Catheter connector

Abstract

The present invention provides a catheter connector for connecting a catheter to a drug injection device, which allows for easy removal and reconnection of the catheter from the connector. [Solution] The catheter connector comprises a tightening ring 1 made of elastic resin for fixing a catheter inserted into the lumen, a connector body 2 that fixes one end of the tightening ring and serves as a connection point to an infusion device, and a ring operating body 5 that grips the other end of the tightening ring. The proximal side of the connector body or the distal side of the ring operating body is provided with a circumferential passage 421 and an axial passage 422 on one of the opposing surfaces that intersect when one is inserted into the other, and a projection 511 that engages with the passage on the other. This allows the connector body and the ring operating body to slide relative to each other in the circumferential and axial directions, and to be fixed in the position after sliding. The connector body and the ring operating body may also be rotatable and fixed relative to each other by a ratchet mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting a catheter to a chemical solution injection device, and more particularly to a catheter connector that is detachably connected to one end side of a catheter.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a catheter connector for connecting a catheter for epidural anesthesia to a chemical solution injection device such as a syringe, there is known a connector that compresses a clamping ring having a through-hole through which the catheter passes and has rubber elasticity to crush it, and fixes the catheter with the reduced-diameter through-hole.

[0003] As such a connector, Patent Document 1 describes a catheter connector including a connector body into which a rubber (clamping ring) having a through-hole is inserted, and a cap that is screwed to the connector body in a manner of covering the rubber, and by rotating the cap with respect to the connector body, male and female threads rotate relative to each other, the cap crushes the rubber, and the catheter is fixed. In addition, many connectors have been proposed that fix the catheter by compressing the clamping ring from both axial ends in this way. (For example, Patent Document 2)

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 describes a catheter connector including a tube (clamping ring) having a through-hole through which a catheter passes, and a pair of jaws connected so as to open and close with one end as a fulcrum, accommodating the tube in one jaw, sandwiching the tube by moving the other jaw, and fixing the other end of the jaw with a snap lock or the like, thereby fixing the catheter accommodated in the tube by crushing it from the circumferential surface of the tube.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] These catheter connectors all secure the catheter by compressing a tightening ring. However, if the tightening ring is compressed for a long time, due to the properties of the rubber material forming the tightening ring, even after the compression is released, the outer surface of the tightening ring may stick to the inner wall of the connector body, preventing the tightening ring from returning to its original shape. This can cause problems when the catheter needs to be removed or reconnected. Furthermore, depending on the degree of compression, the catheter may not be secured sufficiently, or excessive compression may cause the lumen of the catheter to collapse, making it difficult to set the appropriate pressure.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a catheter connector that allows the catheter to be fixed without requiring compression of the tightening ring when connecting the catheter to the connector via the tightening ring, and that allows for easy removal and reconnection of the catheter from the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The catheter connector of the present invention is a catheter connector for detachably connecting a catheter and an infusion device, comprising: a tightening ring made of an elastic resin for fixing a catheter inserted into its lumen; a connector body that fixes one end of the tightening ring and serves as a connection part with the infusion device; and a ring operating body for gripping the other end of the tightening ring, wherein the tightening ring is inserted into the connector body and the ring operating body, and the connector body and the ring operating body are assembled to be rotatable relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the tightening ring, and the connector body and the ring operating body can be fixed in the position after rotation.

[0009] The connector body and the ring operating body may be formed as follows: The connector body and the ring operating body are slidable in the axial direction in addition to being able to rotate. - Either the proximal side of the ring operating body or the distal side of the connector body is inserted into the other, and one circumferential surface of the opposing surfaces of the ring operating body and the connector body is provided with a projection, and the other circumferential surface is provided with at least one circumferential passage formed in the circumferential direction that serves as a passage for the projection, and at least one axial passage formed along the axial direction and having an arbitrary length, and the circumferential passage and the axial passage are in communication at least at one point. The circumferential passage is formed in a spiral shape.

[0010] The contact portion between the connector body and the ring operating body is provided with an engagement mechanism that allows rotation in only one direction in the circumferential direction and restricts rotation in the reverse direction.

