Medical connector

Abstract

To suppress retention of a fluid in a part to which a connector is connected.SOLUTION: A medical connector 1 includes: a cylindrical outer housing 10 where a screw part 15 is formed on the outer peripheral surface; and a valve 20 arranged inside the cylinder of the outer housing 10 and where a slit 23 is formed. A top surface 21a of the valve 20 is arranged to be nearly flush with a top surface 11a of the outer housing 10. When a male lure with a coupler is inserted to the slit 23 of the valve 20, a part of the valve 20 is positioned inside a main flow path of a fluid route concerning the medical connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical connector for attachment to a medical fluid line. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in fluid paths for administering medicinal fluids such as infusions or for performing dialysis, a medical connector capable of connecting a needleless male connector such as a syringe to a branch path provided in a main flow path is installed. The connector generally includes a housing and a valve disposed inside the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Because a slit is formed in the valve, medicinal fluids can be administered to the fluid path or a sample such as blood can be collected from the fluid path by inserting the male luer of the male connector into the slit of the valve. In Patent Document 1, an adapter and a valve body are provided inside the housing, and the adapter opens the valve body when a syringe is connected to the housing. If the top surface of the valve body becomes dirty, the cap member can be removed and the top surface of the valve body can be wiped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-016437 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the configuration that requires the user to take the trouble of removing the cap member to wipe the top surface of the valve body not only causes unnecessary trouble for the user, but also creates new contamination risks, such as the adapter or cap member coming into contact with other parts during the removal process, causing contamination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The medical connector of the present invention is a connector that is provided on the side of a medical fluid pathway, and comprises a cylindrical housing with a threaded portion formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a valve that is disposed inside the cylindrical housing and has a slit formed therein, wherein the top surface of the valve is located at the open end of the housing, the distance (X) from the main flow path of the fluid pathway to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the opening for connection to the main flow path, and when a male luer with a coupler is inserted into the slit of the valve, a part of the valve is located within the main flow path of the fluid pathway.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the top surface of the valve is located at the open end of the housing, making it easy to disinfect the top surface of the valve. Furthermore, by designing the distance (X) from the main flow path to the bottom surface of the valve to be shorter than the width of the opening connecting to the main flow path, the dead space where the connector is attached can be reduced, effectively preventing fluid retention. Meanwhile, the housing has a threaded portion on its outer periphery, and the male luer is inserted into the slit of the valve so that part of the valve is positioned within the main flow path of the fluid path. This allows the coupler to be fixed by the threaded portion, ensuring good fixation with the connector.

[0007] In the medical connector of the present invention, it is preferable that the valve has a main body portion in which the slit is formed and a cylindrical wall portion provided around the main body portion, and the housing comprises a first housing having the threaded portion and a second housing arranged inside the cylindrical wall portion and sandwiching the valve together with the first housing.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the valve is sandwiched between the two housings, and the cylindrical wall of the valve is tightly attached to the housing, which prevents the valve from falling off.

[0009] In the medical connector of the present invention, it is preferable that the medical connector has a portion where the ratio (X / Y) of the distance (X) from the main flow path to the bottom surface of the valve to the diameter (Y) of the main flow path is less than 1.0.

[0010] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent fluid from accumulating in the portion where the connector is attached.

[0011] In the medical connector of the present invention, it is preferable that the height (H1) of the threaded portion of the housing relative to the diameter (β) of the top surface of the valve is shorter than the diameter (β) of the top surface of the valve and longer than the radius (β / 2) of the top surface.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the height of the housing can be reduced while still ensuring secure fixation to the male connector.

[0013] The medical connector of the present invention is a connector that is provided on the side of a medical fluid pathway, and comprises a cylindrical first housing with a threaded portion formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a valve that is arranged inside the first housing and has a slit formed therein, the valve having a main body portion with the slit formed therein and a cylindrical wall portion that is provided around the main body portion, and a second housing that is arranged inside the cylindrical wall portion and sandwiches the valve together with the first housing, the top surface of the valve is located at the open end of the housing, the cylindrical wall portion has a lower cylindrical wall portion that extends downward, the axial dimension of the lower cylindrical wall portion is longer than the radius of a main flow path of the fluid pathway and shorter than the diameter of the main flow path, and the outer diameter of the top surface of the housing is longer than the distance (X) from the main flow path to the bottom surface of the valve.

[0014] With this configuration, the valve can be positioned at the edge of the opening, making it easier to wipe the top surface. Also, since the lower cylindrical wall portion extends in the axial direction for a predetermined length, the valve is less likely to fall off, and the height of the housing can be reduced, preventing retention.

[0015] The medical connector of the present invention is a connector that is provided on the side of a medical fluid pathway, and comprises a cylindrical housing with a threaded portion formed on its outer peripheral surface, a valve that is disposed within the cylindrical housing and has a main body portion with a slit formed therein, and a fixed portion that is fixed to the housing and is provided around the main body portion, and is characterized in that the distance (X) from the main flow path of the fluid pathway to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the connection opening to the main flow path, and when a male luer with a coupler is inserted into the slit of the valve, the bottom surface of the main body portion abuts against the inner wall of the housing.

[0016] The above configuration realizes a connector that is easy to wipe the top surface of the valve, is less likely to cause retention, and is less likely to remove the male luer. That is, because the valve is located at the open end of the housing, the top surface can be easily wiped. Meanwhile, by limiting the height of the housing so that the distance (X) from the main flow path to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the opening connecting to the main flow path, retention can be suppressed, achieving both ease of wiping the top surface of the valve and resistance to retention. Furthermore, if the distance (X) from the main flow path to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the opening connecting to the main flow path, the male connector and housing are more likely to come apart. However, by threading the male luer into the housing to the extent that the valve abuts the inner wall of the housing, unintentional separation of the male connector and housing can be reduced. Furthermore, when the valve is deformed to the point where it abuts against the inner wall of the housing, the stress applied from the valve to the male luer is strong radially inward rather than axially upward, and the radially inward stress applied from the valve becomes a force that holds the male luer in place, which, combined with the screwing with the housing via the threaded portion, ensures a secure fixation between the male connector and the housing.

