Cap, connector and device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024039992
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-07
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a cap, a connector and a device. [Background technology]
[0002] A cap is sometimes attached to the tip of a connector to protect the connector. To prevent the cap from being lost after being removed from the tip of the connector, a structure is known in which a held portion attached to the connector body is connected to the cap body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-146557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] If the cap body is left detached from the connector body, the inside of the cap body is exposed to the outside, and dirt can accumulate on the inside of the cap body. If the cap body is reattached to the tip of the connector body with dirt on the inside of the cap body, the dirt may accumulate on the contacts inside the connector body, causing contamination.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and one of its exemplary objects is to provide a cap that is less likely to attract dust to the inside of the cap body when it is removed from the connector body. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A cap according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a cap body that can be attached to a connector body so as to cover the tip end portion thereof, a holding portion that can be fixed to a base portion of the connector body, and a connecting portion that extends longitudinally from the holding portion toward the cap body and connects the holding portion to the cap body. The connecting portion has flexibility that allows the orientation of the cap body to be reversed by gripping the cap body and applying a twisting force to the connecting portion about a longitudinal axis, and elasticity that allows the cap body to return to its original orientation by releasing the cap body and releasing the twisting force on the connecting portion.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a connector. The connector includes a connector body and a cap according to an aspect. The holding portion is attached to the connector body so that the top surface of the cap body and the tip end of the connector body face the same side when the connecting portion is not twisted.
[0008] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a device including a housing, a connector body protruding from an outer surface of the housing, and a cap of a certain aspect. The holding portion is attached to the connector body such that the top surface of the cap body and the tip end of the connector body face the same side when the connecting portion is in an untwisted state. [Effects of the Invention]
[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cap that makes it difficult for dust to adhere to the inside of the cap body when it is removed from the connector body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of a cap according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of a cap according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view schematically illustrating the configuration of the cap according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of a device and a connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are side views schematically showing a method for fixing the retaining portion to the base of the connector body. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are side views schematically showing a method for fixing the retaining portion to the base of the connector body. [Figure 7] 10 is a side view showing a case where the holding portion is fixed to the connector main body in the opposite direction. FIG. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are side views schematically showing a method for attaching the cap body to the tip end of the connector body. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are side views schematically showing a method for attaching the cap body to the tip end of the connector body. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are side views schematically showing a method for attaching the cap body to the tip end of the connector body. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of a connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of a connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the cap body is attached to the tip portion of the connector body. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the cap body has been removed from the tip end of the connector body. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted as appropriate. To facilitate understanding of the description, the dimensional ratios of the components in each drawing do not necessarily correspond to the actual dimensional ratios.
[0012] (First embodiment) 1 to 3 are diagrams that schematically show the configuration of a cap 10 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the cap 10. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the front side of the cap 10, and Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the back side of the cap 10. Fig. 1 corresponds to the cross section taken along line AA in Figs. 2 and 3.
[0013] The cap 10 comprises a cap body 12, a holding portion 14, and a connecting portion 16. The cap body 12 is a portion that covers the tip of the connector body to which the cap 10 is attached, protecting the tip of the connector body. The cap body 12 has a recess 18 for accommodating the tip of the connector body. The holding portion 14 is a portion that is fixed to the base of the connector body, preventing the cap 10 from coming off the connector body. The connecting portion 16 is a portion that extends longitudinally from the holding portion 14 toward the cap body 12, connecting the holding portion 14 and the cap body 12.
[0014] The cap 10 is formed from a flexible and elastic material, such as a resin material, an elastomer material, or a rubber material. Cap 10 can be formed from soft resin materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride; styrene-based, olefin-based, polyester-based, or polyurethane-based elastomer materials; or rubber materials such as isoprene rubber, butyl rubber, or silicone rubber. It is preferable that the entire cap 10 be integrally molded from the same material.
[0015] The cap body 12 is formed from an elastic material, allowing it to be engaged with the tip of the connector body by friction with the connector body. The retaining portion 14 is formed from an elastic material, allowing it to be fixed to the base of the connector body. The retaining portion 14 is preferably fixed so that it does not easily move or rotate relative to the connector body. The connecting portion 16 is flexible, allowing it to freely deform when a bending or twisting force is applied to the connecting portion 16. The connecting portion 16 is elastic, allowing it to return to its original shape when the bending or twisting force applied to the connecting portion 16 is released. Figures 1 to 3 show the original shape of the cap 10 when no bending or twisting force is applied to the connecting portion 16.
