cap

Abstract

To provide a cap for preventing a liquid-state object flowed from a connector in priming, from adhering to a lock mechanism provided on the connector, and preventing the liquid-state object from scattering in a wide range in priming.SOLUTION: A cap 100 can be detachably attached to a connector 830 having a tubular part 831 from which a liquid-state object flows out. The cap is configured so that, when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid-state object flowed from the tubular part flows to an environment through the cap. The cap comprises: regulation walls 110, 115, 122, 125 for regulating flowing of the liquid-state object so that, when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid-state object flowed from the tubular part does not flow along a peripheral surface 833 of the tubular part; and a stop part 140 for being arranged on a shaft of the tubular part so as to be separated from the tubular part, so that, the liquid-state object flowed from the tubular part collides therewith, when the cap is attached to the connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap that is attached to a connector during priming. [Background technology]

[0002] Enteral nutrition and intravenous nutrition are known as methods for administering liquids, including nutrients and medicines, to patients who are no longer able to take food orally. In these methods, the liquids are stored in a container and flow from the container to the patient through a flow path. The flow path through which the liquids flow is generally made up of multiple flexible tubes connected in series. A connector consisting of a male connector and a female connector is used to connect the multiple tubes in sequence.

[0003] Prior to administering a liquid to a patient, a "priming" process is generally performed in which the tube through which the liquid flows is filled with the liquid. This is to prevent air in the tube from being injected into the patient. For example, when the flow path through which the liquid flows from a container to a patient is composed of two tubes, the liquid in the container is introduced into the container tube while the upstream tube (container tube) and the downstream tube (patient tube) are separated. When the liquid reaches a connector (container connector) provided at the downstream end of the container tube, the flow of the liquid is temporarily stopped. Then, the container connector is connected to the connector (patient connector) provided at the upstream end of the patient tube. The flow of the liquid is then resumed and the liquid is administered to the patient.

[0004] In order to prevent the container-side connector and the patient-side connector from being unintentionally separated while administering a liquid to a patient, the container-side connector and the patient-side connector are often provided with a locking mechanism for maintaining the connection between the two. In this case, during priming, the liquid introduced into the container-side tube may flow out of the container-side connector and adhere to the locking mechanism provided on the container-side connector. Since the locking mechanism has a complex shape or is provided in a location that is difficult to access, it is difficult to wipe off and remove the liquid that adheres to the locking mechanism. The liquid that adheres to the locking mechanism may interfere with the operation of the locking mechanism or cause the container-side connector to become unsanitary.

[0005] In addition, if the flow rate of the liquid is high during priming, the liquid introduced into the container-side tube may forcefully flow out (spurt out) from the container-side connector. The liquid spurting out from the container-side connector may splash over a wide area, soiling the area around the container-side connector.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a cap that is attached to a container-side connector (female connector) when priming a container-side tube for enteral nutrition. The cap is configured to reduce the amount of liquid remaining in the tubular part (female member) of the container-side connector after priming. Therefore, even if priming is performed with this cap attached to the container-side connector, there is a possibility that the liquid will adhere to the locking mechanism (spiral protrusion) provided on the container-side connector or the liquid will spurt out forcefully from the container-side connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] WO2016 / 158937A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention is intended to solve the above problems that occur during priming. A first object of the present invention is to prevent liquid that flows out of a connector during priming from adhering to a locking mechanism provided in the connector. A second object of the present invention is to prevent the liquid from scattering over a wide area during priming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The cap of the present invention is detachably attached to a connector having a hollow tubular portion through which a liquid flows out. The cap is configured so that when the cap is attached to the connector, the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion flows through the cap to the outside. The cap includes a regulating wall that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion does not flow along the outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion when the cap is attached to the connector, and a stopper that is disposed on the axis of the tubular portion and spaced from the tubular portion so that the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion collides with the stopper when the cap is attached to the connector. Effect of the Invention

[0010] By attaching the cap of the present invention to the connector during priming, liquid that leaks out of the connector can be prevented from adhering to the locking mechanism provided on the connector, and the liquid can be prevented from splashing over a wide area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of enteral nutrition to which the cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the female connector with a detachable cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a first cross section of the female connector of Fig. 2. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a second cross section of the female connector of Fig. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a male connector that can be connected to and separated from the female connector of FIG. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a first cross section of the male connector of Fig. 4. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along a second cross section of the male connector of Fig. 4. [Figure 6] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6B is a front view of the cap of Fig. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap of FIG. 6A. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a female connector equipped with a cap according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of enteral nutrition to which the cap according to the second embodiment of the present invention can be applied. [Figure 10] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap of Fig. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a male connector equipped with a cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of intravenous nutrition to which the cap according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a male connector with a detachable cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 13A. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is an exploded perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 13A. [Figure 14B] 14B is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of the male connector of FIG. 14A. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a female connector that can be connected to and separated from the male connector of FIG. 13A. [Figure 16] Fig. 16A is a perspective view of a cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap of Fig. 16A. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a male connector equipped with a cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 17A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the restriction wall may include a flange extending radially outward from the tubular portion. According to this aspect, the flange prevents liquid that has flowed out of the tubular portion from flowing toward the locking mechanism. This is advantageous in preventing liquid from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the connector.

[0013] In the above aspect, the stop portion may be spaced from the flange downstream in the flow direction of the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion. According to this aspect, the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion collides with the stop portion, and the flow velocity (momentum) of the liquid decreases. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming. The flange prevents the liquid that collides with the stop portion from flowing (or splashing) toward the locking mechanism. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the connector.

[0014] In the above aspect, the regulating wall may further include an outer circumferential tube disposed radially outward of the gap between the flange and the stopper so as to surround the gap. According to this aspect, the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion can be caused to collide with the outer circumferential tube after colliding with the stopper. The liquid colliding with the outer circumferential tube further reduces the flow rate of the liquid. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from scattering over a wide area during priming.

[0015] In the above-described aspect, the outer peripheral tube may have a cylindrical shape that is continuous in the circumferential direction. According to this aspect, the liquid can be reliably collided with the outer peripheral tube. This is further advantageous in preventing the liquid from scattering over a wide area during priming.

[0016] Alternatively, the outer tube may be provided with an opening penetrating the outer tube in the radial direction. According to this aspect, the liquid can be caused to flow out of the outer tube through the opening.

[0017] The stop portion may be disposed substantially along a plane along which the flange extends. According to this aspect, the structure of the cap is simplified, and the cap is easily manufactured. Also, the dimension of the cap along the axial direction (the longitudinal direction of the tubular portion) can be shortened, and the cap can be easily made compact.

[0018] The area of ​​the stopper portion may be 10% or more of the area of ​​the flow path at the tip of the tubular portion. This aspect is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

[0019] At least one opening may be provided between the stopper and the flange, through which liquid flowing out of the tubular section can pass. A circle concentric with the axis of the tubular section and circumscribing the at least one opening may have a diameter larger than an inner diameter of the opening at the tip of the tubular section. This aspect is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area while ensuring the discharge of the liquid during priming.

[0020] In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the restricting wall may include a connecting tube connectable to the tubular portion. According to this aspect, the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion continues to flow inside the connecting tube. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from adhering to a locking mechanism provided in the connector.

[0021] In the above aspect, the connecting tube may be configured to be able to be fitted into the tubular portion. When the tubular portion is a female member, by applying this aspect, it is easy to connect the female member and the connecting tube in a liquid-tight manner.

[0022] In the above aspect, the stopper may be disposed away from an opening of the connecting tube through which the liquid flows out. When the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion, the stopper may cover at least a portion of the opening of the connecting tube. According to this aspect, there is a high possibility that the liquid flowing out of the connecting tube will collide with the stopper. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

[0023] Alternatively, the connecting tube may be configured so that the tubular portion can be fitted into the connecting tube. According to this aspect, it is easy to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the connecting tube. This reduces the flow rate of the liquid flowing out of the connecting tube. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

[0024] In the above aspect, when the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion, the stopper may cover at least a part of the opening at the tip of the tubular portion. Preferably, the stopper may cover the opening of the connecting tube through which the liquid flows out. According to this aspect, there is a high possibility that the liquid flowing out of the connecting tube will collide with the stopper. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area during priming.

[0025] In one aspect of the cap of the present invention described above, the connector may be a first connector. The first connector may be connectable and disconnectable to a second connector. The first connector may include a locking mechanism that engages with the second connector so that the first connector is maintained connected to the second connector. The regulating wall may be configured so that when the cap is attached to the first connector, liquid that flows out from the tubular portion does not adhere to the locking mechanism of the first connector. This aspect is advantageous in preventing liquid that flows out from the first connector during priming from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the first connector.

[0026] In the above, the locking mechanism may be a helical projection provided on an outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion.

[0027] Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be a female thread surrounding the tubular portion.

[0028] Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be a protrusion or recess provided on the inner circumferential surface of a locking cylinder that surrounds the tubular portion.

[0029] The restricting wall may include a flange extending radially outward from the tubular portion and a protective tube extending from the flange toward the first connector. The protective tube may be configured such that the locking mechanism is housed within an inner cavity of the protective tube when the cap is attached to the first connector. This aspect is further advantageous in preventing liquid that flows out of the first connector during priming from adhering to the locking mechanism provided in the first connector.