[0017] The medical connector of the present invention is a connector that is installed to the side of a medical fluid pathway, and comprises a cylindrical housing with a threaded portion formed on its outer peripheral surface, a valve that is arranged inside the cylindrical housing and has a main body portion with a slit formed therein, and a fixed portion that is fixed to the housing and is installed around the main body portion, and is characterized in that the distance (X) from the main flow path of the fluid pathway to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the connection opening to the main flow path, and the height of the threaded portion is shorter than the diameter (β) of the top surface of the valve and longer than the radius (β / 2) of the top surface.

[0018] The above configuration realizes a connector that is easy to wipe the valve top surface, prevents retention, and prevents the male lure from coming off. That is, because the valve is located at the open end of the housing, the top surface is easy to wipe. Meanwhile, by limiting the height of the housing so that the distance (X) from the main flow path to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the opening connecting to the main flow path, retention can be suppressed, achieving both ease of wiping the valve top surface and resistance to retention. Furthermore, if the distance (X) from the main flow path to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the opening connecting to the main flow path, the coupler and housing become easily detached. However, because the height of the threaded portion is longer than β / 2, the coupler of the male connector threads into the threaded portion formed on the outer surface of the housing, securing the male connector to the housing.

[0019] The medical connector of the present invention comprises a base portion that forms part of the fluid path, and a connector portion that includes the housing and the valve, and the housing and valve may be fixed to the base portion, and the valve may abut against the base portion.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the connector can be easily assembled, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the medical connector of the present invention, it is possible to improve the ease of keeping the top surface of the valve body clean while suppressing the accumulation of fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a medical connector according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the medical connector of the first embodiment, showing the state in which the male connector is connected. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a medical connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a medical connector according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the medical connector of the second embodiment, showing the state in which the male connector is connected. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An example of an embodiment of a medical connector according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, configurations obtained by selectively combining the components of multiple embodiments and modifications described below are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] [First embodiment] A medical connector 1 according to a first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the medical connector 1. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the medical connector 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the medical connector 1 taken along the direction in which the main flow path 2c extends.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the medical connector 1 includes a base portion 2 that constitutes a part of the fluid path, and a connector portion 3. The connector portion 3 is provided on the side of the fluid path. Examples of fluid paths to which the medical connector 1 can be attached include intravenous lines for administering medicinal fluids such as infusions, and blood circuits for dialysis. There are no particular limitations on the applications of the medical connector 1, but the medical connector 1 is particularly effective when applied to blood circuits. The connector portion 3 branches the fluid path, enabling the administration of medicinal fluids to the fluid path and sampling from the fluid path.

[0026] The base part 2 is a cylindrical member that forms part of the fluid path and is made of a hard resin material. A flow path 2c, which is a hollow space through which fluids such as blood pass, is formed inside the base part 2. Openings that connect to the flow path 2c are formed at both longitudinal ends of the base part 2, and tubes (not shown) that form the fluid path are inserted into these openings. The base part 2 forms part of the fluid path together with the tubes. The base part 2 has two connection parts 2a to which the tubes are connected, and has a structure in which a connector part 3 is provided in the part sandwiched between the connection parts 2a.

[0027] The base portion 2 has a fixed portion 2b, sandwiched between the two connecting portions 2a, to which an external housing 10, which is a first housing constituting the connector portion 3, is fixed. An internal housing 30, which is a second housing constituting the connector portion 3, is formed in the fixed portion 2b. Details of the internal housing 30 will be described later, but the internal housing 30 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base portion 2. Furthermore, if the portion where the internal housing 30 is formed is defined as the top surface of the fixed portion 2b, grooves 2f into which the engaging portions 12 of the external housing 10 fit are formed on the left and right side surfaces of the fixed portion 2b.

[0028] The flow path 2c of the base part 2, together with, for example, a tube connected to the base part 2, becomes the main flow path of the blood circuit. Then, a flow path 2d branching from the main flow path 2c is formed by the connector part 3. Blood tends to stagnate in this branched flow path 2d, but the connector part 3 of this embodiment can effectively prevent such blood stagnation. The diameter (Y) of the main flow path 2c is, for example, equal to the inner diameter of the tube that constitutes the fluid path, and is 2.5 mm to 6.0 mm.

[0029] The connector portion 3 includes a cylindrical outer housing 10 having a threaded portion 15 formed on its outer circumferential surface, and a valve 20 disposed inside the cylindrical outer housing 10. The connector portion 3 further includes a cylindrical inner housing 30 that, together with the outer housing 10, holds the valve 20. In this embodiment, the inner housing 30 is integrally molded with the base portion 2, and an opening 2e that communicates with the flow path 2c of the base portion 2 is formed inside the cylindrical inner housing 30. In other words, the cylindrical inner housing 30 is formed so as to surround the opening 2e. Note that it is preferable to separate the member that holds the valve into multiple members, and the multiple members can also be joined together to form a single member.

[0030] The outer housing 10 and the valve 20 that constitute the connector portion 3 may be assembled to the base portion 2 by recess-projection fitting. The lower surface of the valve 20 may abut against the upper surface of the base portion 2. In this case, assembly of the medical connector 1 is easy, manufacturing costs can be reduced, and if the outer housing 10 or the valve 20 is damaged, the damaged parts can be easily replaced. The outer housing 10 is fixed to the base portion 2, and the valve 20 is sandwiched between the outer housing 10 and the inner housing 30. The valve 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom as a whole, and has a slit 23 that allows insertion of a male connector 90 (see Figure 4 described below) that does not have a metal needle. The outer housing 10 and the valve 20 may also be adhesively fixed to the base portion 2.

