WO2019181743A1

WO2019181743A1 - Female connector

Info

Publication number: WO2019181743A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/010622
Authority: WO
Inventors: 竹内正彦
Original assignee: 株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス
Priority date: 2018-03-19
Filing date: 2019-03-14
Publication date: 2019-09-26
Also published as: JP7298595B2; JPWO2019181743A1

Abstract

This female connector (1) is provided with a thin-plate partition wall member (10) composed of a soft material. The partition wall member (10) is provided with: a central part (11) which is exposed through an opening (42) of a cap (40); a linear slit (12) formed in the central part (11); an annular outer circumferential part (15) surrounding the central part (11); and an annular groove (16) which is formed in the partition wall member (10) such that a thin wall part (13) that is thinner with respect to the central part (11) is formed between the central part (11) and the outer circumferential part (15).

Description

Female connector

This invention relates to the female connector which can insert and extract a male member. In particular, the present invention relates to a female connector including a partition member made of a soft material and formed with a linear slit.

In the medical field, a connector made up of a male member and a female connector is used to form a flow path through which various liquids such as chemicals and blood flow. Depending on the type of liquid flowing in the flow path, it may be desired to prevent the liquid from leaking to the outside. Patent Documents 1 to 5 describe female connectors corresponding to this demand. This female connector includes a thin plate-like partition member made of a soft material. The partition member is formed with a linear slit (cut) penetrating the partition member in the thickness direction. When the rod-shaped male member is inserted into the female connector, the male member deforms the partition member and penetrates the slit, so that the female connector communicates with the male member. The partition member is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the male member, and a liquid-tight seal is formed between them. When the male member is pulled out from the female connector, the partition wall member immediately returns to the initial state, and the slit is closed. The partition member functions as a self-closing valve that opens only when the male member is inserted (connected) into the female connector.

JP-A-11-197254 JP 2010-077564 JP 2013-252165 A International Publication No. 2013/154050 JP 2009-297544 A

When the male member is inserted into the female connector, the partition member is greatly deformed. Since a large repulsive force is generated in the deformed partition member, it is necessary to push the male member into the female connector with a large force in order to connect the male member to the female connector. When the male member is forcibly inserted into the female connector, a crack starting from the end of the slit may occur in the partition member.

If the length of the slit is increased, the force required to insert the male member can be reduced, and the possibility of cracks occurring in the partition member can be reduced. However, in a state where the male member is inserted into the female connector, the adhesion of the partition member to the male member is lowered, so that liquid leaks from between the male member and the partition member.

The first object of the present invention is to reduce the repulsive force generated in the partition member when the male member is inserted. The second object of the present invention is to prevent the partition member from being cracked by the male member. The third object of the present invention is to ensure the adhesion of the partition member to the male member.

The female connector of the present invention includes a thin plate-like partition member made of a soft material, a female connector body, and a cap having an opening formed in the center. The partition member surrounds the central portion exposed through the opening of the cap, a linear slit formed in the central portion and penetrating the partition member in the thickness direction, and the central portion. An annular outer peripheral part, an outer peripheral part sandwiched between the female connector main body and the cap in the thickness direction of the partition member, and a thin part relatively thin with respect to the central part, And an annular groove formed in the partition member so as to be formed between the outer peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion.

According to the present invention, when the male member is inserted into the female connector, the repulsive force of the partition wall member can be reduced, and it is possible to prevent the partition wall member from being cracked by the male member. Adhesiveness of the partition member to the member can be ensured.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention on a plane including the central axis. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective sectional view of the female connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state immediately before connecting the syringe barrel to the female connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where the syringe barrel tip is connected to the female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a conventional female connector. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a conventional female connector. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where a syringe tip is connected to a conventional female connector. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which a relatively small-diameter male luer is connected to the female connector according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention on a plane including the central axis. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective sectional view of the female connector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the syringe barrel tip is connected to the female connector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the female connector according to the present invention, when a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the thin portion may be stretched and the central portion may be displaced toward the female connector main body. Since the thin portion is relatively easily deformed, according to this aspect, the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector can be further reduced.

The groove may be formed on a surface of the partition member on the female connector main body side. Such an aspect is advantageous for reducing the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

When a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the side surface of the groove on the outer peripheral side and the thin portion may be in close contact with each other in the radial direction. According to this aspect, a frictional force is generated between the side surface of the groove and the thin portion, and this frictional force prevents the deformed partition wall member from returning to the natural state. Therefore, the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector can be further reduced.

The convex part which protruded toward the said center part may be provided in the side surface by the side of the said outer peripheral part of the said groove | channel. According to this aspect, when the male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the convex portion and the thin portion are in close contact with each other in the radial direction, and a larger frictional force is generated between them. Therefore, the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector can be further reduced.

In the female connector according to the present invention, the groove may be formed on the cap-side surface of the partition member. Such an aspect is advantageous for reducing the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

When a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the side surface of the groove on the central portion side and the thin portion may be in close contact with each other in the radial direction. According to this aspect, a frictional force is generated between the side surface of the groove and the thin portion, and this frictional force prevents the deformed partition wall member from returning to the natural state. Therefore, the repulsive force of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector can be further reduced.

