記の実施形態1,2では、第1内周面121aに隣接して、第1内周面121aより小さな内径を有する小径部117が設けられていた。しかしながら、本発明では、小径部117を省略することができる。例えば、図12Aに示すように、実施形態1のメスコネクタ組立体1において小径部117(図1B参照)を省略してもよく、図12Bに示すように、実施形態2のメスコネクタ組立体2において小径部117(図7B参照)を省略してもよい。いずれにおいても、小径部117が省略されることにともなって、段差面126(図1B、図7B参照)も省略される。 In the first and second embodiments, the small-diameter portion 117 having an inner diameter smaller than that of the first inner peripheral surface 121a is provided adjacent to the first inner peripheral surface 121a. However, in the present invention, the small diameter portion 117 can be omitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the small-diameter portion 117 (see FIG. 1B) may be omitted in the female connector assembly 1 of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 12B, the female connector assembly 2 of the second embodiment. The small diameter portion 117 (see FIG. 7B) may be omitted. In any case, as the small diameter portion 117 is omitted, the step surface 126 (see FIGS. 1B and 7B) is also omitted.
 上記の実施形態1~3では、本発明をメスコネクタ組立体に適用した場合を例に説明したが、本発明をオスコネクタ組立体に適用することができる。オスコネクタ組立体は、オスコネクタとチューブとを備える。好ましくは、オスコネクタは、接続筒として、先端に近づくにしたがって外径が小さくなるテーパ面(いわゆるオステーパ面)を有するオス部材を備える。オスコネクタは、例えば、図6A及び図6Bに示したオスコネクタ900において、チューブ980が接続される基体部920を、本発明の、チューブ収納部及びジョイント収納部を備えた基端部とジョイントとに置き換えたものであってもよい。但し、オスコネクタは、外筒913及び雌ネジ915を備えていなくてもよい。上述したメスコネクタ組立体に関する説明は、そのまま、もしくは、当業者に自明な変更がされて、本発明のオスコネクタ組立体に適用される。 In the above first to third embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a female connector assembly has been described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to a male connector assembly. The male connector assembly includes a male connector and a tube. Preferably, the male connector includes a male member having a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip as the connecting tube. For example, in the male connector 900 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the male connector includes a base portion 920 to which the tube 980 is connected, a base end portion having a tube storage portion and a joint storage portion, a joint, It may be replaced with. However, the male connector may not include the outer cylinder 913 and the female screw 915. The description regarding the female connector assembly described above is applied to the male connector assembly of the present invention as it is or with modifications obvious to those skilled in the art.
 本発明の利用分野は特に制限はないが、医療分野、中でも、液状物を流すための流路を形成するために使用されるコネクタ組立体として好ましく利用することができる。液状物は、その種類に制限はなく、例えば血液、薬液、生理食塩水であってもよく、粘性を有していてもよい。更に、本発明は、医療分野に限られず、液状物が流れる流路を構成する必要がある任意の分野(例えば食品、化学等の分野)に広範囲に利用することができる。 The application field of the present invention is not particularly limited, but can be preferably used as a connector assembly used to form a flow path for flowing a liquid substance in the medical field. There is no restriction | limiting in the kind in liquid, For example, blood, a chemical | medical solution, physiological saline may be sufficient, and it may have viscosity. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the medical field, and can be widely used in any field (for example, a field of food, chemistry, etc.) that needs to form a flow path through which a liquid material flows.
1,2,3 メスコネクタ組立体(コネクタ組立体)
100,200,300 メスコネクタ(コネクタ)
101,201,301 メスコネクタ本体(コネクタ本体)
110 メス部材(接続筒)
112 テーパ面(メス部材の内周面)
115 螺状突起
120 基体部
121 チューブ収納部
121a 第1内周面(チューブ収納部の内周面)
122 ジョイント収納部
122a 第2内周面(ジョイント収納部の内周面、円筒面)
222a 第2内周面(ジョイント収納部の内周面、メステーパ面)
123 溝(係合構造、凹部)
127 内径遷移域
130,230 ジョイント
131 円筒面(ジョイントの外周面)
231 ジョイントのオステーパ面
132 環状の突起
133 突起(係合構造、凸部)
180 チューブ
321 内筒
S1,S1’ 第1シール部
S2 第2シール部
S3 第3シール部
1,2,3 Female connector assembly (Connector assembly)
100, 200, 300 Female connector (connector)
101, 201, 301 Female connector body (connector body)
110 Female member (connecting cylinder)
112 Tapered surface (inner peripheral surface of female member)
115 screw-like projection 120 base part 121 tube storage part 121a first inner peripheral surface (inner peripheral surface of tube storage part)
122 Joint housing portion 122a Second inner circumferential surface (inner circumferential surface of the joint housing portion, cylindrical surface)
222a 2nd inner peripheral surface (the inner peripheral surface of a joint storage part, a female taper surface)
123 groove (engagement structure, recess)
127 Inner diameter transition region 130, 230 Joint 131 Cylindrical surface (outer peripheral surface of joint)
231 Male taper surface 132 of joint Annular projection 133 Protrusion (engagement structure, convex portion)
180 Tube 321 Inner cylinder S1, S1 '1st seal part S2 2nd seal part S3 3rd seal part