[0031] In this specification, the direction along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 11 of the outer housing 10 is referred to as the "up-down direction" of the medical connector 1 and each component of the connector, and the side on which the main body 21 of the valve 20 in which the slit 23 is formed is referred to as the "upper." The outer housing 10, the valve 20, and the inner housing 30 are arranged so that their axial directions coincide with each other.

[0032] The medical connector 1 is a female connector that is connected by inserting a male luer into a slit 23 of the valve 20. The valve 20 is an elastic member made of, for example, silicone rubber, and is configured so that when the tip of the male luer is inserted into the slit 23, it is pushed downward and elastically deformed, opening the slit 23. Furthermore, when the tip of the male connector is pulled out of the valve 20, the valve 20 returns to its original shape and the slit 23 closes. In other words, the medical connector 1 is a so-called needleless connector that can be connected to a male connector that does not have a metal needle.

[0033] As will be described in detail later, the top surface 21a of the valve 20 is located at the open end of the outer housing 10 and, in this embodiment, is disposed substantially flush with the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10. In this case, the top surface 21a of the valve 20 can be easily disinfected by wiping it with alcohol-impregnated gauze, paper towels, or the like. Furthermore, the distance (X) from the main flow path 2c to the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 is shorter than the connection opening width (Z) to the main flow path 2c. The medical connector 1 is configured so that when the male luer of the male connector is inserted into the slit 23 of the valve 20, a portion of the valve 20 is positioned within the main flow path 2c. By making the distance (X) from the main flow path 2c to the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 shorter than the connection opening width (Z) to the main flow path 2c, dead space that can cause fluid retention can be reduced, effectively suppressing fluid retention. The connection opening width (Z) refers to the diameter of the opening 2e formed at the boundary between the flow paths 2c and 2d.

[0034] The outer housing 10, the valve 20, and the inner housing 30 that constitute the connector portion 3 of the medical connector 1 will be described in detail below.

[0035] [External housing 10] The outer housing 10 has a cylindrical portion 11 that is open at both the top and bottom ends, and an engaging portion 12 for fixing the outer housing 10 to the base portion 2. The cylindrical portion 11 covers the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrically formed valve 20, and holds the valve 20 together with the inner housing 30. The cylindrical portion 11 exposes the top surface 21a of the valve 20, in which a slit 23 is formed, and presses down on the periphery of the top surface 21a from above. The top surface 21a of the valve 20 is exposed and not covered by the outer housing 10, allowing for the insertion and removal of a male luer.

[0036] The outer housing 10 is preferably made of a hard resin material, similar to the base portion 2. Examples of resins that can be used to make the outer housing 10 include polyolefins such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyether ether ketone, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene oxide, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride. Of these, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride are preferred.

[0037] The cylindrical portion 11 has a cylindrical wall portion 13 having a threaded portion 15 formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a pressing portion 14 that presses down on the periphery of the top surface 21a of the valve 20 from above. The threaded portion 15 is used to secure the male connector 90. On the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 13, for example, a screw thread is formed in a spiral shape from the upper end or vicinity of the upper end of the cylindrical wall portion 13 to the lower end or vicinity of the lower end of the cylindrical wall portion 13. The medical connector 1 is designed to keep the height (axial length) of the cylindrical wall portion 13 low to reduce dead space that can cause retention. However, if the threaded portion 15 is formed long from the upper end to the lower end of the cylindrical wall portion 13, the male connector can be stably secured and good sealing can be ensured.

[0038] The height (α) of the cylindrical portion 11 is preferably smaller than the diameter (β) of the top surface 21a of the valve 20. That is, the ratio (α / β) of the height (α) of the cylindrical portion of the outer housing 10 to the diameter (β) of the top surface 21a of the valve 20 is preferably less than 1.0. Here, the height (α) of the cylindrical portion 11 refers to the length in the vertical direction from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 11 to the surface of the engagement portion 12 around the cylindrical portion 11. As a result of studies by the present inventors, it was found that setting the ratio (α / β) to less than 1.0 improves the effect of suppressing fluid retention in the branched flow path 2d. An example of a suitable range for the ratio (α / β) is 0.6 to 0.8. The height (α) of the cylindrical portion 11 is, for example, 2.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0039] The cylindrical wall portion 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, with an inner diameter that increases slightly toward the lower end, which is the end on the engaging portion 12 side. Furthermore, a slope 16 is formed near the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 13, which is inclined so that the diameter increases toward the lower end. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, the tip of a coupler 92 (see FIG. 4 described later) of the male connector 90 may abut against the slope 16, thereby restricting insertion of the male connector 90. An opening that is circular in plan view and exposes the top surface 21 a of the valve 20 is formed at the upper end of the cylindrical wall portion 13, and a retaining portion 14 that is annular in plan view is formed along the periphery of the opening.

[0040] The pressing portion 14 is formed in a circular ring shape, extending radially inward from the upper end of the cylindrical wall portion 13. The pressing portion 14 has a claw 14a extending downward from the radially inner end, and a groove 14b formed between the claw 14a and the cylindrical wall portion 13. Both the claw 14a and the groove 14b are formed in a circular ring shape. The claw 14a is inserted into a groove 24 formed in the valve 20, and presses down on the portion of the valve 20 where the groove 24 is formed. The upper surface of the pressing portion 14 is flat, and together with the upper surface of the cylindrical wall portion 13, it forms the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10, which is substantially flush with the top surface 21a of the valve 20.

[0041] The top surface 11a of the outer housing 10 is formed in a circular ring shape in a plan view, and its outer diameter (γ) is longer than the distance (X) from the main flow path 2c to the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20. The inner diameter of the top surface 11a is substantially the same length as the diameter (β) of the top surface 21a of the valve 20. The ratio (X / γ) of the distance (X) to the outer diameter (γ) of the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10 is preferably less than 1.0, more preferably 0.5 or less, and particularly preferably 0.30 to 0.45. In this case, the effect of suppressing fluid retention in the branched flow paths 2d becomes significant. The outer diameter (γ) of the top surface 11a is, for example, 6.0 mm to 7.5 mm.