The groove may be a first groove. An annular second groove may be provided on the surface of the partition member on the female connector main body side. An annular third groove may be provided on the cap-side surface of the partition member. The second groove and the third groove may be arranged radially outward with respect to the first groove. A rib provided on the female connector main body may be fitted into the second groove. A rib provided on the cap may be fitted into the third groove. According to this aspect, the outer peripheral portion of the partition wall member can be firmly held by the female connector main body and the cap with a simple configuration.

The female connector may be configured such that a rod-shaped first male member having an outer peripheral surface that can be fitted to an edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap. Good. When the first male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface is fitted to the edge of the opening, the upper surface of the central portion is at the tip of the first male member. The first male member and the female connector may be communicated with each other in close contact with the longitudinal direction of the member, with a lip defining the slit being spaced apart in the diameter direction. According to this aspect, the first male member having a relatively large diameter can be connected to the female connector of the present invention.

The female connector may be configured such that a rod-shaped first male member having an outer peripheral surface that can be fitted to an edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap. Good. When the first male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface is fitted to the edge of the opening, the thin portion is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first male member, The first male member and the female connector may be communicated with each other by separating a lip defining the slit in the diameter direction. According to this aspect, the first male member having a relatively large diameter can be connected to the female connector of the present invention. A frictional force is generated between the thin wall portion and the outer peripheral surface of the first male member, and this frictional force prevents the deformed partition wall member from returning to the natural state. Therefore, the repulsive force of the partition member when the first male member is inserted into the female connector can be further reduced.

The female connector may be configured such that a rod-shaped second male member having an outer peripheral surface having a smaller diameter than an edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap. When the second male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the second male member penetrates the slit, a lip that defines the slit is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second male member, and the first A two male member and the female connector may be communicated. According to this aspect, the second male member having a relatively small diameter can be connected to the female connector of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail while showing preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each drawing referred to in the following description shows, in a simplified manner, main members (or elements) constituting an embodiment of the present invention for convenience of description. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, arbitrary members not shown in the drawings may be added, or arbitrary members shown in the drawings may be changed or omitted. In different drawings, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals. For such members, overlapping description is omitted, and the description of the preceding drawings should be taken into consideration as appropriate.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a female connector 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective sectional view of the female connector 1. In FIG. 1B, the alternate long and short dash line 1 a is the central axis of the female connector 1. For convenience of the following description, a direction parallel to the central axis 1a is referred to as “vertical direction”. “Upper” and “Lower” are defined based on FIG. 1B. A direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a is referred to as a “horizontal direction”. However, “upper”, “lower”, and “horizontal” do not mean the orientation of the female connector 1 in actual use. The direction orthogonal to the central axis 1a is referred to as “radial direction” or “diameter direction”, and the direction of rotation around the central axis 1a is referred to as “circumferential direction”. In the radial direction, the side closer to the central axis 1a is referred to as "inner side" and the side farther from the central axis 1a is referred to as "outer side".

2, the female connector 1 includes a partition member (hereinafter referred to as “septum”) 10, a female connector main body (hereinafter referred to as “main body”) 20, and a cap 40. The main body 20 and the cap 40 sandwich and fix the septum 10 in the vertical direction.

The septum 10 has a circular thin plate shape. The septum 10 can be deformed relatively easily by an external force, and a soft material (so-called elastomer) having elasticity (or flexibility) so as to return to the state before deformation (natural state) as soon as the external force is removed. ). The soft material that can be used is not limited, but examples include soft polyvinyl chloride, thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene elastomers, olefin elastomers, and polyurethane elastomers, rubbers such as isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, and butyl rubber. be able to. The septum 10 can be integrally manufactured as a whole by using the above materials.

As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, the septum 10 includes a central portion 11 having a circular plan view shape, and an annular outer peripheral portion 15 that is continuous in the circumferential direction so as to surround the central portion 11. . The central part 11 and the outer peripheral part 15 are coaxial with the central axis 1a. The flat upper surface of the central portion 11 is exposed to the outside through the opening 42 of the cap 40 (see FIG. 1A). A straight (“-”-shaped) slit (cut) 12 that penetrates the septum 10 in the thickness direction is formed in the central portion 11. The slit 12 intersects the central axis 1a. The length of the slit 12 is shorter than the diameter of the central portion 11 and shorter than the inner diameter of the circular opening 42 of the cap 40.

The first groove 16 and the second groove 17 are provided on the lower surface of the septum 10, and the third groove 18 is provided on the upper surface of the septum 10. The

grooves

16, 17, and 18 are all circular annular grooves that are coaxial with the central axis 1a. The first groove 16 defines an outer peripheral edge on the lower surface side of the central portion 11. By forming the first groove 16 in the septum 10, a thin portion 13 in which the septum 10 is relatively thinned is provided between the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15. The thin portion 13 extends in an annular shape so as to surround the central portion 11 along the first groove 16, and connects the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15. Of the two opposing side surfaces that define the width (radial dimension) of the first groove 16 (both side surfaces are substantially parallel to the central axis 1a), from the side surface 16a on the outer peripheral portion 15 side, The convex part 16b protrudes in the direction (that is, toward the central part 11 or the central axis 1a). In the first embodiment, the convex portion 16b is an annular rib-like projection that is continuous in the circumferential direction. However, this invention is not limited to this, The convex part 16b may be several protrusion arrange | positioned discretely in the circumferential direction.

