Medical connection device

Abstract

This medical connection device makes it easy to set the threshold torque of the torque limiting mechanism and suppresses glove snagging and dust ingress. [Solution] The threaded portion 13a of the first connector 10 and the threaded portion 23 of the second connector 20 are threaded together to join the seal portions 11 and 21, thereby connecting the medical components 1 and 2. An operating member 30 is rotatably positioned on the outer circumference of the first connector 10. The torque limiting mechanism 200 includes engaging teeth 15 formed on the outer circumference of the annular tooth-forming portion 14 of the first connector 10 and an elastic piece 35 formed at one axial end of the operating member 30. A claw portion 35a that engages with the engaging teeth 15 is formed on the radially inward side of the elastic piece 35. The operating member rotates freely when the operating torque exceeds the threshold torque. The operating member 30 has a cover cylinder portion 37 that covers the engaging teeth 15 and the elastic piece 35. A gap 37a is formed between the elastic piece 35 and the corresponding shielding portion 37a of the cover cylinder portion 37.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical connecting device for connecting medical components to each other.

Background Art

[0002] A medical connecting device for connecting medical components such as tubes includes first and second connectors. The first and second connectors each include a connecting portion connected to a medical component, a screwing portion, and a sealing portion. When the screwing portions of the first and second connectors are screwed together, the sealing portions are joined together, and the two medical components are connected.

[0003] Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose an operating member rotatably disposed on the outer periphery of the first connector and a torque limit mechanism. In Patent Document 1, the torque limit mechanism has an engaging tooth formed over the entire circumference on an annular tooth forming portion integrally continuous with the screwing portion in the first connector, and at least one elastic piece formed on the operating member. A claw portion is formed on the radially inner surface of the elastic piece, and this claw portion is engaged with the engaging tooth. When the operating member is rotated in the tightening direction, the operating torque applied to the operating member through the engagement between the claw portion and the engaging tooth is transmitted to the screwing portion of the first connector, and the screwing of the screwing portions of the first and second connectors proceeds, and the sealing portions are joined together. When the operating torque in the tightening direction increases and reaches the threshold torque, the elastic piece elastically deforms radially outward, the engagement between the engaging tooth and the claw portion is released, and the operating member rotates freely. In this way, over-tightening can be avoided.

[0004] In the torque limit mechanisms of Patent Documents 2 to 4, the arrangement of the engaging tooth and the elastic piece is opposite to that of Patent Document 1. The engaging tooth is formed over the entire circumference on the inner periphery of the operating member, the elastic piece is formed at a portion integrally continuous with the screwing portion in the first connector, and a claw portion is formed on the radially outer surface of the elastic piece. When the operating torque exceeds the threshold torque, the elastic piece elastically deforms radially inward, and the operating member rotates freely.

Prior Art Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO2016 / 157974 [Patent Document 2] WO2018 / 189842 [Patent Document 3] WO2020 / 070983 [Patent Document 4] WO2020 / 071024 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the connecting device described in Patent Document 1, the elastic piece is exposed to the outside, making it prone to snagging on medical personnel's gloves, etc. Also, dust can easily get trapped between the elastic piece and the engaging teeth. While the connecting devices described in Patent Documents 2-4 do not suffer from the same problems as the connecting device in Patent Document 1, the elastic piece deforms radially inward, thus limiting the amount of elastic deformation. Therefore, compared to the connecting device in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to reach the threshold torque with a relatively small amount of elastic deformation, making it difficult to set the threshold torque. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a medical connection device comprising: a first connector including a first connecting part for connecting a first medical component, a first screwed part, and a first sealing part; and a second connector including a second connecting part, a second screwed part, and a second sealing part for connecting a second medical component, wherein the first sealing part and the second sealing part are joined by screwing the first screwed part and the second screwed part together, thereby connecting the first and second medical components, Furthermore, the first connector comprises an operating member rotatably disposed on its outer circumference and a torque limiting mechanism, the torque limiting mechanism including engaging teeth formed around the entire circumference of an annular tooth-forming portion that is integrally connected with the first screw portion in the first connector, and at least one elastic piece formed at one axial end of the operating member, the elastic piece having a claw portion formed radially inward, the operating torque in the tightening direction of the operating member transmitted to the first screw portion via the engagement of the claw portion of the elastic piece and the engaging teeth, and when the operating torque in the tightening direction of the operating member exceeds a threshold torque, the elastic piece elastically deforms radially outward, releasing the engagement of the engaging teeth and the claw portion, causing the operating member to rotate freely. The operating member further has a cover cylinder portion at one end that covers the engaging teeth and the elastic piece, the cover cylinder portion has a corresponding shielding portion that faces the elastic piece radially, and a gap is formed between the corresponding shielding portion and the elastic piece that allows elastic deformation of the elastic piece radially outward.

[0008] With the above configuration, the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic piece radially outward is limited only by the gap size, so it can be set to a relatively large value, and the threshold torque can be set relatively easily. In addition, since the cover cylinder portion of the operating member can cover the elastic piece and the engaging teeth, it is possible to prevent gloves or the like from getting caught on the elastic piece and to suppress dust from entering between the elastic piece and the engaging teeth.

