Connector assembly for peritoneal dialysis system

Abstract

The present application provides a male connector, cap and female connector for a peritoneal dialysis catheter carried by a peritoneal dialysis patient. The male connector comprises a hollow body, the hollow body is provided with a first end and a second end, and the hollow body is configured to be connected with the peritoneal dialysis catheter in a sealing mode at the first end; the hollow main body comprises a joint part, a base part and an overturning buckle, the joint part is located at the second end of the hollow main body, and the joint part comprises a conical outer surface with the diameter gradually reduced towards the second end; the base part is positioned between the first end and the joint part; the overturning buckle is pivotally connected to the base part, the overturning buckle is configured to overturn relative to the base part between an idle position and a locking position, and in the idle position, the overturning buckle is jointed with the base part; in the locking position, the overturning buckle can be connected with the corresponding cover cap or the female connector in a releasable mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to the field of peritoneal dialysis, and more particularly to a connector assembly for a peritoneal dialysis system. Background Art

[0002] Due to disease or other reasons, a person's renal system may fail. In renal failure of any cause, there are many physiological disturbances. The balance of the daily metabolic load of water, minerals and excreta is no longer possible in renal failure. During renal failure, toxic end products of nitrogen metabolism (urea, creatinine, uric acid, etc.) may accumulate in the blood and tissues.

[0003] Peritoneal dialysis is a dialysis therapy commonly used to treat kidney function loss. Peritoneal dialysis therapy uses the properties of the peritoneum as a semi-permeable membrane. The prepared dialysate is regularly and regularly infused into the patient's peritoneal cavity through a catheter by gravity. Due to the concentration gradient difference of solutes on both sides of the peritoneum, the solutes on the high-concentration side move to the low-concentration side (diffusion); and water moves from the hypotonic side to the hypertonic side (osmosis). The peritoneal dialysis fluid is continuously replaced to achieve the purpose of removing metabolic products and toxins from the body and correcting water and electrolyte imbalances. The used osmotic fluid is discharged from the patient's peritoneal cavity to remove waste, toxins and excess water from the patient's body.

[0004] When performing peritoneal dialysis treatment, the patient-side catheter accessing the patient's abdominal cavity needs to be connected to the Y-shaped pipe (e.g., by threaded connection), and then the dialysate bag and the waste liquid bag connected to the Y-shaped pipe are selectively communicated with the patient-side catheter, so that the dialysate enters the patient's abdominal cavity via the junction between the patient-side catheter and the Y-shaped pipe, or the waste liquid formed by displacement flows into the waste liquid bag from the patient's abdominal cavity via the junction. After the peritoneal dialysis treatment is completed, the patient-side catheter is disconnected from the Y-shaped pipe, and then an iodine cap is joined to the end of the patient-side catheter to aseptically seal the patient-side catheter.

[0005] In the existing peritoneal dialysis system, the joint of the patient-side catheter is connected to the joint of the iodine cap or the Y-shaped pipe by a threaded connection. When in use, the patient needs to hold the male joint of the patient-side catheter and the female joint of the iodine cap / Y-shaped pipe with two hands to respectively screw and operate to achieve the connection between the two, which is inconvenient to use. Moreover, since the existing joint does not provide an indication of the connection in place, the patient usually tends to over-tighten it, which further causes inconvenience to the patient. Summary of the invention

[0006] One object of the present application is to provide a novel connector for a peritoneal dialysis system to facilitate patient operation.

[0007] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a male connector is provided, which is used for a peritoneal dialysis catheter carried by a peritoneal dialysis patient, and the male connector includes: a hollow body, the hollow body having a first end and a second end, and the hollow body is configured to be sealedly connected to the peritoneal dialysis catheter at the first end. The hollow body includes: a joint, the joint is located at the second end of the hollow body, the joint includes a tapered outer surface with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the second end; a base, the base is located between the first end and the joint; and a flip buckle, the flip buckle is pivotally connected to the base. The flip buckle is configured to flip relative to the base between an idle position and a locked position. In the idle position, the flip buckle is engaged with the base; in the locked position, the flip buckle can be releasably engaged with a corresponding cap or female connector.

[0008] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a cap is provided, which is used to engage the above-mentioned male connector, and the cap includes: a conical inner surface, which is used to engage with the engaging portion of the male connector; and a snap-on portion, which is located on the outer surface of the cap and is used to engage with the flip buckle of the male connector.

