Operating instrument for three-way stopcock

Abstract

To allow a three-way cock to be easily and intuitively switched to a desired state.SOLUTION: A three-way cock operation tool 1 comprises a housing 10 to which a three-way cock body is fixed, and an operation member 30 separated from the housing 10, comprising a cock engagement part engaged with a cock, and a grip part 33 to be gripped by an operator. The housing 10 is provided with display parts 24a and 24b for displaying the opening / closing state of the cock in cooperation with the operation member 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating instrument for a three-way stopcock that enables easy manual operation of the three-way stopcock.

Background Art

[0002] For example, for patients who have difficulty sending food from the mouth to the stomach, a gastrostomy is created, and a liquid substance such as a nutrient solution or liquid food is introduced into the stomach from the gastrostomy through a catheter. This is called enteral nutrition, and specifically, the above liquid substance is supplied to the patient in a state of being filled in a resin bag. At the administration site for the patient, while pressing the bag from the outside, the liquid substance is made to flow into the catheter and introduced into the stomach from the gastrostomy through this catheter. However, in order to prevent the backflow of the liquid substance into the esophagus or diarrhea, the liquid substance is semi-solidified, or a tromi agent, thickening agent, etc. are added to increase the viscosity of the liquid substance. Therefore, it may be difficult to extrude the liquid substance without residue at a predetermined flow rate while directly pressing the bag by hand.

[0003] Therefore, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 for example, an extrusion device that presses a bag filled with a liquid substance by air pressure may be used. The extrusion device includes a bag-shaped member that can accommodate a bag filled with a liquid substance, a manual pump that supplies air to the bag-shaped member, and a three-way stopcock provided in a tube between the bag-shaped member and the pump. By switching the operation of the three-way stopcock to put the bag-shaped member and the pump in a communicating state, the air sent from the pump can be filled into the bag-shaped member. After filling the air, by switching the operation of the three-way stopcock to put the bag-shaped member and the pump in a blocked state, leakage of the air filled in the bag-shaped member is prevented and the liquid substance is extruded by air pressure. Also, by operating the three-way stopcock, it is possible to open the bag-shaped member to the atmosphere and discharge the air filled in the bag-shaped member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in Patent Document 1, by operating a three-way cock, it is possible to switch to three states: a communicating state in which the inside of the bag-shaped member is pressurized, a blocking state in which the bag-shaped member is blocked, and an open state in which the bag-shaped member is opened to the atmosphere. Since the three-way cock is generally used in the medical field, it is not particularly difficult for medical staff to operate.

[0006] However, for example, the above-described transnasal feeding method is not only performed in the hospital ward but may also be performed at home. When performing the transnasal feeding method at home for a patient, the patient himself or an assistant around him, etc. will operate the cock of the three-way cock. However, since the three-way cock is not familiar to those other than medical staff, it may not be intuitively clear which part and how to operate it to switch to the desired state. In addition, since those other than medical staff are not used to operating the cock of the three-way cock, it is also conceivable that they will feel it difficult to rotate the cock. In particular, for the elderly with poor finger dexterity or cancer patients with peripheral neuropathy, etc., since the cock of the three-way cock is small, it may be difficult to apply force.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to enable the three-way cock to be easily and intuitively switched to a desired state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, in a first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to assume an operating instrument for a three-way valve that has a three-way valve body in which a plurality of ports are formed and a cock that opens and closes and switches the ports. The operating instrument for a three-way valve includes a housing formed to surround at least a part of the three-way valve body and to which the three-way valve body is fixed, and an operating member that is separate from the housing, formed to surround at least a part of the cock, has a cock engaging portion that engages with the cock, and has a gripping portion that is gripped by an operator. The housing is provided with a display portion that displays the open / closed state of the cock in cooperation with the operating member.

