Connectors and connecting devices

Abstract

To provide a connector and a connecting device that can suppress leakage of chemical solution from the seal. [Solution] The connecting device according to the embodiment comprises a connector and a connecting device that can engage with the connector. The connector is for mixing and preparing a drug solution. The connector comprises a seal cap, a flow path seal, and a flow path member. The seal cap is formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening in the axial direction. The seal cap has a small inner diameter portion at one end in the axial direction. The flow path seal has a small seal portion and a large seal portion. The entire small seal portion is compressed along the axial direction into the opening of the small inner diameter portion. The end face of the small seal portion is connected to the opening end face of the small inner diameter portion and protrudes from the opening end face of the small inner diameter portion. The device connector comprises a needle and a needle seal. The end face of the needle seal on the connector side abuts against the end face of the small seal portion and the opening end face of the small inner diameter portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a connection device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when preparing hazardous drugs (medical fluids) such as anticancer agents, closed collection and mixed injection of the medical fluids have been performed. In manual preparation, health hazards due to exposure of medical workers who prepare medical fluids, such as pharmacists and nurses, to hazardous drugs have been reported. For this reason, in the medical field, it is required to perform drug preparation using a closed-system drug transfer system to reduce the exposure amount of hazardous drugs and ensure occupational safety.

[0003] Accordingly, for example, a closed-system drug transfer system is known in which a connector to be connected to a container such as a vial and a device connector to be connected to a device such as a syringe are connected, whereby the medical fluid in the vial can be transferred to the syringe in a closed manner (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The closed-system drug transfer system is provided with elastically deformable seals on the connector and the device connector, respectively, and the needle of the device connector penetrates these seals that are in close contact when the connector and the device connector are connected, thereby suppressing leakage of the medical fluid to the outside of the closed-system drug transfer system. The puncture mark formed on the seal by the needle puncture is closed by the elastic force of the seal when the connector and the device connector are separated after the medical fluid is transferred.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the closed-type drug transfer system described above, when the punctured needle is moved away from the seal during the separation of the connector and instrument connector, the drug solution adhering to the needle during drug transfer may adhere to the puncture site, resulting in residual drug solution at the puncture site. In medical settings, from a hygiene management perspective, the flow path seal is sometimes wiped and disinfected after use, but there is variation in the degree of cleaning performed by facilities and users. Therefore, depending on the degree of cleaning, such as rubbing or compressing the flow path seal, there is a risk that residual drug solution may leak from the puncture site. Thus, there is a need for a technology that can suppress the leakage of drug solution from the seal when the connector is separated from the instrument connector.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a connector and a connecting device that can suppress leakage of chemical solution from a seal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The connecting device according to the embodiment comprises a connector and a connecting device that can engage with the connector. The connector is for mixing and preparing a drug solution. The connector comprises a seal cap, a flow path seal, and a flow path member. The seal cap is formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening in the axial direction. The seal cap has a small-diameter inner portion at one end in the axial direction. The flow path seal has a small-diameter seal portion and a large-diameter seal portion. The entire small-diameter seal portion is compressed along the axial direction into the opening of the small-diameter inner portion. The end face of the small-diameter seal portion is connected to the opening end face of the small-diameter inner portion and protrudes from the opening end face of the small-diameter inner portion. The device connector comprises a needle and a needle seal. The end face of the needle seal on the connector side abuts against the end face of the small-diameter seal portion and the opening end face of the small-diameter inner portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connector and a connecting device that can suppress leakage of chemical solution from a seal. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting device, with a portion cut out. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connecting device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connectors used in the connecting device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the connector. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the container fixing part body used in the connector. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the flow channel member used in the connector. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the flow channel member used in the connector. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a seal cap used in a connector. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the connector's configuration. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an exploded view showing some of the components of the connector. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view showing the configuration of a flow path seal used in a connector. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device connector. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of one of the outer casing components used in the device connector. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side view showing the configuration of the components of the outer casing. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a side view showing the configuration of the other outer casing component used in the device connector. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a needle holder used in a device connector. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a bottom view showing the configuration of an inner sleeve used in a device connector. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a head sleeve used in a device connector. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the head sleeve. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a stopper sleeve used in the instrument connector. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the instrument connector and the connecting member. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the instrument connector and the connecting member. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the instrument connector and the connecting member. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a step diagram illustrating the connection and separation of the instrument connector and the connecting member. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a view showing cross sections of the connecting members according to the comparative example and the example, respectively. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an infusion connector which is a modified example of the instrument connector. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the infusion connector. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a spike adapter which is a modified example of the connecting member. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the spike adapter. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a bag adapter which is a modified example of the connecting member. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a side view showing the configuration of a plug which is a modified example of the connecting member. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] A connecting device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 31. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting device 10 with a portion cut out. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connecting device 10. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connector 20 used in the connecting device 10. Figure 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the connector 20. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the container fixing part body 40 used in the connector 20. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the flow path member 60 used in the connector 20. Figure 7 is a side view showing the configuration of the flow path member 60 used in the connector 20.

[0011] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the seal cap 70 used in the connector 20. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the configuration of the connector 20. Figure 10 is an exploded view showing part of the configuration of the connector 20. Figure 11 is a side view showing the configuration of the flow path seal 90 used in the connector 20. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the device connector 100. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of one of the outer casing components 132 used in the device connector 100. Figure 14 is a side view showing the configuration of the outer casing component 132.

[0012] Figure 15 is a side view showing the configuration of the other outer casing component 132 used in the device connector 100. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the needle holder 122 used in the device connector 100. Figure 17 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the inner sleeve 140 used in the device connector 100. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the head sleeve 180 used in the device connector 100. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the head sleeve 180. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stopper sleeve 230 used in the device connector 100. Figures 21 to 23 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the connection of the device connector 100 and the connector 20.

[0013] Figure 24 is a step diagram illustrating the connection and disconnection of the device connector 100 and connector 20. Figure 25 is a diagram showing cross-sections of connector 20 according to the comparative example and the embodiment, respectively. Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an infusion connector 100A, which is a modified example of the device connector 100. Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the infusion connector 100A. Figure 28 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a spike adapter 20A, which is a modified example of connector 20. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the spike adapter 20A. Figure 30 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a bag adapter 20B, another modified example of connector 20. Figure 31 is a side view showing the configuration of a plug 20C, another modified example of connector 20.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 9, the connecting device 10 comprises a connector 20 fixedly formed to the container 1, and an instrument connector 100 fixedly formed to an instrument 7 used for transferring liquids, to which the connector 20 is detachably connected. The connecting device 10 is used, for example, for the purpose of mixing and preparing a drug solution 9. In this embodiment, the container 1 is, for example, a vial, and the instrument 7 is a syringe having a barrel 8. In the following description, the instrument 7 will be described as a syringe 7.

[0015] The connecting device 10 has a liquid channel L1 that communicates with the container 1 and the syringe 7, and this liquid channel L1 enables the collection of the drug solution 9 from the container 1 using the syringe 7. The connecting device 10 also has a gas channel L2 that communicates with the container 1 and the air bag 152 (described later), and this gas channel L2 enables the pressure inside the container 1 to be kept constant. The vertical direction of the connecting device 10 is set based on the state in which the container 1 is positioned below and the syringe 7 is positioned above. In this embodiment, the connector 20 is a so-called vial adapter and the device connector 100 is a so-called syringe adapter, but it is not limited to these as long as the container 1 and the device 7 can be connected.

[0016] As shown in Figure 9, the container 1 is formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder capable of containing the liquid medicine 9. The container 1 comprises, for example, a cylindrical body 2, a bottom wall formed at the bottom end of the body 2 and closing the body 2, a cylindrical neck 4 formed at the upper end of the body 2 and having a smaller diameter than the body 2, a flange 5 formed at the upper edge of the neck 4, and a stopper 6 fixed inside the opening of the neck 4 and sealing the opening of the neck 4.

[0017] The stopper 6 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer and is flexible. Furthermore, the stopper 6 is formed so that it can seal the hole created when the needle portion 62 of the flow channel member 60 of the connector 20 (described later) is punctured, in a liquid-tight and airtight manner by its restoring force.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connector 20 comprises a container fixing portion 30 formed to be fixed to the container 1, a seal cap 70 fixed to the container fixing portion 30, and a flow path seal 90 provided on the seal cap 70.

[0019] The connector 20 has at least a flow path for transferring the liquid chemical 9. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the connector 20 has two flow paths for transferring the liquid chemical 9 and a gas. Specifically, the container fixing part 30 has a container fixing part body 40 formed to be fixable to the container 1, and a flow path member 60 fixed to the container fixing part body 40.

