adapter

Abstract

The present application relates to an adapter. A connector (50) has a barrel member (52) and a base pipe (58). A light guide pipe (60) is led from the base pipe (58) toward the side opposite the barrel member (52). The adapter (1) has a first connecting portion (10) that is connectable to and separable from a light source device (70), a second connecting portion (20) that is connectable to and separable from the connector (50), and a light guide member (30) that guides light emitted from the light source device (70) toward a base end face (61) of the light guide pipe (60).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adapter for connecting a connector disposed at the base of a light guide tube to a light source device. Background Technology

[0002] In the medical field, sometimes soft, hollow tubes are inserted into patients for examinations and treatments. For example, tube nutrition is used to deliver liquid nutrition directly into the stomach to patients who have difficulty chewing or swallowing. This is done through a tube inserted through the mouth or nose (called an oral tube or nasal tube, hereinafter referred to as "the tube"). Before administering the nutrition, it is necessary to confirm that the tip of the tube is inside the stomach.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method in which a tube pre-inserted with an optical fiber is inserted into a patient, and the position of the tube tip is confirmed by observing the light emitted from the tip of the optical fiber from outside the body. In this method, after inserting the tube into the patient, the optical fiber needs to be pulled out of the tube before administering nutrients through the tube into the stomach. Once the optical fiber is pulled out, during the reinsertion of the optical fiber into the tube, there is a risk of the optical fiber piercing the tube and damaging the digestive tract wall. Therefore, the method in Patent Document 1 can only be used initially when inserting the tube into the patient, and has the problem of not being usable for subsequent periodic confirmation of the tube tip position.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: WO2015 / 133119A1

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-119837 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] Therefore, it is possible to utilize the tube itself as a light guide instead of using optical fiber. Light is incident on the base of the tube and emitted from the front end. According to this method, the position of the tube's front end can be confirmed by emitting light from it whenever needed, both initially when the tube is inserted into the patient and later as required.

[0010] In tubular nutrition, a connector is needed at the base of the tube to form a flow path from the container storing the nutrients to the stomach. Therefore, the connector is connected to a light source device when the front end of the tube is illuminated.

[0011] However, when the connector is directly connected to the light source device, cross-infection is possible via the connector through the light source device. This possibility is particularly high when a common light source device is used for multiple patients.

[0012] To prevent the connector from directly contacting the light source, it is possible to connect the connector to the light source by placing a component between them. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the light incident on the tube is not reduced due to this component.

[0013] The first objective of this invention is to emit light from the front end of the light guide tube without causing cross-contamination. The second objective of this invention is to efficiently direct light from the light source device into the light guide tube.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] The adapter of the present invention is used to connect a connector disposed at the base end of a flexible, hollow light guide tube to a light source device. The connector includes a hollow cylindrical member and a hollow cylindrical base tube coaxially disposed with the cylindrical member. The light guide tube extends from the base tube to the side opposite to the cylindrical member. The adapter includes a first connecting portion capable of being connected and disconnected relative to the light source device, a second connecting portion capable of being connected and disconnected relative to the connector, and a light guide member guiding light emitted from the light source device to the base end face of the light guide tube.

[0016] The effects of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, the connector is connected to the light source device via an adapter. Therefore, the front end of the light guide tube can emit light without causing cross-contamination of the connector.

[0018] The adapter has a light guiding component that guides light emitted from the light source device to the base end face of the light guide tube. Therefore, light from the light source device can be efficiently directed into the light guide tube. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This describes a schematic configuration of a system for detecting the front end position of the adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the adapter and the connector disposed on the tube according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter and the connector provided in the tube according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector is connected to the light source device via the adapter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4AThis is a perspective view showing the adapter and the connector provided in the tube according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter and the connector provided in the tube according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector is connected to the light source device via the adapter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6A This is a perspective view showing the adapter and the connector disposed on the tube according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter and the connector provided in the tube according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector is connected to the light source device via the adapter according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector is connected to the light source device via the adapter according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9A This is a perspective view showing the adapter and the connector disposed on the tube according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 9B This is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter and the connector provided in the tube according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9C This is a cross-sectional view showing the adapter and the connector provided in the tube according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector is connected to the light source device via the adapter according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide member may have a light incident end face from which light from the light source device is incident. A convex curved surface may be provided on the light incident end face. According to this embodiment, light emitted from the side of the light guide member (leaking light) can be reduced. This is beneficial for improving the brightness of the tube tip.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide member may have an annular light emitting end face that emits light toward the base end face of the light guide tube. According to this embodiment, light emitted from the light guide member can be efficiently incident onto the base end face of the tube. This is beneficial for improving the brightness of the tube's front end.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide member may also include a light emitting end face that emits light toward the base end face of the light guide tube. The light emitting end face may function as a lens for focusing light toward the base end face of the light guide tube. According to this embodiment, light emitted from the light guide member can be efficiently incident onto the base end face of the tube. This is beneficial for improving the brightness of the tube's front end.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide component may include a light incident end face from which light from the light source device is incident, and a light emitting end face that emits light toward the base end face of the light guide tube. The light incident end face may have a larger area than the light emitting end face. This arrangement is advantageous for improving the brightness of the tube tip.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide member may have a light incident end face from which light from the light source device is incident, and a light emitting end face that emits light toward the base end face of the light guide tube. The outer diameter of the light guide member may be fixed between the light incident end face and the light emitting end face. According to this embodiment, the shape of the light guide member is simplified. This is beneficial for reducing the cost of the adapter.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, when the second connecting portion is connected to the connector, the light guide member is positioned axially opposite the cylindrical member. This approach simplifies the configuration of the adapter.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the light guide member may be inserted into the cylindrical member when the second connecting portion is connected to the connector. According to this embodiment, even if the base end face of the light guide tube retracts from the front end face of the cylindrical member, light can still be incident on the base end face of the tube. Therefore, the opening diameter of the front end face of the cylindrical member can be made the same as the opening diameter of the front end face of a conventional connector, regardless of the inner diameter of the tube. The adapter of the present invention can be applied to connectors that are interchangeable with conventional connectors.

[0041] One embodiment of the adapter of the present invention may further include a lens for focusing light emitted from the light source device onto the light incident end face of the light guide member. According to this method, light from the light source device can be efficiently incident onto the base end face of the tube. This is beneficial for improving the brightness of the tube's front end.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the side of the light guide member may protrude axially from the front end face of the first connecting portion. According to this embodiment, the protruding side of the light guide member can be used to axially align the light guide member relative to the light source device. This is beneficial for improving the brightness of the tube front end.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the adapter may further include a locking mechanism that engages with the light source device when the first connecting portion is connected to the light source device. According to this method, the adapter can be prevented from detaching from the light source device. Furthermore, the adapter can be positioned relative to the light source device and held at a predetermined axial position.

[0044] In one embodiment of the adapter, an intermediate portion may be provided between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. This arrangement helps to reduce the possibility of the first and second connecting portions being contaminated by the user's fingers.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, a gripping surface may be provided at the aforementioned intermediate portion. According to this embodiment, the user can stably grip the adapter via the gripping surface, and it is also easy to apply axial force and / or rotational force about the axis to the adapter.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, a raised surface projecting radially outward may be provided in the aforementioned intermediate portion. The raised surface functions as a "grip position limiting structure," axially restricting the position of the user's fingers holding the intermediate portion. The raised surface facilitates the application of force to the adapter along the axial direction. Furthermore, the raised surface reduces the likelihood of the first and second connecting portions being contaminated by the user's fingers.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the second connecting portion may have a fitting structure that engages with the connector. According to this embodiment, the connector and the second connecting portion can be coaxially and reliably connected. The fitting structure may, for example, be a male or female conical surface capable of forming a conical fit.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the connector may further include an outer cylinder surrounding the cylindrical component and an internal thread disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder opposite to the cylindrical component. According to this embodiment, the adapter of the present invention can be applied to a male connector disposed at the base end of a nasal cannula used in transnasal canal nutrition.

[0049] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail while showing preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In the following description, the main components constituting the embodiments of the present invention are simplified for ease of explanation in the figures. Therefore, the present invention can include any components not shown in the following figures. In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the components shown in the following figures can be modified or omitted. In the figures referenced in the description of each embodiment, components corresponding to components shown in the figures referenced in previous embodiments are given the same reference numerals as those given in the figures of those previous embodiments. For such components, repeated descriptions should be omitted or appropriate reference should be made to the descriptions of previous embodiments.

[0050] In this invention, the “axis” of a component (e.g., adapter, light guide component, connector) refers to the central axis of the component. The “axis” passes through the center of the circle contained in the component and / or coincides with the central axis of the cylinder or cone (cone) contained in the component. The axis is obvious to those skilled in the art; in the figures shown below, the axis is omitted for simplicity. The direction along a straight line orthogonal to the axis is called the “radial”. In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis is called the “inner” side, and the side farther from the axis is called the “outer” side. The direction of rotation about the axis is called the “circumferential” direction.

[0051] (Implementation Method 1)

[0052] An embodiment of applying the present invention to nasal tube nutrition will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a connector 50 is provided at the base of the nasal tube (hereinafter referred to as the "tube") 60. The tube 60 is inserted into the nasal cavity of the patient 90, and the tip 65 of the tube 60 reaches the stomach 91. The tube 60 is flexible and can be bent and deformed freely. The tube 60 has a continuous flow path 69 along its entire length (see below). Figure 2B A hollow cylindrical object. During tube feeding, liquid nutrition is administered into the patient's stomach 91 via connector 50 and tube 60. Connector 50 can be repeatedly connected and disconnected from the light source device 70 via adapter 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. When connector 50 is connected to the light source device 70 via adapter 1, a light source 78 (described later) is emitted from the light source device 70. Figure 3 The light passes sequentially through adapter 1, connector 50, and tube 60, and is emitted from the front end 65 of tube 60. The light from the front end 65 passes through the patient's body, causing the body surface to emit light. The surgeon can determine the position of the front end 65 of tube 60 based on the position of the light emitted from the patient's body surface.

