WO2019146741A1 - Clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

A first arm (10) and a second arm (20) are connected through a first elastic section (51) so that the first arm (10) can rock relative to the second arm (20). An engagement section (33) is provided to an operating section (30) which can be displaced relative to the first arm. An engagement structure (45) with which the engagement protrusion can engage is provided to the second arm. While the engagement protrusion is engaged with the engagement structure, the position of engagement of the engagement protrusion with the engagement structure can be switched to a first position (P1) at which the first arm and the second arm do not close the flow passage of a tube (90), and to a second position (P2) at which the first arm and the second arm close the flow passage of the tube.

Description

Clamp

The present invention relates to a clamp used to open and close a flow path of a flexible infusion tube.

In the medical field, infusions for administering drugs, nutritional components, electrolytes and the like to the veins of patients are widely used. A container (hereinafter referred to as an "infusion bag") storing an infusion to be administered to a patient and a needle punctured in a vein of the patient are connected by a flexible infusion tube (hereinafter referred to as a "tube"). An infusion pump is used to deliver the fluid to the patient at the desired rate and timing. Infusion pumps generally include a pump body provided with a liquid feeding mechanism, and a door that can be opened and closed with respect to the pump body. As a liquid feeding mechanism, for example, a peristaltic type in which a plurality of fingers squeeze the tube sequentially in the diametrical direction, and a roller type in which a roller moves along the longitudinal direction of the tube while squeezing the tube in the diametrical direction are known. . Open the door and secure the tube to the pump body. When the door is closed, the tube is pinched between the delivery mechanism (e.g. finger or roller) and the door and squeezed diametrically. When the liquid feeding mechanism is driven in this state, liquid feeding is started (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

If the tube is not attached to the infusion pump, or if the door is opened with the tube attached to the infusion pump, the fluid in the infusion bag will flow to the patient through the tube due to gravity (this is not Flow)). In order to prevent this, the tube is generally provided with a roller-type clamp for opening and closing the flow path of the tube. However, if the operation of closing the flow path of the tube with a clamp is forgotten, the above-mentioned free flow will occur.

Patent Document 2 describes a clamp that is used by being attached to a tube in order to prevent free flow (ie, anti free flow). The clamp includes a main base, an elastic deformation portion, and an elastic portion. The elastic portion connects the main base and the elastic deformation portion such that the elastic deformation portion can swing relative to the main base. At the end of the main base opposite to the elastic portion, a sub base is provided which is elastically extended from the main base. A first engagement portion and a second engagement portion are provided at the tip of the elastically deformable portion. The sub base is provided with a first groove and a second groove. In the natural state, the first and second engaging portions do not engage with the first and second grooves, and the clamp can be attached to and detached from the tube. When the tube is inserted between the main base and the elastic deformation portion and the second engagement portion is engaged with the second groove portion, the tube is separated from the clamp in a state where the flow path is secured (open state) It can not be done. Furthermore, when the first engaging portion is engaged with the first groove portion, the main base and the elastically deformable portion are in a closed state in which the flow path of the tube is closed.

The clamp and the tube are fixed to the pump body of the infusion pump in a state where the first engaging portion is engaged with the first groove (the tube is in the closed state). When the door is closed, interlocking with this, the engagement between the first engagement portion and the first groove portion is released, and instead, the second engagement portion is engaged with the second groove portion, and the tube by the infusion pump It will be in an open state where liquid transfer is possible. Thereafter, when the door is opened, interlocking with this, the engagement between the second engagement portion and the second groove portion is released, and instead, the first engagement portion is engaged with the first groove portion, and the tube is closed Switch to the state. The tube and clamp can be removed from the pump body with the tube closed.

As described above, since the clamp causes the tube to be opened only when the tube is attached to the pump body of the infusion pump and the door is closed, the above-mentioned free flow can be prevented. is there.

JP 2007-167316 A JP-A-2004-073822 (second embodiment, FIGS. 11 to 15)

In the clamp of Patent Document 2, an engagement structure (a second engagement portion and a second groove portion) for maintaining an open state and an engagement structure (a first engagement portion and a first groove portion for maintaining a closed state) ) Are provided separately. Because of this, the structure of the clamp is complicated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a clamp which can switch the flow path of an infusion tube between an open state and a closed state in a state of being attached to an infusion tube, the clamp having a simple structure.

The clamp of the present invention can open and close the flow path of the infusion tube in a state of being attached to the infusion tube. The clamp includes a first arm and a second arm for closing the flow passage of the infusion tube, and the first arm and the second arm so that the first arm can swing relative to the second arm. An elastically bendable first elastic portion connecting the arm and an end of the first arm opposite to the first elastic portion via the elastically deformable second elastic portion An operation portion provided displaceably with respect to the first arm, an engagement convex portion provided on the operation portion, and an end of the second arm opposite to the first elastic portion are provided. And an engagement structure engageable with the engagement convex portion. In a state in which the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure, an engagement position of the engagement convex portion with respect to the engagement structure is defined by the first arm and the second arm as a flow path of the infusion tube. It can switch to the 1st position which does not obstruct | occlude, and the 2nd position which the said 1st arm and the said 2nd arm obstruct | occlude the flow path of the said infusion tube.

The clamp of the present invention is provided with the engagement convex part by the side of the 1st arm, and the engagement structure by the side of the 2nd arm. By mounting the clamp on the infusion tube and engaging the engagement projection with the engagement structure, the engagement position of the engagement projection relative to the engagement structure is switched between the first position and the second position. The flow path of the tube can be opened and closed. According to the present invention, the flow path of the tube can be opened and closed with a simple structure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 2A is a right side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 2B is a left side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 4 is an arrow sectional view of a clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in a plane including line 4-4 in FIG. 2A. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the clamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention immediately after the engagement convex portion is fitted into the groove. FIG. 6 is a right side view of the clamp according to the first embodiment of the present invention in which the engagement protrusion engages with the groove at the first position. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in which the engagement convex portion is engaged with the groove at the second position. FIG. 8A is a right side view of a clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the clamp is attached to a tube and in a natural state. FIG. 8B is a right side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the clamp is attached to the tube and the engagement projection engages the groove at the first position. FIG. 8C is a right side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, wherein the clamp is attached to the tube and the engagement protrusion engages the groove at the second position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 10 is a side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the third embodiment of the present invention in a natural state, in a plane passing through the engagement protrusion and the guide groove. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 15 is a side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in the natural state, in a plane passing through the engagement protrusion and the guide groove. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in the natural state, in a plane passing through the engagement protrusion and the guide groove. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention in the natural state, in a plane passing through the engagement protrusion and the inclined surface. FIG. 23 is a side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 24 is a side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 26 is a side view of the clamp according to embodiment 10 of the present invention in the natural state. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a clamp according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 28 is a side view of the clamp according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention in a natural state.

In the clamp of the present invention described above, the infusion tube may be inserted and removed between the first arm and the second arm in a state where the engagement convex portion is not engaged with the engagement structure. It may be possible. Such an aspect facilitates attachment and detachment of the clamp to the infusion tube.

When the operation portion is displaced such that the engagement convex portion is separated from the second position when the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure at the second position, the first elastic portion The elastic restoring force may move the first arm away from the second arm and move the engagement protrusion to the first position. According to this aspect, the flow path of the tube can be switched from the closed state to the open state by a simple operation of pushing and displacing the operation unit. This makes it easy to realize a configuration in which when the door of the infusion pump is closed, the door displaces the operation unit and the tube is switched from the closed state to the open state. For this reason, the clamp is highly compatible with the infusion pump.

The engagement convex portion may irreversibly engage with the engagement structure. According to this aspect, after the clamp is attached to the tube and the engagement protrusion is engaged with the engagement structure, it becomes difficult to remove the clamp from the tube. For example, the user can easily recognize that a tube with a clamp (for example, an infusion set) is a specialized item of the infusion pump to which the clamp is compatible.

In the clamp according to the present invention, the engagement convex portion may be engaged with the engagement structure as long as the engagement convex portion is not displaced in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the first arm swings. You may be comprised so that it can not do. According to this aspect, it is possible to realize a clamp in which the engagement convex portion irreversibly engages the engagement structure with a simple structure.

A guide structure for guiding the engagement convex portion to the engagement structure may be provided on the second arm. Such an aspect is advantageous for facilitating the operation of engaging the engagement protrusion with the engagement structure.

The guide structure may include an inclined surface. When the engagement convex portion slides on the inclined surface toward the engagement structure, the inclined surface displaces the engagement convex portion in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first arm swings. May be According to this aspect, it is possible to easily realize the guide structure that facilitates the operation of engaging the engagement convex portion with the engagement structure with a simple configuration.

The guide structure may include a guide groove in which the engagement protrusion moves. In this aspect, it is relatively difficult to engage the engagement protrusion with the engagement structure without passing the guide groove. For this reason, in a natural state where the engagement convex portion is not engaged with the engagement structure, a situation in which the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure due to an external force or the like is prevented from occurring unintentionally can do.