[0011] The tightening ring is preferably configured as follows. The clamping ring is provided with flanges at both ends, and the lumen of the connector body and the ring operating body are fitted with the flanges in such a manner that the flanges are inserted into them. The outer shape of the flange is formed in a polygonal shape.

[0012] (action) In the aforementioned catheter connector, the connector body and ring operating body, which grip both ends of the tightening ring, rotate relative to each other, twisting the tightening ring and constricting its lumen to secure the catheter. Therefore, compression of the tightening ring is not required to secure the catheter, and the outer circumference of the tightening ring does not expand due to compression. As a result, there is no strong contact between the outer circumference of the tightening ring and the inner wall of the connector body, and the tightening ring does not stick to the inner wall of the connector body. Consequently, when the locking between the ring operating body and the connector body is released, the twist of the tightening ring is immediately released by its elastic restoring force. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the catheter connector of the present invention, when connecting the catheter and the connector via the tightening ring, the catheter can be fixed without applying compression to the tightening ring, and the catheter can be easily removed from and reconnected to the connector.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the tightening ring in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Perspective view (A) and left side view (B) of the base part in the above embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view showing the structure of the cover part in the above embodiment. [Figure 4] Front view (A) and top view (B) of the cover part in the above embodiment. [Figure 5] Perspective view showing the structure of the ring operating body in the above embodiment. [Figure 6] Configuration diagram of the catheter connector in the above embodiment. [Figure 7] Top view showing the cover part in a modification of the above embodiment. [Figure 8] Front view (A) and top view (B) showing the cover part in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Front view (A) and top view (B) showing the cover part in a modification of the above embodiment. [Figure 10] Front view showing the cover part in another modification of the above embodiment. [Figure 11] Front view (A) showing the structure of the ring operating body and front view (B) showing the cover part in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] Front view showing the cover part in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] Front view (A) showing the structure of the cover part, front view (B) showing the components of the ring operating body, and A - A cross-sectional view (C) in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] Perspective view (A) showing the structure of the cover part and perspective view (B) showing the structure of the ring operating body in the above embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The first embodiment of the catheter connector of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0016] This form of catheter connector is used to connect one end of a catheter, such as an epidural anesthesia catheter, and to connect a device (such as a syringe or continuous infusion device) for injecting anesthetic drugs into the catheter, either directly or via a filter. The catheter connector comprises a cylindrical tightening ring 1 through which a catheter is inserted, a connector body 2 that fixes the proximal end of the tightening ring 1 and connects to a drug injection device, etc., and a ring operating body 5 that grips the distal end of the tightening ring 1 and is rotatably connected to the connector body 2. When the ring operating body 5 rotates relative to the connector body 2, the tightening ring 1 is twisted, and the inner diameter of the tightening ring 1 is narrowed, thereby fixing the catheter.

[0017] Next, we will explain each part in detail. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the clamping ring in this embodiment. The clamping ring 1 in this embodiment is made of a rubber-elastic resin such as silicone rubber and consists of a cylindrical ring body 11 through which a catheter is inserted, and flanges 12 and 13 formed at both ends of the ring body 11 and gripped by the connector body 2 and the ring operating body 5. In this embodiment, the ring body 11 and the flanges 12 and 13 are integrally molded. The size is not specified, but the inner diameter of the clamping ring 1 is set to 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm to correspond to the outer diameter of the epidural catheter, and the length of the ring body 11 is set arbitrarily within a range of sufficient length to fix the catheter. The flanges 12 and 13 do not have to be made of the same material as the ring body 11, and may be integrally molded with a non-elastic material, or a separate member may be connected to the ring body 11.

[0018] The flanges 12 and 13 provided at both ends of the ring body 11 are formed in a polygonal shape (octagonal in this embodiment) to serve as fitting portions for fixing the tightening ring 1 to the connector body 2 and the ring operating body 5. Furthermore, as a means of ensuring secure fixing with the connector body 2 and the ring operating body 5, it is preferable to provide notches 121 and 131 on the outer circumferential surfaces of the flanges 12 and 13, or to provide protrusions 122 and 132 on opposing surfaces of the flanges 12 and 13. In this embodiment, the notches 121 and 131 are provided at two locations on a pair of opposite sides of the octagonal flanges 12 and 13, and the protrusions 122 and 132 are provided at four locations to form a cross shape radially.