[0030] The cap of the present invention may include a flange protruding radially outward from the tip of the protective tube. The flange functions as a regulating wall to prevent liquid matter flowing out from the tubular portion of the first connector from adhering to a locking mechanism provided in the first connector. Also, by gripping the flange, it becomes easier to attach and detach (particularly remove) the cap to and from the first connector.

[0031] The present invention will be described in detail below while showing preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Each drawing referred to in the following description shows a simplified view of the main components constituting the embodiment of the present invention for the convenience of explanation. Therefore, the present invention may include any components not shown in the following drawings. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, each component shown in the following drawings may be modified or omitted. The same reference numerals are used in different drawings to identify or represent the same or corresponding components. The description of such components is omitted in the following embodiments, and the description of the preceding embodiments should be taken into consideration as appropriate.

[0032] In the present invention, "axis" refers to the central axis of a member. The "axis" passes through the center of a circle contained in the member and / or coincides with the central axis of a cylinder contained in the member. The direction along a straight line perpendicular to the axis is called the "radial direction." In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis is called the "inner" side, and the side farther from the axis is called the "outer" side.

[0033] (Embodiment 1) In the first embodiment, a cap that can be attached to and detached from a connector used for enteral nutrition will be described.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of enteral nutrition. A liquid (e.g., a nutrient) to be administered to a patient is stored in a container 801. The liquid flows from the container 801 through a nutrition set 810 and a catheter 820 in this order, and is administered to the patient. The nutrition set 810 is composed of a flexible tube 811. A connector 813 that can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from a port 803 of the container 801 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 811, and a female connector 830 is provided at the downstream end of the tube 811. A drip tube 815 for visualizing the flow of the liquid, and a clamp 817 for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid are provided on the tube 811. The catheter 820 is composed of a flexible tube 821. The catheter 820 is inserted, for example, from the patient's nose, and its tip (not shown) reaches the digestive tract (e.g., the stomach). A male connector 850 that can be connected to and disconnected from the female connector 830 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 821.

[0035] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of female connector 830. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are cross-sectional perspective views taken along different sections of female connector 830. The cross sections of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are orthogonal to each other at the axis (not shown) of female connector 830.

[0036] The female connector 830 has a female member (tubular portion) 831 having a hollow cylindrical shape at one end. The female member 831 is coaxial with the axis of the female connector 830. The inner peripheral surface of the female member 831 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called female taper surface) 832 whose inner diameter increases toward the tip of the female member 831. The outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831 is provided with a helical projection (male thread) 834. In this embodiment, the helical projection 834 is a discontinuous thread with a divided thread, but may be a continuous thread with a continuous thread (general male thread).

[0037] Female connector 830 has a connecting pipe 837 at the end opposite to female member 831. Connecting pipe 837 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and is disposed coaxially with female member 831. Tube 811 (see FIG. 1) is inserted into connecting pipe 837 and fixed to connecting pipe 837 using an adhesive or the like (see FIG. 8B described later).

[0038] A pair of grip portions 838 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of base pipe 837 so as to protrude radially in opposite directions. Grip portions 838 make it easy for an operator to hold female connector 830 and apply a rotational force to female connector 830.

[0039] A flow path 836 extends along the axis of the female connector 830 and penetrates the female connector 830. The female member 831 and the base pipe 837 communicate with each other via the flow path 836. A flange 839 protrudes radially outward from a position between the female member 831 and the base pipe 837 in a flange-like shape. The flange 839 is a thin plate that has a circular shape when viewed along the axis of the female connector 830. The flange 839 prevents an operator's fingers from touching the outer circumferential surface 833 and the helical projection 834 of the female member 831 when the operator holds the base pipe 837 and the grip portion 838 with his / her fingers, thereby helping to maintain the hygienic condition of these.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of male connector 850. Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are cross-sectional perspective views taken along different cross sections of male connector 850. The cross sections of Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are orthogonal to each other at the axis (not shown) of male connector 850.

[0041] The male connector 850 has a male member (tubular portion) 851 having a hollow cylindrical shape at one end. The male member 851 is coaxial with the axis of the male connector 850. The outer peripheral surface of the male member 851 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called male taper surface) 852 whose outer diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the tip of the male member 851. The male member 851 has a tip taper surface 859 having a larger taper angle than the taper surface 852 on the tip side of the taper surface 852. The male connector 850 further has an outer tube 853 having a hollow cylindrical shape. The outer tube 853 is disposed coaxially with the male member 851 and surrounds the male member 851 while being spaced apart from the male member 851 in the radial direction. A female screw 854 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 853 facing the male member 851. The tip of the male member 851 (particularly the tip taper surface 859) protrudes in the axial direction from the outer tube 853.

[0042] The male connector 850 has a base pipe 857 at the end opposite to the male member 851. The base pipe 857 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is disposed coaxially with the male member 851. The tube 821 (see FIG. 1) is inserted into the base pipe 857 and fixed to the base pipe 857 using an adhesive or the like.

[0043] A pair of grip portions 858 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of base pipe 857 so as to protrude radially outward in opposite directions. Grip portions 858 make it easy for an operator to hold male connector 850 and apply a rotational force to male connector 850.

[0044] A flow passage 856 extends along the axis of the male connector 850 and passes through the male connector 850. Through the flow passage 856, the male member 851 and the base pipe 857 communicate with each other.

[0045] The female connector 830 and the female connector 850 are preferably made of a hard material, although there is no limitation thereto. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and hard polyvinyl chloride can be used. The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using these resin materials.

[0046] The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be connected by inserting the male member 851 into the female member 831 and screwing the helical projection 834 into the female screw 854. The tip of the male member 851 is provided with a tip tapered surface 859, and the tip tapered surface 859 protrudes beyond the tip of the outer tube 853, so that the male member 851 can be easily inserted into the female member 831. The female tapered surface 832 of the female member 831 and the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851 have the same diameter and taper angle, so that the two make liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fitting). The helical projection 834 and the female screw 854 screwed together form a locking mechanism for maintaining the connection between the female connector 830 and the male connector 850. As long as the helical projection 834 is screwed into the female thread 854, the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 will not be unintentionally separated even if a pulling force is applied between the feeding set 810 and the catheter 820. The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 can be separated by loosening the screw engagement between the helical projection 834 and the female thread 854. The female connector 830 can be repeatedly connected to and separated from the male connector 850.

[0047] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the cap 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6B is a front view of the cap 100. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap 100. The cross section of Fig. 7 includes an axis of the cap 100 (not shown).

[0048] 7, the cap 100 includes a connecting tube 110 having a hollow cylindrical shape and arranged coaxially with the axis of the cap 100. The outer peripheral surface of the connecting tube 110 is provided with a tapered surface (so-called male taper surface) 112 whose outer diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the tip of the connecting tube 110. The tapered surface 112 may have the same outer diameter and taper angle as the male taper surface 852 of the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B).

[0049] A flange 115 extends radially outward from one end in the longitudinal direction of the connecting tube 110. The flange 115 is generally a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) having a circular opening in the center.

[0050] An outer tube 120 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 115. The outer tube 120 has a hollow cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the connecting tube 110, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 110. The flange 115 is located at approximately the center of the entire axial length of the outer tube 120. A portion of the outer tube 120 on the connecting tube 110 side with respect to the flange 115 is called a protective tube 122, and a portion of the outer tube 120 on the opposite side of the connecting tube 110 with respect to the flange 115 is called an outer peripheral tube 125. The protective tube 122 is radially spaced from the connecting tube 110 and surrounds the connecting tube 110.

[0051] The cap 110 further includes a stop portion 140 in the inner cavity of the outer tube 125. The stop portion 140 has a generally circular disk shape when viewed along the axis of the cap 100. The outer diameter of the stop portion 140 is preferably approximately the same as or larger than the opening diameter of the connecting tube 110 on the flange 115 side (or the opening diameter of the flange 115). Therefore, when viewed along the axis of the cap 100, the stop portion 140 covers the opening of the connecting tube 110 (or the opening of the flange 115) (see FIG. 6B). The surface of the stop portion 140 on the connecting tube 110 (or flange 115) side is a concave curved surface 141 whose center (the point where the axes intersect) is recessed away from the connecting tube 110 (or flange 115).

[0052] The stop portion 140 is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 110 and spaced apart from the flange 115 (or the connecting tube 110) in the axial direction. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) supports 145 arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the axis of the cap 100 support the stop portion 140. Each support 145 is a substantially rectangular thin plate parallel to both the axis and the radial direction of the cap 100, and is held by the outer peripheral tube 125 and the flange 115. An opening 143 is provided between the stop portion 140 and the flange 115 (or the connecting tube 110) and between the supports 145 adjacent in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral tube 125 faces the opening 143 in the radial direction. The outer peripheral tube 125 is arranged radially outward of a gap 147 between the flange 115 (or the connecting tube 110) and the stop portion 140 so as to surround the gap 147. The inner cavity of the connecting tube 110 communicates with the outside of the cap 100 via the gap 147, the opening 143, and the inner cavity of the outer tube 125 in this order.