The second arm may be provided with a pair of the guide structures on both side surfaces thereof. The pair of guide structures may be symmetrical. Such an aspect is advantageous for facilitating the operation of engaging the engagement protrusion with the engagement structure. Also, it is advantageous to reduce the possibility of breakage of the clamp due to the clamp being twisted during the operation.

Alternatively, the pair of guide structures may be asymmetric. Such an aspect is advantageous in making it difficult to release the engagement between the engagement protrusion and the engagement structure.

The engagement convex portion may be located closer to the first elastic portion than a distal end of the operation portion that is most distant from the first elastic portion. Such an aspect is advantageous in making it difficult to release the engagement between the engagement protrusion and the engagement structure.

The engagement convex portion may be provided on a plate material extending in parallel to a surface on which the first arm swings. Since the plate material has high strength, it is relatively difficult to deform. Therefore, the above aspect is advantageous for making it difficult to release the engagement between the engagement protrusion and the engagement structure.

Alternatively, the engagement protrusion may be provided on an elongated bar-like bar. The bars are relatively easy to deform as they are of low strength. Therefore, the above aspect is advantageous for facilitating the operation of engaging the engagement convex portion with the engagement structure.

The operation unit may include a pair of the engagement protrusions. The pair of engagement protrusions may be spaced apart and opposed to each other. Such an aspect is advantageous for facilitating the operation of engaging the engagement protrusion with the engagement structure. Also, it is advantageous to reduce the possibility of breakage of the clamp due to the clamp being twisted during the operation.

The position of the engagement convex portion in the natural state in which the engagement convex portion is not engaged with the engagement structure, the first position, and the second position are the pivot centers of the first arm. And may be located on a common arc concentric with the According to this aspect, even if the clamp is left for a long time with the engagement convex portion engaged with the engagement structure at the first position or the second position, the elastic force of the second elastic portion is maintained without deterioration. It is advantageous to

In a state in which the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure, an engagement position of the engagement convex portion with respect to the engagement structure is defined by the first arm and the second arm as a flow path of the infusion tube. It may further be possible to switch to the third position for semi-occlusion. For example, if the third position is set according to the desired flow rate of the infusion, it is possible to easily set the flow rate of the infusion to the desired flow only by moving the engagement convex portion to the third position. .

When the operation portion is displaced such that the engagement convex portion is separated from the third position when the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure at the third position, the first elastic portion The elastic restoring force may move the first arm away from the second arm and move the engagement protrusion to the first position. According to this aspect, the flow path of the tube can be switched from the semi-occlusion state to the open state by a simple operation of pushing and displacing the operation part.

The position of the engagement convex portion in a natural state in which the engagement convex portion is not engaged with the engagement structure, and the third position are common arcs concentric with the swing center of the first arm It may be located on top. Such an aspect is advantageous for maintaining the elastic force of the second elastic portion without deteriorating even if the clamp is left for a long time with the engagement convex portion engaged with the engagement structure at the third position. .

The engagement structure may include an engagement groove in which the engagement convex portion can be fitted and moved. According to this aspect, the engagement structure in which the engagement convex portion engages can be realized with a simple configuration. The engaging convex portion and the engaging groove do not have to have sharp tips, so they are excellent in durability and reliability, and easy to manufacture.

The engagement groove may have a wedge shape or a substantially "V" shape. In this aspect, the engagement convex portion is moved from the second position to the first position by an external force or the like in a state where the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure at the second position. It is advantageous to prevent it from occurring.

Alternatively, the engagement groove may have a substantially "U" shape. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily realize a configuration capable of switching the position of the engagement protrusion between the first position and the second position with a slight force. In addition, the durability of the second elastic portion against repeated switching is improved.

The engagement structure may include at least one rib on which the engagement protrusion can engage and slide. According to this aspect, the engagement structure in which the engagement convex portion engages can be realized with a simple configuration. The engaging projections and the ribs do not have to have sharp tips, so they have excellent durability and reliability, and are easy to manufacture.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each drawing referred to in the following description is a simplified view of main elements (or members) constituting an embodiment of the present invention for convenience of explanation. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, any element not shown in the drawings may be added, or any element shown in the drawings may be changed or omitted. In the drawings referred to in the description of each embodiment, the elements corresponding to the elements shown in the drawings cited in the preceding embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as the reference numerals attached in the drawings of the preceding embodiments. is there. The redundant description of such elements is omitted, and the description of the preceding embodiment should be appropriately referred to.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clamp 1a according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a natural state. 2A and 2B are a right side view and a left side view of the clamp 1a. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane including the central position in the thickness direction of the clamp 1a. The clamp 1 a includes a first arm 10 and a second arm 20. The first arm 10 and the second arm 20 respectively extend in a substantially linear manner. A first elastic portion in which one end (first end) in the longitudinal direction of the first arm 10 and one end (first end) in the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20 are curved in a circular arc (or substantially "C" shape) It is linked through 51. In a natural state in which no external force is applied to the clamp 1a, the distance between the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 increases as the distance from the first elastic portion 51 increases. 20 are connected in a substantially bowl shape (generally “V” shape) via the first elastic portion 51. The first elastic portion 51 can be elastically bent and deformed so that the first arm 10 can swing (or rotate) relative to the second arm 20. The swinging center (not shown) of the first arm 10 is located at or near the first elastic portion 51. In the present invention, the surface on which the first arm 10 swings with respect to the second arm 20 is referred to as a “rocking surface”. The cross section of FIG. 3 is parallel to the rocking surface. The direction perpendicular to the rocking surface is called "thickness direction". Note that "rocking" is the movement of the other relative to one of the first arm 10 and the second arm 20, "rocking of the first arm 10 with respect to the second arm 20", and This can be expressed as any of the "swinging of the second arm 20 with respect to the arm 10", but in the present invention, it is expressed as the former. Further, the side closer to the center of oscillation (or the first elastic portion 51) of the first arm 10 is referred to as "proximal side", and the side farther from this is referred to as "distal side". The “distal end” and “proximal end” of a member (or element) refer to the portion of the member farthest from the center of oscillation and the portion closest to it, respectively.

The first arm 10 includes a first closing portion 11 protruding toward the second arm 20. The second arm 20 includes a second closing portion 21 protruding toward the first arm 10. The first and second closing portions 11 and 21 are rib-like protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction of the first and second arms 10 and 20, respectively. In the natural state, the first closing portion 11 and the second closing portion 21 are separated from each other and are inclined with respect to each other. When the forces F11 and F21 (see FIG. 2A) in the direction in which the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 approach each other are applied to the first arm 10 and the second arm 20, the first elastic portion 51 is bent and deformed. The first closing portion 11 and the second closing portion 21 can be brought close to each other.

The first arm 10 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the first closing portion 11 with restricting protrusions 12 and 13 protruding further toward the second arm 20 than the first closing portion 11. Similarly, the second arm 20 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the second closing portion 21 with restricting protrusions 22 and 23 that project further toward the first arm 10 than the second closing portion 21. The restriction protrusions 12, 13, 22, 23 are for restricting the position of the tube with respect to the clamp 1a so that the tube is positioned between the first closing portion 11 and the second closing portion 21 (described later) See Figures 8A and 8B). In the present invention, some or all of the control protrusions 12, 13, 22, 23 may be omitted.

The operation unit 30 is provided at an end (second end) opposite to the first elastic portion 51 of the first arm 10 via a second elastic portion 52 which is curved in an arc shape (or substantially "C" shape). ing. The operation unit 30 is composed of two plate members 31 parallel to the rocking surface. The two plate members 31 are separated from each other in the thickness direction and face each other. The two plate members 31 are connected via the second elastic portion 52 and the connecting portion 32. The connection portion 32 is provided at the distal end of the operation portion 30 (that is, the portion of the operation portion 30 farthest from the first elastic portion 51). A substantially cylindrical engaging convex portion 33 protrudes toward the opposing plate member 31 from the inner surface facing the opposite sides of the two plate members 31. The pair of engagement protrusions 33 are spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction and face each other. The two plate members 31 including the engagement convex portion 33 are symmetrical. The engagement convex portion 33 is located at or near the edge of the plate 31 near the second arm 20 (in particular, the engagement portion 40 thereof). The engagement convex portion 33 is far from any of the second elastic portion 52 and the connecting portion 32. Therefore, by elastically bending and deforming the two plate members 31, it is possible to enlarge the distance between the pair of engagement convex portions 33.

In addition, as long as it is possible to enlarge the space | interval between a pair of engagement convex part 33, the position and shape of the connection part 32 are not limited to this embodiment, It can change arbitrarily. For example, the connecting portion 32 may be continuous with the second elastic portion 52. Moreover, the connection part 32 can also be abbreviate | omitted.

