Klemme

Abstract

To provide a clamp that allows a medical tube to shift from a clogged state to an opened state with improved operability.SOLUTION: A clamp 1 has: a first engaging part 32 formed at a tip of a press part 30 for engagement operation; a second engaging part 42 that is formed at a tip of the other end-side elastic bend 40 and can engage with the first engaging part 32; a press part for disengagement 50 extending from the second engaging part 42; and a finger engaging part 60 that is branched from the other end-side elastic bend 40, extends outward from the other end-side elastic bend 40, and lies below the press part for disengagement 50. Pressing the press part for disengagement 50 enables a user's finger 82 to be engaged in the finger engaging part 60 .SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamp that is attached to a medical tube and is used to open and close the medical tube. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, when administering infusion (infusion or drainage) to a patient, a medical bag is connected to the patient via a medical tube. In order to prevent unintended flow of the medicinal liquid before and after the infusion, a clamp (a so-called one-touch clamp) for opening and closing the tube is attached to the tube. Such clamps are disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 (JP 2020-124276 A) and Patent Document 2 (JP 2015-228882 A). These clamps have a structure in which a first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion are connected to each other by a curved portion, and an external force is applied to bring the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion closer to each other to block the tube and block the flow of the drug solution in the tube. At this time, by engaging the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion, the relative restoration displacement in the direction of separation of the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion is prevented, and the blocked state of the tube is maintained. Then, with the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion engaged, the engagement between the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion is released by pushing the tip of the second plate-shaped portion in a predetermined direction. As a result, the first plate-shaped portion and the second plate-shaped portion return to their initial positions separated from each other due to the elasticity of the curved portion, and the blocked state of the tube is released. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-124276 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-228882 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a patient, not a medical professional, performs infusion (for example, injecting and draining dialysis fluid in peritoneal dialysis), there is a strong demand for improved operability of various medical devices used therein. Patent Document 2 discloses that the objective of the clamp is to provide a clamp that can reliably occlude a medical tube without applying a strong force when occluding the tube, and that the clamp has a base (second plate-shaped portion) and a movable portion (first plate-shaped portion), with a pressing assistant portion formed on the upper portion of the movable portion. However, improvements in the operability of the clamp are still not sufficient, and there is a strong demand in particular for improvements in the operability when transitioning the tube from a closed state to an open state, in other words, when releasing the engagement between the two plate portions. Therefore, the present invention provides a clamp that is attached to a medical tube and used to open and close the medical tube, which has improved operability when transitioning from a closed state to an open state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The above objectives are achieved by the following: (1) A clamp that is attached to a medical tube and is used to open and close the medical tube, the clamp includes a base portion, a one-end elastic curved portion extending from one end of the base portion, an engagement operation pressing portion extending from one end of the one-end elastic curved portion and positioned above the base portion, a first clamp portion protruding downward from the engagement operation pressing portion, a second clamp portion protruding upward from the base portion, an other-end elastic curved portion extending from the other end of the base portion toward the tip of the engagement operation pressing portion, a first engagement portion formed at the tip of the engagement operation pressing portion, a second engagement portion formed at the tip of the other-end elastic curved portion and engageable with the first engagement portion, an engagement release pressing portion extending from the second engagement portion, and a finger locking portion branching off from the other-end elastic curved portion, extending outward from the other-end elastic curved portion, positioned below the engagement release pressing portion, and capable of contacting a user's finger; the other end elastic curved portion has a straight portion at a tip end thereof, and the second engagement portion is formed at the tip end of the straight portion; the finger locking portion branches off from the middle of the other-end elastically curved portion, which is higher than the other end of the base portion and closer to the base portion than the straight portion of the other-end elastically curved portion, extends tangentially and obliquely upward from the branching portion, then curves downward after passing an apex, and has an arc shape in a side view that opens downward, so that a user's finger can enter from below, and the finger locking portion is U-shaped with both ends connected to the other-end elastically curved portion, and an opening is formed in the center of the finger locking portion, the disengagement pressing portion is a plate-like portion extending linearly from a tip of the straight portion of the other-end elastic curved portion, and is inclined at an angle of 10 to 45 degrees with respect to the straight portion, The one end side elastic curved portion and the other end side elastic curved portion have a medical tube insertion port, and the clamp is configured so that the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged when the engagement operation pressing portion is pressed, and the medical tube can be blocked by the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, and the engagement state of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is released when the engagement release pressing portion is pressed, and further, the user's finger can be engaged with the finger engagement portion when the engagement release pressing portion is pressed.