[0019] According to the above configuration, since the flanges 12 and 13 are formed in a polygonal shape, compared to the case where they are formed in a circular shape, rotation in the circumferential direction can be suppressed when fitted with the connector body 2 and ring operating body 5, which will be described later. In addition, because the notches 121 and 131 and the protrusions 122 and 132 are provided, the connector body 2 and ring operating body 5 and the flanges 12 and 13 can have a stronger engagement structure, and the fixing of both ends of the tightening ring 1 becomes more secure.

[0020] Furthermore, flanges 12 and 13 are formed to be identical in shape and symmetrical with respect to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the tightening ring 1. The flange that engages with the connector body 2 is designated as the first flange 12, and the flange that engages with the ring operating body 5 is designated as the second flange 13.

[0021] The connector body 2 connects the tightening ring 1 to the drug injection device, etc., and is provided to fit with the first flange 12 of the tightening ring 1 and enclose the ring body 11. In this embodiment, it consists of two components: a base part 3 which is the connection part to the drug injection device, and a cover part 4 which fixes the tightening ring 1 together with the base part 3.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a perspective view A and a left side view B of the base part in this embodiment. The base part 3 consists of a female taper section 31 for connecting to a drug injection device, a flange receiving section 32 for accommodating the first flange 12 of the tightening ring 1, and a catheter housing section 33 provided between the female taper section 31 and the flange receiving section 32 for inserting the end of the catheter.

[0023] The flange receiving portion 32 is configured to have a recess 321 for fitting and accommodating the first flange 12 of the tightening ring 1, and the recess 321 is formed in an octagon shape to match the shape of the first flange 12. The recess 321 also has two protrusions 322 that engage with the notch 121 of the first flange 12. As a result the first flange 12 and the flange receiving portion 32 are fitted together, and the rotation of the first flange 12 in the circumferential direction within the recess 321 is restricted.

[0024] The catheter housing section 33 is the part that houses the catheter end portion that has passed through the tightening ring 1. It is formed so that the lumen gradually narrows in a conical shape from the flange receiving section 32 side to the female taper section 31 side, and a catheter retaining section 331 with a hole smaller in diameter than the catheter that opens into the female taper section 31 is provided at the bottom. In addition, a plate-shaped reinforcing section 332 is provided around the periphery in a manner that connects the female taper section 31 and the flange receiving section 32. The catheter housing section 33 is made of transparent or translucent hard resin so that it can be visually confirmed from the outside that the catheter end portion has been inserted up to the catheter retaining section 331, and one or more windows 333 (two in opposite positions in this embodiment) are formed in the reinforcing section 332.

[0025] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the cover in this embodiment, and Figure 4 is a front view A and a top view B of the cover in this embodiment. The cover part 4 works in cooperation with the base part 3 to fix the first flange 12 of the tightening ring 1 and to house the ring body 11. It covers the tightening ring 1 and the base part 3, excluding the second flange 13 and the female taper portion 31, and consists of a flange fixing portion 41 that sandwiches and fixes the flange receiving portion 32 and the first flange 12, and a ring body outer covering portion 42 that extends distally to the flange fixing portion 41 and houses the ring body 11. In this embodiment, the cover part 4 is formed by dividing it into two parts in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 3, and the tightening ring 1 and the base part 3 are sandwiched from the circumferential side and integrated. In this embodiment, the flange fixing part 41 is formed to be octagonal when integrated.