The second groove 17 is provided on the outer side (the side far from the central portion 11) from the first groove 16 and spaced from the first groove 16 in the radial direction. An annular portion between the first groove 16 and the second groove 17 in the outer peripheral portion 15 is referred to as an outer wall portion 19. The convex portion 16 b is provided on the inner side surface of the outer wall portion 19. The third groove 18 is provided at a position substantially corresponding to the second groove 17 in the vertical direction.

The main body 20 includes a pedestal 21 on which the septum 10 and the cap 30 are mounted. The pedestal 21 has a double cylinder structure including an outer cylinder 22 and a rib (lower rib) 23. Both the outer cylinder 22 and the rib 23 have a substantially cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis 1a. The outer cylinder 22 is spaced apart from the rib 23 on the radially outer side. The outer cylinder 22 extends upward to a higher position than the rib 23. The inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 22 is provided with a fitting structure 26 composed of ridges (annular ribs) and / or ridges (annular grooves) extending along the circumferential direction.

The main body 20 includes a connection portion 30 on the lower side thereof. The connection part 30 consists of the male member 31 and the skirt part 35 coaxial with the central axis 1a. The male member 31 has a hollow substantially cylindrical shape. The flow path 32 penetrates the male member 31 along the central axis 1a. The flow path 32 communicates with the lumen 24 of the base 21 (or the rib 23). The outer peripheral surface 33 of the male member 31 is a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip. The skirt portion 35 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape, surrounds the male member 31, and is spaced apart from the male member 31 in the radial direction. A female screw 36 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt portion 35. The male member 31 is connected to a flexible tube constituting a circuit through which a liquid (for example, blood, drug solution, physiological saline, etc.) flows directly or indirectly through another member (not shown). .

A pair of recesses 27 and an annular groove 28 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 20. The recess 27 has a substantially “L” shape (a bowl shape) extending downward from the upper end of the outer cylinder 22 (see FIG. 1A). The pair of recesses 27 are symmetrical with respect to the central axis 1a. The annular groove 28 is continuous in the circumferential direction along the boundary between the outer cylinder 22 and the skirt portion 35.

The cap 40 includes a top plate 41 having a disk shape and a peripheral wall 45 having a cylindrical shape extending from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 41. A circular opening (through hole) 42 is formed at the center of the top plate 41. A substantially cylindrical rib (upper rib) 43 protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the top plate 41. The top plate 41, the opening 42, the rib 43, and the peripheral wall 45 are all coaxial with the central axis 1a. The rib 43 is disposed between the end edge of the opening 42 and the peripheral wall 45 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the radial direction. The peripheral wall 45 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the septum 10. The outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 45 is provided with a fitting structure 46 made up of ridges (annular ribs) and / or ridges (annular grooves) continuous in the circumferential direction.

The main body 20 and the cap 40 are preferably made of a hard material. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and hard polyvinyl chloride can be used. Each of the main body 20 and the cap 40 can be integrally manufactured as a whole by using these resin materials by an injection molding method or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the septum 10 is accommodated in the outer cylinder 22 of the main body 20. Next, the peripheral wall 45 of the cap 40 is fitted into the outer cylinder 22. The septum 10 is accommodated in the peripheral wall 45. The fitting structure 26 provided on the outer cylinder 22 of the main body 20 and the fitting structure 46 provided on the peripheral wall 45 of the cap 40 are fitted. The rib 23 of the main body 20 is fitted into the second groove 17 on the lower surface of the septum 10, and the rib 43 of the cap 40 is fitted into the third groove 18 on the upper surface of the septum 10. The main body 20 and the cap 40 sandwich the outer peripheral portion 15 in the thickness direction of the septum 10 (that is, the vertical direction). Since the rib 23 and the rib 43 are fitted in the second groove 17 and the third groove 18 provided in the outer peripheral portion 15, the outer peripheral portion 15 is firmly held in the vertical direction and the radial direction by the main body 20 and the cap 40. And restrained. The convex portion 16 b of the septum 10 is located at a radially inner position with respect to the rib 23. The convex portion 16 b protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface 24 a that defines the inner diameter of the lumen 24 immediately below the outer wall portion 19. The central portion 11 and the slit 12 of the septum 10 are exposed upward through the opening 41 of the cap 40 (see FIG. 1A). In a natural state where no external force is applied to the septum 10, the pair of opposed lips 12a that define the slit 12 are in close contact with each other, and the slit 12 is substantially liquid-tightly closed. Even if the lumen 24 is filled with the liquid, the liquid does not leak to the outside through the slit 12. The septum 10 functions as a self-closing valve that prevents liquid from unintentionally leaking out of the female connector 1.

The female connector 1 is connected to the male member by inserting the male member into the opening 42 of the cap 40. The male member is a rod-like member that extends straight. A flow path is provided in the male member along the longitudinal direction. The flow path opens toward the outside at or near the tip of the male member. When the male member is connected to the female connector 1, the lumen 24 (and the flow path 32) of the female connector 1 and the flow path of the male member are communicated.