[0020] The container fixing part body 40 is configured to be fixed to the container 1 when the flow path member 60 is inserted into the stopper 6 at the mouth of the container 1. Specifically, the container fixing part body 40 comprises a base 41 to which the flow path member 60 is fixed, a pair of arm-shaped arms 42 provided on the base 41, and engaging parts 43 provided on each of the pair of arms 42, each capable of engaging with the neck 4 of the container 1. Note that in Figure 9, the container fixing part body 40 is omitted and the connector 20 is shown.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the engaging portion 43 has a contact portion 53 that abuts against and engages with the neck portion 4, and a guide surface 54 that faces the flow path member 60. The contact portion 53 is formed at one end of the engaging portion 43 on the base portion 41 side. The guide surface 54 is formed on a surface that moves away from the flow path member 60 from one end on the base portion 41 side to the other end.

[0022] When the flow channel member 60 is inserted into the stopper 6 of the container 1 and the connector 20 is pushed towards the container 1, the pair of guide surfaces 54 come into contact with the flange 5 of the container 1, causing the pair of arms 42 to spread apart. Then, when the contact portion 53 moves over the flange 5, the contact portion 53 engages with the neck portion 4 of the container 1.

[0023] The connector 20 is fixed to the container 1 when the flow channel member 60 is punctured into the stopper 6 and the engaging portion 43 engages with the neck portion 4.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the base portion 41 is configured as a plate shape having a hole 44 in the center where the flow channel member 60 is placed. The hole 44 has an arc portion 45 configured as an arc and a rectangular portion 46 configured as a rectangle.

[0025] The base portion 41 also has engaging claws 47 that engage with the flow channel member 60 inserted into the hole 44. The engaging claws 47 are positioned on the upper surface of the base portion 41, for example, near the hole 44. Multiple engaging claws 47 are formed, for example, two in a specific example. The two engaging claws 47 are positioned opposite each other, with the hole 44 in between.

[0026] The engaging claw 47 has a long, plate-shaped base 48 extending upward from the base 41, and a claw portion 49 formed at the upper end of the base 48. The surface of the claw portion 49 opposite to the surface facing the other engaging claw 47 is an inclined surface whose lower end is located radially outward from the hole 44 than the upper end of that surface.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, the flow channel member 60 has a flow channel member base portion 61 that constitutes one end of the flow channel member 60 and a needle portion 62 that constitutes the other end of the flow channel member 60.

[0028] The flow channel member base 61 constitutes the upper part of the base 41. The flow channel member base 61 is columnar in shape. A flange 63 is formed at the end of the flow channel member base 61 on the side of the smaller diameter portion 70α. The flange 63 has a top surface. The top surface portion includes the end face (top surface) 68 of the flange 63.

[0029] Furthermore, a rotation-preventing portion 66 is provided at the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the flow channel member base 61, and is positioned in the rectangular portion 46 of the hole 44. The rotation-preventing portion 66 is configured such that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the axial direction of the flow channel member base 61 is the same shape as, for example, the rectangular portion 46 or a smaller shape.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a contact portion is formed at the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the flow channel member base 61, which abuts against the edge of the hole 44 from above. The contact portion is configured, for example, as a protruding portion that is a part of the outer circumferential surface of the flow channel member base 61. The flow channel member 60 is held in the hole 44 by the contact portion abutting against the edge of the hole 44 from above.

[0031] The needle portion 62 constitutes the part below the base portion 41. The tip of the needle portion 62 is sharp.

[0032] In one embodiment, the flow channel member 60 is formed with a pair of fitting recesses 610, a pair of first flow channel sections 611, a pair of support sections 612, and a pair of second flow channel sections 613, as shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0033] The fitting recess 610 is a cylindrical recess that opens onto the top surface 68.

[0034] The first flow channel portion 611 is a cylindrical hole that is continuous with the fitting recess 610 and is located on the side opposite to the top surface 68 of the fitting recess 610 in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the first flow channel portion 611 on the side facing the fitting recess 610 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the fitting recess 610. The inner diameter of the first flow channel portion 611 on the side facing the fitting recess 610 is formed to be the same diameter. On the other hand, the inner diameter of the first flow channel portion 611 on the side opposite to the fitting recess 610 gradually decreases towards the opposite end of the first flow channel portion 611. The first flow channel portion 611 is part of the configuration of the flow channel member base portion 61. The first flow channel portion 611 is an example of a flow channel portion.

[0035] The support portion 612 is formed between the fitting recess 610 and the first flow channel portion 611. The support portion 612 is, for example, a portion including the end face of the fitting recess 610, which is created by the difference in inner diameter between the fitting recess 610 and the first flow channel portion 611 that is continuous with the fitting recess 610.

[0036] The second flow channel 613 is a cylindrical hole that is continuous with the first flow channel 611 on the side opposite to the fitting recess 610 in the axial direction. The second flow channel 613 opens onto the surface of the needle portion 62 on the side opposite to the first flow channel 611. The opening cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow channel 613 is set to be smaller than the opening cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 611. The second flow channel 613 is part of the structure of the needle portion 62. The second flow channel 613 is an example of a flow channel.

[0037] In the following description, the configuration consisting of one of the two first flow path sections 611 and a second flow path section 613 continuous with the first first flow path section 611 will be referred to as the liquid flow path configuration L3. The liquid flow path configuration L3 constitutes a part of the liquid flow path L1. The liquid flow path configuration L3 constitutes the flow path for the chemical solution 9 between the container 1 and the device connector 100. The configuration consisting of the other of the two first flow path sections 611 and a second flow path section 613 continuous with the other first flow path section 611 will be referred to as the gas flow path configuration L4. The gas flow path configuration L4 constitutes a part of the gas flow path L2. The gas flow path configuration L4 constitutes the flow path for the gas between the container 1 and the device connector 100.

[0038] Note that the lower end opening of the liquid flow path component L3 is located above the lower end opening of the gas flow path component L4. This is to enable the medicinal solution 9 accumulated on the neck side of the container 1 to be guided to the liquid flow path component L3 when the connection device 10, the container 1, and the syringe 7 are tilted so that the container 1 is disposed above the connection device 10.

[0039] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the seal cap 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape that accommodates the flow path member base 61 and the flow path seal 90 inside. The seal cap 70 is open at both ends in the axial direction. Further, the seal cap 70 is configured to be capable of unlocking an outer shell 110 (described later) of the device connector 100 and the stopper sleeve 230, and to be lockable with the stopper sleeve 230. The seal cap 70 is configured in a cylindrical shape into which the flow path member base 61 is fitted.

[0040] In the axial direction of the seal cap 70, the distal end surface (upper surface) 73e abuts against a needle seal 200 (described later) of the device connector 100. The upper surface 73e of the seal cap 70 is formed in an annular shape, and is formed as an inclined surface or a curved surface with the center side positioned upward.

[0041] The seal cap 70 is formed with a cylindrical first opening 73a and a cylindrical second opening 73b having a larger diameter than the first opening 73a in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 10, regarding the first opening 73a and the second opening 73b, when the inner diameter of the first opening 73a is defined as d3 and the inner diameter of the second opening 73b is defined as d6, the relationship d3 < d6 holds. The first opening 73a is disposed at the end on the device connector 100 side, and the second opening 73b is disposed on the container 1 side (the container fixing portion 30 side). In the axial direction, the second opening 73b has a length that allows at least the flow path member base 61 of the flow path member 60 to be disposed therein.

[0042] The seal cap 70 has, for example, in the axial direction from the upper end to the lower end, a portion with a small outer diameter, a portion with a medium outer diameter, and a portion with a large outer diameter, and also has a portion with a small inner diameter and a portion with a large inner diameter defined by the first opening 73a and the second opening 73b.

[0043] In this embodiment, the seal cap 70 may be described below with the following definitions: the portion with a small outer diameter is the small outer diameter portion 73, the portion with a medium outer diameter is the medium outer diameter portion 72, the portion with a large outer diameter is the large outer diameter portion 71, the portion with a small inner diameter is the small inner diameter portion 70α, and the portion with a large inner diameter is the large inner diameter portion 70β. As shown in Figure 10, the seal cap 70 is specifically cylindrical with different outer and inner diameters. Therefore, the seal cap 70 has a large outer diameter portion 71, a medium outer diameter portion 72 formed on the large outer diameter portion 71, and a small outer diameter portion 73 formed on the medium outer diameter portion 72 on its outer surface, and a small inner diameter portion 70α and a large inner diameter portion 70β on its inner circumferential surface.

[0044] Multiple grooves extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer surface of the large-diameter outer portion 71.

[0045] The outer diameter middle portion 72 is formed so that when the connector 20 is inserted into the device connector 100 and reaches a predetermined position within the device connector 100, it comes into contact with the stopper sleeve 230 of the device connector 100 (described later), thereby releasing the lock between the stopper sleeve 230 and the outer casing 110. Specifically, the upper end portion 72a of the outer circumferential surface of the outer diameter middle portion 72 is configured as a conical surface that gradually decreases in diameter towards the top.

