Medical cap

Abstract

To provide a medical cap that facilitates connection to medical bags. [Solution] The medical cap of the present disclosure comprises a cylindrical body having a flow path that penetrates in the axial direction, to which a medical tube is connected on one side in the axial direction, and to which an outlet of the flow path is formed on the other side in the axial direction, and a sealing structure for closing and sealing the flow path of the body, wherein the body has an outer cylinder and a flexible inner cylinder concentrically provided within the outer cylinder, the flow path includes the internal space of the inner cylinder, and the opening on the other side in the axial direction of the internal space is the outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical cap. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a medical cap connected to a urinary catheter. This medical cap comprises: a cylindrical main body portion in which a flow path is formed, and to which a urinary catheter is connected on one axial side; and a lid portion capable of opening and closing an outlet on the other axial side of the flow path in the main body portion. By opening the outlet of the main body portion with the lid portion, urine can be discharged from the urinary catheter through the flow path of the main body portion. Further, by inserting and connecting an inlet connector of a urine collection bag from the outlet into the flow path in the main body portion opened by the lid portion, urine can be collected from the urinary catheter into the urine collection bag through the flow path in the main body portion. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3224825 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] Generally, the outer shape of an inlet connector of a urine collection bag differs depending on the manufacturer of the urine collection bag. Therefore, when collecting urine into a urine collection bag from a different manufacturer, the inlet connector needs to be connected to the main body portion of the medical cap via a conversion adapter, which complicates the connection work between the medical cap and the urine collection bag.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a medical cap that facilitates connection work with a medical bag. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0006] (1) The medical cap of the present disclosure comprises a cylindrical body having a flow path that penetrates in the axial direction, to which a medical tube is connected on one side in the axial direction and to which an outlet of the flow path is formed on the other side in the axial direction, and a sealing structure for closing and sealing the flow path of the body, wherein the body comprises an outer cylinder and a flexible inner cylinder provided concentrically within the outer cylinder, the flow path includes the internal space of the inner cylinder, and the opening on the other side in the axial direction of the internal space is the outlet.

[0007] According to the medical cap of this disclosure, the main body comprises an outer cylinder and a flexible inner cylinder concentrically provided within the outer cylinder, with the internal space of the inner cylinder serving as a flow path. Therefore, when inserting the inlet connector of a medical bag into the flow path within the inner cylinder from its outlet, the inlet connector can be connected by deforming the inner cylinder to match the outer shape of the inlet connector. Consequently, multiple types of medical bags with different inlet connector shapes can be directly connected to the medical cap without the need for conversion adapters, thus facilitating easy connection between the medical bag and the medical cap.

[0008] (2) In the medical cap of (1) above, the outer cylinder has a first arc-shaped cylindrical portion and a second arc-shaped cylindrical portion divided in the circumferential direction, and it is preferable that the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion is detachable from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion. In this case, by removing the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion of the outer cylinder, a portion of the inner cylinder in the circumferential direction is exposed. Therefore, when inserting and connecting the inlet connector of a medical bag into the flow path inside the inner cylinder, the inner cylinder can be further deformed radially outward. As a result, the variety of medical bags that can be directly connected to the medical cap can be increased.

[0009] (3) In the medical cap of (2) above, it is preferable that the outer cylinder further has a hinge portion that rotatably connects the second arc-shaped cylinder portion to the first arc-shaped cylinder portion. In this case, the second arc-shaped cylinder can be easily attached to and detached from the first arc-shaped cylinder by rotating the second arc-shaped cylinder using the hinge portion of the outer cylinder.

[0010] (4) In the medical cap of (2) or (3) above, the sealing structure preferably has a sealing projection that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumference of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion and closes and seals the flow path by deforming the inner cylinder by pressing radially inward when the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion is attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion, and a holding portion for holding the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion in the state in which it is attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion. In this case, when attaching the second arc-shaped cylindrical section to the first arc-shaped cylindrical section of the outer cylinder, the sealing projection crushes and deforms the inner cylinder, thereby closing and sealing the flow path inside the inner cylinder. Furthermore, the holding part holds the second arc-shaped cylindrical section in place while attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical section, thus maintaining the state in which the flow path is closed by the sealing projection.

[0011] (5) In the medical cap of (4) above, the sealing projection is provided on the inner circumference of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion so as to crush the axial middle portion of the inner cylindrical portion, and the sealing structure further comprises a sealing lid that is inserted into the flow path from the outlet on the other axial side of the inner cylindrical portion to close and seal the flow path. In this case, the sealing projection and sealing cap close and seal two points in the axial direction of the flow path within the inner cylinder (the axial middle and the other axial end). This effectively prevents the fluid that has flowed from the medical tube into the flow path of the medical cap from leaking out of the flow path outlet. Furthermore, when discharging the fluid flowing through the medical tube from the flow path outlet of the medical cap, removing the sealing cap while the flow path within the inner cylinder is closed by the sealing projection prevents the fluid in the medical tube from being suddenly discharged from the flow path outlet of the medical cap.