In the present invention, the male member is not limited. The male member may be a tube tip provided at the tip of the outer tube of the syringe, for example. Below, the connection and isolation | separation of the cylinder tip of the syringe with respect to the female connector 1 are demonstrated.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before the tube tip 82 of the outer tube 81 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 1. The tube tip 82 has an elongated cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is a tapered surface (so-called male taper surface, for example, a 6% taper surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip of the tube tip 82. A flow path 84 is provided in the tube tip 82 along the longitudinal direction of the tube tip 82. The flow path 84 penetrates the tube tip 82 and opens at the tip of the tube tip 82.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tube tip 82 is coaxially opposed to the female connector 1, and the tube tip 82 is inserted into the opening 42 of the cap 40 of the female connector 1. The outer diameter at the tip of the tube tip 82 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 42. The tip of the tube tip 82 abuts on the upper surface of the central portion 11 of the septum 10 exposed in the opening 42 and pushes the central portion 11 toward the main body 20 (inner cavity 24).

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube tip 82 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 1. FIG. 4 schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT imaging of the female connector 1 to which the tube tip 82 is connected. As in the case of the female connectors of

Patent Documents

1 and 2, the tube tip 82 is inserted until its outer peripheral surface 83 is fitted to the edge that defines the opening 42 of the cap 40. The outer peripheral surface 83 and the edge of the opening 42 are in contact with each other, and a frictional force is generated between them. This frictional force acts so as to maintain the connection state between the female connector 1 and the tube tip 82.

The central portion 11 of the septum 10 is displaced toward the main body 20 by the tube tip 82 and is located in the lumen 24 of the pedestal 21. The tip of the tube tip 82 (the lower end of the tube tip 82 in FIG. 4) is still in contact with the upper surface of the central portion 11 exposed in the opening 42 in the natural state (see FIG. 3) in the vertical direction. Since the central portion 11 has been moved downward, the thin portion 13 (see FIG. 1B) that connects the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 is bent downward and vertically along the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82. It is stretched. The repulsive force (elastic restoring force) of the thin portion 13 pulls the central portion 11. For this reason, the opposing lips 12a defining the slit 12 are separated from each other in the diametrical direction, and the slit 12 is opened. The flow path 84 of the tube tip 82 communicates with the lumen 24 of the female connector 1 through the slit 12.

4, when the tube tip 82 is pulled out from the female connector 1, the septum 10 immediately returns to the natural state (see FIGS. 1A to 3). The lips 12a are in close contact with each other, and the slit 12 is closed in a liquid-tight manner.

The effect of female connector 1 will be described in comparison with a conventional female connector.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a conventional female connector 101, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the female connector 101. 5A and 5B, the members corresponding to the members constituting the female connector 1 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2) of the first embodiment are denoted by “100” as the reference numerals attached to the members constituting the female connector 1. "Is added. For example, the “septum 110” of the female connector 101 corresponds to the “septum 10” of the female connector 1. Description of members that are the same as or substantially the same as the female connector 1 among members constituting the female connector 101 will be omitted, and the female connector 101 will be described focusing on differences from the female connector 1.

The female connector 101 is significantly different from the female connector 1 with respect to the septum 110. As shown in FIG. 5B, the septum 110 is not provided with the first groove 16 (see FIGS. 1B and 2) provided in the septum 10. For this reason, the septum 110 does not include the thin portion 13 (see FIGS. 1B and 2).

The base 121 of the main body 120 has a single cylinder structure having a substantially cylindrical shape. The cap 140 is attached to the main body 120 so that the pedestal 121 fits into the peripheral wall 145 of the cap 140. A substantially cylindrical rib (lower rib) 123 protruding from the upper end of the pedestal 121 is fitted into the groove 117 of the septum 110. A claw 129 protruding from the pedestal 121 fits into a hole 149 provided in the peripheral wall 145 of the cap 140 and locks the cap 140. The diameter of the top plate 141 of the cap 140 and the diameter of the septum 110 accommodated in the cap 140 are slightly larger than the diameter of the top plate 41 of the female connector 1 and the diameter of the septum 10. However, the diameter of the opening 142 is substantially the same as the diameter of the opening 42 of the female connector 1.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube tip 82 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 101. FIG. 6 schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT imaging of the female connector 101 to which the tube tip 82 is connected, as in FIG. The tube tip 82 is the same as the tube tip 82 shown in FIGS. As in FIG. 4, the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge that defines the opening 142 of the cap 140. The central portion 111 is bent downward and extended in the vertical direction along the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82. The portion of the septum 110 that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is the upper surface of the central portion 111 that is exposed in the opening 142 in the natural state (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). The tube tip 82 substantially passes through the slit 112. The slit 112 is largely opened with substantially the same diameter as the tube tip 82. The pair of lips 112a that define the slit 112 are in close contact with each other in the natural state (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), but face the opposite sides when the tube tip 82 is inserted.

Unlike the septum 10 of the first embodiment, the septum 110 does not include a relatively thin portion that can be easily deformed inside the grooves 117 and 118 (see FIG. 5B). Therefore, in order to deform the septum 110 as shown in FIG. 6, it is necessary to push the tube tip 82 toward the female connector 101 with a large force. This means that the repulsive force (elastic restoring force) generated in the deformed septum 110 to return to the natural state (see FIG. 5B) is large. This repulsive force acts to push the tube tip 82 out of the female connector 101. Therefore, the state where the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 142 of the cap 140 as shown in FIG. 6 cannot be stably maintained, and the tube tip 82 is pushed out of the female connector 101 by slight vibration or the like. There is a problem that it may occur.