[0053] The support 145 may have any configuration as long as it can hold the stopper 140 at a desired position. For example, the support 145 may be connected to only one of the outer circumferential tube 125 and the flange 115. The support 145 does not need to be a substantially rectangular thin plate, and may be, for example, an elongated plate or rod (columnar body). The support 145, which is an elongated plate or rod, may extend along the radial direction, parallel to the axis, or inclined with respect to both the radial direction and the axial direction.

[0054] The material of the cap 100 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by external forces. For example, resin materials such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyamide, polyethylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, and ABS (acrylic-butadiene-styrene copolymer) can be used, and among them, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and ABS are preferable. The cap 100 can be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using the above resin materials.

[0055] A method of using the cap 100 will be described below. The cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830 (see FIG. 1) when performing priming, which is performed prior to administration of a liquid (for example, a nutrient) to a patient by enteral nutrition.

[0056] Priming is generally performed according to the following procedure. In Fig. 1, the connector 813 of the nutrition set 810 is connected to the port 803 of the container 801. At this time, the clamp 817 of the nutrition set 810 is closed. The container 801 is hung, for example, on an irrigator stand. A liquid (e.g., nutrients) is injected into the container 801. The catheter 820 is inserted from the patient's nasal cavity, and its tip (not shown) reaches the digestive tract (e.g., the stomach). The female connector 830 and the male connector 850 are not connected. In this state, the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830.

[0057] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a female connector 830 fitted with a cap 100. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8A.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 8B, the connecting tube 110 is fitted into the female member 831. The male taper surface 112 of the connecting tube 110 and the female taper surface 832 of the female member 831 have the same diameter and taper angle, so they make liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fit). The cap 100 is firmly fixed and held coaxially in the female connector 830 by the frictional force between the male taper surface 112 and the female taper surface 832. The tube 811 of the nutrition set 810, the flow path 836 of the female connector 830, and the connecting tube 110 are sequentially connected to each other.

[0059] The female member 831 is inserted into the gap between the protective tube 122 (outer tube 120) of the cap 100 and the connecting tube 110. The tip of the protective tube 122 (the part farthest from the flange 115) faces and is close to (or abuts) the flange 839 of the female connector 830 in the axial direction. The outer circumferential surface 833 and the helical projection 834 of the female member 831 are housed within the protective tube 122.

[0060] In this state, the clamp 817 (see FIG. 1) of the nutrition set 810 is opened. The liquid in the container 801 flows through the tube 811 due to gravity. The liquid pushes the air in the tube 811 out through the female member 831 and the connecting tube 110 to the outside world. The tube 811 is gradually filled with the liquid. Then, when the liquid reaches the female member 831 (or the connecting tube 110), the clamp 817 is closed. The cap 100 is separated from the female connector 830. The female connector 830 is connected to the male connector 850. The clamp 817 is then opened, and the liquid is administered to the patient via the catheter 820.

[0061] As described above, the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830 provided at the downstream end of the nutrition set 810 when priming is performed to fill the flow path in the nutrition set 810 with liquid. When priming is completed, the cap 100 is removed from the female connector 830.

[0062] In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 817 so that the flow of the liquid stops when the liquid reaches the female member 831. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 817, a situation may occur in which the liquid flows out of the female member 831 into the outside world.

[0063] Unlike the first embodiment, if priming is performed without attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830 (see FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B), the liquid may flow out from the female member 831, causing the following problems.

[0064] First, the liquid adheres to the lock mechanism (spiral projection 834) provided in the female connector 830. That is, the liquid flowing out from the female member 831 flows along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831, and the liquid adheres to the outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral projection 834. Since the spiral projection 834 has a complex shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid adhered to the spiral projection 834. If the female connector 830 is connected to the male connector 850 (see FIG. 4, FIG. 5A, and FIG. 5B) with the liquid adhered to the spiral projection 834, the liquid hinders the screwing of the spiral projection 834 with the female thread 854 of the male connector 850. In addition, the liquid adhered to the spiral projection 834 deteriorates the sanitary condition of the female connector 830. Furthermore, the liquid may transfer from the spiral projection 834 to the female thread 854 of the male connector 850. Since the gap 855 between the male member 851 and the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 is narrow and the female thread 854 has a complex shape, it is difficult to wipe off liquid matter adhering to the female thread 854 (particularly its thread groove). The male connector 850 may be left in the patient together with the catheter 820 for a long period of time. The liquid matter adhering to the female thread 854 may cause the male connector 850 to become unsanitary.

[0065] Secondly, the liquid may stain the area around the female connector 830. Depending on the opening of the clamp 817, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the tube 811 may be fast, and the liquid may spurt out forcefully from the female member 831. The liquid may splash far away from the female member 831 and over a wide area, soiling the clothes and linens of the patient or worker.

[0066] The above problem can be solved by performing priming while the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B), as will be described below.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8B, when the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830, the connecting tube 110 is connected to the female member 831. The flange 115 extends radially outward from the open end of the connecting tube 110, and the outer peripheral tube 125 extends from the outer peripheral end of the flange 115 toward the opposite side to the connecting tube 110 (or the female connector 830). For this reason, the liquid flows from the flow path 836 of the female connector 830 into the connecting tube 110, passes through the opening 143, flows along the flange 115 and the outer peripheral tube 125 (particularly their inner peripheral surfaces), and flows out to the outside of the cap 100. That is, the connecting tube 110, the flange 115, and the outer peripheral tube 125 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the female member 831 does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831. After reaching the tip of the outer peripheral tube 125, the liquid may flow toward the female connector 830 along the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral tube 125 depending on the orientation of the female connector 830 and the cap 100. In this case, the protective tube 122 connected to the outer peripheral tube 125 functions as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 833 of the female member 831. For this reason, in the first embodiment, there is almost no possibility that the liquid will adhere to the outer peripheral surface 833 or the spiral projection 834. Even if the cap 100 is removed from the female connector 830 after priming and the female connector 830 is connected to the male connector 850 (see Figures 4, 5A, and 5B) without wiping and cleaning the outer peripheral surface 833 and the spiral projection 834, the spiral projection 834 can be reliably screwed into the female thread 854. In addition, the liquid does not transfer to the female thread 854 of the male connector 850. It is possible to maintain good sanitary conditions for a long period of time for the female connector 830 and the male connector 850. In addition, it is possible to omit or simplify the task of wiping off and cleaning the liquid from the female connector 830 after completing priming and removing the cap 100 from the female connector 830. Therefore, the priming task as a whole can be performed simply and in a short time, reducing the burden on the worker.

[0068] When the flow rate of the liquid during priming is high, the liquid spurts out from the connecting tube 110 with force. After spurting out from the connecting tube 110, the liquid collides with the concave curved surface 141 of the stopper 140 arranged on the axis of the female member 831 (or the connecting tube 110) at a distance from the female member 831 and the connecting tube 110. The liquid flows outward in the radial direction from the opening 143 and collides with the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral tube 125. After that, the liquid flows along the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral tube 125 and flows out to the outside. In this way, the stopper 140 weakens the momentum (flow rate) of the liquid spurted out from the connecting tube 110. The inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral tube 125 further weakens the momentum (flow rate) of the liquid flowing out through the opening 143. Therefore, the flow of the liquid flowing out from the outer peripheral tube 125 to the outside of the cap 100 becomes gentle. The liquid will not splash over a wide area far from the cap 100. The concave curved surface 141 of the stopper 140 tilts the flow direction of the liquid after it collides with the stopper 140 slightly toward the flange 115. Therefore, the liquid flowing out from the opening 143 will surely collide with the flange 115 or the outer tube 125. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area from the cap 100.

[0069] When cap 100 is attached to female connector 830, connecting tube 110 is inserted into female member 831. Because the flow path cross-sectional area in connecting tube 110 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area in female member 831, the flow rate of the liquid is faster in connecting tube 110 than in female member 831. For this reason, when cap 100 is attached to female connector 830, the liquid spurts out from connecting tube 110 with greater force. However, cap 100 can prevent the liquid from spurting out with force and soiling the surroundings as described above.

[0070] By attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830, the female member 831 and the helical projection 834 (lock mechanism) of the female connector 830 are housed within the cap 100. More specifically, the connecting tube 110 covers the female taper surface 832 of the female member 831, and the flange 115 and the protective tube 122 cover the tip, outer circumferential surface, and helical projection 834 of the female member 831. Furthermore, the stopper 140 makes it difficult to access the flow path 836 of the female connector 830. Therefore, by attaching the cap 100 to the female connector 830, it is possible to prevent the main parts of the female connector 830, such as the female member 831, the helical projection 834, and the flow path 836, from being contaminated by contact with the fingers of an operator or the like.