[0016] In this specification, the direction in which connecting portion 16 extends is referred to as longitudinal direction L, the direction in which recess 18 opens is referred to as height direction H, and the direction perpendicular to longitudinal direction L and height direction H is referred to as width direction W. Furthermore, with respect to height direction H, the side of cap body 12 where recess 18 opens is referred to as the front side, and the side opposite the front side is referred to as the back side. These descriptions are based on the original shape of cap 10 when no force is applied to deform it, and do not limit the direction in which cap 10 is attached to a connector body and used.
[0017] The cap body 12 includes a top plate portion 20 and a tubular portion 22. The top plate portion 20 is a plate-like portion that faces the tip of the connector body and has a shape corresponding to the tip of the connector body. The top plate portion 20 has an inner surface 20a and a top surface 20b. The inner surface 20a faces the front side and faces the tip of the connector body. The top surface 20b faces the rear side and is the surface that is exposed to the outside when the cap body 12 is attached to the tip of the connector body. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top plate portion 20 has a disk shape, but the shape of the top plate portion 20 is not particularly limited and may be a rectangle with rounded corners or a D-shape.
[0018] The tubular portion 22 extends from the inner surface 20a of the top plate portion 20 toward the front side. The tubular portion 22 has an open end 22a for receiving the tip end of the connector main body. The tubular portion 22, together with the top plate portion 20, forms a recess 18 that accommodates the tip end of the connector main body. The tubular portion 22 is a portion that faces the outer peripheral surface of the connector main body and has a shape that corresponds to the outer peripheral surface of the connector main body. In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tubular portion 22 has a cylindrical shape, but the shape of the tubular portion 22 is not particularly limited and may be a rectangular cylinder with rounded corners or a D-shaped cylinder.
[0019] The height dimension (i.e., height) h1 of the cap body 12 is, for example, 5 mm or more, 10 mm or more, or 15 mm or more, and, for example, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, or 20 mm or less. The height dimension (i.e., height or thickness) h2 of the top plate portion 20 is, for example, 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more, and, for example, 10 mm or less, 7 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The height dimension (i.e., height) h3 of the tubular portion 22 is, for example, 3 mm or more, 5 mm or more, or 10 mm or more, and, for example, 30 mm or less, 25 mm or less, or 20 mm or less. The height h1 of the cap body 12 corresponds to the sum of the height h2 of the top plate portion 20 and the height h3 of the tubular portion 22. The height h3 of the tubular portion 22 may be the same as the height h2 of the top plate portion 20 or may be greater than the height h2 of the top plate portion 20.
[0020] The retaining portion 14 includes a ring portion 24. The ring portion 24 is a portion that is fixed to the outer periphery of the connector body and defines an attachment hole 26 through which the connector body is inserted. The ring portion 24 has a shape that corresponds to the outer shape of the connector body. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ring portion 24 has a circular ring shape, but the shape of the ring portion 24 is not particularly limited, and it may be a rectangular ring with rounded corners or a D-shaped ring.
[0021] The widthwise dimension (i.e., width) w4 of the ring portion 24 is, for example, 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more, and, for example, 10 mm or less, 7 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The heightwise dimension (i.e., height or thickness) h4 of the ring portion 24 is, for example, 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more, and, for example, 10 mm or less, 7 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The height h4 of the ring portion 24 may be the same as the width w4 of the ring portion 24, or may be greater than the width w4 of the ring portion 24.
[0022] The holding portion 14 may further include a protrusion 28 protruding from the ring portion 24. The protrusion 28 is configured to engage with a notch provided in the connector body. The protrusion 28, for example, protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 24c of the ring portion 24. The protrusion 28 can be provided at a portion of the inner circumferential surface 24c of the ring portion 24, for example, at a location corresponding to a notch provided in the connector body. The protrusion 28 can be provided at a position closer to the rear surface 24b of the ring portion 24 than to the front surface 24a. The protrusion 28 can be formed, for example, to be flush with the rear surface 24b of the ring portion 24.