[0026] The flange fixing portion 41 consists of a flange cover portion 41a that fixes the first flange 12 together with the flange receiving portion 32, and a connector outer cover portion 41b that houses the catheter housing portion 33. The flange cover portion 41a is fixed to the first flange 12, which is fitted into the flange receiving portion 32, by sandwiching the first flange 12 from both sides and covering the flange receiving portion 32. Furthermore, the surface of the flange cover portion 41a that contacts the first flange 12 is provided with a cross-shaped notch groove 411 that engages with the protrusion 122 of the first flange 12. The connector outer cover portion 41b extends proximal to the flange cover portion 41a and accommodates the catheter housing portion 33 in a manner that covers the reinforcing portion 332. Furthermore, the connector outer cover portion 41b forms a window portion 412 similar to the reinforcing portion 332 of the catheter housing portion 33, allowing visual confirmation from the outside whether the end of the catheter is housed inside.

[0027] The ring body outer cover portion 42 houses the ring body 11 of the tightening ring 1, protects the ring body 11, and serves as the assembly portion with the ring operating body 5. The ring body outer cover portion 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner cavity slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tightening ring 1. The circumferential surface is provided with a groove-shaped circumferential passage 421 formed along the circumferential direction around the circumference, and an axial passage 422 that communicates with the circumferential passage 421 and extends proximally. The projections of the ring operating body 5, which will be described later, engage with the circumferential passage 421 and the axial passage 422 to operate the tightening ring 1. Furthermore, the axial passage 422 does not necessarily have to be parallel to the axis; it is sufficient if it has an axial component that is at an angle to the circumferential passage 421.

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the structure of the ring operating body in this embodiment. The ring operating body 5 grips the second flange 13 of the tightening ring 1 and rotates relative to the connector body 2 to twist the ring body 11, thereby fixing the catheter housed in the tightening ring 1. The ring operating body 5 consists of a cylindrical body 51 into which the outer covering portion 42 of the ring body is inserted, and a flange gripping portion 52 formed on the distal side of the cylindrical body 51 and fitted with the second flange 13. In this embodiment, the ring operating body 5 is formed by dividing it into two parts in the longitudinal direction, similar to the cover part 4, and is integrated by housing the outer covering portion 42 of the ring body and the second flange 13 from the circumferential side, and is formed so that the outer shape becomes octagonal when integrated. The outer circumferential surfaces of the flange fixing portion 41 and the ring operating body 5 are formed in a polygonal shape, making them easier to grip when performing rotational operations.

[0029] The cylindrical body 51 accommodates the outer covering portion 42 of the ring body, and when the ring body is accommodated, the circumferential passage 421 slides at a position corresponding to the axial passage 422 (the proximal end of the inner surface of the cylindrical body 51 in this embodiment), and is locked by engaging with the axial passage 422.

[0030] The flange gripping portion 52 is configured to include a recess 521 for fitting and accommodating the second flange 13, and the recess 521 is formed in an octagonal shape on the distal side of the cylindrical body 51 to match the shape of the second flange 13. In addition, a cross-shaped notch groove 522 is provided on the proximal side surface of the recess to engage with the projection 132 of the second flange 13. As a result, the second flange 13 and the flange gripping portion 52 are fitted together, and the rotation of the second flange 13 in the circumferential direction is restricted.

[0031] The distal side of the flange gripping portion 52 is provided with a central hole 523 that serves as an insertion port for the catheter, and a tapered catheter receiving portion 524 is provided around the central hole 523 to facilitate smooth catheter insertion.

[0032] The procedure for assembling the catheter connector in this embodiment will be described below. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the catheter connector in this embodiment. 1. As shown in Figure 6A, the first flange 12 of the tightening ring 1 is fitted into the recess 321 of the base part 3 so that the projection 322 formed in the recess 321 engages with the notch 121 formed in the first flange 12. 2. As shown in Figure 6B, the two divided cover parts 4 sandwich the tightening ring 1 and the base part 3 in the state described in 1. Specifically, the flange fixing part 41 sandwiches the flange receiving part 32 and the catheter housing part 33 of the base part 3, and the ring body outer covering part 42 sandwiches the ring body 11 of the tightening ring 1. At this time, the connector outer covering part 41b of the flange fixing part 41 engages with the reinforcing part 332, and the notched groove 411 of the flange cover part 41a engages with the projection 122 of the first flange 12. 3. As shown in Figure 6C, the two-part ring operating body 5 clamps the cover part 4 in the state of 2. and the tightening ring 1. Specifically, the cylindrical body 51 clamps the outer covering portion 42 of the ring body, and the flange gripping portion 52 clamps the second flange 13. At this time, the second flange 13 is housed in the recess 521, and the notch portion 131 and the projection 132 of the second flange 13 engage with the notched groove 522 formed in the recess, respectively. In this embodiment, the tightening ring 1, base part 3, and cover part 4 were molded and assembled individually, but they may also be molded as a single unit using insert molding, two-color molding, or other methods.