[0009] In one embodiment, a slit extending in the axial direction and having a U-shape when viewed from the axial direction is formed at one end of the operating member, the elastic piece is defined by the slit, the other part of the one end of the operating member is provided as the cover cylinder, and the circumferentially extending portion of the slit provides the gap between the elastic piece and the corresponding shielding portion. This configuration allows some or all of the elastic piece to be housed within the thickness dimension of the cover cylinder, thereby suppressing an increase in the diameter of the connecting device.

[0010] In the above embodiment, a plurality of raised portions are formed on the outer circumference of the operating member, extending along the entire axial length and rising radially outward, at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the slit is formed at one end of the operating member in a portion corresponding to at least one of the plurality of raised portions. With this configuration, the raised portion that can be used as a finger rest makes one end of the operating member thicker, and this thickness can be used to form a slit.

[0011] In the above embodiment, the elastic piece has a main portion and a tip portion along the axial direction, the main portion of the elastic piece has the same diameter as the inner circumference of the cover cylinder portion, the claw portion is formed on the tip portion, and an annular projection is formed on the first connector near the tooth forming portion, and the annular projection supports the inner circumference of the cover cylinder portion and the inner circumference of the main portion of the elastic piece. With this configuration, the annular projection on the first connector body prevents axial wobble of the operating cylinder.

[0012] In another embodiment, the one end of the operating member has an inner cylinder portion that is positioned radially inward of the cover cylinder portion and is coaxial with the cover cylinder portion, and an axially extending slit is formed in the inner cylinder portion, the elastic piece is defined by the slit, an annular gap is formed between the cover cylinder portion and the inner cylinder portion, and a part of the annular gap is provided as the gap that allows elastic deformation of the elastic piece. This configuration allows for the easy formation of elastic pieces.

[0013] In the other embodiment described above, the elastic piece has a main portion and a tip portion along the axial direction, the claw portion is formed on the tip portion, an annular projection is formed on the first connector near the tooth-forming portion, and the annular projection supports the inner circumference of the inner cylinder. With this configuration, the annular projection on the first connector body prevents axial wobble of the operating cylinder.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, an annular stepped surface perpendicular to the axial direction is formed on the inner circumference of the operating member, and the elastic piece extends axially from the stepped surface.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the first connector comprises a connector body having a first connecting portion and a first sealing portion, and a threaded cylinder rotatably supported on the connector body, the operating member rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the threaded cylinder, a female thread formed as a first threaded portion on the inner circumference of the threaded cylinder, one end of the threaded cylinder axially separated from the first threaded portion provided as the tooth forming portion, and the engaging teeth of the torque limiting mechanism formed on the outer circumference of the tooth forming portion. Furthermore, it is equipped with a loosening prevention mechanism, which comprises ratchet teeth formed on the inner circumference of the tooth-forming portion of the screw-fitting cylinder and ratchet pawls formed on the connector body, and the engagement of the ratchet teeth and ratchet pawls prevents the screw connection between the first screw-fitting portion and the second screw-fitting portion from loosening when the first seal portion and the second seal portion are joined together. With this configuration, the engagement teeth of the torque limiting mechanism are formed on the outer circumference of the tooth-forming portion at the axial end of the screw cylinder, and the ratchet teeth of the loosening prevention mechanism are formed on the inner circumference. This allows for the simultaneous forming of the engagement teeth and the ratchet teeth, thereby improving formability.

[0016] The present invention can be applied to various types of medical connection devices. One type has the following configuration: The first connector has a male luer portion with a tapered outer surface as the first sealing portion, a cylindrical portion is arranged radially outward from the male luer portion, and the first threaded portion consisting of a female screw is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion. The second connector has a female luer portion with a tapered inner surface as the second sealing portion, and a second threaded portion that functions as a male screw is formed at the tip of the female luer portion.