[0009] According to this configuration, since the housing to which the three-way valve body is fixed is formed to surround at least a part of the three-way valve body, it is easier for the operator to hold the housing than to hold the three-way valve body. Further, since the operating member is also formed to surround at least a part of the cock, it is easier for the operator to hold the gripping portion than to directly hold the cock, and it becomes easier to apply force. Furthermore, due to the presence of the gripping portion, the operator can intuitively grasp where to hold.

[0010] When the operator holds the gripping portion and operates the operating member, since the cock engaging portion is engaged with the cock, the cock also moves in the same direction. As a result, the open / closed state of the port is switched. At this time, since there is a display portion on the housing, it is possible to intuitively grasp how far to move the operating member until the port reaches the desired open / closed state. The display portion can be configured by, for example, characters, symbols, Braille, etc.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, the operating member is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable around the rotation center line of the cock.

[0012] According to this configuration, the operation of the operating member can be made to coincide with the rotational operation when switching the opening and closing of the cock, so that the operability becomes even better.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a first engaging portion is provided on one of the housing and the operating member, and on the other of the housing and the operating member, there is provided a rotation restricting portion that engages with the first engaging portion and restricts the rotation range of the operating member with respect to the housing so as to coincide with the rotation range at the time of opening and closing switching of the cock.

[0014] According to this configuration, when rotating the operating member to switch the opening and closing of the cock, by rotating the operating member until the first engaging portion engages with the rotation restricting portion, the rotation range of the operating member coincides with the rotation range at the time of opening and closing switching of the cock, and further rotation of the operating member is restricted. Therefore, the operator only needs to rotate the operating member until the rotation is restricted, and the operation becomes even simpler.

[0015] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the rotation restricting portion is constituted by a long hole extending around the rotation center line of the operating member. The first engaging portion is constituted by a protrusion inserted into the long hole.

[0016] According to this configuration, the rotation range of the operating member can be reliably restricted with a simple configuration of forming the protrusion and the long hole.

[0017] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the gripping portion bulges from the main body portion of the operating member in the direction of the rotation center line and has a shape that extends long in a direction intersecting the rotation center line.

[0018] According to this configuration, by bulging in the direction of the rotation center line, it becomes easier for the operator to grip the gripping portion with a finger. Further, since the gripping portion extends long in a direction intersecting the rotation center line, it becomes difficult for the finger to slip when gripping with a finger and applying a rotational force.

[0019] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the housing has a peripheral plate portion that extends so as to surround the operating member when viewed along the direction of the rotation center line. The display portion can be provided on the peripheral plate portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, since the housing has a peripheral plate portion, the housing becomes larger and the operator can easily hold the housing. Further, since the gripping portion is shaped to extend long in a direction intersecting the rotation center line, it has a shape capable of indicating a certain direction. Therefore, by providing a display portion on the peripheral plate portion, the open / closed state of the cock can be clearly displayed in cooperation with the operation member.

[0021] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the cock engaging portion is composed of ribs that respectively fit into a plurality of spaced-apart locations on the cock.

[0022] According to this configuration, since the ribs engage with a plurality of locations on the cock respectively, the operation member can be firmly engaged with the cock, and rattling during operation can be reduced.

[0023] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the housing is formed with fitting portions that respectively fit into a plurality of cylindrical portions that protrude from the three-way valve body and in which the ports are formed inside.

[0024] According to this configuration, by fitting the plurality of cylindrical portions of the three-way valve body into the housing respectively, the three-way valve body can be firmly fixed to the housing.

Effects of the Invention

[0025] As described above, it includes a housing to which the three-way valve body is fixed, and an operation member that has a gripping portion gripped by an operator and rotates together with the cock, and a display portion for displaying the open / closed state of the cock can be provided, and a rotation restricting portion for restricting the rotation range so as to coincide with the rotation range at the time of switching the opening and closing of the cock can be provided. Thereby, the three-way valve can be easily and intuitively switched to a desired state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

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Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transnasal feeding device 100 to which an operating instrument 1 for a three-way stopcock according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. In the description of this embodiment, before the description of the operating instrument 1 for a three-way stopcock, the structure of the transnasal feeding device 100 will be described. The transnasal feeding device 100 is a device used when performing enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is a nutrition administration method in which a liquid substance such as a nutrient or a liquid food is introduced into the inside of the stomach from the gastroesophageal junction of a patient through a catheter (not shown). Although not shown, the liquid substance is pre-filled in a resin bag. The liquid substance has a predetermined viscosity so that backflow into the esophagus or diarrhea does not occur once it is introduced into the stomach. The upstream end of the catheter is connected to the bag, and by pressing the bag from the outside, the internal liquid substance can be made to flow out into the catheter.