[0009] According to another aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a female connector is provided for engaging with the above-mentioned male connector, the female connector comprising: a central fluid tube; a cylindrical shell with an open end, the cylindrical shell surrounding at least a portion of the central fluid tube, wherein the cylindrical shell has a conical inner surface for engaging with the engaging portion of the male connector; and a snap-fit ​​portion, the snap-fit ​​portion being located on the outer surface of the cylindrical shell for engaging with the flip snap of the male connector.

[0010] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, rather than limiting, of the present invention. In addition, the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 The figure schematically shows a perspective view of a male connector according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 2A and 2B The three-dimensional views of the cap according to one embodiment of the present application observed from different angles are schematically shown respectively.

[0013] Figure 3A and 3BThe three-dimensional views of the female connector according to one embodiment of the present application observed from different angles are schematically shown respectively.

[0014] Figure 4A Schematically shows Figure 1 The male connector shown and Figure 2A , 2B A perspective view of the caps shown in a state of engagement with each other.

[0015] Figure 4B Schematically shows Figure 4A A longitudinal sectional view of the joint portion of the male connector and the cap is shown.

[0016] Figure 5A Schematically shows Figure 1 The male connector shown and Figure 3A , 3B A perspective view of the female connectors shown in a state of engagement with each other.

[0017] Figure 5B Schematically shows Figure 5A A longitudinal sectional view of the joint portion of the male connector and the female connector is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 A perspective view of a male connector according to another embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0019] Figure 7 Schematically shows a perspective view of a cap according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 8 A perspective view of a female connector according to another embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0021] Fig. 9A Schematically shows Figure 6 The male connector shown and Figure 7 A perspective view of the caps shown in a state of engagement with each other.

[0022] Fig. 9B Schematically shows Fig. 9A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male connector and cap shown engaged.

[0023] Fig. 10A Schematically shows Figure 6 The male connector shown and Figure 8 A perspective view of the female connectors shown in a state of engagement with each other.

[0024] Fig. 10B Schematically shows Fig. 10A A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the engagement of the male and female connectors.

[0025] Fig.11 A perspective view of a male connector according to yet another embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0026] Fig. 12A and 12B The three-dimensional views of a cap according to another embodiment of the present application are schematically shown respectively.

[0027] Fig.13A Schematically shows Fig.11 The male connector shown and Fig. 12A , 12B A perspective view of the cap being engaged is shown.

[0028] Fig. 13B Schematically shows Fig.13A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male connector and cap shown engaged.

[0029] Fig.14A Schematically shows Fig.11 The male connector shown and Figure 8 A perspective view of the female connector engagement is shown.

[0030] Fig. 14B Schematically shows Fig.14A A longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the engagement of the male and female connectors.

[0031] The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0032] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the details of the construction and the arrangement of parts set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application refers to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the description. The accompanying drawings show specific exemplary embodiments in which the present application can be practiced. The detailed description, including the accompanying drawings, describes these embodiments in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present application. Those skilled in the art may further utilize other embodiments of the present application and make various changes without departing from the spirit or scope of the present application. Therefore, the reader of the following detailed description should not interpret the description in a restrictive manner, and only the scope of the embodiments of the present application is limited by the appended claims.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of singular words shall also include the plural meaning. In this application, unless otherwise stated, the use of "or" means "and / or". In addition, the use of the term "including" and other forms of expression such as "including" and "containing" are not restrictive. In addition, unless otherwise expressly stated, terms such as "element" or "component" cover elements and components including one unit, as well as elements and components including more than one subunit. In addition, the section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter described.

[0035] As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as "below," "below," "above," "above," "up," "down," "upper side," "lower side," "left side," "right side," "horizontal," "vertical," "edge," "longitudinal," "lateral," and the like, may be used herein to facilitate description of the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 , which shows a male connector 100 according to one embodiment of the present application. The male connector 100 includes a hollow body, the hollow body having a first end 101 and a second end 102, and a hollow lumen 103 extending from the first end 101 to the second end 102 through the hollow body. The hollow body is sealed and connected to one end of a peritoneal dialysis catheter (not shown) at the first end 101, so that the hollow lumen 103 is in fluid communication with the peritoneal dialysis catheter. When in use, the other end of the peritoneal dialysis catheter is placed in the patient's abdominal cavity and is in fluid communication with the patient's abdominal cavity.

[0037] When peritoneal dialysis is not performed, the second end 102 of the hollow body is engaged with an iodine cap or a cover cap to achieve a sterile seal of the second end 102 of the male connector 100. When peritoneal dialysis is performed, the male connector 100 can be engaged with a female connector and connected to a dialysate bag or a waste fluid bag through a catheter connected to the female connector, thereby enabling the patient to infuse dialysate into the body or discharge waste fluid from the patient's body.