[0012] (6) The medical cap of (5) preferably further comprises a retaining structure that prevents the seal lid inserted into the flow path from coming out of the outlet. In this case, the retaining structure prevents the seal lid, which is inserted into the flow path inside the inner cylinder, from coming out in the other axial direction from the outlet of the flow path.

[0013] (7) In the medical cap of (6) above, the retaining structure has a protrusion provided on one of the inner cylinder and the sealing lid and a recess provided on the other, wherein the protrusion fits into the recess when the sealing lid is inserted into the flow path. In this case, the protrusion fits into the recess, preventing the seal lid inserted into the flow path inside the inner cylinder from coming out in the other axial direction from the outlet of the flow path.

[0014] (8) In the medical cap of (6) or (7) above, the retaining structure has an engaging portion provided on the seal lid and a receiving portion provided on the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion, wherein the engaging portion is preferably engaged with the receiving portion when the seal lid is inserted into the flow path. In this case, the engagement of the engaging portion with the engaged portion prevents the seal lid, which is inserted into the flow path inside the inner cylinder, from coming out in the other axial direction from the outlet of the flow path.

[0015] (9) In the medical cap of (5) above, it is preferable that the seal structure further has a connecting portion that rotatably connects the seal lid to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion or the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion of the outer cylinder. In this case, the sealing lid can be easily inserted into the flow path inside the inner cylinder by rotating the sealing lid relative to the first or second arc-shaped cylindrical portion of the outer cylinder using the connecting portion.

[0016] (10) In the medical cap according to any one of (6) to (8), the seal structure further includes a connecting portion that rotatably connects the seal lid to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion of the outer cylindrical body, and the retaining structure preferably functions as the holding portion of the seal structure. In this case, rotating the seal lid relative to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion of the outer cylindrical body via the connecting portion allows the seal lid to be easily inserted into the flow path inside the inner cylindrical body. Further, the retaining structure prevents the seal lid from slipping out of the outlet of the flow path, thereby holding the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion, which is connected to the seal lid via the connecting portion, in a state attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion. Accordingly, the retaining structure functions as a holding portion that holds the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion in a state attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate holding portion from the retaining structure, so the configuration of the medical cap can be simplified. Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present disclosure, a medical bag and a medical cap can be easily connected to each other. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the medical cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing the medical cap. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a state where the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion is rotated. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion is rotated. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where an inlet connector of a urine collection bag is inserted into the inner cylindrical body. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in Figure 2. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the seal lid is rotated from the state shown in Figure 2. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part II in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Next, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the attached drawings. [Overall structure] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a medical cap 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the medical cap 1. The medical cap 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, by being connected to a urethral catheter 91, which is a medical tube. One end of the urethral catheter 91 (not shown) is inserted into the user's bladder, and the medical cap 1 is connected to the other end 91a of the urethral catheter 91.

[0020] In Figures 1 and 2, the medical cap 1 is made of resin and comprises a cylindrical body portion 10, a sealing structure 20, and a retaining structure 40. Hereinafter, in this disclosure, the direction along the axis C of the main body 10 is the axial direction of the main body 10, and is simply referred to as the "axial direction." For convenience, in this specification, the right side of Figure 2 is referred to as one axial side, and the left side of Figure 1 is referred to as the other axial side. The direction perpendicular to the axis C is the radial direction of the main body 10, and is simply referred to as the "radial direction." The direction of rotation about the axis C is the circumferential direction of the main body 10, and is simply referred to as the "circumferential direction."

[0021] [Main body] The main body 10 includes a connecting part 11, a connecting part 12, an outer cylinder 13, and an inner cylinder 18. The connector 11 is located on one axial side of the main body 10 and is inserted into and connected to the end 91a of the urethral catheter 91. The outer surface of the connector 11 gradually widens in diameter from one axial end to the other axial end (see also Figure 3), making it difficult for it to come loose from the end 91a of the urethral catheter 91.

[0022] The connecting portion 12 is integrally provided with respect to the other axial side of the connecting portion 11. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 12 is smaller than the outer diameter of the other axial end of the connecting portion 11. The inner diameter of the connecting portion 12 is the same as the inner diameter of the connecting portion 11.

[0023] The outer cylinder 13 is provided on the axial side opposite to the connecting portion 12. The outer cylinder 13 is made of a resin material, specifically a non-flexible, rigid resin material. The outer cylinder 13 has an annular portion 14, a first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and a second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 divided in the circumferential direction, and a pair of hinge portions 17. The annular portion 14 is integrally provided with respect to the connecting portion 12 on the other axial side. The outer diameter of the annular portion 14 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 12. The inner diameter of the annular portion 14 is the same as the inner diameter of the connecting portion 12 (connecting portion 11).