[0006] (2) The clamp according to (1) above, in which the finger of a user can be locked in the finger locking portion when the engagement operation pressing portion is pressed. (3) The engagement pressing portion is a plate-shaped portion. The clamp described in (1) or (2) above. (4) Any one of the above (1) to (3), wherein an end portion of the finger locking portion in an extending direction from the other end side elastic curved portion does not protrude downward beyond the base portion. The clamp described in. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The clamp of the present invention includes a finger locking part that branches off from the other-end elastic curved part, extends outward from the other-end elastic curved part, and is located below the disengagement pressing part, and the engagement between the first engagement part and the second engagement part is released by pressing the disengagement pressing part, and the user's finger can be locked on the finger locking part when the disengagement pressing part is pressed. This improves operability when the medical tube transitions from a closed state (engaged state of the first engagement part and the second engagement part) to an open state (disengaged state of the first engagement part and the second engagement part). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a clamp of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a right side view showing an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a left side view showing an embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9, showing the clamp of the present invention attached to a medical tube. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9, for explaining the engaging operation (closing operation) of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9, for illustrating the engaged state (closed state) of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9, for illustrating one example of the disengagement operation (opening operation) of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9, for illustrating another example of the disengagement operation (opening operation) of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is another perspective view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a rear view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a bottom view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a right side view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a left side view showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an explanatory cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 9 and showing another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a right side view showing yet another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The clamp of the present invention will be described using the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 14. In this embodiment, the up-down direction in Figure 7 may be described as the up-down direction, the left-right direction in Figure 7 as the left-right direction, and the left-right direction in Figure 3 as the width direction, but this does not necessarily limit the use state of the clamp.

[0011] The clamp of the present invention is a clamp 1 that is attached to a medical tube 7 and is used to open and close (open and close) the medical tube 7, and includes a base portion 10, a one-end elastic curved portion 20 extending from one end of the base portion 10, an engagement operation pressing portion 30 extending from one end of the one-end elastic curved portion 20 and positioned above the base portion 10, a first clamp portion 31 protruding downward from the engagement operation pressing portion 30, a second clamp portion 11 protruding upward from the base portion 10, an other-end elastic curved portion 40 extending from the other end of the base portion 10 toward the tip of the engagement operation pressing portion 30, a first engagement portion 32 formed at the tip of the engagement operation pressing portion 30, a second engagement portion 42 formed at the tip of the other-end elastic curved portion 40 and engageable with the first engagement portion 32, and a clamp portion extending from the second engagement portion 42. and a finger locking portion 60 that branches off from the other-end elastic curved portion 40, extends outwardly from the other-end elastic curved portion 40, and is located below the disengagement pressing portion 50 and can come into contact with a user's finger. The one-end elastic curved portion 20 and the other-end elastic curved portion 40 have medical tube insertion openings 21, 41. When the engagement operation pressing portion 30 is pressed, the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 are engaged, and the medical tube 7 can be blocked by the first clamp portion 31 and the second clamp portion 11. When the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed, the engagement state of the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 is released. Furthermore, when the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed, the user's finger can be locked in the finger locking portion 60.

[0012] The clamp 1 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a base portion 10, a resilient curved portion 20 on one end side, a pressing portion 30 for engagement operation, a resilient curved portion 40 on the other end side, a pressing portion 50 for disengagement, and a finger locking portion 60.