[0038] The second end 102 of the hollow body includes an engagement portion 110, which may be formed to include a tapered outer surface with a diameter that tapers toward the second end 102. When engaged, the engagement portion 110 is capable of at least partially engaging with the cap 200 or the female connector 300. Figure 1In the male connector 100 shown in the figure, the tapered outer surface of the engagement portion 110 includes a proximal tapered outer surface 111 with a larger diameter and a distal tapered outer surface 112 with a smaller diameter in sequence along its longitudinal direction X, wherein the minimum diameter ( Figure 1 The diameter of the distal tapered outer surface 112 is greater than the maximum diameter of the distal tapered outer surface 112 ( Figure 1 The proximal conical outer surface 111 is shaped and sized to engage with the conical inner surface of the cap; the distal conical outer surface 112 is shaped and sized to engage with the conical inner surface of the female connector (described in detail below). In some embodiments, the engaging portion 110 may also include only one conical outer surface. In order to facilitate the engagement of the conical surfaces and prevent accidental disengagement, the taper C (C = (large end diameter D-small end diameter d / distance L from D to d)) of the conical outer surface and the corresponding engaged conical inner surface can be reasonably set, for example, 4% to 8%, and preferably the 6% taper used in conventional Luer connectors can be used.

[0039] Furthermore, sealing rings 114 and 115 protruding radially outward are respectively provided on the proximal tapered outer surface 111 and the distal tapered outer surface 112 to engage with corresponding sealing grooves (described in detail below) of the cap 200 and the female connector 300 to improve the sealing performance. Obviously, annular sealing grooves can also be provided on the proximal tapered outer surface 111 and the distal tapered outer surface 112 to engage with corresponding sealing rings on the cap and the female connector.

[0040] The hollow body further includes a base 120 and a flip buckle 130. Specifically, the base 120 is disposed on the outer surface of the hollow body, between the first end 101 and the engaging portion 110, and one end of the flip buckle 130 is pivotally connected to the base 120 to flip relative to the base 120 to an idle position ( Figure 1 ) and locked position ( Figure 4A and 5A ).like Figure 1 As shown, the flip buckle 130 in the idle position is engaged with the base 120. Figure 4A and 5A As shown, the flip buckle 130 in the locked position is releasably engaged with the cap 200 or the female connector 300 (described in detail below) to achieve locking of the male connector 100 relative to the cap 200 or the female connector 300 .

[0041] Continue to refer Figure 1 The base 120 is formed as a protrusion protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the hollow body. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the protrusion is configured to be substantially U-shaped, and the opening of the U-shape faces the second end 102 of the hollow body.

[0042] The flip buckle 130 includes two handles 131a and 131b spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the hollow body, the two handles 131a and 131b extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the hollow body, and the base 120 is interposed between the two handles 131a and 131b of the flip buckle 130. The flip buckle 130 further includes two transverse buckle parts 132 and 133, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the flip buckle and respectively connect the two handles 131a and 131b.

[0043] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first transverse buckle portion 132 is formed in the shape of a bow-shaped rod, which matches the U-shaped protrusion of the base 120, thereby increasing the engagement area between the first transverse buckle portion 132 and the base 120, making it easier to keep the flip buckle 130 in the idle position. Preferably, the first transverse buckle portion or the bow-shaped rod 132 may also have a locking mechanism 135 ( Figure 4B ) to releasably engage with a corresponding mechanism 136 on the base 120 to further lock the two in engagement.

[0044] The locking mechanism 135 is configured as a substantially hemispherical convex portion, and a concave portion 136 ( Figure 4B ), the shape and size of the recess are configured to be able to releasably receive the protrusion. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the locking mechanism 135 can also be configured as a recess, and a protrusion that cooperates therewith is formed on the base 120. As described below ( Figure 4B ), the locking mechanism 135 of the bow rod 132 can also engage with the cap 200.

[0045] Similarly, if Figure 1 As shown, the second transverse snap-in portion 133 is also formed in the shape of a bow-shaped rod. Preferably, the second transverse snap-in portion or bow-shaped rod 133 may also have a locking mechanism 134 on its surface engaging with the female connector 300, so as to releasably engage with the corresponding mechanism on the female connector 300, further lock the engagement of the two, and give the operator obvious locking feedback. Figure 1 As shown, the locking mechanism 134 is configured as a substantially hemispherical convex portion, and a concave portion is formed at a corresponding position of the female connector 300, and the shape and size of the concave portion are configured to be able to releasably receive the convex portion. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the locking mechanism 134 can also be configured as a concave portion, and a convex portion that matches therewith is formed on the female connector 300.