[0042] The outer diameter (γ) of the top surface 11a is longer than the distance (H3) from the main flow path 2c to the top surface 21a of the valve 20. The ratio (H3 / γ) of the distance (H3) to the outer diameter (γ) is preferably less than 1.0, more preferably 0.8 or less, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 0.7. Here, the distance (X) from the flow path 2c to the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 refers to the radial length of the flow path 2c from the boundary between the flow paths 2c and 2d to the bottom surface 21b. The distance (X) corresponds to the length of the flow path 2d. The distance (H3) refers to the radial length of the flow path 2c from the boundary between the flow paths 2c and 2d to the top surface 21a, and is the sum of the distance (X) and the thickness of the main body 21 of the valve 20. Unless otherwise specified, both the distance (X) and the distance (H3) refer to the length at the radial center of the valve 20.

[0043] The height (H1) of the thread portion 15 of the outer housing 10 is, for example, approximately the same as the distance (X) and may be shorter than the distance (X). The height (H1) of the thread portion 15 refers to the length along the axial direction (vertical direction) of the outer housing 10 from the upper end to the lower end of the thread portion 15. In this embodiment, the thread portion 15 is formed from the upper end of the cylindrical wall portion 13 to the upper end of the inclined surface 16, and the height (H1) of the thread portion 15 is shorter than the height (α) of the cylindrical portion 11 by the height of the inclined surface 16. As will be described in detail later, the height (H1) of the thread portion 15 is shorter than the diameter of the main body portion 21 of the valve 20 and longer than the radius of the main body portion 21. The thread portion 15 restricts insertion of the male connector 90, for example, when the coupler 92 is rotated around the outer housing 10 by 60° to 360°, preferably by 80° to 270°. In this embodiment, the threaded portion 15 is a double-threaded thread, and therefore, when the coupler 92 is rotated around the external housing 10 by more than half a revolution (180°), the threaded portion 15 and the threads of the coupler 92 are engaged around the entire circumference of the external housing 10.

[0044] The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 13 may be joined to the outer peripheral surface of the valve 20, or the outer housing 10 and the valve 20 may be integrally molded. An integrally molded product is manufactured by, for example, insert molding. Specifically, an integrally molded product can be manufactured by injecting a resin that constitutes the valve 20 into the outer housing 10 set in an injection mold. It is preferable that the retaining portion 14 is not joined to the outer peripheral surface of the valve 20, and the outer housing 10 and the valve 20 are integrally molded so that the retaining portion 14 and the valve 20 are not joined to each other.

[0045] The engaging portion 12 has a function of fixing the external housing 10 to the fixing portion 2b of the base portion 2, and has a structure that can sandwich the fixing portion 2b. The engaging portion 12 has a shape in which a pair of legs 12a extend from a plate-like portion formed around the periphery of the cylindrical portion 11. The pair of legs 12a are arranged opposite each other and extend in the opposite direction from the cylindrical portion 11. In addition, claws 12b that protrude in directions that bring them closer to each other are formed at the tip of each leg piece 12a. The claws 12b of each leg piece 12a fit into grooves 2f formed on the left and right side surfaces of the base portion 2, thereby fixing the external housing 10 to the base portion 2.

[0046] [Valve 20] The valve 20 has a main body 21 in which a slit 23 is formed, and a cylindrical wall 22 formed around the main body 21, and is formed as a bottomed cylinder overall. The main body 21 is a disk-shaped portion formed so as to close the upper end opening of the cylindrical wall 22, and a slit 23 is formed in the radial center of the main body 21, penetrating the main body 21 in the thickness direction. The valve 20 elastically deforms when a male luer is inserted into the slit 23, and when the male luer is pulled out from the slit 23, the slit 23 closes and the valve 20 returns to its original shape. The cylindrical wall 22 is a fixed portion that is fixed to the housing, and is sandwiched between the two housings.

[0047] The upper surface of the main body 21 is substantially flat, and the top surface 21a of the valve 20 is substantially flush with the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10. "Substantially flush" means that there is substantially no difference in height between the top surfaces (for example, the difference in height between the top surfaces is within 0.5 mm), and the top surfaces are aligned in the radial direction of the outer housing 10. When the top surface 21a of the valve 20 is located at the open end of the outer housing 10, particularly when it is disposed substantially flush with the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10, the top surface 21a can be easily disinfected. The top surface 21a of the valve 20 has a perfect circular shape, and its diameter (β) is, for example, 3.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0048] The valve 20 is preferably made of a material containing an elastomer, such as a thermosetting elastomer. Suitable materials include synthetic rubbers such as butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, isoprene rubber, fluororubber, styrene-based rubber, and silicone rubber. Among these, silicone rubber is preferred from the viewpoints of durability, moldability, and the like.

[0049] The valve 20 has a groove 24 formed between the main body 21 and the cylindrical wall 22. The groove 24 is formed in an annular shape on the surface of the valve 20 facing outward. As described above, the claws 14a of the outer housing 10 are inserted into the groove 24. By forming the groove 24, the retention of the valve 20 by the outer housing 10 is improved, and the portion where the groove 24 is formed becomes a thin-walled portion that is thinner than other portions. When a male luer is inserted into the slit 23, the valve 20 bends and elastically deforms at the thin-walled portion. The thin-walled portion of this embodiment is pressed from above and below by the outer housing 10 and the inner housing 30. An annular groove into which the tip of the inner housing 30 is inserted may be formed inside the cylinder of the valve 20.

[0050] The main body 21 has a thickness that can seal the upper end opening of the outer housing 10 and does not interfere with the insertion of a male luer. An example of the thickness of the tubular wall 11 is 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The slit 23 is formed in the radial center of the main body 21, penetrating the main body 21 in the thickness direction. The slit 23 is formed in the shape of a thin line when viewed from above. In this embodiment, three slits 23 are formed at equal intervals along the radial direction from the center of the upper surface of the slit 21, but the length, number, etc. of the slits 23 are not particularly limited. The slit 23 may be formed as a single straight line when viewed from above, or four or more slits may be formed radially.