The second elastic portion 52 can be elastically bent and deformed so that the operation portion 30 can be swung (displaced) relative to the first arm 10. When a force F31 (see FIG. 2A) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first arm 10 is applied to the distal end of the operation unit 30 (the connection unit 32 or its vicinity), the second elastic unit 52 is bent and deformed. 30 and the engagement convex portion 33 can be moved toward the first elastic portion 51.

The second arm 20 includes an engagement portion 40 at an end (second end) opposite to the first elastic portion 51. The engaging portion 40 is a plate-like body substantially parallel to the rocking surface. A groove (engaging groove) 45 is provided in the engaging portion 40. The groove 45 is a through hole (opening) that penetrates the engaging portion 40 in the thickness direction. The groove 45 includes a linear first groove 45 a and a linear second groove 45 b. The first groove 45 a and the second groove 45 b radially extend from the innermost portion 45 i closest to the first elastic portion 51 of the groove 45. The groove 45 has a substantially wedge shape (or a substantially "V" shape) as a whole. The first groove 45a is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20 so as to approach the operation unit 30 as it is separated from the innermost portion 45i. The second groove 45 b is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20, and is a straight line extending radially (or in the radial direction) from a swing center where the first arm 10 swings with respect to the second arm 20. It is approximately along. The first groove 45a is disposed closer to the operation unit 30 than the second groove 45b. Circles P1 and P2 indicated by alternate long and two short dashes lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B indicate the first position and the second position where the engagement convex portion 33 is stably locked in the groove 45 (details will be described later) .

Guide grooves (guide structures) 43 are provided on both side surfaces of the engaging portion 40 substantially along a straight line connecting the first groove portion 45 a of the groove 45 and the position of the engaging convex portion 33 in the natural state. FIG. 4 is an arrow sectional view of the clamp 1 a in a plane including the 4-4 line of FIG. 2A passing through the guide groove 43 and the engagement convex portion 33. The two guide grooves 43 have a symmetrical shape. The bottom surface of the guide groove 43 has a first flat surface 43a, an inclined surface 43c, and a second flat surface 43b adjacent to one another in this order from the outer peripheral edge of the engaging portion 40 toward the groove 45. The first flat surface 43a and the second flat surface 43b are substantially parallel to the rocking surface. The inclined surface 43 c is inclined such that the thickness of the engaging portion 40 in the guide groove 43 becomes thicker toward the groove 45. The distance between the pair of engagement protrusions 33 is the same as or slightly larger than the thickness of the engagement portion 40 at the first flat surface 43a and smaller than the thickness of the engagement portion 40 at the second flat surface 43b.

The clamp 1a is made of a hard material such as a resin material. For example, it is preferable that the clamp 1a be integrally manufactured as one part by injection molding a resin material. Resin materials which can be used include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, styrene ethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, butylene styrene block copolymer and the like. In consideration of elastic bending deformation of the first and second elastic portions 51 and 52 and the plate member 31, polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene are preferable.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a natural state (or an initial state) of the clamp 1a in which no external force is applied to the clamp 1a, and neither portion of the clamp 1a is elastically deformed. In the natural state, the operating portion 30 and the engaging portion 40 are separated from each other, and the first closing portion 11 and the second closing portion 21 are separated from each other. By passing the tube through the opening 53 between the operation unit 30 and the engaging unit 40, the clamp 1a can be attached to and detached from the tube (see FIG. 8A described later).

The clamp 1 a in the natural state can be deformed to engage the engagement convex portion 33 with the groove 45. That is, the force F11 and the force F21 (see FIG. 2A) are applied to the first arm 10 and the second arm 20, and the first elastic portion 51 is bent and deformed to make the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 approach. At the same time, a force F31 (see FIG. 2A) is applied to the operation portion 30 to bend and deform the second elastic portion 52 so that the operation portion 30 and the engagement convex portion 33 are slightly moved toward the first elastic portion 51. Move to The engagement convex portion 33 is fitted into the guide groove 43 (particularly, a portion corresponding to the first flat surface 43 a) provided in the engagement portion 40. When the first arm 10 (or the operating portion 30) is strongly pushed toward the second arm 20 (or the engaging portion 40), the pair of engaging convex portions 33 slide on the inclined surface 43c and the distance between them is It is expanded and further slides on the second flat surface 43b, and then is fitted into the groove 45 (first groove 45a). If necessary, the plate material 31 may be deformed so that the distance between the pair of engagement convex portions 33 is enlarged using some kind of tool. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the clamp 1 a immediately after the engagement projection 33 is inserted into the groove 45.

Thereafter, the forces F11, F21 and F31 are released. FIG. 6 is a right side view of the clamp 1a in this state. The clamp 1a of FIG. 6 is slightly deformed from the state of FIG. More specifically, due to the elastic recovery force of the first elastic portion 51, the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 are slightly separated from each other as compared with FIG. Further, the operation unit 30 is slightly moved in the direction away from the first elastic portion 51 as compared with FIG. 5. The engagement convex portion 33 is located at or near the end of the first groove 45 a (position farthest from the first elastic portion 51, the distal end of the first groove 45 a). The position of the engagement convex portion 33 shown in FIG. 6 is referred to as “first position P1”. While the first elastic portion 51 biases the first arm 10 away from the second arm 20 (that is, to return to the natural state shown in FIG. It is stably engaged at the first position P1. When the engagement convex portion 33 is in the first position P1, the second elastic portion 52 is substantially elastically restored to the natural state shown in FIG. 2A. The tip end of the first closing portion 11 of the first arm 10 and the tip end of the second closing portion 21 of the second arm 20 are separated from each other and inclined with respect to each other.

The side surface of the groove 45 (that is, the surface defining the width of the groove 45) 45s (see FIGS. 1 and 4) is parallel to the thickness direction. For this reason, once the engagement convex portion 33 is fitted into and engaged with the groove 45, it is difficult to cause the engagement convex portion 33 to escape from the groove 45 thereafter. That is, the engagement projection 33 irreversibly engages the groove 45.

In the state of FIG. 6, forces F12 and F22 can be applied to the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 in a direction in which they are further approached. If necessary, a force F32 directed to the first elastic portion 51 may be applied to the operation unit 30. The first arm 10 approaches the second arm 20, and in parallel with this, the engagement convex portion 33 moves in the first groove 45a from the first position P1 toward the innermost 45i. Along with this, the first elastic portion 51 is further elastically bent and deformed, and the second elastic portion 52 is also elastically bent and deformed. After the engagement convex portion 33 reaches the innermost portion 45i, when the force F32 is released, the elastic recovery force of the second elastic portion 52 causes the engagement portion 40 to move away from the first elastic portion 51. The engagement convex portion 33 moves in the second groove 45b in a direction away from the innermost portion 45i.

Thereafter, the forces F12 and F22 are released. FIG. 7 is a right side view of the clamp 1a in this state. The engagement convex portion 33 is located at or near the end of the second groove 45 b (position farthest from the first elastic portion 51, the distal end of the second groove 45 b). The position of the engagement convex portion 33 shown in FIG. 7 is referred to as a “second position P2”. While the first elastic portion 51 biases the first arm 10 away from the second arm 20 (that is, to return to the natural state shown in FIG. It is stably engaged at the second position P2. When the engagement convex portion 33 is at the second position P2, the second elastic portion 52 substantially elastically recovers to the natural state shown in FIG. 2A. The tip of the first closing portion 11 of the first arm 10 and the tip of the second closing portion 21 of the second arm 20 approach each other and are substantially parallel.

In the state of FIG. 7, a force F <b> 33 toward the first elastic portion 51 can be applied to the operation unit 30. The engagement convex portion 33 moves in the second groove 45b from the second position P2 toward the innermost portion 45i. Accordingly, the second elastic portion 52 elastically deforms. When the engagement protrusion 33 escapes from the second groove 45b (or reaches the innermost portion 45i), the force F33 is released. The elastic recovery force of the first elastic portion 51 causes the first arm 10 to swing away from the second arm 20. In parallel with this, the engagement convex portion 33 moves in the first groove 45a from the innermost portion 45i toward the first position P1. The clamp 1a returns to the state of FIG. 6 in which the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 45 at the first position P1.

Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, the state where the engagement convex portion 33 engages with the groove 45 at the first position P1 (FIG. 6) and the state where the engagement convex portion 33 engages with the groove 45 at the second position P2 The state of the clamp 1a can be switched any number of times with (FIG. 7).

The clamp 1a is attached to a flexible infusion tube (hereinafter simply referred to as a "tube") connecting a container (infusion bag) storing an infusion and a needle to be punctured in a patient's vein, and opens and closes the flow path of the tube Used for. An example of how to use the clamp 1a will be described below.