[0033] Next, the mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the catheter connector and catheter in this embodiment will be described. To connect a catheter to this type of catheter connector, the tightening ring 1 is twisted by relatively rotating the connector body 2 (cover part 4) and the ring operating body 5, which fix and hold both ends of the tightening ring 1, thereby tightening and securing the catheter. As described above, the configuration for this purpose includes a projection 511, a circumferential passage 421 which serves as a path for the projection 511, and an axial passage 422 which engages with the projection 511, on the opposing surfaces of the cylindrical body 51 and the outer covering portion 42 of the ring body. The catheter is fixed in place when the projection 511 moves through the circumferential passage 421 and then through the axial passage 422. The specific operation method is shown below.

[0034] First, the catheter is inserted through the central hole 523 of the ring operating body 5, and the catheter tip is inserted up to the catheter retaining portion 331. At this time, the catheter connector is in its initial assembled state, the projection 511 of the ring operating body 5 is located proximal to the axial passage 422 of the ring body outer cover portion 42, and the tightening ring 1 is not twisted. Next, after confirming that the catheter has reached the catheter retaining portion 331, the ring operating body 5 is pulled slightly distally relative to the cover part 4, moving the projection 511 engaged with the axial passage 422 to the circumferential passage 421. As a result, the projection 511 moves to the circumferential passage 421 and becomes slidable in the circumferential direction, and the ring operating body 5 becomes rotatable relative to the cover part 4. Finally, rotate the ring operator 5 to the desired position to twist the tightening ring 1, then return the projection 511 to the axial passage 422. This fixes the projection 511 in the axial passage 422, restricting its rotation and maintaining the twisted state of the tightening ring 1. The twisting of the tightening ring 1 narrows its lumen, securing the catheter. Furthermore, by providing multiple axial passages 422, the relative position between the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5, that is, the degree of twisting of the tightening ring 1, can be finely adjusted in multiple stages.

[0035] On the other hand, to release the twist of the tightening ring 1, the ring operating body 5 is pulled distally to the cover part 4, moving the projection 511 from the axial passage 422 to the circumferential passage 421. This allows the projection 511 to slide circumferentially again, and the twist is easily released by the elasticity of the tightening ring 1, returning it to its initial state. With the twist of the tightening ring 1 released, the catheter is released from its fixation and can be removed.

[0036] According to the catheter connector of the first embodiment described above, the catheter is fixed by twisting the tightening ring 1, so the tightening ring 1 is not pressed against the cover part 4, and the outer circumference of the tightening ring 1 does not stick to the inner wall of the cover part 4. As a result, when the fixation between the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5 is released, the elasticity of the tightening ring 1 causes the tightening ring 1 to return to its original shape, and the catheter can be reinserted and fixed without any problems when reconnecting the catheter.

[0037] Here, the shape of the axial passage 422 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 4, but may be as shown below. Also, in the following modified examples and other embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0038] Figure 7 is a top view of the cover portion in this modified example. In this example, the proximal end of the axial passage 422 is formed in an L-shape, with the end portion extending in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, when the projection 511 is moved from the circumferential passage 421 to the axial passage 422 in order to fix the ring operating body 5 to the cover part 4, the projection 511 moves to the L-shaped end portion due to the elasticity of the tightening ring 1, as the proximal side of the axial passage 422 also widens in the circumferential direction. As a result, the projection 511 is fixed in both the circumferential and axial directions, and can maintain its fixed state even when a force is applied that separates the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5. Furthermore, the axial passage 422 is not limited to an L-shape; it may also be T-shaped or the like. A T-shaped locking portion allows the aforementioned effect to be obtained without limiting the rotation direction of the ring operating body 5.