[0051] The main body 21 blocks the flow path 2d branching from the flow path 2c, and the lower surface (inner surface) of the main body 21 forms the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20, which is located at the innermost portion (upper end) of the flow path 2d. The bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 is substantially flat and is located parallel to the direction in which the flow path 2c extends. In this case, the fluid flows more smoothly, and the effect of suppressing fluid retention is more pronounced. Furthermore, the distance (X) from the flow path 2c to the bottom surface 21b is preferably smaller than the diameter (Y) of the flow path 2c. In other words, the ratio (X / Y) of the distance (X) to the diameter (Y) is preferably less than 1.0.

[0052] As a result of studies by the present inventors, it was found that the effect of suppressing fluid retention in the branched flow path 2d is improved by setting the ratio (X / Y) to less than 1.0. An example of a suitable range for the ratio (X / Y) is 0.5 to 0.7, and more preferably 0.55 to 0.65. The distance (X) is, for example, 1.8 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 and the inner wall of the main flow channel 2c facing the bottom surface 21b are substantially flat and parallel to each other. Therefore, the ratio (X / Y) is constant along the main flow channel 2c. On the other hand, a protrusion that is convex toward the valve 20 may be formed on the inner wall of the flow channel 2c in the area facing the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20. In this case, the medical connector 1 may have a portion where the diameter (Y) is shorter than the distance (X).

[0054] The distance (X) is preferably shorter than the connecting opening width (Z), which is the diameter of the opening 2e of the main flow path 2c. The ratio (X / Z) of the distance (X) to the connecting opening width (Z) is preferably less than 1.0, more preferably 0.7 or less, and particularly preferably 0.4 to 0.6. In this case, the effect of suppressing fluid retention in the branched flow paths 2d is improved. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of fixing the male connector to the housing, the height (H1) of the threaded portion 15 of the outer housing 10 is, as described above, longer than the diameter (β) of the top surface 21a of the valve 20 and longer than the radius (β / 2) of the top surface 21a. Furthermore, the height (H1) is shorter than the outer diameter (γ) of the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10.

[0055] The cylindrical wall portion 22 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to surround the main body portion 21. The outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 22 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer housing 10, and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 22 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner housing 30. In this embodiment, the cylindrical wall portion 22 is not joined to the outer housing 10, but it may be joined. On the other hand, it is preferable that the main body portion 21 is not joined to the outer housing 10. For example, when the outer housing 10 and the valve 20 are integrally molded, the pressing portion 14 and the main body portion 21 are processed so as not to be joined. The inner and outer diameters of the cylindrical wall portion 22 may increase slightly from the upper end to the lower end.

[0056] The upper end of the cylindrical wall portion 22 is located lower than the top surface 21a of the valve 20 and is inserted into the groove 14b of the outer housing 10. The cylindrical wall portion 22 has a lower cylindrical wall portion 22a that extends downward below the main body portion 21. This lower cylindrical wall portion 22a is sandwiched between the two housings, thereby more reliably preventing the valve 20 from falling off. From the perspective of achieving both good fixation and suppressing retention, the height (H2) of the lower cylindrical wall portion 22a is longer than the radius (Y / 2) of the main flow path 2c but shorter than the diameter (Y) of the main flow path 2c. Furthermore, the height (H2) of the lower cylindrical wall portion 22a is longer than the thickness (H3-X) of the main body portion 21, shorter than the connection opening width (Z), and shorter than the diameter (β) of the top surface 21a of the valve 20. The height (H2) of the lower cylindrical wall portion 22a means the dimension along the axial direction of the cylindrical wall portion 22 from the lower end of the base of the main body portion 21, and in this embodiment, is equal to the height of the inner housing 30. Therefore, the height (H2) of the lower cylindrical wall portion 22a can be read as the height of the inner housing 30.

[0057] A flange 25 that protrudes radially outward is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical wall 22 (lower cylindrical wall 22a). The flange 25 is formed in an annular shape along the circumferential direction of the cylindrical wall 22. The flange 25 is pressed by the outer housing 10 and is in close contact with the surface of the base 2 around the inner housing 30. In other words, the flange 25 is sandwiched between the outer housing 10 and the base 2. Furthermore, an annular protrusion is formed on the upper surface of the flange 25, and the annular protrusion engages with an annular groove formed in the bottom surface of the outer housing 10. This further improves the retention of the valve 20.

[0058] [Internal Housing 30] The internal housing 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both upper and lower ends open. The internal housing 30 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the external housing 10, and is disposed within the external housing 10. The internal housing 30 is inserted into the cylindrical wall portion 22 of the valve 20, and together with the external housing 10, holds the valve 20 in place. A male luer is inserted into the internal cylinder of the internal housing 30. For this reason, the internal diameter of the internal housing 30 is larger than the outer diameter of the male luer to be connected. The internal housing 30 is positioned opposite the holding portion 14 of the external housing 10 in the vertical direction, and is formed so as not to extend radially inward of the connector portion 3 beyond the radially inner end of the holding portion 14.

[0059] The inner housing 30 is formed with a height that allows the outer housing 10 and the valve 20 to be held in place together with the outer housing 10 without preventing them from contacting the surface of the base portion 2. The inner housing 30 also has a tapered surface 31 on its outer periphery, the outer diameter of which gradually decreases toward its upper end. That is, the inner housing 30 has a shape that tapers slightly toward its upper end. In this embodiment, the valve 20 is assembled to the base portion 2 by placing the valve 20 over the inner housing 30, and the tapered surface 31 makes it easier to attach the valve 20. The tapered surface 31 is formed, for example, at a position that faces the groove 14b of the outer housing 10 in the vertical direction.