[0013] The base portion 10 is a long rectangular plate and is located below the engagement operation pressing portion 30. One end of the base portion 10 (here, the left end in FIG. 7) is connected to the other end of the one-end elastic curved portion 20 (here, the lower end in FIG. 7). In other words, the one-end elastic curved portion 20 extends from one end of the base portion 10. The base portion 10 is formed with a second clamp portion 11 that protrudes upward. A frame plate portion 15 extends from the other end in the width direction of the second clamp portion 11 (the end on the far side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 7). The frame plate portion 15 is a thin plate and extends upward from the other end in the width direction of the second clamp portion 11.

[0014] The one-end elastic curved portion 20 is a curved plate-like portion that is arc-shaped in side view. In other words, the one-end elastic curved portion 20 is a plate-like portion that is curved into an arc shape. The one-end elastic curved portion 20 has appropriate elasticity. The one-end elastic curved portion 20 connects the engagement operation pressing portion 30 and the base portion 10. A medical tube insertion port 21 is formed in the center of the one-end elastic curved portion 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the medical tube insertion port 21 is formed in the center of the one-end elastic curved portion 20 as a through hole through which the medical tube 7 can be inserted. The medical tube insertion port 21 is formed to a size that ensures appropriate strength and elasticity of the one-end elastic curved portion 20, as well as tube insertion ability (operability).

[0015] The engagement operation pressing portion 30 located above the base portion 10 is a plate-like portion having a long rectangular shape. The engagement operation pressing portion 30 extends from one end of the one-end elastic curved portion 20 (here, the upper end in FIG. 7). A first engagement portion 32 is formed at the tip end of the engagement operation pressing portion 30 (the tip end in the extending direction from the one-end elastic curved portion 20). Here, the first engagement portion 32 has an engagement protrusion 33 that protrudes further in the extending direction from its widthwise center portion. An anti-slip portion 34 is formed on the outer surface (upper surface) of the engagement operation pressing portion 30. In this embodiment, the anti-slip portion 34 is provided at the center portion in the extending direction. The anti-slip portion 34 is composed of a plurality of ribs extending in the width direction. In this embodiment, each rib is semi-cylindrical. A first clamp portion 31 that protrudes downward is formed on the engagement operation pressing portion 30. A frame plate portion 35 extends from one end in the width direction of the first clamp portion 31 (the end on the front side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 7). The frame plate portion 35 is thin plate-shaped and extends upward from one end in the width direction of the first clamp portion 31. The frame plate portion 15 of the second clamp portion 11 and the frame plate portion 35 of the first clamp portion 31 face each other in the width direction.

[0016] An other-end elastic curved portion 40 extends from the other end of the base portion 10 (here, the right end in FIG. 7). The other-end elastic curved portion 40 extends smoothly and curved from the other end of the base portion 10. The other-end elastic curved portion 40 extends (upward) toward the tip end (first engagement portion 32) of the engagement operation pressing portion 30. The other-end elastic curved portion 40 has appropriate elasticity. The other-end elastic curved portion 40 connects the engagement release pressing portion 50 and the base portion 10. A second engagement portion 42 that can engage with the first engagement portion 32 is formed at the tip end (the tip end in the direction of extension from the base portion 10) of the other-end elastic curved portion 40. Specifically, the second engagement portion 42 is formed as a step portion formed at the tip end of the other-end elastic curved portion 40.

[0017] In this embodiment, the other-end elastic curved portion 40 is not curved over its entire length. As shown in FIG. 7, the tip end portion of the other-end elastic curved portion 40 is a straight portion 43 that extends linearly without being curved. In other words, the other-end elastic curved portion 40 has a straight portion 43 at its tip end. The second engagement portion 42 is formed at the tip end of the straight portion 43. In the other-end elastic curved portion 40, the straight portion 43 is formed to extend in a tangential direction from the tip end of the curved portion of the other-end elastic curved portion 43 (the portion on the base portion 10 side excluding the straight portion 43).