[0023] The protrusion width w5 of the protrusion 28 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, or 0.3 mm or more, and for example, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less. The protrusion width w5 of the protrusion 28 is smaller than the width w4 of the ring portion 24, and for example, 0.5 times or less the width w4 of the ring portion 24. The height (or thickness) h5 of the protrusion 28 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, 0.2 mm or more, or 0.3 mm or more, and for example, 2 mm or less, 1 mm or less, or 0.5 mm or less. The height (or thickness) w5 of the protrusion 28 is smaller than the height h4 of the ring portion 24, and for example, 0.5 times or less, 0.3 times or less, or 0.2 times or less the width w4 of the ring portion 24.
[0024] The connecting portion 16 has a first end 16a connected to the cap body 12 and a second end 16b connected to the holding portion 14. For example, the first end 16a is connected to the top plate portion 20, and the second end 16b is connected to the ring portion 24. In its original, undeformed shape, the connecting portion 16 extends linearly from the first end 16a to the second end 16b. The longitudinal dimension (i.e., length) L6 of the connecting portion 16 is greater than the sum of the height h1 of the cap body 12 and the height h4 of the holding portion 14 (i.e., h1 + h4), for example, two to four times greater. The length of the connecting portion 16 is, for example, 10 mm or more, 20 mm or more, or 30 mm or more, and, for example, 70 mm or less, 60 mm or less, or 50 mm or less.
[0025] The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, circular or elliptical. The height dimension (i.e., height or thickness) h6 of the connecting portion 16 is approximately the same as the width dimension (i.e., width) w6 of the connecting portion 16. The height h6 of the connecting portion 16 is, for example, 0.5 to 2 times the width w6 of the connecting portion 16. Therefore, the connecting portion 16 does not have a flat shape in which one of the height and width is smaller than the other. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is constant throughout the longitudinal direction, and has a uniform height h6 and width w6 from the first end 16a to the second end 16b. The connecting portion 16 does not have a thin portion or a notch provided in a portion of the longitudinal direction. The height h6 and width w6 of the connecting portion 16 are, for example, 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, or 3 mm or more, and, for example, 10 mm or less, 7 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The connecting portion 16 is preferably configured so that bending or buckling does not occur at any part of the connecting portion 16 when the connecting portion 16 is bent to attach the cap body 12 to the tip of the connector body.
[0026] The height h4 of the ring portion 24 may be greater than the height h6 of the connecting portion 16. The front surface 24a of the ring portion 24 may protrude forward relative to the connecting portion 16, and a step indicated by Δh may exist between the connecting portion 16 and the front surface 24a of the ring portion 24. The dimension of the step Δh may be smaller than the height h6 of the connecting portion 16. The dimension of the step Δh is, for example, 0.5 mm or more, 1 mm or more, or 2 mm or less, and is, for example, 5 mm or less, 4 mm or less, or 3 mm or less.
[0027] Next, an example of a connector to which the cap 10 is attached will be described. FIG. 4 is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the device 50 and connector 60 according to the first embodiment. The device 50 includes a housing 52 and a connector 60 protruding from an outer surface 54 of the housing 52. The outer surface 54 is, for example, a surface facing vertically upward. The device 50 is, for example, an electronic device, such as a medical device. An example of the device 50 is a dialysis device.
[0028] The connector 60 includes a connector body 62 and contacts 64 provided inside the connector body 62. The connector body 62 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The connector body 62 has notches 66 for engaging with protrusions of a mating connector to be connected to the connector body 62. The contacts 64 are contact points with the mating connector.
[0029] Connector 60 is connected to a diaphragm-type pressure measurement pod for measuring the pressure in a blood circuit used, for example, in dialysis treatment. In this case, contact 64 comes into contact with the diaphragm of the pressure measurement pod and is connected to a pressure sensor that detects the pressure. Connector 60 may be connected to a measurement component for measuring any physical quantity, such as pressure, temperature, or concentration, and contact 64 may be connected to a sensor for measuring any physical quantity, such as a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, or concentration sensor. These sensors may be provided inside device 50.
[0030] The connector 60 may be a terminal for electrically connecting to a wiring cable, etc. In this case, the contacts 64 come into contact with contacts of a mating connector provided at the tip of the wiring cable to be electrically connected.
[0031] The connector 60 may be a port for connecting to a tube that constitutes a flow path such as a blood circuit. In this case, the contact 64 is liquid-tightly connected to a contact of a mating connector provided at the tip of the tube.