FIG. 8A shows the clamp 1a in a natural state (see FIGS. 1 to 4) attached to the tube 90. FIG. In FIG. 8A, the tube 90 is shown in a cross-sectional view in a plane parallel to the rocking surface of the clamp 1a. The tube 90 is located between the first closing portion 11 and the second closing portion 21. The clamp 1a can be attached to the tube 90 by passing the tube 90 through the opening 53 of the clamp 1a. When passing the tube 90 through the opening 53, the space between the operation portion 30 and the engaging portion 40 is produced by compressing and deforming the tube 90 in the diameter direction or deforming the first elastic portion 51 as necessary. (Ie, the opening 53) may be enlarged. Since the distance between the regulation projection 12 and the regulation projection 22 in the natural state is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 90, once the clamp 1a is attached to the tube 90, the clamp 1a is a tube even if vibration or external force is applied. There is no unintentional release from 90. In addition, since the distance between the restricting protrusion 13 and the restricting protrusion 23 in the natural state is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 90, the tube 90 is between the first closed portion 11 and the second closed portion 21 and the first elastic portion It does not move into 51.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 45 at the first position P1 (see FIG. 6). In this state, the tube 90 is not substantially deformed and its flow path is open.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, the engagement projection 33 is moved to the second position P2 (see FIG. 7). The tube 90 is compressed in the diametrical direction by the first closing portion 11 and the second closing portion 21, and the flow passage of the tube 90 is closed.

The state in which the clamp 1 is attached to the tube 90 by switching the position of the engagement convex portion 33 between the first position P1 (see FIG. 8B) and the second position P2 (see FIG. 8C) as described above Can open and close the flow path of the tube 90.

For example, the tube 90 and the clamp 1a can be delivered to a medical institution such as a hospital as an "infusion set" in which the clamp 1a is attached to the tube 90. The engagement convex portion 33 is at the first position P1 (see FIG. 8B). In the medical institution, at the time of preparation of the infusion, the engagement convex portion 33 is moved to the second position P2 (see FIG. 8C). Alternatively, the infusion set may be delivered to the medical institution with the engagement protrusion 33 at the second position P2 (see FIG. 8C). With the engagement convex portion 33 at the second position P2, the upstream end of the tube 90 is connected to the infusion bag storing the infusion, and the needle provided at the downstream end of the tube 90 punctures the patient's vein. When the engagement projection 33 of the clamp 1a is switched from the second position P2 (see FIG. 8C) to the first position P1 (see FIG. 8B), infusion can be started. Thereafter, when the engagement convex portion 33 is switched from the first position (see FIG. 8B) to the second position (see FIG. 8C), the infusion can be stopped.

The clamp 1a may be used by being attached to an infusion pump, like the clamp of Patent Document 2. In this case, the position of the engagement projection 33 may be switched between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door of the infusion pump. For example, an infusion set is prepared in which the engagement projection 33 is at the second position P2 (see FIG. 8C) and the flow path of the tube 90 is in the closed state. Open the infusion pump door and attach the clamp 1a and the tube 90 to the infusion pump pump body. When the door is closed, the door pushes the operation unit 30 (force F33 in FIG. 7), the engagement protrusion 33 moves to the first position P1 (see FIG. 8B), and the tube 90 switches to the open state. Drive the infusion pump to perform infusion. When the infusion is completed and the door is opened, a force (forces F12 and F22 in FIG. 6) is applied to the clamp 1a in conjunction with this, and the first arm 10 moves toward the second arm 20, and the engagement convex The portion 33 moves to the second position P2 (see FIG. 8C), and the tube 90 switches to the closed state. Even when the tube 90 and the clamp 1a are removed from the infusion pump, the free flow of the infusion into the patient does not occur due to gravity.

As described above, in the clamp 1 a according to the first embodiment, the engagement projection 33 is provided on the operation unit 30 on the first arm 10 side, and the groove 45 is provided on the engagement unit 40 on the second arm 20 side. There is. In a state in which the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 45, the position of the engagement convex portion 33 is set to the first position P1 (see FIG. 8B) at which the tube 90 is opened and the tube 90 closed. It switches between the second position P2 (see FIG. 8C). The engagement projection 33 is engaged with the groove 45 in any of the open state and the closed state of the tube 90. The tube 90 can be opened and closed only by moving the engagement protrusion 33 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the groove 45. The tube 90 can be opened and closed with a simple structure of the engagement convex portion 33 and the groove 45 in which the engagement convex portion 33 can move.

In the conventional clamp of Patent Document 2 mentioned above, the first and second engaging portions have sharp tips. For this reason, when the engagement and release of the first and second engaging portions with the first and second groove portions are repeated, the tip is worn or broken, and the open and closed states can be stably maintained. It will be difficult. In addition, since it is necessary to form such a sharp tip with a predetermined accuracy, it is difficult to manufacture a clamp.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the engagement convex portion 33 may move between the first position (see FIG. 8B) and the second position (see FIG. 8C) without escaping from the groove 45. . Since the engaging convex portion 33 and the groove 45 do not have sharp tips like the first and second engaging portions of the above-mentioned conventional clamp, they are less likely to be chipped or worn away. Even when the position of the engagement convex portion 33 is repeatedly switched between the first position P1 and the second position P2, the tube 90 can be stably opened and closed. Therefore, the clamp 1a is excellent in durability and reliability. Furthermore, even if the accuracy of the engagement convex portion 33 and the groove 45 is relatively loose, the engagement convex portion 33 can be stably engaged with the first position P1 and the second position P2, so opening and closing of the tube 90 It is possible to perform an operation. Thus, the clamp 1a is easy to manufacture.

In a state where the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 45 at the second position P2 (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8C), the operating portion 30 is first separated so that the engagement convex portion 33 is separated from the second position P2. It can be displaced toward the elastic portion 51. As soon as the engagement projection 33 escapes from the second groove 45b, the elastic restoring force of the first elastic portion 51 separates the first arm 10 from the second arm 20, and the engagement projection 33 is moved to the first position P1 ( 6 and FIG. 8B). Thus, the tube 90 can be switched from the closed state to the open state by a simple operation of pressing the operating unit 30 (see force F33 in FIG. 7) and displacing it. This makes it possible to easily realize a configuration in which when the infusion pump door is closed, the door pushes the operation unit 30 and the tube 90 switches from the closed state to the open state. For this reason, the clamp 1a is highly compatible with the infusion pump.

The operating portion 30 projects further to the distal side than the engaging portion 40 regardless of whether the engaging convex portion 33 is in the first position (see FIG. 8B) or the second position (see FIG. 8C). Therefore, application of the forces F32 and F33 to the operation unit 30 is easy. Also in this respect, the clamp 1a is highly compatible with the infusion pump.

The force F33 required to release the engagement convex portion 33 from the second position P2 and the amount of movement of the engagement convex portion 33 (or the operation portion 30) are the distance from the second position P2 to the innermost 45i (or The length can be adjusted arbitrarily by changing the length of the two groove portions 45b. The second groove 45b has a predetermined length, not a shallow recess (for example, a semicircular recess) that can merely lock the engagement protrusion 33, and the second position P2 has such a second groove Since it is provided at or near the end of 45b, even if the clamp 1a (in particular, its operation portion 30) collides with a surrounding object, the engagement projection 33 moves from the second position to the first position, Unintended situations where the flow path of the tube 90 switches from the closed state to the open state are unlikely to occur. Although the distance from the second position P2 to the innermost portion 45i (or the length of the second groove 45b) is arbitrary, it is 1 or more times, further 1.5 or more times the outer diameter of the engagement convex portion 33, particularly It is preferable that it is 2 times or more.

The engagement projection 30 irreversibly engages the groove 45. That is, after the engagement convex portion 33 engages with the groove 45, it is difficult to release the engagement. For example, when the infusion set in which the clamp 1a is attached to the tube 90 and the engagement convex portion 30 is engaged with the groove 45 (FIG. 8B or FIG. 8C) is delivered to a medical institution, the medical institution It is virtually impossible to remove it from 90. The irreversible attachment of the clamp 1a to the tube 90 is advantageous for the user to recognize that the infusion set should not be used for infusion pumps other than the infusion pump to which the clamp 1a fits. .

The engagement convex portion 33 is disposed apart from the distal end of the operation portion 30 on the side of the first elastic portion 51 (that is, the side of the first arm 10). This makes it difficult for the user to access the pair of engagement protrusions 33. Further, the connecting portion 32 connects two plate members 31 at or near the distal end of the operating portion 30. This makes it difficult for the user to increase the distance between the two plate members 31. As a result of these, it is difficult for the user to displace the pair of engagement protrusions 33 so as to be separated from each other. This is advantageous to make it difficult to release the engagement between the engagement projection 33 and the groove 45.

A guide groove 43 for guiding the engagement convex portion 33 to the groove 45 is provided in the second arm 20 (particularly, the engagement portion 40 thereof). It is difficult to engage the engagement convex portion 33 with the groove 45 unless the engagement convex portion 33 passes through the guide groove 43. Therefore, in a natural state (see FIGS. 1 to 4) in which the engagement convex portion 33 is not engaged with the groove 45, the engagement convex portion 33 unintentionally engages with the groove 45 due to an external force or the like. The possibility can be reduced.

