Medical female connector

Abstract

To provide a medical female connector of a novel structure capable of suppressing damage when connected to a male connector.SOLUTION: The medical female connector 10 includes a first member 16 that constitutes a connection portion of the male connector 14 and a second member 18 that constitutes a connection portion of the tube 12, the first member 16 and the second member 18 being separately formed and fixed to each other, the first member 16 being made of a material having a lower flexural modulus than the second member 18. The second member is provided at a position away from the tip of the first member 16 by 2. 5mm or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical female connector used at a connection portion between a male connector and a tube. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a connection structure using a male connector and a female connector that fit together has been adopted for connecting tubes in medical infusion lines and the like, as disclosed in, for example, Utility Model Registration No. 3116021 (Patent Document 1). In this connection structure, for example, the male connector is inserted into the female connector, and the male connector and female connector are tightly connected at their luer tapers, thereby connecting them liquid-tight. In addition, some structures are provided with a locking structure that keeps the male connector inserted into the female connector by, for example, threading the male connector and the female connector together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3116021 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, tube connections require reliable leakage prevention to prevent accidents involving blood or drug solutions. Therefore, at tube connections, the male connector tends to be inserted deeper into the female connector, resulting in a stronger mating of the male and female connectors. When the male connector is inserted deeper into the female connector, a strong stress acts on the female connector, pushing it outward in the radial direction and a strong stress acts on the male connector, compressing it inward in the radial direction, increasing the mating force between the male and female connectors.

[0005] However, since stress acts in the direction of increasing the diameter of a female connector, the limit value of stress at which damage occurs is lower than that of a male connector, in which stress acts in the direction of decreasing the diameter, and there was a risk of cracks occurring in the female connector when it was forcefully pushed open from the inside by the male connector.

[0006] To prevent cracking of the female connector due to mating with the male connector, it is possible to form the female connector from a soft material with a low flexural modulus, but if a female connector made of a soft material is stored for a long period of time while being subjected to external forces, the internal flow path may become deformed, and liquid may not flow smoothly through the flow path inside the connector as intended by the design.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a medical female connector with a novel structure that can suppress damage when connected to a male connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The following describes preferred embodiments for understanding the present invention, but the embodiments described below are merely examples and may be appropriately combined with one another. Multiple components described in each embodiment may be recognized and employed independently to the greatest extent possible, and may also be appropriately combined with any of the components described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various other embodiments may be realized.

[0009] The first aspect is a medical female connector having a male connector connection portion at one end and a tube connection portion at the other end, comprising a first member that constitutes the male connector connection portion and a second member that constitutes the tube connection portion, the first member and the second member being formed separately and fixed to each other, the first member being made of a material with a lower flexural modulus than the second member, and the second member being located at a position 2.5 mm or more away from the tip of the first member.

[0010] In a medical female connector constructed according to this aspect, the flexural modulus of the first member into which the male connector is inserted is set lower than the flexural modulus of the second member, so that the first member is less likely to be damaged even when a force acts to push the first member outward when the male connector is connected. Furthermore, because the first member with a low flexural modulus forms the connecting portion with the male connector, the male connector can be easily attached and detached.

[0011] The female connector is constructed by combining a first member with a low flexural modulus and a second member with a higher flexural modulus than the first member. This increases the deformation rigidity of the female connector as a whole compared to when the entire female connector is made of a material with a low flexural modulus. Therefore, for example, if the female connector is stored for a long period of time while being subjected to external force, it is possible to reduce the risk of the flow path inside the connector being deformed and preventing the liquid from flowing smoothly as intended.

[0012] Since the second member with a high flexural modulus is positioned at a distance of 2.5 mm or more from the tip of the female connector, the force generated by connecting the male connector is reduced from acting directly on the hard second member, thereby suppressing damage to the female connector, such as cracks occurring at the tip of the female connector when the male connector is connected.

[0013] In a second aspect, the medical female connector according to the first aspect has an overlap portion where the second member overlaps and is superimposed on the outer circumferential side of the first member, and at least a portion of the overlap portion is located within 10 mm of the tip of the first member.

[0014] However, with a medical female connector constructed according to this embodiment, the overlapping portion is formed within 10 mm of the tip of the first member, so deformation of the female connector due to external force is suppressed by the overlapping portion. Furthermore, because the second member, which has a relatively high bending elasticity, overlaps the outside of the first member, which has a relatively low bending elasticity, the second member suppresses radial expansion and deformation of the female connector due to connection of the male connector, pressure from the liquid flowing inside, and the like.

[0015] In a third aspect, in the medical female connector described in the second aspect, the first member has a recess that opens onto its outer peripheral surface, and the second member fits into the recess.

[0016] In the medical female connector constructed according to this aspect, the second member inserted into the recess of the first member is engaged with the inner surface of the recess, thereby positioning the first member and the second member relative to each other, and in particular, preventing unintended axial separation of the first member and the second member.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, in the medical female connector described in the second or third aspect, a tube insertion portion into which the tube is inserted is provided on the base end side of the first member, and the recess is located away from the tube insertion portion of the first member toward the tip end.

[0018] According to a medical female connector constructed in accordance with this aspect, the depth of the recess can be set with greater freedom, and the recess can effectively position the first and second members.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, in the medical female connector described in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the recess is a groove-like shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, and the recess is partially provided with a deep bottom portion with an increased depth, and the second member extends into the deep bottom portion.

[0020] In a medical female connector constructed according to this embodiment, the tip portion of the second member fits into the groove-shaped recess, so that the inner surface of the recess and the second member are engaged in the axial direction over a wide circumferential range, thereby more effectively preventing separation of the first member and the second member.

[0021] Since the second member is inserted into the deep portion that is partially open to the bottom surface of the recess, the first member and the second member can be positioned relative to each other by the engagement between the inner surface of the deep portion and the second member, thereby more firmly fixing the first member and the second member. Note that if the recess is formed in an annular shape, by providing the deep portion partially in the circumferential direction, the first member and the second member can be positioned relative to each other in the circumferential direction by the engagement between the inner surface of the deep portion and the second member.