[0029] The transnasal feeding device 100 includes a bag-shaped member 101 capable of accommodating the above-described bag, a manual pump 102 that supplies air to the bag-shaped member 101, first and second tubes 103a and 103b for connecting the bag-shaped member 101 and the pump 102, and a three-way stopcock 104 (shown in FIG. 2) provided between the bag-shaped member 101 and the pump 102. The bag-shaped member 101 is configured, for example, in a two-layer structure by combining a flexible resin sheet or the like. The above-described bag is accommodated inside the first layer, and the second layer has an airtight structure and air can be introduced into the second layer. When air is introduced into the second layer, since the above-described bag accommodated inside the first layer is constrained inside the first layer, the air pressure inside the second layer acts as a pressing force on the bag.

[0030] The first and second tubes 103a and 103b are made of a flexible resin material. One end of the first tube 103a is connected to the pump 102. The pump 103 is a conventionally well-known manual air pump. One end of the second tube 103b is connected to the inside of the second layer of the bag-shaped member 101.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 2, the three-way valve 104 is disposed between the other end of the first tube 103a and the other end of the second tube 103b. The three-way valve 104 is a well-known device and has a three-way valve body 105 made of a rigid resin in which first to third ports P1 to P3 (shown in Figs. 7 and 8) are formed, and a cock 109 that can be rotationally operated to switch the opening and closing of the first to third ports P1 to P3. In the three-way valve body 105, a first cylindrical portion 106 having the first port P1 formed therein, a second cylindrical portion 107 having the second port P2 formed therein, and a third cylindrical portion 108 having the third port P3 formed therein are provided so as to project in different directions. In this embodiment, when viewed along the direction of the rotation center line 110 of the cock 109, the first cylindrical portion 106 and the second cylindrical portion 107 project in opposite directions, and the third cylindrical portion 108 projects in a direction orthogonal to the first cylindrical portion 106. Therefore, although not shown, when assuming a first virtual line extending in the projecting direction of the first cylindrical portion 106, a second virtual line extending in the projecting direction of the second cylindrical portion 107, and a third virtual line extending in the projecting direction of the third cylindrical portion 108, the first virtual line and the second virtual line are positioned on the same straight line, and the first virtual line and the third virtual line are orthogonal to each other, and the second virtual line and the third virtual line are also orthogonal to each other.

[0032] The other end of the first tube 103a is connected to the first cylindrical portion 106. Also, the other end of the second tube 103b is connected to the second cylindrical portion 107. The reference numeral 111 shown in Fig. 1 is a pneumatic pressure indicator that indicates the pneumatic pressure (the pneumatic pressure in the bag-shaped member 101) in the second tube 103b.

[0033] The cock 109 includes a valve portion 109d (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) that is inserted into the inside of the three-way valve body 105. A through hole 109e is formed in the valve portion 109d. By rotating the cock 109, it is possible to switch to a communication state in which the first cylindrical portion 106 and the second cylindrical portion 107 communicate with each other, a cutoff state in which the first cylindrical portion 106 and the second cylindrical portion 107 are blocked, an open state in which the second cylindrical portion 107 is open to the atmosphere, and the like. By rotating the cock 109 90° forward or backward, it is possible to switch from the communication state to the cutoff state, or vice versa, or from the communication state to the open state, or vice versa. That is, the rotation range when switching the opening and closing of the cock 109 is 90°.