[0017] Other types have the following configurations. The first connector has a female Luer part with a tapered inner surface as the first sealing part, and a first screwing part functioning as a male screw is formed at the tip of the female Luer part. The second connector has a male Luer part with a tapered outer surface as the second sealing part, a cylindrical part is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of the male Luer part, and the second screwing part consisting of an internal thread is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical part.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, the threshold torque of the torque limiting mechanism can be set relatively easily, the catching of the glove on the elastic piece can be prevented, and the entry of dust between the elastic piece and the engaging teeth can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the first and second connectors of the medical connection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a separated state. [Figure 2] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state when the first and second connectors are coupled and the operating torque exceeds the threshold value in the medical connection device. [Figure 3] It is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the first connector of the medical connection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the first connector of the medical connection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG. 8. END]] [Figure 10] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the medical connection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state when the first and second connectors are coupled and the operating torque exceeds the threshold value. [Figure 11] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first connector of a medical connection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the medical connection device of the fifth embodiment, showing the state when the first and second connectors are connected and the operating torque exceeds a threshold. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the FF arrow in Figure 11. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the GG arrow in Figure 12. [Figure 15] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a medical connection device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the first and second connectors separated. [Figure 16] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the medical connection device of the sixth embodiment, showing the state when the first and second connectors are connected and the operating torque exceeds a threshold. [Figure 17] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line HH. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow II in Figure 16. [Figure 19] This is a side view showing the main parts of a medical connection device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a side cross-sectional view of the medical connection device of the same embodiment, where (A) shows the state in which the second attachment of the first connector is attached to the second connector and the first attachment of the first connector is separated, and (B) shows the state in which the male luer portion of the second connector and the female luer portion of the first attachment are joined together. [Figure 21] The second attachment of the first connector of the same embodiment is shown, with (A) being a plan view and (B) being a view from the left side. [Figure 22] The operating member of the same embodiment is shown, with (A) being a plan view and (B) being a view from the left side. [Figure 23] The second attachment of the same embodiment shows the state in which the operating member is assembled, with (A) being a plan view and (B) being a view from the left side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, a medical connection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. This medical connection device connects tubes 1 and 2 (first and second medical components) through which liquids such as drug solutions and blood flow. Each component of the medical connection device is made of resin. As shown in Figure 1, the medical connection device includes a first connector 10 and a second connector 20.

[0021] <First connector> The first connector 10 integrally comprises a male luer portion 11 (first sealing portion) located at one axial end (tip), a connecting portion 12 (first connecting portion) located at the other end, a cylindrical portion 13 located radially outward from the male luer portion 11 and coaxial with the male luer portion 11, and an intermediate portion between the connecting portion 12 and the cylindrical portion 13. The outer surface of the male luer portion 11 has a gentle taper such that the diameter decreases towards the tip. The end of the tube 1 is inserted and fixed into the connecting portion 12. A threaded portion 13a (first threaded portion) is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 13. A fluid passage 10a is formed along the central axis of the first connector 10.

[0022] <Second connector> The second connector 20 has an elongated cylindrical shape, with a female Luer portion 21 (second sealing portion) at one axial end (tip) and a connecting portion 22 (second connecting portion) at the other end (base). The inner surface of the female Luer portion 21 has a gentle taper such that the diameter increases towards the tip. The taper angle of the inner surface of the female Luer portion 21 is substantially equal to the taper angle of the outer surface of the male Luer portion 11. A threaded portion 23 (second threaded portion) that functions as a male screw is formed on the outer circumference of the tip of the female Luer portion 21. The end of the tube 2 is inserted and fixed into the connecting portion 22. A fluid passage 20a is formed in the second connector 20 along the central axis.

[0023] <Operating member and torque limit mechanism> The medical connection device further includes a cylindrical operating member 30 rotatably positioned on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 13 of the first connector 10, and a torque limiting mechanism 200 positioned between the operating member 30 and the first connector 10.

[0024] <Operating component> The operating member 30 has an extension cylindrical portion 31 that extends axially from the base end of the cylindrical portion 13 of the first connector 10. The extension cylindrical portion 31 covers the middle portion of the first connector 10. The outer circumference of the operating member 30 has three (or more) raised portions 32 that extend along the entire length in the axial direction and are raised radially outward, and these are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The raised portions 32 are provided as finger rests. The tip of the operating member 30 is locked to an annular flange 19a formed near the tip of the cylindrical portion 13. Locking flanges 33 are formed on the inner circumference of the extension cylindrical portion 31 of the operating member 30 at circumferential intervals, and these locking flanges 33 are locked to an annular projection 19b formed in the middle of the first connector 10. As a result, the operating member 30 is prevented from moving axially relative to the first connector 10.

[0025] <Torque limiting mechanism> In the intermediate portion of the first connector 10, the portion on the proximal end side of the annular projection 19b is provided as a tooth-forming portion 14. The torque limit mechanism 200 includes engaging teeth 15 formed around the entire circumference of the tooth-forming portion 14, and a plurality of elastic pieces 35, for example three, formed at circumferential intervals on the extension cylinder portion 31 (proximal end) of the operating member 30. The engaging teeth 15 are adjacent to the annular projection 19b in the axial direction and connected to the annular projection 19b. The elastic piece 35 has a main portion 35b and a tip portion along the axial direction. A claw portion 35a is formed on the tip portion, projecting radially inward.

[0026] The extension tube portion 31 of the operating member 30 has a slit 36 ​​formed in the end face at a position corresponding to the raised portion 32, extending axially to a predetermined depth. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, this slit 36 ​​is U-shaped when viewed from the axial direction and defines the elastic piece 35. The other part (remaining part) of the extension tube portion 31 is provided as a circumferentially continuous cover tube portion 37. The cover tube portion 37 is responsible for covering the engaging teeth 15 and the elastic piece 35. The cover tube portion 37 has a corresponding shielding portion 37a that faces the elastic piece 35 radially. The circumferentially extending portion of the slit 36 ​​is provided as a gap 36a that allows the elastic piece 35 to elastically deform radially outward, i.e., toward the corresponding shielding portion 37a. The inner diameter of the main portion 35b of the elastic piece 35 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the cover tube portion 37.