[0022] In a sixth aspect, in the medical female connector described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole into which the tube is inserted is configured with the first member on the tip side, and the second member is positioned outside the first member.

[0023] In a medical female connector constructed according to this aspect, at the tube end where liquid flows into the female connector, when the tube expands and deforms due to the pressure of the liquid, the first member is pressed toward the outer second member. As a result, when the liquid pressure inside the tube increases, the liquid-tightness between the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the first member that forms the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole and the inner circumferential surface of the portion of the second member that is positioned on the outer periphery of the first member increases. Therefore, even when liquid flows at high pressure, liquid leakage is less likely to occur. Furthermore, if the inner diameter of the tube connection hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube and the tube is inserted into the tube connection hole in a radially compressed state, the pressing force of the tube acts in a direction that presses the first member against the outer second member, thereby improving the liquid-tightness between the first member and the second member, resulting in a female connector with better pressure resistance.

[0024] In a seventh aspect, in the medical female connector described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the second member is provided with an operating wing-like portion that protrudes to the outer periphery, and the first member and the second member are joined to each other while forming a step on the inner periphery side of the wing-like portion.

[0025] According to a medical female connector constructed in accordance with this aspect, the first member is positioned inside the second member on which the wing-like portion is formed, thereby allowing a large step to be formed and increasing the fixing force between the second member and the first member.

[0026] In an eighth aspect, in the medical female connector according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the injection mark of the molding material of the first member is covered by the second member.

[0027] According to a medical female connector constructed in accordance with this embodiment, the injection mark on the first member is covered by the second member, making the injection mark invisible from the outside and improving the appearance of the female connector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, damage to a medical female connector when connecting to a male connector can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a medical female connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] Left side view of the medical female connector shown in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Rear view of the medical female connector shown in Figure 1 [Figure 4] IV-IV cross section of Figure 3 [Figure 5] VV cross section of Figure 3 [Figure 6] VI-VI cross section of Figure 3 [Figure 7] Cross section of Figure 2, taken along the line VII-VII [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of a first member constituting the medical female connector shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a left side view showing a medical female connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] XX cross section of Figure 9 [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the medical female connector shown in FIG. 9, showing the second member along the line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view of a first member constituting the medical female connector shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a left side view of the first member shown in FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a plan view of the first member shown in FIG. 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] 1 to 7 show a medical female connector 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the proximal end of the female connector 10 is a connection portion for a tube 12, and the distal end is a connection portion for a male connector 14. The female connector 10 is attached to the end of the tube 12 and is connectable to a male connector 14 standardized by ISO 80369-7, 6, 3, which is provided on the end of a tube (not shown), a syringe, or the like. The female connector 10 can be used as a connection portion with the male connector 14 in various circuits, such as a blood circuit, an infusion circuit, an enteral nutrition circuit, and an anesthesia circuit. In the following description, the up-down direction generally refers to the up-down direction in FIG. 2, the front-rear direction refers to the left-right direction in FIG. 2, and the left-right direction refers to the left-right direction in FIG. 3. The right side in FIG. 2, which is the connection side with the male connector 14 (described below), is the front, which is the distal end side, and the left side in FIG. 2, which is the connection side with the tube 12 (described below), is the rear, which is the proximal end side.

[0032] The female connector 10 is made of resin and has a generally cylindrical shape overall. The female connector 10 includes a first member 16 that forms the connecting portion of the male connector 14 and a second member 18 that forms the connecting portion of the tube 12. The first member 16 and the second member 18 are made of different resin materials and are fixed together as a unit. The female connector 10 is standardized under ISO 80369-7, 6, 3, and the dimensions of each part comply with ISO 80369-7, 6, 3.

[0033] The first member 16 is a member that constitutes the tip portion of the female connector 10, and as shown in Figure 8, has a generally cylindrical shape overall. The first member 16 is formed from a resin, and suitable materials for the first member 16 include polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyacetal, and in this embodiment, the first member 16 is formed from polypropylene. The material for the first member 16 is preferably different from the material for the male connector 14, but may be the same as the material for the male connector 14. The male connector 14 is formed from, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polypropylene, or the like.

[0034] Furthermore, it is desirable that the material forming first member 16 has a different solubility parameter (SP value) with respect to organic substances that may come into contact with first member 16, such as ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether, ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and oils and fatty acids such as olive oil and oleic acid. It is also desirable that the SP value of the material forming first member 16 differs from the SP value of the material forming male connector 14, and the difference with respect to the SP value of the material forming male connector 14 is preferably set to be 0.5 or more, and more preferably 1.0 or more.

[0035] The first member 16 integrally comprises, in order from the tip side, a connection portion 20 that connects to the male connector 14, a small diameter portion 22 that mates with the second member 18, and a tube insertion portion 24 into which the tube 12 is inserted.

[0036] The connecting portion 20 has an overall cylindrical shape, and as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the outer peripheral surface is cylindrical, while the inner peripheral surface is configured with a luer taper that widens toward the front. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the connecting portion 20 is provided with a male-threaded lock screw 26 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface. The lock screw 26 is threadedly engaged with the female threads of a locking tube portion 52 (described below) of the male connector 14, thereby forming a locking mechanism that prevents unintentional removal of the male connector 14. The outer diameter of the connecting portion 20, excluding the lock screw 26, is preferably within the range of 6.0 to 6.7 mm, and more preferably within the range of 6.3 to 6.6 mm, in accordance with ISO 80369-7. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the connecting portion 20, excluding the lock screw 26, is preferably within the range of 8.0 to 8.2 mm, and more preferably within the range of 8.1 to 8.2 mm, in accordance with ISO 80369-6. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the connecting portion 20 excluding the lock screw 26 is preferably within the range of 5.0 to 5.4 mm, and more preferably within the range of 5.1 to 5.3 mm, in accordance with ISO80369-3.