[0046] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , which shows that Figure 1The male connector 100 shown is used in conjunction with a cap 200. The cap 200 is used to aseptically seal the second end 102 of the male connector 100 when the patient is not undergoing dialysis, so as to prevent external contamination from entering the patient's body through the second end 102 of the male connector 100 and causing the patient's disease.

[0047] Specifically, the inner side of the cap 200 is provided with a conical inner surface 210, the size and shape of which are set to match the engaging portion 110 of the male connector 100 (specifically, for example, the proximal conical outer surface 111) to engage with the engaging portion 110 of the male connector 100, so as to be able to fit each other in a liquid-tight manner. The outer surface of the cap 200 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion 220 for engaging with the flip buckle 130 of the male connector 100. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the clamping portion 220 is specifically configured as a U-shaped tongue, which has the same shape and size as the U-shaped tongue of the base 120, and the opening is toward the open end of the cap 200, and can be engaged with the first transverse clamping portion 132 to lock the flip buckle 130 in the locked position. Preferably, the U-shaped tongue can be provided with a locking recess or a locking protrusion on the surface thereof engaged with the flip buckle 130, so as to engage with the corresponding locking mechanism 135 of the flip buckle 130, so as to achieve stable engagement between the flip buckle 130 and the cap 200. Preferably, a sterilizing agent, such as iodine, is provided at the bottom of the inner side of the cap 200 to achieve a sterilization and disinfection effect.

[0048] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , which shows that Figure 1 The male connector 100 shown is used in conjunction with a female connector 300. The female connector 300 is sealed and connected to a catheter, and can be connected to a waste fluid bag or a dialysate bag through the catheter fluid. Figure 3A As shown, the female connector 300 is provided with a central fluid tube 310 extending along the longitudinal direction Y of the female connector 300, one end of the central fluid tube 310 is sealedly connected to the catheter, and the other end thereof can be connected to the hollow inner cavity 103 of the male connector 100, so as to establish fluid connection between the patient's abdominal cavity and the dialysate bag or the waste fluid bag during dialysis.

[0049] The female connector 300 further includes a cylindrical housing 320 with one end open, the cylindrical housing 320 surrounds at least a portion of the central fluid tube 310, and its open end 321 can receive the engaging portion 110 of the male connector 100. The inner side of the cylindrical housing 320 is provided with a conical inner surface 340 to accommodate and engage with the conical outer surface (e.g., the distal conical outer surface 112) of the engaging portion 110 of the male connector. The outer surface of the cylindrical housing 320 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion 330 for engaging with the flip buckle 130 of the male connector 100.

[0050] The clamping portion 330 can be configured as a U-shaped tongue similar to the clamping portion 220, the opening of the U-shaped tongue faces the open end of the cylindrical housing 320, and its size and shape are configured to match the transverse clamping portion 133, so as to increase the engagement area of ​​the two and ensure the stability of the engagement. Preferably, the U-shaped tongue can be provided with a locking recess or a locking protrusion on the surface thereof engaging with the flip buckle 130, so as to engage with the corresponding locking mechanism 134 of the flip buckle 130, so as to achieve stable engagement of the flip buckle 130 with the female connector 300, and provide the operator with an obvious locking feedback.

[0051] like Figure 1-3B As shown, the flip buckle 130 of the male connector 100, the clamping portion 220 of the cap 200 and the clamping portion 330 of the female connector 300 are all arranged at predetermined positions on their respective outer surfaces. Therefore, only when the flip buckle 130 of the male connector 100 and the clamping portion 220 of the cap 200 or the clamping portion 330 of the female connector 300 are aligned with each other, the flip buckle 130 of the male connector 100 can be engaged with the clamping portions 220, 330. In order to facilitate the patient to achieve the above alignment during use, guide mechanisms for alignment are respectively provided on the male connector 100, the cap 200 and the female connector 300.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2B and Figure 3B , which respectively show the corresponding guide mechanisms of the male connector 100, the cap 200 and the female connector 300. The engaging portion 110 of the male connector 100 has a guide mechanism 113 at the free end, which is used to guide the cap 200 or the female connector 300 to a predetermined position relative to the male connector 100. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the guide mechanism 113 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base 120, that is, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the guide mechanism 113 and the base 120 are in the same orientation relative to the circumference of the hollow body. The guide mechanism 113 is formed as a wedge-shaped groove 113 shown in the figure, and the width of the wedge-shaped groove 113 is greater on the distal side (i.e., the side of the second end 102) than on the proximal side (the side close to the first end 101). In some embodiments, the guide mechanism 113 can also be formed as a wedge-shaped protrusion, and the width of the wedge-shaped protrusion on the distal side is greater than the width on the proximal side.