[0071] The first embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0072] The connecting tube 110 of the cap 100 may be connected to the female member 831. In this embodiment, the connecting tube 110 is fitted into the female member 831. However, the connection structure between the connecting tube 110 and the female member 831 is not limited to this. For example, the female member 831 may be fitted into the connecting tube 110 as in the second and third embodiments described later. Alternatively, the connecting tube 110 may be connected to the female member 831 by the tip of the connecting tube 110 abutting against the tip of the female member 831 in the axial direction. It is preferable that the connecting tube 110 is liquid-tightly connected to the female member 831. However, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks out from between the connecting tube 110 and the female member 831 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal between them in the strict sense. For example, even if a small gap exists between the connecting tube 110 and the female member 831 like a labyrinth seal, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks through the gap.

[0073] In the first embodiment, a "control wall" that controls the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the female member 831 is formed by the connecting tube 110, the flange 115, the outer peripheral tube 125, and the protective tube 122. However, the configuration of the control wall is not limited to this.

[0074] For example, the cap 100 may not include one or both of the outer peripheral tube 125 and the protective tube 122. Even in this case, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out from the female member 831 will adhere to the spiral projection 834.

[0075] Alternatively, the cap 100 does not need to include the connecting tube 110. For example, if a female thread that screws into the helical projection 834 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the protective tube 122, the cap 100 can be firmly fixed to the female connector 830 even without the connecting tube 110. The flange 115 is abutted against the tip of the female member 831 in the axial direction. In this case as well, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid that flows out from the female member 831 will adhere to the helical projection 834.

[0076] Alternatively, the cap 100 may not include the flange 115, the outer peripheral tube 125, and the protective tube 122. For example, the connecting tube 110 is elongated so as to protrude from the female member 831. A stop portion (for example, the stop portion 140 in the first embodiment) is provided at the tip of the connecting tube 110, spaced apart in the axial direction from the tip of the connecting tube 110. In this case as well, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out from the female member 831 will adhere to the spiral projection 834.

[0077] When the cap 100 is attached to the female connector 830 , the flange 839 of the female connector 830 may be housed within the protective tube 122 .

[0078] The configuration of the stop portion 140 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0079] For example, the surface of the stopper portion 140 facing the connecting tube 110 (or the flange 115) does not need to be the concave curved surface 141, but may be a flat surface or a convex curved surface, or the like.

[0080] Instead of the stop portion 140, the outer tube 125, and the support 145, the stop portion 240 and the outer tube 225 of the second embodiment described later may be applied to the cap 100. Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 140, the outer tube 125, and the support 145, the stop portion 340 arranged along approximately the same plane as the flange 315 of the third embodiment described later may be applied to the cap 100.

[0081] (Embodiment 2) FIG. 9 shows another example of the configuration of enteral nutrition. FIG. 9 differs from FIG. 1 in that the female connector 830 and the male connector 850 are interchanged. In enteral nutrition, a connector consisting of a female connector 830 and a male connector 850 is generally provided so that the female connector 830 is on the upstream side and the male connector 850 is on the downstream side, as shown in FIG. 1. However, as shown in FIG. 9, there may be cases where the male connector 850 is on the upstream side and the female connector 830 is on the downstream side. The cap 200 of this embodiment 2 is detachable from the male connector 850 of FIG. 9.

[0082] Figure 10A is a perspective view of cap 200, and Figure 10B is a cross-sectional perspective view of cap 200. The cross-section of Figure 10B includes an axis of cap 200 (not shown).

[0083] Cap 200 includes connecting tube 210 having a hollow cylindrical shape and disposed coaxially with the axis of cap 200. An inner peripheral surface of connecting tube 210 is provided with tapered surface (so-called female taper surface) 212 whose inner diameter becomes larger toward the tip of connecting tube 210. Tapered surface 212 may have the same inner diameter and taper angle as female taper surface 832 of female connector 830 (see FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B).

[0084] A flange 215 extends radially outward from one end in the longitudinal direction of the connecting tube 210. The flange 215 is generally a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) having a circular opening in the center.

[0085] An outer peripheral tube 225 is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. The outer peripheral tube 225 has a hollow cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the connecting tube 210, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 210. The outer peripheral tube 225 extends from the flange 215 toward the opposite side to the connecting tube 210. Unlike the outer peripheral tube 125 of the first embodiment, the outer peripheral tube 225 is provided with a plurality of openings 228 (six in this embodiment) penetrating the outer peripheral tube 225 in the radial direction. The plurality of openings 228 are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0086] The cap 210 further includes a stop portion 240 in the inner cavity of the outer tube 225. Unlike the stop portion 140 of the first embodiment, the stop portion 240 has a convex curved surface 241 protruding toward the connecting tube 210 (or the flange 215). The convex curved surface 241 has a substantially conical shape (or a substantially cone shape). The stop portion 240 further includes a flange 242 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral end (the portion furthest from the connecting tube 210) of the convex curved surface 241. The flange 242 annularly surrounds the circular outer peripheral end of the convex curved surface 241. The surface of the stop portion 240 facing the connecting tube 210 and the flange 215 is composed of the convex curved surface 241 and the flange 242, which are smoothly connected. The stop portion 240 is supported by the outer tube 225. More specifically, the flange 242 of the stopper 240 is connected to the tip of the outer tube 225 (the point farthest from the flange 215). The stopper 240 is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 210, with the apex of the convex curved surface 241 facing the connecting tube 210, and spaced apart in the axial direction from the flange 215 (or the connecting tube 210). The outer diameter of the stopper 240 (i.e., the outer diameter of the flange 242) seen along the axis of the cap 200 is larger than the opening diameter of the connecting tube 210 on the flange 215 side (or the opening diameter of the flange 215), and is approximately the same as the outer diameters of the flange 215 and the outer tube 225. Therefore, although not shown, when seen along the axis of the cap 200, the stopper 240 covers the opening of the connecting tube 210 (or the opening of the flange 215).

[0087] An outer peripheral tube 225 is disposed radially outward of a gap 247 between the flange 215 (or the connecting tube 210) and the stopper 240 so as to surround the gap 247. The inner cavity of the connecting tube 210 communicates with the outside of the cap 200 via the gap 247 and the opening 228 in this order.

[0088] The material of the cap 200 is not limited, but is preferably a hard material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force. For example, the same resin material as that of the cap 100 of the first embodiment may be used. The cap 200 can be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using the resin material.

[0089] A method of using the cap 200 will be described. As with the cap 100 of the first embodiment, the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850 (see FIG. 9) when priming is performed prior to administering a liquid (e.g., a nutrient) to a patient through enteral nutrition.

[0090] Priming is generally performed according to the following procedure. In Fig. 9, the connector 813 of the nutrition set 810 is connected to the port 803 of the container 801. At this time, the clamp 817 of the nutrition set 810 is closed. The container 801 is hung, for example, on an irrigator stand. A liquid (e.g., nutrients) is injected into the container 801. The catheter 820 is inserted from the patient's nasal cavity, and its tip (not shown) reaches the digestive tract (e.g., the stomach). The male connector 850 and the female connector 830 are not connected. In this state, the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850.

[0091] Fig. 11A is a perspective view of male connector 850 fitted with cap 200. Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 11A.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 11B, the male member 851 is fitted into the connecting tube 210. The tip of the male member 851 is provided with a tip tapered surface 859, and the tip tapered surface 859 protrudes beyond the tip of the outer tube 853, so that the male member 851 can be easily inserted into the connecting tube 210. The female tapered surface 212 of the connecting tube 210 and the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851 have the same diameter and taper angle, so that they make liquid-tight surface contact (so-called taper fitting). The cap 200 is firmly fixed and held coaxially to the male connector 850 by the frictional force between the female tapered surface 212 and the male tapered surface 852. The tube 811 of the nutrition set 810, the flow path 856 of the male connector 850, and the connecting tube 210 are sequentially connected.

[0093] The connecting tube 210 is inserted into a gap 855 between a male member 851 of the male connector 850 and an outer tube 853. The flange 215 faces and approaches (or abuts) the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the flange 215 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer tube 853. Therefore, the outer peripheral end of the flange 215 forms a cylindrical surface that is approximately common with the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 853. The gap 855 of the male connector 850 is substantially filled by the connecting tube 210 and the flange 215 of the cap 200.

[0094] In this state, the clamp 817 (see FIG. 9) of the nutrition set 810 is opened. The liquid in the container 801 flows through the tube 811 due to gravity. The liquid pushes the air in the tube 811 out to the outside world through the male member 851 and the connecting tube 210. The tube 811 is gradually filled with the liquid. Then, when the liquid reaches the male member 851 (or the connecting tube 210), the clamp 817 is closed. The cap 200 is separated from the male connector 850. The male connector 850 is connected to the female connector 830. The clamp 817 is then opened, and the liquid is administered to the patient via the catheter 820.

[0095] As described above, the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850 provided at the downstream end of the nutrition set 810 when priming is performed to fill the flow path in the nutrition set 810 with liquid. When priming is completed, the cap 200 is removed from the male connector 850.

[0096] In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 817 so that the flow of the liquid stops when the liquid reaches the male member 851. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 817, a situation may occur in which the liquid flows out of the male member 851 into the outside world.

[0097] Unlike the second embodiment, if priming is performed without attaching the cap 200 to the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B), the liquid may flow out from the male member 851, causing the following problems.