Further, since the central portion 111 is deformed so that the upper surface of the central portion 111 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82, the slit 112 is greatly opened. For this reason, there is a problem that a crack starting from the longitudinal end of the slit 112 is likely to occur in the septum 110.

If the length of the slit 112 is increased, the repulsive force can be reduced and the occurrence of cracks can be suppressed. However, in this case, the adhesion between the septum 110 and the tube tip 82 when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 101 is lowered. Although illustration is omitted, in particular, a gap is likely to be generated between the longitudinal ends of the slit 112 and the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82. There is a problem that the liquid in the lumen 124 leaks to the outside through this gap.

The female connector 1 according to the first embodiment can solve the above-described problems that the female connector 101 has.

The septum 10 according to the first embodiment includes a relatively thin portion 13 between the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15. As apparent from a comparison of FIG. 4 with FIG. 6, in the first embodiment, when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 1, the thin portion 13 is selectively bent and extended. Since the thin portion 13 is relatively easily deformed, the repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is small. Therefore, the tube tip 82 can be inserted into the female connector 1 with a relatively small force. As shown in FIG. 4, once the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40, this state can be stably maintained. Even if vibration or external force is applied to the female connector 1 or the tube tip 82 in a state where the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40, there is a possibility that the tube tip 82 may be unintentionally pulled out of the female connector 1. Low. For this reason, it is possible to prevent unintended liquid leakage due to the tube tip 82 coming out of the female connector 1.

The tube tip 82 does not penetrate the slit 12. The lips 12a that define the slits 12 are only slightly spaced apart from each other in diametrical direction. The distance between the lips 12 a is much smaller than the outer diameter of the tube tip 82. Since the deformation of the central portion 11 including the periphery of the slit 12 is small, it is unlikely that a crack starting from the longitudinal end of the slit 12 will occur in the septum 10.

The central portion 11 is displaced toward the main body 20 with the tip of the tube tip 82 in contact with the upper surface thereof. Since the repulsive force of the thin portion 13 presses the center portion 11 against the tip of the tube tip 82, a liquid-tight seal is formed between the upper surface of the center portion 11 and the tip of the tube tip 82. Since the tube tip 82 does not penetrate the slit 12, it is possible to easily ensure good adhesion between the septum 10 and the tube tip 82. For this reason, the possibility that the liquid in the lumen 24 leaks to the outside through the gap between the septum 10 and the tube tip 82 is low.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 1, the repulsive force of the septum 10 can be reduced, and the tube tip 82 prevents the septum 10 from cracking. In addition, the adhesion of the septum 10 to the tube tip 82 can be ensured.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the thin portion 13 is in close contact with the side surface 16a (see FIGS. 1B and 2) defining the first groove 16 in the radial direction. Since the outer diameter of the tube tip 82 is relatively large, the thin wall portion 13 and the outer wall portion 19 are in close contact with each other and compressed between the tube tip 82 and the rib 23. This is particularly noticeable in the convex portion 16b (see FIGS. 1B and 2) provided on the outer wall portion 19. When the thin portion 13 and the side surface 16a are in close contact with each other, a frictional force (first frictional force) is generated between them. This first frictional force prevents the stretched thin-walled portion 13 from contracting to return to the natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is further weakened. For this reason, the possibility that the tube tip 82 is pushed out of the female connector 1 by the repulsive force of the septum 10 is further reduced. This is advantageous in stably maintaining the state in which the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 as shown in FIG.

The thin wall portion 13 is also in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82. A frictional force (second frictional force) is also generated between the thin portion 13 and the outer peripheral surface. This second frictional force prevents the stretched thin-walled portion 13 from shrinking back to the natural state. Therefore, like the first friction force, the second friction force weakens the repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10. This is advantageous in stably maintaining the state in which the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 as shown in FIG.

3 and 4, the tube tip 82 having a large diameter is connected to the female connector 1 so as to be fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40. However, it is possible to connect a male member having a smaller diameter than the tube tip 82 to the female connector 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the male luer 90 is connected to the female connector 1. Similarly to FIG. 4, FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT imaging of the female connector 1 to which the male luer 90 is connected. The male luer 90 is an elongated rod-like member, and its outer peripheral surface 93 is a tapered surface (so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the tip. However, the shape of the outer peripheral surface 93 is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is constant in the longitudinal direction, or any other shape. The outer diameter of the male luer 90 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube tip 82. A flow path 94 is provided in the male luer 90 along the longitudinal direction of the male luer 90. The flow path 94 communicates with the outside of the male luer 90 through a lateral hole 95 that is provided near the tip of the male luer 90 and penetrates the male luer 90 in the diametrical direction. Such a male luer 90 is known from Patent Document 4, for example.