[0046] Furthermore, the outer diameter middle diameter portion 72 has a locking recess 77 into which the stopper sleeve 230 engages when the connector 20 is inserted into the device connector 100 and reaches a predetermined position inside the device connector 100.

[0047] The locking recess 77 is a recess formed in the outer peripheral surface of the outer diameter middle diameter portion 72, extending from a portion of the lower end in the circumferential direction to an intermediate portion in the axial direction. The upper surface within the locking recess 77 is configured as an engaging surface into which the stopper sleeve 230 can engage.

[0048] Furthermore, an engaged portion 78 is formed in the outer diameter middle portion 72, which can be engaged with the engaging member 160 of the device connector 100, described later. Specifically, the engaged portion 78 is formed on a part of the upper end portion 72a formed on the conical surface of the outer circumferential surface of the outer diameter middle portion 72. The engaged portion 78 is a projection that protrudes radially outward, formed on a part of the outer diameter middle portion 72. The lower surface 79 of the engaged portion 78 is configured, for example, as a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the seal cap 70.

[0049] Furthermore, first guide projections 75 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the large outer diameter portion 71 and the outer circumferential surface of the medium outer diameter portion 72, which guide the movement of the connector 20 in the axial direction of the outer body 111 within the outer body 111 of the device connector 100.

[0050] The first guide projection 75 is configured as a protrusion that projects radially outward. The first guide projection 75 is formed so as to be housed in the first guide groove 126 formed within the outer body 111. For example, multiple first guide projections 75 may be formed. For example, one first guide projection 75 may be formed.

[0051] The outer small diameter portion 73 is configured as a cylindrical shape that is movably fitted into the head sleeve 180 of the device connector 100, which will be described later.

[0052] The small inner diameter portion 70α is located at one end of the seal cap 70 in the axial direction. The small inner diameter portion 70α is also provided at the tip of the small outer diameter portion 73 in the axial direction. The large inner diameter portion 70β is provided adjacent to the small inner diameter portion 70α in the axial direction and is located in the region of a part of the small outer diameter portion 73, the medium outer diameter portion 72, and the large outer diameter portion 71.

[0053] The small-diameter portion 70α is the region formed by the small-diameter first opening 73a of the seal cap 70. The large-diameter portion 70β is the region formed by the large-diameter second opening 73b of the seal cap 70. The second opening 73b forming the large-diameter portion 70β is on the opposite side from the upper surface 73e of the small-diameter portion 70α and is continuous with the first opening 73a. Since the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 70β is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 70α, the small-diameter portion 70α opens at the end face of the large-diameter portion 70β, and the difference in inner diameters forms the lower surface 73c of the small-diameter portion 70α.

[0054] The small inner diameter portion 70α has a tapered portion 73d at the corner between the inner circumferential surface 76a and the lower surface 73c. ​​The tapered portion 73d is a flat chamfered portion formed at the corner between the inner circumferential surface 76a and the lower surface 73c, and serves as a guide surface for guiding the insertion of the flow path seal 90. The inner diameter of the tapered portion 73d decreases from the lower surface 73c toward the inner circumferential surface 76a.

[0055] As shown in Figure 9, a groove 81 is formed in a part of the inner circumferential surface 76b of the large inner diameter portion 70β, where the engaging claws 47 of the container fixing part body 40 are positioned. The groove 81 extends in the axial direction and has an engaged surface 82 at its end into which the claw portion 49 of the engaging claws 47 engages. The engaged surface 82 is configured, for example, as a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The engaging claws 47 of the container fixing part body 40 are housed in the groove 81, and the claw portion 49 engages with the engaged surface 82 in the axial direction, thereby fixing the seal cap 70 and the container fixing part body 40. In the axial direction, the dimension of the second opening 73b is longer than the axial length of the groove 81.

[0056] As shown in Figure 9, a portion of the flow path seal 90 is housed within the seal cap 70, while the other portion of the flow path seal 90 is positioned outside the seal cap 70 through the first opening 73a. The flow path seal 90 is fitted radially into the inner diameter small-diameter portion 70α and axially into the lower surface 73c of the inner diameter small-diameter portion 70α and the top surface 68 of the flow path member 60.

[0057] The flow path seal 90 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer and is formed to be elastically deformable. In addition, the liquid needle 170 and gas needle 175 of the instrument connector 100, which will be described later, can be punctured into the flow path seal 90.

[0058] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, the flow path seal 90 specifically includes a large-diameter seal portion 93, a small-diameter seal portion 94 integrally formed on one end face (upper side) of the large-diameter seal portion 93, and two fitting portions 96 integrally formed on the end face opposite to the upper end face of the large-diameter seal portion 93.

[0059] The seal's large diameter portion 93 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The end face of the seal's large diameter portion 93 on the side of the seal's small diameter portion 94 faces the lower surface 73c of the inner diameter portion 70α. The outer circumferential surface of the seal's large diameter portion 93 faces the inner circumferential surface 76b of the inner diameter portion 70β. The end face of the seal's large diameter portion 93 opposite to the side of the seal's small diameter portion 94 faces the top surface 68 of the flange 63.

[0060] The seal small diameter portion 94 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The entire outer circumferential surface 94a of the seal small diameter portion 94 faces the inner circumferential surface 76a of the inner diameter small diameter portion 70α.

[0061] The upper end surface 95 of the seal small diameter portion 94 is continuous with the opening upper surface 73e of the inner small diameter portion 70α. Here, the connection between the upper end surface 95 and the upper surface 73e means that the entire outer circumferential surface 94a of the seal small diameter portion 94 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface 76a of the inner small diameter portion 70α, and that the ridge portion 73f between the upper surface 73e and the inner circumferential surface 76a is in the same axial position as the ridge portion 94b between the upper end surface 95 and the outer circumferential surface 94a, or is located near the ridge portion 94b. In a preferred example, the upper end surface 95 is a curved surface continuous with the opening upper surface 73e of the inner small diameter portion 70α. Furthermore, the tangential inclination of the upper surface 73e at the ridge portion 73f is the same as, or approximates, the tangential inclination of the upper end surface 95 at the ridge portion 94b.

[0062] A part of the seal small-diameter portion 94 protrudes relative to the upper surface 73e. In other words, a part of the seal small-diameter portion 94 is formed in a convex shape relative to the upper surface 73e. The part of the seal small-diameter portion 94 protruding outward from the upper surface 73e is a crush allowance that seals against the later-described needle seal 200 by abutting and deforming against the needle seal 200. This crush allowance is set to such an amount that allows the needle seal 200 to be in close contact with both the upper end surface 95 and the upper surface 73e when the part of the seal small-diameter portion 94 is crushed.

[0063] The outer diameter d1 of the seal large-diameter portion 93 when no external force is applied to the flow path seal 90 is set to be larger than the outer diameter d2 of the seal small-diameter portion 94 when no external force is applied to the flow path seal 90 (d1>d2).

[0064] Further, the outer diameter d2 of the seal small-diameter portion 94 in a state where no external force is applied to the seal small-diameter portion 94 is set to be larger than the inner diameter d3 of the first opening 73a (d2>d3). Since the entire outer peripheral surface 94a of the seal small-diameter portion 94 faces the inner peripheral surface 76a of the small inner-diameter portion 70α, the seal small-diameter portion 94 is radially compressed by the small inner-diameter portion 70α.

[0065] Further, the dimension h1 along the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface 94a of the seal small-diameter portion 94 in a state where no external force is applied to the seal small-diameter portion 94 is set to be smaller than the dimension h2 along the axial direction of the small inner-diameter portion 70α (h1<h2).

[0066] Further, in a state where no external force is applied to the seal small-diameter portion 94, the seal small-diameter portion 94 may be configured such that the upper end surface 95 protrudes to the side opposite to the seal large-diameter portion 93 with respect to the ridge portion 94b.

[0067] Further, the outer diameter d2 of the seal small-diameter portion 94 in a state where no external force is applied to the seal small-diameter portion 94 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter d6 of the second opening 73b (d2<d6).

[0068] The mating portion 96 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axis of the mating portion 96 is not coaxial with the central axes of the seal large diameter portion 93 and the seal small diameter portion 94, but is separated from them. The mating portion 96 engages with the mating recess 610. One of the two mating portions 96 engages with one of the two mating recesses 610, and the other of the two mating portions 96 engages with the other of the two mating recesses 610.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11, the fitting portion 96 has a chamfered portion 96c at the corner between the end face (lower end face) 96a opposite to the seal large diameter portion 93 of the fitting portion 96 and the outer circumferential surface 96b of the fitting portion 96 that is aligned in the axial direction. In a preferred example, the chamfered portion 96c is formed in a curved shape at the corner between the lower end face 96a and the outer circumferential surface 96b. The outer diameter of the chamfered portion 96c increases from the lower end face 96a toward the outer circumferential surface 96b. The chamfered portion 96c may also be formed in a flat shape.