[0098] First, the liquid adheres to the lock mechanism (female thread 854) provided in the male connector 850. That is, the liquid flowing out from the male member 851 flows along the outer peripheral surface 852 of the male member 851, flows into the gap 855 between the male member 851 and the outer tube 853, and a part of it adheres to the female thread 854. Since the gap 855 is narrow and the female thread 854 has a complex shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid adhered to the female thread 854 (especially its thread groove). If the male connector 850 is connected to the female connector 830 (see Figures 2, 3A, and 3B) with the liquid adhered to the female thread 854, the liquid hinders the female thread 854 from being screwed into the helical projection 834. In addition, the male connector 850 may be left in the patient together with the catheter 820 for a long period of time. Therefore, liquid adhering to the female thread 854 may cause the male connector 850 to become unsanitary.

[0099] Secondly, the liquid may stain the area around the male connector 850. Depending on the opening of the clamp 817, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the tube 811 may be fast, and the liquid may spurt out forcefully from the male member 851. The liquid may splash far away from the male member 851 and over a wide area, soiling the clothes and linens of the patient or worker.

[0100] The above problem can be solved by performing priming while the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850 (see FIGS. 11A and 11B), as will be described below.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 11B, when the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the connecting tube 210 is connected to the male member 851. A flange 215 extends radially outward from the open end of the connecting tube 210. Therefore, the liquid flows from the flow path 856 of the male connector 850 into the connecting tube 210, flows along the flange 215, and flows out to the outside of the cap 200 through the opening 228. That is, the connecting tube 210 and the flange 215 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the male member 851 does not flow along the outer circumferential surface 852 of the male member 851. After leaving the opening 228, the liquid may flow on the cap 200 toward the male connector 850 depending on the orientation of the male connector 850 and the cap 200. However, the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 faces and approaches (or abuts) the outer circumferential end of the flange 215 in the axial direction. Therefore, in the second embodiment, there is almost no possibility that the liquid will adhere to the female thread 854. After priming, even if the cap 200 is removed from the male connector 850 and the male connector 850 is connected to the female connector 830 (see FIG. 2, FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B) without wiping and cleaning the inside of the gap 855 (particularly the female thread 854), the helical projection 834 of the female connector 830 can be reliably screwed into the female thread 854. In addition, the liquid will not transfer to the helical projection 834. The sanitary condition of the male connector 850 and the female connector 830 can be maintained well for a long period of time. In addition, after completing priming and removing the cap 200 from the male connector 850, the work of wiping and cleaning the liquid from the male connector 850 can be omitted or simplified. Therefore, the priming work can be performed simply and in a short time as a whole, and the burden on the worker is reduced.

[0102] When the flow rate of the liquid material during priming is high, the liquid material gushes out vigorously from the male member 851. After the liquid material jets out from the male member 851, it collides with the convex surface 241 of the stop portion 240 disposed apart from the male member 851 and the connection cylinder 210 on the axis of the male member 851 (or the connection cylinder 210). The liquid material flows radially outward along the convex surface 241 and the flange 242. Then, it flows out to the outside of the cap 200 through the opening 228 provided in the outer peripheral cylinder 225. In this way, the stop portion 240 weakens the momentum (flow rate) of the liquid material ejected from the male member 851 (or the connection cylinder 210). Therefore, the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the opening 228 to the outside of the cap 200 becomes gentle. The liquid material does not scatter widely far from the cap 200. Since the surface of the stop portion 240 facing the connection cylinder 210 (male member 851) is provided with the flange 242 around the convex surface 241, the momentum of the liquid material is further weakened when shifting from the convex surface 241 to the flange 242. Also, a part of the liquid material flowing along the stop portion 240 collides with the inner surface of the outer peripheral cylinder 225 and changes its flow direction, and then flows out from the opening 228. For this reason, the momentum of the liquid material flowing out from the opening 228 is further weakened. In this way, the flange 242 and the outer peripheral cylinder 225 are advantageous for preventing the liquid material from scattering widely from the cap 200.

[0103] When the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the connection cylinder 210 fits onto the outer peripheral surface 852 of the male member 851. Even when the cap 200 is attached to the male connector 850, the cross-sectional area of the flow path 856 in the male member 851 does not change, and thus the flow rate of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 does not change either. This is advantageous for preventing the liquid material from scattering widely.

[0104] By mounting the cap 200 on the male connector 850, the male member 851 and the female screw 854 (lock mechanism) of the male connector 850 are housed within the cap 200. More specifically, the connecting tube 210 covers the male tapered surface 852 of the male member 851, and the flange 215 closes the opening at the tip of the outer tube 853. Furthermore, the stopper 240 makes it difficult to access the tip of the male member 851 and the flow path 856 of the male connector 850. Therefore, by mounting the cap 200 on the male connector 850, it is possible to prevent the main parts of the male connector 850, such as the male member 851, the female screw 854, and the flow path 856, from being contaminated by contact with the fingers of an operator or the like.

[0105] The present embodiment 2 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment 2, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0106] The connecting tube 210 of the cap 200 may be connected to the male member 851. In this embodiment, the male member 851 is fitted into the connecting tube 210. However, the connection structure between the connecting tube 210 and the male member 851 is not limited to this. For example, the connecting tube 210 may be fitted into the male member 851 as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the connecting tube 210 may be connected to the male member 851 by the tip of the connecting tube 210 abutting against the tip of the male member 851 in the axial direction. It is preferable that the connecting tube 210 is liquid-tightly connected to the male member 851. However, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks out from between the connecting tube 210 and the male member 851 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal between them in the strict sense. For example, even if there is a small gap between the connecting tube 210 and the male member 851 like a labyrinth seal, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks through the gap.

[0107] In the second embodiment, a "control wall" that controls the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 851 is formed by the connection tube 210 and the flange 215. However, the configuration of the control wall is not limited to this.

[0108] For example, the cap 200 may not have the connecting tube 210. For example, a protective tube similar to the protective tube 322 of the third embodiment described later is provided at the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. If the outer tube 853 of the male connector 850 is fitted into the protective tube, the cap 200 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 850 even without the connecting tube 210. Alternatively, instead of the connecting tube 210, a hollow tube provided with a male thread that screws into the female thread 854 is provided on the flange 215. If the male thread is screwed into the female thread 854, the cap 200 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 850. In either case, the flange 215 is abutted against the tip of the male member 851 in the axial direction. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out from the male member 851 will adhere to the female thread 854.

[0109] Alternatively, the cap 200 does not need to include the flange 215. For example, the connecting tube 210 is elongated so as to protrude from the male member 851. A stop portion (for example, the stop portion 140 in the first embodiment) is provided at the tip of the connecting tube 210, axially spaced from the tip of the connecting tube 210. In this case as well, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out from the male member 851 will adhere to the female thread 854.

[0110] A protective tube similar to a protective tube 322 of the third embodiment described later may be provided on the outer peripheral end of the flange 215. An outer tube 853 provided with a female thread 854 (lock mechanism) is housed in the protective tube. In this case, the protective tube can function as a "regulating wall."

[0111] The configuration of the stop portion 240 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0112] For example, the surface of the stopper portion 240 facing the connecting tube 210 (or the flange 215, the male member 851) does not need to be the convex curved surface 241, and may be a flat surface or a concave curved surface, or the like.

[0113] Instead of the stop portion 240 and the peripheral tube 225, the stop portion 140 and the support 145 of the first embodiment may be applied to the cap 200. Furthermore, the peripheral tube 125 of the first embodiment may be provided on the flange 215. In this case, the peripheral tube 125 can function as a "control wall."

[0114] Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 240 and the outer peripheral tube 225, a stop portion 340 arranged along approximately the same plane as the flange 315 in the third embodiment described below may be applied to the cap 200.

[0115] (Embodiment 3) In the third embodiment, a detachable cap for a connector used for intravenous nutrition (or infusion) will be described.

[0116] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of intravenous nutrition. A liquid (for example, an infusion agent containing electrolytes in water) to be administered to a patient is stored in a container (infusion bag) 901. The liquid flows from the container 901 through an infusion set 910 and an extension tube 920 in this order, and is administered to a patient. The infusion set 910 is composed of a flexible tube 911. A connector (puncture needle) 913 that can be repeatedly connected to and disconnected from a port (rubber plug) 903 of the container 901 is provided at the upstream end of the tube 911, and a male lure 919 is provided at the downstream end of the tube 911. A male connector 950 is connected to the male lure 919. A drip tube 915 for visualizing the flow of the liquid and a clamp 917 for adjusting the flow rate of the liquid are provided on the tube 911 of the infusion set 910. The extension tube 920 is composed of a flexible tube 921. The upstream end of tube 921 is provided with female connector 930 that can be connected to and disconnected from male connector 950. The downstream end of tube 921 is provided with indwelling needle device 925. Indwelling needle device 925 is left in the patient by inserting it into the patient's vein.

[0117] Fig. 13A is a perspective view of male connector 950 as viewed from below (the side to which female connector 930 is connected). Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional perspective view of Fig. 13A. Fig. 14A is an exploded perspective view of male connector 950 as viewed from below, and Fig. 14B is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view of Fig. 14A. The cross sections of Fig. 13B and Fig. 14B include the axis of male connector 950 (not shown).