[0018] A medical tube insertion port 41 is formed in the center of the other-end elastically curved portion 40. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the medical tube insertion port 41 is formed in the center of the other-end elastically curved portion 40 as a through hole through which the medical tube 7 can be inserted. The medical tube insertion port 41 is formed in a size that ensures the appropriate strength and elasticity of the other-end elastically curved portion 40, as well as tube insertion (operability). In this embodiment, the medical tube insertion port 41 is formed over substantially the entire length of the other-end elastically curved portion 40. In other words, the medical tube insertion port 41 extends from the other end of the base portion 10 to the second engagement portion 42 (step portion), and the other-end elastically curved portion 40 has a two-frame structure that faces each other in the width direction.

[0019] The disengagement pressing portion 50 extends from the second engagement portion 42 of the clamp 1. More specifically, the plate-shaped disengagement pressing portion 50 extends from the tip of the straight portion 43 of the other end side elastic curved portion 40 on which the second engagement portion 42 (step portion) is formed. The disengagement pressing portion 50 is a plate-shaped portion. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the disengagement pressing portion 50 is inclined at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the straight portion 43. In this embodiment, the disengagement pressing portion 50 is preferably inclined at an angle (θ1) of 10 to 45° with respect to the straight portion 43, and more preferably at an angle (θ1) of 15 to 30°.

[0020] The clamp 1 includes a finger locking portion 60. The finger locking portion 60 is capable of coming into contact with the user's finger. The finger locking portion 60 is also capable of locking the user's finger (usually the index finger) when the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed (usually by the thumb). In this embodiment, the finger locking portion 60 is branched from the other end side elastic curved portion 40, and is curved so as to extend outward and downward from the other end side elastic curved portion 40, and the user's finger can enter from the underside.

[0021] More specifically, the finger locking portion 60 branches off from the other end elastic curved portion 40 and extends outward from the other end elastic curved portion 40 (in the direction opposite to the side where the curved center of the other end elastic curved portion 40 exists, in other words, in the direction opposite to the inside of the clamp 1 surrounded by the base portion 10, the one end elastic curved portion 20, and the engagement operation pressing portion 30). The finger locking portion 60 is located below the engagement release pressing portion 50. The finger locking portion 60 is a plate-shaped portion that is arc-shaped in side view. In other words, the finger locking portion 60 is formed by bending a plate-shaped portion into an arc shape. More specifically, the finger locking portion 60 extends from the other end elastic curved portion 40 (here, the portion closer to the base portion 10 than the straight portion 43 of the other end elastic curved portion 40) in the tangent direction of the portion and is curved in an arc shape that opens (opens) downward. This can improve the ease of operation of the clamp 1 during the operation of engaging the clamp 1 (operation of closing the medical tube 7) and the operation of releasing the clamp 1 (operation of opening the medical tube 7), which will be described later.

[0022] An opening 61 is formed in the center of the finger locking portion 60. Although such an opening 61 is not necessarily required, in this embodiment, the opening 61 is provided to prevent the finger locking portion 60 from interfering with the medical tube 7. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, it is preferable that the end of the finger locking portion 60 extending from the other end side elastic curved portion 40 does not protrude downward from the base portion 10. This makes the clamp 1 compact as a whole, and prevents unintentional touching of the finger locking portion 60, thereby preventing erroneous operation [disengagement (opening of the medical tube 7)]. In addition, in the clamp 1 of this embodiment, the finger locking portion 60 is U-shaped with both ends connected to the other end side elastic curved portion 40. Both sides of the U-shape are curved.

[0023] The clamp 1 is preferably integrally formed, for example, by injection molding, etc. The material for forming the clamp is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include synthetic resins, for example, polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, styrene-based resins such as polystyrene, BS resin, and ABS resin, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride resin, and polyacetal.