[0032] 5 and 6 are side views that schematically show a method for fixing the holding portion 14 to the base portion 62b of the connector body 62. The connector body 62 has a tip portion 62a to which a mating connector is attached, and a base portion 62b on the opposite side of the tip portion 62a. The base portion 62b of the connector body 62 is attached to the housing 52 of the device 50.
[0033] Fig. 5 shows the state before fixing, and Fig. 6 shows the state after fixing. The cap 10 is fixed so that it will not easily come off the connector main body 62 by fixing the holding portion 14 to the base portion 62b of the connector main body 62. In the state shown in Fig. 5, the tip portion 62a of the connector main body 62 is inserted into the mounting hole 26 of the holding portion 14, and the ring portion 24 is pushed in to the position of the base portion 62b. As a result, as shown in Fig. 6, the ring portion 24 is attached to the outer periphery of the base portion 62b of the connector main body 62. In the fixed state shown in Fig. 6, a gap due to the step Δh exists between the outer surface 54 of the housing 52 and the connecting portion 16.
[0034] When the cap 10 is fixed to the base 62b of the connector body 62, the front surface 24a of the ring portion 24 faces the outer surface 54 of the housing 52. In other words, the recess 18 of the cap body 12 faces the outer surface 54 of the housing 52. Furthermore, the protrusion 28 is inserted into the notch 66 of the connector body 62 from the entrance 66a and pushed in until it contacts the inner edge 66b of the notch 66. Because the protrusion 28 is provided on the back surface 24b of the ring portion 24, the ring portion 24 can be pushed in sufficiently until the front surface 24a of the ring portion 24 approaches or comes into contact with the outer surface 54 of the housing 52.
[0035] 6, the holding portion 14 is attached to the connector body 62 so that the top surface 20b of the cap body 12 and the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62 face the same side when the connecting portion 16 is not twisted. The top surface 20b of the cap body 12 is arranged to face the same side as the outer surface 54 of the housing 52 when the connecting portion 16 is not twisted.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the case where the holding portion 14 is fixed to the connector main body 62 in the reverse orientation. FIG. 7 illustrates the case where the cap 10 is oriented in the opposite direction from FIGS. 5 and 6 , with the back surface 24b of the ring portion 24 facing the outer surface 54 of the housing 52. That is, the top plate 20 of the cap main body 12 faces the outer surface 54 of the housing 52. In this case, before the ring portion 24 is pushed all the way to the base 62b, the protrusion 28 contacts the inner edge 66b of the notch 66, preventing further pushing. As a result, if an attempt is made to fix the cap 10 in the reverse orientation, the ring portion 24 floats above the outer surface 54 of the housing 52, making it impossible to fix the holding portion 14 to the base 62b of the connector main body 62. Therefore, the protrusion 28 functions as a fixing direction restrictor that prevents the cap 10 from being fixed in the reverse orientation.
[0037] Next, a method for attaching the cap body 12 to the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62 will be described. FIGS. 8 to 10 are side views that schematically show a method for attaching the cap body 12 to the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62. First, as shown in FIG. 8, the cap body 12 of the cap 10 fixed in the state shown in FIG. 6 is grasped, and the cap body 12 is lifted as shown by arrow S1. As a result, the connecting portion 16 is bent. Because a gap due to the step Δh exists between the outer surface 54 of the housing 52 and the connecting portion 16, it is easy to bend the connecting portion 16 so that it bulges toward the outer surface 54 of the housing 52.
[0038] Next, as shown in FIG. 9 , with the cap body 12 in a lifted state, the cap body 12 is rotated as indicated by arrow S2 to change the orientation of the cap body 12. The cap body 12 can be rotated by applying a twisting force to the connecting portion 16 around the longitudinal axis of the connecting portion 16, using the connecting portion 16 as the rotation axis. By twisting the connecting portion 16 a half turn (approximately 180 degrees), the orientation of the cap body 12 can be reversed compared to the state before the rotation. FIG. 9 shows the state after the connecting portion 16 has been twisted a quarter turn (approximately 90 degrees), and shows the state during the rotation. While FIG. 9 shows the case where the connecting portion 16 is twisted to rotate the cap body 12 counterclockwise, the direction of rotation is not particularly important, and the connecting portion 16 may also be twisted to rotate the cap body 12 clockwise.
