Medical Suction Tube

Abstract

To provide a medical suction tube which has excellent operability and is capable of effectively suppressing pain and discomfort of a patient.SOLUTION: A saliva ejector 10 according to one embodiment includes: a flexible tube 11; and a cylindrical end chip 30 externally mounted at an end part of the tube 11. The end chip 30 is formed by a material softer than the tube 11, and length beyond 1 / 2 of an inner diameter of the tube 11 extends from the end of the tube 11 and has a base end side taper part 32 whose outer diameter gradually shrinks toward a base end from a middle part in an axial direction of the end chip 30. A gap 34 is formed between an inner peripheral surface on the base end side of the end chip 30 and an outer peripheral surface of the tube 11, and the gap 34 is filled with adhesive 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical suction tube, and more particularly to a saliva ejector that is inserted into the oral cavity to suck up saliva. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, medical suction tubes are known that are inserted into the body to suck bodily fluids. A saliva ejector is a medical suction tube for sucking saliva, and is inserted into the oral cavity for use. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a saliva ejector having a strainer tip at the tip of a flexible tube. This strainer tip has a plurality of slots for sucking bodily fluids and small solid objects. The saliva ejector of Patent Document 1 also has a flange that is provided to cover a part of the tip in order to suppress adhesion of oral tissue to the slots. Patent Document 2 discloses a suction aid that is detachably attached to the tip of a catheter tube. The suction aid of Patent Document 2 has a tubular attachment part that is inserted into the tube and a suction part whose tip is formed in a spherical shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2003-506136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Medical suction tubes such as saliva ejectors are required to have good operability and not cause pain or discomfort to patients. For example, the saliva ejector in Patent Document 1 has a large step at the end of the strainer tip, and when the saliva ejector is moved in the direction of pulling it out of the oral cavity, the step may get caught on the oral tissue, causing pain or discomfort to the patient.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a medical suction tube which has good operability and can effectively reduce pain and discomfort felt by the patient. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medical suction tube according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a flexible tube and a cylindrical tip attached to the tip of the tube, the tip being formed from a material softer than the tube, having a length exceeding half the inner diameter of the tube extending from the tip of the tube, and having a base-side tapered portion whose outer diameter gradually decreases from the axial middle portion of the tip toward the base end.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the distal tip, which is more flexible than the tube, extends from the distal end of the tube by a length exceeding half the inner diameter of the tube and completely covers the distal end of the tube, so that even if the distal end of the distal tip touches tissues in the oral cavity when the saliva ejector is moved in the direction of insertion into the oral cavity, pain and discomfort of the patient can be effectively suppressed. In addition, a tapered portion with a gradually decreasing outer diameter is formed at the proximal end of the distal tip, so that no large step is formed between the proximal end of the distal tip and the tube. Therefore, the step is prevented from getting caught in oral tissues when the saliva ejector is moved in the direction of removal from the oral cavity, and good operability can be achieved, so that pain and discomfort of the patient can be effectively suppressed.

[0008] In the medical suction tube according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the tip is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube, and the tip has a first fixing part in which the inner peripheral surface of the tip is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube, and a second fixing part in which the inner peripheral surface of the tip and the outer peripheral surface of the tube are joined by an adhesive. When the medical suction tube is inserted into the oral cavity, an external force acts on the tip from teeth, etc., but according to this configuration, the tip is firmly fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the tube by adopting a double fixing structure using the first fixing part and the second fixing part, and the tip can be more reliably prevented from coming off.

[0009] In the medical suction tube according to one aspect of the present invention, a gap is preferably formed between the inner peripheral surface of the base end side of the distal tip and the outer peripheral surface of the tube, and the gap is filled with adhesive. According to this configuration, the distal tip can be fixed to the distal end of the tube by filling the gap between the distal tip and the tube with adhesive. In this case, since no adhesive adheres to the distal side of the distal tip, contact between oral tissue and the adhesive can be prevented.

[0010] It is preferable that a part of the adhesive protrudes from the gap between the tip and the tube and adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the tube, and a part of the adhesive forms a tapered surface on the outer circumferential surface of the tube, the diameter of which gradually decreases as it moves away from the tip. In the medical suction tube according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is no large step between the base end of the tip and the tube, but according to this configuration, this small step is filled and further reduced by the tapered surface of the adhesive. That is, the tapered surface of the adhesive makes the change in outer diameter more gradual, and more effectively suppresses the tip from getting caught in the oral cavity. This further improves operability and more effectively suppresses the patient's pain and discomfort. In addition, the base end of the tip is less likely to get caught, so that the tip is more reliably prevented from turning over.