[0070] The fitting portion 96 is supported by the support portion 612 from the first flow channel portion 611 side. The lower end surface 96a of the fitting portion 96 is in contact with the end surface of the support portion 612. The periphery of the lower end surface 96a, such as the chamfered portion 96c, abuts against the end surface of the support portion 612.

[0071] When no external force is applied to the fitting portion 96, the dimension h4 of the fitting portion 96 along the axial direction is set to be larger than the dimension h5 of the fitting recess 610 along the axial direction (h4 > h5). Also, when no external force is applied to the fitting portion 96, the outer diameter d4 of the fitting portion 96 is set to be larger than the inner diameter d5 of the fitting recess 610 (d4 > d5).

[0072] Next, the device connector 100 will be described. As shown in Figures 2 and 12, the device connector 100 comprises an outer casing 110, an air bag 152 housed within the outer casing 110, a liquid needle 170 constituting part of the liquid flow path L1, a gas needle 175 constituting part of the gas flow path L2, a cylindrical head sleeve 180 movably housed within the outer casing 110, a needle seal 200 fixed to the head sleeve 180, a stopper sleeve 230 configured to selectively fix the head sleeve 180 to the outer casing 110 and to selectively fix the head sleeve 180 to the connector 20, and a biasing member 250 that biases the head sleeve 180 in the direction of exiting the outer casing body 111.

[0073] The outer casing 110 comprises an outer casing body 111, an air bag storage section 150 for housing the air bag 152, and an engaging member 160 for releasably locking the outer casing body 111 to the connector 20.

[0074] The outer casing body 111 is constructed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. Specifically, the outer casing body 111 includes a ceiling wall portion 114, a syringe fixing portion 115 formed in the ceiling wall portion 114 to which the barrel 8 of the syringe 7 can be fixed, a liquid needle fixing portion 116 formed in the ceiling wall portion 114 to which the liquid needle 170 can be fixed, a cylindrical body portion 117 formed on the periphery of the ceiling wall portion 114, and an inner sleeve 140 fixed inside the outer casing body 111. The outer casing body 111 is constructed, for example, by combining multiple members. The outer casing body 111 is constructed, for example, by fixing two outer casing components 132. Figure 2 shows a state in which one of the outer casing components 132 has been removed. Figures 13 and 14 show one of the outer casing components 132. Figure 15 shows the inner surface of the other outer casing component 132.

[0075] The syringe fixing portion 115 is formed on the upper surface of the ceiling wall portion 114 and is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes upward from other parts of the upper surface. The syringe fixing portion 115 is formed to be fitted into the tip of the barrel 8. Specifically, the syringe fixing portion 115 has a cylindrical syringe fixing portion body 120 and a syringe fixing portion projection 121 formed on the periphery of the upper end of the syringe fixing portion body 120 and protruding radially outward.

[0076] Multiple syringe fixing protrusions 121 are formed, for example. Each syringe fixing protrusion 121 has a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the syringe fixing body 120. The syringe fixing protrusion 121 is screwed into a female thread formed at the tip of the barrel 8 to fix the syringe 7 and the instrument connector 100.

[0077] The liquid needle fixing portion 116 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the ceiling wall portion 114 and is formed in a cylindrical shape to fix the liquid needle 170 inside. The liquid needle fixing portion 116 communicates with the inside of the syringe fixing portion body 120. The liquid needle fixing portion 116 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape.

[0078] The syringe fixing portion 115 and the liquid needle fixing portion 116 are formed, for example, by a needle holder 122 which is a separate component from the other parts of the outer body 111. In other words, the syringe fixing portion 115 and the liquid needle fixing portion 116 are formed by attaching the needle holder 122 to the outer body 111.

[0079] As shown in Figure 16, the needle holder 122 has a base portion 124, a syringe fixing portion 115, and a liquid needle fixing portion 116.

[0080] The base portion 124 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the liquid needle fixing portion 116 and a smaller diameter than the syringe fixing portion 115. A ratchet 124a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 124, which allows the needle holder 122 to rotate in only one direction around the axis of the syringe fixing portion 115 and restricts rotation in the opposite direction. The direction of rotation of the needle holder 122 allowed by the ratchet 124a is the direction in which the syringe 7 is rotated relative to the syringe fixing portion 115 in order to remove the syringe 7 from the syringe fixing portion 115.

[0081] As shown in Figure 14, a protruding portion 123 is formed on the lower surface of the ceiling wall portion 114, projecting downward. The protruding portion 123 contacts the ratchet 124a in a direction that rotates the syringe 7 relative to the syringe fixing portion 115 in order to fix the syringe 7 to the syringe fixing portion 115, thereby restricting the rotation of the needle holder 122.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, the body portion 117 is formed in a cylindrical shape into which the outer diameter large-diameter portion 71 of the connector 20 is movably fitted. A hole 117a is formed at the upper end of the body portion 117 for arranging a part of the inner sleeve 140. The hole 117a communicates with the inside of the air bag storage portion 150.

[0083] As shown in Figures 2 and 13 to 15, a first guide groove 126 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the body portion 117, which movably houses the first guide projection 75 of the seal cap 70 of the connector 20. The first guide groove 126 opens at the lower end of the body portion 117. The first guide projection 75 enters the first guide groove 126 through this opening.

[0084] The first guide groove 126 has a length that allows it to guide the upward movement of the connector 20 to a position where the liquid needle 170 is positioned within the liquid flow path component L3 and the gas needle 175 is positioned within the gas flow path component L4, thereby forming the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2.

[0085] The first guide groove 126 extends in the axial direction of the outer casing 110. The width of the first guide groove 126 along the circumferential direction of the outer casing 110 is such that the first guide projection 75 is movably fitted into it. The inner surface of the first guide groove 126 prevents the connector 20 from rotating by contacting the first guide projection 75 in the circumferential direction. The number of first guide grooves 126 is formed according to the number of first guide projections 75. For example, one first guide groove 126 is formed.

[0086] Furthermore, the body portion 117 has a second guide groove 127 formed in the middle of its inner circumferential surface 117b, in a portion aligned with the first guide groove 126 in the axial direction, which movably houses the second guide projection 182 of the head sleeve 180, which will be described later.

[0087] The second guide groove 127 extends in the axial direction of the outer casing body 111. The second guide groove 127 has a length that is sufficient to guide the upward movement of the connector 20 to at least the position where the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2 are formed.

[0088] The width of the second guide groove 127 along the circumferential direction of the outer body 111 is such that the second guide projection 182 is movably fitted into it. The inner surface of the second guide groove 127 is formed so as to prevent rotation of the head sleeve 180 by contacting the second guide projection 182 in the circumferential direction. Multiple second guide grooves 127 are formed, for example. For example, two second guide grooves 127 are formed, each spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the outer body 111.

[0089] Furthermore, a locking projection 128 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 117b of the body portion 117 at a position offset in the circumferential direction from the second guide groove 127, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The locking projection 128 protrudes radially inward from the outer body 111.

[0090] The locking projection 128 is formed to engage with the stopper sleeve 230, thereby restricting the upward movement of the head sleeve 180, which is fixed to the stopper sleeve 230.

[0091] Multiple locking protrusions 128 may be formed. For example, two locking protrusions 128 may be formed. The two locking protrusions 128 are spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the body portion 117 and are positioned 45 degrees offset in the circumferential direction of the outer body 111 with respect to the first guide groove 126 and the second guide groove 127.

[0092] As shown in Figure 1, a hole 131 is formed at the lower end of the body portion 117 to house, for example, a part of the engaging member 160. The hole 131 penetrates the body portion 117 radially. Multiple holes 131 are formed, for example. For example, two holes 131 are formed. The two holes 131 are spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the outer casing 110, and are positioned, for example, 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction from the first guide groove 126 and the second guide groove 127.

[0093] As shown in Figure 2, the inner sleeve 140 constitutes the gas flow path component L5, which is the portion of the gas flow path L2 from the gas needle 175 to the air bag 152. Specifically, as shown in Figure 17, the inner sleeve 140 has an inner sleeve body 141 and an extension 142 that extends from the inner sleeve body 141 toward the air bag storage section 150.

[0094] The inner sleeve body 141 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The inner sleeve body 141 has a hole 143 in which a liquid needle fixing part 116 is rotatably positioned. A gas needle fixing part 144 is formed on the lower surface of the inner sleeve body 141 at a position, for example, radially aligned with the hole 143, in which a gas needle 175 can be fixed. The gas needle fixing part 144 is a hole in which the gas needle 175 is fixed. The gas needle fixing part 144 communicates with the gas flow path component L5 of the gas flow path L2.