[0037] The small-diameter portion 22 has a cylindrical shape overall and an outer diameter dimension smaller than that of the connecting portion 20. The first member 16 has the small-diameter portion 22 located in the middle in the front-to-rear direction, and the connecting portion 20 and the tube insertion portion 24, which are larger in diameter than the small-diameter portion 22, are located on both the front and rear sides, thereby forming a recess 28 that opens toward the outer periphery. The recess 28 has a bottom surface formed by the small-diameter portion 22 and is a continuous groove-like shape around the entire circumferential direction. The inner surface of the small-diameter portion 22 has a luer taper whose distal end portion is continuous with the inner surface of the connecting portion 20, a tapered surface whose diameter decreases toward the rear, and a cylindrical surface with a substantially constant diameter in the middle portion. The recess 28 is located at a position offset toward the proximal end of the connecting portion 20 that constitutes the distal end portion of the first member 16, and is located at a position offset toward the distal end of the tube insertion portion 24 that constitutes the proximal end portion of the first member 16.

[0038] The recess 28 is preferably located within a range of 2.5 to 15 mm from the tip of the first member 16 in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the distance from the tip of the first member 16 to the wall surface of the recess 28 on the tip side is 2.5 mm or more, and the distance from the tip of the first member 16 to the wall surface on the base side of the recess 28 is 15 mm or less. By locating the recess 28 at a distance of 2.5 mm or more from the tip of the first member 16, the relatively hard second member 18 can be spaced at least 2.5 mm from the tip of the female connector 10. Therefore, the tip portion of the female connector 10 is formed from a relatively flexible first member 16, reducing the risk of cracks occurring at the tip of the female connector 10 when connecting the male connector 14. Furthermore, by locating the recess 28 at a distance of 15 mm or less from the tip of the first member 16, the female connector 10 can be prevented from becoming overly flexible due to the first member 16 being excessively long, thereby reducing the risk of deformation of the internal flow path of the female connector 10. Furthermore, recess 28 can be positioned in a portion where stress is likely to act when female connector 10 and male connector 14 are disconnected, making it difficult for first member 16 and second member 18 to separate. Recess 28 is preferably provided within a range of 4 to 10 mm, and more preferably within a range of 5 to 8 mm, in the front-to-rear direction from the tip of first member 16. In this embodiment, the distance from the tip of first member 16 to the wall surface on the tip side of recess 28 is the same as distance L from the tip of first member 16 to the tip of second member 18, which will be described later.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , the small-diameter portion 22, which forms the bottom surface of the recess 28, has a deep bottom portion 30. The deep bottom portion 30 is provided so as to open to the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 22 and has a recessed shape with a substantially rectangular opening. The depth dimension of the recess 28 is greater in the deep bottom portion 30 than in other portions, forming a step. In other words, the deep bottom portion 30 can also be considered as a portion of the recess 28 whose depth dimension is greater than in other portions. The small-diameter portion 22 has a smaller outer diameter dimension in the deep bottom portion 30, making it thinner in the radial direction. The deep bottom portion 30 is formed at least partially in the circumferential direction, and in this embodiment, multiple deep bottom portions 30 are formed. In this embodiment, the deep bottom portions 30 are formed in a concave shape with a width dimension greater than the axial dimension, and four deep bottom portions 30 are formed side by side in the circumferential direction at two locations in the front-rear direction. In short, the small-diameter portion 22 has eight deep bottom portions 30, 30..., 30, spaced apart in at least one of the circumferential direction and the axial direction. The provision of the deep bottom portion 30 is desirable because it can improve the fixing force between the first member 16 and the second member 18 in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction, but the deep bottom portion 30 is not essential.

[0040] A pair of positioning protrusions 32, 32 are formed in the recess 28, forming a step. The pair of positioning protrusions 32, 32 are provided partially in the circumferential direction and protrude outward on both sides in the vertical direction. The pair of positioning protrusions 32, 32 are provided at the rear end portion of the small diameter portion 22, which is the bottom surface of the recess 28, and do not reach the connection portion 20 provided in front of the small diameter portion 22. In this embodiment, the pair of positioning protrusions 32 are located rearward of the center of the front-to-rear direction of the small diameter portion 22. The positioning protrusions 32 can improve the fixing force between the first member 16 and the second member 18, but may not be provided.

[0041] The tube insertion portion 24 constitutes the base end portion of the first member 16, has an overall cylindrical shape, and extends further rearward than the small diameter portion 22. The tube insertion portion 24 has an inner diameter dimension larger than both the connecting portion 20 and the small diameter portion 22, and an outer diameter dimension smaller than the connecting portion 20 and larger than the small diameter portion 22. The tube insertion portion 24 is thinner in the radial direction than both the connecting portion 20 and the small diameter portion 22.

[0042] A pair of ribs 34, 34 is formed on the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16. The pair of ribs 34, 34 protrude from the outer peripheral surface toward both vertical and horizontal sides. The rib 34 extends linearly in the front-to-rear direction with a substantially constant cross section and is continuous over the entire front-to-rear length of the tube insertion portion 24. The protruding ribs 34 form a step on the outer peripheral surface of the first member 16 that forms the tube insertion portion 24. That is, the step on the outer peripheral surface of the first member 16 is formed by both circumferential end faces (left and right end faces) and both axial end faces (front and rear end faces) of the rib 34 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the first member 16. The ribs 34 can improve the fixing force between the first member 16 and the second member 18, but are not essential. However, it is preferable to provide some kind of restricting portion, such as the rib 34, deep bottom portion 30, or positioning protrusion 32, that restricts relative rotation in the circumferential direction between the first member 16 and the second member 18.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8 , a gate mark 36 is formed on the rear surface of one of the ribs 34 as an injection mark, which is a mark left by an injection gate through which synthetic resin material is injected when molding the first member 16. The rib 34 with the gate mark 36 is formed at approximately the same circumferential position as one of the positioning protrusions 32 and is continuous in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, when resin material is injected forward from the position of the gate mark 36 to mold the first member 16, the cavity of the molding die is unlikely to become significantly narrowed in the radial direction in front of the gate mark 36, and the resin material can be smoothly fed forward from the position of the gate mark 36. Note that by embedding the rib 34 with the gate mark 36 in a wing-like portion 46 (described later), the gate mark 36 becomes invisible from the outside, improving the appearance of the female connector 10. The gate mark 36 may be formed on the positioning protrusion 32 instead of the rib 34, or may be formed in another location, but by forming it in a location covered by the second member 18, it is possible to prevent the gate mark 36 from coming into contact with the user's skin and causing discomfort.