[0024] The use of the clamp 1 described above will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 14. Figure 9 shows the clamp 1 in a natural disengaged state (a state in which the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 are not engaged). Here, the distance between the engagement operation pressing portion 30 and the base portion 10 increases from the one-end elastic curved portion 20 toward the other-end elastic curved portion 40 (toward the right in Figure 7), and the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The clamp 1 maintains a disengaged state in a natural state due to the appropriate elasticity of the one-end elastic curved portion 20 described above.

[0025] 10, clamp 1 is attached to medical tube 7 by inserting medical tube 7 through medical tube insertion openings 21, 41. Medical tube 7 is a flexible tube through which a fluid can flow. There are no particular limitations on the medical tube, but examples of the medical tube that can be used include soft tubes made of flexible resins such as polyvinyl chloride resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, soft polypropylene, soft polyethylene, and other soft polyolefins, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, and other rubbers.

[0026] Fluids flowing through the medical tube 7 include various types of medicinal liquids, such as dialysis fluid used in peritoneal dialysis, waste fluid generated during peritoneal dialysis, infusion fluids, etc. In addition to medicinal liquids, for example, liquid foods (nutritional supplements) having fluidity, such as liquid food, and gases such as oxygen and nitric oxide can also be used.

[0027] In the engagement operation of the clamp 1, in other words, in the closing operation of the medical tube 7, the user presses the engagement operation pressing part 30 as shown in Fig. 11. Pressing the anti-slip part 34 of the engagement operation pressing part 30 prevents the finger (thumb 81) from slipping during the engagement operation (closing operation).

[0028] When the pressing portion for engagement operation 30 is pressed by a finger (thumb 81), the tip portion (first engaging portion 32) of the pressing portion for engagement operation 30 and the tip portion (second engaging portion 42) of the elastically curved portion 40 on the other end side approach each other. More specifically, the tip portion (first engaging portion 32) of the pressing portion for engagement operation 30 moves downward along the incline while being in contact with the pressing portion for disengagement 50, and the elastically curved portion 40 on the other end side is displaced (deformed and moved) accordingly. Then, the first engaging portion 32 overcomes the step portion (second engaging portion 42), so that the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 42 engage with each other (see FIG. 12). In the engaged state between the first engaging portion 32 and the second engaging portion 42, the engaging projection 33 of the pressing portion for engagement operation 30 is housed in the medical tube insertion opening 41 of the elastically curved portion 40 on the other end side. This restricts the displacement of the first engagement portion 32 in the width direction in the engaged state.

[0029] In this embodiment, when the pressing portion for engagement operation 30 is pressed, the finger can be brought into contact with the finger locking portion 60 to lock it. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the pressing portion for engagement operation 30 is pressed with the thumb 81, the index finger 82 can be hooked (locked) on the finger locking portion 60. This improves the operability of the clamp 1 during the engagement operation (when the medical tube 7 is blocked) of the clamp 1. That is, as shown by the outline arrow in FIG. 11, when a pressing force is applied to the pressing portion for engagement operation 30 to engage the first engaging portion 32 with the second engaging portion 42 (to block the medical tube 7), the clamp 1 itself is biased in the direction of the pressing force, and a moment is generated that rotates the clamp 1 (rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 11). In response to this, a force opposing the pressing force (a force that offsets the moment caused by the pressing force) can be applied from the finger (index finger 82) engaged with the finger engaging portion 60, so that the clamp 1 is stabilized during the engagement operation (closing operation).

[0030] With first engaging portion 32 and second engaging portion 42 engaged, medical tubing 7 is blocked by first clamp portion 31 and second clamp portion 11. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 12, medical tubing 7 is pinched between adjacent first clamp portion 31 and second clamp portion 11, causing medical tubing 7 to deform and blocking the flow of fluid within medical tubing 7. The blocked state of medical tubing 7 is maintained by the engagement between first engaging portion 32 and second engaging portion 42.

[0031] 12, the protruding tip portions of first clamp portion 31 and second clamp portion 11 each have a circular cross section (a cylindrical portion extending in the width direction). This prevents medical tube 7 from being damaged by first clamp portion 31 and second clamp portion 11. In addition, frame plate portion 35 of first clamp portion 31 and frame plate portion 15 of second clamp portion 11, which face each other in the width direction, prevent medical tube 7 from jumping out of clamp 1 in the width direction.