[0053] refer to Figure 2B ,and Figure 1 Corresponding to the guide mechanism 113 of the male connector 100 shown, the inner surface taper 210 of the cap 200 includes a guide wedge 230 formed on the tapered inner surface 210 of the cap 200 near the bottom of the cap 200. Figure 2BIn the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the guide wedge 230 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the clamping portion 220 of the cap 200. However, it is obvious that the guide wedge 230 can also be set at other positions on the conical inner surface, as long as the cooperation between the guide wedge 230 and the guide mechanism 113 can align the clamping portion 220 with the flip buckle 130. Those skilled in the art can understand that when the guide mechanism 113 is configured as a wedge-shaped protrusion, the guide wedge 230 can be correspondingly changed to a guide wedge groove to achieve the guiding function.

[0054] Similarly, refer to Figure 3B The tapered inner surface 340 of the cylindrical housing 320 of the female connector 300 includes a guide wedge 350 formed near the closed end of the cylindrical housing 320 (i.e., the end away from the male connector 100). Figure 3B In the embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the guide wedge 350 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the clamping portion 330 of the cylindrical housing 320. However, it is obvious that the guide wedge 350 can also be set at other positions on the conical inner surface, as long as the cooperation between the guide wedge 350 and the guide mechanism 113 can align the clamping portion 330 with the flip buckle 130. Those skilled in the art can understand that when the guide mechanism 113 is configured as a wedge-shaped protrusion, the guide wedge 350 can be correspondingly changed to a guide wedge groove to achieve the guiding function.

[0055] Based on the above-mentioned guiding mechanism, when the patient connects the male connector 100 with the cap 200 or the female connector 300, if the guiding mechanism 113 is not aligned with the corresponding guiding wedge 230 or 350, the male connector 100 and the cap 200 or the female connector 300 cannot be tightly combined, and the patient can easily sense that at this time, it is only necessary to rotate the cap 200 or the female connector 300 circumferentially relative to the male connector 100 to achieve alignment and thus achieve a tight fit.

[0056] As mentioned above, sealing rings 114 and 115 are respectively disposed on the proximal conical inner surface 111 and the distal conical inner surface 112 of the male connector 100. Figure 4B and 5B, annular sealing grooves 211, 341 are respectively provided at corresponding positions of the conical inner surfaces 210, 340 of the cap 200 and the female connector 300, which are used to detachably engage with the sealing rings 114, 115 respectively. When the male connector 100 is engaged with the cap 200 or the female connector 300, the sealing rings 114, 115 can undergo a certain elastic deformation, so that they can slide into the corresponding annular sealing grooves 211 or 341 to form a sealed fit. During this process, the patient can feel the action of the sealing rings 114, 115 sliding into the annular sealing grooves 211 or 341, thereby easily confirming that the engagement is in place. Those skilled in the art will understand that the sealing ring can also be set on the cap or the female connector, and a sealing groove that cooperates with the aforementioned sealing ring can be set at the corresponding position of the male connector.

[0057] When connecting, the patient first inserts the engaging portion 110 of the male connector 100 into the cylindrical housing 320 of the cap 200 or the female connector 300. When the two are not aligned with each other, the patient can rotate the cap 200 or the female connector 300 relative to the male connector 100 to adjust its orientation, and then push the engaging portion 110 into the cap 200 or the cylindrical housing 320 until the sealing ring and the sealing groove match each other, so that the male connector and the cap or the female connector are tightly engaged with each other. Subsequently, the patient can manually flip the flip buckle 130 from the idle position to the locked position, so that the flip buckle 130 is engaged with the clamping portion 220 or 330 of the cap 200 or the female connector 300 to achieve locking. Optionally, the protrusions 135, 134 on the flip buckle 130 cooperate with the corresponding locking recesses 221, 331 on the cap 200 or the female connector 300 to prevent the flip buckle 130 from accidentally disengaging from the engaging portion 220 or 330, further locking the connection between the male connector 100 and the cap 200 or the female connector 300.