[0118] The male connector 950 includes a connector body 960 and a lock body 970 .

[0119] The connector body 960 has an elongated hollow cylindrical shape as a whole. The connector body 960 has a male member (tubular portion) 961 at one end and a base tube 967 at the other end, which are arranged coaxially. The male member 961 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and its outer circumferential surface is provided with a tapered surface (so-called male taper surface) 962 whose outer diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the tip of the male member 961. The base tube 967 also has a hollow cylindrical shape, and its inner circumferential surface is provided with a tapered surface (so-called female taper surface) 968 whose inner diameter becomes larger as it approaches the tip of the base tube 967. A male luer 919 (see FIG. 12) is inserted into the base tube 967. The tip of the male luer 919 is provided with a male taper surface (not shown) that can be tapered and fitted with the female taper surface 968.

[0120] A groove 963 extending in the circumferential direction of the connector body 960 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the connector body 960 between the male member 961 and the base pipe 967. Two ribs 964 extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector body 960 intersect the groove 963. The groove 963 is divided into two in the circumferential direction by the two ribs 964.

[0121] A flow passage 966 extends along the axis (longitudinal direction) of the connector body 960 and penetrates the connector body 960. Through the flow passage 966, the male member 961 and the base pipe 967 communicate with each other.

[0122] The lock body 970 has a lock tube 971 at one end and a support tube 975 at the other end. The lock tube 971 and the support tube 975 both have a hollow cylindrical shape and are arranged coaxially. The lock tube 971 has a larger diameter than the support tube 975. The inner peripheral surface of the lock tube 971 is provided with two lock protrusions 974 (only one lock protrusion 974 is visible in Figs. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B) protruding radially inward. The inner peripheral surface of the support tube 975 is provided with four locking protrusions 976 (only two locking protrusions 976 are visible in Fig. 14B) protruding radially inward. A pair of grip portions 978 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support tube 975 so as to protrude radially outward toward opposite sides to each other. The grip portions 978 make it easy for an operator to grip the lock body 970 and apply a rotational force to the lock body 970.

[0123] 14A, the connector body 960 is inserted into the lock body 970 with the male member 961 facing the support tube 975. The locking projection 976 of the lock body 970 fits into the groove 963 of the connector body 960, thereby positioning the connector body 960 in the axial direction with respect to the lock body 970. The locking projection 976 of the lock body 970 hits the rib 963 of the connector body 960 in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the rotation of the connector body 960 about the axis with respect to the lock body 970. The connector body 960 is arranged coaxially with the lock body 970.

[0124] The connector body 960 and the lock body 970 are preferably made of a hard material, although there is no limitation thereto. Specifically, resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and hard polyvinyl chloride can be used. The connector body 960 and the lock body 970 can be integrally manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using these resin materials.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of female connector 930 (see FIG. 12). Female connector 930 has a circular top plate 935 with a circular opening 936 at the center. Septum 931 is exposed in opening 936. Septum 931 is a circular thin plate made of an elastic material such as rubber and has a larger diameter than opening 936. A linear slit (notch) 932 is formed in the center of septum 931, penetrating septum 931 in the thickness direction. In the initial state, slit 932 is closed liquid-tight and air-tight. Two grooves 934 in a substantially "J" shape (only one groove 934 is visible in FIG. 15) are provided on the outer circumferential surface of female connector 930.

[0126] Although not shown, when the male connector 950 is connected to the female connector 930, the male member 961 is inserted into the opening 936. The male member 961 deforms the septum 931 and is inserted into the slit 932 of the septum 931. The male connector 950 (particularly its flow path 966) is communicated with the female connector 930. The locking protrusion 974 of the male connector 950 is engaged with the groove 934 of the female connector 930. The locking protrusion 974 and the groove 934 that engage with each other constitute a locking mechanism for maintaining the connection state between the male connector 950 and the female connector 930. As long as the locking protrusion 974 is engaged with the groove 934, the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 will not be unintentionally separated even if a tensile force is applied between the infusion set 910 and the extension tube 920. The male connector 950 and the female connector 930 can be separated by removing the locking protrusion 974 from the groove 934. When the male member 961 is pulled out of the septum 931, the septum 931 immediately returns to its initial state, and the slit 932 is closed liquid-tight and air-tight. The septum 932 of the female connector 930 functions as a self-closing valve. The male connector 950 can be repeatedly connected and disconnected to the female connector 930.

[0127] Fig. 16A is a perspective view of a cap 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cap 300.

[0128] The cap 300 includes a connecting tube 310 having a hollow cylindrical shape and disposed coaxially with the axis of the cap 300. The inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube 310 is provided with a cylindrical surface 312 having a constant inner diameter in the axial direction. Note that the inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube 310 may be provided with a tapered surface (so-called female tapered surface) in which the inner diameter increases toward the tip of the connecting tube 310 (the upper end in FIG. 16B ) instead of the cylindrical surface 312.

[0129] A flange 315 extends radially outward from one end (the lower end in FIG. 16B) of the connecting tube 310 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the flange 315 is composed of an inner first flange portion 315a, an outer second flange portion 315b, and a connecting tube 315c between the first and second flange portions 315a, 315b, which are coaxial with the axis of the cap 300.

[0130] The first flange portion 315a is a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) extending radially outward from the lower end of the connecting tube 310. A stop portion 340 is provided inside the first flange portion 315a. The stop portion 340 is connected to the inner peripheral end of the first flange portion 315a via a plurality of (three in this embodiment) supports 345. The stop portion 340 is disposed substantially along the plane along which the first flange portion 315a is disposed. An opening 343 is provided between the stop portion 340 and the first flange portion 315a and between the supports 345 adjacent in the circumferential direction. The inner cavity of the connecting tube 310 communicates with the outside of the cap 300 via a plurality of (three in this embodiment) openings 343. It is preferable that the diameter of the circumscribing circle of the plurality of openings 343 (this circumscribing circle is concentric with the cap 300) is larger than the inner diameter of the opening (flow path 966) at the tip of the male member 961.

[0131] The upper end of a generally cylindrical connecting tube 315c is connected to the outer peripheral end of the first flange portion 315a. The second flange portion 315b extends radially outward from the lower end of the connecting tube 315c. The second flange portion 315b is a doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate). The second flange portion 315b is offset axially downward (opposite the connecting tube 310) from the first flange portion 315a.

[0132] Unlike this embodiment, the flange 315 may be configured as a single doughnut-shaped thin plate (circular plate) in which the connecting tube 315c is omitted and the first flange portion 315a and the second flange portion 315b extend along the same plane.

[0133] A protective tube 322 having a hollow cylindrical shape is connected to the outer peripheral end of the flange 315 (second flange portion 315b). The protective tube 322 has a hollow cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the connecting tube 310, and is arranged coaxially with the connecting tube 310. The protective tube 322 extends from the flange 315 toward the same side as the connecting tube 310. A flange 323 protruding radially outward is provided at the tip of the protective tube 322 (the part farthest from the flange 315). The flange 323 is continuous in an annular shape around the entire circumference of the protective tube 322. By gripping the flange 323, the cap 300 can be easily attached to and detached from the male connector 950 (particularly, removed). A plurality of (six in this embodiment) first protrusions 325a (only three first protrusions 325a are visible in Figures 16A and 16B) protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the protective tube 322. The first projections 325a have a rib shape extending in the axial direction of the cap 300, and are arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the axis.

[0134] A plurality of (three in this embodiment) second protrusions 325b (only one second protrusion 325b is visible in FIG. 16B) protrude from flange 315 (second flange portion 315b) toward the same side as connecting tube 310. In this embodiment, second protrusion 325b protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of coupling tube 315c (or separation tube 327) toward protection tube 322.

[0135] A separation tube 327 having a hollow cylindrical shape is provided between the connecting tube 310 and the protection tube 322. The separation tube 327 extends from the outer circumferential end of the first flange portion 315a toward the same side as the connecting tube 310 so as to be continuous with the coupling tube 315c. Note that in this embodiment, the separation tube 327 can be omitted.

[0136] The material of the cap 300 is not limited, but is preferably a resin material having mechanical strength (rigidity) that is not substantially deformed by an external force. For example, the same resin material as that of the cap 100 of the first embodiment may be used. The cap 300 can be manufactured as a single component by injection molding or the like using the resin material.

[0137] A method of using the cap 300 will be described. The cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950 (see FIG. 12) when priming is performed prior to administration of a liquid (e.g., an infusion solution) to a patient through intravenous nutrition (or infusion).

[0138] Priming is generally performed according to the following procedure. In Fig. 12, the connector 913 of the infusion set 910 is connected to the port 903 of the container 901. At this time, the clamp 917 of the infusion set 910 is closed. The container 901 is hung, for example, on an irrigator stand. The container 901 is filled with a liquid to be administered to the patient. The indwelling needle device 925 is placed in the patient while being inserted into the patient's vein. The male connector 950 and the female connector 930 are not connected. In this state, the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950.