If the force F31 (see FIG. 2A) is applied to the operation portion 30 in the clamp 1a in the natural state and the engagement convex portion 33 is not slightly moved toward the first elastic portion 51, the engagement convex portion 33 is moved to the guide groove 43 It can not be inserted. This is also advantageous for reducing the possibility of the engagement convex portion 33 unintentionally engaging with the groove 45 due to an external force or the like in a natural state (see FIGS. 1 to 4). Of course, the clamp of the present invention is configured such that the engagement convex portion 33 fits into the guide groove 43 simply by swinging the first arm 10 toward the second arm 20 without applying the force F31. It may be

The bottom surface of the guide groove 43 is provided with an inclined surface 43 c which is inclined so as to displace the engagement convex portion 33 in the thickness direction as the groove 45 is approached. This is advantageous for facilitating the operation of engaging the engagement projection 33 with the groove 45. In the first embodiment, the first and second flat surfaces 43a and 43b are provided adjacent to the inclined surface 43c, but one or both of them may be omitted.

The operation portion 30 is provided with a pair of engagement convex portions 33, and the engagement portion 40 is provided with a pair of guide grooves 43. The pair of engagement convex portions 33 and the pair of guide grooves 43 are both symmetrical. Therefore, in the process of engaging the engagement convex portion 33 with the groove 45, the first arm 10 may be simply rocked toward the second arm 20 along the rocking surface. Unlike Embodiment 3, which will be described later, there is no need to apply a force to the clamp 1a to displace the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 in the direction opposite to each other in the thickness direction. This is advantageous for facilitating the operation of engaging the engagement projection 33 with the groove 45 and also reduces the possibility of breakage of the clamp 1a due to twisting of the clamp 1a during the operation. It is advantageous to do.

An arc 55 of a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2A is concentric with a swing center in which the first arm 10 swings with respect to the second arm 20 when the first elastic portion 51 is deformed. The position of the engaging convex portion 33 when the clamp 1a is in the natural state, the first position P1 of the engaging convex portion 33, and the second position P2 of the engaging convex portion 33 are all positioned on the common arc 55. Do. For this reason, the second elastic portion 52 is not substantially deformed when the engagement convex portion 33 is in the first position P1 (see FIGS. 6 and 8B) and the second position P2 (see FIGS. 7 and 8C) . This is because the elastic force of the second elastic portion 52 is not deteriorated even if the clamp 1a is left for a long time in a state where the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 45 at the first position P1 or the second position P2. It is advantageous to maintain. For example, the elastic force of the second elastic portion 52 can be reduced compared to the first elastic portion 51, whereby the second elastic portion 52 can be miniaturized or thinned to miniaturize the entire clamp 1a. it can.

In the above-mentioned example, although slot 45 was a penetration hole which penetrates engaging part 40, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, non-penetrating grooves may be provided on both sides of the engaging portion 40 symmetrically.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a clamp 1 b according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG.10 and FIG.11 is the side view and sectional drawing of clamp 1b in a natural state.

The operation unit 30b of the second embodiment includes two plate members 31b that are separated from each other in the thickness direction and face each other. An edge of a hook-like end on the second arm 20 (particularly, the engagement portion 40 thereof) side of each plate member 31 b is curved toward the opposing plate member 31 b to form an engagement convex portion 33 b. In the first embodiment, the plate member 31 and the engagement convex portion 33 can be clearly distinguished. However, in the third embodiment, the boundary between the plate member 31 b and the engagement convex portion 33 b is vague and the shape from the plate member 31 b to the engagement convex portion 33 b is Is changing continuously. Although illustration is omitted, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the clamp 1b of the second embodiment changes the engagement position of the engagement convex portion 33b with the groove 45 to the first position and the second position. Can be opened and closed.

In the clamp 1a of the first embodiment, stress is likely to be concentrated at the boundary between the plate member 31 and the engagement convex portion 33, and the possibility of breakage such as a crack at the boundary can not be completely denied. In the clamp 1b of the second embodiment, since the shape is continuously changed from the plate member 31b to the engagement convex portion 33b, there is no place where stress is concentrated. For this reason, the clamp 1b is further excellent in durability.

A connection portion similar to the connection portion 32 of the first embodiment may be provided at a position apart from the engagement convex portion 33b to connect the two plate members 31b.

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.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a clamp 1c according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a natural state. In the operation portion 30c of the third embodiment, the engagement convex portion 33c is provided only on one plate member 131a of the two facing plate members 131a and 131b. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp 1 c in a plane passing through the engagement protrusion 33 c and the guide groove 43. The cross section of FIG. 13 corresponds to the cross section of FIG.

The engagement convex portion 33 c of the third embodiment protrudes from the plate material 131 a longer than the engagement convex portion 33 of the first embodiment. In order to engage the engagement convex portion 33c with the groove 45, it is necessary to displace the first arm 10 and the second arm 20 in the opposite direction along the thickness direction. For this reason, the operation of engaging the engagement convex portion 33c with the groove 45 is more difficult than the first embodiment. In addition, once the engagement convex portion 33c is engaged with the groove 45, it is more difficult than the first embodiment to release the engagement.

Although illustration is omitted, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the clamp 1c of the third embodiment changes the engagement position of the engagement convex portion 33c with the groove 45 to the first position and the second position. Can be opened and closed.

The projection length of the engagement convex portion 33c can be arbitrarily changed. As the protrusion length of the engagement convex portion 33c is shorter, the operation of engaging the engagement convex portion 33c with the groove 45 becomes easier.

Among the guide grooves 43 provided on both side surfaces of the engagement portion 40, the guide groove 43 on the side where the engagement convex portion 33c is not provided may be omitted. In this case, as the guide groove 43 on the side where the engagement convex portion 33c is provided is deeper, the operation of engaging the engagement convex portion 33c with the groove 45 becomes easier.

In the plate member 131b in which the engagement convex portion 33c is not provided, a portion facing the engagement convex portion 33c is cut out to provide a notch 131c. This is attributed to the mold shape for molding the engagement convex portion 33c. The notch 131c may be omitted as long as the engagement convex portion 33c can be formed.

Of the two plate members 131a and 131b, the plate member 131b not provided with the engagement convex portion 33c may be omitted.

As in the second embodiment, the end of the plate 131a on the side of the second arm 20 (in particular, the engagement portion 40 thereof) may be curved toward the plate 131b to form the engagement projection 33c. .

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.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clamp 1 d according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG.15 and FIG.16 is the side view and sectional drawing of clamp 1d in a natural state.

The operation unit 30 d is provided on the first arm 10 via the second elastic unit 52. The operation unit 30 d includes a thin plate 35 which is an elongated plate material having a fixed width extending from the second elastic portion 52, a pair of bars 36 extending from the thin plate 35, and a pair of engagement members provided at the tips of the pair of bars 36. And a convex portion 33. The pair of bars 36 are spaced apart from and face each other in the thickness direction. The pair of bars 36 including the engagement protrusions 33 are symmetrical.

The bar 35 is an elongated rod-like member. The bar 35 has relatively low strength and is easily deformed as compared with the plate member 31 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the engagement convex portion 33 can relatively easily get over the inclined surface 43 c and the second flat surface 43 b of the guide groove 43. Therefore, the operation of engaging the engagement convex portion 33 with the groove 45 is easy.

A strip 35 extends distally from the second resilient portion 52, and a pair of bars 36 extend proximally from the distal end of the strip 35. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to displace the pair of engagement protrusions 33 so as to be separated from each other. This is advantageous to make it difficult to release the engagement between the engagement projection 33 and the groove 45.

The thin plate 35 extends to the distal end of the operating portion 30d (that is, the portion of the operating portion 30b farthest from the first elastic portion 51) or in the vicinity thereof. This applies a force (force F33 in FIG. 7) for moving the engagement projection 33 from the second position to the first position to the relatively high strength thin plate 35 instead of the pair of bars 36. This improves the reliability of the operation of switching the flow path of the tube 90 from the closed state to the open state.

In the fourth embodiment, the length ratio between the thin plate 35 and the bar 36 between the second elastic portion 52 and the engagement convex portion 33 can be arbitrarily changed. As the bar 36 is relatively longer than the thin plate 35, the displacement of the engagement projection 33 becomes easier. The thin plate 35 may be omitted, and a pair of bars 36 may extend from the second elastic portion 52.

As in the second embodiment, the tip of the bar 36 may be curved toward the opposing bar 36 to form the engagement convex portion 33.

As in the third embodiment, the engagement projection 33 may be provided on only one of the pair of bars 36. In this case, the other bar 36 may be omitted. Further, among the guide grooves 43 provided on both side surfaces of the engagement portion 40, the guide grooves 43 on the side where the engagement convex portion 33 is not provided may be omitted.

The fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the fourth embodiment.

Embodiment 5
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a clamp 1e according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp 1 e in a plane passing through the engagement protrusion 33 and the guide grooves 43 and 143. The cross section of FIG. 18 corresponds to the cross section of FIG.

As in the first embodiment, guide grooves 43 and 143 are formed on both side surfaces of the engaging portion 40. However, unlike the first embodiment, the guide groove 43 and the guide groove 143 are asymmetrical. As shown in FIG. 18, the bottom surface of the guide groove 143 is the first flat surface 43 a, the inclined surface 43 c, and the second flat surface 143 b in this order from the outer peripheral edge of the engaging portion 40 toward the groove 45. They are adjacent to each other. The first flat surface 43 a and the inclined surface 43 c of the guide groove 143 are substantially symmetrical to those of the guide groove 43. The second flat surface 143b is displaced to the side of the guide groove 43 with respect to the top (the most projecting portion in the thickness direction) of the inclined surface 43c. Therefore, a step surface 143s due to the step in the thickness direction is formed between the inclined surface 43c and the second flat surface 143b.

In the fifth embodiment, since the guide grooves 43 and the guide grooves 143 provided on both sides of the engagement portion 40 are asymmetrical, after the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the grooves 45, the engagement is performed. It is even more difficult to release. In order to cause the two engagement convex portions 33 to escape from the groove 45, first, the engagement convex portion 33 on the guide groove 43 side is run on the second flat surface 43b (first step), and then the guide groove is formed. The engagement convex portion 33 on the side 143 must be run on the inclined surface 43c (second step). Compared to Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 4) in which two engaging convex portions 33 may be simultaneously run on two second flat surfaces 43b, Embodiment 5 requires more steps.

In a state where the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 45 (in particular, the first groove portion 45a thereof), the operation portion 30 (or the first arm 10) and the engagement portion 40 (or the second arm 20) are pulled strongly When a force is applied to them to pull them apart, the engagement convex portion 33 on the guide groove 43 side of the pair of engagement convex portions 33 collides with the side surface 45 s of the groove 45. When a further large force is applied, the operation portion 30 is inclined, and the engagement convex portion 33 on the side of the guide groove 143 collides with the step surface 143s. When the operation portion 30 is inclined, the pair of engagement convex portions 33 are separated from each other by a larger distance in order to cause the pair of engagement convex portions 33 to escape from the groove 45 as compared with the case where the operation portion 30 is not inclined. There must be. Also from this point of view, it is difficult to release the engagement between the engagement convex portion 33 and the groove 45 as compared with the first embodiment.

If the difficulty in releasing the engagement between the engagement convex portion 33 and the groove 45 is the same as that of the first embodiment, in the fifth embodiment, the maximum thickness of the engagement portion 40 in the guide grooves 43 and 143 is It is possible to make it smaller. This facilitates the operation of engaging the engagement projection 33 with the groove 45.

The fifth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the fifth embodiment.

The asymmetric guide grooves 43 and 143 of the fifth embodiment may be applied to the second to fourth embodiments.

Embodiment 6
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a clamp 1 f according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp 1 f in a plane passing through the engagement protrusion 33 and the guide groove 243. The cross section of FIG. 20 corresponds to the cross section of FIG.

In the sixth embodiment, the inclined surface 43c (see FIG. 4) provided in the first embodiment is not provided on the bottom surface of the guide groove 243. The bottom surface of the guide groove 243 is constituted by a single flat surface 243 a. The thickness of the engaging portion 40 at the flat surface 243 a is substantially the same as the thickness of the engaging portion 40 at the second flat surface 43 b of the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, since the inclined surface 43c is not provided, when engaging the engaging convex portion 33 with the groove 45, some kind of tool is necessary to expand the distance between the pair of engaging convex portions 33. . On the other hand, in the natural state (see FIGS. 19 and 20) in which the engagement convex portion 33 is not engaged with the groove 45, the engagement convex portion 33 unintentionally engages with the groove 45 due to an external force or the like. The possibility can be reduced. For example, when many natural state clamps 1f are accommodated in a common box and conveyed, etc., it is possible to prevent the engagement convex portion 33 from being engaged with the groove 45 by an external force due to vibration or the like. Thus, in the sixth embodiment, the handleability of the clamp 1 f in the natural state is improved.

In addition, the guide groove 243 of the sixth embodiment is not required to be provided with the inclined surface 43c (see FIG. 4), and it is not essential that the bottom surface is constituted by a single flat surface 243a. For example, in the guide groove 43 (see FIG. 4) of the first embodiment, the inclined surface 43c may be omitted, and the first flat surface 43a and the second flat surface 43b may be adjacent in a step-like manner.

The maximum thickness of the engaging portion 40 at the guide groove 243 can be arbitrarily changed.

In the sixth embodiment, the guide groove 243 may be omitted. That is, each of the both side surfaces of the engaging part 40 may be comprised by a single flat surface.

The sixth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the sixth embodiment.

The guide groove 243 not provided with the inclined surface 43c of the sixth embodiment may be applied to the second to fifth embodiments.

Seventh Embodiment
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a clamp 1g according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp 1 g in a plane passing through the engagement convex portion 33 and the inclined surface (guide structure) 343. The cross section of FIG. 22 corresponds to the cross section of FIG.

In the seventh embodiment, the inclined surface 343 is provided along the edge of the engagement portion 40 on the operation portion 30 side. The inclined surfaces 343 are provided symmetrically on both side surfaces of the engaging portion 40. The guide groove 43 of the first embodiment is not provided in the seventh embodiment. The inclined surface 343 is inclined such that the thickness of the engaging portion 40 becomes thicker toward the groove 45. The thickness of the engaging portion 40 at the end on the operation portion 30 side of the inclined surface 343 is preferably equal to or slightly smaller than the distance between the pair of engaging convex portions 33.

In the clamp 1 a according to the first embodiment, in order to engage the engagement convex portion 33 with the groove 45, it is first necessary to fit the engagement convex portion 33 into the guide groove 43. That is, it is necessary to adjust the position along the longitudinal direction of the first arm 10 of the engagement convex portion 33 so as to match the guide groove 43. In the seventh embodiment, such adjustment is unnecessary. The first arm 10 may simply be brought close to the second arm 20, and the engagement projection 33 may be brought into contact with the inclined surface 343. After that, as in the first embodiment, the first arm 10 (or the operation unit 30) is strongly pushed toward the second arm 20 (or the engagement unit 40). The pair of engagement convex portions 33 slide on the inclined surface 343 and the distance between them is enlarged, and then fitted into the groove 45 (first groove portion 45 a). In the seventh embodiment, the operation of engaging the engagement convex portion 33 with the groove 45 is easy.

A flat surface similar to the first flat surface 43 a of the first embodiment may be provided closer to the operation unit 30 than the inclined surface 343.

The seventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the seventh embodiment.

The inclined surface 343 of the seventh embodiment may be applied to the second to sixth embodiments.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 23 is a side view of a clamp 1 h according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention in a natural state. In the eighth embodiment, the groove 145 has a linear third groove 45c in addition to the first groove 45a and the second groove 45b. The first, second and third groove portions 45a, 45b, 45c extend substantially radially from the innermost portion 45i. The third groove 45c is disposed between the first groove 45a and the second groove 45b, and is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20 so as to approach the operation portion 30 as it is separated from the innermost portion 45i. ing.

A circle P3 indicated by a two-dot chain line indicates a third position where the engagement convex portion 33 is stably locked in the groove 145. The third position P3 is located at or near the end of the third groove 45c (the position farthest from the first elastic portion 51, the distal end of the third groove 45c). In the eighth embodiment, the engagement position of the engagement convex portion 33 with respect to the groove 145 can be switched between the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3.

Although illustration is omitted, when the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 145 at the third position P3, the tip end of the first closing portion 11 of the first arm 10 and the second closing of the second arm 20 The tips of the portions 21 are slightly separated from one another. Between the first arm 10 (in particular the first closure 11 thereof) and the second arm 20 (in particular the second closure 21 thereof), the tube 90 is slightly compressed in the diametrical direction and the flow path is semi-closed Ru. In the present invention, “semi-occlusion” does not mean that the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the tube 90 is exactly half of the open state (see FIG. 8B), and the open state (see FIG. 8B) and the closed state (see FIG. 8B) Mean between (see FIG. 8C). The ratio (opening ratio) of the flow passage cross-sectional area of the semi-closed tube 90 to the flow passage cross-sectional area of the open tube 90 depends on the inclination of the third groove 45c (or the position of the third position P3). You can change it. For example, if the position of the third position P3 is set according to the desired flow rate of the infusion, the flow rate of the infusion can be easily set to the desired flow only by moving the engagement convex portion 33 to the third position P3. be able to.