[0053] Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the adapter 1 and the connector 50 disposed on the tube 60. Figure 2BIt is along the plane containing the axis (not shown) of adapter 1 and connector 50. Figure 2A Cross-sectional view.

[0054] Adapter 1 has a function at one end to be able to respond to the light source device 70 (see reference). Figure 1 The first connecting portion 10, which connects and separates from the connector 50, has a second connecting portion 20 at its other end, which can be connected and separated from the connector 50. The first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 are coaxially arranged. The first connecting portion 10 has a hollow cylindrical first connecting tube 11. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 11 is a cylindrical surface with a fixed outer diameter in the axial direction. However, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 11 is not limited to this; for example, it may be a conical surface whose outer diameter increases toward the front end side or the base end side (second connecting portion 20 side) of the first connecting tube 11. The second connecting portion 20 has a hollow cylindrical second connecting tube 21. A female conical surface 23 with an inner diameter that increases toward the front end (opposite to the first connecting portion 10) is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting tube 21.

[0055] A light guide component 30 is housed within the first connecting cylinder 11. The light guide component 30 has a light-incident end face 31 and a light-emission end face 32 facing opposite sides in the axial direction, and a side face 33 connecting the light-incident end face 31 and the light-emission end face 32. The light guide component 30 has a generally frustum-shaped form with the light-incident end face 31 having a larger diameter. The side face 33 of the light guide component 30, which is a conical surface, is substantially in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting cylinder 11 without gap, and is embedded in the first connecting cylinder 11. The light-incident end face 31, facing the front end of the first connecting portion 10 (opposite to the second connecting portion 20), is a convex curved surface in this embodiment 1. The light-emission end face 32, facing the inner cavity of the second connecting cylinder 21, is a continuous annular groove surrounding the axis of the adapter 1 in this embodiment 1. More specifically, as... Figure 2B As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the light-emitting end face 32 along the axis containing adapter 1 includes two generally circular arcs that are symmetrical about the axis. The light-emitting end face 32 is an annular concave surface formed by the trajectories obtained when these two generally circular arcs rotate about the axis.

[0056] The adapter 1 consists of two parts: a light guide component 30 and the rest of the device (the adapter body 101). The adapter body 101 is made of a material with mechanical strength (rigidity) that will not substantially deform due to external forces. Examples of suitable materials include polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, and rigid polyvinyl chloride resins. The adapter body 101 can be integrally molded into a single part using the aforementioned resin materials.

[0057] The light guide component 30 is made of a light-guiding material (light-guiding material) so that light can enter from the light incident end face 31 and exit from the light emitting end face 32 through the light guide component 30. As the light guide material, for example, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, rigid polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, silicone, polyethylene, styrene-based elastomers, polybutadiene, polyolefins, acrylic resins (e.g., PMMA), or polycarbonate resins, transparent materials such as quartz glass, can be used. From the viewpoint of moldability and operability, resin materials are preferred, and acrylic resins (e.g., PMMA) or polycarbonate are more preferred. To improve the front end 65 of the tube 60 (refer to...) Figure 1 To improve the brightness (beam light), it is preferable to reduce light loss between the light incident end face 31 and the light emitting end face 32. Therefore, reducing the light emitted from the side 33 (leaking light) is effective. There are no limitations on the method for reducing leakage light, but for example, it is possible to use (1) a multi-layer structure in which the light guide member 30 is composed of at least an inner layer with a high refractive index and an outer layer with a low refractive index, or (2) to provide a reflective layer (e.g., a metal vapor-deposited layer of silver, aluminum, etc.) on the side 33.

[0058] There are no limitations on the method of integrating the light guide component 30 with the adapter body 101. For example, it is possible to use a method in which the light guide component 30 and the adapter body 101 are manufactured separately and then the light guide component 30 is embedded into the first connecting tube 11 of the adapter body 101, or to manufacture one of the light guide component 30 and the adapter body 101 and then integrate the other with the first one by two-color molding.

[0059] Connector 50 has a connector portion 51 on its front end side (adapter 1 side) and a base tube 58 on its base end side. Connector portion 51 includes a cylindrical member (male member) 52 with a hollow cylindrical shape and an outer cylinder 56 surrounding the cylindrical member 52. Connector portion 51 (or cylindrical member 52) is coaxially arranged with base tube 58. Through hole 59 extends through connector 50 from cylindrical member 52 to base tube 58 along the axis of connector 50. The inner circumferential surface of through hole 59 is a cylindrical surface coaxial with the axis of connector 50.

[0060] A male conical surface 53, whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the front end of the cylindrical component 52, is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical component 52. Further on the front end side of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical component 52, a front conical surface 54 with a larger cone angle than the male conical surface 53 is provided. The front end of the cylindrical component 52 (part or all of the front conical surface 54) protrudes axially toward the connector 50 beyond the front end of the outer cylinder 56. This protrusion of the cylindrical component 52 beyond the outer cylinder 56 facilitates easy connection of the connector 50 (or the cylindrical component 52) ​​to the adapter 1.

[0061] Flange 55 protrudes radially outward from the base end of cylindrical member 52. Outer cylinder 56 extends from the circular outer periphery of flange 55 toward the same side as cylindrical member 52 (front end side of connector 50). Outer cylinder 56 has a generally cylindrical shape and is coaxially configured with cylindrical member 52. Outer cylinder 56 is radially separated from cylindrical member 52. Internal thread 57 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of outer cylinder 56 opposite to cylindrical member 52.

[0062] Connector section 51 is configured to connect with a male connector used in the tube feeding method (e.g., see Patent Document 2). Figure 4A , Figure 4B They are interchangeable.

[0063] A flexible, hollow tube 60 is inserted into the through hole 59 of the connector 50. The outer diameter of the tube 60 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the through hole 59. The tube 60 has a base end face 61, which serves as its base end side. The base end face 61 is a flat surface perpendicular to the long side direction of the tube 60. The base end face 61 forms the same surface as the front end of the cylindrical component 52 and is exposed to the outside. The tube 60 is fixed to the connector 50 (specifically the base tube 58) by adhesive or the like to prevent it from separating from the connector 50. The tube 60 extends from the base tube 58 toward the side opposite to the cylindrical component 52.

[0064] The connector 50 is made of a material with mechanical strength (rigidity) that does not substantially deform due to external forces. The resin material described above, which is also the material used for the adapter body 101 of the adapter 1, can be used as the material. The connector 50 can be integrally molded into a single part using the aforementioned resin material.

[0065] The material of tube 60 is not limited, but it is preferably flexible and light-guiding. For example, resins such as polyurethane, acrylic, silicone, polyethylene, styrene-based elastomers, polybutadiene, and polyolefins can be used. In this embodiment, light incident from the base end face 61 of tube 60 (the portion of tube 60 between its inner and outer circumferential surfaces that constitutes the thickness of tube 60) passes through the front end 65 (see reference). Figure 1 The light emitted from the tube 60 is emitted from the front end 65. To improve the brightness (beam) of the front end 65, it is preferable to reduce light loss between the base end face 61 and the front end 65. For this purpose, it is effective to reduce the light emitted from the outer periphery of the tube 60 to the outside (leakage light) between the base end face 61 and the front end 65. There are no limitations on the method of reducing leakage light, but for example, one or more combinations of (1) smoothing the outer periphery of the tube 60, (2) covering the outer periphery of the tube 60 with a covering material with a lower refractive index than the tube 60, (3) providing a reflective layer (e.g., a metal vapor-deposited layer of silver, aluminum, etc.) on the outer periphery of the tube 60, and (4) constructing the tube 60 with a multilayer structure having at least an inner layer with a high refractive index and an outer layer with a low refractive index are possible.

[0066] In order to relate to stomach 91 (reference) Figure 1 The patient's body surface is illuminated by light emanating from the front end 65 of the tube 60, regardless of the orientation of the front end 65. Preferably, the light is emitted radially from the front end 65 of the tube 60 in a direction perpendicular to or inclined to the long side of the tube 60. To achieve this, it is preferable to provide an inclined light-emitting surface at the front end 65 of the tube 60, and / or to have a reflective or refractive component disposed opposite to the light-emitting surface at the front end 65 of the tube 60.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, adapter 1 is used to connect connector 50 to light source device 70.

[0068] The light source device 70 includes a holding portion 71 that houses and holds a first connecting portion 10 (first connecting cylinder 11), and a light source 78 disposed at a depth deeper than the holding portion 71. The holding portion 71 includes a holding cylinder 72 and a stepped surface 73. The inner circumferential surface of the holding cylinder 72 is a cylindrical surface with approximately the same diameter as the first connecting cylinder 11. The stepped surface 73 is configured to protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the holding cylinder 72 at a predetermined distance from the open end of the holding cylinder 72. The light source 78 is coaxially disposed with the holding portion 71 (or the holding cylinder 72). The first connecting portion 10 of the adapter 1 is inserted into the holding portion 71 until the front end of the first connecting cylinder 11 abuts against the stepped surface 73. The holding cylinder 72 positions the first connecting portion 10 (or the light guide member 30) coaxially with the light source 78. The stepped surface 73 positions the first connecting portion 10 (or the light guide member 30) at a predetermined distance axially from the light source 78. The light incident end face 31 of the light guide component 30 is opposite to the light source 78.