[0039] 10 , while maintaining the connecting portion 16 in a twisted state, the cap body 12 is lowered as shown by arrow S3 so as to approach the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62. Thereafter, the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62 is inserted into the inside of the recess 18 of the cap body 12, and the cap body 12 is attached to the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62. As a result, the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62 is covered and protected by the cap body 12.
[0040] In the state shown in Fig. 10, the connecting portion 16 is twisted a half turn (approximately 180 degrees) and bent approximately 180 degrees from the original shape shown in Fig. 6. Elastic energy resulting from the twisting and bending is stored in the connecting portion 16.
[0041] When the connector 60 is used, the cap body 12 is removed from the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62 in the state shown in Fig. 10. When the cap body 12 is lifted upward from the connector body 62 and then released, the elastic energy stored in the connecting portion 16 is released, causing the connecting portion 16 to return to its original shape. That is, the cap body 12 rotates half a turn (approximately 180 degrees) and returns to its original orientation, and the connecting portion 16 extends linearly, returning to the original state as shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the recess 18 of the cap body 12 faces the outer surface 54 of the housing 52, and the recess 18 of the cap body 12 is not exposed to the outside.
[0042] According to this embodiment, when the cap body 12 is detached from the connector body 62, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from adhering to the inside of the recess 18 of the cap body 12. Thereafter, when the cap body 12 is attached to the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62, it is possible to prevent dust on the inside of the cap body 12 from adhering to the contacts 64 on the inside of the connector body 62. This makes it possible to more suitably protect the connector body 62.
[0043] According to this embodiment, simply by lifting the cap body 12 from the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62, the cap body 12 moves to a position separated from the connector body 62, as shown in Fig. 6. As a result, the task of removing the cap body 12 from the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62 can be simplified, improving user convenience. Furthermore, because the cap body 12 is separated from the connector body 62, the cap body 12 can be prevented from getting in the way when attaching a mating connector to the tip portion 62a of the connector body 62.
[0044] In the above-described embodiment, the connector 60 may include a cap 10. The connector 60 may include a connector body 62 and a cap 10 fixed to the connector body 62. The device 50 may include a housing 52, a connector body 62 protruding from an outer surface 54 of the housing 52, and a cap 10 fixed to the connector body 62. In these cases, the holding portion 14 of the cap 10 may be integrated with the base 62b of the connector body 62, or may be configured so that the holding portion 14 cannot be attached to or detached from the connector body 62.
[0045] In the above-described embodiment, the connector 60 including the cap 10 is provided on the outer surface 54 of the housing 52 of the device 50. In another embodiment, the connector 60 including the cap 10 may be provided at the tip of an electric cable or a flow path tube.
[0046] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the holding portion 14 of the cap 10 is fixed so as not to easily move or rotate relative to the connector body 62 has been described. In another embodiment, the holding portion 14 of the cap 10 may be fixed so as to be rotatable relative to the connector body 62 about an axis in the protruding direction (or height direction) of the connector body 62.
[0047] In the above-described embodiment, the cap body 12 and the connector body 62 are not threaded or screw-type. In another embodiment, the cap body 12 and the connector body 62 may be threaded or screw-type, and threads may be formed on the inside of the cap body 12 and the outside of the connector body 62. In this case, the movement of the holding portion 14 of the cap 10 in the protruding direction (or height direction) of the connector body 62 relative to the connector body 62 may be restricted by the threads formed on the connector body 62.
[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the protrusion 28 is provided on the ring portion 24 has been described. The protrusion 28 is not an essential component, and the protrusion 28 does not have to be provided on the ring portion 24. For example, if the connector body 62 does not have the notch 66, the protrusion 28 corresponding to the notch 66 does not have to be provided.
[0049] In another embodiment, the protrusion 28 may protrude in the height direction H from the back surface 24b of the ring portion 24. For example, the protrusion 28 is provided at a circumferentially different position from the notch 66 of the connector body 62 so as not to block the sides of the notch 66 of the connector body 62. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7 , when attempting to fasten the cap 10 in the opposite direction, the presence of the protrusion 28 between the back surface 24b of the ring portion 24 and the outer surface 54 of the housing 52 makes it impossible to push the ring portion 24 all the way to the base 62b of the connector body 62. As a result, the protrusion 28 can function as a fastening direction restrictor that prevents the cap 10 from being fastened in the opposite direction.