[0011] In the medical suction tube according to one embodiment of the present invention, the distal tip preferably has a distal tapered section in which the outer diameter gradually decreases from the axial middle section toward the distal tip. This configuration makes it easier to insert the distal tip of the suction tube into narrow spaces such as between the cheek and gums, further improving operability.

[0012] In the medical suction tube according to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the tube has a side hole formed at a position adjacent to the tip. With this configuration, pressure can be released from the side hole, and the tip opening of the suction tube can be prevented from sticking to oral tissues, etc. Furthermore, compared to the case where a hole is formed in the tip tip, the opening and the side hole can be prevented from being blocked. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, a medical suction tube having good operability and capable of effectively suppressing pain and discomfort to a patient can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a medical suction tube according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are a front view and a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2) of a medical suction tube according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal tip and its vicinity in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a medical suction tube according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In addition, the present invention includes configurations that selectively combine the respective components of the multiple embodiments and modified examples described below.

[0016] In the following, a saliva ejector 10 will be illustrated as an embodiment of a medical suction tube according to the present invention. The saliva ejector 10 is a suction tube for mainly sucking saliva, and is inserted into the oral cavity for use. The medical suction tube according to the present invention is not limited to one for sucking saliva, and may be one for sucking other bodily fluids, such as blood, lymphatic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, gastric fluid, pleural fluid, ascites, nasal mucus, urine, semen, vaginal fluid, and amniotic fluid. The suction tube may also suck small solid objects together with bodily fluids.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a saliva ejector 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of the saliva ejector 10. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the saliva ejector 10 includes a flexible tube 11 and a cylindrical distal tip 30 fitted to the distal end of the tube 11. The distal tip 30 is more flexible than the tube 11, and a part of it extends from the distal end of the tube 11. As will be described in detail later, the distal tip 30 extends from the distal end of the tube 11 by a length exceeding half the inner diameter of the tube 11. The distal tip 30 also has a base end taper section 31 whose outer diameter gradually decreases from an axial intermediate section toward the base end.

[0018] In this specification, the base end of the saliva ejector 10 means the end opposite to the side where the distal tip 30 is attached. The end of the saliva ejector 10 opposite to the base end is referred to as the "distal end." The terms distal end and proximal end are also used to indicate the same directions for each component of the saliva ejector 10.

[0019] The saliva ejector 10 includes a connector 20 fixed to the base end of the tube 11. The connector 20 is a cylindrical member to which, for example, a tube (not shown) connected to a suction device is connected. A flange-shaped locking portion 21 that protrudes radially outward is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connector 20. The locking portion 21 is used to fix a tube that is mounted on the connector 20. In addition, a plurality of projections and recesses 22 are formed along the axial direction of the connector 20 on the outer circumferential surface of the connector 20 on the tip side of the locking portion 21. The plurality of projections and recesses 22 are formed, for example, by arranging a plurality of circumferential grooves at intervals in the axial direction, and function as a slip prevention when inserting and removing the tube.

[0020] The connector 20 is fitted to the proximal end of the tube 11. There is no particular limitation on the method of fixing the connector 20 to the tube 11, but the connector 20 is generally fixed to the tube 11 by solvent welding or by using an adhesive. The shape, etc. of the connector 20 is not particularly limited, and any conventionally known connector can be used as the connector 20.

[0021] The tube 11 is a tubular member that can be easily bent by hand, and both axial ends are open. In this embodiment, a distal tip 30 is fixed to the distal end of the tube 11, and a connector 20 is fixed to the proximal end of the tube 11. The length of the tube 11 is not particularly limited, but is a length suitable for gripping the tube 11 and operating the saliva ejector 10 when the distal end of the tube 11 is inserted into the oral cavity of a patient. An example of a suitable length of the tube 11 is 120 mm to 180 mm. The diameter of the tube 11 is, for example, an inner diameter of 3 mm to 5 mm and an outer diameter of 5 mm to 7 mm.