[0069] The second connecting portion 20 (or the second connecting cylinder 21) of the adapter 1 is inserted into the gap between the outer cylinder 56 and the cylinder component 52 of the connector 50. The cylinder component 52 of the connector 50 is inserted into the second connecting portion 20 (or the second connecting cylinder 21). The outer diameter and cone angle of the female conical surface 23 of the second connecting cylinder 21 are the same as those of the male conical surface 53 of the cylinder component 52. Therefore, the male conical surface 53 is fitted into the female conical surface 23. The cylinder component 52 (or the base end face 61 of the tube 60) is positioned coaxially with the light guide component 30 and at a predetermined distance axially from the light guide component 30. The base end face 61 of the tube 60 is opposite to the light emitting end face 32 of the light guide component 30.

[0070] In this state, the light source 78 emits light. The light source 78 emits light toward the light incident end face 31 of the light guide member 30. The light emitted from the light source 78 enters the light incident end face 31, passes through the light guide member 30 and exits from the light exit end face 32, and enters the base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0071] While there are no restrictions on the type of light source 78, a light-emitting diode (LED) can be used. The light emitted by the light source 78 is preferably visible or near-infrared light, with no limitation on wavelength, but preferably 360 nm or more, more preferably 630 nm or more, more preferably 3000 nm or less, and more preferably 780 nm or less. Light in this wavelength range has high transmittance relative to the human body and is less invasive and safer. Visible light can be observed with the naked eye, thus the position of the front end 65 of the tube 60 can be easily identified. Near-infrared light has better transmittance than visible light and can be observed by a dedicated camera such as an infrared camera. In one example, light with a wavelength of 630 nm can be used as visible light, or light with a wavelength of 780 nm can be used as near-infrared light. To ensure efficient incident light from the light source 78 onto the light-incident end face 31 of the light guide member 30, the light source 78 may also be equipped with a lens and / or a lens may be provided between the light source 78 and the light guide member 30.

[0072] The method of using the adapter 1 in this embodiment 1 will be described.

[0073] A nasal cannula with a connector 50 attached to its base is prepared. As with a typical nasal cannula, the cannula 60 is inserted into the nasal cavity of the patient 90 (see reference). Figure 1 Connect adapter 1 to connector 50, and connect adapter 1 to the light source device 70. Then, turn on the light source 78 (refer to...). Figure 3 Light emission occurs. The light emitted from the light source 78 passes sequentially through the light guide component 30 and the tube 60, and is emitted from the front end 65 of the tube 60. The light from the front end 65 is transmitted through the patient 90. The surgeon can determine the position of the front end 65 based on the position of the light emission on the patient's body surface. The light can be determined by the naked eye or by an infrared camera based on its wavelength.

[0074] Similar to the insertion of a typical nasal cannula, a tube 60 with a probe (sometimes called a guide wire) pre-inserted in the flow path 69 can be inserted into the patient 90. The base of the probe can be extended from the connector 50. In this case, the connector 50 is connected to the adapter 1 after the probe is removed from the tube 60.

[0075] Alternatively, the optical fiber can be inserted into the tube 60, which is inserted into the flow path 69, with its tip reaching the tip 65 of the tube 60, and then into the patient 90. Using the light source device 70, the tip of the optical fiber also emits light in addition to the tip 65. The beam from the tip 65 is amplified, thus allowing for more accurate confirmation of the position of the tip 65. After confirming that the tip of the tube 60 has reached the stomach, the optical fiber is removed from the tube 60.

[0076] After confirming that the tip 65 of tube 60 reaches the stomach, adapter 1 is disconnected from connector 50. Then, connector 50 is connected to a connector (female connector) located at the downstream end of the tube delivering the nutrient solution (generally referred to as a tubular nutrition assembly; for example, see Patent Document 2). Figure 5 A, Figure 5 B) Connection. The nutrient solution passes through the flow path 69 of tube 60, flows out from the front end 65 and is administered to the patient.

[0077] Connector 50 and tube 60 are left in place on patient 90 for several days. During this time, tube 60 may sometimes coil up, causing the tip 65 to move. Therefore, at regular intervals (e.g., just before administering nutrition to patient 90), connector 50 is connected to light source device 70 via adapter 1 to illuminate tip 65 and confirm its position.

[0078] As described above, the adapter 1 of this embodiment 1 includes a first connecting portion 10 that can be connected and disconnected from the light source device 70, and a second connecting portion 20 that can be connected and disconnected from the connector 50. Therefore, the connector 50 can be connected to the light source device 70 via the adapter 1. The adapter 1 also includes a light guiding member 30 for the base end face 61 of the light guiding tube 60 that emits light from the light source device 70. Therefore, when the light from the light source 78 is incident on the light incident end face 31 of the light guiding member 30, the light can pass through the light guiding member 30, exit from the light emitting end face 32, and incident on the base end face 61 of the tube 60. The light further passes through the tube 60 and exits from the front end 65 of the tube 60. Unlike Patent Document 1, according to this embodiment 1, the tube 60 itself can be used as a light guiding path, causing the front end 65 of the tube 60 to emit light. The light from the front end 65 can be observed through the body of the patient 90. Therefore, the position of the front end 65 of the tube 60 can be easily and accurately detected.

[0079] In Patent Document 1, an optical fiber needs to be inserted into the tube to confirm its position. If the optical fiber is reinserted after being removed from the tube, it may puncture the tube, causing damage to the digestive tract wall. In contrast, in this Embodiment 1, the optical fiber, which is necessary in Patent Document 1, is not required. The position of the front end 65 of the tube 60 can be confirmed even without inserting the optical fiber. Therefore, in this Embodiment 1, the aforementioned accidents that may occur in Patent Document 1 are not present. After the tube 60 is inserted into the patient 90, light can be emitted from the front end 65 of the tube 60 whenever needed, safely confirming the position of the front end 65.

[0080] Connector 50 is connected to light source device 70 via adapter 1. This is possible when initially inserting tube 60 into patient 90, and also when the position of the tip 65 needs to be checked after insertion. Direct connection between connector 50 and light source device 70 is unnecessary to check the position of tip 65. Even assuming light source device 70 (especially the retaining part 71) is contaminated, the possibility of connector 50 becoming contaminated is low as long as a clean adapter 1 is used. For example, even when a common light source device 70 is used for multiple patients, cross-infection can be prevented by using a separate clean adapter 1 for each patient. Therefore, according to this embodiment 1, the tip 65 of tube 60 can be illuminated without cross-infection. Preferably, adapter 1 is cleaned and sterilized each time it is used. More preferably, adapter 1 is discarded after each use, and a new one is always used.

[0081] The adapter 1 includes a light guiding member 30 for the base end face 61 of the light guiding tube 60 emitted from the light source 78. Therefore, light from the light source 78 can be efficiently incident into the tube 60. This is beneficial for improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60.

[0082] The light guide component 30 has a light incident end face 31 with a convex curved surface. The convex curved surface refracts light from the light source 78 in a manner that converges on the axis of the light guide component 30. This helps to reduce light leakage from the side surface 33 of the light guide component 30. However, in this invention, the light incident end face 31 may not have a convex curved surface. The light incident end face 31 may also be a flat surface or a concave surface perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 1.

[0083] The light guide component 30 has an annular light emitting end face 32 that is axially opposed to the annular base end face 61 of the tube 60. The annular light emitting end face 32 facilitates the efficient incident of light emitted from the light guide component 30 onto the annular base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0084] The annular concave surface provided on the light emitting end face 32 has a lens function that refracts light emitted from the light guide member 30 in a way that converges to the annular base end face 61. This is more conducive to the efficient incident of light emitted from the light guide member 30 onto the base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0085] However, in this invention, the shape of the light-emitting end face 32 is not limited to the above. For example, the light-emitting end face 32 may not be annular but a concave curved surface or a flat surface perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 1. The flat surface may also be the light-emitting end face 232 of Embodiment 2 described later (see...). Figure 4BA flat, annular surface, like that. Alternatively, the light-emitting end face 32 can also be a convex surface. The convex surface can also be an annular convex surface. The cross-sectional shape of the annular convex surface along the surface containing the axis of the adapter 1 includes two generally circular arcs that are symmetrical about the axis. The annular convex surface can also be formed by the trajectory obtained when these two generally circular arcs rotate around the axis.

[0086] When the second connecting part 20 is connected to the connector 50, the light guide component 30 is not inserted into the cylindrical component 52, but is axially opposed to the front end of the cylindrical component 52. This simplifies the configuration of the adapter 1. Therefore, the light guide component 30 and the tube 60 can be easily optically coupled using a simple and inexpensive adapter 1.

[0087] The light guide component 30 has a generally frustum-shaped structure where the light incident end face 31 has a larger diameter than the light exit end face 32. The large light incident end face 31 allows more light to enter the light guide component 30. This is beneficial for improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the light guide component 30 may also have a generally cylindrical shape where the side surface 33 is a cylindrical surface with a certain outer diameter in the axial direction.

[0088] In this embodiment 1, an external thread that engages with the internal thread 57 of the connector 50 may also be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting cylinder 21.

[0089] The second connecting portion 20 is configured such that the cylindrical component 52 of the connector 50 is not embedded in the second connecting cylinder 21, but is embedded in the outer cylinder 56. In this case, the inner circumferential surface 23 of the second connecting cylinder 21 is configured to fit into the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 56.

[0090] In this embodiment 1, the base end face 61 of the tube 60 does not need to be precisely at the same position as the front end of the cylindrical member 52 in the axial direction of the connector 50. For example, the base end face 61 can be slightly recessed or protruded from the front end of the cylindrical member 52. In this case, it is also possible for light emitted from the light emitting end face 32 of the light guide member 30 to be incident on the base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0091] (Implementation Method 2)

[0092] Figure 4A This is a perspective view showing the adapter 2 and the connector 250 disposed at the base end of the tube 60 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 4B It is along the plane containing the axis (not shown) of adapter 2 and connector 250. Figure 4A A cross-sectional view. The adapter 2 of this embodiment 2 will be described with a focus on its differences from embodiment 1.