[0050] (Second embodiment) 11 and 12 are diagrams schematically illustrating the configuration of a connector 130 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the connector 130. FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the connector 130. The connector 130 includes a cap 110 and a connector body 132. The connector 130 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the cap 110 and the connector body 132 are integrated.
[0051] The cap 110 includes a cap body 112, a holding portion 114, and a connecting portion 116. The cap body 112 has a recess 118 for accommodating the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132. The cap body 112 includes a top plate portion 120 and a cylindrical portion 122. The cap body 112 can be configured similarly to the cap body 12 according to the first embodiment.
[0052] The holding portion 114 is fixed to the connector main body 132. The holding portion 114 is joined to the connector main body 132 and protrudes radially outward from the base portion 132b of the connector main body 132. The holding portion 114 is provided only at a portion of the outer periphery of the base portion 132b of the connector main body 132 in the circumferential direction. The holding portion 114 may be formed in a ring shape as in the first embodiment, or may be provided over the entire outer periphery of the base portion 132b of the connector main body 132 in the circumferential direction. The holding portion 114 is molded integrally with the connector main body 132 and cannot be attached to or detached from the connector main body 132.
[0053] The connecting portion 116 has a first end 116a connected to the cap body 112 and a second end 116b connected to the holding portion 114. In its original, undeformed shape, the connecting portion 116 extends linearly from the first end 116a to the second end 116b. The connecting portion 116 can be configured similarly to the connecting portion 16 according to the first embodiment.
[0054] The connector body 132 is a port for connecting a tube 140 that constitutes a flow path such as a blood circuit to a mating connector. The connector body 132 includes a tip portion 132a that connects to the mating connector, a base portion 132b to which the cap 110 is fixed, and a connection portion 132c that connects to the tube 140. The connection portion 132c is provided on the opposite side of the base portion 132b from the tip portion 132a. The connection portion 132c may be a portion that is gripped by a user handling the connector 130. The connector body 132 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The connector body 132 may be configured similarly to the connector body 62 of the first embodiment. The connector body 132 may protrude from, for example, the outer surface 54 of the housing 52 of the device 50.
[0055] 11 shows a state in which connecting portion 116 extends linearly without twisting. When connecting portion 116 is not twisted, holding portion 114 is attached to connector main body 132 so that top surface 120b of cap main body 112 and tip portion 132a of connector main body 132 face the same side.
[0056] Fig. 13 is a side view schematically showing a state in which the cap body 112 is attached to the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132. The cap body 112 can be attached to the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132 in the same manner as in the first embodiment shown in Figs. 8 to 10. In other words, the cap body 112 can be attached to the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132 by twisting the connecting portion 116 half a turn (approximately 180 degrees).
[0057] FIG. 14 is a side view schematically illustrating a state in which the cap body 112 has been removed from the tip end 132a of the connector body 132. In the state shown in FIG. 13, when the cap body 112 is lifted and removed from the tip end 132a of the connector body 132 and then released from the cap body 112, the elastic energy stored in the connecting portion 116 is released, causing the connecting portion 116 to return to its original shape. That is, the cap body 112 rotates half a turn (approximately 180 degrees) and returns to its original orientation, and the connecting portion 116 extends linearly, returning to the original state shown in FIG. 11. Thereafter, due to the weight of the cap body 112, the cap body 112 hangs down as shown in FIG. 14. At this time, the recess 118 of the cap body 112 faces the connector body 132 or the tube 140.
[0058] This embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. According to this embodiment, simply by lifting the cap body 112 from the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132, the cap body 112 can be separated from the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132, as shown in FIG. 14 . As a result, the cap body 112 can be prevented from getting in the way when attaching a mating connector to the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132. Furthermore, because the recess 118 of the cap body 112 removed from the tip portion 132a of the connector body 132 faces the connector body 132 or the tube 140, adhesion of dust to the inside of the recess 118 can be suppressed compared to when the recess 118 faces outward.
[0059] The present invention has been described above based on examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and that various design changes and modifications are possible, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention.
[0060] Several aspects of the present invention will now be described.