[0027] The claw portion 35a of the elastic piece 35 engages with the engaging tooth 15 of the first connector 10. As shown in Figure 4, one surface of the engaging tooth 15 is inclined, and the other surface is steep. The claw portion 35a has an inclined surface that contacts the inclined surface of the engaging tooth 15 when engaged, and a steep surface that contacts the steep surface of the engaging tooth 15.

[0028] The outer diameter of the annular projection 19b of the first connector 10 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the cover cylinder portion 37 of the operating member 30. The annular projection 19b supports the cover cylinder portion 37 and the inner circumference of the main portion 35b of the elastic claw 35, thereby preventing axial wobble of the operating member 30.

[0029] <Joining process and the operation of the torque limiting mechanism> The first connector 10, having the above configuration, is brought close to the second connector 20, and the male lure part 11 is inserted into the female lure part 21. This insertion proceeds without resistance until the threaded part 13a of the first connector 10 contacts the threaded part 23 of the second connector 20.

[0030] Next, when the operating member 30 is rotated in the tightening direction T, the operating torque of the operating member 30 is transmitted to the threaded portion 13a of the first connector 10 via the torque limit mechanism 200. The engagement state between the engaging teeth 15 and the claw portion 35a is maintained when the inclined surface of the engaging teeth 15 of the torque limit mechanism 200 and the inclined surface of the claw portion 35a of the elastic piece 35 are in contact.

[0031] As described above, by rotating the operating member 30 in the tightening direction T, the threaded portions 13a and 23 are screwed together, and the male luer portion 11 and the female luer portion 21 are joined with pressing force. In this way, the male luer portion 11 and the female luer portion 21 can be joined with sufficient sealing performance.

[0032] When the operating member 30 is rotated further, it encounters significant resistance from the joint between the male luer portion 11 and the female luer portion 21, causing the operating torque to exceed the threshold torque. As shown in Figure 5, this results in elastic deformation of the elastic piece 35 radially outward, causing the inclined surface of the claw portion 35a to slide against the inclined surface of the engaging teeth 15, and the claw portion 35a to overcome the engaging teeth 15 of the first connector 10. As a result, the operating member 30 spins freely. Since the operating torque of the operating member 30 is not transmitted to the threaded portion 13a, excessive torque is not applied to the threaded portion 13a, thus preventing excessive pressing force between the male luer portion 11 and the female luer portion 21. In this way, damage to the male luer portion 11 and the female luer portion 21 can be prevented, and the male luer portion 11 and the female luer portion 21 can not be bitten together to the point of being unable to separate.

[0033] <Unbonding process> After connecting tubes 1 and 2 as described above, if it becomes necessary to disconnect them, the operating member 30 is rotated in the loosening direction L. This causes the steep surface of the claw portion 35a of the elastic piece 35 in the torque limiting mechanism 200 to contact the steep surface of the engaging teeth 15 of the first connector 10, causing the first connector 10 to rotate in the loosening direction L together with the operating member 30. As a result, the threading of the screw portions 13a and 23 is released, and consequently, the connection between the male lure portion 11 and the female lure portion 21 is released.

[0034] In this embodiment, since the cover cylinder portion 37 covers the elastic piece 35 and the engaging teeth 15, gloves or the like cannot get caught on the elastic piece, and dust cannot enter between the elastic piece 35 and the engaging teeth 15. Furthermore, when the operating member 30 is free-rotating, the elastic piece 35 elastically deforms radially outward, so the amount of elastic deformation can be designed depending only on the dimensions of the gap 36a, and a relatively large amount of elastic deformation can be secured, making it possible to easily set the threshold torque with high precision.

[0035] <Other Embodiments> Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In these embodiments, components corresponding to those in the prior embodiments are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0036] <Second Embodiment> The operating member 30A of the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 has a cover cylindrical portion 37' and an inner cylindrical portion 34 coaxial with the cover cylindrical portion 37' at its base end (one axial end), and an annular gap 38 is formed between the cover cylindrical portion 37' and the inner cylindrical portion 34. The inner cylindrical portion 34 has three pairs (multiple pairs) of slits 34a that extend linearly in the axial direction from its end face, and each pair of slits 34a defines an elastic piece 35. The portion of the cover cylindrical portion 37' that faces the elastic piece 35 radially is provided as a corresponding shielding portion 37a', and a part of the annular gap 38 is provided as a gap 38a that allows elastic deformation of the elastic piece 35 radially outward between the elastic piece 35 and the corresponding shielding portion 37a'.

[0037] The outer diameter of the annular projection 19b of the first connector 10 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the inner cylinder portion 34 of the operating member 30 and the main portion 35b of the elastic piece 35. The annular projection 19b supports the inner circumference of the inner cylinder portion 34 and the main portion 35b of the elastic claw 35, thereby preventing axial wobble of the operating member 30A.