[0093] The adapter 2 has a first connecting portion 10 at one end and a second connecting portion 20 at the other end. The first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 are coaxially arranged. The first connecting portion 10 has a hollow cylindrical first connecting tube 211. Similar to the first connecting tube 11 in Embodiment 1, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 211 is a cylindrical surface with a fixed outer diameter in the axial direction. However, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 211 is not limited to this; for example, it can also be a conical surface whose outer diameter increases toward the front end side or the base end side (second connecting portion 20 side) of the first connecting tube 211. The lens 237 is located at or near the front end of the first connecting tube 211 (the end opposite to the second connecting portion 20) and is coaxially arranged with the first connecting tube 211 to block the opening of the first connecting tube 211.

[0094] The adapter 2 also includes a partition wall 205 that separates the inner cavity of the first connecting cylinder 211 from the inner cavity of the second connecting cylinder 21. The partition wall 205 can be a flat plate perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 2. A hole 206 is provided in the center of the partition wall 205, extending through the partition wall 205 axially. The light guide member 230 is held in the partition wall 205 by blocking the hole 206. The light guide member 230 has an elongated rod shape (generally cylindrical) and extends coaxially with the adapter 2. The light guide member 230 has a light incident end face 231 and a light emitting end face 232 facing opposite sides in the axial direction. The light incident end face 231 faces the front end side of the first connecting portion 10 (opposite to the second connecting portion 20) and is a convex curved surface in this embodiment 2. The light emitting end face 232 faces the side opposite to the first connecting portion 10 and is a flat surface perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 2. More specifically, the light-emitting end face 232 is an annular flat surface surrounding a conical recess 234 coaxial with the adapter 2. The side surface (outer peripheral surface) 233 of the light guide member 230 is slightly enlarged in diameter near the light-emitting end face 232. The light guide member 230 protrudes axially from the second connecting cylinder 21 of the second connecting portion 20. The second connecting cylinder 21 separates radially from the light guide member 230 and surrounds the light guide member 230.

[0095] The adapter 2 consists of three parts: a light guide component 230, a lens 237, and the part other than the light guide component 230 and the lens 237 (the adapter body 201). The adapter body 201 is made of a material with mechanical strength (rigidity) that will not substantially deform due to external forces. The material that can be used in the adapter body 201 of Embodiment 1 can be used as the material of the adapter body 201 of this Embodiment 2.

[0096] The light guide component 230 is made of a light-guiding material, allowing light to enter from the light incident end face 231, pass through the light guide component 230, and exit from the light emitting end face 232. The lens 237 is also made of a light-guiding material, allowing light to enter from the light source 78 (see below)... Figure 5 The emitted light is focused towards the light incident end face 231 of the light guide member 230. The light-guiding material that can be used in the light guide member 30 of Embodiment 1 can be used as the light guide material for both the light guide member 230 and the lens 237. Furthermore, the method for reducing light leakage from the side surface 33 of the light guide member 30 described in Embodiment 1 can also be applied to the light guide member 230.

[0097] There are no limitations on the method of integrating the light guide component 230 and the lens 237 with the adapter body 201. For example, it is possible to use a method in which the light guide component 230 is inserted into the hole 206 of the partition wall 205 and the lens 237 is inserted into the first connecting tube 211 after the light guide component 230, the lens 237 and the adapter body 201 are manufactured separately; or a method in which the other of the light guide component 230 and the lens 237 is inserted into the adapter body 201 after one of the light guide component 230 and the lens 237 and the adapter body 201 are manufactured integrally by two-color molding.

[0098] Connector 250 and tube 60 are the same as connector 50 and tube 60 in Embodiment 1 (see reference). Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B The general structure is similar. However, in this embodiment 2, the base end face 61 of the tube 60 is in a position retracted from the front end of the cylindrical member 52. The base end face 61 faces the front end side of the cylindrical member 52. In this embodiment, the tube 60 is not substantially inserted into the cylindrical member 52. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the tube 60 may also extend into the cylindrical member 52 (i.e., the base end face 61 may also be located inside the cylindrical member 52).

[0099] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector 250 is connected to the light source device 70 via the adapter 2. The light source device 70 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The first connecting portion 10 of the adapter 2 is inserted into the retaining portion 71 until the front end of the first connecting sleeve 211 abuts against the step surface 73. The retaining sleeve 72 positions the first connecting portion 10 (or lens 237) coaxially with the light source 78. The step surface 73 positions the first connecting portion 10 (or lens 237) at a predetermined distance axially from the light source 78. The lens 237 is opposite the light source 78.

[0100] The second connecting portion 20 (or the second connecting cylinder 21) of the adapter 2 is connected to the connector 250 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. The male conical surface 53 of the cylinder component 52 is fitted with the female conical surface 23 of the second connecting cylinder 21. In this Embodiment 2, the light guide component 230 is inserted into the through hole 59 of the cylinder component 52. The light guide component 230 is positioned coaxially with the tube 60. The light emitting end face 232 of the light guide component 230 is axially opposed to the base end face 61 of the tube 60, and is close to, preferably abutting, the base end face 61.

[0101] Light source 78 emits light toward lens 237. Lens 237 focuses the light emitted from light source 78 toward light incident end face 231 of light guide component 230. The light incident toward light incident end face 231 passes through light guide component 230, exits from light exit end face 232, and is incident toward base end face 61 of tube 60.

[0102] The method of using adapter 2 in this embodiment 2 is the same as that in embodiment 1.

[0103] Similar to Embodiment 1, according to Embodiment 2, the tube 60 itself can be used as a light guide, so that the front end 65 of the tube 60 (refer to...) Figure 1 It emits light. Therefore, the position of the front end 65 of the tube 60 can be detected safely, easily, and accurately. There is no need to directly connect the connector 250 to the light source device 70, thus preventing cross-contamination.

[0104] The adapter 2 includes a lens 237 for focusing light from the light-guiding member 230 emitted from the light source 78 at its light-incident end face 231. Therefore, light from the light source 78 can be efficiently incident onto the tube 60. This improves the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60. Furthermore, the aperture of the lens 237 is larger than the diameter of the light-incident end face 231. The large-area lens 237 allows more light from the light-guiding member 30 to be incident. This further improves the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60. However, the invention is not limited to this; the adapter 2 may also include the lens 237. In this case, to ensure efficient incident light from the light-guiding member 230 at its light-incident end face 231 of the light source 78, the light source 78 may include a lens, and / or the light source device 70 may include a lens between the light source 78 and the light-guiding member 230.

[0105] The adapter 2 includes a light guiding member 230 for the base end face 61 of the light guiding tube 60 emitted from the light source 78. Therefore, light from the light source 78 can be efficiently incident into the tube 60. This is beneficial for improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60.

[0106] The light guide component 230 has a light incident end face 231 with a convex curved surface. The convex curved surface refracts light from the light source 78 in a manner that converges on the axis of the light guide component 230. This helps to reduce light leakage from the side surface 233 of the light guide component 230. However, in this invention, the light incident end face 231 may not have a convex curved surface. The light incident end face 231 may also be a flat surface or a concave surface perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 2.

[0107] The light guide component 230 has an annular light emitting end face 232 that is axially opposed to the annular base end face 61 of the tube 60. The annular light emitting end face 232 facilitates the efficient projection of light emitted from the light guide component 30 onto the annular base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0108] The light-emitting end face 232 has an annular flat surface. This is more conducive to ensuring that the light emitted from the light guide component 230 is incident into the tube 60 without any waste.

[0109] However, in this invention, the shape of the light emitting end face 232 is not limited to the above. For example, the light emitting end face 232 may also be a flat surface without the recess 234. Alternatively, the light emitting end face 232 may also be a concave or convex surface. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the light emitting end face 232 along the surface containing the axis of the adapter 2 may include two generally circular arcs that are symmetrical with respect to the axis, and the light emitting end face 232 may also be an annular concave or convex surface formed by the trajectory obtained when the two generally circular arcs are rotated about the axis. Similar to the light emitting end face 32 of Embodiment 1, the light emitting end face 232 may also have a lens function that refracts light emitted from the light guide member 230 in a manner that converges the light to the annular base end face 61.

[0110] At least a portion of the light-emitting end face 232 of the light guide component 230 is preferably axially opposed to the base end face 61 of the tube 60. When viewed along the axis of the adapter 2, a portion of the light-emitting end face 232 protrudes radially outward or inward from the base end face 61; alternatively, a portion of the base end face 61 may also protrude radially outward or inward from the light-emitting end face 232. The inner and outer diameters of the light-emitting end face 232 are preferably the same as those of the base end face 61, but may differ. The light-emitting end face 232 is preferably coaxial with respect to the base end face 61, but may also be eccentric. The light-emitting end face 232 is preferably circular, but may also be non-circular (e.g., elliptical). The base end face 61 of the tube 60 is preferably circular, but may also be deformed into a non-circular shape (e.g., elliptical).

[0111] The light guide component 230 may not have its diameter increased near the light emission end face 232. The light guide component 230 may have a certain diameter or a reduced diameter near the light emission end face 232.

[0112] When the second connecting part 20 is connected to the connector 250, the light guide member 230 is inserted into the through hole 59 of the cylindrical member 52. In this embodiment 2, unlike embodiment 1, the base end face 61 of the tube 60 can also be retracted from the front end of the cylindrical member 52. Therefore, regardless of the inner diameter of the tube 60, the opening diameter of the flow path (through hole 59) at the front end of the cylindrical member 52 (hereinafter referred to as the "front opening diameter") can be made to match the male connector (hereinafter referred to as the "conventional male connector") provided at the base end of a conventional transnasal tube used in the transnasal nutrition method. For example, see Patent Document 2. Figure 4A , Figure 4B The opening diameters are the same. It is easy to configure the connector 250 (especially the connector part 51) of the application adapter 2 to be interchangeable with existing male connectors.