[0061] A first aspect of the present invention is a cap comprising: a cap body attachable to a tip end of a connector body so as to cover the tip end; a holding portion fixable to a base portion of the connector body; and a connecting portion extending longitudinally from the holding portion toward the cap body and connecting the holding portion to the cap body, wherein the connecting portion is flexible enough to allow the orientation of the cap body to be reversed by gripping the cap body and applying a twisting force to the connecting portion about the longitudinal axis, and is elastic enough to return the cap body to its original orientation by releasing the cap body and releasing the twisting force on the connecting portion. According to the first aspect, the cap body can be attached to the tip end of the connector body with the connecting portion twisted. When the cap body is removed from the tip end of the connector body, the elastic force that untwists the connecting portion allows the cap body to be returned to an orientation that does not expose the opening. As a result, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the inside of the opening of the cap body.
[0062] In a second aspect of the present invention, the dimension of the connecting portion in a height direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is 0.5 to 2 times the dimension of the connecting portion in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and height directions. According to the second aspect, since the connecting portion is not formed in a thin plate shape, the connecting portion can be easily twisted around the longitudinal axis and can easily return to its original shape when the twisting force is released.
[0063] In a third aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is circular or elliptical, which makes it easier to twist the connecting portion around its longitudinal axis and to return it to its original shape when the twisting force is released.
[0064] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is constant throughout the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion. According to the fourth aspect, the shape of the connecting portion can be made constant throughout the longitudinal direction, allowing a torsional force to be applied uniformly throughout the connecting portion, making it easier for the cap body to return to its original orientation when removed from the tip end of the connector body.
[0065] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the cap according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the connecting portion is two to four times the sum of the height dimension of the cap body perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the height dimension of the holding portion. According to the fifth aspect, by making the length of the connecting portion at least twice the sum of the heights of the cap body and the holding portion, the workability of attaching the cap body to the tip of the connector body can be improved. Furthermore, by making the length of the connecting portion four times or less the sum of the heights of the cap body and the holding portion, the elastic energy stored when the connecting portion is twisted can be increased, making it easier for the cap body to return to its original orientation when removed from the tip of the connector body.
[0066] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the cap according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the holding portion includes a ring portion that can be fixed to the outer periphery of the connector body and a protrusion that protrudes from the ring portion. According to the sixth aspect, by providing the protrusion that protrudes from the ring portion, the direction in which the holding portion is attached to the base of the connector body can be regulated. As a result, the cap can be attached to the connector body in an appropriate orientation.
[0067] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the cap according to the sixth aspect, wherein the protrusion protrudes radially inward from the ring portion. According to the seventh aspect, the protrusion can be engaged with a notch formed in the connector body, thereby restricting the direction in which the holding portion is attached to the base of the connector body. As a result, the cap can be attached to the connector body in an appropriate orientation.
[0068] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the cap according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the ring portion has a front portion facing the same side as the top surface of the cap body when the connecting portion is not twisted, and a back portion opposite the front portion, and the protrusion is provided at a position closer to the front portion than the back portion. According to the eighth aspect, the direction in which the holding portion is attached to the base of the connector body can be regulated so that the inside of the cap body is not exposed when the cap body is detached from the tip end of the connector body. As a result, the cap can be attached to the connector body in an appropriate orientation.
[0069] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a connector comprising a connector body and the cap according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the holding portion is attached to the connector body so that the top surface of the cap body and the tip end of the connector body face the same side when the connecting portion is not twisted. According to the ninth aspect, the cap body can be attached to the tip end of the connector body with the connecting portion twisted. When the cap body is removed from the tip end of the connector body, the elastic force that untwists the connecting portion can return the cap body to an orientation that does not expose the opening. As a result, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the inside of the opening of the cap body.
[0070] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a device comprising a housing, a connector body protruding from the outer surface of the housing, and the cap according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the holding portion is attached to the connector body so that the top surface of the cap body and the tip end of the connector body face the same side when the connecting portion is not twisted. The cap body can be attached to the tip end of the connector body when the connecting portion is twisted. When the cap body is removed from the tip end of the connector body, the elastic force that untwists the connecting portion allows the cap body to be returned to an orientation that does not expose the opening. As a result, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the inside of the opening of the cap body.
[0071] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the device according to the tenth aspect, wherein the top surface of the cap body is arranged to face the same side as the outer surface of the housing when the connecting portion is not twisted. According to the eleventh aspect, when the cap body is detached from the tip end of the connector body, the inside of the cap body is arranged to face the outer surface of the housing, thereby preventing dust from adhering to the inside of the cap body. [Explanation of symbols]
[0072] 10...cap, 12...cap body, 14...holding portion, 16...connecting portion, 20...top plate portion, 20a...inner surface, 20b...top surface, 22...tubular portion, 22a...opening end, 24...ring portion, 24a...front portion, 24b...rear portion, 26...mounting hole, 28...protrusion portion, 50...device, 52...housing, 54...outer surface, 60...connector, 62...connector body, 62a...tip portion, 62b...base portion.