[0032] Next, an example of an operation for disengaging the clamp 1 from an engaged state (a blocked state of the medical tube 7) (an operation for opening the medical tube 7) (hereinafter also referred to as a normal release operation) will be described. Here, in the operation for disengaging the clamp 1, in other words, in the operation for opening the medical tube 7, the user presses the disengagement pressing portion 50 as shown in Fig. 13. More specifically, the user holds the clamp 1 in the palm of his / her hand from the side of the elastic curved portion 20 on one end of the clamp 1 (the left side in Fig. 13), and presses the disengagement pressing portion 50 with thumb 81, while placing index finger 82 on the finger locking portion 60.

[0033] When the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed, the other-end elastic curved portion 40 connected to the disengagement pressing portion 50 is displaced (deformed and moved), and the tip portion (first engagement portion 32) of the engagement pressing portion 30 and the tip portion (second engagement portion 42) of the other-end elastic curved portion 40 are separated from each other. Then, the first engagement portion 32 overcomes the second engagement portion 42 (step portion), and the engagement between the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 is released. In the engaged state with the second engagement portion 42, the first engagement portion 32 is biased in a direction away from the second engagement portion 42 by the elastic force of the one-end elastic curved portion 20 and the reaction force received from the deformed medical tube 7, and when the engagement with the second engagement portion 42 is released by the displacement of the other-end elastic curved portion 40, the separated state with the second engagement portion 42, i.e., the disengaged state as shown in FIG. 10, is maintained.

[0034] In the normal release operation described above, when the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed with a finger (thumb 81), the clamp 1 can be hooked (engaged) with a finger (index finger 82) on the finger locking portion 60. This improves the operability of the clamp 1 during the disengagement operation (opening operation of the medical tube 7). That is, as shown by the outlined arrow in FIG. 13, when a pressing force for releasing the engagement between the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 (opening the medical tube 7) acts on the disengagement pressing portion 50, the clamp 1 itself is biased in the pressing force direction, and a moment is generated that rotates the clamp 1 (rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 13). In response to this, a force opposing the pressing force (a force that offsets the moment caused by the pressing force) can be applied from the finger (index finger 82) hooked on the finger locking portion 60, so that the clamp 1 is stabilized during the disengagement operation (opening operation). Furthermore, the clamp 1 can be used in the same manner as conventional clamps (normal release operation), and the ease of use is also good.

[0035] Next, another example (hereinafter also referred to as a pinch release operation) of the operation of disengaging the clamp 1 (opening the medical tube 7) from the engaged state of the clamp 1 (blocked state of the medical tube 7) will be described. Here, in the operation of disengaging the clamp 1, in other words, in the operation of opening the medical tube 7, the user presses the disengagement pressing portion 50 as shown in Fig. 14. More specifically, the user places thumb 81 on disengagement pressing portion 50 from the other end side elastic curved portion 40 side of the clamp 1 (the right side in Fig. 14) and places index finger 81 on finger locking portion 60 to hold the clamp 1 in a pinch-like manner, and presses disengagement pressing portion 50.

[0036] In the pinch release operation, the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed, whereby the other-end elastic curved portion 40 connected to the disengagement pressing portion 50 is displaced (deformed and moved), and the tip portion (first engagement portion 32) of the engagement operation pressing portion 30 and the tip portion (second engagement portion 42) of the other-end elastic curved portion 40 move away from each other. Then, the first engagement portion 32 climbs over the second engagement portion 42 (step portion), whereby the engagement between the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 is released.