When the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the groove 145 at the third position P3, the first elastic portion 51 moves the first arm 10 away from the second arm 20 (ie, shown in FIG. 23). Energize to return to the natural state. In this state, the operation unit 30 can be displaced toward the first elastic portion 51 such that the engagement convex portion 33 is separated from the third position P3. As soon as the engagement projection 33 escapes from the third groove 45c, the elastic recovery force of the first elastic portion 51 separates the first arm 10 from the second arm 20, and brings the engagement projection 33 into the first position P1. Move it. The tube 90 can be switched from the semi-occlusion state to the open state by a simple operation of pushing and displacing the operation unit 30 as described above.

The third position P3 is located on the common circular arc 55 in which the first position P1 and the second position P2 are located, the position of the engagement convex portion 33 when the clamp 1h is in the natural state. The arc 55 is concentric with the swing center at which the first arm 10 swings with respect to the second arm 20. Therefore, when the engagement convex portion 33 is at the third position P3, the second elastic portion 52 substantially elastically recovers to the natural state shown in FIG. 23 and does not substantially deform. This is advantageous for maintaining the elastic force of the second elastic portion 52 without deteriorating even if the clamp 1 h is left for a long time with the engagement convex portion 33 engaged with the groove 145 at the third position P3. It is.

Since the third position P3 is provided at or near the end of the third groove 45c having a predetermined length, the engagement convex can be obtained even if the clamp 1a (in particular, the operation portion 30 thereof) collides with a surrounding object There is a low possibility that the part 33 moves from the third position P3 to the first position P1 and the channel of the tube 90 is switched from the semi-closed state to the open state. Although the distance from the third position P3 to the innermost portion 45i (or the length of the third groove 45c) is arbitrary, it is 1 or more times, further 1.5 or more times the outer diameter of the engagement convex portion 33, particularly It is preferable that it is 2 times or more.

A locking position (a fourth position P4, a fifth position in which the engaging projection 33 is stably locked in addition to the third groove 45c between the first groove 45a and the second groove 45b) A groove (a fourth groove, a fifth groove, ...) having a position P5, ...) may be further provided.

The eighth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the eighth embodiment.

The groove 145 of the eighth embodiment may be applied to the second to seventh embodiments.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 24 is a side view of a clamp 1i according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention in a natural state. In the ninth embodiment, the engaging portion 40 is provided with a groove 245 having a substantially “U” shape. The groove 245 is a through hole (opening) that penetrates the engaging portion 40 in the thickness direction. The groove 245 includes a first groove portion 245a, a second groove portion 245b, and a connection groove portion 245c connecting the two. The first groove portion 245 a and the second groove portion 245 b are substantially along a straight line extending radially (or in the radial direction) from a swing center where the first arm 10 swings with respect to the second arm 20. The first groove portion 245a is disposed closer to the operation portion 30 than the second groove portion 245b. The connecting groove portion 245 c is substantially along an arc concentric with the swinging center of the first arm 10 or a tangent thereof. The first groove portion 245 a and the second groove portion 245 b extend toward the opposite side to the first elastic portion 51 from both ends of the connection groove portion 245 c.

Although not shown, the engagement projection 33 is a first position P1 at or near the end of the first groove 245a (the position farthest from the first elastic portion 51, the distal end of the first groove 245a), The groove 245 is stably locked at a second position P2 at or near the end of the second groove 245b (the position farthest from the first elastic portion 51, the distal end of the second groove 245b). As in the first embodiment, when the engagement projection 33 is at the first position P1, the tube 90 is not substantially deformed, and the flow path is in the open state. When the engagement convex portion 33 is at the second position P2, the tube 90 is compressed in the diameter direction by the first closing portion 11 and the second closing portion 21, and the flow passage of the tube 90 is closed. The position of the engagement projection 33 when the clamp 1i is in the natural state, the first position P1, and the second position P2 are located on a common arc 55 concentric with the swing center of the first arm 10 .

In the ninth embodiment, it is easy to make the first and second groove parts 245a and 245b shorter than the first and second groove parts 45a and 45b of the first embodiment. When the first and second groove portions 245a and 245b are short, the moving distance of the engagement convex portion 33 necessary to cause the engagement convex portion 33 to escape from the first and second groove portions 245a and 245b becomes short. For this reason, compared with Embodiment 1, the position of the engagement convex part 33 can be switched between the 1st position P1 and the 2nd position P2 only by applying a comparatively small force to clamp 1i. Further, since the amount of deformation of the second elastic portion 52 when switching the position of the engagement convex portion 33 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 is relatively small, the first position P1 and the second position P2 The durability of the second elastic portion 52 against repeated switching between them is improved.

Depending on the inclination of the first groove portion 245a, the engagement convex portion 33 is first moved from the first position P1 along the first groove portion 245a to move the engagement convex portion 33 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. It may be necessary to move to the connection groove 245c. In this case, it is necessary to apply a force substantially parallel to the first groove 245a (that is, substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first arm 10). Compared to Embodiment 1, more procedures are required to switch the tube 90 from the open state to the closed state. This is advantageous for preventing erroneous operation, since the user is forced to perform more careful operation when the user performs this switching manually.

A third groove may be provided between the first groove 245a and the second groove 245b so that the groove 245 has a generally "E" shape as a whole. In this case, as in the eighth embodiment, the engagement projection 33 is locked at the third position P3 at or near the end of the third groove (the position farthest from the connection groove 245c, the distal end of the third groove). Thus, the flow path of the tube 90 can be partially closed.

The ninth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the ninth embodiment.

The groove 245 of the ninth embodiment may be applied to the second to seventh embodiments.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a clamp 1j according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 26 is a side view of the clamp 1j. In the tenth embodiment, ribs (engaging ribs) 345 and 346 are formed in the engaging portion 40 instead of the groove 45 of the first embodiment. The ribs 345 and 346 are protrusions protruding in the thickness direction from the engaging portion 40. The first rib 345 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20 so as to approach the operation portion 30 as it is separated from the first elastic portion 51. The second rib 346 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20, and is a straight line extending radially (or radially) from the swing center where the first arm 10 swings with respect to the second arm 20. It is approximately along. The first rib 345 is spaced apart from the second rib 346 and disposed on the operation unit 30 side. The distal ends (portions farthest from the first elastic portion 51) of the ribs 345, 346 are curved in an arc shape. The circle P1 and the circle P2 along the arc-shaped curved portion become the first position and the second position at which the engagement convex portion 33 is stably locked. An inclined surface (guide structure) 443 is formed on the upper edge (the side of the operation portion 30) of the first rib 345 (particularly, the arc-shaped curved portion thereof). When the engagement convex portion 33 is engaged with the first rib 345, the engagement convex portion 33 slides on the inclined surface 443. After the engagement protrusion 33 engages with the first rib 345, it is difficult to release the engagement. Although not shown, the ribs 345 and 346 are provided symmetrically on both side surfaces of the engaging portion 40.

In order to move the engagement convex portion 33 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, the first arm 10 is caused to approach the second arm 20 while applying a force toward the first elastic portion 51 to the operation portion 30. . The engagement convex portion 33 moves toward the proximal end of the first rib 345 while sliding on the side surface of the first rib 345. When the engagement convex portion 33 reaches the proximal end of the first rib 345 or in the vicinity thereof, when the force on the operation unit 30 is released, the engagement convex portion 33 can be engaged with the second rib 346. Thereafter, the engagement convex portion 33 moves to the second position P2.

In order to move the engagement convex portion 33 from the second position P2 to the first position P1, a force toward the first elastic portion 51 is applied to the operation portion 30. The engagement protrusion 33 moves toward the proximal end of the second rib 346 while sliding on the side surface of the second rib 346. When the engagement convex portion 33 exceeds the proximal end of the second rib 346, the elastic restoring force of the first elastic portion 51 separates the first arm 10 from the second arm 20, and the engagement convex portion 33 Engage rib 345. When the force on the operation unit 30 is released, the engagement protrusion 33 moves to the first position P1.

The clamp 1j of the tenth embodiment is provided with ribs 345 and 346 instead of grooves as an engagement structure with which the engagement convex portion 33 engages. Also in this case, the flow path of the tube 90 can be opened and closed by switching the position of the engagement convex portion 33 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The ribs 345, 346 have a simple configuration, are excellent in durability, and are easy to manufacture.

The inclined surface 443 of the first rib 345 may be omitted. In this case, the engagement convex portion 33 can be engaged with the first rib 345 by enlarging the distance between the pair of engagement convex portions 33 using a certain tool. Alternatively, the engagement convex portion 33 may be engaged with the first rib 345 by displacing the engagement convex portion 33 to the distal side of the distal end of the first rib 345.

The tenth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the tenth embodiment.

The ribs protruding from the engaging portion 40 of the tenth embodiment may be applied to the second to ninth embodiments. In that case, the shape and number of ribs may be changed as appropriate.