[0024] The first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 are positioned on the other axial side relative to the annular portion 14. In this embodiment, the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 are equally divided in the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder 13 and are both formed in a semi-circular cylindrical shape. One axial end of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 is provided integrally with the annular portion 14. One axial end of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is connected to the annular portion 14 via a hinge portion 17. The inner diameters of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 are constant from one axial end to the axial middle, and then increase in diameter from the axial middle to the other axial end.

[0025] A pair of hinge portions 17 rotatably connect the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 to the annular portion 14. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in a rotated state. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in a rotated state. In Figure 3, the urethral catheter 91 is not shown. In Figures 1 to 4, the pair of hinge portions 17 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each hinge portion 17 has a fixed hinge 17a, a movable hinge 17b, and a curved portion 17c.

[0026] The fixed hinge 17a is integrally provided with the annular portion 14. The fixed hinge 17a protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 14. The movable hinge 17b is integrally provided with the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. The movable hinge 17b protrudes radially outward from one axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. The curved portion 17c is flexible and formed in a U-shape. One end of the curved portion 17c is integrally formed with the fixed hinge 17a. The other end of the curved portion 17c is integrally formed with the movable hinge 17b. The deformation of the curved portion 17c causes the movable hinge 17b to rotate relative to the fixed hinge 17a.

[0027] As described above, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is rotatable relative to the annular portion 14 on the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 side via a pair of hinge portions 17. Therefore, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 can be attached to and detached from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 by rotating between an attached state (Figures 1 and 2) and a detached state (Figures 3 and 4) from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15.

[0028] In the mounted state, the circumferential end faces of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 are in surface contact with the circumferential end faces of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 (see Figure 6). As a result, the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 are formed as a whole into a cylindrical shape. In the detached state, the circumferential end faces of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 are separated from the circumferential end faces of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15.

[0029] Note that the hinge portion 17 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the hinge portion 17 may rotatably connect the circumferentially adjacent ends of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. In that case, the outer cylinder 13 does not need to have the annular portion 14. The outer cylinder 13 does not necessarily have to have a hinge portion 17. Also, the outer cylinder 13 does not necessarily have to be divided into a first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and a second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner cylinder 18 is provided concentrically within the outer cylinder 13. The inner cylinder 18 is made of a different resin material than the outer cylinder 13 and is flexible. The inner cylinder 18 is molded integrally with the annular portion 14 of the outer cylinder 13, for example, by two-color molding. Note that the inner cylinder 18 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the inner cylinder 18 may be made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber and assembled to the annular portion 14 of the outer cylinder 13.

[0031] The inner cylinder 18 is formed along the inner circumferential surfaces of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 of the outer cylinder 13. Specifically, the outer diameter and inner diameter of the inner cylinder 18 are constant from one axial end to the axial middle portion, and then increase in diameter from the axial middle portion toward the other axial end. The inner diameter of the inner cylinder 18 from one axial end to the axial middle portion is the same as the inner diameter of the connecting portion 12 (connecting portion 11).

[0032] The main body 10 has a flow path 19 that extends axially through the internal space of the connecting portion 11, the internal space of the connecting portion 12, and the internal space of the inner cylinder 18. An inlet 19a of the flow path 19 is formed on one axial side of the main body 10. In this embodiment, the opening on one axial side of the internal space of the connecting portion 11 is the inlet 19a of the flow path 19. The inlet 19a of the flow path 19 communicates with the internal space of the end portion 91a of the urethral catheter 91. An outlet 19b of the flow path 19 is formed on the other axial side of the main body 10. In this embodiment, the opening on the other axial side of the internal space of the inner cylinder 18 is the outlet 19b of the flow path 19.

[0033] When the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is detached (Figures 3 and 4), a portion of the outer surface of the inner cylinder 18 in the circumferential direction (the portion not covered by the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15) is exposed. In this embodiment, half of the outer surface of the inner cylinder 18 in the circumferential direction is exposed.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, when the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is detached, a cylindrical inlet connector 92 of a urine collection bag (not shown) is inserted and connected to the other axial end of the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18 from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19. At this time, since the inner cylinder 18 is flexible, it can be deformed so that it is pushed radially outward to match the outer shape of the inlet connector 92, thereby connecting the inlet connector 92 to the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18.

[0035] [Seal structure] In Figure 1, the seal structure 20 is a structure for closing and sealing the flow path 19 of the main body 10. The seal structure 20 of this embodiment includes a first seal portion 21 for closing and sealing the axial middle portion of the flow path 19, and a second seal portion 24 for closing and sealing the other axial end of the flow path 19. Note that the seal structure 20 only needs to include at least one of the first seal portion 21 and the second seal portion 24.

[0036] <First seal section> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow II in Figure 2. In Figure 6, the third retaining portion 47, which will be described later, is not shown. In Figures 2, 4, and 6, the first sealing portion 21 has a sealing projection 22 and a retaining portion 23 (see Figure 8).

[0037] The sealing projection 22 is made of resin, and is made of the same resin material as the outer cylinder 13. The sealing projection 22 is integrally provided in the axial middle portion of the inner circumference of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 of the outer cylinder 13. The sealing projection 22 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. The protruding end face 22a of the sealing projection 22 is formed in a convex arc shape.