[0044] The first member 16 is made of a soft material having a lower flexural modulus than the second member 18. The flexural modulus of the first member 16 is preferably in the range of 700 to 2000 MPa, and more preferably in the range of 800 to 1500 MPa, according to the ASTM standard plastic bending test method (ASTM D790), for example.

[0045] The second member 18 is a member that constitutes the base end portion of the female connector 10, and as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, has a generally cylindrical shape overall. The second member 18 is formed from a resin, and suitable materials for the second member 18 include polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and polymethyl methacrylate. In this embodiment, the second member 18 is formed from polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride. The second member 18 is preferably made of a material that has excellent adhesion to the tube 12. In particular, the SP value of the material for the second member 18 is preferably close to the SP value of the material for the tube 12, and the difference between the SP value of the material for the tube 12 and the SP value of the material for the tube 12 is preferably less than 0.5, and more preferably 0.3 or less. The tube 12 is formed from, for example, polyvinyl chloride.

[0046] The second member 18 is integrally provided with, in order from the tip side, an engaging portion 38 that fits into the recess 28 of the first member 16, an attachment portion 40 that is fixed to the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16 in an externally inserted state, and a tube adhesive portion 42 that is fixed to the tube 12 in an externally inserted state.

[0047] The fitting portion 38 is located between the connecting portion 20 and the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16 in the front-rear direction, and is overlapped and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 22 of the first member 16. Therefore, the tip portion of the second member 18 is overlapped on the outer circumferential side with respect to the base end portion of the first member 16, and the small diameter portion 22 and the fitting portion 38 form an overlapping portion between the first member 16 and the second member 18. At least a portion of the overlapping portion between the first member 16 and the second member 18 formed by the small diameter portion 22 and the fitting portion 38 is located within a range of 10 mm from the tip of the first member 16.

[0048] The fitting portion 38 of the second member 18 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 22 of the first member 16, thereby positioning the first member 16 and the second member 18 relative to each other in the radial direction, and the fitting portion 38 is provided axially between the connection portion 20 and the tube insertion portion 24, thereby positioning the first member 16 and the second member 18 relative to each other in the front-to-rear direction. The outer diameter of the fitting portion 38 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the connection portion 20.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the fitting portion 38 of the second member 18 is provided with a protrusion 44 that protrudes toward the inner circumference. The protrusion 44 protrudes toward the inner circumference at a position corresponding to the deep bottom portion 30 of the recess 28 and extends into the deep bottom portion 30. The protrusion 44 is engaged with the inner surface of the deep bottom portion 30, thereby positioning the first member 16 and the second member 18 relative to each other. In particular, the engagement between the protrusion 44 and the inner surface of the deep bottom portion 30 prevents relative rotation between the first member 16 and the second member 18 in the circumferential direction, thereby positioning the first member 16 and the second member 18 relative to each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, because the fitting portion 38 covers the small diameter portion 22, including the pair of positioning protrusions 32, 32, the engagement between the fitting portion 38 and the pair of positioning protrusions 32, 32 also prevents relative rotation between the first member 16 and the second member 18 in the circumferential direction.

[0050] The distal end of the second member 18, which is formed by the mating portion 38, is positioned 2.5 mm or more away from the distal end of the first member 16 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the distal end of the second member 18 is positioned 2.5 mm or more away from the distal end of the first member 16 in the front-rear direction. The distal end of the second member 18 is preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more away from the distal end of the first member 16. The distal end of the second member 18 is also preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 7 mm or less away from the distal end of the first member 16. By making the distance L from the distal end of the first member 16 to the distal end of the second member 18 10 mm or less, the risk of deformation of the female connector 10 due to external force can be reduced without increasing the size of the female connector 10. Furthermore, the second member 18 can be positioned in a portion where stress is likely to act when the female connector 10 and the male connector 14 are disconnected, making it less likely that the first member 16 and the second member 18 will separate. Furthermore, the distance L of the tip of the second member 18 from the tip of the first member 16 is longer than half the outer diameter D of the tip of the first member 16, and is preferably at least two-thirds of the outer diameter D, and more preferably at least three-quarters of the outer diameter D. The outer diameter D of the tip of the first member 16 is the outer diameter excluding partial protruding portions such as the lock screw 26, and in this embodiment is the outer diameter of the connection portion 20 excluding the lock screw 26.

[0051] The fixing portion 40 of the second member 18 is overlapped and fixed to the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16 in an externally fitted state. In other words, the fixing portion 40 of the second member 18 is disposed on the outer circumferential side of the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16, which constitutes the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 (described below). Because the fixing portion 40 has a diameter slightly larger than the fitting portion 38, a sufficient thickness is ensured even when the fixing portion 40 is disposed in an externally fitted state on the tube insertion portion 24, which has a diameter larger than the small diameter portion 22.

[0052] The tube bonding portion 42 extends rearward beyond the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16. The inner circumferential surface of the tube bonding portion 42 is continuous with the inner circumferential surface of the tube insertion portion 24, and the inner diameter of the front end portion is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the rear end portion of the tube insertion portion 24. The inner circumferential surface of the tube bonding portion 42 is tapered so that the rear end portion expands in diameter toward the rear, and the remaining portion is cylindrical with a substantially constant diameter up to the front end. The tube bonding portion 42 has a substantially constant outer diameter over its entire length in the front-to-rear direction, and the rear end portion becomes thinner toward the rear. The inner diameter of the tube bonding portion 42 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 12, except for the tapered rear end portion.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 , the second member 18 includes a pair of wing-like portions 46, 46. The pair of wing-like portions 46, 46 have substantially the same shape and size and protrude outward toward both sides in the up-down direction. The wing-like portion 46 has a substantially rounded, isosceles trapezoidal shape when viewed in the left-right direction, and its length in the front-to-rear direction decreases toward the protruding tip. The wing-like portion 46 is provided at a circumferential position corresponding to the pair of ribs 34, 34 of the first member 16, and the pair of ribs 34, 34 are fixedly embedded within the pair of wing-like portions 46, 46. The pair of wing-like portions 46, 46 are fixed to a step in the first member 16 formed by the pair of ribs 34, 34, and the step is formed at the joint surface between the first member 16 and the second member 18. This increases the joint area (the area of ​​the joint surface) between the first member 16 and the second member 18, thereby increasing the joint strength between the first member 16 and the second member 18. In particular, because the step of the first member 16 is provided in the portion where the wing-like portion 46 of the second member 18 is formed, the height of the step can be set higher, and the step can increase the bonding area between the first member 16 and the second member 18. The wing-like portion 46 is provided from the rear end portion of the fitting portion 38 of the second member 18 to near the rear end portion of the tube bonding portion 42, with its front portion overlapping the first member 16 in a vertical projection and its rear portion located rearward of the first member 16. Therefore, the boundary between the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16 and the tube bonding portion 42 of the second member 18 is located on the inner circumference of the pair of wing-like portions 46, 46, and the first member 16 and the second member 18 are joined to each other on the inner circumference side of the pair of wing-like portions 46, 46. In this embodiment, more than half of the front-to-rear direction of the wing-like portion 46 overlaps with the first member 16 in a vertical projection.