[0038] <Third Embodiment> The operating member 30B of the third embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9 has an annular stepped surface 39 on the radially inward side of the cylindrical cover portion 37", which is connected to the far end of the cover portion 37" and perpendicular to the axial direction. An elastic piece 35 extends axially from this stepped surface 39. A gap 39a is formed between the elastic piece 35 and the corresponding shielding portion 37a" of the cover portion 37". The inner surface of the main portion 35b of the elastic piece 35 is in substantially contact with the annular projection 19b of the first connector 10.

[0039] <Fourth Embodiment> In the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 10, only the seal structure differs from the first embodiment. Specifically, the first connector 10A does not have a male luer portion, but instead has a flat receiving surface 17 perpendicular to the axial direction at the inner end of the cylindrical portion 13, and an annular packing 18 (first seal portion) is attached to this receiving surface 17. The second connector 20A does not have a female luer portion on the base end side, but instead has a cylindrical portion 25, and the tip surface of this cylindrical portion 25 is provided as a flat pressing surface 26 (second seal portion) perpendicular to the axial direction. As the threading of the threaded portions 13a and 23 progresses, the pressing surface 26 joins with the packing 18 and presses against the packing 18. As a result, the connectors 10A and 20A are connected in a sealed state.

[0040] <Fifth Embodiment> In the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 14, the first connector 10B has a connector body 50 and a threaded cylinder 60 that is rotatably supported by the connector body 50. The connector body 50 has an annularly raised support portion 53, a small diameter portion 54, and an annular flange portion 55 between the male luer portion 51 and the connecting portion 52. The threaded cylinder 60 has a cylindrical portion 61 located radially outward from the male luer portion 51, a mounting portion 62 rotatably supported by the support portion 53, and an extension cylindrical portion 63 located radially outward from the small diameter portion 54. A threaded portion 61a (first threaded portion) consisting of an internal thread is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 61.

[0041] The operating member 30 of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the structure of the torque limit mechanism 210 on the operating member 30 side is the same as that of the first embodiment. The extension cylinder portion 63 of the screw cylinder 60 is provided as a toothed portion, and the engaging teeth 65 of the torque limit mechanism 210 are formed on the outer circumference of this extension cylinder portion 63.

[0042] <Loosening prevention mechanism> The medical connector of this embodiment is further equipped with a loosening prevention mechanism 300 to prevent the threaded cylinder 60 from loosening. This loosening prevention mechanism 300 is positioned in an annular gap formed between the small diameter portion 54 of the connector body 50 and the extension cylinder portion 63 of the threaded cylinder 60. This loosening prevention mechanism 300 has ratchet teeth 66 formed around the entire inner circumference of the extension cylinder portion 63 of the threaded cylinder 60 and a pair of ratchet pawls 56 formed around the outer circumference of the small diameter portion 54 of the connector body 50.

[0043] The ratchet teeth 66 have an inclined surface on one side and a steep surface on the other. The ratchet pawls 56 extend from the outer circumference of the small-diameter portion 54 of the connector body 50 in the tightening direction T, and a pawl portion 56a is formed at its tip (free end) that protrudes radially outward. The pawl portions 56a of the pair of ratchet pawls 56 engage with the ratchet teeth 66. The pawl portion 56a has an inclined surface that contacts the inclined surface of the ratchet teeth 66 and a steep surface that contacts the steep surface of the ratchet teeth 66. The elastic modulus of the ratchet pawls 56 of the anti-loosening mechanism 300 is much smaller than the elastic modulus of the elastic piece 35 of the torque limit mechanism 210.

[0044] <Joining process and the operation of the torque limiting mechanism> When the operating member 30 is rotated in the tightening direction T, the torque of the operating member 30 is transmitted to the threaded cylinder 60 via the torque limit mechanism 210, but not to the connector body 50, as will be described later. As the threaded cylinder 60 rotates, the threads of the threaded portions 61a and 23 advance, and the male luer portion 51 and the female luer portion 21 are joined with pressing force. When the operating torque exceeds the threshold torque, the operating member 30 spins freely relative to the threaded cylinder 60.

[0045] <Operation of the loosening prevention mechanism> As described above, when the threaded cylinder 60 rotates in the tightening direction T, the anti-loosening mechanism 300 causes the ratchet pawl 56 to undergo elastic deformation in the radially inward direction, and the inclined surface of the pawl portion 56a slides over the inclined surface of the ratchet teeth 66. As a result, the ratchet pawl 56 can overcome the ratchet teeth 66 of the threaded cylinder 60, and the threaded cylinder 60 rotates freely relative to the connector body 50. Consequently, the operating torque is not transmitted to the connector body 50, and the operating member 30 and the threaded cylinder 60 can rotate relative to the connector body 50.

[0046] In the joined state of the male lure portion 51 and the female lure portion 21 described above, the inner surface of the threaded portion 23 of the second connector 20 is in contact with the threads of the threaded portion 61a of the threaded cylinder 60. In this joined state, even if an unintended torque in the loosening direction L is applied to the threaded cylinder 60, the threaded cylinder 60 is prevented from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the connector body 50. This is because the steep surface of the ratchet teeth 66 is locked into the steep surface of the pawl portion 56a of the ratchet pawl 56.