[0139] Fig. 17A is a perspective view of the male connector 950 to which the cap 300 is attached. Fig. 17B is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 17A. The cross-section of Fig. 17B is perpendicular to the cross-sections of Figs. 13B and 14B at the axis (not shown) of the male connector 950. In Figs. 17A and 17B, the infusion set 910 (particularly, the male luer 919 and tube 911 thereof, see Fig. 12) are omitted.

[0140] 17A, three ribs 317 are provided on the outer surface of the first flange portion 315a (the surface opposite to the connecting tube 310). The ribs 317 are provided radially outward from the stop portion 340. The ribs 317 prevent the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 from being contaminated by contact with the fingers of an operator or the like. The fact that the first flange portion 315a on which the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 are provided is set back from the second flange portion 315b is also advantageous in preventing the stop portion 340 and the opening 343 from being contaminated by contact.

[0141] 17B, ​​the lock tube 971 of the lock body 970 is inserted into the gap between the protective tube 322 and the separation tube 327 of the cap 300. Although not shown, the tip of the lock tube 971 is radially sandwiched between the first protrusion 325a and the second protrusion 325b (see FIG. 16B) provided on the cap 300. The cap 300 is firmly fixed and held coaxially to the male connector 950 by the frictional force between the first and second protrusions 325a, 325b and the lock tube 971.

[0142] The lock tube 971 faces and is close to (or in contact with) the flange 315 (particularly the second flange portion 315b) in the axial direction. Almost the entirety of the lock tube 971 is housed in the protective tube 322. The opening on the tip side of the lock tube 971 is substantially covered by the connecting tube 310 of the cap 300, the flange 315, and the protective tube 322. The connecting tube 310 and the separation tube 327 are inserted into a gap 955 (see Figures 13A and 13B) between the male member 961 and the lock tube 971. The separation tube 327 is disposed radially inward of the lock protrusion 974 provided on the lock tube 971 and faces the lock protrusion 974.

[0143] A male member 961 is fitted into the connecting tube 310. A male tapered surface 962 of the male member 961 is fitted into a cylindrical surface 312 of the connecting tube 310, and the two are liquid-tightly connected. The tube 911 of the infusion set 910, the male luer 919 (see FIG. 12), the flow path 966 of the male connector 950, and the connecting tube 310 are in communication with each other in that order.

[0144] The stop portion 340 is on the axis of the male member 961 and is spaced axially from the male member 961. The outer diameter of the stop portion 340 (the diameter of the inscribed circle of the multiple openings 343 (this inscribed circle is concentric with the cap 300)) is preferably equal to or larger than the inner diameter of the flow passage 966 at the tip of the male member 961. That is, when viewed along the axis of the male connector 950 and the cap 300, the stop portion 340 preferably covers the opening of the male member 961. However, in general, the area of ​​the stop portion 340 (the area of ​​the inscribed circle of the multiple openings 343) is preferably 10% or more of the area (opening area) of the flow passage 966 at the tip of the male member 961, and more preferably 80% or more.

[0145] In this state, the drip tube 915 (see FIG. 12) of the infusion set 910 is pressed in the diametric direction several times (so-called pumping) to fill the drip tube 915 with a predetermined amount of liquid (about 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 the capacity of the drip tube 915). Next, the clamp 917 of the infusion set 910 is opened. The liquid in the container 901 flows through the tube 911 by gravity. The liquid pushes the air in the tube 911 through the connector body 960, the connection tube 310, and the opening 343 to the outside world. The tube 911 is gradually filled with the liquid. Then, when the liquid reaches the male member 961 (or the connection tube 310), the clamp 917 is closed. The cap 300 is separated from the male connector 950. The male connector 950 is connected to the female connector 930. The clamp 917 is then opened and the liquid is administered to the patient via the extension tube 920.

[0146] As described above, the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950 provided at the downstream end of the infusion set 910 when priming is performed to fill the flow path in the infusion set 910 with liquid. When priming is completed, the cap 300 is removed from the male connector 950.

[0147] In priming, it is necessary to operate the clamp 917 so that the flow of the liquid stops when the liquid reaches the male member 961. However, depending on the timing of closing the clamp 917, a situation may occur in which the liquid flows out of the male member 961 into the outside world.

[0148] Unlike the third embodiment, when priming is performed without attaching the cap 300 to the male connector 950 (see FIGS. 13A to 14B), the liquid may flow out from the male member 961, which may cause the following problems.

[0149] First, the liquid adheres to the lock mechanism (lock protrusion 974) provided in the male connector 950. That is, the liquid flowing out from the male member 961 flows along the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961, and a part of it drips onto the inner peripheral surface of the lock tube 971 and adheres to the lock protrusion 974. Since the gap 955 between the male member 961 and the lock tube 971 is narrow and the lock protrusion 974 has a complex shape, it is difficult to completely wipe off the liquid adhered to the lock protrusion 974. If the male connector 950 is connected to the female connector 930 (see FIG. 15) with the liquid adhered to the lock protrusion 974, the liquid prevents the lock protrusion 974 from engaging with the groove 934 of the female connector 930. In addition, the liquid adhered to the lock protrusion 974 deteriorates the sanitary condition of the male connector 950.

[0150] Secondly, the liquid may stain the area around the male connector 950. Depending on the opening of the clamp 917, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the tube 911 may be fast, and the liquid may spurt out forcefully from the male member 961. The liquid may splash far away from the male member 961 and over a wide area, soiling the clothes and linens of the patient or worker.

[0151] The above problem can be solved by performing priming while the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950 (see FIGS. 17A and 17B), as will be described below.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 17B, when the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the connecting tube 310 is connected to the male member 961. A flange 315 extends radially outward from the connecting tube 310. Therefore, the liquid flows from the flow path 966 of the male connector 950 into the connecting tube 310 and flows out to the outside of the cap 300 through the opening 343. The liquid then flows along the flange 315. That is, the connecting tube 310 and the flange 315 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid flowing out of the male member 961 does not flow along the outer circumferential surface 962 of the male member 961. After reaching the outer circumferential end of the flange 315, depending on the orientation of the male connector 950 and the cap 300, the liquid may flow along the outer circumferential surface of the protective tube 322 toward the male connector 950. In this case, the protective tube 322 and the flange 323 function as a "regulating wall" that regulates the flow of the liquid so that the liquid does not flow along the outer peripheral surface 962 of the male member 961. Therefore, in the third embodiment, there is almost no possibility that the liquid will adhere to the lock protrusion 974. Even if the cap 300 is removed from the male connector 950 after priming and the female connector 930 is connected to the male connector 950 (see FIG. 15) without wiping and cleaning the lock protrusion 974, the lock protrusion 974 can be reliably engaged with the groove 934. Furthermore, the liquid will not transfer to the groove 934 of the female connector 930. The sanitary condition of the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 can be maintained well for a long period of time. Furthermore, after completing priming and removing the cap 300 from the male connector 950, the task of wiping and cleaning the liquid from the male connector 950 can be omitted or simplified. Therefore, the priming task can be performed simply and in a short time overall, reducing the burden on the operator.

[0153] If the flow rate of the liquid during priming is high, the liquid spurts out from the male member 961 into the connecting tube 310 with force. After spurting out from the male member 961, the liquid collides with the stopper 340 arranged on the axis of the male member 961 (or the connecting tube 310) at a distance from the male member 961. The liquid then flows out to the outside of the cap 300 through the opening 343 arranged around the stopping part 340. In this way, the stopping part 340 weakens the force (flow rate) of the liquid spurted out from the male member 961. Therefore, the flow of the liquid flowing out from the opening 343 to the outside of the cap 300 becomes gentle. The liquid does not splash over a wide area far from the cap 300.

[0154] When the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the connection tube 310 fits onto the outer circumferential surface 962 of the male member 961. Even when the cap 300 is attached to the male connector 950, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 966 in the male member 961 does not change, and therefore the flow rate of the liquid flowing out from the male member 961 does not change either. This is advantageous in preventing the liquid from splashing over a wide area.

[0155] By mounting the cap 300 on the male connector 950, the male member 961 and the locking protrusion 974 (locking mechanism) of the male connector 950 are accommodated in the cap 300. More specifically, the connecting tube 310 covers the male tapered surface 962 of the male member 961, the flange 315 closes the gap 955 between the male member 961 and the locking tube 971, and the protective tube 322 covers the locking tube 971. The separation tube 327 is inserted into the gap 955 and faces the locking protrusion 974. Furthermore, the stopper 340 makes it difficult to access the tip of the male member 961 and the flow path 966 of the male connector 950. Therefore, by mounting the cap 300 on the male connector 950, it is possible to prevent the main parts of the male connector 950, such as the male member 961, the locking protrusion 974, and the flow path 966, from being contaminated by contact with the fingers of an operator or the like. It is preferable that the gap between the protection tube 322 and the lock tube 971 is as narrow as possible so that it is difficult for fingers or the like to access the tip of the lock tube 971 .