[0054] The second member 18 is made of a harder material having a higher flexural modulus than the first member 16. The flexural modulus of the second member 18 is preferably in the range of 2050 to 4000 MPa, and more preferably in the range of 2100 to 3500 MPa, according to the ASTM standard plastic bending test method (ASTM D790), for example.

[0055] The female connector 10 is formed, for example, by two-color molding using a synthetic resin material. That is, for example, the first member 16 is molded as a primary molded product by injection molding or the like, and then the second member 18 is molded as a secondary molded product by injection molding or the like at an appropriate position relative to the first member 16. This allows the female connector 10 to be obtained, which integrally includes the first member 16 and the second member 18, which are separately formed from different resin materials. In two-color molding, the molding process for the primary molded product and the molding process for the secondary molded product are performed consecutively in a single molding machine. However, for example, the female connector 10 can also be obtained by insert molding, in which the molding process for the primary molded product and the molding process for the secondary molded product are performed in separate molding machines. In this way, in the female connector 10 of this embodiment, the first member 16 and the second member 18 are formed separately from each other. However, from the perspective of manufacturing efficiency, it is desirable to fix the first member 16 and the second member 18 to each other simultaneously with the molding of the second member by injection molding or the like.

[0056] The gate marks 36 of the first member 16 are not exposed to the outside because the ribs 34 are covered by the wing-like portions 46 of the second member 18, thereby achieving a good appearance. The position of the resin material injection gate in the molding process of the second member 18 is not particularly limited, but may be set on one of the wing-like portions 46, for example.

[0057] The first member 16 and the second member 18 are formed from different resin materials and are difficult to bond to each other even by two-color molding, but the mating portion 38 of the second member 18 fits into the recess 28 of the first member 16 and overlaps so as to overlap in the radial direction, thereby increasing the bonding area between the first member 16 and the second member 18 and ensuring the strength of the bond between the first member 16 and the second member 18. Therefore, separation of the first member 16 and the second member 18 is prevented, and displacement such as relative rotation between the first member 16 and the second member 18 is also limited.

[0058] Furthermore, since the mating portion 38 of the second member 18 fits into the recess 28 of the first member 16 and is engaged with the first member 16, separation of the first member 16 and the second member 18 is prevented and displacement such as relative rotation is also limited.

[0059] The SP value of the material forming the first member 16 is set to a value that is sufficiently different from the SP value of the tube 12, which is made of polyvinyl chloride. On the other hand, the SP value of the material forming the second member 18 is set to a value close to that of the tube 12. Therefore, the first member 16 and the second member 18 are set to have SP values ​​that are sufficiently different from each other. That is, the SP value of the material forming the first member 16 preferably differs from the SP value of the second member 18 by 0.5 or more, and more preferably by 1 or more. As described above, it is difficult to achieve a high bond strength between the first member 16 and the second member 18, which are made of materials with significantly different SP values. However, because the engagement between the mating portion 38 of the second member 18 and the inner surface of the recess 28 of the first member 16 limits separation and relative displacement between the first member 16 and the second member 18, the first member 16 and the second member 18 can be integrally joined to form the female connector 10.

[0060] The fixing portion 40 of the second member 18 is fixed to the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16 so as to cover it from the outer periphery, overlapping radially. The tube bonding portion 42 protrudes rearward beyond the tube insertion portion 24. The inner circumferential surface of the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16 and the inner circumferential surface of the tube bonding portion 42 of the second member 18 are located on approximately the same cylindrical surface. The inner cavity of the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16 and the inner cavity of the tube bonding portion 42 of the second member 18 form a tube connection hole 48 that opens toward the base end. In other words, the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 into which the tube 12 is inserted is configured such that the distal end side is formed by the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16, and the proximal end side is formed by the tube bonding portion 42 of the second member 18. The inner circumferential surface of the tube insertion portion 24 has a larger diameter than the inner circumferential surfaces of the connecting portion 20 and the small diameter portion 22, and a stepped surface 49 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first member 16 in front of the tube insertion portion 24. The end face of the tube 12 abuts against the stepped surface 49, thereby determining the insertion length of the tube 12 into the tube connection hole 48. The tube connection hole 48 is formed on the inner circumferential side of the pair of wing-shaped portions 46, 46. The inner diameter (inner radial dimension) of the tube connection hole 48 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 12.

[0061] Because female connector 10 has a structure that combines first member 16 with a low flexural modulus and second member 18 with a high flexural modulus, the deformation rigidity of female connector 10 is higher overall than when the entire connector is made of a material with a low flexural modulus. Therefore, for example, if female connector 10 is stored for a long period of time while being subjected to an external force, it is possible to prevent problems such as deformation of the flow path within female connector 10 and obstruction of smooth liquid flow.