[0039] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the second embodiment, in addition to the circumferential rotation of the ring operating body described in the first embodiment, the catheter is also fixed by sliding it distally in the axial direction. The following will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 shows a front view A and a top view B illustrating a cover part in a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the ring body outer cover portion 42 is provided with four rows of circumferential passages 421a at equal intervals extending around the circumference, and two rows of axial passages 422a extending from the proximal end to the distal end, arranged in a grid pattern as grooves. Between each passage are U-shaped holders 424a equipped with engaging portions 423a that engage with the projections 511 of the ring operating body 5. These holders are provided in three rows in the axial direction and two rows in the circumferential direction, with the recessed portions of the U-shape serving as the engaging portions 423a.

[0041] In this embodiment, when fixing the catheter, the ring operating body 5 is moved circumferentially and distally in the axial direction, and the projection 511 is fitted into any engaging portion 423a, thereby enabling fixation. With this configuration, the tightening ring 1 is not only twisted circumferentially but also pulled axially, so the ring body 13 twists evenly, and the catheter can be fixed with the entire ring body 11. As a result, the tightening of the catheter is made uniform without being concentrated in one part, the constricted area is increased, and a stable fixing force is obtained, so stable fixation is possible without the fixing force being concentrated in one part of the catheter.

[0042] Figure 9 shows a modified cover part in the second embodiment of the present invention, with front view A and top view B. In this modified example, the outer surface of the ring body outer cover portion 42 is provided with two rows of circumferential passages 421b extending around the entire circumference near the proximal and distal ends, and two rows of axial passages 422b extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the ring body outer cover portion 42. Between the passages, two rows of U-shaped holders 424b are provided in the circumferential direction, each holder having an engaging portion 423b that engages with the projection 511 of the ring operating body 5. In this modified example, the engaging portion 423b is formed deeply, extending close to the proximal end of the holder.

[0043] In this modified example, the catheter connector returns the ring operating body 5 to the axial proximal side again to fix the catheter. With this configuration, when the projection 511 engages with the engaging portion 423b, the projection 511 passes through the axial distal side once, enters the engaging portion 423b, and is then pulled back to the proximal side. As a result, the tightening ring 1 is twisted and pulled until the twist becomes uniform, and then the tension is released, allowing the twist to remain uniform while maintaining the fixing force.

[0044] Figure 10 is a front view of the cover portion in another modified example of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the outer circumferential surface of the outer covering portion 42 of the ring body of the cover part 4 is provided with multiple circumferential passages 421c and multiple axial passages 422c of arbitrary length. With this configuration, the projection 511 can slide and engage with the circumferential passages 421c and axial passages 422c as desired, enabling multi-stage twisting of the tightening ring.

[0045] Figure 11 is a front view A showing the cover part in the third embodiment and a front view B showing the structure of the ring operating body. In this embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the ring body outer covering portion 42 of the cover part 4 is formed by a circumferential passage 421d extending around the circumference on the distal end side and numerous axial passages 422d extending around the circumference on the proximal side, forming a protruding portion 425. The inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 51 of the ring operating body 5 is formed with one or more protrusions 5110 that engage with the protruding portion 425. The length of the protrusions 5110 is not particularly limited, but is set to be less than or equal to the width of the circumferential passage 421d.

[0046] In the catheter connector with the above configuration, in the initial state, the protrusion 5110 is housed in the axial passage 422d of the uneven portion 425. To take the rotational position, the ring operating body 5 is pulled distally. This releases the engagement between the protrusion 5110 and the axial passage 422d, and the protrusion 5110 rotates in the circumferential passage 421d. By fitting the protrusion 5110 back into the axial passage 422d at any rotational position, the ring operating body 5 is fixed to the cover part 4.