[0037] In the clamp 1, when the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed with a finger (thumb 81), the finger (index finger 82) can be hooked (engaged) on the finger locking portion 60. This improves the operability of the clamp 1 during the disengagement operation (opening operation of the medical tube 7). That is, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 14, when a pressing force for disengaging the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 (opening the medical tube 7) acts on the disengagement pressing portion 50, the clamp 1 itself is biased in the direction of the pressing force, and a moment is generated that rotates the clamp 1 (rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 14). In response to this, a force opposing the pressing force (a force that offsets the moment caused by the pressing force) can be applied from the finger (index finger 82) hooked on the finger locking portion 60, so that the clamp 1 is stabilized during the disengagement operation (opening operation).

[0038] The clamp 1 is provided with a finger locking portion 60 that branches from the other end elastic curved portion 40, extends outward from the other end elastic curved portion 40, and is located below the disengagement pressing portion 50. When the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed (disengagement operation), the finger can be hooked (locked) on the finger locking portion 60. This stabilizes the clamp 1 during the disengagement operation (opening operation), improving the operability of the clamp 1. Furthermore, the clamp 1 can perform both the normal release operation and the knob release operation described above as disengagement operations. This allows the user to select an appropriate disengagement operation according to the situation (for example, when working from the one end elastic curved portion 20 side, the normal release operation is selected, and when working from the other end elastic curved portion 40 side, the knob release operation is selected), thereby further improving operability.

[0039] In addition, the clamp 1 of this embodiment has a straight portion 43 in which the tip end of the elastic curved portion 40 on the other end side extends linearly without being curved. Therefore, compared to when the entire elastic curved portion 40 on the other end side is curved, the elastic curved portion 40 on the other end side is more likely to be displaced (deformed) in the direction in which the engagement between the first engagement portion 32 and the second engagement portion 42 is released at the straight portion 43, making the disengagement operation (opening operation) easier.

[0040] In addition, in the clamp 1 of this embodiment, the finger locking portion 60 branches off from the base portion 40 side further than the straight portion 43 of the other end side elastic curved portion 40. Therefore, the finger locking portion 60 does not prevent the deformation (displacement) of the straight portion 43 (including the second engaging portion 42), making it easier to perform the disengagement operation (opening operation).

[0041] In addition, in the clamp 1 of this embodiment, the disengagement pressing portion 50 is inclined at a predetermined angle (θ1) with respect to the straight portion 43. Therefore, operability is achieved both in the normal release operation and the knob release operation. Specifically, the operability during the normal release operation (when disengaging from the one-end elastic curved portion 20 side) and the operability during the knob release operation (when disengaging from the other-end elastic curved portion 40 side) are both excellent.

[0042] 15 to 23 show another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. In the clamp 1a, the shape of the disengagement pressing portion is different from that of the clamp 1 described above. Unless otherwise specified, the clamp 1a of this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the clamp 1 described above, and the same names and symbols (sometimes with the suffix "a" added) are used for such configurations, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0043] 22, in the clamp 1a, the disengagement pressing portion 50a is inclined at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the straight portion 43. In this embodiment, the disengagement pressing portion 50a is inclined at an angle (θ2) with respect to the straight portion 43. In this embodiment, the disengagement pressing portion 50a is preferably inclined at an angle (θ2) of 45 to 80° with respect to the straight portion 43, and more preferably at an angle (θ2) of 60 to 75°.

[0044] In the clamp 1a of this embodiment, the disengagement pressing portion 50a extends at a predetermined angle (θ2) with respect to the straight portion 43. This improves the operability of the knob release operation in particular. In addition, the upward protrusion of the disengagement pressing portion 50a, i.e., the vertical dimension of the entire clamp 1a, is reduced, which contributes to making the clamp 1a more compact. Furthermore, unintentional touching of the disengagement pressing portion 50a is prevented, thereby preventing erroneous operation [disengagement (opening of the medical tube 7)].