[0034] For example, when the cock 109 is in the above-described communication state and the pump 102 is operated, the bag-shaped member 101 can be filled with air. The filled air pressure is displayed on the air pressure indicator 111. On the other hand, when exhausting the air in the bag-shaped member 101, the cock 109 may be set to the open state. Further, after filling the bag-shaped member 101 with air, the cock 109 may be set to the cutoff state.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the cock 109 has first to third lever portions 109a, 109b, 109c that protrude externally from the three-way valve body 105. When viewed along the direction of the rotation center line 110 of the cock 109, the first to third lever portions 109a, 109b, 109c protrude in different directions from each other in the same manner as the first to third cylindrical portions 106 to 108. In the usage method of a general three-way valve 104, the cock 109 is rotated by applying force by hand to the first to third lever portions 109a, 109b, 109c. However, particularly in the case of elderly people, the first to third lever portions 109a, 109b, 109c may be small and difficult to apply force to. Further, in order to switch the three-way valve 104 to a desired state, since the first to third lever portions 109a, 109b, 109c are small, it may not be intuitively clear where and how to operate. In addition, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may feel pain in their fingers when operating a small lever due to peripheral neuropathy caused by the side effects of anticancer drugs.

[0036] (Configuration of the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock) The operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock in this embodiment is an instrument for facilitating the operation of the conventional three-way stopcock 104, and is used by being attached to the enteral nutrition administration device 100. In the description of this embodiment, when viewed from the operator along the direction of the rotation center line 110 (shown in FIG. 2) of the cock 109 of the three-way stopcock 104, it is defined as a plan view, and when the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock is attached to the enteral nutrition administration device 100 and when it is removed from the enteral nutrition administration device 100, the plan view is defined in this way. Also, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, one of the rotation center lines 110 is defined as upward and the other as downward. This is a definition for convenience of explanation and does not limit the posture of the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock during use, and the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock can be used in any orientation.

[0037] The operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock can be used, for example, during home medical care. When the enteral nutrition administration device 100 is used by medical staff, the three-way stopcock 104 can be directly operated without attaching the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock to the enteral nutrition administration device 100. This is because medical staff are accustomed to operating the three-way stopcock 104. Of course, medical staff may also use the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock.

[0038] The operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock is configured to be detachable from the three-way stopcock 104 of the enteral nutrition administration device 100, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, includes a housing 10 and an operating member 30. As also shown in FIG. 5, the housing 10 is formed so as to surround at least a part of the three-way stopcock main body 105, and is a member to which the three-way stopcock main body 105 is fixed. On the other hand, the operating member 30 is formed separately from the housing 10 so as to surround at least a part of the cock 109, and is a member for operating the cock 109 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). The housing 10 is integrally formed by a method such as a general injection molding method using, for example, a resin material. Similarly, the operating member 30 is integrally formed by a resin material or the like. The housing 10 and the operating member 30 may each be composed of a plurality of parts. In that case, the parts may be connected to each other by adhesion with a solvent, an adhesive, heat fusion, or the like. The housing 10 and the operating member 30 may be the same color or may be colored in different colors. By being colored in different colors, the operating member 30 and the housing 10 can be easily distinguished. Further, the housing 10 and the operating member 30 are made of an opaque resin material. As a result, the internal three-way stopcock 104 cannot be seen from the outside through the housing 10 or the operating member 30. To further improve finger contact, a material such as rubber or elastomer having flexibility can be added to the gripping portion 33 of the operating member 30 by an ordinary method such as adhesion or two-color molding, or by physically covering it.

[0039] The housing 10 has a thick circular plate shape in plan view. The outer diameter of the housing 10 can be set to, for example, 50 mm or more or 60 mm or more. By setting the outer diameter in this way, the housing 10 can be stably held by wrapping it with one hand. The center line (axis) of the housing 10 is positioned on the rotation center line 110 of the cock 109 with the three-way valve 104 fixed. Therefore, the axis of the housing 10 and the rotation center line 110 of the cock 109 coincide. As shown in FIG. 6, a circular through-hole 10a penetrating the housing 10 in the thickness direction (axial direction) is formed in the central portion of the housing 10. The end portion (lower end portion) of the three-way valve body 105 in the direction of the rotation center line 110 is fitted into this through-hole 10a.