Claims
1. A cap body that can be attached to cover the tip of the connector body, A retaining portion that can be fixed to the base of the connector body, It comprises a connecting portion that extends longitudinally from the retaining portion toward the cap body and connects the retaining portion and the cap body, The connecting portion has flexibility such that the orientation of the cap body can be reversed by gripping the cap body and applying a twisting force to the connecting portion around the longitudinal axis, and has elasticity such that the orientation of the cap body returns to its original state by releasing the cap body and releasing the twisting force on the connecting portion. The cap body, when the cap body is attached to the connector body, has a top plate portion facing the tip portion of the connector body, and a cylindrical portion extending from the top plate portion along the outer circumferential surface of the connector body. The retaining portion includes a ring portion that can be fixed to the outer circumference of the connector body, The ring portion, when the connecting portion is not twisted, has a rear portion facing the same side as the top surface of the cap body, and a front portion on the opposite side from the rear portion. The connecting portion has a first end connected to the top plate portion and a second end connected to the rear portion, and there is a height difference between the second end and the front portion. The height of the cylindrical portion is greater than the height of the step. cap.
2. The height dimension of the connecting portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is 0.5 to 2 times the width dimension of the connecting portion perpendicular to both the longitudinal and height directions. The cap according to claim 1.
3. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is circular or elliptical. The cap according to claim 1.
4. The cross-sectional shape of the connecting portion perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is constant throughout the entire longitudinal direction of the connecting portion. The cap according to claim 1.
5. The longitudinal dimension of the connecting portion is between two and four times the sum of the height dimension of the cap body perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the height dimension of the holding portion. The cap according to claim 1.
6. The connecting portion does not have a thin portion or cutout provided at a part of the longitudinal direction. The cap according to claim 1.
7. The connecting portion is configured so as not to buckle over its entire length in both the state in which the cap body is attached to the connector body and the state in which the cap body is removed from the connector body. The cap according to claim 1.
8. The holding portion further comprises a projection that protrudes from the ring portion. The cap according to claim 1.
9. The aforementioned projection protrudes radially inward from the ring portion. The cap according to claim 8.
10. The aforementioned projection is provided in a position closer to the front surface than to the rear surface. The cap according to claim 8.
11. The connector body and A cap according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising The retaining portion is attached to the connector body such that, when the connecting portion is not twisted, the top surface of the cap body and the tip of the connector body face the same side. connector.
12. Connector body and A cap according to any one of claims 8 to 10, comprising The connector body has a notch extending from the tip towards the base, The retaining portion is attached to the connector body such that, when the connecting portion is not twisted, the top surface of the cap body and the tip of the connector body face the same side. The projection is inserted into the inside of the notch when attaching the retaining portion to the connector body. The projection prevents the retaining portion from being attached to the connector body such that, when the connecting portion is not twisted, the top surface of the cap body and the tip of the connector body face in opposite directions. connector.
13. The casing and A connector body protruding from the outer surface of the aforementioned housing, A cap according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising The retaining portion is attached to the connector body such that, when the connecting portion is not twisted, the top surface of the cap body and the tip of the connector body face the same side. Device.
14. The casing and A connector body protruding from the outer surface of the aforementioned housing, A cap according to any one of claims 8 to 10, comprising The connector body has a notch extending from the tip towards the base, The retaining portion is attached to the connector body such that, when the connecting portion is not twisted, the top surface of the cap body and the tip of the connector body face the same side. The projection is inserted into the inside of the notch when attaching the retaining portion to the connector body. The projection prevents the retaining portion from being attached to the connector body such that, when the connecting portion is not twisted, the top surface of the cap body and the tip of the connector body face in opposite directions. Device.
15. The top surface of the cap body is positioned to face the same side as the outer surface of the housing when the connecting portion is not twisted. The apparatus according to claim 13.
16. The open end of the cap body opposite to the top surface is in contact with the outer surface of the housing when the connecting portion is not twisted, so that the inside of the cap body is not exposed to the outside. The apparatus according to claim 13.