[0045] As shown in Fig. 24, the disengagement pressing portion 50b may be bent midway. For example, the base end side portion of the extension direction of the disengagement pressing portion 50b (the portion on the second engagement portion 42 side) may be angled at an angle equivalent to the above-mentioned angle θ1, and the tip side portion of the extension direction may be angled at an angle equivalent to the above-mentioned angle θ2. This can improve both the operability during normal disengagement operation and the operability during knob disengagement operation. In addition, the suppression of the upward protrusion of the disengagement pressing portion 50b contributes to making the clamp 1b more compact and prevents erroneous operation [disengagement (opening of the medical tube 7)].

[0046] 25, the finger locking portion 60c may be flat. The finger locking portion 60c branches off from the other-end elastic curved portion 40, extends outward from the other-end elastic curved portion 40, and is located below the disengagement pressing portion 50. Even with the finger locking portion 60c having such a shape, it is possible to hook a finger on the finger locking portion 60c when the disengagement pressing portion 50 is pressed, improving operability during the engagement operation (closing operation) and the disengagement operation (opening operation). The other end side elastically curved portion may not have a straight portion and may be curved over its entirety.

[0047] Note that the finger locking portion 60 of the clamp 1 is not U-shaped, but may have two finger locking portions 60a, 60b branching off from the other end elastic curved portion 40, as in the clamp 1d shown in Fig. 26. The finger locking portions 60a, 60b of this embodiment have one end connected to the other end elastic curved portion 40 and the other end as a free end. There is a gap between the free ends of the finger locking portions 60a, 60b. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1,1a,1b,1c,1d Klemm 10 Base 11 Second clamp section 20 One end elastic curved portion 21 Medical tube insertion port 30 Engagement operation pressing portion 31 First clamp section 32 First engagement portion 40 Other end elastic curved portion 41 Medical tube insertion port 42 Second engagement portion 43 Straight section 50 disengagement pressing portion 60 Finger locking part 7 Medical tubing

Claims

1. A clamp that is attached to a medical tube and opens and closes the medical tube, the clamp includes a base portion, a one-end elastic curved portion extending from one end of the base portion, an engagement operation pressing portion extending from one end of the one-end elastic curved portion and positioned above the base portion, a first clamp portion protruding downward from the engagement operation pressing portion, a second clamp portion protruding upward from the base portion, an other-end elastic curved portion extending from the other end of the base portion toward the tip portion of the engagement operation pressing portion, a first engagement portion formed at the tip portion of the engagement operation pressing portion, a second engagement portion formed at the tip portion of the other-end elastic curved portion and engageable with the first engagement portion, an engagement release pressing portion extending from the second engagement portion, and a finger locking portion branching off from the other-end elastic curved portion, extending outward from the other-end elastic curved portion, positioned below the engagement release pressing portion, and capable of contacting a user's finger; The other end elastic curved portion has a straight portion at a tip end thereof, and the second engagement portion is formed at the tip end of the straight portion, the finger locking portion branches off from the middle of the other-end elastically curved portion, which is higher than the other end of the base portion and closer to the base portion than the straight portion of the other-end elastically curved portion, extends tangentially and obliquely upward from the branching portion, then curves downward after passing an apex, and has an arc shape in a side view that opens downward, so that a user's finger can enter from below, and the finger locking portion is U-shaped with both ends connected to the other-end elastically curved portion, and an opening is formed in the center of the finger locking portion, the disengagement pressing portion is a plate-like portion extending linearly from a tip of the straight portion of the other-end elastic curved portion, and is inclined at an angle of 10 to 45 degrees with respect to the straight portion, The one end side elastic curved portion and the other end side elastic curved portion have a medical tube insertion port, and the clamp is configured so that the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are engaged when the engagement operation pressing portion is pressed, and the medical tube can be blocked by the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion, and the engagement state of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is released when the engagement release pressing portion is pressed, and further, the user's finger can be engaged in the finger engagement portion when the engagement release pressing portion is pressed.

2. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the finger of a user can be locked in the finger locking portion when the engagement operation pressing portion is pressed.

3. The clamp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement operation pressing portion is a plate-shaped portion.

4. A clamp as described in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the end portion of the finger engagement portion extending from the other end side elastic curved portion does not protrude downward beyond the base portion.

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