[0047] According to the above configuration, since the tension is released after the tightening ring 1 is pulled and twisted, the catheter can be fixed in a uniformly twisted state. In addition, since the axial passage 422d is formed continuously around the circumference and forms an uneven surface 425, the catheter can be fixed in any positional relationship regardless of the circumferential positional relationship between the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5. Furthermore, the uneven surface 425 formed by the axial passage 422d may be formed on both the outer circumferential surface of the ring body outer cover 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 51. Alternatively, one or more protrusions may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the ring body outer cover 42, and a number of grooves with axial length may be formed in a continuous manner on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 51 to form the uneven surface.

[0048] Figure 12 is a front view of the cover portion in the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the cover part 4 has a spiral circumferential passage on the outer circumferential surface of the outer covering portion 42 of the ring body, and the distal end of the circumferential passage 421e has an axial passage 422e that communicates with a circumferential passage 4212 which serves as an engagement portion with the projection 511. In this embodiment, the projection 511 of the ring operating body 5 twists the tightening ring 1 by sliding along the spiral circumferential passage 421e. The projection 511 that reaches the distal end of the circumferential passage 421e engages with the axial passage 422e, which is the engagement portion, and the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5 are fixed together.

[0049] The first to fourth embodiments described above are mechanisms in which a projection or ridge moves along a passage to rotate and fix the rotation, but any locking mechanism that can rotate and fix the ring operating body 5 relative to the cover part 4 is also acceptable, such as the following.

[0050] Figure 13 shows a front view A illustrating the structure of the cover portion in the fifth embodiment, a front view B illustrating the structure of the ring operating body, and a cross-sectional view C of section A when the cover portion and the ring operating body are assembled. Figure 14 shows a perspective view A illustrating the structure of the cover part in the fifth embodiment and a perspective view B illustrating the structure of the ring operating body.

[0051] In this embodiment, the outer circumference of the ring body outer covering portion 42 of the cover part 4 has continuous engagement teeth 426 formed in a wave-like shape around the flange fixing portion 41, and one or more elastic claws 512 that engage with the continuous engagement teeth 426 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 51 of the ring operating body 5 at positions corresponding to the continuous engagement teeth 426 in the axial direction (on the proximal end side of the cylindrical body 51 in this embodiment). Furthermore, a groove 427 is formed around the distal circumferential surface of the continuous engaging teeth 426, which serves as a passage for the elastic claw 512 when disengaging from the continuous engaging teeth 426.

[0052] Each of the continuous engaging teeth 426 has a gently sloping surface 426a that pushes the elastic claw 512 outward in the circumferential direction and a steep surface 426b that engages the elastic claw 512. The elastic claw 512 is erected from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 51 so as to face the gently sloping surface 426a of the corrugated continuous engaging teeth 426, and the tip of the elastic claw 512 is spaced radially inward from the cylindrical body 51.

[0053] According to the above configuration, when the ring operating body 5 is rotated relative to the cover part 4, the elastic claw 512 slides along each of the gently sloping surfaces 426a of the continuous engaging teeth 426, and the steep surfaces 426b engage with the elastic claw 512, enabling rotation and rotation control. Specifically, when the elastic claw 512 moves in the direction of the gently sloping surface 426a of each tooth of the continuous engaging teeth 426, it is pushed by the gently sloping surface 426a and the elastic claw 512 bends radially outward, allowing rotation. When it moves in the direction of the steep surface 426b, the elastic claw 512 engages, restricting rotation, thus creating a ratchet structure that allows rotation in one direction but locks in the opposite direction. Therefore, when the tightening ring 1 is twisted, the twisted state is maintained, and the catheter can be fixed in place.

[0054] Furthermore, because the continuous engaging teeth 426 are formed around the entire circumference, the elastic claws 512 engage with each of the continuous engaging teeth 426, ensuring secure locking and allowing for fine, multi-stage adjustment of the relative position between the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5, i.e., the degree of twisting of the tightening ring 1.