[0113] However, the adapter 2 of this embodiment 2 can also be applied to the connector 50 of the tube 60 extending to the front end of the cylindrical member 52 as described in embodiment 1 (see...). Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B In this case, the protrusion length of the light guide component 230 into the second connecting cylinder 21 is shortened. When connecting the second connecting part 20 to the connector 50, similar to Embodiment 1, the light guide component 230 is not inserted into the through hole 59 of the cylinder component 52, and the light emitting end face 232 is opposite to the base end face 61 (or the front end of the cylinder component 52).

[0114] The light guide component 230 may also protrude into the inner cavity of the first connecting cylinder 211 so that the light incident end face 231 is close to the light source 78. The portion inside the first connecting cylinder 211 of the light guide component 230 may also have the same approximately frustum-conical shape as the light guide component 30 of Embodiment 1. Thus, more light can be incident on the light guide component 230 via the large area light incident end face 231.

[0115] This embodiment 2 is the same as embodiment 1 except as described above. The description of embodiment 1 can also be applied to this embodiment 2.

[0116] (Implementation Method 3)

[0117] Figure 6A This is a perspective view showing the adapter 3 and the connector 250 provided at the base end of the tube 60 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 6B It is along the plane containing the axis (not shown) of adapter 3 and connector 250. Figure 6A A cross-sectional view. The adapter 3 of this embodiment 3 will be described with a focus on its differences from embodiments 1 and 2.

[0118] The adapter 3 has a first connecting portion 10 at one end and a second connecting portion 20 at the other end. The first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 are coaxially arranged. The first connecting portion 10 has a hollow cylindrical first connecting tube 311. Similar to the first connecting tube 11 in Embodiment 1, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 311 is a cylindrical surface with a fixed outer diameter in the axial direction. However, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 311 is not limited to this; for example, it may be a conical surface whose outer diameter increases toward the front end side or the base end side (second connecting portion 20 side) of the first connecting tube 311.

[0119] The adapter 3 also includes a light guide component 330. The light guide component 330 has an elongated rod shape (approximately cylindrical) and extends coaxially with the adapter 3. The light guide component 330 has a light incident end face 331 and a light emitting end face 332 facing opposite sides in the axial direction, and a side surface 333 connecting the light incident end face 331 and the light emitting end face 332. Both the light incident end face 331 and the light emitting end face 332 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 3. The light incident end face 331 faces the front end side of the first connecting portion 10 (opposite to the second connecting portion 20), and the light emitting end face 332 faces the side opposite to the first connecting portion 10. The side surface 333 is a cylindrical surface with a fixed outer diameter in the axial direction. The light guide component 330 is embedded in the first connecting cylinder 311 with the side surface 333 in a substantially seamless fit against the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting cylinder 311. The light incident end face 331 forms a plane that is common to the front end face 312 of the first connecting part 10 (or the first connecting tube 311). The light guide member 330 protrudes axially from the second connecting tube 21 of the second connecting part 20 toward the side opposite to the first connecting part 10. The second connecting tube 21 separates radially from the light guide member 330 and surrounds the light guide member 330.

[0120] The adapter 3 consists of two parts: a light guide component 330 and a portion other than the light guide component 330 (the adapter body 301). The adapter body 301 is made of a material with mechanical strength (rigidity) that will not substantially deform due to external forces. The material that can be used in the adapter body 301 of Embodiment 1 can be used as the material of the adapter body 301 of this Embodiment 3.

[0121] The light guide member 330 is made of a light-guiding material, allowing light to enter from the light incident end face 331, pass through the light guide member 330, and exit from the light emitting end face 332. The light-guiding material applicable to the light guide member 30 of Embodiment 1 can be used as the light guide material of the light guide member 330. Furthermore, the method for reducing light leakage from the side surface 33 of the light guide member 30 described in Embodiment 1 can also be applied to the light guide member 330 in the same way.

[0122] There are no limitations on the method of integrating the light guide component 330 with the adapter body 301. For example, it is possible to use: after separately manufacturing the light guide component 330 and the adapter body 301, embed the light guide component 330 into the first connecting tube 311 of the adapter body 301; or to manufacture one of the light guide component 330 and the adapter body 301, and then integrate the other with the first one by two-color molding, etc.

[0123] Connector 250 and tube 60 are the same as those in Embodiment 2 (see reference). Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B )same.

[0124] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector 250 is connected to the light source device 70 via the adapter 3. The light source device 70 is the same as in Embodiment 1. The first connecting portion 10 of the adapter 3 is inserted into the retaining portion 71 until the front end of the first connecting sleeve 311 abuts against the step surface 73. The retaining sleeve 72 positions the first connecting portion 10 (or the light guide member 330) coaxial with the light source 78. The step surface 73 positions the first connecting portion 10 (or the light guide member 330) at a predetermined distance axially from the light source 78. The light incident end face 331 of the light guide member 330 faces the light source 78.

[0125] The second connecting portion 20 (or the second connecting cylinder 21) of the adapter 3 is connected to the connector 250 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. The male conical surface 53 of the cylinder component 52 is fitted with the female conical surface 23 of the second connecting cylinder 21. Similar to Embodiment 2, the light guide component 330 is inserted into the through hole 59 of the cylinder component 52. The light guide component 330 is positioned coaxially with the tube 60. The light emitting end face 332 of the light guide component 330 is axially opposed to the base end face 61 of the tube 60, and is close to, preferably abutting, the base end face 61.

[0126] The light source 78 emits light toward the light incident end face 331 of the light guide component 330. The light emitted from the light source 78 enters the light incident end face 331, passes through the light guide component 330, exits from the light exit end face 332, and enters the base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0127] The method of using adapter 3 in this embodiment 3 is the same as that in embodiment 1.

[0128] Similar to Embodiment 1, in Embodiment 3, the tube 60 itself can be used as a light guide, so that the front end 65 of the tube 60 (refer to...) Figure 1 It emits light. Therefore, the position of the front end 65 of the tube 60 can be detected safely, easily, and accurately. There is no need to directly connect the connector 250 to the light source device 70, thus preventing cross-contamination.

[0129] The adapter 3 includes a light guiding member 330 for the base end face 61 of the light guiding tube 60 emitted from the light source 78. Therefore, light from the light source 78 can be efficiently incident into the tube 60. This is beneficial for improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60.

[0130] The light guide component 330 has a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical side surface 333 and flat end surfaces 331 and 332. This simple rod shape makes the light guide component 330 easier to manufacture. This contributes to the cost reduction of the adapter 3.

[0131] However, in this invention, the shape of the light guide component 330 is not limited to the above.

[0132] For example, the light incident end face 331 can be a convex curved surface, the same as the light incident end face 231 in Embodiment 2, or it can be a concave curved surface. The light emitting end face 332 can be a flat annular surface with a central recess 234, the same as the light emitting end face 232 in Embodiment 2. Alternatively, the light emitting end face 332 can be a concave or convex curved surface, as described in Embodiment 2, that can be applied to the light emitting end face 232. Similar to the light emitting end face 32 in Embodiment 1, the light emitting end face 332 can have a lens function that refracts light emitted from the light guide member 330 by converging it onto the annular base end face 61.

[0133] The side surface 333 of the light guide member 330 may also have a shape other than a cylindrical surface. For example, the light guide member 330 may also have a generally frustum-shaped structure within the first connecting tube 311, with its diameter increasing toward the light incident end face 331. In this case, similar to the light guide member 30 of Embodiment 1, the light incident end face 331 has a larger area than the light emitting end face 332. This is beneficial for improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60. Alternatively, the light guide member 330 may also be located near the light emitting end face 332, similar to the light guide member 230 of Embodiment 2 (see Figure 2). Figure 4B Similarly, the diameter can be expanded or reduced.

[0134] Adapter 3 does not have the lens 237 of adapter 2 in embodiment 2 (see reference). Figure 4B , Figure 5 Therefore, the number of components constituting adapter 3 is reduced. Adapter 3 has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture. This contributes to the cost reduction of adapter 3.

[0135] In addition, in order to enable the light incident end face 331 of the light guide component 330 from the light source 78 to be efficiently incident, the light source 78 may also be equipped with a lens, and / or the light source device 70 may also be equipped with a lens between the light source 78 and the light guide component 330.

[0136] In this embodiment 3, the light incident end face 331 is positioned at the same axial position as the front end face 312 of the first connecting part 10 (first connecting cylinder 311), but the present invention is not limited to this. The light incident end face 331 may also protrude or recede axially relative to the front end of the first connecting cylinder 311.

[0137] The first connecting cylinder 311 does not need to be in close contact with the side 333 of the light guide component 330. For example, the first connecting cylinder 311 can also have a hollow cylindrical shape, like the first connecting cylinder 211 in Embodiment 2, and be radially separated from the side 333 of the light guide component 330.

[0138] At least a portion of the light-emitting end face 332 of the light guide component 330 is preferably axially opposed to the base end face 61 of the tube 60. When viewed along the axis of the adapter 3, a portion of the light-emitting end face 332 may protrude radially outward from the base end face 61, and a portion of the base end face 61 may also protrude radially outward from the light-emitting end face 332. The outer diameter of the light-emitting end face 332 is preferably the same as the outer diameter of the base end face 61, but may be different. The light-emitting end face 332 is preferably coaxial with respect to the base end face 61, but may be eccentric. The light-emitting end face 332 is preferably circular, but may also be non-circular (e.g., elliptical). The base end face 61 of the tube 60 is preferably circular, but may also be deformed into a non-circular shape (e.g., elliptical).

[0139] Similar to Embodiment 2, when connecting the second connecting portion 20 to the connector 250, the light guide member 330 is inserted into the through hole 59 of the cylindrical member 52. Therefore, regardless of the inner diameter of the tube 60, the opening diameter (front opening diameter) of the flow path (through hole 59) at the front end of the cylindrical member 52 can be matched with the male connector (existing male connector, for example, see Patent Document 2) provided at the base of a conventional transnasal tube used in the transnasal nutrition method. Figure 4A , Figure 4B The opening diameter is the same. It is easy to configure the connector 250 (especially the connector part 51) of the application adapter 3 to be interchangeable with existing male connectors.