(Embodiment 11)
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a clamp 1k according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention in a natural state. FIG. 28 is a side view of clamp 1k in a natural state. The clamp 1k includes an attachment structure 60 for attaching the clamp 1k to an infusion pump (not shown). The mounting structure 60 includes a plate 61 parallel to the rocking surface. The plate member 61 protrudes from the second arm 20 toward the opposite side to the first arm 10. The plate member 61 is provided with a fitting structure including a rib (convex line) 62 a and a groove (concave line) 62 b extending in parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20, and the projection 63. Although not shown, the same fitting structure is also provided on the back surface of the plate 61. The pump body of the infusion pump is provided with a structure to be fitted with these fitting structures.

The clamp 1k is attached to the tube of the infusion set. The engagement projection 33 is moved to the second position P2, and the flow path of the tube is closed by the clamp 1k. The infusion pump door is opened, the first elastic portion 51 is directed to the pump body, and the clamp 1k is inserted into the pump body along the longitudinal direction of the second arm 20. A fitting structure provided in the mounting structure 60 fits into the pump body. The clamp 1k is firmly fixed to the pump body by its mounting structure 60. Subsequently, when the door is closed, the inner surface of the door pushes the operation unit 30 (force F33 in FIG. 7). The first arm 10 swings, the engagement projection 33 moves to the first position P1, and the tube switches to the open state. Drive the infusion pump to perform infusion. Thereafter, when the door is opened, forces (forces F12 and F22 in FIG. 6) are applied to the clamp 1a in conjunction with the door. The first arm 10 swings, the engagement protrusion 33 moves to the second position P2, and the tube switches to the closed state. The tube and the clamp 1k can be removed from the pump body with the clamp 1k closing the tube.

Thus, the clamp 1k includes a mounting structure 60 for fixing the clamp 1k to the infusion pump. The clamp 1k has high compatibility with the infusion pump. Therefore, in conjunction with the opening and closing of the infusion pump door, the position of the engagement convex portion 33 is accurately switched between the first position P1 and the second position P2, and as a result, the tube is opened and closed It changes between and. The tube is reliably prevented from being removed from the infusion pump in the open state. This is advantageous for the prevention of free flow.

A mounting structure 60 is provided on the second arm 20. Therefore, while the second arm 20 is immobile relative to the pump body regardless of the opening and closing of the door, the first arm 10 swings in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door. The operation unit 30 also swings integrally with the first arm 10. In one embodiment, a protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the door. When the door is closed in the state where the engagement convex portion 33 is at the second position P2, the projection pushes the operation portion 30 of the clamp 1k. The first arm 10 swings, and the engagement projection 33 moves to the first position P1. The operation unit 30 separates from the protrusion, and the second elastic unit 52 returns to the initial state. In this embodiment, even if the closed state of the door continues for a long time, the elastic force of the second elastic portion 52 is not deteriorated since the second elastic portion 52 is maintained in the initial state.

Of course, unlike the present embodiment, the mounting structure 60 can also be provided on the first arm 10. In this case, the first arm 10 is immobile relative to the pump body regardless of the opening and closing of the door, whereas the second arm 20 swings in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door.

The configuration of the mounting structure 60 is not limited to this embodiment. The plate 61, the rib 62a, the groove 62b, and the protrusion 63 are merely examples, and the mounting structure 60 may have any other configuration. The mounting structure of the present invention includes any configuration for mounting a clamp to an infusion pump.

The clamp 1k may be used to manually open and close the flow path of the tube without attaching it to the infusion pump.

The eleventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is also applied to the eleventh embodiment.

The mounting structure of the eleventh embodiment may be applied to the second to tenth embodiments.

The above embodiments 1-11 are merely illustrative. The present invention is not limited to the above Embodiments 1 to 11, and can be modified as appropriate.

In the above embodiments 1 to 11, the engagement convex portion on the first arm 10 side irreversibly engages the engagement structure (groove or rib) on the second arm 20 side, but the present invention is limited to this. I will not. That is, after engaging the engagement convex portion with the engagement structure, the engagement between the engagement convex portion and the engagement structure can be relatively easily released without using any tool. It is also good. For example, the second flat portion 43b may be replaced with an inclined surface that is inclined in the opposite direction to the inclined surface 43c.

The clamp of the present invention can be attached to an infusion pump and used. In this case, as described in the eleventh embodiment, the engagement projection may move between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door of the infusion pump. The mechanism provided in the infusion pump for deforming the clamp in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door is optional. The clamp may be designed to fit the mechanism. The clamp of the present invention is advantageous for realizing anti-free flow.

The clamp of the present invention can also be used to manually open and close the flow path of the tube 90 without being attached to the infusion pump. The flow path of the tube 90 can be opened and closed by a simple operation.

The present invention can be used as a clamp for opening and closing a flow path of an infusion tube in the medical field.

1a to 1k Clamp 10 First Arm 20 Second Arm 30, 30b, 30c, 30d Operating Parts 31, 31b, 131a, 131b Plates 33, 33b, 33c Engaging convex part 36 Bar 40 Engaging part 43, 143, 243 Guide Groove (guide structure)
43c, 343, 443 inclined surface (guide structure)
45, 145, 245 Groove (engaging groove, engaging structure)
345, 346 ribs (engagement structure)
51 first elastic portion 52 second elastic portion 55 arc 90 infusion tube P1 first position P2 second position P3 third position

Claims (20)

1. A clamp capable of opening and closing a flow path of the infusion tube in a state of being attached to the infusion tube,
   The clamp is
   A first arm and a second arm for closing the flow path of the infusion tube;
   A resiliently bendable first elastic portion that couples the first arm and the second arm such that the first arm can swing relative to the second arm;
   An operation unit provided on an end of the first arm opposite to the first elastic unit via an elastically deformable second elastic unit so as to be displaceable with respect to the first arm;
   An engagement convex portion provided on the operation portion;
   An engagement structure provided at an end of the second arm opposite to the first elastic portion, the engagement convex portion being engageable;
   In a state in which the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure, an engagement position of the engagement convex portion with respect to the engagement structure is defined by the first arm and the second arm as a flow path of the infusion tube. A clamp characterized in that it can be switched between a first position where it does not close and a second position where the first arm and the second arm close the flow passage of the infusion tube.
2. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the infusion tube can be inserted into and removed from the first arm and the second arm in a state where the engagement convex portion is not engaged with the engagement structure. .
3. When the operation portion is displaced such that the engagement convex portion is separated from the second position when the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure at the second position, the first elastic portion 3. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the elastic restoring force separates the first arm from the second arm and moves the engagement convex portion to the first position.
4. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engagement convex portion irreversibly engages with the engagement structure.
5. The engagement convex portion can not be engaged with the engagement structure unless the engagement convex portion is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the first arm swings. Clamp according to any one of the above.
6. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a guide structure for guiding the engagement convex portion to the engagement structure is provided on the second arm.
7. The guide structure includes an inclined surface,
   When the engagement protrusion slides on the inclined surface toward the engagement structure, the inclined surface displaces the engagement protrusion in a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the first arm swings. A clamp according to claim 6.
8. The clamp according to claim 6, wherein the guide structure includes a guide groove in which the engagement protrusion moves.
9. The second arm is provided with a pair of the guide structures on both side surfaces thereof.
   The clamp according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the pair of guide structures are symmetrical.
10. The second arm is provided with a pair of the guide structures on both side surfaces thereof.
    The clamp according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the pair of guide structures are asymmetrical.
11. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the engagement convex portion is positioned closer to the first elastic portion than a distal end farthest from the first elastic portion of the operation portion. .
12. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the engagement convex portion is provided on a plate member extending in parallel to a surface on which the first arm swings, or an elongated bar.
13. The operation unit includes a pair of the engagement protrusions.
    The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the pair of engagement protrusions are spaced apart and opposed to each other.
14. The position of the engagement convex portion in the natural state in which the engagement convex portion is not engaged with the engagement structure, the first position, and the second position are the pivot centers of the first arm. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is located on a common arc concentric with and.
15. In a state in which the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure, an engagement position of the engagement convex portion with respect to the engagement structure is defined by the first arm and the second arm as a flow path of the infusion tube. The clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamp can be further switched to a third position for semi-occlusion.
16. When the operation portion is displaced such that the engagement convex portion is separated from the third position when the engagement convex portion is engaged with the engagement structure at the third position, the first elastic portion The clamp according to claim 15, wherein an elastic restoring force causes the first arm to move away from the second arm, and the engagement projection to move to the first position.
17. The position of the engagement convex portion in a natural state in which the engagement convex portion is not engaged with the engagement structure, and the third position are common arcs concentric with the swing center of the first arm 17. A clamp according to claim 15 or 16 located on top.
18. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the engagement structure includes an engagement groove in which the engagement convex portion can be fitted and moved.
19. The clamp according to claim 18, wherein the engagement groove has a wedge shape or a substantially "V" shape or a substantially "U" shape.
20. The clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement structure comprises at least one rib on which the engagement projection can engage and slide.

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