[0038] When the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is detached (Figure 4), the protruding end face 22a of the seal projection 22 is located radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18. When the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is rotated toward the inner cylinder 18 from this state, the protruding end face 22a of the seal projection 22 comes into contact with the axial intermediate portion of the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18, pushing this axial intermediate portion radially inward. Then, when the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is rotated to the mounted state, the protruding end face 22a of the seal projection 22 enters into the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15.

[0039] The protruding end face 22a of the sealing projection 22 that has entered into the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 causes a portion 18a in the circumferential direction of the axial middle part of the inner cylinder 18 to be crushed radially inward and deformed into a concave arc shape. The deformed portion 18a of the inner cylinder 18 is mainly the part that is exposed when the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is detached (Figure 4). Due to this deformation, the inner circumferential surface of the portion 18a of the inner cylinder 18 comes into close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the other portion 18b in the axial middle part of the inner cylinder 18. The other portion 18b of the inner cylinder 18 is mainly the part that follows the inner circumferential surface of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15. As the inner circumferential surfaces of the portion 18a and the other portion 18b of the inner cylinder 18 come into close contact with each other, the axial middle part of the flow path 19 is closed and sealed.

[0040] It is preferable that the radius of curvature r1 of the protruding end face 22a of the sealing projection 22 be the same as the radius of curvature r2 of the outer circumferential surface of a portion 18a of the inner cylinder 18 when that portion 18a is crushed as described above. By making the radius of curvature r1 the same as the radius of curvature r2, the inner cylinder 18 can be crushed by the sealing projection 22 with a small force.

[0041] The retaining portion 23 of the first seal portion 21 is intended to hold the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in the attached state so that, when the seal projection 22 crushes and deforms a part 18a of the inner cylindrical body 18 as described above, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 does not rotate toward the detached state due to the restoring force of the part 18a. In this embodiment, the retaining structure 40 (see Figure 8) functions as the retaining portion 23. Its details will be described later.

[0042] <Second seal section> In Figures 1 and 2, the second sealing portion 24 seals the other axial end of the flow path 19 as described above. The second sealing portion 24 has a sealing cover 25 and a connecting portion 26. Both the sealing cover 25 and the connecting portion 26 are made of resin. In this embodiment, the sealing cover 25 and the connecting portion 26 are made of the same resin material as the outer cylinder 13.

[0043] The seal lid 25 has an insertion portion 25a that is inserted into the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18, and a lid portion 25b that is positioned outside the flow path 19. The insertion portion 25a is inserted into the flow path 19 from the outlet 19b on the other axial side of the inner cylinder 18. The insertion portion 25a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 25a is formed to conform to the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18 from the axial middle portion to the other axial end. In other words, the outer diameter of the insertion portion 25a increases from one axial end to the other axial end. When the insertion portion 25a is inserted into the flow path 19, the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 25a is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18. As a result, the other axial end of the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18, including the outlet 19b, is closed and sealed by the insertion portion 25a.

[0044] The lid portion 25b of the seal lid 25 is integrally provided on the other axial side relative to the insertion portion 25a. The lid portion 25b is formed in a disc shape. The outer diameter of the lid portion 25b is larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 25a and is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer cylinder 13. The lid portion 25b abuts against the other axial end face of the outer cylinder 13 when the insertion portion 25a is inserted into the flow path 19.

[0045] The connecting portion 26 of the second seal portion 24 rotatably connects the seal cover 25 to the other axial end of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 of the outer cylinder 13. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the seal cover 25 has been rotated by the connecting portion 26 from the state shown in Figure 2. In Figures 1, 2, and 7, the connecting portion 26 of this embodiment has a pair of first hinge portions 27 and a second hinge portion 28. The pair of first hinge portions 27 are arranged with a circumferential gap between them. Each first hinge portion 27 has a fixed hinge 27a, a movable hinge 27b, and a curved portion 27c.

[0046] The fixed hinge 27a is integrally provided with the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. The fixed hinge 27a protrudes radially outward from the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. The movable hinge 27b is integrally provided with the lid portion 25b of the seal lid 25. The movable hinge 27b protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the lid portion 25b. The curved portion 27c is flexible and formed in a U-shape. One end of the curved portion 27c is integrally formed with the fixed hinge 27a. The other end of the curved portion 27c is integrally formed with the movable hinge 27b. The deformation of the curved portion 27c causes the movable hinge 27b to rotate relative to the fixed hinge 27a.

[0047] The second hinge portion 28 is located between a pair of first hinge portions 27. The second hinge portion 28 includes a thin-walled fixed hinge 28a and a movable hinge 28b, and a thick-walled curved portion 28c.

[0048] The fixed hinge 28a is provided integrally with the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. The fixed hinge 28a is provided at the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16, on one axial side of the fixed hinge 27a of the first hinge portion 27. The movable hinge 28b is provided integrally with the other axial end face of the lid portion 25b of the seal lid 25. The fixed hinge 28a and the movable hinge 28b are flexible.