[0060] As described above, the inner peripheral surface of the inner housing 30 is located radially outward of the connector portion 3 relative to the radially inner end of the retaining portion 14 of the outer housing 10. In this case, elastic deformation of the valve 20 is smooth when the male luer is inserted, reducing insertion resistance of the male luer. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the inner housing 30 is formed straight along the vertical direction. In this case, the elastically deformed valve 20 tightly adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the inner housing 30. As a result, the valve 20 presses strongly against the inner housing 30, and the pressed valve 20 tightly adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the male luer. This ensures good sealing performance.

[0061] The configuration and effects of the connector portion 3 will be described in further detail below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the medical connector 1 showing a state in which the male luer 91 of the male connector 90 is inserted into the slit 23 of the valve 20.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, a male connector 90 without a metal needle can be connected to the medical connector 1. The male connector 90 is a coupler-equipped connector having a male luer 91 and a coupler 92. The coupler 92 is a cylindrical member with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the male luer 91, and surrounds the male luer 91. The coupler 92 has a reduced diameter at its proximal end, and this reduced diameter portion is connected to the connector body including the male luer 91 so as to be rotatable about its axis but immovable in the axial direction. The coupler 92 is generally also called a lock nut, and a threaded portion formed on its inner circumferential surface is used to connect with the outer housing 10. The male luer 91 has a tapered shape with an outer diameter that decreases toward the tip. The male connector is an ISO-standard medical connector used in needleless connectors, specifically a male connector specified in ISO 80369-7 (for hypodermic injections and vascular systems, etc.).

[0063] The connector portion 3 of the medical connector 1 is configured such that when the male luer 91 is inserted into the slit 23 of the valve 20, the insertion of the male luer 91 is restricted at a predetermined position, and a portion of the valve 20 is positioned within the main flow path 2c at the predetermined position. In this embodiment, when the male luer 91 is inserted to the predetermined position, the tip of the male luer 91 is also positioned within the main flow path 2c. The insertion position of the male luer 91 is restricted, for example, by the tip of the coupler 92 abutting against the inclined surface 16 of the outer housing 10 or the periphery of the tubular portion 11. In this embodiment, the insertion of the male connector 90 is restricted when a gap is formed between the coupler 92 and the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10, and when the coupler 92 is rotated half a circle around the outer housing 10. Meanwhile, although the male luer 91 is inserted into the flow path 2c, it is preferable that the insertion length be restricted so that it does not exceed the radius (Y / 2) of the flow path 2c. In addition, the insertion position of the male luer 91 may be regulated by the tip of the coupler 92 abutting against the surface of the base portion 2, or by the outer surface of the male luer 91 abutting against the upper opening edge of the outer housing 10.

[0064] The connector section 3 is further configured such that, when the male luer 91 is inserted into the slit 23 of the valve 20, the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30, which is the inner wall of the housing. When the male luer 91 is inserted to the predetermined position, it is preferable that the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 abuts against at least 50% of the inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30. The area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30 against which the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 abuts is preferably 50% or more of the total area of ​​the inner circumferential surface, more preferably 70% or more, and particularly preferably 90% or more. The bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 may be in close contact with substantially the entire inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30. Furthermore, when the male luer 91 is inserted into the slit 23 of the valve 20 to the predetermined position, a gap exists between the coupler 92 and the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10. The valve 20 is deformed so as to rotate approximately 90 degrees around the main body 21 and the fixed portion provided around the main body 21 as a fulcrum, and the slit surface of the valve 20 faces downward. At least a portion of the top surface 21a of the valve main body abuts against the outer surface of the male luer 91 by 80% or more in the height direction, and the male luer 91 substantially penetrates the valve 20.

[0065] As described above, by designing the height of the connector part 3 low enough that part of the valve 20 enters the flow path 2c, the dead space of the flow path 2d formed by the connector part 3 can be reduced, and fluid retention can be effectively suppressed. In particular, when the ratio (α / β) is 0.6 to 0.8 or the ratio (X / Y) is 0.5 to 0.7, or more preferably when both conditions are satisfied, the effect of suppressing fluid retention is further improved. The connector part 3 also makes it possible to directly administer a medicinal solution to the main flow path 2c and directly collect a sample from the main flow path 2c.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the connector portion 3, the inner peripheral surface of the internal housing 30 is formed straight in the vertical direction, so that the valve 20, which is elastically deformed by the insertion of the male luer 91, tightly adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the internal housing 30, and the internal housing 30 pushes back the valve 20. As a result, the pressed valve 20 tightly adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the male luer 91, ensuring good sealing. By threading the valve 20 and the male luer 91 into the external housing 10 to such an extent that they are positioned within the main flow path 2c, and deforming the valve 20 until it abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the internal housing 30, stress from the valve 20 on the outer peripheral surface of the male luer 91 acts strongly radially inward of the male luer 91. As a result, the force holding the male luer 91 is strengthened, and combined with the threaded engagement with the external housing 10 via the thread portion 15, the male connector can be stably fixed to the connector portion 3.

[0067] [Second embodiment] The medical connector 5 of the second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 8. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the medical connector 5. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the medical connector 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the medical connector 5 cut along the direction in which the main flow path 6c extends. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, medical connector 5 is similar to medical connector 1 in that it includes a base portion 6 that forms a flow path 6c, which is part of the fluid path, and a connector portion 7 that forms a flow path 6d branching from flow path 6c. Base portion 6 has two connection portions 6a to which tubes that form the fluid path are connected, and has a structure in which fixing portions 6b for fixing connector portion 7 are formed between connection portions 6a. Fixing portion 6b is formed in a circular ring shape in a plan view so as to surround opening 6e that communicates with flow path 6c, and is configured so that each component that forms connector portion 7 can be placed thereon. The inner diameter of the tube inserted inside connecting portion 6a is approximately the same as the inner diameter of flow path 6c, so that the flow path is formed without any steps.