[0040] The housing 10 is formed with a first groove portion 11 in which a first cylindrical portion 106 is disposed, a second groove portion 12 in which a second cylindrical portion 107 is disposed, and a third groove portion 13 in which a third cylindrical portion 108 is disposed. The first cylindrical portion 106, the third cylindrical portion 108, and the second cylindrical portion 107 protrude in different directions from each other at 90° intervals around the rotation center line 110 in this order. That is, the first groove portion 11 extends in the radial direction of the housing 10 so as to follow the protruding direction of the first cylindrical portion 106 from the central portion of the housing 10, and the radially outer end portion of the housing 10 in the first groove portion 11 is open at the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. The first tube 103a connected to the first cylindrical portion 106 is disposed so as to extend outward from the outer end portion of the first groove portion 11. Further, the second groove portion 12 extends in the radial direction of the housing 10 so as to follow the protruding direction of the second cylindrical portion 107 from the central portion of the housing 10, and the radially outer end portion of the housing 10 in the second groove portion 12 is open at the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. The second tube 103b connected to the second cylindrical portion 107 is disposed so as to extend outward from the outer end portion of the second groove portion 12. Further, the third groove portion 13 extends in the radial direction of the housing 10 so as to follow the protruding direction of the third cylindrical portion 108 from the central portion of the housing 10, and the radially outer end portion of the housing 10 in the third groove portion 13 is open at the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. Note that the radially outer end portion of the housing 10 in the third groove portion 13 may not be open at the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. Thereby, the structure of the housing 10 can be simplified and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0041] The first to third groove portions 11 to 13 are connected to each other at the central portion of the housing 10 (directly above the through hole 10a). Further, the first to third groove portions 11 to 13 are open at the upper surface of the housing 10. Therefore, the three-way valve body 105 can be accommodated in the first to third groove portions 11 to 13 from above the housing 10. Note that the number of the groove portions is not limited to three, and any number corresponding to the number of the cylindrical portions of the three-way valve 104 may be used.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, inside the first groove portion 11, a pair of first fitting pieces (fitting portions) 11a, 11a into which the first cylindrical portion 106 is fitted are formed. The first fitting pieces 11a, 11a project upward from the bottom surface of the radially inner portion of the housing 10 in the first groove portion 11 and are separated from each other in the width direction of the first groove portion 11. The first fitting pieces 11a, 11a can be elastically deformed in a direction of approaching and separating from each other within the elastic range by utilizing the elasticity of the resin material. The interval between the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a is slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 106. Further, on the tip portions in the protruding direction of the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a, protrusions 11b protruding in a direction approaching each other are respectively formed. The interval between both protrusions 11b is narrower than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 106. Therefore, by pushing the first cylindrical portion 106 into the first groove portion 11, the first cylindrical portion 106 comes into contact with both protrusions 11b and the interval between the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a widens, and eventually the first cylindrical portion 106 gets over both protrusions 11b and enters below the protrusions 11b of the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a. When the first cylindrical portion 106 enters below the protrusions 11b, the shape of the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a is restored and the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a sandwich the first cylindrical portion 106 from both sides in the radial direction, and the protrusions 11b engage with the first cylindrical portion 106 from above. Thereby, the first cylindrical portion 106 is fitted to the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a and the detachment of the first cylindrical portion 106 is prevented.