[0022] The tube 11 has a constant diameter (inner diameter and outer diameter) over the entire length. The tube 11 may be made of an opaque material, but is preferably made of a transparent resin. A suitable tube 11 is colorless and transparent, and the inside of the tube can be easily seen. An example of a resin that makes up the tube 11 is soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC). From the viewpoint of the operability of the saliva ejector 10, the tube 11 preferably has a hardness (flexibility) that allows it to be easily bent by hand and to gradually restore its original shape when the load is removed. The hardness of the material of the tube 11 measured by a durometer based on JIS K 7215 is, for example, 85A to 100A, and preferably 90A to 100A, or 94A to 98A.

[0023] The tube 11 has a horizontal hole 12 for releasing pressure to prevent sticking to oral tissue. The horizontal hole 12 is formed to an appropriate size so that the tip of the saliva ejector 10 does not stick to oral tissue while securing the necessary suction force. The tube 11 has a plurality of horizontal holes 12 having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tube 11, for example, near the tip. In this embodiment, two horizontal holes 12 are formed side by side in the radial direction of the tube 11. The diameter of the horizontal holes 12 is, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm. The horizontal hole 12 is formed at a position where the distal tip 30 is fixed, and a hole overlapping with the horizontal hole 12 can be formed in the distal tip 30, but the horizontal hole 12 is preferably formed at a position of the tube 11 that does not overlap with the distal tip 30.

[0024] The lateral hole 12 is preferably formed at a position adjacent to the distal tip 30 on the side surface of the tube 11. In this case, the tip of the saliva ejector 10 can be highly prevented from sticking to the oral tissue while securing the necessary suction force. The lateral hole 12 is formed, for example, at a position where the distance from the base end of the distal tip 30 to the edge of the lateral hole 12 is shorter than the length corresponding to the inner diameter of the tube 11. By disposing the lateral hole 12 close to the distal tip 30, a gap is easily formed between the portion where the lateral hole 12 is formed and the oral tissue, and the function of the lateral hole 12 is effectively exerted. As will be described in detail later, it is necessary to secure a space for forming a tapered surface by the adhesive 40 described later between the distal tip 30 and the lateral hole 12 so that the tapered surface is formed by the adhesive 40 described later without interfering with the lateral hole 12.

[0025] The distal tip 30 is a flexible cylindrical member with both axial ends open, and is fitted to the distal end of the tube 11. The distal tip 30 covers the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11, and a portion of it extends from the distal end of the tube 11. Therefore, the distal end of the tube 11 is present inside the distal tip 30 and is completely covered by the distal tip 30. The inner circumferential surface on the distal end side of the distal tip 30 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11, and the inner circumferential surface on the proximal end side is bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11 with adhesive 40. A gap 34 is formed between the inner circumferential surface on the proximal end side of the distal tip 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11, and adhesive 40 is filled into this gap 34.

[0026] The distal tip 30 has a shape in which the outer diameter is largest at the axial middle portion, and gradually decreases from the axial middle portion toward the distal end and the proximal end. As will be described in detail later, the distal tip 30 has an outer peripheral surface that is not parallel to the axial direction, but has two inclined surfaces (proximal taper portion 31 and distal taper portion 32) that are inclined relative to the axial direction. The proximal taper portion 31 and distal taper portion 32 greatly contribute to improving the operability of the saliva ejector 10. A part of the adhesive 40 protrudes from the gap 34, forming a tapered surface that is continuous with the proximal taper portion 31. The inner diameter of the distal tip 30 is small at the distal end, large at the proximal end, and is maximum at the proximal end.

[0027] The tip 30 is made of a material softer than the tube 11, and covers the tip of the tube 11 to prevent the tip from directly touching the oral tissue. In particular, the extension 33 of the tip tip 30 extending from the tip of the tube 11 easily elastically deforms, greatly reducing irritation to the oral tissue. The tip tip 30 is preferably made of rubber or elastomer that is softer than the tube 11 and easily elastically deforms. An example of the rubber or elastomer that constitutes the tip tip 30 is a styrene-based elastomer. The hardness of the material of the tip tip 30 measured by a durometer based on JIS K 6253 is, for example, 20A to 40A, preferably 20A to 30A, or 24A to 28A. The hardness of the tip tip 30 is preferably 50% or less of the hardness of the tube 11, and an example of a suitable range is 20% to 40%.