As shown in FIG. 7, the male luer 90 is inserted to a depth where the lateral hole 95 communicates with the inner cavity 24 of the female connector 1. Since the male luer 90 has a relatively small diameter, unlike the case of the tube tip 82 (see FIG. 4), the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 does not fit (contact) with the edge that defines the opening 42 of the cap 40. . The male luer 90 passes through the slit 12 of the septum 10. The portion of the septum 10 that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 is the lip 12a of the slit 12 that is in close contact with each other in the natural state (see FIGS. 1A to 2). Due to the frictional force between the male luer 90 and the septum 10 when the male luer 90 passes through the slit 12, the central portion 11 of the septum 10 is displaced toward the main body 20 and is located in the inner cavity 24 of the base 21. Since the central portion 11 is moved downward, the thin portion 13 (see FIG. 1B) connecting the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15 is bent downward and extended in the vertical direction.

Also in the case of FIG. 7, when the male luer 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, the thin-walled portion 13 that is relatively easily deformed is selectively bent and extended. For this reason, the male luer 90 can be inserted into the female connector 1 with a relatively small force. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is small.

The male luer 90 passes through the slit 12. However, the male luer 90 has a relatively small diameter. When the male luer 90 penetrates the slit 12, the lip 12 a of the slit 12 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90. As is clear from comparing FIG. 7 with FIG. 6, the deformation of the central portion 11 including the periphery of the slit 12 when the male luer 90 penetrates the slit 12 is small. For this reason, the possibility that a crack starting from the end in the longitudinal direction of the slit 12 will occur in the septum 10 is low.

The lip 12a of the slit 12 is in liquid-tight contact with the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 over the entire periphery of the outer peripheral surface 93. For this reason, the possibility that the liquid in the lumen 24 leaks to the outside through the gap between the septum 10 and the male luer 90 is low.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the repulsive force of the septum 10 can be reduced even when the male luer 90 having a relatively small diameter is inserted into the female connector 1, and the septum 10 is cracked by the male luer 90. Generation | occurrence | production can be prevented and the adhesiveness of the septum 10 with respect to the male luer 90 can be ensured.

When the male luer 90 passes through the slit 12 of the septum 10, the central portion 11 is expanded in the diameter direction. The enlarged central portion 11 displaces the thin portion 13 radially outward, so that the thin portion 13 and the outer wall portion 19 are in close contact with each other in the radial direction. For this reason, even when the small-diameter male luer 90 is connected, a frictional force is generated between the thin portion 13 and the side surface 16a (see FIG. 1B), similarly to the case where the tube tip 82 is connected (see FIG. 4). This frictional force prevents the stretched thin portion 13 from shrinking back to the natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 10 is weakened.

In the conventional female connector 101 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), the length of the slit 112 of the septum 110 is such that a relatively large diameter tube tip 82 can penetrate the slit 112 (see FIG. 6). Sometimes it is set so that a liquid-tight seal is formed between the septum 110 and the tube tip 82. When a relatively small-diameter male luer 90 is connected to the female connector 101, illustration is omitted, but since the slit 112 is too long relative to the outer diameter of the male luer 90, both ends in the longitudinal direction of the slit 112 and the outer periphery of the male luer 90 are omitted. A gap is generated between the surface 93. For this reason, to the male luer 90, a female connector whose slit is shortened according to the outer diameter of the male luer 90 is connected. If an attempt is made to insert a large-diameter tube tip 82 into a female connector provided with a short slit that is suitable for the small-diameter male luer 90, a large repulsive force is generated in the septum, making it difficult to insert. If the tube tip 82 is forcibly inserted, the septum will crack. Therefore, conventionally, it was necessary to prepare a plurality of types of female connectors having different slit lengths corresponding to male members (cylinder tip 82, male luer 90) having different outer diameters.

On the other hand, as described above, a plurality of types of male members (cylinder tip 82, male luer 90) having different outer diameters can be connected to the female connector 1 of the first embodiment without causing liquid leakage. When a relatively large-diameter tube tip 82 is connected to the female connector 1, the tube tip 82 does not penetrate the slit 12 (see FIG. 4), and a relatively small-diameter male luer 90 is connected to the female connector 1. The male luer 90 penetrates the slit 12 (see FIG. 7). Since the large diameter tube tip 82 does not need to penetrate the slit 12, the slit 12 may be shorter than the slit 112 of the female connector 101 adapted to the conventional tube tip 82. The length of the slit 12 is such that, for example, the small-diameter male luer 90 can penetrate the slit 12 as shown in FIG. 7, and the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90 and the septum 10 are liquid-tight. It can set so that it may closely_contact | adhere. As described above, according to the first embodiment, male members having different outer diameters can be connected to the single specification female connector 1 provided with the relatively short slit 12. The present invention obviates the troublesome work conventionally required for preparing and storing a plurality of types of female connectors for each outer diameter of the male member.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective sectional view of the female connector 2. 8 and 9, the same members as those constituting the female connector 1 (see FIGS. 1B and 2) of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those assigned to the members constituting the female connector 1. is there. Description of such members will be omitted, and the female connector 2 will be described focusing on differences from the female connector 1.