Claims (17)

  1.  コネクタと、前記コネクタに接続された柔軟な中空のチューブとを備えたコネクタ組立体であって、
     前記コネクタは、
      一端に筒形状の接続筒を有し、他端に筒形状の基体部を有し、前記接続筒が前記チューブに連通している、硬質材料からなるコネクタ本体と、
      ジョイントとを備え、
     前記チューブが前記ジョイントを貫通し、前記チューブの先端部が前記ジョイントから突出した状態で、前記チューブの外周面と前記ジョイントの内周面とが接着されており、
     前記基体部は、前記ジョイントから突出した前記チューブの前記先端部が収納されたチューブ収納部と、前記ジョイントが収納されたジョイント収納部とを備え、
     前記チューブの前記先端部と前記コネクタ本体との間に液密な第1シール部が形成されており、
     前記ジョイントと前記ジョイント収納部との間に液密な第2シール部が形成されていることを特徴とするコネクタ組立体。
    A connector assembly comprising a connector and a flexible hollow tube connected to the connector,
    The connector is
    A connector body made of a hard material, having a cylindrical connection tube at one end, a cylindrical base portion at the other end, and the connection tube communicating with the tube;
    With a joint,
    The tube passes through the joint, and the outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the joint are bonded in a state where the tip of the tube protrudes from the joint.
    The base portion includes a tube storage portion in which the distal end portion of the tube protruding from the joint is stored, and a joint storage portion in which the joint is stored,
    A liquid-tight first seal portion is formed between the distal end portion of the tube and the connector body,
    A connector assembly, wherein a liquid-tight second seal portion is formed between the joint and the joint housing portion.
  2.  前記第1シール部は、前記チューブの前記先端部の外周面と前記チューブ収納部の内周面との間に形成されている請求項1に記載のコネクタ組立体。 2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first seal portion is formed between an outer peripheral surface of the tip portion of the tube and an inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion.
  3.  前記第1シール部において、前記チューブ収納部の前記内周面は、前記チューブの前記先端部が縮径するように前記チューブの前記先端部を径方向に圧縮している請求項2に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The said 1st seal | sticker part WHEREIN: The said internal peripheral surface of the said tube accommodating part is compressing the said front-end | tip part of the said tube radially so that the said front-end | tip part of the said tube may reduce in diameter. Connector assembly.
  4.  前記第1シール部において、前記チューブの前記先端部と前記チューブ収納部の内周面とが接着されている請求項1~3のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distal end portion of the tube and an inner peripheral surface of the tube storage portion are bonded to each other in the first seal portion.
  5.  前記ジョイント収納部と前記チューブ収納部との間に、前記ジョイント収納部から前記チューブ収納部に向かって内径が小さくなるように内径が変化する内径遷移域が設けられている請求項1~4のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The inner diameter transition region in which the inner diameter changes so that the inner diameter decreases from the joint storage section toward the tube storage section is provided between the joint storage section and the tube storage section. The connector assembly according to any one of claims.
  6.  前記第2シール部は、前記ジョイントの外周面及び前記ジョイント収納部の内周面のうちの一方に設けられた周方向に連続する環状の突起と、前記ジョイントの外周面及び前記ジョイント収納部の内周面のうちの他方との間に形成されている請求項1~5のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The second seal part includes a circumferential annular protrusion provided on one of the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the inner peripheral surface of the joint storage part, and the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the joint storage part. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connector assembly is formed between the other inner peripheral surfaces.
  7.  前記ジョイントの前記外周面及び前記ジョイント収納部の前記内周面のうちの前記他方は、中心軸方向において径が一定である円筒面である請求項6に記載のコネクタ組立体。 7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein the other of the outer peripheral surface of the joint and the inner peripheral surface of the joint housing portion is a cylindrical surface having a constant diameter in the central axis direction.
  8.  前記第2シール部は、前記ジョイントの外周面に設けられた、先端に近づくにしたがって外径が小さくなるオステーパ面と、前記ジョイント収納部の内周面に設けられた、前記接続筒に近づくにしたがって内径が小さくなるメステーパ面との間に形成されている請求項1~5のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The second seal portion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the joint, the male taper surface having an outer diameter that decreases as it approaches the tip, and the connection cylinder provided on the inner peripheral surface of the joint storage portion. The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connector assembly is formed between the female taper surface having a smaller inner diameter.
  9.  互いに接着された前記チューブの前記外周面と前記ジョイントの前記内周面との間に液密な第3シール部が形成されている請求項1~8のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a liquid-tight third seal portion is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the tube and the inner peripheral surface of the joint bonded to each other. .
  10.  前記ジョイントが前記基体部から抜け出ることがないように、前記ジョイントは前記コネクタ本体に強固に結合されている請求項1~9のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the joint is firmly coupled to the connector main body so that the joint does not come out of the base portion.
  11.  前記ジョイント収納部及び前記ジョイントには、互いに係合する係合構造が設けられている請求項1~10のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the joint housing portion and the joint are provided with an engaging structure that engages with each other.
  12.  前記係合構造は、凹部と、前記凹部に嵌入する凸部とを含む請求項11に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to claim 11, wherein the engagement structure includes a concave portion and a convex portion that fits into the concave portion.
  13.  前記凹部は、周方向に連続した環状の溝である請求項12に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the recess is an annular groove continuous in a circumferential direction.
  14.  前記ジョイント収納部に設けられた前記係合構造と、前記ジョイントに設けられた前記係合構造とは、不可逆的に係合している請求項11~13のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the engagement structure provided in the joint housing portion and the engagement structure provided in the joint are irreversibly engaged. Solid.
  15.  前記コネクタ本体は、前記チューブ収納部内に内筒を更に備え、前記内筒は前記チューブの前記先端部に挿入されている請求項1~14のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the connector main body further includes an inner cylinder in the tube housing portion, and the inner cylinder is inserted into the distal end portion of the tube.
  16.  前記接続筒は、その内周面に、先端に近づくにしたがって内径が大きくなるテーパ面が設けられたメス部材である請求項1~15のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the connection cylinder is a female member provided with a tapered surface having an inner diameter that increases toward the tip on an inner peripheral surface thereof.
  17.  前記コネクタ本体の材料は前記ジョイントの材料と異なる請求項1~16のいずれか一項に記載のコネクタ組立体。 The connector assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a material of the connector main body is different from a material of the joint.
PCT/JP2018/015407 2017-04-17 2018-04-12 Connector assembly WO2018193965A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2017-081494 2017-04-17
JP2017081494A JP6904033B2 (en) 2017-04-17 2017-04-17 Connector assembly