[0049] One end of the curved portion 28c is integrally formed with the fixed hinge 28a. The other end of the curved portion 28c is integrally formed with the movable hinge 28b. Due to the deformation of the thin-walled fixed hinge 28a and movable hinge 28b, the movable hinge 28b rotates relative to the fixed hinge 28a via the curved portion 28c.

[0050] As described above, the seal cover 25 is rotatable with respect to the other axial end of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 via a pair of first hinge portions 27 and second hinge portions 28. The seal cover 25 can open and close the flow path 19 by rotating between a closed state in which the insertion portion 25a is inserted into the flow path 19 and closes the flow path 19 (Figures 1 and 2) and an open state in which the insertion portion 25a is removed from the flow path 19 and opens the flow path 19 (Figures 3 and 4).

[0051] The connecting portion 26 only needs to have at least one of the first hinge portion 27 and the second hinge portion 28. Alternatively, the connecting portion 26 may rotatably connect the seal cover 25 to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 of the outer cylinder 13.

[0052] [Retaining structure] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part II in Figure 2. In Figures 2 and 8, the retaining structure 40 is a structure that prevents the seal cover 25 of the second seal part 24, which is inserted into the flow path 19, from coming out in the other axial direction from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19. The retaining structure 40 of this embodiment includes a first retaining part 41, a second retaining part 44, and a third retaining part 47. The first retaining part 41, the second retaining part 44, and the third retaining part 47 are all made of resin and are made of the same resin material as the outer cylinder 13. Note that the retaining structure 40 only needs to include at least one of the first retaining part 41, the second retaining part 44, and the third retaining part 47.

[0053] <First retaining part> The first retaining portion 41 has a protrusion 42 integrally provided on the other axial side of the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder body 18, and a recess 43 integrally provided on one axial side of the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 25a of the seal cover 25.

[0054] The protrusion 42 projects radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18. The protrusion 42 is formed in a convex arc shape, for example, in cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, the protrusion 42 is formed in an annular shape over the entire inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18 (see Figure 3).

[0055] Furthermore, on the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18, on one axial side of the protrusion 42, there are multiple protrusions 61 having the same shape as the protrusion 42, which are integrally provided at axial intervals. As described above, when the inlet connector 92 of the urine collection bag is inserted into the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18, these protrusions 61 make close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inlet connector 92. This closes and seals the flow path 19 and prevents the inlet connector 92 from coming out of the flow path 19.

[0056] The recess 43 is recessed radially inward on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 25a. For example, in a cross-sectional view, the recess 43 is formed in a concave arc shape along the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 42. In this embodiment, the recess 43 is formed in an annular shape over the entire outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 25a (see Figure 3).

[0057] With the above configuration, when the insertion portion 25a of the seal cover 25 is inserted into the flow path 19 and becomes blocked, the protrusion 42 fits into the recess 43. This prevents the insertion portion 25a of the seal cover 25, which is inserted into the flow path 19, from coming out in the other axial direction from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19.

[0058] The first retaining portion 41 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the protrusions 42 and recesses 43 may be provided only on a part of the circumferential direction of the inner cylinder 18 and the insertion portion 25a, or multiple protrusions 42 and recesses 43 may be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. Also, multiple protrusions 42 and recesses 43 may be provided in the axial direction of the inner cylinder 18 and the insertion portion 25a. Furthermore, the first retaining portion 41 may be composed of a protrusion 42 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 25a and a recess 43 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 18.

[0059] <Second retaining part> The second retaining portion 44 has an engaging portion 45 integrally provided on the lid portion 25b of the seal lid 25, and a engaged portion 46 integrally provided on the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 of the outer cylinder 13. The engaging portion 45 has a flange portion 45a extending axially from the outer circumferential surface of the cover portion 25b, and a projection 45b projecting radially inward from the flange portion 45a.

[0060] The flange portion 45a is formed in an arc shape on the outer circumference of the lid portion 25b. When the seal lid 25 is closed, the inner circumferential surface of the flange portion 45a is positioned opposite the outer circumferential surface on the other axial side of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15. The projection 45b is integrally provided at one axial end of the inner circumferential surface of the flange portion 45a. In this embodiment, multiple projections 45b are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the flange portion 45a at intervals in the circumferential direction (see Figure 3). Each projection 45b is formed in an arc shape along the inner circumferential surface of the flange portion 45a.

[0061] The engaged portion 46 protrudes radially outward from the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15. In this embodiment, the engaged portion 46 is formed in an arc shape over the entire circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 (see Figure 3). When the seal cover 25 is closed, the engaged portion 46 is located on the other axial side of each projection 45b of the engaging portion 45, and the engaging portion 45 is engaged with the engaged portion 46.