[0055] On the other hand, when returning to the original position, the tightening ring 1 is elastic, so the catheter can be released simply by disengaging the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5. The engagement between the cover part 4 and the ring operating body 5 can be released simply by pulling the ring operating body 5 slightly distally relative to the cover part 4, thereby releasing the engagement between the elastic claw 512 and the continuous engaging teeth 426. After the engagement is released, a groove 427 is formed on the circumferential surface of the outer covering part 42 of the ring body, which serves as a passage for the elastic claw 512. Therefore, the elasticity of the tightening ring 1 causes it to rotate along the groove 427 in a direction that releases the twist of the tightening ring 1, allowing the catheter to be easily released.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ratchet mechanism is realized by engaging the corrugated tooth shape formed on the outer circumferential surface of the ring body outer cover portion 42 with the elastic claw 512 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 51. However, the corrugated tooth shape and the elastic claw may also be reversed, or both circumferential surfaces may be made corrugated to engage with each other. Moreover, the flange cover portion 41a and the ring operating body 5 may be formed on surfaces perpendicular to the axial direction, or the distal circumferential surface of the flange fixing portion 41 and the proximal side of the ring operating body may be formed.

[0057] The embodiments described above are illustrative examples for illustrating the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments only. Furthermore, the present disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence. For example, in this embodiment, the ring body 11 is housed in the ring body outer cover portion 42 of the cover part 4, the ring body outer cover portion 42 is inserted into the cylindrical body 51 of the ring operating body 5, and an engagement mechanism is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the ring body outer cover portion 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 51. However, the ring body 11 may be housed in the ring operating body 5, the ring operating body 5 may be inserted into the cover part 4, and an engagement mechanism may be provided between the outer circumferential surface of the ring operating body 5 and the inner circumferential surface of the cover part 4. Moreover, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of the elements described below is replaced with equivalent ones, and such embodiments are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1. Tightening ring 11 Ring body 12 First flange 121 Notch 122 Projections 13 Second flange 131 Notch 132 Projections 2 Connector body 3 Base parts 31. Taper section 32 Flange mounting section 321 Indentation 322 Protrusion 33 Catheter housing 331 Catheter retention area 332 Reinforcement section 333 Window section 4 Cover parts 41 Flange fixing part 41a Flange cover 411 Notched groove 41b Connector outer casing 412 Window section 42 Ring body outer cover 421 Circumferential passage 422 Axial passage 423 Engaging part 424 Holder 425 Uneven part 426 consecutive engaging teeth 427 Groove 5 Ring Operating Body 51 Cylinder 511 Protrusion 5110 Projection 512 Elastic Nails 52 Flange gripping section 521 Indentation 522 Notched groove 523 Center hole 524 Catheter Receptor

Claims

1. A catheter connector that detachably connects a catheter and an infusion device, A tightening ring made of elastic resin that secures the catheter inserted into the lumen, A connector body that fixes one end of the tightening ring and serves as the connection point to the infusion device, The system includes a ring operating body that grips the other end of the aforementioned tightening ring, The tightening ring is inserted into the connector body and the ring operating body. A catheter connector characterized in that the connector body and the ring operating body are assembled so as to be rotatable relative to the circumferential direction of the tightening ring, and the connector body and the ring operating body can be fixed in the position after rotation.

2. The catheter connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector body and the ring operating body are slidable in the axial direction in addition to being able to rotate.

3. Either the proximal side of the ring operating body or the distal side of the connector body inserts the other. The ring operating body and the connector body have a projection on one side of their circumferential surface facing each other. The other side circumferential surface is provided with at least one circumferential passage formed in the circumferential direction, which serves as a passage for the projection, and at least one axial passage formed along the axial direction and having an arbitrary length. The catheter connector according to claim 2, wherein the circumferential passage and the axial passage are in communication at least at one location.

4. The catheter connector according to claim 3, wherein the circumferential passage is formed in a spiral shape.

5. The catheter connector according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion between the connector body and the ring operating body is provided with an engagement mechanism that is rotatable in only one direction in the circumferential direction and restricts rotation in the reverse direction.

6. The clamping ring is provided with flanges at both ends. The catheter connector according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the lumen of the connector body and the ring operating body are fitted with the flange in a manner in which the flange is inserted.

7. The catheter connector according to claim 6, wherein the outer shape of the flange is formed in a polygonal shape.

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