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CN115105740A (en) * 2022-08-31 2022-09-27 深圳麦普奇医疗科技有限公司 Vascular sheath hemostasis valve and collateral branch pipe connection structure
US11674614B2 (en) 2020-10-09 2023-06-13 Icu Medical, Inc. Fluid transfer device and method of use for same

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US11185675B2 (en) * 2019-04-08 2021-11-30 Carefusion 303, Inc. Luer having microbore tubing retention pocket bond with axial spline

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US20040155457A1 (en) * 2003-02-12 2004-08-12 Maersk Medical A/S Connecting element comprising a first body and a method for injection moulding a connecting element
JP2007209390A (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-08-23 Sumitomo Bakelite Co Ltd Medical tube coupling
JP2008017987A (en) * 2006-07-12 2008-01-31 Jms Co Ltd Structure of tube connection and transfusion set
JP2008307089A (en) * 2007-06-12 2008-12-25 Sumitomo Bakelite Co Ltd Medical tube joint

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1437352A (en) * 1972-12-11 1976-05-26 British Wire Products Ltd Joints or connectors
JPH0280059A (en) * 1988-09-16 1990-03-20 Terumo Corp Synthetic resin-made assembly unit and manufacture thereof
US20040155457A1 (en) * 2003-02-12 2004-08-12 Maersk Medical A/S Connecting element comprising a first body and a method for injection moulding a connecting element
JP2007209390A (en) * 2006-02-07 2007-08-23 Sumitomo Bakelite Co Ltd Medical tube coupling
JP2008017987A (en) * 2006-07-12 2008-01-31 Jms Co Ltd Structure of tube connection and transfusion set
JP2008307089A (en) * 2007-06-12 2008-12-25 Sumitomo Bakelite Co Ltd Medical tube joint

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11674614B2 (en) 2020-10-09 2023-06-13 Icu Medical, Inc. Fluid transfer device and method of use for same
CN115105740A (en) * 2022-08-31 2022-09-27 深圳麦普奇医疗科技有限公司 Vascular sheath hemostasis valve and collateral branch pipe connection structure

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JP2018175544A (en) 2018-11-15

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