[0062] With the above configuration, when the insertion portion 25a of the seal cover 25 is inserted into the flow path 19, each projection 45b of the engaging portion 45 crosses over the engaged portion 46 from the other axial side to the one axial side. As a result, as shown in Figure 8, when the insertion portion 25a of the seal cover 25 is inserted into the flow path 19 in a closed state, each projection 45b of the engaging portion 45 engages with the engaged portion 46. The engagement of each projection 45b with the engaged portion 46 suppresses the rotation of the seal cover 25 relative to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. As a result, it is possible to prevent the insertion portion 25a of the seal cover 25, which is inserted into the flow path 19, from coming out from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19 in the other axial direction.

[0063] The second retaining portion 44 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the number of projections 45b of the engaging portion 45 may be one or three or more. Also, the engaged portion 46 may be provided only on a part of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 in the circumferential direction, or multiple engaged portions may be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, one of the engaging portion 45 (projection 45b) and the engaged portion 46 may be a groove recessed in the radial direction, and the other may be engaged with the groove.

[0064] <Third retaining part> In Figures 2, 3, and 8, the third retaining portion 47 has a hook portion 48 integrally provided on the lid portion 25b of the seal lid 25 and a hooked portion 49 integrally provided on the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 of the outer cylinder 13.

[0065] The hook portion 48 has a flexible band portion 48a and a gripping portion 48b integrally provided at the tip of the band portion 48a. The base end of the band portion 48a is integrally provided on the other axial end face of the lid portion 25b, on the opposite side in the circumferential direction from the movable hinge 28b of the second hinge portion 28 (at a position 180 degrees away in the circumferential direction). A hooking hole 48c is formed through the band portion 48a in the thickness direction. The hooking hole 48c is an elongated hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the band portion 48a. The gripping portion 48b is the part that is grasped by the user's fingers.

[0066] The hooked portion 49 protrudes radially outward from the other axial end of the outer circumferential surface of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15, from a position on one axial side of the engaged portion 46 of the second retaining portion 44. The hooked portion 49 is formed, for example, in a mushroom shape with a bulging protruding end.

[0067] As shown in Figures 2 and 8, when the seal cover 25 is closed, the band portion 48a of the hook portion 48 is bent so as to extend radially outward from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 to one side in the axial direction, and the hooking hole 48c of the band portion 48a is hooked onto the hooked portion 49. This suppresses the rotation of the seal cover 25 relative to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16, thereby preventing the insertion portion 25a of the seal cover 25 inserted into the flow path 19 from coming out in the other side in the axial direction from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19.

[0068] <Function as a holding part> The holding portion 23 of the first seal portion 21 is for holding the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in the attached state so that the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16, which is attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15, does not rotate toward the detached state, as described above. In this embodiment, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is connected to the seal cover 25 via a connecting portion 26 (first hinge portion 27 and second hinge portion 28). For this reason, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 rotates together with the seal cover 25 relative to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15.

[0069] When the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is installed, the seal cover 25 is inserted into the flow path 19 in a closed state and is prevented from coming out of the outlet 19b of the flow path 19 by the first retaining portion 41, the second retaining portion 44, and the third retaining portion 47. This also prevents the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 from rotating relative to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 together with the seal cover 25. Therefore, the first retaining portion 41, the second retaining portion 44, and the third retaining portion 47 in this embodiment function as retaining portions 23 that hold the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in the installed state by preventing the seal cover 25 from coming out of the outlet 19b of the flow path 19.

[0070] Furthermore, when the connecting portion 26 rotatably connects the seal cover 25 to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 of the outer cylinder 13, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 does not rotate with the seal cover 25 relative to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15. Therefore, even if the retaining structure 40 prevents the seal cover 25 from coming off, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is rotatable relative to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15, and thus cannot be held in the attached state. Consequently, it is necessary to provide a holding portion 23 for holding the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in the attached state, separate from the retaining structure 40.

[0071] In this case, although not shown in the diagram, the holding portion 23 can be formed by a holding engagement portion provided on one of the adjacent circumferential ends of the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16, and a holding engaged portion provided on the other. By engaging the holding engagement portion and the holding engaged portion of the holding portion 23, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 can be held in the attached state.

[0072] [How to use medical caps] <During urination> First, we will explain the case in which a user opens the outlet 19b of the flow path 19 of the medical cap 1 in a toilet or the like and urinates, starting from the state shown in Figure 2. First, the user grasps the gripping portion 48b of the third retaining portion 47 with one hand, releases the hook between the hooking hole 48c of the third retaining portion 47 and the hooked portion 49, and then moves the gripping portion 48b to the position shown in Figure 7. At that time, the user moves the gripping portion 48b while pressing the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 of the outer cylinder 13 from the radially outward direction with the fingers of the other hand.

[0073] As the gripping portion 48b is moved, the seal cover 25 of the second seal portion 24 rotates relative to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16, causing it to detach from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19 to the other axial side, opening the other axial end of the flow path 19, including the outlet 19b. This releases the first retaining portion 41 and the second retaining portion 44 from preventing the seal cover 25 from detaching and from holding the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in its installed state. However, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is held in its installed state because it is pressed radially outward by the user. Therefore, although the other axial end of the flow path 19 is opened, the axial middle portion of the flow path 19 remains closed and sealed by the seal projection 22 of the first seal portion 21.