[0062] The female connector 10 constructed as described above is attached to the end of a medical tube 12. The tube 12 is made of polyvinyl chloride or the like. The tube 12 is long, flexible, and has elasticity that allows it to return to its original shape even if its cross-sectional shape changes. The tube 12 has an inner lumen that runs through it in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] One end of the tube 12 is inserted into the tube connection hole 48 of the female connector 10. The outer diameter of the tube 12 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tube connection hole 48, and the tube 12 is inserted into the tube connection hole 48 in a state where it is compressed toward the inner circumference, with the outer surface of the tube 12 pressed against the inner surface of the tube connection hole 48. This improves the liquid-tightness between the overlapping surfaces of the outer surface of the tube 12 and the inner surface of the tube connection hole 48 and between the overlapping surfaces of the first member 16 and the second member 18.

[0064] The peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 of the female connector 10 has a front portion, or tip side, that is formed by the tube insertion portion 24 of the first member 16, and a rear portion, or base side, that is formed by the tube adhesive portion 42 of the second member 18. Therefore, when a tube 12 is inserted into the tube connection hole 48, its front portion is inserted into the first member 16, and its rear portion is inserted into the second member 18. The peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 has a rear portion, or second member 18, that is longer in the front-to-rear direction than its front portion, or first member 16. In this embodiment, the length of the front portion, or first member 16, is preferably set within a range of 0.3 to 6 mm, more preferably 1 to 5 mm, and even more preferably 2 to 4 mm. Because the length of the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 on the tip side, or first member 16, is 0.3 mm or more, liquid flowing through the tube 12 is less likely to leak to the outside through the boundary between the first member 16 and the second member 18 at the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48. Furthermore, since the length of the tip side of the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48, which is made up of the first member 16, is 6 mm or less, for example, when the second member 18 is adhered to the tube 12, the adhesive area between the second member 18 and the tube 12 can be secured without increasing the length dimension of the female connector 10.

[0065] The pair of wing-like portions 46, 46 of the second member 18 are located on the outer periphery of the tube connection hole 48, and the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 is reinforced by the pair of wing-like portions 46, 46. Therefore, even if the tube 12 is fitted in a compressed state into the tube connection hole 48, deformation of the tube connection hole 48 is prevented, and the tube 12 and the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 are likely to be in close contact with each other without any gaps. Moreover, because the boundary (joint portion) between the first member 16 and the second member 18 on the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48 is located on the inner periphery of the pair of wing-like portions 46, 46, liquid flowing through the tube 12 is unlikely to reach the boundary between the first member 16 and the second member 18 on the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole 48, and leakage of liquid to the outside through the boundary between the first member 16 and the second member 18 is prevented.

[0066] The outer peripheral surface of the tube 12 is bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the tube connection hole 48 with an adhesive. When an adhesive that exhibits adhesion to the tube 12 is used, the first member 16, which has a large difference in SP value from the tube 12, has a low adhesive strength to the adhesive, while the second member 18, which has a small difference in SP value from the tube 12, has a high adhesive strength to the adhesive. Therefore, essentially, the inner surface of the rear part of the tube connection hole 48, which is made of the second member 18, is bonded to the tube 12. Note that the tube 12 is weakly bonded to the front part of the tube connection hole 48, which is made of the first member 16, and is also held in place by fitting.

[0067] Female connector 10 attached to tube 12 is connected to male connector 14, thereby communicating the lumen of tube 12 with an external circuit (not shown), such as an external tube attached to male connector 14. As shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 4, male connector 14 is equipped with a male luer 50 having a luer taper set on its outer circumferential surface, and is connected to female connector 10 by being inserted into the inner periphery of the tip portion of female connector 10. Male connector 14 is provided with a locking tubular portion 52 having an internal thread that threadably engages with locking screw 26 of female connector 10, surrounding the periphery of male luer 50, and threading of the internal thread of locking tubular portion 52 with locking screw 26 of female connector 10 forms a locking mechanism that prevents separation of female connector 10 and male connector 14.

[0068] The tip portion of the female connector 10 to which the male connector 14 is connected is composed of the first member 16, which has a low flexural modulus. Therefore, even if the tip portion of the female connector 10 is pushed outward by the male connector 14 when the male connector 14 is mated with the female connector 10, the elastic deformation of the first member 16, which has a low flexural modulus, prevents cracking of the female connector 10. In particular, because the female connector 10 is composed solely of the first member 16 over a range of 2.5 mm or more in the longitudinal direction from the tip, deformation due to mating of the male connector 14 is fully tolerated at the end of the female connector 10. This prevents cracking from the end of the female connector 10. In particular, because the tip portion of the female connector 10 is thin-walled and cylindrical, it is prone to damage such as cracking at the weld line during molding. However, because at least the range from the tip to 2.5 mm, which is likely to be subjected to force when the female connector 10 and the male connector 14 are connected, is composed solely of the soft first member 16, cracking at the tip portion is effectively prevented.

[0069] Since the tip portion of the female connector 10 that fits with the male connector 14 is made of a soft first member 16 with a low bending modulus of elasticity, even if the male connector 14 is pushed hard into the female connector 10, the female connector 10 and the male connector 14 can be easily disengaged.

[0070] Furthermore, the portion of female connector 10 that comes into contact with male connector 14 is made of first member 16, which has low affinity for the material of male connector 14. That is, the difference between the SP value of first member 16 and the SP value of male connector 14 is set to be sufficiently large. As a result, even when male connector 14 is strongly pushed into female connector 10, adhesion is unlikely to occur at the contact portion (luer taper) between female connector 10 and male connector 14, and the mating between female connector 10 and male connector 14 can be easily released. Note that the insertion length of male connector 14 into female connector 10 is preferably within the range of 2 to 8 mm, and more preferably within the range of 2.5 to 6 mm; however, even if inserted longer than this range, the connection between female connector 10 and male connector 14 can be released.

[0071] Because the connection portion of female connector 10 with male connector 14 is made of first member 16 made of a material with excellent liquid resistance against the liquid flowing through tube 12, even if the liquid flowing through tube 12 comes into contact with female connector 10 at the connection portion between female connector 10 and male connector 14, cracks (chemical cracks) caused by penetration of the liquid are prevented. Furthermore, because the connection portion of female connector 10 with the end of tube 12 is also made of first member 16, even if female connector 10 comes into contact with the liquid at the connection portion with tube 12, chemical cracks of female connector 10 are prevented.