[0047] As described above, after the male luer portion 51 and the female luer portion 20 are joined, the threaded cylinder 60 does not rotate in the loosening direction relative to the connector body 50, so that the inner surface of the threaded portion 23 of the second connector 20 remains in contact with the threads of the threaded portion 61a of the threaded cylinder 60. As a result, even if there is axial play between the threaded portions 61a and 23, the female luer portion 21 and the male luer portion 51 do not displace in the direction of separation, and sufficient sealing performance can be maintained even at high fluid pressure, thereby preventing fluid leakage.

[0048] In the release process, when the operating member 30 is rotated in the loosening direction L, the operating member 30, the threaded cylinder 60, and the connector body 50 rotate together. This is because, in the torque limiting mechanism 210, the steep surface of the claw portion 35a of the elastic piece 35 comes into contact with the steep surface of the engaging teeth 65, and in the loosening prevention mechanism 300, the steep surface of the ratchet teeth 66 of the threaded cylinder 60 comes into contact with the steep surface of the claw portion 56a of the ratchet claw 56.

[0049] <Sixth Embodiment> In the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 15 to 18, contrary to the first to fifth embodiments described above, a connector having a female lure portion is provided as the first connector 70 to which the operating cylinder and torque limit mechanism are attached, and a connector having a male lure portion is provided as the second connector 80.

[0050] <Second connector> The second connector 80 integrally comprises a male Luer portion 81 (second sealing portion) located at one axial end (tip), a connecting portion 82 (second connecting portion) located at the other end (base), and a cylindrical portion 83 located radially outward from the male Luer portion 81 and coaxial with the male Luer portion 81. A threaded portion 83a (second threaded portion) consisting of a female thread is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 83. The end of the tube 1A (second medical component) is inserted and fixed into the connecting portion 82. A fluid passage 80a is formed along the central axis of the second connector 80.

[0051] <First connector> The first connector 70 has an elongated cylindrical shape, with a female Luer portion 71 (first sealing portion) at one axial end (tip) and a connecting portion 72 (first connecting portion) at the other end (base). A threaded portion 73 (first threaded portion) that functions as a male screw is formed on the outer circumference of the tip of the female Luer portion 71. An annular flange portion 75, a toothed portion 76, and an annular groove 77 are formed sequentially in the axial direction on the outer circumference of the intermediate portion between the female Luer portion 71 and the connecting portion 72. The end of the tube 2A (first medical component) is inserted and fixed into the connecting portion 72. A fluid passage 70a is formed in the first connector 70 along its central axis.

[0052] <Operating component> An operating member 90, which has a short cylindrical or ring shape, is rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the intermediate part of the first connector 70. The operating member 90 is prevented from moving in the axial direction by the engagement of an annular flange 75 on one end and an annular engaging projection 91 formed on the inner circumference of the other end with an annular groove 77.

[0053] <Torque limiting mechanism> A torque limit mechanism 220 is positioned between the intermediate portion of the first connector 70 and the operating member 90. This torque limit mechanism 220 has engaging teeth 78 formed around the entire circumference of the tooth-forming portion 76 of the first connector 70 and an elastic piece 95 formed on the operating member 90. Similar to the first embodiment, the elastic piece 95 is defined by a slit 92 that extends axially to a predetermined depth from the end face of one end of the operating member 90 and forms a U-shape when viewed from the axial direction. The elastic piece 95 has a claw portion 95a that protrudes radially inward. This claw portion 95a engages with the engaging teeth 78. The other portion (remaining portion) of the one end of the operating member 90 is provided as a cover cylinder portion 97. The cover cylinder portion 97 has a corresponding shielding portion 97a that faces radially opposite the elastic piece 95. The circumferentially extending portion of the slit 92 is provided as a gap 92a that allows the elastic piece 95 to elastically deform radially outward.

[0054] In this embodiment, an operating torque is applied to an operating member 90 provided on the first connector 70 in order to connect the first connector 70 and the second connector 80. The operation of the torque limiting mechanism 220 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its explanation is omitted.

[0055] <Seventh Embodiment> In the seventh embodiment shown in Figures 19 to 23, similar to the sixth embodiment, a connector having a female lure portion is provided as the first connector to which the operating cylinder and torque limit mechanism are attached, and a connector having a male lure portion is provided as the second connector. The second connector 100 has a male Luer portion 101 (second sealing portion) at its tip end, a connecting portion 102 (second connecting portion) at its base end, and a threaded portion 103 (second threaded portion) consisting of a male screw in the middle. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 102 is integrally connected to the small diameter portion 3a of the syringe 3 (second medical component) and connected to the syringe 3.

[0056] The first connector 110 of this embodiment is composed of two separable first and second attachments 120 and 130. The first attachment 120 has an elongated cylindrical shape, has a female Luer part 121 (first sealing part) at its tip end, a connecting part 122 (first connecting part) for connecting a tube 2A (first medical component) at its base end, and has an engaging flange 123 on the outer circumference of the tip of the female Luer part 121.