[0095] The extension portion 142 is connected to the air bag 152. The extension portion 142 is configured as a cylindrical shape that protrudes radially outward from the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the inner sleeve body 141, for example. As shown in Figure 2, the extension portion 142 has a support portion 145 that is positioned in and supported by a hole 117a formed in the outer casing body 111, and a fixing portion 146 that is positioned inside the air bag storage portion 150 and secures the air bag 152.

[0096] The support portion 145 is configured as a cylindrical shape with approximately the same diameter as the inner diameter of the hole 117a. The fixing portion 146 is configured as a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the support portion 145, for example. A flange 147 is formed at the tip of the fixing portion 146.

[0097] The fixing portion 146 is positioned, for example, on either the upper or lower side of the center in the vertical direction of the air bag storage portion 150. In this embodiment, as an example, the fixing portion 146 is positioned on the upper side of the center in the vertical direction of the air bag storage portion 150.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the end face 148 of the flange 147 is configured as a plane that is inclined in the vertical direction and in the axial direction of the fixing portion 146 when the inner sleeve 140 is attached to the outer body 110.

[0099] As shown in Figure 2, the air bag storage section 150 is positioned spaced apart from the outer body 111 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the outer body 111. The air bag storage section 150 is formed in a box shape with an internal space capable of housing an air bag 152.

[0100] The air bladder storage section 150 is fixed to the outer casing body 111 by the connecting section 151.

[0101] As shown in Figures 1 and 12, the engaging member 160 is positioned, for example, partially within the hole 131. The engaging member 160 engages with the engaged portion 78 of the seal cap 70 when the connector 20 is inserted into the outer body 111 and the liquid flow path L1 and gas flow path L2 are formed. The engaging member 160 is configured to be released from engagement with the engaged portion 78 by manipulation. Furthermore, the engaging member 160 is configured to be lockable in its engagement with the engaged portion 78. The engaging member 160 and the engaged portion 78 constitute a locking mechanism 160a that locks their engagement with each other. Multiple engaging members 160 are provided, for example, two in specific cases. The two engaging members 160 are positioned 180 degrees apart around the axis of the outer body 111.

[0102] The engaging member 160 is a member that is elongated in the axial direction of the outer casing body 111. The engaging member 160 has an engaging portion 161 that engages with the engaged portion 78 of the seal cap 70, an operating portion 165 that is operated by an operator to release the engagement between the engaging portion 161 and the engaged portion 78, and a fixing portion 169 that fixes the engaging member 160 to the outer casing body 111.

[0103] The engaging portion 161 engages with the engaged portion 78 of the seal cap 70 when the connector 20 is inserted into the device connector 100 and the liquid flow path L1 and gas flow path L2 are formed.

[0104] The operating section 165 is located on the upper part of the engaging member 160. The operating section 165 is configured to be pressed inward in the radial direction of the body portion 117 of the outer casing body 111 by an operator. A gap S2 is formed between the operating section 165 and the head sleeve 180.

[0105] The gap S2 is the amount of movement of the operating part 165 when the operating part 165 is pressed toward the inside of the outer casing body 111.

[0106] The fixing portion 169 is provided at the lower end of the engaging member 160 and fixes the engaging member 160 to the outer body 111. In other words, the fixing portions 169 of the two engaging members 160 are connected to the outer body 111 in the circumferential direction of the outer body 111 via the outer body 111.

[0107] The air bag 152 is housed within the air bag storage section 150, as shown in Figure 2. The air bag 152 is made of a thin film resin material that can be easily deformed as air is taken in and out of it. The air bag 152 is housed within the air bag storage section 150 and is configured to be able to inflate without being hindered by the air bag storage section 150. The pressure inside the container 1 can be adjusted by the deformation of the air bag 152. The air bag 152 has a volume greater than or equal to the volume of the barrel 8 of the syringe 7.

[0108] The air bladder 152 is fixed to the end face 148 of the flange 147 of the extension 142 of the inner sleeve 140. The air bladder 152 is fixed to the end face 148, for example, by adhesive. The air bladder 152 communicates with the inside of the outer body 111 via the extension 142.

[0109] The liquid needle 170 is formed in a cylindrical shape, as shown in Figure 2. The upper end of the liquid needle 170 is housed within the liquid needle fixing part 116 and is fixed to the liquid needle fixing part 116. The liquid needle 170 constitutes a part of the liquid flow path L1. The liquid needle 170 is an example of a needle.

[0110] In this embodiment, the liquid needle 170 is formed in a cylindrical shape with its lower end 171 closed. The lower end 171 is formed to be sharp. A hole 172 is formed at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface 173 of the liquid needle 170, which connects the inside and outside of the liquid needle 170.

[0111] The hole 172 is an example of an opening on the tip side of the liquid needle 170. The hole 172 may be located, for example, on the circumferential surface of the lower end of the outer peripheral surface 173. Alternatively, the hole 172 may be formed at the lower end of the liquid needle 170, i.e., in the portion that is formed to be sharp. In short, the hole 172 just needs to be located on the tip side of the liquid needle 170.

[0112] The gas needle 175 is configured to allow gas to flow. The gas needle 175 has a configuration similar to, for example, the liquid needle 170. Components in the gas needle 175 that have the same function as those in the liquid needle 170 are given the same reference numerals as those in the liquid needle 170 and their description is omitted. The end of the gas needle 175 is fixed to the gas needle fixing portion 144 of the inner sleeve 140. The gas needle 175 is an example of a needle.

[0113] The vertical position of the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 is the same as the vertical position of the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170. In this embodiment, the vertical position of the lower end of the gas needle 175 is the same as the vertical position of the lower end of the liquid needle 170. Therefore, as will be described later, as the gas needle 175 moves within the outer casing 110 of the head sleeve 180, it penetrates the needle seal 200 at the same timing as the liquid needle 170. Furthermore, the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 enters the flow path seal 90 at the same timing as the liquid needle 170.

[0114] When the head sleeve 180 is positioned at the lower end of its range of motion within the outer casing body 111, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 have a length such that their respective lower ends are positioned within the needle seal 200. In other words, the holes 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are positioned within the needle seal 200, so that these holes 172 are sealed by the needle seal 200.

[0115] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 12, the head sleeve 180 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is movable within the outer body 111. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the head sleeve 180 has a head sleeve body 181 and a second guide projection 182. The head sleeve body 181 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is movable to fit the inner circumferential surface 117b of the body portion 117, for example.

[0116] The head sleeve body 181 is configured in a cylindrical shape that is movably fitted to the inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 140.

[0117] The second guide projection 182 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 183 midway along its axial direction. The second guide projection 182 is housed in the second guide groove 127 of the body portion 117. Furthermore, the second guide projection 182 is formed to be movable within the second guide groove 127.

[0118] As shown in Figure 19, a partition portion 191 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 190 of the head sleeve body 181. The partition portion 191 divides the internal space of the head sleeve body 181 into two sections vertically. The partition portion 191 is formed midway along the axial direction of the inner circumferential surface 190. The partition portion 191 is configured as a wall that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface 190. A hole 192 is formed in the partition portion 191 for arranging a part of the needle seal 200. The hole 192 is configured, for example, in an oval shape.

[0119] A guide 194 is provided on the upper surface 193 of the partition portion 191 to guide the movement of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 relative to the needle seal 200. The guide 194 has a guide body 195 and a support portion 196 that supports the guide body 195 on the upper surface 193.

[0120] The guide body 195 is configured, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and has a hole 197 for arranging a portion of the liquid needle 170 fixed to the liquid needle fixing part 116, and a hole 198 for arranging a portion of the gas needle 175 fixed to the gas needle fixing part 144. The holes 197 and 198 penetrate the guide body 195.

[0121] The hole 197 is formed such that the liquid needle 170 can move relative to the head sleeve 180. Specifically, the inner diameter of the hole 197 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the liquid needle 170 to the extent that the liquid needle 170 can move. In addition, the upper end of the hole 197 is formed to be a hole that expands in diameter towards the top.

[0122] The hole 198 is formed such that the gas needle 175 can move relative to the head sleeve 180. Specifically, the inner diameter of the hole 198 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the gas needle 175 to the extent that the gas needle 175 can move. In addition, the upper end of the hole 198 is formed to be a hole that expands in diameter towards the top.

[0123] The support portions 196 are formed on each side of the hole 192. The support portions 196 are configured as columnar shapes extending in the axial direction. The support portions 196 are fixed to the guide body 195. The support portions 196 fix the guide body 195 with a gap between them and the upper surface 193, and the holes 197 and 198 are positioned opposite the hole 192 of the partition portion 191 in the axial direction.

[0124] The needle seal 200 is fixed in the hole 192, as shown in Figures 2 and 12. The needle seal 200 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer.

[0125] Specifically, the needle seal 200 has a first portion 201 positioned on one of the upper sides of the partition portion 191 in the hole 192, a second portion 202 positioned inside the hole 192, and a third portion 203 positioned on the other side of the partition portion 191.