[0028] The configuration of the tip 30 will be described in detail below with further reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the saliva ejector 10 showing the tip 30 and its vicinity in an enlarged scale.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the extension 33 of the tip 30, which is the part extending from the tip of the tube 11, is sized to have an inner diameter D of the tube 11. 11 Length L exceeding 1 / 2 33 The length L of the extension 33 33 The inner diameter D is the length from the tip of the tube 11 to the tip of the tip 30 along the axial direction of the tube 11 and the tip tip 30. By providing such an extension 33, pain and discomfort felt by the patient can be effectively suppressed. 11 An example of the length L of the extension 33 is 3.5 mm to 4.5 mm. 33 In this embodiment, the length L of the extension 33 is 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm. 33 is the inner diameter D of tube 11 11 It's longer.

[0030] Length L of extension 33 33 Although there is no particular upper limit to the inner diameter D of the tube 11, from the viewpoint of improving the operability of the saliva ejector 10,11 The length L is preferably 3 times or less, and more preferably 2 times or less. 33 An example of a suitable range of the inner diameter D 11 The length L of the extension portion 33 is 1 / 2 to 2 times, or 2 / 3 to 1.5 times. 33 If the length L of the extension portion 33 is within this range, it is easy to realize good operability while suppressing pain and discomfort of the patient. 33 For example, the inner diameter D of the tube 11 11 The length L is longer than the outer diameter of the tube 11. 33 It is preferable that the length be 1 / 6 to 1 / 2 of the axial length of the tip 30 .

[0031] The extension 33 is formed thicker than the other parts of the tip 30, and the inner diameter of the extension 33 is smaller than the inner diameter of the other parts. 11 In this embodiment, this portion is the extension 33, and a step where the inner diameter changes abruptly is formed at the base end of the inner circumferential surface of the extension 33. The distal tip 30 is disposed so that the step on the inner circumferential surface follows the corner of the distal end of the tube 11, and the base end of the extension 33 abuts against the distal end surface of the tube 11.

[0032] As described above, the distal tip 30 has a proximal taper section 31 whose outer diameter gradually decreases from the axial intermediate section toward the proximal end. The distal tip 30 also has a distal taper section 32 whose outer diameter gradually decreases from the axial intermediate section toward the distal end. The outer diameter of the distal tip 30 is maximum at a boundary section 35 between the proximal taper section 31 and the distal taper section 32. The boundary section 35 between the two taper sections is formed between the proximal end of the distal tip 30 and the proximal end of the extension section 33, for example, at a position approximately equidistant from each proximal end. The distal taper section 32 is formed from the boundary section 35 to the distal end of the distal tip 30, and the outer diameter of the extension section 33 also gradually decreases toward the distal end. The distal taper section 32 is formed longer than the proximal taper section 31, for example, by the length of the extension section 33. In this case, it becomes easier to form the base end side of the distal tip 30 thick, and deformation (expansion of the outer diameter) on the base end side when the adhesive 40 is filled into the gap 34 can be suppressed.

[0033] By forming the proximal taper section 31 on the distal tip 30, a large step is not formed between the proximal end of the distal tip 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11, and the distal end of the saliva ejector 10 is effectively prevented from getting caught on oral tissue. This allows the saliva ejector 10 to have good operability and sufficiently prevents the patient from feeling pain or discomfort. The distal taper section 32 makes it easy to insert the distal tip 30 into narrow spaces such as between the cheek and gums, further improving the operability of the saliva ejector 10.

[0034] The outer peripheral surface of the distal tip 30 is inclined so as to be located closer to the central axis of the distal tip 30 as it moves away from the boundary 35 (maximum outer diameter portion) between the base end taper portion 31 and the tip end taper portion 32, and is a surface that is gently inclined with respect to the axial direction without unevenness or steps. In this embodiment, the inclination of the outer peripheral surface of the base end taper portion 31 with respect to the axial direction of the distal tip 30 is larger than the inclination of the outer peripheral surface of the tip end taper portion 32. The inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of each taper portion is, for example, 20° or less, and an example of a suitable range is 2° to 15°. If the inclination angle is within this range, good operability can be obtained. A specific example of the inclination angle of the base end taper portion 31 is 6° to 12°, and a specific example of the inclination angle of the tip end taper portion 32 is 2° to 5°.

[0035] The tip 30 has the same shape along the entire circumference. The inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of each tapered portion with respect to the axial direction of the tip 30 is approximately constant over the entire length. The outer peripheral surface of the tip 30 is gently curved at the boundary portion 35, and the inclination angle with respect to the axial direction changes gradually. The tip of the outer peripheral surface of the tip 30 is not angular, but is curved so as to be convex outward. This reduces irritation when the tip of the tip 30 touches oral tissue.