[0074] From the state shown in Figure 7, the user releases the pressure on the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 and moves the gripping portion 48b further, rotating the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 to a detached state relative to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15, as shown in Figure 4. This operation releases the crushing deformation of the inner cylinder 18 caused by the sealing projection 22 of the first seal portion 21, and the inner cylinder 18 returns to a state in which its entire axial direction is formed into a cylinder by its restoring force, opening the axial middle portion of the flow path 19. As a result, the urine in the urethral catheter 91 flows through the flow path 19 of the medical cap 1 and is discharged from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19.

[0075] <When collecting urine into the urine collection bag> Next, we will describe the case in which, starting from the state shown in Figure 2, the user (or medical professional) inserts the inlet connector 92 of the urine collection bag into the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18 from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19 of the medical cap 1. First, the user moves the gripping part 48b of the third retaining part 47, as in the case of urination described above, and rotates the second arc-shaped cylindrical part 16 to a detached state relative to the first arc-shaped cylindrical part 15, as shown in Figure 4, via the state shown in Figure 7. At that time, the user moves the gripping part 48b without pressing the second arc-shaped cylindrical part 16 of the outer cylinder 13 from the radially outward direction.

[0076] In the state shown in Figure 4, the inner cylinder 18 is formed in a cylindrical shape along its entire axial direction as described above. Also, half of the circumferential surface of the outer surface of the inner cylinder 18 is exposed (see Figure 3). From this state, as shown in Figure 5, the user inserts the inlet connector 92 of the urine collection bag into the other axial end of the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18 through its outlet 19b.

[0077] In this process, the flexible inner cylinder 18 (especially the exposed portion) deforms to expand radially outward to match the outer shape of the inlet connector 92, thereby allowing the inlet connector 92 to be directly connected to the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18. This enables urine to be collected from the urethral catheter 91 into the urine collection bag via the flow path 19 of the main body 10.

[0078] The second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 may be configured to rotate in two stages, for example, by being divided in the axial middle portion. Specifically, the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 may be composed of a first divided portion on one axial side, a second divided portion on the other axial side, and a hinge portion that connects the second divided portion to the first divided portion so that it can rotate up and down. In this case, a sealing projection 22 can be provided on the inner circumference of the first divided portion. As a result, with the inlet connector 92 inserted into the flow path 19 on the other axial side of the inner cylindrical body 18 (see Figure 5), the first divided portion can be rotated toward the inner cylindrical body 18 relative to the annular portion 14, thereby crushing one axial side of the inner cylindrical body 18 with the sealing projection 22. This allows the flow path 19 of the inner cylindrical body 18 to be closed and sealed before the inlet connector 92 is removed from the inner cylindrical body 18.

[0079] [Effects and Effects] According to the medical cap 1 of this embodiment, the main body 10 has an outer cylinder 13 and a flexible inner cylinder 18 concentrically provided within the outer cylinder 13, with the internal space of the inner cylinder 18 serving as a flow path 19. Therefore, when inserting the inlet connector 92 of a urine collection bag into the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18 from its outlet 19b, the inner cylinder 18 can be deformed to match the outer shape of the inlet connector 92, thereby enabling connection of the inlet connector 92. Consequently, multiple types of urine collection bags with different inlet connector shapes can be directly connected to the medical cap 1 without using conversion adapters, making it easy to connect the urine collection bag and the medical cap 1.

[0080] The outer cylinder 13 has a first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 and a second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 that are divided in the circumferential direction, and the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is detachable from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15. As a result, by removing the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 of the outer cylinder 13, a portion of the inner cylinder 18 in the circumferential direction is exposed. Therefore, when inserting the inlet connector 92 of the urine collection bag into the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18 and connecting it, the inner cylinder 18 can be further deformed radially outward. As a result, the types of urine collection bags that can be directly connected to the medical cap 1 can be increased.

[0081] The outer cylinder 13 has a hinge portion 17 that rotatably connects the second arc-shaped cylinder portion 16 to the annular portion 14 on the first arc-shaped cylinder portion 15 side. Therefore, by rotating the second arc-shaped cylinder portion 16 with the hinge portion 17, the second arc-shaped cylinder portion 16 can be easily attached to and detached from the first arc-shaped cylinder portion 15.

[0082] The first seal portion 21 has a seal projection 22 that protrudes radially inward on the inner circumference of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. When the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 is attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15 of the outer cylinder 13, the seal projection 22 compresses and deforms the axial middle portion of the inner cylinder 18, thereby closing and sealing the axial middle portion of the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18. Furthermore, the holding portion 23 of the first seal portion 21 holds the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in the attached state to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15, so that the flow path 19 can be maintained in a closed state by the seal projection 22.