[0058] It can be understood that in other embodiments, the snap-on portion 220 of the cap 200 and the snap-on portion 330 of the female connector 300 can be designed to have the same size and shape, and can be positioned so that the cap 200 or the female connector 300 is in the same position relative to the flip buckle 130 when the cap 200 or the female connector 300 is engaged with the male connector 100, for example, the snap-on portion 220 of the cap 200 is arranged at a position closer to the bottom thereof. Correspondingly, the length of the U-shaped protrusion of the base 120 in the longitudinal direction X can be longer, so that the U-shaped bottom is closer to the first end 101. In this case, the flip buckle 130 can be provided with only one transverse snap-on portion 133. When the flip buckle 130 is in the idle position, the transverse snap-on portion 133 is engaged with the base 120; when the flip buckle 130 is in the locked position, the transverse snap-on portion 133 is engaged with the cap 200 or the female connector 300. Thus, only one transverse snap portion 133 can achieve engagement with the base 120 , the snap portion 220 of the cap 200 , and the snap portion 330 of the female connector 300 , thereby simplifying the structure of the flip snap 130 .

[0059] Figure 6-8 The three-dimensional diagrams of the male connector 400, the cap 500 and the female connector 600 according to another embodiment of the present application are schematically shown. Compared with the embodiment described above, the main difference of this embodiment is that the specific form of the mechanism for locking the connection of each connecting component is different. The difference between the two embodiments will be described in detail below. The parts not described in detail in this embodiment can adopt the solutions of the previous embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the base 420 of the male connector 400 is formed as a pair of walls 420a, 420b extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the hollow body of the male connector 400, and the two walls 420a, 420b are spaced apart from each other. The flip buckle 430 is formed in the form of an elongated rod having hooks 432, 433 extending transversely from the rod. At least a portion of the flip buckle 430 is interposed between the two walls 420a, 420b and one end of the flip buckle 430 is pivotally connected to the two walls 420a, 420b.

[0061] Continue to refer Figure 6 , the flip buckle 430 is engaged with the walls 420a, 420b of the base 420, that is, in the idle position. The flip buckle 430 and the walls 420a, 420b can be configured so that the friction between the two can maintain the flip buckle 430 in the idle position. Preferably, the flip buckle 430 has a locking mechanism on at least one of the two surfaces that engage with the base 420, such as a locking protrusion 434 (such as Fig. 9A , 9BAs shown), the walls 420a, 420b of the base 420 are correspondingly formed with locking mechanisms in the form of locking recesses 421 or through holes to engage with the locking mechanism on the flip buckle 430 to further lock the engagement between the flip buckle 430 and the base 420.

[0062] In some embodiments, the flip buckle 430 is provided with locking mechanisms on both surfaces thereof engaging with the base 420, and correspondingly, the two walls 420a, 420b are also provided with corresponding locking mechanisms cooperating therewith. Obviously, the locking mechanism on the flip buckle 430 can be interchanged with the locking mechanism on the walls 420a, 420b, that is, a locking recess / through hole is provided on the flip buckle 430, and a locking protrusion is provided on the walls 420a, 420b. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the form of the locking mechanism is not limited to the locking protrusion and the locking recess / through hole, and other locking methods known in the art can also be used, as long as the flip buckle 430 and the base 420 can be releasably locked.

[0063] refer to Figure 7 The structure of the cap 500 is similar to that of the cap 200, and the main difference is the clamping portion 520. The clamping portion 520 of the cap 500 is formed as an annular flange 520 on the outer surface of the cap 500, and the flange 520 has an annular groove 521, whose opening is away from the opening side of the cap 500 (the left side in the figure).

[0064] Similarly, refer to Figure 8 The structure of the female connector 600 is similar to that of the female connector 300, and the main difference lies in the specific form of the clamping portion 630. The clamping portion 630 of the female connector 600 is formed as an annular flange 630 protruding outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical shell 620 of the female connector 600, and the flange 630 has an annular groove 631, whose opening is away from the open end of the cylindrical shell 620 of the female connector 600 (i.e., the left side in the figure).

[0065] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B 4 and 5 show a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male connector 400 and the cap 500 respectively. Fig. 9A As shown, the flip buckle 430 is flipped to the locking position, at which time the hook 432 of the flip buckle 430 is locked in the annular groove 521, thereby achieving the locking engagement of the male connector 400 relative to the cap 500, while the other hook 433 is not engaged with the cap 500 (i.e., idle). In some embodiments, another annular groove can be provided on the cap 500, and the size and shape of the hook 433 are set to enable it to engage with the annular groove 521 in the flange 520 on the cap 500.

[0066] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B4 and 5 show a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male connector 400 and the female connector 600 respectively. Fig. 10A As shown, the flip buckle 430 is flipped to the locking position, at which time the hook 433 of the flip buckle 430 is snapped into the annular groove 631, thereby achieving the locking engagement of the male connector 400 relative to the female connector 600, while the other hook 432 is not engaged with the female connector 600 (i.e., idle). In some embodiments, another annular groove can be provided on the female connector 600, and the size and shape of the hook 432 are set to enable it to engage with the annular groove 631 in the flange 630 on the female connector 600.