[0036] The inner diameter of the base end of the distal tip 30 gradually increases from the axial middle portion toward the base end. In this embodiment, the inner diameter gradually increases from the boundary portion 35 between the base end taper portion 31 and the distal end taper portion 32 toward the base end, and a gap 34 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the distal tip 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the base end taper portion 31 does not abut against the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11. The inner peripheral surface of the base end taper portion 31 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11 by adhesive 40. The outer diameter of the base end taper portion 31 gradually decreases from the boundary portion 35 to the base end, and the inner diameter gradually increases, resulting in a thin wall.

[0037] The inner peripheral surface of the distal tapered portion 32 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11 without any gaps, except for the extending portion 33. The inner diameter of the distal tapered portion 32 at the portion contacting the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11 is preferably slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 11. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the distal tapered portion 32 is more likely to adhere closely to the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11, and the attached state of the distal tip 30 becomes more stable. The extending portion 33 has an outer diameter that gradually decreases and an inner diameter that gradually increases toward the tip, but the degree of thinning is more gradual than that of the base end tapered portion 31.

[0038] The saliva ejector 10 has a first fixing part F1 where the inner diameter of the tip 30 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube 11 and the inner peripheral surface of the tip 30 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11, and a second fixing part F2 where the inner peripheral surface of the tip 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11 are joined by adhesive 40. By adopting a double fixing structure using the first fixing part F1 and the second fixing part F2, the tip 30 is firmly fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11, and falling off of the tip 30 can be more reliably prevented.

[0039] In the distal tip 30, a gap 34 is formed between the inner peripheral surface on the base end side and the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11, and the gap 34 is filled with the adhesive 40. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the base end side taper portion 31 gradually increases toward the base end, thereby forming the gap 34. The gap 34 may extend to the range of the distal end side taper portion 32, but preferably, the axial length (L1) of the portion of the inner peripheral surface of the distal tip 30 that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tube 11 (i.e., the first fixing portion F1) is approximately equal to the axial length (L2) of the portion where the gap 34 is formed (i.e., the second fixing portion F2). The ratio of the lengths (L1) and (L2) is, for example, 1.0:1.2 to 1.2:1.0. In this case, the attachment state of the distal tip 30 is more stable.

[0040] Gap 34 gradually widens toward the base end of distal tip 30 and is largest at the base end. Gap 34 is filled with adhesive 40 from the base end of distal tip 30. It is preferable that adhesive 40 is filled in the entire gap 34. The distal tip 30 is firmly fixed to the tube 11 by bonding the base end side of the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface of tube 11 with adhesive 40. Filling gap 34 with adhesive 40 can prevent adhesive 40 from adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the distal tip 30.

[0041] The adhesive 40 may be any adhesive that can fill the gap 34 and bond the tube 11 and the tip tip 30, and any conventionally known adhesive may be used for the adhesive 40. One example of a suitable adhesive 40 is a curing adhesive such as a UV curing adhesive. The UV curing adhesive is liquid before curing, so it is easy to fill the gap 34, and after filling the gap 34, it is quickly cured by irradiating it with ultraviolet light. The cured UV curing adhesive becomes harder than the tip tip 30, for example.

[0042] A portion of the adhesive 40 protrudes from the gap 34 and adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11. The adhesive 40 that protrudes from the gap 34 and hardens forms a convex portion on the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11 adjacent to the distal tip 30. This convex portion is formed in a ring shape over the entire circumferential length of the tube 11, and its surface is inclined so that the further away from the distal tip 30 it is, the closer it is to the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11. In other words, a tapered surface is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11 by a portion of the adhesive 40, the gradually decreasing diameter the further away from the distal tip 30 it is.

[0043] The tapered surface of the adhesive 40 is formed so as to be continuous with the outer circumferential surface of the base end taper section 31. This further reduces the step between the base end of the distal tip 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11, improving operability and more effectively suppressing pain and discomfort felt by the patient. The tapered surface of the adhesive 40 continuous with the base end taper section 31 may be flat or may be gently curved outward or inward.

[0044] The axial length of the tapered surface of the adhesive 40 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a length that does not interfere with the lateral hole 12 formed in the tube 11. In this embodiment, a space for forming the tapered surface of the adhesive 40 is secured between the base end of the distal tip 30 and the lateral hole 12. The tapered surface of the adhesive 40 can be formed by filling the gap 34 with an amount of adhesive 40 that is greater than the amount that fills the gap 34, causing a part of the adhesive 40 to overflow from the gap 34, and curing the adhesive 40 by irradiation with ultraviolet light or the like. The adhesive 40 not only fills the step between the distal tip 30 and the tube 11, but also adheres to the base end of the distal tip 30 to prevent the base end from turning over.