[0072] It is desirable that the first member 16 has liquid resistance that makes it difficult for chemical cracks to occur due to penetration by organic substances that may come into contact with the first member 16, such as ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether, ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone, alcohols such as ethanol and propanol, and oils and fatty acids such as olive oil and oleic acid. It is also desirable that the material forming the first member 16 has an SP value that differs by 0.5 or more from the above organic substances. This ensures durability not only against the liquid flowing through the tube 12, but also against, for example, adhesives and disinfectants that may adhere to the outside of the first member 16.

[0073] The distance of second member 18 from the tip of first member 16 is longer than half the outer diameter of the tip of first member 16, and second member 18 is provided sufficiently far from the tip of first member 16, thereby suppressing damage to female connector 10 due to expansion when connecting male connector 14. Therefore, damage to female connector 10 due to mating of male connector 14 is prevented, and male connector 14 can be easily attached to and detached from female connector 10.

[0074] At least a portion of second member 18, which has a higher flexural modulus than first member 16, is separated from the tip of female connector 10 by 10 mm or less. This prevents female connector 10 from becoming larger and reduces the risk of deformation of female connector 10 due to external force. Also, second member 18 is positioned close to the connecting portion of male connector 14, without being significantly separated from the insertion portion of male connector 14 into female connector 10. Therefore, even if the connecting end portion with male connector 14 is made of soft first member 16, the reinforcing action of second member 18, in other words, the action of restraining deformation of first member 16, allows male connector 14 to be stably maintained in a connected state with female connector 10.

[0075] Additionally, the tip portion of the second member 18 fits into the recess 28 of the first member 16, overlapping the outer periphery of the first member 16 and overlapping in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion between the first member 16 and the second member 18 is formed by the small diameter portion 22 of the first member 16 and the fitting portion 38 of the second member 18. The overlapping portion between the first member 16 and the second member 18 adjusts the fitting retention force of the male connector 14 in the female connector 10, preventing damage to the female connector 10 due to the fitting of the male connector 14, allowing the male connector 14 to be easily attached and detached, and maintaining a stable connection.

[0076] Furthermore, the longer the portion of the female connector 10 composed solely of the first member 16 in the axial direction, the more likely it is to bend or deform when an external force acts on the female connector 10. However, by positioning at least a portion of the overlapping portion between the first member 16 and the second member 18 within 10 mm from the tip of the first member 16, the deformation rigidity of the female connector 10 is increased from the tip side, thereby suppressing deformation of the female connector 10 due to an external force. Furthermore, by overlapping the second member 18, which has a higher bending modulus than the first member 16, on the outside of the first member 16, which has a low bending modulus, the deformation rigidity of the second member 18 suppresses deformation of the female connector 10 in the radially outward direction caused by the mating pressure of the male connector 14 and the hydraulic pressure of the liquid flowing inside. It is more preferable that at least a portion of the deep bottom portion 30 is positioned within 10 mm from the tip of the first member 16.

[0077] 9 to 11 show a medical female connector 60 as a second embodiment of the present invention. The female connector 60 is composed of a first member 62 that constitutes the distal end side and a second member 64 that constitutes the proximal end side. In the following description, members and parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the materials, sizes, etc. of the first member 62, second member 64, tube 12, and male connector 14 are, in principle, the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0078] 12 to 14, the first member 62 has a generally cylindrical shape overall, and a recess 66 that opens onto the outer circumferential surface is formed at the base end portion. The recess 66 is a groove-like shape that extends in the circumferential direction and is continuous around the entire circumference. The outer diameter of the first member 62 is reduced at the portion where the recess 66 is formed.

[0079] A locking protrusion 68 is formed in the recess 66. The locking protrusion 68 is formed by integrally forming a pair of male threads, one right-handed and one left-handed, so as to protrude above the bottom surface (outer peripheral surface) of the recess 66. In the locking protrusion 68, the right-handed and left-handed threads are integrated at the intersection.

[0080] The portion of the first member 62 that is removed rearward from the recess 66 is an annular base end large diameter portion 70. The base end large diameter portion 70 has a tapered outer circumferential surface, with a front portion on the recess 66 side having a substantially constant outer diameter and a rear portion on the opposite side of the recess 66 that reduces in diameter rearward. The base end large diameter portion 70 is provided with a pair of ribs 72, 72 that protrude upward and downward. The rib 72 is plate-shaped and extends substantially perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, protruding outward in the vertical direction. The pair of ribs 72, 72 protrude from the front portion of the base end large diameter portion 70. At the portion where the pair of ribs 72, 72 are formed, the rear portion of the base end large diameter portion 70 is recessed, and the base end large diameter portion 70 has a partially reduced diameter in the circumferential direction.

[0081] The second member 64 integrally includes a tube bonding portion 74 extending rearward beyond the first member 62, a fixing portion 76 that is fitted from the outer periphery to the proximal large diameter portion 70 of the first member 62, and a fitting portion 78 that is fitted to the recess 66 of the first member 62 so as to enter from the outer periphery. The tube bonding portion 74 is substantially cylindrical in shape and forms the circumferential wall of the tube connection hole 48. Therefore, in this embodiment, the circumferential wall of the tube connection hole 48 is formed only by the second member 64. The boundary between the first member 62 and the second member 64 on the inner circumferential surface of the female connector 60 is formed by a stepped surface 49 against which the end face of the tube 12 abuts.

[0082] The second member 64 has a fixing portion 76 that overlaps the base-end large diameter portion 70 of the first member 62 and is overlapped radially from the outer periphery, and a fitting portion 78 that overlaps the recess 66 of the first member 62 and is overlapped radially from the outer periphery. The fitting portion 78 fits into the recess 66 and is provided so as to fill the space in the recess 66 that is separated from the locking protrusion 68. As in the first embodiment, the first member 62 and the second member 64 are fixed to each other by two-color molding or the like and formed as a single unit.