[0057] The second attachment 130 will be described with reference to the longitudinal cross-sectional views in Figures 20(A) and 21, which have cross-sectional views that differ by 90°. The second attachment 130 has a cylindrical portion 131 and a mounting portion 132. The mounting portion 132 has a U-shaped engagement groove 132a and a vertical slit 132b when viewed from the axial direction. As shown in Figure 20(B), the first attachment 120 is rotatably attached to the mounting portion 132 of the second attachment 130 by inserting the female luer portion 121 of the first attachment 120 into the vertical slit 132b from above and inserting the engagement flange 123 into the engagement groove 132a.

[0058] An engagement groove 133 is formed on the outer circumference of the middle portion of the cylindrical portion 131 of the second attachment 130. The tip of the cylindrical portion 131 is provided as a toothed portion 134. A threaded portion 136 (first threaded portion) that functions as an internal screw is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 131 near the toothed portion 134.

[0059] An operating member 140 is positioned on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion 131 of the second attachment 130. As shown in Figure 22, a plurality of engaging protrusions 141 are formed on the inner circumference of the intermediate portion of the operating member 140 at intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in Figure 23, these engaging protrusions 141 fit into the engaging grooves 133 of the second attachment 130, thereby supporting the operating member 140 on the second attachment 130 so that it cannot move in the axial direction but can rotate. The outer circumference of the operating member 140 has a plurality of raised portions 142 that extend along the entire length in the axial direction and are raised radially outward, and are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The raised portions 142 are provided as finger rests.

[0060] As shown in Figures 20(A) and 23, a torque limiting mechanism 230 is positioned between the second attachment 130 and the operating member 140. The torque limiting mechanism 230 has engaging teeth 135 formed on the outer circumference of the tooth-forming portion 134 of the second attachment 130 and an elastic piece 145 formed at the base end of the operating member 140.

[0061] At the base end of the operating member 140, a slit 146 is formed, extending axially from the end face to a predetermined depth, at a position corresponding to the raised portion 142. The slit 146 is U-shaped when viewed from the axial direction and defines the elastic piece 145. The remaining portion of the base end is provided as a cover cylinder portion 147. The cover cylinder portion 147 is responsible for covering the engaging teeth 135 and the elastic piece 145. The cover cylinder portion 147 has a corresponding shielding portion 147a that faces the elastic piece 145 radially. The circumferentially extending portion of the slit 146 provides a gap 146a that allows the elastic piece 145 to elastically deform radially outward, i.e., toward the corresponding shielding portion 147a. The tip of the elastic piece 145 has a claw portion 145a that protrudes radially inward, and this claw portion 145a engages with the engaging teeth 135 of the attachment 130.

[0062] <Joining process> First, the second attachment 130 is pre-attached to the second connector 100 by lightly screwing the threaded portion 136 of the attachment 130 of the first connector 110 into the threaded portion 103 of the second connector 100, which is integrated with the syringe 3. Next, the first attachment 120 is connected to the mounting portion 132 of the second attachment 130, and then the operating member 140 is rotated in the tightening direction. The operating torque of the operating member 140 is transmitted to the threaded portion 136 of the second attachment 130 via the engagement of the claw portion 145a of the elastic piece 145 of the torque limit mechanism 230 and the engaging teeth 135 of the second attachment 130, causing the threaded portion 136 of the second attachment 130 and the threaded portion 103 of the second connector 100 to engage, and the male luer portion 101 of the second connector 100 and the female luer portion 121 of the first attachment 120 are joined. When the operating torque of the operating member 140 exceeds the threshold, the operating member 140 rotates freely relative to the second attachment 130, as in the embodiment described above.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other embodiments are possible. In the first to sixth embodiments, the sealing portion and the connecting portion of the first connector may be separate and rotatably connected. This invention can be applied to the connection of any medical component. [Industrial applicability]

[0064] The present invention can be applied to medical connection devices used to connect medical components such as tubes. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 1, 2A Tube (First Medical Component) 1A, 2 Tubes (Second Medical Component) 3. Syringe (Second Medical Component) 10, 10A, 10B, 70, 110 First Connector 11 Male lure section (first seal section) 71, 121 Female lure section (first seal section) 18. Packing (first seal section) 12, 72, 122 Connection part (first connection part) 13, 61 Cylinder part 13a, 61a, 73, 136 Threaded part (first threaded part) 14, 76, 134 Tooth preparation area 63 Extension tube section (tooth formation section) 15, 65, 78, 135 Engaging teeth 20, 20A, 80, 100 2nd connector 21 Female lure section (second seal section) 26 Pressing surface (second sealing part) 81, 101 Male lure section (second seal section) 22, 82, 102 Connection part (second connection part) 23, 83a, 103 Threaded section (second threaded section) 30, 30A, 30B, 90, 140 Operating members 32, 142 ridge 34 Inner cylinder 34a Slit 35, 95, 145 elastic pieces 35a, 95a, 145a Claw part 35b Main section 36, 92,146 slits 36a, 38a, 39a, 92a, 146a void 37, 37', 37”, 97, 147 Cover tube section Shielding section compatible with 37a, 37a', 37a'', 97a, and 147a. 38 Ring-shaped void 39 Step surface 50 Connector body 56 Ratchet pawls 60 Threaded tube 66 ratchet teeth 200, 210, 220, 230 Torque Limit Mechanism 300 Anti-loosening mechanism