[0067] In order to facilitate the releasable engagement of the hooks 432, 433 with the annular grooves 521, 631, the size and shape of the hooks and the grooves can be appropriately set. Fig. 9B and 10B As shown, the free end of the hook has an arcuate surface, and the cross section of the groove is configured to be in a shape matching the free end of the hook, thereby allowing the hook to be smoothly inserted into and released from the groove.

[0068] Fig.11 A modification of the male connector 400 is shown. Fig.11 As shown, the structure of the male connector 700 is similar to that of the male connector 400, the main difference being that the flip buckle 730 only includes one hook 732. Correspondingly, the structure of the cap matched with the male connector 700 also changes accordingly. Fig. 12A and 12B The cap 800 shown is a modified example of the cap 500. Compared with the cap 500, the main difference of the cap 800 is the position of the annular flange. Specifically, the bottom of the cap 800 is formed with an annular flange 820 protruding from its outer surface, and the flange 820 is formed with an annular groove 821, and the opening of the annular groove 821 is away from the opening side of the cap 800 ( Fig. 12A on the left side of the image).

[0069] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B 800 and 800 are respectively shown in a three-dimensional view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male connector 700 engaged with the cap 800. Fig.13A As shown, the flip buckle 730 is flipped to the locking position, at which time the hook 732 of the flip buckle 730 is snapped into the annular groove 821, thereby achieving the locking engagement of the male connector 700 relative to the cover cap 800.

[0070] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B 1 and 2 respectively show a perspective view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the male connector 700 and the female connector 900 engaged with each other. Fig.14AAs shown, the flip buckle 730 is flipped to the locking position, at which time the hook 732 of the flip buckle 730 is snapped into the annular groove 931, thereby achieving the locking engagement of the male connector 700 relative to the female connector 900.

[0071] Understandably, Figures 11 to 14B In the illustrated embodiment, the snap-on portion 820 of the cap 800 and the snap-on portion 930 of the female connector 900 may be designed to have the same size and shape, and may be positioned such that the cap 800 or the female connector 900 is in the same position relative to the flip buckle 730 when the cap 800 or the female connector 900 is engaged with the male connector 700. In this case, the flip buckle 730 may be provided with only one hook 732 to achieve engagement with the snap-on portion 820 of the cap 800 and the snap-on portion 930 of the female connector 900, thereby simplifying the structure of the flip buckle 730.

[0072] The discussion herein includes a number of illustrative drawings that show various portions of connector assemblies for peritoneal dialysis systems. For clarity of illustration, these figures do not show all aspects of each example assembly. Any example assembly and / or method provided herein may share any or all features with any or all other assemblies and / or methods provided herein.

[0073] Various embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. In addition, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the specification and practice of one or more embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, the present application and the embodiments herein are intended to be considered merely exemplary, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the list of the appended exemplary claims.

Claims

1. A male connector, the male connector being used for a peritoneal dialysis catheter carried by a peritoneal dialysis patient, characterized in that: The male connector comprises: A hollow body having a first end and a second end, wherein the hollow body is configured to be sealingly connected to the peritoneal dialysis catheter at the first end, wherein the hollow body comprises: a joint portion, the joint portion being located at the second end of the hollow body, the joint portion comprising a tapered outer surface with a diameter gradually decreasing toward the second end; a base portion located between the first end and the engagement portion; and A flip catch is pivotally connected to the base, wherein the flip catch is configured to flip relative to the base between an idle position and a locked position, wherein the flip catch is engaged with the base in the idle position and releasably engages with a corresponding cap or female connector in the locked position.

2. The male connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tapered outer surface of the engagement portion includes: a proximal tapered outer surface shaped and dimensioned to engage with the cap, and a distal tapered outer surface shaped and dimensioned for engagement with the female connector; The minimum diameter of the proximal tapered outer surface is greater than the maximum diameter of the distal tapered outer surface.

3. The male connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flip buckle includes two handles, which extend basically parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow body. The two handles are spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the hollow body. The base is configured as a protrusion protruding radially outward from the outer surface of the hollow body, and the base is located between the two handles of the flip buckle.

4. The male connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: A guide mechanism is provided at the free end of the engagement portion, and the guide mechanism is configured to guide the cap or the female connector to a predetermined position relative to the male connector.

5. The male connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The longitudinal axis of the guide mechanism is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the base.