[0069] The connector portion 7 is disposed so as to surround the opening 6e, and forms a flow path 6d branching from the flow path 6c. The connector portion 7 includes an outer housing 40, a valve 50, and an inner housing 60, similar to the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that the inner housing 60 is not integrally molded with the base portion 6. In this embodiment, a step that is one step lower is formed along the periphery of the opening 6e, and the inner housing 60 is disposed in this step portion. Furthermore, the outer housing 40 does not have a structure that sandwiches the base portion 6, and has a flange portion 42 that is annular in plan view and protrudes radially outward from the lower end of the tubular portion 41.

[0070] The connector portion 7 may be assembled to the base portion 6, or may be bonded to the base portion 6. For example, the two housings constituting the connector portion 7 may be bonded to the fixed portion 6b using an adhesive, or may be welded to the fixed portion 6b. A wall 6f is formed along the outer peripheral edge of the fixed portion 6b. The wall 6f surrounds the outer housing 40 and makes it easier to assemble the connector portion 7.

[0071] The outer housing 40 has a cylindrical portion 41 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrically formed valve 50 and sandwiches the valve 50 together with the inner housing 60. The configuration of the cylindrical portion 41 is the same as in the first embodiment, and includes a cylindrical wall portion 43 having a threaded portion 45 formed on its outer peripheral surface and a pressing portion 44 that presses down on the portion of the valve 50 surrounding the top surface 51a. For example, a helical thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 43 from the upper end to the lower end of the cylindrical wall portion 43. The pressing portion 44 has a claw 44a that extends downward from the radially inner end and a groove 44b formed between the claw 44a and the cylindrical wall portion 43. The claw 44a is inserted into a groove 54 formed in the valve 50 and presses down on the portion of the valve 50 where the groove 54 is formed.

[0072] The valve 50 is similar to the valve 20 of the medical connector 1 in that it has a main body 51 with a slit 53 formed therein and a cylindrical wall 52 formed around the main body 51, and is formed as a bottomed cylinder overall. Similarly to the valve 20, the valve 50 also has a groove 54 formed between the main body 51 and the cylindrical wall 52, and a flange 55 extending radially outward from the lower end of the cylindrical wall 52. Meanwhile, the bottom surface 51b (inner surface) of the valve 50, which is disposed at the innermost portion of the flow path 6d, has a ring-shaped recess 56 formed adjacent to the cylindrical wall 52, which differs from the valve 20, whose bottom surface 21b is substantially flat. The recess 56 increases the distance until the valve 50 abuts on the inner peripheral surface of the inner housing 60 when a male luer is inserted into the slit 53, thereby reducing the insertion resistance of the male luer.

[0073] The upper surface of the main body 51 of the valve 50 is substantially flat, and forms a top surface 51a of the valve 50 that is approximately flush with the top surface 41a of the outer housing 40. The top surface 51a has a perfect circular shape, and its diameter (β) is, for example, 3.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0074] The internal housing 60 is a cylindrical member that can be inserted into the cylindrical interior of the external housing 40, and is disposed in a position that faces the retaining portion 44 of the external housing 40 in the vertical direction, in common with the internal housing 30 of the medical connector 1. However, the internal housing 60 differs from the internal housing 30, which has a reduced outer diameter, in that its upper portion is bent radially inward and has a tapered portion 61 in which both the outer and inner diameters are reduced. As shown in Figure 8 described below, when a male luer is inserted into the slit 53 of the valve 50, the inner circumferential surface of the tapered portion 61 comes into close contact with the portion of the valve 50 in which the recess 56 is formed, and the valve 50 undergoes smooth elastic deformation.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of medical connector 5 showing a state in which male luer 91 of male connector 90 is inserted into slit 53 of valve 50. As shown in FIG.

[0076] 8, the connector portion 7 of the medical connector 5 is configured so that when the male luer 91 is inserted into the slit 53 of the valve 50, the insertion of the male luer 91 is restricted at a predetermined position, and at that predetermined position, a portion of the valve 50 and the male luer 91 are positioned within the main flow path 6c. The insertion position of the male luer 91 is restricted, for example, by the tip of the coupler 92 abutting against the surface of the flange portion 42. By designing the height of the connector portion 7 low enough that a portion of the valve 50 enters the flow path 6c, the dead space of the flow path 6d formed by the connector portion 7 can be reduced, and fluid retention can be effectively suppressed.

[0077] In the medical connector 5, the distance (X) from the main flow path 6c to the bottom surface 51b of the valve 50 is also shorter than the width (Z) of the connecting opening to the main flow path 6c and the outer diameter (γ) of the top surface 41a of the outer housing 40. The cylindrical wall portion 52 of the valve 50 is formed with a lower cylindrical wall portion 52a, the height (H2) of which is longer than the radius (Y / 2) of the main flow path 6c but shorter than the diameter (Y). The height (H1) of the threaded portion 45 is shorter than the diameter of the top surface 51a of the main body portion 51 of the valve 50 but longer than the radius of the top surface 51a. The ratio (α / β) of the height (α) of the cylindrical portion 41 of the outer housing 40 to the diameter (β) of the top surface 51a of the valve 50 is preferably less than 1.0, and more preferably 0.6 to 0.8. Furthermore, the ratio (X / Y) of the distance (X) from the flow path 6c to the bottom surface 51b to the diameter (Y) of the flow path 6c is preferably less than 1.0, more preferably 0.5 to 0.7. When these conditions are satisfied, the effect of suppressing fluid retention is further improved.