[0126] The first part 201 is configured in the shape of an oval column, for example, and abuts against the lower surface of the guide body 195 and the two support parts 196. The upper surface of the first part 201 has recesses, for example, which serve as targets for inserting the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175, respectively, during the assembly of the device connector 100. In other words, the first part 201 has holes for inserting the needles. The first part 201 is configured such that the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction is larger than the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the second part 202. Note that the first part 201 can be read as the upper section.

[0127] The second part 202 is configured as an oval column that fits into the hole 192. The second part 202 engages with the partition 191. The second part 202 can be interpreted as the middle section.

[0128] The third portion 203 is configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The third portion 203 is configured such that the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction is larger than the cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction of the second portion 202. The lower end surface 204 of the third portion 203 is configured to be able to make close contact with the upper end surface 95 and the upper surface 73e when a part of the seal small diameter portion 94 is crushed. Note that the third portion 203 can be read as the lower section.

[0129] As shown in Figure 12, the stopper sleeve 230 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the head sleeve 180. The stopper sleeve 230 is formed to selectively restrict the movement of the head sleeve 180 relative to the outer casing 110 and to selectively fix the head sleeve 180 to the seal cap 70.

[0130] As shown in Figure 20, the stopper sleeve 230 specifically includes a first arm portion 231 formed to engage with a locking projection 128 of the body portion 117, a second arm portion 232 that can engage with a locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70, and a connecting portion 233 that connects the first arm portion 231 and the second arm portion 232.

[0131] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the first arm portion 231 is formed to engage with the locking projection 128 when the head sleeve 180 is positioned at its lower end within the outer casing 110. By engaging with the locking projection 128, the first arm portion 231 prevents the head sleeve 180 from moving upward within the outer casing 110.

[0132] As shown in Figures 20, 22, and 23, the second arm portion 232 engages with the seal cap 70, so that the smaller outer diameter portion 73 is fitted into the head sleeve 180, and the upper end surface 95 of the flow path seal 90 and the upper surface 73e of the seal cap are formed to maintain a state in close contact with the lower end surface 204 of the third portion 203 of the needle seal 200.

[0133] Specifically, a projection 240 for the second arm is formed at the lower end of the surface 239 of the second arm 232 on the head sleeve 180 side, which can engage with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70.

[0134] The upper surface of the second arm projection 240 is formed to be engageable with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70.

[0135] The connecting portion 233 connects the first arm portion 231 and the second arm portion 232. The connecting portion 233 is flexible and, by twisting, is formed to allow the first arm portion 231 and the second arm portion 232 to rotate. When no external force is applied to the first arm portion 231, the connecting portion 233 positions the first arm portion 231 in a position where it can engage with the locking projection 128. When no external force is applied to the second arm portion 232, the connecting portion 233 positions the second arm portion 232 in a position where it can engage with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70.

[0136] As shown in Figure 2, the biasing member 250 is housed within the outer body 111 and is configured to bias the head sleeve 180 downward. Specifically, the biasing member 250 is housed above the partition portion 191 within the head sleeve 180. The biasing member 250 is, for example, a coil spring. One end of the biasing member 250 abuts against the inner sleeve 140. The other end of the biasing member 250 abuts against the partition portion 191. The biasing member 250 is configured to be compressed when the head sleeve 180 is located at the lowest end of the movement range of the outer body 111.

[0137] Furthermore, a biasing portion 118 is formed on the body portion 117 of the outer casing body 111. The biasing portion 118 is configured to press the second arm portion 232 of the stopper sleeve 230, which engages with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70, in the direction of engagement with the locking recess 77. In other words, the biasing portion 118 is configured to strengthen the engagement between the second arm portion 232 and the locking recess 77 by biasing the second arm portion 232.

[0138] Specifically, the biasing portion 118 is provided on the edge of a hole 117a formed in the body portion 117 at a position opposite to the second arm portion 232 of the stopper sleeve 230 when it is positioned at the lower end.

[0139] Next, the operation of connecting the connector 20 connected to the container 1 with the device connector 100 to form the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2 will be explained using Figures 21 to 24. In Figures 21 to 24, components other than the first arm 231 and the second arm 232 are partially omitted or simplified. Also, in Figure 24, components such as the first arm 231 and the second arm 232 are partially omitted or simplified.

[0140] As shown in ST6 in Figure 24, when the device connector 100 is not connected to the connector 20, the head sleeve 180 is located at the lower end inside the outer casing 110. The portion of the liquid needle 170 with the hole 172 and the portion of the gas needle 175 with the hole 172 are located inside the needle seal 200.

[0141] Next, as shown in ST5 in Figure 24, the small outer diameter portion 73 of the seal cap 70 is inserted into the head sleeve 180. The upper end surface 95 of the curved flow path seal 90 is pressed against the lower end surface 204 of the needle seal 200 and comes into close contact with the lower end surface 204. Then, as shown in ST4 in Figure 24, the upper surface 73e of the seal cap comes into close contact with the lower end surface 204.

[0142] If the device connector 100 is lowered further from this state, the lower end surface 204 of the needle seal 200 will be in close contact with the upper end surface 95 of the flow path seal 90 and the upper surface 73e of the seal cap, and the head sleeve 180 will be able to move upward within the outer body 111.

[0143] When the device connector 100 is lowered further, the connector 20 and the head sleeve 180 move together upward inside the outer body 111. As the head sleeve 180 moves upward inside the outer body 111, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 move downward relative to the needle seal 200.

[0144] When the device connector 100 is lowered further, as shown in ST3 of Figure 24, the connector 20 and the head sleeve 180 move further upward within the outer body 111, causing the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 to penetrate the needle seal 200 and pierce the flow path seal 90.

[0145] When the device connector 100 is lowered further, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 penetrate the flow path seal 90, as shown in ST2 of Figure 24. Then, when the device connector 100 is lowered further, as shown in ST1 of Figure 24, the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 is positioned in the liquid flow path component L3, and the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 is positioned in the gas flow path component L4.

[0146] By positioning the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 within L3, the liquid flow path component L3 of the connector 20 and the liquid needle 170 are connected. This connection between the liquid flow path component L3 and the liquid needle 170 forms the liquid flow path L1. Furthermore, by positioning the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 within L4, the gas flow path component L4 of the connector 20 and the gas needle 175 are connected. This connection between the gas flow path component L4 and the gas needle 175 forms the gas flow path L2.

[0147] When the device connector 100 is lowered further, the first guide projection 75 comes into contact with the upper end of the first guide groove 126. Furthermore, the second guide projection 182 comes into contact with the upper end of the second guide groove 127. These contacts restrict the movement of the head sleeve 180 and the connector 20 within the outer body 111. In other words, the device connector 100 is lowered to a state where it is so-called bottomed out.

[0148] The operator recognizes that a liquid channel L1 and a gas channel L2 have been formed when the instrument connector 100 is lowered to the bottom. Once the instrument connector 100 is lowered to the bottom, the operator draws the drug solution 9 from container 1 by manipulating syringe 7. The liquid is transferred from container 1 to syringe 7 through the liquid channel L1.

[0149] Next, the procedure for separating the connector 20 from the device connector 100 will be described. Before separating the connector 20 from the device connector 100, as shown in ST1 of Figure 24, the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 is positioned in L3 and the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 is positioned in L4. When separating the connector 20 from the device connector 100, the operator presses the operating part 165 of the engaging member 160 radially inward until the engagement between the engaging part 161 and the engaged part 78 of the seal cap 70 is released.

[0150] Next, the worker pulls up the device connector 100. The head sleeve 180 is fixed to the seal cap 70 by the second arm 232 of the stopper sleeve 230. As a result, when the device connector 100 is pulled up, the head sleeve 180 and the seal cap 70 move downward as a single unit with respect to the outer casing 110, the liquid needle 170, and the gas needle 175. Then, as shown in ST2 of Figure 24, the holes 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are positioned inside the flow path seal 90.

[0151] As the head sleeve 180 and seal cap 70 move further downward as a single unit with respect to the outer casing 110, the liquid needle 170, and the gas needle 175, the tips of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 will be positioned inside the flow path seal 90, as shown in ST3 of Figure 24. This will divide the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2.

[0152] Then, as the head sleeve 180 and seal cap 70 move further downward as a single unit with respect to the outer casing 110, the liquid needle 170, and the gas needle 175, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are withdrawn from the flow path seal 90, as shown in ST4 of Figure 24. After the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are withdrawn from the flow path seal 90, the portions in which the holes 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are formed are housed within the needle seal 200. The holes 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 exit the flow path seal 90 and are housed within the needle seal 200 at the same time.