[0140] However, the adapter 3 of this embodiment 3 can also be applied to the connector 50 of the tube 60 extending to the front end of the cylindrical member 52 as described in embodiment 1 (see...). Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B In this case, the protruding length of the light guide component 330 into the second connecting cylinder 21 is shortened. When the second connecting part 20 is connected to the connector 50, similar to Embodiment 1, the light guide component 330 is not inserted into the through hole 59 of the cylinder component 52, and the light emitting end face 332 is opposite to the base end face 61 (or the front end of the cylinder component 52).

[0141] This embodiment 3 is the same as embodiment 1 and 2 except as described above. The descriptions of embodiment 1 and 2 that can be applied to this embodiment 3 can also be applied to this embodiment 3.

[0142] (Implementation Method 4)

[0143] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector 450 is connected to the light source device 70 via the adapter 4 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The adapter 4 is substantially the same as the adapter 2 of Embodiment 2. The light source device 70 is the same as that of Embodiments 1 to 3. The connector 450 of this Embodiment 4 does not have the outer cylinder 56, internal thread 57, and flange 55 provided with the connector 250 of Embodiment 2. The cylindrical part 452 of the connector 450 is embedded in the second connecting cylinder 21, and the adapter 4 (especially the second connecting part 20) is connected to the connector part 451 (especially the cylindrical part 452) by the friction between the two.

[0144] In embodiment 2, the connector portion 51 is configured to connect with a conventional male connector used in the tubular nutrition method (e.g., refer to Patent Document 2). Figure 4A , Figure 4B It is interchangeable. In contrast, in this embodiment 4, the connector part 451 can also be a female connector having a cylindrical part 452 as a female part. In this case, any male part can be inserted and removed relative to the inner cavity (through hole 59) of the cylindrical part 452. A female conical surface with an increased inner diameter towards the front end of the cylindrical part 452 can also be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical part 452. The female conical surface is configured to fit into the male conical surface provided on the outer peripheral surface of the male part. The tube 60 of the connector 450 having the female connector 451 can also be used, for example, as a urethral catheter or an endotracheal catheter.

[0145] This embodiment 4 is the same as embodiment 2 except as described above. The description of embodiment 2 (and further, the description of embodiment 1, which can be applied to embodiment 2) can also be applied to this embodiment 4. The adapter 3 of embodiment 3 can also be connected to the connector 450.

[0146] (Implementation Method 5)

[0147] Figure 9A This is a perspective view showing the adapter 5 and the connector 50 provided at the base end of the tube 60 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 9B as well as Figure 9C It is along the plane containing the axis (not shown) of adapter 5. Figure 9A Cross-sectional view. Figure 9B cross section and Figure 9CThe cross section is orthogonal to the axis of adapter 5. The adapter 5 of this embodiment 5 will be described with a focus on its differences from embodiments 1 to 3.

[0148] The adapter 5 has a first connecting portion 10 at one end and a second connecting portion 20 at the other end. The first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 are coaxially arranged. The first connecting portion 10 has a hollow cylindrical first connecting tube 511. Similar to the first connecting tube 11 in Embodiment 1, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 511 is a cylindrical surface with a fixed outer diameter in the axial direction. However, the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 511 is not limited to this; for example, it can be a conical surface whose outer diameter increases towards the front end side or the base end side (second connecting portion 20 side) of the first connecting tube 511. An annular recess (annular groove) 515 is provided along the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting tube 511.

[0149] The first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 are axially separated, and an intermediate portion 40 is provided between them. The intermediate portion 40 has a hollow cylindrical intermediate cylinder 41. A through hole is provided on the first connecting cylinder 511 and the intermediate cylinder 41, which is continuous along the axis of the adapter 5. The outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 40 (or the intermediate cylinder 41) is unrestricted, but is a cylindrical surface with approximately the same diameter as the first connecting cylinder 511. However, on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 40, a tapered surface 43 and a pair of gripping surfaces 45 are provided by cutting (or cutting) the cylindrical surface of the intermediate portion 40. Figure 9C The conical surface 43 is a conical surface whose outer diameter decreases towards the second connecting portion 20. A pair of gripping surfaces 45 are axially symmetrical with respect to the adapter 5. Each gripping surface 45 is formed by a first flat surface 45a on the side of the first connecting portion 10 and a second flat surface 45b on the side of the second connecting portion 20. The pair of first flat surfaces 45a are inclined in a manner that decreases towards the first connecting portion 10 at the interval between them. The pair of second flat surfaces 45b are parallel to each other. A raised surface (first raised surface) 46 is provided adjacent to the first flat surface 45a on the side of the first connecting portion 10. The raised surface 46 is inclined in a manner that protrudes towards the side of the first connecting portion 10 and radially outward. For the conical surface 43 and the second flat surface 45b, a raised surface (second raised surface) 47 is provided adjacent to the side of the second connecting portion 20. The raised surface 47 is inclined in a manner that protrudes towards the side of the second connecting portion 20 and radially outward. The raised surface 47 is continuous in a ring shape throughout the entire circumference.

[0150] The adapter 5 also includes a light guide member 530. The light guide member 530 has an elongated rod shape (generally cylindrical) and extends coaxially with the adapter 5. The light guide member 530 has a light incident end face 531 and a light emitting end face 532 facing opposite sides in the axial direction, and a side surface 533 connecting the light incident end face 531 and the light emitting end face 532. Both the light incident end face 531 and the light emitting end face 532 are flat surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 5. The light incident end face 531 faces the side opposite to the second connecting portion 20, and in this embodiment 5, it is a flat surface perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 5. Unlike embodiment 3, the light guide member 530 protrudes axially from the front end face 512 of the first connecting portion 10 (or the first connecting cylinder 511). The light emitting end face 532 faces the side opposite to the first connecting portion 10. Unlike embodiment 3, the light guide member 530 does not substantially protrude into the second connecting cylinder 21. Side 533 is a cylindrical surface with a fixed outer diameter in the axial direction. The side 533 of the light guide component 530 (except for the portion protruding from the front end face 512) is substantially in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the adapter body 501 without gap, and is embedded in the adapter body 501.

[0151] The adapter 5 consists of two parts: a light guide component 530 and a portion other than the light guide component 530 (the adapter body 501). The adapter body 501 is made of a material with mechanical strength (rigidity) that will not substantially deform due to external forces. The material that can be used in the adapter body 101 of Embodiment 1 can be used as the material of the adapter body 501 of this Embodiment 5.

[0152] The light guide member 530 is made of a light-guiding material so that light can enter from the light incident end face 531, pass through the light guide member 530, and exit from the light emitting end face 532. The light-guiding material that can be used in the light guide member 30 of Embodiment 1 can be used as the light guide material of the light guide member 530. Furthermore, the method for reducing light leakage from the side surface 33 of the light guide member 30 described in Embodiment 1 can also be applied to the light guide member 530.

[0153] There are no limitations on the method of integrating the light guide component 530 with the adapter body 501. For example, it is possible to use a method in which the light guide component 530 is embedded in the through hole of the adapter body 501 after the light guide component 530 and the adapter body 501 are manufactured separately; or to manufacture one of the light guide component 530 and the adapter body 501 and then integrate the other with the first one by two-color molding.

[0154] Connector 50 and tube 60 are the same as those in Embodiment 1 (see reference). Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B )same.

[0155] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connector 50 is connected to the light source device 570 via the adapter 5.

[0156] The light source device 570 includes a holding portion 571 that houses and holds the first connecting portion 10 (first connecting cylinder 511), and a light source 78 disposed at a depth deeper than the holding portion 571. The holding portion 571 includes a holding cylinder 572 and a base plate 573. The inner circumferential surface of the holding cylinder 572 is a cylindrical surface with approximately the same diameter as the first connecting cylinder 511. Four protrusions 575 (in) protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the holding cylinder 572. Figure 10 Only two protrusions 575 are visible in the image. The four protrusions 575 are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The base plate 573 is configured to protrude radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the retaining cylinder 572 at a predetermined distance from the open end of the retaining cylinder 572. A through hole 576 is provided in the center of the base plate 573, extending axially through the base plate 573. The light source 78 is coaxially arranged with the through hole 576 (or the retaining part 571). The first connecting part 10 of the adapter 5 is inserted into the retaining part 571 until the front end face 512 of the first connecting cylinder 511 abuts against or approaches the base plate 573. The protrusions 575 of the retaining cylinder 572 are embedded in the annular recesses 515 of the first connecting part 10 (or the first connecting cylinder 511), thereby securing the adapter 5 to the light source device 570. The protrusion 575 and / or the base plate 573 position the first connecting portion 10 (or light guide component 530) at a predetermined axial distance from the light source 78. The light guide component 530, protruding from the front end face 512 of the first connecting portion 10 (first connecting cylinder 511), is embedded in the through hole 576 of the base plate 573. The inner circumferential surface of the through hole 576, which defines the through hole 576, positions the light guide component 530 coaxially with the light source 78. The light incident end face 531 of the light guide component 530 faces the light source 78.

[0157] The second connecting portion 20 (or the second connecting cylinder 21) of the adapter 5 is connected to the connector 50 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. The male conical surface 53 of the cylinder component 52 is fitted with the female conical surface 23 of the second connecting cylinder 21. The light emitting end face 532 of the light guide component 530 is axially opposed to the base end face 61 of the tube 60 and is close to, preferably abutting, the base end face 61.

[0158] The light source 78 emits light toward the light incident end face 531 of the light guide component 530. The light emitted from the light source 78 enters the light incident end face 531, passes through the light guide component 530, exits from the light exit end face 532, and enters the base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0159] The method of using adapter 5 in this embodiment 5 is the same as that in embodiment 1.