[0156] The third embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the third embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0157] The connecting tube 310 of the cap 300 may be connected to the male member 961. In this embodiment, the male member 961 is fitted into the connecting tube 310. However, the connection structure between the connecting tube 310 and the male member 961 is not limited to this. For example, the connecting tube 310 may be fitted into the male member 961 as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the connecting tube 310 may be connected to the male member 961 by the tip of the connecting tube 310 abutting against the tip of the male member 961 in the axial direction. It is preferable that the connecting tube 310 is liquid-tightly connected to the male member 961. However, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks out from between the connecting tube 310 and the male member 961 during priming, and it is not necessary to form a seal between them in the strict sense. For example, even if there is a small gap between the connecting tube 310 and the male part 961 like a labyrinth seal, it is sufficient that no liquid leaks through the gap.

[0158] In the third embodiment, a "control wall" that controls the flow of the liquid material flowing out from the male member 961 is formed by the connection tube 310, the flange 315, the protection tube 322, and the flange 323. However, the configuration of the control wall is not limited to this.

[0159] For example, the cap 300 may not include the flange 323. Moreover, the cap 300 may not include the protective tube 322 and the flange 323. Even in these cases, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid that flows out from the male member 961 will adhere to the lock protrusion 974.

[0160] When the cap 300 does not include the protective tube 122, the first protrusion 325a (see FIGS. 16A and 16B) provided on the protective tube 122 is omitted. In this case, for example, a groove the same as the groove 934 (see FIG. 15) of the female connector 930 may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the separation tube 327. The cap 300 can be firmly fixed to the male connector 950 by engaging the lock protrusion 974 with this groove.

[0161] Alternatively, the cap 300 does not need to include the connecting tube 310. For example, the flange 315 (first flange portion 315a) is brought into axial contact with the tip of the male member 961. In this case as well, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out from the male member 961 will adhere to the lock protrusion 974.

[0162] Alternatively, the cap 300 may not include the flange 315, the protective tube 322, and the brim 323. For example, the connecting tube 310 is elongated so as to protrude from the male member 961. A stop portion (for example, the stop portion 140 in the first embodiment) is provided at the tip of the connecting tube 310, spaced apart in the axial direction from the tip of the connecting tube 310. In this case as well, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing out from the male member 961 will adhere to the lock protrusion 974.

[0163] An outer circumferential tube similar to the outer circumferential tube 125 of the first embodiment may be provided on the outer circumferential end of the flange 315. In this case, this outer circumferential tube can function as a "control wall."

[0164] The configuration of the stop portion 340 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0165] For example, the surface of the stopper portion 340 facing the male member 961 does not need to be a flat surface, but may be a concave or convex curved surface or the like.

[0166] Instead of the stop portion 340 and the support 345, the stop portion 140 and the support 145 of the first embodiment may be applied to the cap 300. Furthermore, the outer peripheral tube 125 of the first embodiment may be provided on the flange 315. In this case, the outer peripheral tube 125 can function as a "control wall."

[0167] Alternatively, instead of the stop portion 340 and the support 345, the stop portion 240 and the outer circumferential tube 225 of the second embodiment may be applied to the cap 300.

[0168] The structure for fixing the cap 300 to the male connector 950 can be changed arbitrarily. For example, the first and second protrusions 325a, 325b may be omitted, and the outer peripheral surface of the locking tube 971 may be fitted into the inner peripheral surface of the protective tube 322, and the cap 300 may be fixed and held to the male connector 950 by the frictional force between the protective tube 322 and the locking tube 971. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the protective tube 322 may be provided with a tapered surface whose inner diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the tip of the protective tube 322 (i.e., the flange 323).

[0169] The configuration of the male connector 950 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0170] The tube 911 of the infusion set 910 (see FIG. 12) may be directly connected to the base tube 967 of the connector body 960 without passing through the male luer 919.

[0171] Male connector 950 does not have to be configured of two parts, connector body 960 and lock body 970, but may be configured of these as a single integrally molded part.

[0172] The configuration of the locking mechanism provided in each of the male connector 950 and the female connector 930 may be changed as desired. Instead of the groove 934, a convex portion protruding radially outward may be provided in the female connector 930, and the locking protrusion 974 may be engaged with the convex portion. Alternatively, the female connector 930 may be provided with a convex portion protruding radially outward, and the male connector 950 may be provided with a concave portion (e.g., a groove) with which the convex portion engages.

[0173] Although the caps 100, 200, and 300 of the above-mentioned first to third embodiments are configured as a single part that is molded as a whole, they may be configured by combining a plurality of parts (for example, two parts) that are manufactured separately.

[0174] In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, the caps 100, 200, and 300 are attached to the connector during priming, but they may be attached to the connector at a stage prior to priming in order to prevent the connector from being contaminated by contact with a finger, etc. For example, a nutrition set 810 (see Figs. 1 and 9) or an infusion set 910 (see Fig. 12) may be sold with the cap of the present invention attached to the connector (830, 850, or 950) at its downstream end, and after priming of the nutrition set 810 or the infusion set 910 is completed at a medical institution, etc., the cap may be removed from the connector. [Industrial Applicability]

[0175] The present invention can be preferably used as a cap attached to a connector provided at the downstream end of a flow path through which a liquid flows when priming the flow path, but is not limited to this. The present invention can be preferably used in the medical field, particularly in the fields of enteral nutrition, intravenous nutrition (infusion), administration of medicinal fluids, blood, or anesthesia. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 100, 200, 300 Caps 110, 210, 310 Connection tube (control wall) 115, 215, 315 Flange (control wall) 122,322 Protective tube (control wall) 125 Outer cylinder (regulating wall) 140,240,340 Stop part 147,247 Clearance between flange and stop 225 Peripheral tube 228 Opening of outer cylinder 323 Tsuba (Control Wall) 343 Opening between stop and flange 830 female connector 831 Female member (tubular part) 833 Outer surface of tubular part 834 Spiral protrusion (locking mechanism) 850,950 Male Connector Male member (tubular part) 851,961 Outer peripheral surface of the tubular part 852,962 Female thread (locking mechanism) 854 Locking projection (locking mechanism) 974

Claims

1. A cap that is detachable from a connector having a hollow tubular portion through which a liquid flows out, The cap is integrally manufactured as a single piece, A connecting tube connectable to the tubular portion; a flange extending radially outward from a base end of the connecting tube; a stop portion disposed on the axis of the tubular portion and spaced from the tubular portion so that liquid flowing out of the tubular portion collides against the stop portion when the cap is attached to the connector; an opening provided downstream of the flange, The connecting tube is configured to be fitted into the tubular portion, A cap characterized in that, when the cap is attached to the connector, liquid flowing out of the tubular portion flows into the connecting tube and flows out to the outside of the cap through the opening.

2. A cap that can be attached to a connector having a hollow tubular portion through which a liquid flows, The cap is integrally manufactured as a single piece, A connecting tube connectable to the tubular portion; a flange extending radially outward from the connecting tube; a stop portion disposed on the axis of the tubular portion and spaced from the tubular portion so that liquid flowing out of the tubular portion collides against the stop portion when the cap is attached to the connector; an opening provided downstream of the flange, the flange is provided at one end in a longitudinal direction of the connecting tube, the end being located downstream in a flow direction of the liquid flowing through the tubular portion when the cap is attached to the connector, A cap characterized in that, when the cap is attached to the connector, liquid flowing out of the tubular portion flows into the connecting tube and flows out to the outside of the cap through the opening.

3. The cap according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stop portion is spaced from the flange downstream in a flow direction of the liquid flowing out of the tubular portion.

4. Further, an outer circumferential tube is provided coaxially with the connecting tube and extends from an outer circumferential end of the flange to a side opposite the connecting tube, The outer cylinder faces the opening in a radial direction, A cap as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the cap is attached to the connector, liquid flowing out of the tubular portion passes through the opening and through the inner cavity of the outer tube to the outside of the cap.

5. Further comprising a plurality of supports arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, The plurality of supports are held by the outer tube and the flange, The cap of claim 4 , wherein the opening is between the stop and the flange and between circumferentially adjacent supports.

6. The connector includes a helical projection provided on an outer circumferential surface of the tubular portion, The cap further includes a protective tube extending coaxially with the connecting tube from an outer circumferential end of the flange toward the connecting tube, 6. The cap according to claim 1, wherein the spiral projection is housed within the protective tube when the cap is attached to the connector.

7. Further, an outer circumferential tube is provided coaxially with the connecting tube and extends from an outer circumferential end of the flange to a side opposite the connecting tube, The outer cylinder is disposed radially outwardly of the gap between the flange and the stop portion so as to surround the gap, The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening is provided so as to penetrate the outer tube in a radial direction.

8. The cap according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a surface of the stopper portion facing the connecting tube has a concave curved surface or a convex curved surface.

9. The cap according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the connecting tube is configured so as to be able to be fitted into the tubular portion.

10. The stopper is disposed away from an opening of the connecting tube through which the liquid flows out, The cap according to claim 1 or 9, wherein the stop portion covers at least a part of the opening of the connecting tube when the cap attached to the connector is viewed along the axis of the tubular portion.

11. The cap according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the connecting tube is configured so that the tubular portion can be fitted into the connecting tube.

12. The cap according to claim 11 , wherein the stop portion covers at least a portion of an opening at a tip end of the tubular portion when the cap attached to the connector is viewed along an axis of the tubular portion.

Images