[0045] As described above, the saliva ejector 10 having the above-mentioned configuration has good operability and effectively suppresses pain and discomfort of the patient. The distal end of the tube 11 of the saliva ejector 10 is exteriorly fitted with the distal tip 30, which is more flexible than the tube 11, so that the distal end of the tube 11 does not directly contact the tissues in the oral cavity, greatly reducing irritation to the tissues in the oral cavity.

[0046] The distal tip 30 has a soft extension 33 extending from the distal end of the tube 11, which completely covers the distal end of the tube 11, effectively suppressing pain and discomfort felt by the patient. In addition, the proximal end of the distal tip 30 is formed with a proximal taper section 31 whose outer diameter gradually decreases as it approaches the proximal end, so that no large step is formed between the proximal end of the distal tip 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11 as in the case of a conventional saliva ejector.

[0047] Furthermore, a portion of the adhesive 40 protruding from the gap 34 forms a tapered surface on the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11, filling in the small step between the base end of the tip 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube 11. This more effectively prevents the tip 30 from getting caught on intraoral tissue when the saliva ejector 10 is pulled out of the oral cavity. Also, by forming a tip-side tapered section 32 at the tip of the tip 30, the outer diameter of which gradually decreases as it approaches the tip, it becomes easier to insert the tip of the saliva ejector 10 into narrow spaces such as between the cheek and gums, further improving operability.

[0048] The above embodiment may be modified as appropriate without impairing the object of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the connector 20 is attached to the proximal end of the tube 11, but the proximal end of the tube 11 may be fitted with another member instead of the connector 20, or a tube connected to a suction device may be inserted therein.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the boundary 35 between the two tapered portions is gently curved, but a surface along the axial direction of the tip tip may be formed between the two tapered portions. Also, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the tip tip may be gradually reduced only on the base end side toward the base end. That is, the tip tip may not have a tip side tapered portion, and the outer peripheral surface on the tip side may be formed along the axial direction.

[0050] The tapered surface formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tube, which tapers gradually with increasing distance from the base end of the distal tip, may be made of a different adhesive from the adhesive filled in the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the distal tip and the outer circumferential surface of the tube, or the tapered surface may be formed by processing the outer circumferential surface of the tube. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 10 saliva ejector, 11 tube, 12 horizontal hole, 20 connector, 21 locking portion, 22 unevenness, 30 distal tip, 31 base end taper portion, 32 distal end taper portion, 33 extension portion, 34 gap, 35 boundary portion, 40 adhesive, F1 first fixing portion, F2 second fixing portion

Claims

1. A flexible tube; A cylindrical tip attached to the tip of the tube; Equipped with The tip is The tube is made of a material that is softer than the tube, and the length of the tube that extends beyond the tip of the tube is more than half the inner diameter of the tube. a proximal end taper portion in which the outer diameter gradually decreases from an axial intermediate portion of the distal tip toward the proximal end; A first fixing portion in which an inner diameter of the tip is smaller than an outer diameter of the tube and an inner peripheral surface of the tip is in close contact with an outer peripheral surface of the tube; A second fixing portion in which an inner peripheral surface of the tip tip and an outer peripheral surface of the tube are joined by an adhesive; having A medical suction tube, wherein a ratio of axial lengths of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion is 1.0:1.2 to 1.2:1.

0.

2. A medical suction tube as described in claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a UV-curable adhesive.

3. A gap is formed between an inner circumferential surface of the second fixing portion and an outer circumferential surface of the tube, the gap gradually widening toward the base end of the distal tip, The medical suction tube according to claim 1 , wherein the adhesive is filled into the entire gap.

4. A portion of the adhesive protrudes from the gap and adheres to the outer circumferential surface of the tube, 4. The medical suction tube according to claim 3, wherein a tapered surface is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the tube by a portion of the adhesive, the diameter of which gradually decreases as the distance from the distal tip increases.

5. 5. The medical suction tube according to claim 1, wherein the distal tip has a distal tapered portion whose outer diameter gradually decreases from the axial intermediate portion toward the distal end.

6. 6. The medical suction tube according to claim 1, wherein the tube has a lateral hole formed at a position adjacent to the distal tip.

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