[0083] Furthermore, the fitting portion 78 of the second member 64 enters the recess 66 of the first member 62 and engages with the inner surface of the recess 66, thereby limiting relative displacement between the first member 62 and the second member 64. A locking protrusion 68 protrudes from the bottom surface of the recess 66, and the fitting portion 78 of the second member 64 fills the area of ​​the recess 66 outside the locking protrusion 68. Therefore, the engagement between the locking protrusion 68 and the fitting portion 78 limits relative displacement between the first member 62 and the second member 64 in the front-to-rear direction, preventing separation of the first member 62 and the second member 64.

[0084] In this embodiment, the locking protrusion 68 is configured with right-handed and left-handed threads, and the fitting portion 78 of the second member 64 filling the recess 66 is threadedly engaged with the locking protrusion 68. This more effectively limits relative rotation between the first member 62 and the second member 64 by tightening the locking protrusion 68. For example, relative rotation between the first member 62 and the second member 64 is prevented when the lock screw 26 of the female connector 60 and the locking tube portion 52 of the male connector 14 are either threaded or unlocked. Note that the locking protrusion 68 may also be configured with right-handed and left-handed threads provided at different positions in the front-to-rear direction. Also, right-handed and left-handed threads may be provided partially in the circumferential direction.

[0085] Medical female connector 60 having this structure can also achieve the same effects as medical female connector 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, female connector 60 can increase the joining strength between first member 62 and second member 64, and can advantageously prevent relative rotation due to the action of torsional force in particular.

[0086] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific descriptions. For example, the structure of the joint between the first member 16 and the second member 18 is not particularly limited. Specifically, for example, it is desirable that they overlap and fit together as in the above-described embodiment, but an overlapping structure or a fitting structure is not essential. The first member and the second member may be butted against each other in the front-to-rear direction and joined by means of adhesive or the like.

[0087] Neither the lock screw 26 of the first member 16 nor the lock tube portion 52 of the male connector 14 that is screwed onto it is essential, and for example, the female connector 10 and the male connector 14 may be connected and maintained solely by the holding force generated by the engagement between the female connector 10 and the male luer 50.

[0088] The recess is not limited to a groove shape that continues around the entire circumference, and may be, for example, a recess shape that is partially provided in the circumferential direction, etc. In this case, the first member and the second member are positioned relative to each other in the circumferential direction by the second member fitting into the recess, so that anti-rotation structures such as deep bottom portion 30, protrusion 44, and positioning protrusion 32 may not be necessary.

[0089] The relative rotation prevention mechanism using the screw-like structure between the mating portion 78 and the locking protrusion 68 in the medical female connector 60 of the second embodiment may be one that prevents relative rotation in only one rotational direction, such as a direction in which a particularly strong rotational operating force is applied.

[0090] For example, the outer diameter of the tube insertion portion 24 may be larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 20, or the inner diameter of the tube insertion portion 24 may be larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 20, so that a larger diameter tube 12 can be connected. Furthermore, when the inner diameter of the tube insertion portion 24 is larger than the inner diameter of the connecting portion 20, the inner circumferential surface of the tube insertion portion 24 and the inner circumferential surface of the connecting portion 20 can be continuously connected via a tapered surface. Even when a large diameter tube insertion portion 24 as described above is used, a small diameter portion 22 having an outer diameter smaller than that of the tube insertion portion 24 and the connecting portion 20 as in the first embodiment can be provided between the tube insertion portion 24 and the connecting portion 20, and an engagement structure for the first member 16 and the second member 18 can be provided in the small diameter portion 22. Furthermore, when the outer diameter dimension of the tube insertion portion 24 is larger than the outer diameter dimension of the connection portion 20, the tip portion of the second member 18 can be engaged with the tip portion of the tube insertion portion 24 that protrudes outward beyond the connection portion 20, thereby preventing axial separation of the first member 16 and the second member 18 while omitting the small diameter portion 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Medical female connector (first embodiment) 12 tubes 14 male connector 16 First member 18 Second member 20 Connection 22 Small diameter section 24 Tube insertion part 26 Lock screw 28 Recess 30 Deep bottom (step) 32 Positioning protrusion (step) 34 Rib (step) 36 Gate mark (injection mark) 38 Fitting part 40 Fixing part 42 Tube adhesive part 44 Protrusion 46 Wings 48 Tube connection hole 49 Step surface 50 Male Lure 52 Lock cylinder 60 Medical female connector (second embodiment) 62 First member 64 Second member 66 Recess 68 Lock protrusion 70 Large diameter base part 72 Ribs 74 Tube adhesive part 76 Fixation part 78 Fitting part L: Distance from the tip of the first member to the tip of the second member D Outer diameter of the tip of the first member

Claims

1. A medical female connector having a male connector connection portion at one end and a tubing connection portion at the other end, a first member that constitutes a connection portion of the male connector and a second member that constitutes a connection portion of the tube, the first member and the second member are formed separately and fixed to each other, and the first member is made of a material having a lower flexural modulus than the second member; The second member is located at a position 2.5 mm or more away from the tip of the first member.

2. 2. The medical female connector according to claim 1, wherein the tip portion of the second member overlaps and is superimposed on the outer circumferential side of the first member, and at least a portion of the overlap portion is located within 10 mm of the tip of the first member.

3. The first member has a recess formed therein that opens to an outer peripheral surface thereof, The female medical connector according to claim 2 , wherein the second member is recessed into the recess.

4. a tube insertion portion into which the tube is inserted is provided on a base end side of the first member, 4. The medical female connector according to claim 3, wherein the recess is positioned away from the tube insertion portion of the first member toward the distal end.

5. The recessed portion is formed into a groove shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction, The recess is partially provided with a deep bottom portion having an increased depth, 5. The medical female connector according to claim 3, wherein the second member extends into the deep bottom portion.

6. a peripheral wall of the tube connection hole into which the tube is inserted has a distal end side formed by the first member, 5. The medical female connector according to claim 1, wherein the second member is disposed on the outer circumferential side of a portion of the first member that constitutes the peripheral wall of the tube connection hole.

7. The second member is provided with an operating wing-like portion that protrudes outward from the outer periphery, The medical female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first member and the second member are joined to each other on the inner periphery of the wing-shaped portion, and a step is formed on the joining surfaces of the first member and the second member.

8. The medical female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the injection mark of the molding material of the first member is covered by the second member.

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