[0160] Similar to Embodiment 1, according to Embodiment 5, the tube 60 itself can be used as a light guide path, so that the front end 65 of the tube 60 (refer to...) Figure 1 It emits light. Therefore, the position of the front end 65 of the tube 60 can be detected safely, easily, and accurately. There is no need to directly connect the connector 50 to the light source device 70, thus preventing cross-contamination.

[0161] The adapter 5 includes a light guiding member 530 for the base end face 61 of the light guiding tube 60 emitted from the light source 78. Therefore, light from the light source 78 can be efficiently incident into the tube 60. This is beneficial for improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60.

[0162] The side surface 533 of the light guide component 530 protrudes from the front end face 512 of the first connecting portion 10 (first connecting cylinder 511). The protruding side surface 533 of the light guide component 530 is radially opposed to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 576 that defines the through hole 576 of the light source device 570. Thus, the light guide component 530 is axially aligned with the light source 78 (see reference). Figure 10 By using a light guide member 530 with a light incident end face 531 for light to be incident from the light source 78, axial alignment can be performed, thus reducing the eccentricity of the light guide member 530 (or the light incident end face 531) relative to the light source 78. This increases the amount of light incident on the light guide member 530, thereby improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60.

[0163] In this embodiment 5, the side surface 533 of the light guide member 530 protruding from the front end face 512 is a cylindrical surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 576 is also a cylindrical surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the side surface 533 of the light guide member 530 protruding from the front end face 512 may also be a conical surface (conical surface) whose outer diameter decreases as it approaches the light incident end face 531. Based on this or instead, the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 576 may also be a conical surface (conical surface) whose inner diameter increases as it moves away from the light source 78. In these cases, the light guide member 530 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 576 are fitted with a cylindrical surface and a conical surface, or with a conical surface and a conical surface (so-called conical surface fitting). This is beneficial to reduce the eccentricity of the light guide member 530 (or the light incident end face 531) relative to the light source 78.

[0164] In this embodiment 5, the light guide member 530 may not protrude from the front end face 512 of the first connecting portion 10. In this case, the first connecting portion 10 (or the light guide member 530) is axially aligned with the light source 78 in the same manner as in embodiment 1.

[0165] When the adapter 5 (first connecting part 10) is connected to the light source device 570, the protrusion 575 of the light source device 570 engages with the annular recess 515 of the adapter 5. This helps prevent the adapter 5 from falling off the light source device 570 when a pulling force is applied between the adapter 5 and the light source device 570, maintaining a stable connection between the adapter 5 and the light source device 570. Axial movement (especially separation) of the adapter 5 relative to the light source device 570 is prevented, and the adapter 5 is positioned and held in a predetermined axial position on the light source device 570. By sensing the click sensation (or click sound) produced when this engagement is fully realized, the user can easily confirm that the adapter 5 (first connecting part 10) is properly connected to the light source device 570.

[0166] The recess 515 extends continuously in a ring shape throughout the entire circumference, therefore, when connecting the adapter 5 to the light source device 570, alignment of the adapter 5's rotational direction relative to the light source device 570 is not required. Thus, the adapter 5 can be connected to the light source device 570 simply by inserting the first connecting portion 10 of the adapter 5 into the light source device 570. Furthermore, after connecting the adapter 5 to the light source device 570, the light source device 570 can be rotated relative to the adapter 5. Therefore, the rotational direction position of the light source device 570 can be adjusted without causing twisting of the tube 60.

[0167] In this embodiment 5, the engaging structure provided on the adapter 5 and the light source device 570 consists of a protrusion 575 and an annular recess 515. However, the engaging structure of the present invention is not limited to this. Generally, the engaging structures provided on the adapter and the light source device can also be mutually engaging protrusions and recesses, or mutually engaging protrusions and protrusions. When the engaging structure is composed of protrusions and recesses, either a protrusion or a recess can be provided on the adapter. The protrusion and / or recess can extend in an annular shape throughout the entire circumference, or it can be interrupted in the circumferential direction (i.e., non-annular). The number of non-annular protrusions and / or recesses can be one or more. The protrusion and / or recess can also be supported by elastically deformable components (e.g., compression coil springs, bending and deformable arms) and be movable (e.g., radially).

[0168] In this embodiment 5, the engaging structure (protrusion 575 and annular recess 515) may not be provided on the adapter 5 and the light source device 570. The adapter and the light source device in embodiments 1 to 4 may also be provided with the same engaging structure as in this embodiment 5.

[0169] The adapter 5 has an intermediate portion 40 between the first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20. As per the... Figure 10 and Figure 3As can be seen from the comparison, in this embodiment 5, when the connector 50 is connected to the light source device 570 via the adapter 5, the connector 50 is separated from the light source device 570, and the middle portion 40 is exposed to the outside. During the operation of the adapter 5, the user can hold the middle portion 40. As a result, the possibility of the user coming into contact with the first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 is reduced. This helps to reduce the possibility of the first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 being contaminated by the user's fingers.

[0170] When the user holds the middle portion 40 with their fingers, the user can also hold the grip surface 45 with their fingers. In this case, the adapter 5 can be held stably, and it is also easy to apply axial force and / or rotational force about the axis to the adapter 5. In this embodiment 5, two grip surfaces 45 are provided symmetrically on the middle portion 40. However, the grip surfaces of the present invention are not limited to this. The number of grip surfaces is not limited to two, and may be more than that. Generally, it is preferred that the even number of grip surfaces are configured to form regular polygons (e.g., regular quadrilaterals, regular hexagons, etc.) in the cross-section of the plane perpendicular to the axis of the adapter 5.

[0171] The gripping surface 45 is preferably a flat surface. However, the gripping surface is not limited to a standard flat surface. For example, the gripping surface can also be a convex or concave curved surface. Multiple ribs, multiple protrusions, etc., for anti-slip purposes can also be provided on the gripping surface. The gripping surface is preferably configured to be distinguishable from the outer peripheral surface (cylindrical or conical surface) of the middle portion 40.

[0172] In this embodiment 5, each gripping surface 45 is composed of two flat surfaces 45a and 45b with different slopes. However, the gripping surfaces of the present invention are not limited to this. Each gripping surface may be composed of a single surface or three or more surfaces. In a cross-section including the shaft of the adapter 5, the surfaces constituting the gripping surfaces may be parallel or inclined relative to the shaft of the adapter 5.

[0173] In this embodiment 5, the gripping surface 45 is provided such that the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion 40 is cut out. However, the gripping surface of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gripping surface may also be provided to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion 40. In addition, it may also be provided with a pair of plates (see reference) protruding from the base tube 58 of the connector 50. Figure 9A Similarly, a pair of plates parallel to the axis of adapter 5 are configured to protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion 40, and the surface of the plate is used as a gripping surface.

[0174] The raised surfaces 46 and 47 adjacent to the gripping surface 45 function as a "grip position limiting structure" to axially restrict the position of the fingers gripping the middle portion 40, preventing the fingers gripping the gripping surface 45 from protruding axially from the gripping surface 45. As a grip position limiting structure, the raised surfaces 46 and 47 facilitate the application of axial force to the adapter 5 when connecting the adapter 5 to the connector 50 and the light source device 570. Furthermore, during operation of the adapter 5, the raised surfaces 46 and 47 reduce the likelihood of the user coming into contact with the first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20, thereby reducing the possibility of the first connecting portion 10 and the second connecting portion 20 being contaminated by the user's fingers.

[0175] The slope of the raised surfaces 46 and 47 in the cross-section of the shaft including adapter 5 relative to the shaft is arbitrary. The raised surfaces 46 and 47 preferably extend circumferentially, but may also extend continuously in a ring shape throughout the entire circumference. The raised surfaces 46 and 47 are preferably axially adjacent to the area where fingers are used to grip (gripping surface 45). In this embodiment 5, the gripping surface 45 may be omitted, and the raised surfaces 46 and 47 may be provided axially opposite and separate on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion 40. In this case, the raised surfaces 46 and 47 also function as a gripping position limiting structure.

[0176] In this embodiment 5, one or both of the raised surfaces 46 and 47 may not be provided on the adapter 5. Additionally, the conical surface 43 may not be provided on the adapter 5.

[0177] The middle portion 40 of this embodiment 5 can also be applied to the adapters 1 to 4 of embodiments 1 to 4. In this case, the gripping surface and / or raised surface of this embodiment 5 can also be provided in the middle portion 40 of the adapters 1 to 4.

[0178] The light guide component 530 has a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical side surface 533 and flat end surfaces 531 and 532. This simple rod shape makes the light guide component 530 easier to manufacture. This contributes to the cost reduction of the adapter 5.

[0179] However, in this invention, the shape of the light guide component 530 is not limited to the above.

[0180] For example, the light incident end face 531 can be a convex curved surface, the same as the light incident end face 231 in Embodiment 2, or it can be a concave curved surface. The light emitting end face 532 can also be a flat annular surface with a central recess 234, the same as the light emitting end face 232 in Embodiment 2. Alternatively, the light emitting end face 532 can also be a concave or convex curved surface, as described in Embodiment 2, that can be applied to the light emitting end face 232. Similar to the light emitting end face 32 in Embodiment 1, the light emitting end face 532 can also have a lens function that refracts light emitted from the light guide member 530 in a way that converges it to the annular base end face 61.

[0181] The side surface 533 of the light guide member 530 may also have a shape other than a cylindrical surface. For example, the light guide member 530 may also have a generally frustum-shaped structure within the adapter body 501 (or the first connecting tube 511) where the diameter increases toward the light incident end face 531. In this case, similar to the light guide member 30 of Embodiment 1, the light incident end face 531 has a larger area than the light emitting end face 532. This is beneficial for improving the brightness (beam) of the front end 65 of the tube 60. However, even in this case, the side surface 533 of the light guide member 530 protruding from the front end face 512 is preferably a cylindrical surface, as described above, or a conical surface (conical surface) where the outer diameter decreases as it approaches the light incident end face 531.