[0078] The connector section 3 is further configured such that, when the male luer 91 is inserted into the slit 23 of the valve 20, the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30, which is the inner wall of the housing. When the male luer 91 is inserted to the predetermined position, it is preferable that the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 abuts against at least 50% of the inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30. The area of ​​the inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30 against which the bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 abuts is preferably 50% or more of the total area of ​​the inner circumferential surface, more preferably 70% or more, and particularly preferably 90% or more. The bottom surface 21b of the valve 20 may be in close contact with substantially the entire inner circumferential surface of the inner housing 30. Furthermore, when the male luer 91 is inserted into the slit 23 of the valve 20 to the predetermined position, a gap exists between the coupler 92 and the top surface 11a of the outer housing 10.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the fixed portion fixed to the housing of the valve 20, 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape including the lower cylindrical wall portion, but the fixed portion does not have to be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0080] Furthermore, a medical connector according to one aspect of the present invention is a connector provided on the side of a medical fluid pathway, and comprises a cylindrical housing having a threaded portion formed on its outer peripheral surface, and a valve disposed within the cylindrical housing and having a slit formed therein, wherein the top surface of the valve is located at the open end of the housing, the distance (X) from the main flow path of the fluid pathway to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the opening for connection to the main flow path, and when a male luer with a coupler is inserted into the slit of the valve, a part of the male luer is positioned within the main flow path of the fluid pathway.

[0081] Another aspect of the present invention is a medical connector that is provided on the side of a medical fluid pathway, and includes a cylindrical housing with a threaded portion formed on its outer peripheral surface, a main body portion that is disposed within the cylindrical housing and has a slit formed therein, and a valve that is provided around the main body portion and has a fixed portion that is fixed to the housing, wherein the distance (X) from the main flow path of the fluid pathway to the bottom surface of the valve is shorter than the width of the connection opening to the main flow path, and when a male luer with a coupler is inserted into the slit of the valve, the bottom surface of the main body portion abuts against the inner wall of the housing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] [First embodiment] 1 medical connector, 2 base portion, 2a connection portion, 2b fixing portion, 2c, 2d flow path, 2e opening, 2f groove, 3 connector portion, 10 outer housing, 11 cylindrical portion, 11a top surface, 12 engagement portion, 12a leg piece, 12b claw, 13 cylindrical wall portion, 14 pressing portion, 14a claw, 14b groove, 15 thread portion, 16 inclined surface, 20 valve, 21 main body portion, 21a top surface, 21b bottom surface, 22 cylindrical wall portion, 23 slit, 24 groove, 25 flange portion, 30 inner housing, 31 tapered surface, 90 male connector, 91 male luer, 92 coupler

[0083] [Second embodiment] 5 medical connector, 6 base portion, 6a connection portion, 6b fixing portion, 6c, 6d flow path, 6e opening, 6f wall, 7 connector portion, 40 outer housing, 41 cylindrical portion, 41a top surface, 42 flange portion, 43 cylindrical wall portion, 44 pressing portion, 44a claw, 44b groove, 45 threaded portion, 50 valve, 51 main body portion, 51a top surface, 51b bottom surface, 52 cylindrical wall portion, 53 slit, 54 groove, 55 flange portion, 56 recess, 60 inner housing, 61 tapered portion

Claims

1. A connector provided on the side of a medical fluid path, A cylindrical housing having a threaded portion formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a valve disposed in a cylinder of the housing and having a slit formed therein; Equipped with a top surface of the valve located at an open end of the housing; A distance (X) from the main flow path of the fluid path to a bottom surface of the valve is shorter than a connection opening width (Z) to the main flow path, A medical connector configured such that when a male luer with a coupler is inserted into the slit of the valve, a portion of the valve is positioned within a main flow path of the fluid path.

2. The valve is A main body portion in which the slit is formed; A cylindrical wall portion provided around the main body portion; having The medical connector according to claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a first housing having the threaded portion, and a cylindrical second housing arranged inside the cylindrical wall portion and sandwiching the valve together with the first housing.

3. 2. The medical connector according to claim 1, wherein at a portion where the distance between the bottom surface of the valve and an inner surface of the main flow path opposite the bottom surface is smallest, a ratio (X / Y) of a distance (X) from the main flow path to a bottom surface of the valve to a diameter (Y) of the main flow path is less than 1.

0.

4. 2. The medical connector of claim 1, wherein the height of the threaded portion of the housing relative to the diameter (β) of the top surface of the valve is shorter than the diameter (β) of the top surface of the valve and longer than the radius (β / 2) of the top surface.

5. A connector provided on the side of a medical fluid path, a cylindrical first housing having a threaded portion formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a valve disposed within the cylinder of the first housing and having a slit formed therein; Equipped with The valve has a main body portion in which the slit is formed and a cylindrical wall portion provided around the main body portion, a second housing disposed inside the cylindrical wall portion and sandwiching the valve together with the first housing; The top surface of the valve is located at the open end of the first housing, and the cylindrical wall portion has a lower cylindrical wall portion extending downward. an axial dimension of the lower cylindrical wall portion is longer than a radius of a main flow passage of the fluid path and shorter than a diameter of the main flow passage; A medical connector, wherein an outer diameter of a top surface of the first housing is longer than a distance (X) from the main flow path to a bottom surface of the valve.

6. A connector provided on the side of a medical fluid path, A cylindrical housing having a threaded portion formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a valve including a main body portion disposed within the cylindrical housing and having a slit formed therein, and a fixed portion provided around the main body portion and fixed to the housing; Equipped with A medical connector, wherein a distance (X) from a main flow path of the fluid path to a bottom surface of the valve is shorter than a connection opening width (Z) to the main flow path, and when a male luer with a coupler is inserted into the slit of the valve, the bottom surface of the main body abuts against an inner wall of the housing.

7. A connector provided on the side of a medical fluid path, A cylindrical housing having a threaded portion formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; a valve including a main body portion disposed within the cylindrical housing and having a slit formed therein, and a fixed portion provided around the main body portion and fixed to the housing; Equipped with A distance (X) from the main flow path of the fluid path to a bottom surface of the valve is shorter than a connection opening width (Z) to the main flow path, A medical connector, wherein the height (H1) of the screw portion is shorter than the diameter (β) of the top surface of the main body portion and longer than the radius (β / 2) of the top surface.

8. The medical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a base portion constituting a part of the fluid path, and a connector portion including the housing and the valve, The housing is fixed relative to the base and the valve abuts the base.

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