In the first embodiment, the first groove 16 is provided on the lower surface of the septum 10. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the first groove 216 is provided on the upper surface of the septum 210. By forming the first groove 216 in the septum 210, a thin portion 213 in which the septum 210 is relatively thin is provided between the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15. The thin portion 213 extends in an annular shape so as to surround the central portion 11 along the first groove 216, and connects the central portion 11 and the outer peripheral portion 15. Of the two opposing side surfaces that define the width (radial dimension) of the first groove 216 (both side surfaces are substantially parallel to the central axis 1a), the side surface 216a on the central portion 11 side is The opening 42 is fitted to an edge that defines the opening 42. As can be understood from FIG. 8, the first groove 216 is covered with the top plate 41 of the cap 40.

FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which the tube tip 82 of the syringe 80 is connected to the female connector 2. FIG. 10 schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT imaging of the female connector 2 to which the tube tip 82 is connected, as in FIG.

The outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge that defines the opening 42 of the cap 40. The central portion 11 of the septum 210 is displaced toward the main body 20 by the tube tip 82 and is located in the lumen 24 of the pedestal 21. The thin portion 213 (see FIG. 8) is bent downward and extended in the vertical direction along the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82. The tube tip 82 does not penetrate the slit 12. The repulsive force (elastic restoring force) of the thin portion 213 pulls the central portion 11. Opposing lips 12a defining the slit 12 are separated from each other in the diametrical direction, and the slit 12 is opened. The tip of the tube tip 82 is in contact with the upper surface of the central portion 11 in the vertical direction, and a liquid-tight seal is formed between them. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, also in the second embodiment, when the tube tip 82 is inserted into the female connector 2, the repulsive force of the septum 210 can be reduced, and the tube tip 82 causes a crack in the septum 210. In addition, the adhesion of the septum 210 to the tube tip 82 can be ensured.

Unlike Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 2, the first groove 216 is provided on the upper surface of the septum 210. Therefore, when the tube tip 82 is connected to the female connector 2, the thin portion 213 closely contacts the side surface 216a (see FIG. 8) on the central portion 11 side that defines the first groove 216 in the radial direction. A frictional force (first frictional force) is generated between the thin portion 213 and the side surface 216a. Further, the thin portion 213 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 83 of the tube tip 82. A frictional force (second frictional force) is also generated between the thin portion 213 and the outer peripheral surface. These first frictional force and second frictional force prevent the stretched thin portion 213 from shrinking back to the natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 210 is further weakened. This is advantageous in stably maintaining the state in which the tube tip 82 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40 as shown in FIG. A convex portion similar to the convex portion 16b of the first embodiment may be provided on the side surface 216a.

It is also possible to connect a male member (for example, male luer 90) having a smaller diameter than the tube tip 82 to the female connector 2. Although illustration is omitted, as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 7), when the male luer 90 communicates with the female connector 2, the central portion 11 is moved downward, and the thin portion 213 is bent downward, Stretched vertically. The male luer 90 passes through the slit 12 of the septum 210. The lip 12 a of the septum 210 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male luer 90. Even when a relatively small-diameter male luer 90 is inserted into the female connector 2, the repulsive force of the septum 210 can be reduced, and the male luer 90 can prevent the septum 210 from cracking. Adhesion of the septum 210 to 90 can be ensured.

Thus, a plurality of types of male members (cylinder tip 82, male luer 90) having different outer diameters can be connected to the female connector 2 without causing liquid leakage.

When the male luer 90 is connected to the female connector 2, the thin portion 213 may be in close contact with the side surface 216 a (see FIG. 8) on the central portion 11 side that defines the first groove 216 in the radial direction. In this case, a frictional force is generated between the thin portion 213 and the side surface 216a as in the case where the tube tip 82 is connected (see FIG. 10). This frictional force prevents the stretched thin portion 213 from shrinking back to the natural state. The repulsive force generated in the deformed septum 210 is weakened.

8 to 10, the side surface 216a on the central portion 11 side of the first groove 216 is fitted to the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first groove 216 is disposed radially outward from the edge of the opening 42 such that the side surface 216a of the first groove 216 is positioned radially outward from the edge of the opening 42 of the cap 40. Also good.

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.

The

above embodiments

1 and 2 are merely examples. The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and can be changed as appropriate.

The configuration of the female connector is not limited to the first and second embodiments. For example, the structure in which the main body 20 and the cap 40 hold the outer peripheral portion 15 of the septum can be arbitrarily changed. One or both of the

septum grooves

17 and 18 may be omitted, and the

ribs

23 and 43 may hold the outer peripheral portion 15 while locally compressing in the vertical direction.

The female connector of the present invention may have the same configuration as the conventional female connector 101 except for the septum 110.

The septum may not have the convex portion 16b on the side surface 16a. Further, when the male member is inserted into the female connector, the side surfaces 16a and 216a and the

thin portions

13 and 213 may be separated from each other. Also in this case, since the

thin portions

13 and 213 that are relatively easily deformed are selectively extended, the repulsive force of the septum can be reduced when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

The two opposing side surfaces that define the width (radial dimension) of the

first grooves

16 and 216 need not be substantially parallel to the central axis 1a. For example, one or both of the two side surfaces may be inclined in the shape of a conical surface, or one or both of the two side surfaces may be provided with the above-described convex portion (the convex portion 16b of Embodiment 1). In addition, or instead of this, an arbitrary shape (for example, a stepped step) in which the radial position of the side surface changes in the direction of the central axis 1a may be provided.