[0153] After the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are housed in the needle seal 200, the head sleeve 180 and the seal cap 70 move further downward as a single unit, causing the second arm 232 to rotate due to the unlocking projection 129 of the body 117. As a result, the second arm projection 240 of the second arm 232 moves radially outward from the locking recess 77, disengaging the second arm projection 240 from the locking recess 77. In other words, the stopper sleeve 230 and the seal cap 70 are released from their fixed positions. This also releases the seal cap 70 from its fixed position to the head sleeve 180.

[0154] After the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180 are released from their fixed position, further pulling up the device connector 100 causes the seal cap 70 to move downward relative to the head sleeve 180 and separate from it. As a result, as shown in ST5 of Figure 24, the upper end surface 95 of the flow path seal 90 gradually protrudes from the seal cap 70, from a state where it is axially flattened. Then, as the flow path seal 90 separates from the needle seal 200, as shown in ST6 of Figure 24, the upper end surface 95 returns to the same state as before the flow path seal 90 and the needle seal 200 came into contact.

[0155] Since the head sleeve 180 is maintained in a position at the lower end inside the outer casing 110, the head sleeve 180 maintains a state in which the holes 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the holes 172 of the gas needle 175 are located inside the needle seal 200.

[0156] The effects of the connector according to the embodiment will be described below. When the needle penetrates the seal diameter portion 94, the seal diameter portion 94 is compressed radially, generating a restoring force in the seal diameter portion 94. Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the entire seal diameter portion 94 along its axial direction is compressed radially by the first opening 73a of the inner diameter portion 70α. Therefore, in the seal diameter portion 94, the restoring force generated by the needle penetration is added to the restoring force generated by the inner diameter portion 70α compressing the seal diameter portion 94 radially. As a result, the restoring force generated in the seal diameter portion 94 becomes larger, so the puncture site is more effectively sealed, and the drug solution 9 remaining in the puncture site is less likely to leak out.

[0157] Furthermore, when the small-diameter seal portion 94 is compressed axially by the needle seal 200, it attempts to expand radially. However, since the upper end surface 95 and the upper surface 73e are connected, the radial movement of the small-diameter seal portion 94 is restricted. As a result, the flow path seal 90 is compressed further, which assists the self-restoring force of the flow path seal 90, leading to better closure of the puncture site.

[0158] Here, we compare the connector according to the embodiment with the connector according to the comparative example. The connector 20 according to the comparative example has a configuration in which the upper end surface 95 of the seal small diameter portion 94 is not connected to the upper surface 73e of the inner small diameter portion 70α through which it opens. Figure 25 shows a partial cross-section of the flow path seal 90 and seal cap 70 when the connector and the device connector are connected and then immediately separated 10 times for each of the connectors according to the embodiment and the connector according to the comparative example. The cross-sections were captured by an X-ray CT scanner.

[0159] The needle punctures the area of ​​the flow path seal 90 shown by the dashed line in Figure 25. In the area shown by the dashed line in Figure 25, the black area corresponds to the puncture mark formed on the flow path seal 90. The connector according to the comparative example has a configuration in which the upper end surface of the small diameter portion of the seal is not connected to the opening end surface of the small diameter portion of the inner diameter, whereas the connector 20 according to the embodiment has a configuration in which the upper end surface 95 is connected to the upper surface 73e. As a result, as shown in Figure 25, the puncture mark on the small diameter portion of the seal 94 according to the embodiment is smaller than that according to the comparative example. In other words, the configuration according to the embodiment suppresses leakage of the drug solution 9 remaining in the puncture mark more effectively than the configuration according to the comparative example.

[0160] Furthermore, because the upper end surface 95 of the flow path seal 90 is convex, when the connector 20 and the instrument connector 100 are connected, the upper end surface 95 of the flow path seal 90 comes into close contact with the needle seal 200. As a result, the needle penetrates the tightly sealed gap and is withdrawn, further suppressing the adhesion of the drug solution 9 to the surface of the connector 20. In addition, the residue of the drug solution 9 on the surface of the connector 20 is further suppressed.

[0161] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the upper end surface 95 of the seal small diameter portion 94 is a curved surface that is continuous with the opening end surface of the inner small diameter portion 70α. With this configuration, when the needle seal 200 is in contact with the flow path seal 90 and seal cap 70, a gap is less likely to occur between the needle seal 200 and the flow path seal 90 and seal cap 70. As a result, adhesion and residue of the chemical solution 9 on the surface of the connector 20 are further suppressed.

[0162] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the dimension h1 along the axial direction of the seal small diameter portion 94 is smaller than the dimension h2 along the axial direction of the inner diameter small diameter portion 70α (h1 d2) The outer diameter d2 of the seal small diameter portion 94 is larger than the inner diameter d3 of the inner small diameter portion 70α (d2>d3). When the seal small diameter portion 94 is compressed radially, the dimension h1 along the axial direction of the seal small diameter portion 94 becomes larger compared to when no external force is applied to the seal small diameter portion 94. As a result, when the seal small diameter portion 94 is compressed radially, the upper end surface 95 is connected to the upper surface 73e and protrudes convexly from the upper surface 73e.

[0163] Furthermore, when no external force is applied to the large-diameter seal portion 93, the dimension h3 along the axial direction of the outer surface of the large-diameter seal portion 93 is greater than the dimension between the lower surface 73c and the top surface 68 of the small-diameter inner portion 70α. As a result, the large-diameter seal portion 93 is compressed in the axial direction by the small-diameter inner portion 70α and the flow path member 60. Due to this compression, the outer surface of the large-diameter seal portion 93 comes into close contact with the inner surface 76b of the large-diameter inner portion 70β.

[0164] When the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 slide against the flow path seal 90, the fitting portion 96 deforms in accordance with the sliding of the needles and protrudes from the fitting recess 610 into the first flow path portion 611. However, the connector 20 according to this embodiment is configured to include a support portion 612 that supports the fitting portion 96 from the flow path portion side, so the deformation of the fitting portion 96 is restricted and the protrusion from the fitting recess 610 into the first flow path portion 611 is suppressed. As a result, compared to a connector that does not have a configuration to support the fitting portion 96 from below, the fitted portion 96 is more easily maintained in a radially compressed state, and the pressure that the needles receive from the flow path seal 90 increases. In addition, as the periphery of the fitting portion 96 abuts against the support portion 612, the end of the fitting portion 96 on the first flow path portion 611 side is compressed more radially.

[0165] Thereby, the medicinal solution 9 adhering to the needle surface when the needle is withdrawn from the flow path seal 90 is further wiped off. Specifically, when the needle penetrating the flow path seal 90 is withdrawn from the flow path seal 90, the medicinal solution 9 adhering to the surface of the needle abuts against the lower end surface 96a. This suppresses the entry of the medicinal solution 9 adhering to the surface of the needle into the flow path seal 90, and the medicinal solution 9 is removed from the surface of the needle. Further, since the pressure that the needle receives from the flow path seal 90 increases, a gap between the needle and the flow path seal 90 is less likely to be formed, so that the entry of the medicinal solution 9 into the flow path seal 90 is further suppressed.

[0166] Further, according to the embodiment, the dimension h4 of the fitting portion 96 along the axial direction is set to be larger than the dimension h5 of the fitting recess 610 along the axial direction (h4>h5). Further, the outer diameter d4 of the fitting portion 96 is set to be larger than the inner diameter d5 of the fitting recess 610 (d4>d5). For this reason, the fitting portion 96 is further compressed in the radial direction. As a result, the pressure that the needle receives from the fitting portion 96 increases, and the medicinal solution 9 adhering to the needle surface is further wiped off.

[0167] Further, according to the embodiment, the small inner diameter portion 70α includes a tapered portion 73d at the corner between the inner peripheral surface 76a of the small inner diameter portion 70α and the lower surface 73c. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, the tapered portion 73d guides the small seal diameter portion 94 into the small inner diameter portion 70α from the lower side relative to the small inner diameter portion 70α, so that the configuration in which the small seal diameter portion 94 is radially compressed by the first opening 73a can be easily achieved.

[0168] The outer diameter d2 of the small seal diameter portion 94 in a state where no external force is applied to the small seal diameter portion 94 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter d6 of the second opening 73b (d2<d6). Thereby, the small seal diameter portion 94 can be guided from the large outer diameter portion 71 side to the opening side.

[0169] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, when the connector 20 and the device connector 100 engage, the lower end surface 204 of the needle seal 200 contacts not only the upper end surface 95 of the flow path seal 90 but also the upper surface 73e of the seal cap 70. As a result, the flow path seal 90 is compressed more in the axial direction. The increased compressive force in the radial and axial directions of the flow path seal 90 and the needle seal 200, respectively, improves the adhesion between the flow path seal 90 and the needle seal 200 and the needle. As a result, when the needle is withdrawn from the seal, more of the chemical solution 9 on the needle surface is wiped away. Therefore, a connector can be provided that can suppress leakage of the chemical solution 9 from the flow path seal 90 and the needle seal 200.