Claims

1. A first connector including a first connecting portion for connecting first medical components, a first screw portion, and a first sealing portion, A second connector including a second connecting portion for connecting a second medical component, a second screw portion, and a second sealing portion, Equipped with, In a medical connection device in which the first and second medical components are connected by screwing together the first and second screw portions, the first and second seal portions are joined together. Furthermore, the first connector is equipped with an operating member rotatably arranged on its outer circumference and a torque limiting mechanism. The torque limiting mechanism includes engaging teeth formed around the entire circumference of an annular tooth-forming portion that is integrally connected with the first screw portion in the first connector, and at least one elastic piece formed at one axial end of the operating member, wherein a claw portion is formed radially inward of the elastic piece. The tightening torque of the operating member is transmitted to the first screw portion via the engagement of the claw portion of the elastic piece and the engaging teeth, and when the tightening torque of the operating member exceeds a threshold torque, the elastic piece elastically deforms radially outward, thereby releasing the engagement between the engaging teeth and the claw portion, causing the operating member to rotate freely. The operating member further has a cover cylinder portion at one end that covers the engaging teeth and the elastic piece, the cover cylinder portion has a corresponding shielding portion that faces the elastic piece radially, and a gap is formed between the corresponding shielding portion and the elastic piece that allows the elastic piece to deform radially outward.

2. The medical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that a slit extending in the axial direction and having a U-shape when viewed from the axial direction is formed at one end of the operating member, the elastic piece is defined by the slit, the other part of the one end of the operating member is provided as the cover cylinder, and the circumferentially extending part of the slit provides the gap between the elastic piece and the corresponding shielding part.

3. The medical connection device according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of raised portions extending along the entire axial length and rising radially outward are formed on the outer circumference of the operating member at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the slit is formed at one end of the operating member in a portion corresponding to at least one of the plurality of raised portions.

4. The medical connection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the elastic piece has a main portion and a tip portion along the axial direction, the main portion of the elastic piece has the same diameter as the inner circumference of the cover cylinder portion, the tip portion has the claw portion formed thereon, the first connector has an annular projection formed near the tooth forming portion, and the annular projection supports the inner circumference of the cover cylinder portion and the inner circumference of the main portion of the elastic piece.

5. The medical connection device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the operating member is arranged radially inward of the cover cylinder and has an inner cylinder coaxial with the cover cylinder, the inner cylinder has a slit extending in the axial direction, the elastic piece is defined by the slit, an annular gap is formed between the cover cylinder and the inner cylinder, and a part of the annular gap is provided as the gap that allows elastic deformation of the elastic piece.

6. The medical connection device according to claim 5, characterized in that the elastic piece has a main portion and a tip portion along the axial direction, the claw portion is formed on the tip portion, an annular projection is formed on the first connector near the tooth-forming portion, and the annular projection supports the inner circumference of the inner cylinder.

7. The medical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that an annular stepped surface perpendicular to the axial direction is formed on the inner circumference of the operating member, and the elastic piece extends axially from the stepped surface.

8. The first connector comprises a connector body having a first connecting portion and a first sealing portion, and a threaded cylinder rotatably supported on the connector body, with the operating member rotatably supported on the outer circumference of the threaded cylinder. An internal thread is formed on the inner circumference of the screw cylinder as the first screw portion, one end of the screw cylinder, which is axially separated from the first screw portion, is provided as the tooth forming portion, and the engaging teeth of the torque limiting mechanism are formed on the outer circumference of the tooth forming portion. The medical connection device according to claim 1, further comprising a loosening prevention mechanism, the loosening prevention mechanism having ratchet teeth formed on the inner circumference of the tooth-forming portion of the screw-fitting cylinder and a ratchet pawl formed on the connector body, wherein the engagement of the ratchet teeth and the ratchet pawl prevents loosening of the screw connection between the first screw-fitting portion and the second screw-fitting portion when the first seal portion and the second seal portion are joined.

9. The first connector has a male luer portion with a tapered outer surface as the first sealing portion, a cylindrical portion is arranged radially outward from the male luer portion, and the first screw portion consisting of a female thread is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion. The medical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second connector has a female Luer portion with a tapered inner surface as the second sealing portion, and a second screw portion that functions as a male screw is formed at the tip of the female Luer portion.

10. The first connector has a female luer portion with a tapered inner surface as the first sealing portion, and a first screw portion that functions as a male screw is formed at the tip of the female luer portion. The medical connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second connector has a male luer portion with a tapered outer surface as the second sealing portion, a cylindrical portion is arranged radially outward of the male luer portion, and the second screw portion consisting of a female thread is formed on the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion.

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