In the above-described

Embodiments

1 and 2, the small-diameter male luer 90 penetrated the slit 12 of the septum (see FIG. 7). However, in the present invention, it is not essential that the small-diameter male luer 90 penetrates the slit 12 of the septum. For example, the flow path 94 of the male luer 90 may open at the tip of the male luer 90 in the same manner as the flow path 84 (see FIG. 3) of the tube tip 82. In this case, even if the male luer 90 does not penetrate the slit 12, the male luer 90 and the

female connectors

1 and 2 can be communicated with each other. The fact that the male luer 90 does not penetrate the slit 12 further reduces the deformation of the septum when the male luer 90 is connected.

The female connectors of

Embodiments

1 and 2 described above were provided with the connecting portion 30 in order to connect the female connector to the end of the tube. The configuration of the connection unit 30 can be arbitrarily changed. The female connector is not provided at the end of the tube, but may be provided as a so-called mixed injection port in the middle of the tube (see

Patent Documents

1, 2, 4, and 5). In this case, the connection unit 30 is omitted.

The configuration of the male member connected to the female connector is also arbitrary. A lock mechanism for stably maintaining the state where the male member is connected to the female connector may be provided in the male connector provided with the male member. When the male member is so small that it cannot fit into the opening 42 of the cap 40 of the female connector (see FIG. 7), the male member is prevented from being pushed out of the female connector by the repulsive force of the septum. It is particularly effective to provide a lock mechanism integrally with the member. The configuration of the lock mechanism is arbitrary. For example, as described in Patent Document 4, the lock mechanism may be configured by a rockable lock lever provided with a claw that fits into the annular groove 28 of the female connector. Alternatively, as described in Patent Document 5, the lock mechanism may be configured by a protrusion that engages with a substantially L-shaped recess 27 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the female connector.

The application field of the present invention is not particularly limited, but can be widely used as a female connector into which a rod-shaped male member is inserted. The female connector is configured so that the liquid does not leak to the outside when the male member is connected or not. For this reason, this invention can be especially preferably utilized in the medical field which handles dangerous chemical | medical solution (for example, anticancer agent), blood, etc. Furthermore, the present invention can also be used in the field of handling any liquid other than medical use such as food.

1, 2 Female connector

1a Center shaft

10, 210 Bulkhead member (septum)
11 Central portion 12 Slit

12a Slip lip

13, 213 Thin portion 15

Outer portion

16, 216 First groove 16a Side surface 16b on outer periphery side of groove Groove 216a Side surface 17 on the center side of groove 17 Second groove 18 Third groove 20 Female connector body (main body)
23 Rib 40 Cap 42 Opening 43 Rib 82 Tube tip (first male member)
83 Outer peripheral surface 90 Male lure (second male member)
93 Outer surface

Claims

A female connector comprising a thin plate-shaped partition wall member made of a soft material, a female connector main body, and a cap formed with an opening in the center,
The partition member is
A central portion exposed through the opening of the cap;
A linear slit formed in the central portion and penetrating the partition member in the thickness direction;
An annular outer periphery surrounding the central portion, the outer periphery sandwiched in the thickness direction of the partition member by the female connector body and the cap;
A female connector comprising: an annular groove formed in the partition member so that a thin portion relatively thin with respect to the central portion is formed between the central portion and the outer peripheral portion. .
The female connector according to claim 1, wherein when the rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the thin portion is stretched and the central portion is displaced toward the female connector main body.
The female connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groove is formed on a surface of the bulkhead member on the female connector main body side.
4. The female connector according to claim 3, wherein when a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the side surface of the groove on the outer peripheral side and the thin portion are in close contact with each other in the radial direction.
5. The female connector according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a convex portion projecting toward the central portion is provided on a side surface of the groove on the outer peripheral portion side.
The female connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groove is formed on a surface of the partition member on the cap side.
The female connector according to claim 6, wherein when a rod-shaped male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the side surface of the groove on the center side and the thin portion are in close contact with each other in the radial direction.
The groove is a first groove;
An annular second groove is provided on the surface of the partition member on the female connector main body side,
An annular third groove is provided on the cap-side surface of the partition member,
The second groove and the third groove are disposed radially outward with respect to the first groove,
A rib provided on the female connector body is inserted into the second groove,
The female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a rib provided on the cap is fitted into the third groove.
A rod-shaped first male member having an outer peripheral surface that can be fitted to an edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap.
When the first male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface is fitted to the edge of the opening, the upper surface of the central portion is at the tip of the first male member. The female according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first male member and the female connector communicate with each other in close contact with each other in a longitudinal direction of the member, and a lip that defines the slit is separated in a diametrical direction. connector.
A rod-shaped first male member having an outer peripheral surface that can be fitted to an edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap.
When the first male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface is fitted to the edge of the opening, the thin portion is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first male member, The female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first male member and the female connector are communicated with each other by separating a lip that defines the slit in a diametrical direction.
A rod-shaped second male member having an outer peripheral surface having a smaller diameter than the edge of the opening of the cap can be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap.
When the second male member is inserted into the opening of the cap, the second male member penetrates the slit, a lip that defines the slit is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second male member, and the first The female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the two male members and the female connector communicate with each other.