6. The male connector according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The base is formed as a U-shaped protrusion, the U-shaped protrusion is open toward the second end of the hollow body, and the flip buckle includes a transverse buckle portion, and the transverse buckle portion is configured as follows: When the flip buckle is in the idle position, the transverse buckle portion engages with the base portion, and When the flip buckle is in the locked position, the lateral buckle portion engages with the cap or the female connector.

7. The male connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The transverse snap-in portion is formed as an arcuate rod having a locking mechanism on a surface that engages with the base, the cap or the female connector.

8. The male connector according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The base is formed as a U-shaped protrusion, the U-shaped protrusion is open toward the second end of the hollow body, and the flip buckle includes: i) a first transverse snap-in portion for engaging with the base or the cap; and ii) a second transverse snap-in portion for engaging with the female connector, Wherein, the first transverse buckle portion and the second transverse buckle portion are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the flip buckle and are respectively connected to the two handles.

9. The male connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first transverse snap-in portion is formed as an arcuate rod, the arcuate rod of the first transverse snap-in portion having a locking mechanism on a surface engaging with the base or the cap, and / or The second transverse snap-in portion is formed as an arcuate rod, and the arcuate rod of the second transverse snap-in portion has a locking mechanism on a surface engaging with the female connector.

10. The male connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The locking mechanism of the first transverse buckle portion is formed as a convex portion or a concave portion, and / or The locking mechanism of the second transverse buckle portion is formed as a convex portion or a concave portion.

11. The male connector according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that: The guide mechanism is formed as a wedge-shaped groove or a wedge-shaped protrusion.

12. The male connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The base includes a pair of walls extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hollow body, the two walls being spaced apart from each other, and At least a portion of the flip buckle is between the two walls and is pivotally connected to the pair of walls.

13. The male connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: The flip catch is formed as a rod having at least one hook extending laterally therefrom, wherein when the flip catch is in a locked position, the at least one hook engages with the cap or the at least one hook engages with the female connector.

14. The male connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: At least one of a pair of walls of the base includes a locking projection on a surface that engages with the flip catch; and The flip buckle has at least one locking recess or through hole for engaging with the at least one locking protrusion.

15. The male connector according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that: The proximal conical outer surface comprises a sealing ring or an annular sealing groove protruding radially outward, and / or The distal tapered outer surface includes a sealing ring or an annular sealing groove protruding radially outward.

16. A cap for engaging a male connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The cap comprises: a tapered inner surface for engaging an engagement portion of the male connector; and A snap-fit ​​portion, located on the outer surface of the cap and used for engaging with the flip buckle of the male connector.

17. The cap according to claim 16, characterized in that: The clamping portion is formed as a U-shaped protruding tongue, and the opening of the U-shaped protruding tongue faces the opening end of the cap.

18. The cap according to claim 17, characterized in that: The tab includes a locking recess or locking protrusion on a surface that engages the flip catch.

19. The cap according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that: The tapered inner surface further includes a guide wedge or a guide wedge groove, wherein the guide wedge or the guide wedge groove is formed near the bottom of the cap.

20. The cap according to claim 19, characterized in that The longitudinal axis of the guide wedge or the guide wedge groove is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the clamping portion.

21. The cap according to claim 16, wherein: The clamping portion of the cap is formed as a flange on the outer surface of the cap, and the flange has an annular groove opening toward the bottom of the cap.

22. The cap according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that: The conical inner surface further includes an annular sealing groove or a sealing ring protruding radially outward.

23. A female connector for engaging with the male connector according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The female connector comprises: Central fluid tube; a cylindrical housing with one end open, the cylindrical housing surrounding at least a portion of the central fluid tube, wherein the cylindrical housing has a tapered inner surface for engaging an engaging portion of the male connector; and A snap-fitting portion, which is located on the outer surface of the cylindrical shell and is used to engage with the flip buckle of the male connector.

24. The female connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The clamping portion is formed as a U-shaped protruding tongue, and the opening of the U-shaped protruding tongue faces the opening end of the cylindrical shell.

25. The female connector according to claim 24, characterized in that The tab includes a locking recess or locking protrusion on a surface that engages the flip catch.

26. The female connector according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that: The tapered inner surface further includes a guide wedge or a guide wedge groove, wherein the guide wedge or the guide wedge groove is formed near the closed end of the cylindrical housing.

27. The female connector according to claim 26, characterized in that The longitudinal axis of the guide wedge or the guide wedge groove is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the clamping portion.

28. The female connector according to claim 23, characterized in that The clamping portion of the female connector is formed as a flange on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing, and the flange has an annular groove, the opening of which faces away from the open end of the female connector.

29. The female connector according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that: The conical inner surface further includes an annular sealing groove or a sealing ring protruding radially outward.

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