[0182] The cross-sectional shape of the light guide component 530 along the plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the light guide component 530 is not limited to a circle. The cross-sectional shape of the light guide component 530 can also be elliptical, polygonal (e.g., triangle, quadrilateral, hexagon; the corners of the polygon can also be chamfered by arcs or straight lines), or a shape formed by connecting the two ends of an arc (which may not be a standard arc) with a straight line, etc. The cross-sectional shape of the light guide component 530 does not need to be constant along the axial direction of the light guide component 530 and can also vary.

[0183] Adapter 5 may also lack the lens 237 present in adapter 2 of embodiment 2 (see reference). Figure 4B , Figure 5 Therefore, the number of components constituting adapter 5 is reduced. Adapter 5 has a simple structure and is easier to manufacture. This contributes to the cost reduction of adapter 5.

[0184] In addition, in order to enable efficient light incident at the light-guiding end face 531 of the light source 78, the light source 78 may also be equipped with a lens and / or the light source device 570 may also be equipped with a lens between the light source 78 and the light guide component 530.

[0185] The first connecting cylinder 511 and the intermediate cylinder 41 do not need to be in close contact with the side 533 of the light guide component 530. For example, the first connecting cylinder 511 and / or the intermediate cylinder 41 can also be radially separated from the side 533 of the light guide component 530.

[0186] At least a portion of the light-emitting end face 532 of the light guide component 530 is preferably axially opposed to the base end face 61 of the tube 60. When viewed along the axis of the adapter 5, a portion of the light-emitting end face 532 may also protrude radially outward from the base end face 61, and a portion of the base end face 61 may also protrude radially outward from the light-emitting end face 532. The outer diameter of the light-emitting end face 532 is preferably the same as the outer diameter of the base end face 61, but may be different. The light-emitting end face 532 is preferably coaxial with respect to the base end face 61, but may be eccentric. The light-emitting end face 532 is preferably circular, but may also be non-circular (e.g., elliptical). The base end face 61 of the tube 60 is preferably circular, but may also be deformed into a non-circular shape (e.g., elliptical, polygonal (e.g., triangular, quadrilateral, hexagonal. The angles of the polygon may also be curved into arcs)).

[0187] Similar to Embodiment 1, when the second connecting portion 20 is connected to the connector 50, the light guide member 530 is not inserted into the cylindrical member 52. The light guide member 530 may also be axially opposed to the front end of the cylindrical member 52. This facilitates the simplification of the adapter 5's configuration. Therefore, using a simple and inexpensive adapter 5, the light guide member 530 can be easily optically coupled to the tube 60.

[0188] However, the adapter 5 of this embodiment 5 can also be configured to connect with the connector 250 of embodiments 2 and 3, and the connector 450 of embodiment 4. In this case, the light guide member 530 can also be configured as a through hole 59 inserted into the cylindrical member 52 of the connector (250, 450). The light emitting end face 532 and its vicinity can also be configured in the same way as the light guide members of embodiments 2 to 4.

[0189] This embodiment 5 is the same as embodiments 1 to 4 except as described above. The descriptions of embodiments 1 to 4 that can be applied to this embodiment 5 can also be applied to this embodiment 5.

[0190] The embodiments 1 to 5 described above are merely illustrative. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments 1 to 5 described above, and can be appropriately modified.

[0191] The connection structure between the adapter and the light source device of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments 1 to 5 described above. In embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the retaining sleeve (72, 572) of the light source device (70, 570) is configured such that the first connecting sleeve (11, 211, 311, 511) is embedded in the retaining sleeve (72, 572), but the present invention is not limited to this. The light source device may also not have a retaining sleeve (72, 572) for the first connecting sleeve (11, 211, 311, 511) to be embedded in. In this case, the adapter can be connected to the light source device when the front end of the first connecting sleeve (11, 211, 311, 511) abuts against a flat surface provided on the light source device that is equivalent to the stepped surface 73 or the base plate 573. The flat surface positions the first connecting part 10 (or the light guide member (30, 230, 330, 530)) at a predetermined distance from the light source 78 in the axial direction. Light source devices without retaining sleeves (72, 572) have a simple structure and are easier to manufacture. There are no restrictions on the method for maintaining the connection state of the adapter with respect to the light source device; for example, the method of using an elastic band or the method of using magnetic attraction can be arbitrarily selected.

[0192] The connection structure of the adapter and connector of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments 1 to 5 described above. In embodiments 1 to 5, the female conical surface 23 of the second connecting portion 20 of the adapter engages with the male conical surface 53 of the connector. However, the second connecting portion 20 may also have a engagement structure that engages with the connector through an engagement method other than conical surface engagement. For example, the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting cylinder 21 may have a female conical surface or a cylindrical surface having a different cone angle than the male conical surface 53 of the connector. Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical component (52, 452) of the connector may also have a cylindrical surface. Even in this case, the inner peripheral surface of the second connecting cylinder 21 can engage with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical component (52, 452) through an engagement method other than conical surface engagement. In addition, the second connecting portion 20 of the adapter may also be configured to engage with a portion other than the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical component (52, 452) of the connector.

[0193] The light guiding components (30, 230, 330, 530) can also be composed of one or more optical fibers (fiber bundles) generally along the axis of the adapter. In this case, after the light from the light source 78 passes through one or more optical fibers, it is incident on the base end face 61 of the tube 60.

[0194] In this invention, the phrase "the light guide tube extends from the base tube of the connector toward the side opposite to the cylindrical component" means that the tube 60 extends from the base tube 58 in appearance, and does not mean that the base end face 61 of the tube 60 is located inside the base tube 58. That is, in this invention, the insertion depth of the tube 60 relative to the connector is arbitrary. For example, in embodiments 2 to 4, the tube 60 may be inserted deeper into the connectors 250, 350, and 450 until the base end face 61 is located inside the cylindrical components 52 and 452.

[0195] The inner diameter of the through hole 59 of the connector cylindrical component to which the adapter of the present invention is connected can be fixed or variable in the axial direction of the connector. The diameter (inner diameter and / or outer diameter) of the tube 60 can be fixed or variable within the connector.

[0196] Industrial availability

[0197] This invention can be widely used as an adapter for connecting a connector located at the base of a medical tube inserted into a patient to a light source device.

[0198] Explanation of symbols

[0199] Adapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

[0200] 10 First connecting part

[0201] 11, 211, 311, 511 First connecting cylinder

[0202] 312, 512 The front end face of the first connecting part (first connecting cylinder)

[0203] 20 Second connecting part

[0204] 21 Second connecting cylinder (fitting structure)

[0205] 30, 230, 330, 530 light guide components

[0206] 31, 231, 331, 531 light incident end face

[0207] 32, 232, 332, 532 light emission end face

[0208] 33, 533 Side of light guide component

[0209] 40 Middle section

[0210] 45. Holding surface

[0211] 46 and 47 raised surfaces (position-restricting structures)

[0212] 50, 250, 450 connectors

[0213] 52, 452 cylinder components

[0214] 56 outer cylinder

[0215] 57 Internal Thread

[0216] 58 base tube

[0217] 60 tubes (light guide tubes)

[0218] 61. Base end face of the tube

[0219] 65mm tube front end

[0220] 69 tube flow path

[0221] 70 Light source device

[0222] 237 Lens

[0223] 515 Annular Recess (Interlocking Structure)

[0224] 575 protrusion (interlocking structure)

Claims

1. An adapter for connecting a connector disposed at the base end of a flexible, hollow light guide tube to a light source device, characterized in that, The connector described above includes a hollow cylindrical component and a hollow cylindrical base tube coaxially arranged with the cylindrical component. The light guide tube extends from the base tube to the side opposite to the cylindrical component. The above adapter has: The first connecting part is capable of being connected to and disconnected from the aforementioned light source device; The second connecting portion is capable of being connected to and detached from the aforementioned connector; and The light guiding component directs the light emitted from the aforementioned light source device to the base end face of the aforementioned light guiding tube. The light guide component described above has an annular light emitting end face that emits light toward the base end face of the light guide tube.

2. The adapter as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The light guide component has a light incident end face from which light from the light source device is incident, and a convex curved surface is provided on the light incident end face.

3. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light-emitting end face has a lens function for focusing light onto the base end face of the light guide tube.

4. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light guide component described above has a light incident end face from which light from the light source device is incident. The light incident end face has a larger area than the light emitting end face.

5. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light guide component described above has a light incident end face from which light from the light source device is incident. The outer diameter of the light guide component is constant between the light incident end face and the light emitting end face.

6. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the second connecting part is connected to the connector, the light guide component is positioned opposite the cylindrical component along the axial direction.

7. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the second connecting part is connected to the connector, the light guide component is inserted into the cylindrical component.

8. The adapter as claimed in claim 7, wherein, It also includes a lens for focusing the light emitted from the light source device onto the light incident end face of the light guide component.

9. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The side of the light guide component protrudes axially from the front end face of the first connector.

10. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, It also has a locking structure that engages with the light source device when the first connecting part is connected to the light source device.

11. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, An intermediate portion is provided between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

12. The adapter as claimed in claim 11, wherein, A gripping surface is provided in the middle part mentioned above.

13. The adapter as claimed in claim 11, wherein, A raised surface protruding radially outward is provided in the aforementioned middle part.

14. The adapter as claimed in claim 12, wherein, A raised surface protruding radially outward is provided in the aforementioned middle part.

15. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second connecting portion has a fitting structure that fits into the connector.

16. The adapter as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connector also includes an outer cylinder surrounding the cylindrical component and an internal thread disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder opposite to the cylindrical component.

Images