[0170] In the embodiments described above, the syringe adapter 100 was described as an example of the device connector 100, but it is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the modified device connector 100A may have a configuration that does not include the air bag 152 and the gas flow path L2. Specifically, the device connector 100A has a configuration that omits the air bag 152, air bag storage section 150, gas needle 175, and inner sleeve 140 from the device connector 100 described in the embodiment. This device connector 100 is a so-called infusion connector 100A. In Figures 26 and 27, in the infusion connector 100A, components that have the same function as the syringe adapter 100 are denoted by the same reference numerals as the syringe adapter 100. The infusion connector 100A can be connected to medical devices such as syringes or to the end of a side tube of an administration route.

[0171] Furthermore, although the vial adapter 20 was described as an example of the connector 20 in the embodiments described above, the connector is not limited to this. In other examples, as shown in Figures 28 to 31, the connectors 20A to 20C may be configured to include flow path members 60A to 60C that are different from the flow path member 60 of the vial adapter 20. Specifically, in the flow path members 60A to 60C, for example, the first flow path portion 611A of the two first flow path portions 611 that does not constitute a liquid flow path opens only on the fitting recess 610 side and not on the other side. Therefore, in the flow path members 60A to 60C, a gas flow path component L4 is not formed, and only a liquid flow path component L3 is formed. Also, the needle portions 62A to 62C of the flow path members 60A to 60C have a different configuration from the needle portion 62 of the flow path member 60. Note that in Figures 28 to 31, in other examples of the connector 20, components that have the same function as the vial adapter 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals as the vial adapter 20.

[0172] As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the needle portion 62A of the connector 20A is configured to be connectable to, for example, an infusion bag of saline solution or other fluids having a rubber stopper. This connector 20A is a so-called spike adapter 20A.

[0173] As shown in Figure 30, the needle portion 62B of the connector 20B can be connected at one end to an infusion bag such as saline solution with a rubber stopper, and at the other end to a separate administration route with a bottle needle. This connector 20B is a so-called bag adapter 20B.

[0174] The needle portion 62C of the connector 20C may be configured to connect to a female Luer lock portion, such as a side tube of the administration route, as shown in Figure 31. This connector is a so-called plug 20C.

[0175] Furthermore, the syringe adapter 100 can be connected to any of the connectors: the spike adapter 20A, the bag adapter 20B, and the plug 20C. When the syringe adapter 100 is connected to or disconnected from any of these connectors, the same effect as when the vial adapter 20 is connected to or disconnected from the syringe adapter 100 occurs. Similarly, the infusion connector 100A can be connected to any of the connectors: the spike adapter 20A, the bag adapter 20B, and the plug 20C. When the infusion connector 100A is connected to or disconnected from any of these connectors, the same effect as when the vial adapter 20 is connected to or disconnected from the syringe adapter 100 occurs.

[0176] Furthermore, in the example described above, a configuration in which a syringe 7 is connected to the device connector 100 was explained as one example, but the invention is not limited to this. In other examples, an infusion set may be connected to the device connector 100. The infusion set is connected to the device connector, for example, at one end of the tube of the infusion set. The tube may have one or more branched flow channels, and each flow channel may have a connector at its end that allows the flow channel to be connected to a destination. The connector may be, for example, a Luer lock or a bottle needle. The tube of the infusion set may be connected to the device connector 100 by being inserted into the syringe fixing body 120, or the syringe fixing body 120 may be inserted into the tube and then connected to the device connector 100.

[0177] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0178] 1...Container, 2...Body, 4...Neck, 5...Flange, 6...Stopper, 7...Apparatus, 10...Connecting device, 20, 20A~20C...Connector, 30...Container fixing part, 40...Container fixing part body, 41...Base, 42...Arm, 43...Engaging part, 43A...First part, 43B...Second part, 44...Hole, 46...Rectangular part, 47...Engaging claw, 48...Base, 49...Claw part, 54...Guide surface, 60, 60A~60C...Flow path member, 61...Flow path member base, 62, 62A~62C...Needle part, 63...Flange, 66...Rotation stopper part, 68...Top surface, 610...Fitting recess, 611, 611A...First flow path part, 612...Support part, 613...Second flow channel section, 70...Seal cap, 70α...Inner diameter small section, 70β...Inner diameter large section, 71...Outer diameter large section, 72...Outer diameter medium section, 72a...Upper end section, 73...Outer diameter small section, 73a...First opening, 73b...Second opening, 73c...Bottom surface, 73d...Tapered section, 73e...Top surface, 73f...Ridge section, 75...First guide projection, 76a, 76b...Inner circumferential surface, 77...Locking recess, 78...Engaged section, 79...Bottom surface, 81...Groove, 82...Engaged surface, 90...Flow channel seal, 93...Seal large diameter section, 94...Seal small diameter section, 94a...Outer circumferential surface, 94b...Ridge section, 95...Upper end surface, 96...Matching section, 96a...Lower end Surface, 96b...outer surface, 96c...chamfered part, 100...instrument connector, 110...outer body, 111...outer body main body, 114...ceiling wall part, 115...syringe fixing part, 116...liquid needle fixing part, 117...body part, 117a...hole, 117b...inner surface, 118...biasing part, 120...syringe fixing part main body, 121...protrusion for syringe fixing part, 122...needle holder, 123...protrusion, 124...base part, 124a...ratchet, 126...first guide groove, 127...second guide groove, 128...locking projection, 131...hole, 132...outer body component, 140...inner sleeve, 141... Inner sleeve body, 142...extension part, 143...hole, 144...gas needle fixing part, 145...support part, 146...fixing part, 147...flange, 148...end face, 150...air bag storage part, 151...connecting part, 152...air bag, 160...engaging member, 160a...locking mechanism, 161...engaging part, 165...operating part, 169...fixing part, 170...liquid needle, 171...lower end, 172...hole, 172...both holes, 173...outer surface, 175...gas needle, 180...head sleeve, 181...head sleeve body, 182...second guide projection, 183...outer surface, 190...inner surface,191...Partition, 192...Hole, 193...Top surface, 194...Guide, 195...Guide body, 196...Support part, 197...Hole, 198...Hole, 200...Needle seal, 201...First part, 202...Second part, 203...Third part, 204...Lower end surface, 230...Stopper sleeve, 231...First arm, 232...Second arm, 233...Connecting part, 239...Surface, 240...Protrusion for second arm, 250...Biting member, L1...Liquid flow path, L2...Gas flow path, L3...Liquid flow path component, L4...Gas flow path component, L5...Gas flow path component.

Claims

1. A connector for injecting and preparing drug solutions, A seal cap formed in a cylindrical shape with an opening in the axial direction, having a small inner diameter portion at one end in the axial direction, A needle-piercing flow channel seal having a small diameter seal portion whose entire length is compressed along the axial direction into the opening of the small diameter seal portion and whose end face protrudes in line with the opening end face of the small diameter seal portion, and a large diameter seal portion integrally formed on the side opposite to the end face of the small diameter seal portion, A flow path member that fits the flow path seal between itself and the small inner diameter portion in the axial direction, forming a flow path for the chemical solution, A connector equipped with the following features.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the end face of the small diameter seal portion is a curved surface continuous with the opening end face of the small diameter inner portion.

3. The dimension of the seal's small diameter portion along the axial direction is smaller than the dimension of the inner diameter portion along the axial direction. The connector according to claim 2, wherein the outer diameter of the small-diameter seal portion is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter inner portion.

4. The flow path seal has a fitting portion integrally formed on the end face of the large-diameter portion of the seal opposite to the small-diameter portion of the seal, The flow channel member comprises a flange having a top surface at the end on the side of the smaller inner diameter portion, a fitting recess on its inner circumferential surface into which the fitting portion can be fitted, a flow channel portion having an inner diameter smaller than that of the fitting recess, and a support portion between the fitting recess and the flow channel portion that abuts against the periphery of the end face of the fitting portion opposite to the larger sealing portion and supports the fitting portion. The connector according to claim 3.

5. The dimensions of the fitting portion along the axial direction of the flow path seal are greater than the dimensions of the fitting recess along the axial direction. The outer diameter of the fitting portion is larger than the inner diameter of the fitting recess. The connector according to claim 4.

6. The connector according to claim 5, wherein the inner diameter small diameter portion is provided with a tapered portion at the corner between the end face opposite to the opening end face of the inner diameter small diameter portion and the inner circumferential surface of the inner diameter small diameter portion.

7. The connector described in claim 6, A device connector comprising: a needle; a head sleeve having a partition; a first portion having a hole for inserting the needle; a second portion integrally formed at one axial end of the first portion and engaging with the partition; and a third portion integrally formed at the end face of the second portion opposite to the first portion, the end face opposite to the second portion contacting the end face of the small diameter seal portion and the opening end face of the small inner diameter portion when engaged with the connector, and fixed to the head sleeve; A connecting device equipped with the following features.

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