[0083] The seal lid 25 of the second seal portion 24 is inserted into the flow path 19 from the outlet 19b on the other axial side of the inner cylinder 18, thereby closing and sealing the other axial end of the flow path 19. As a result, the seal projection 22 of the first seal portion 21 and the seal lid 25 of the second seal portion 24 close and seal two axial locations (the axial middle and the axial end) of the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18. This effectively prevents urine that has flowed from the urethral catheter 91 into the flow path 19 of the medical cap 1 from leaking out of the outlet 19b of the flow path 19. Furthermore, when discharging the urine flowing through the urethral catheter 91 from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19 of the medical cap 1, removing the seal lid 25 while the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18 is closed by the seal projection 22 prevents the fluid inside the urethral catheter 91 from being suddenly discharged from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19 of the medical cap 1.

[0084] The first retaining portion 41 has a protrusion 42 provided on the inner cylinder 18 and a recess 43 provided on the seal lid 25 (insertion portion 25a). When the seal lid 25 is inserted into the flow path 19, the protrusion 42 fits into the recess 43. As a result, the first retaining portion 41 can prevent the seal lid 25, which is inserted into the flow path 19 inside the inner cylinder 18, from coming out in the other axial direction from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19.

[0085] The second retaining portion 44 has an engaging portion 45 provided on the seal cover 25 and a receiving portion 46 provided on the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15. When the seal cover 25 is inserted into the flow path 19, the engaging portion 45 engages with the receiving portion 46. This further prevents the seal cover 25, which is inserted into the flow path 19 inside the inner cylindrical body 18, from coming out in the other axial direction from the outlet 19b of the flow path 19.

[0086] The seal lid 25 is rotatably connected to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 of the outer cylinder 13 by a connecting portion 26. This allows the seal lid 25 to be easily inserted into the flow path 19 in the inner cylinder 18 by rotating the seal lid 25 relative to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16. Furthermore, the retaining structure 40 (first retaining portion 41, second retaining portion 44, and third retaining portion 47) prevents the seal lid 25 from coming out of the outlet 19b of the flow path 19, thereby holding the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16, which is connected to the seal lid 25 by the connecting portion 26, in the attached state attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion 15. Thus, the retaining structure 40 functions as a holding portion 23 that holds the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion 16 in the attached state. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate holding portion 23 in addition to the retaining structure 40, which simplifies the configuration of the medical cap 1.

[0087] [others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not in the sense described above, and is intended to include all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1 Medical cap 10 Main body 13 Outer cylinder 15 First circular arc section 16 Second circular arc section 17. Hinge section 18 Inner cylinder 19 channels 19b exit 20 sealing structure 22 Seal protrusions 23 Holding part 25 sealing lids 26 Connecting part 40 Retaining structure 42 Convex part 43 Recess 45 Engagement part 46 Engaged portion 91 Urethral catheter (medical tube)

Claims

1. A cylindrical main body having a flow path that penetrates in the axial direction, with a medical tube connected to one side in the axial direction and an outlet for the flow path formed on the other side in the axial direction, The main body comprises a sealing structure for blocking and sealing the flow path, The main body comprises an outer cylinder and a flexible inner cylinder concentrically arranged within the outer cylinder. A medical cap in which the flow path includes the internal space of the inner cylinder, and the opening on the other axial side of the internal space is the outlet.

2. The outer cylinder has a first circular arc section and a second circular arc section that are divided in the circumferential direction. The medical cap according to claim 1, wherein the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion is detachable from the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion.

3. The medical cap according to claim 2, wherein the outer cylinder further has a hinge portion that rotatably connects the second arc-shaped cylinder portion to the first arc-shaped cylinder portion.

4. The aforementioned sealing structure is A sealing projection is provided on the inner circumference of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion, projecting radially inward, and when the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion is attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion, it deforms the inner cylinder by pressing radially inward, thereby closing and sealing the flow path. A medical cap according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising a holding portion for holding the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion in a state attached to the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion.

5. The sealing projection is provided on the inner circumference of the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion so as to crush the axial middle portion of the inner cylindrical body, The medical cap according to claim 4, wherein the sealing structure further comprises a sealing lid that is inserted into the flow path from the outlet on the other axial side of the inner cylinder body to close and seal the flow path.

6. The medical cap according to claim 5, further comprising a retaining structure that prevents the seal lid inserted into the flow path from coming out of the outlet.

7. The retaining structure has a protrusion provided on one of the inner cylinder and the seal lid, and a recess provided on the other. The medical cap according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion fits into the recess when the sealing lid is inserted into the flow path.

8. The retaining structure has an engaging portion provided on the seal lid and a engaged portion provided on the first arc-shaped cylindrical portion, The medical cap according to claim 6, wherein the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion when the seal lid is inserted into the flow path.

9. The medical cap according to claim 5, wherein the sealing structure further comprises a connecting portion that rotatably connects the sealing lid to the first or second arc-shaped cylindrical portion of the outer cylinder.

10. The seal structure further includes a connecting portion that rotatably connects the seal cover to the second arc-shaped cylindrical portion of the outer cylinder, The medical cap according to claim 6, wherein the retaining structure functions as the retaining part of the sealing structure.

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