[0043] Similarly, inside the second groove portion 12, second fitting pieces (fitting portions) 12a, 12a are also formed. On the tip portions in the protruding direction of the second fitting pieces 12a, 12a, protrusions 12b protruding in a direction approaching each other are respectively formed. Therefore, in the same manner as the first cylindrical portion 106 is fitted to the first fitting pieces 11a, 11a, the second cylindrical portion 107 is fitted to the second fitting pieces 12a, 12a. Although not shown, a third fitting piece (fitting portion) may be provided inside the third groove portion 13. The first fitting pieces 11a, the protrusions 11b, the second fitting pieces 12a, and the protrusions 12b can be omitted, or only one or two or more of the fitting pieces may be provided. Further, the fitting pieces may not be rib-shaped separated from the first and second recesses 21, 22 shown in the embodiment, but may be protrusions continuous with the first and second recesses 21, 22.

[0044] The housing 10 is formed with first to third recesses 21 to 23 capable of accommodating the lower portion of the operation member 30. The first to third recesses 21 to 23 are open upward so that the lower portion of the operation member 30 can be accommodated from above. The first recess 21 is formed between the first groove portion 11 and the third groove portion 13. Further, the second recess 22 is formed between the second groove portion 12 and the third groove portion 13. Further, the third recess 23 is formed between the first groove portion 11 and the second groove portion 12 on the side opposite to the side where the third groove portion 13 is formed. Incidentally, the number and shape of the recesses can be changed according to the number of the groove portions.

[0045] The inner surface 21a of the first recess 21 is composed of an arcuate surface extending around the axis of the housing 10, and the formation range of the arcuate surface is in the range of 90° which is the intersection angle between the first groove portion 11 and the third groove portion 13. The inner surface 22a of the second recess 22 is also composed of an arcuate surface extending around the axis of the housing 10, and the formation range of the arcuate surface is in the range of 90° which is the intersection angle between the second groove portion 12 and the third groove portion 13. The inner surface 23a of the third recess 23 is also composed of an arcuate surface extending around the axis of the housing 10. The formation range of the inner surface 23a is in the range of 180° which is the angle formed by the first groove portion 11 and the second groove portion 12.

[0046] The inner surface 21a of the first recess 21, the inner surface 22a of the second recess 22, and the inner surface 23a of the third recess 23 are arcuate surfaces with the same radius. Therefore, the inner surfaces 21a, 22a, and 23a will be arranged on the same circumference. In this embodiment, the inner surfaces 21a, 22a, and 23a were arranged on the same circumference, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the inner surfaces 21a and 22a may be composed of arcs with a smaller radius than the inner surface 23a.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, a first convex portion 21b protruding radially inward is formed at the upper portion of the inner surface 21a of the first concave portion 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a second convex portion 22b protruding radially inward is formed at the upper portion of the inner surface 22a of the second concave portion 22. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, a third convex portion 23b protruding radially inward is formed at the upper portion of the inner surface 23a of the third concave portion 23. The plurality of first convex portions 21b, second convex portions 22b, and third convex portions 23b may be provided at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surfaces 21c of the first concave portion 21, the bottom surfaces 22c of the second concave portion 22, and the bottom surfaces 23c of the third concave portion 23 are formed of flat surfaces extending in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the housing 10. Also, the bottom surfaces 21c, 22c, 23c are all formed so as to be at the same height, that is, located on the same plane. The bottom surfaces 21c, 22c, 23c do not necessarily have to be formed so as to be at the same height, that is, located on the same plane, and any one of the bottom surfaces or all of the bottom surfaces can be omitted. Also, in the present embodiment, the bottom surfaces 21c, 22c, 23c are formed continuously with the inner surfaces 21a, 21b, 21c, but they may be provided spaced apart from the inner surfaces.

[0049] A rotation restricting long hole (rotation restricting portion) 23d is formed in the bottom surface 23c of the third concave portion 23. The rotation restricting long hole 23d is for restricting the rotation range of the operation member 30 with respect to the housing 10 so that it coincides with the rotation range at the time of opening and closing switching of the cock 109 of the three-way cock 104. That is, the rotation restricting long hole 23d is formed in an arc shape extending around the rotation center line of the operation member 30 that is concentric with the rotation center line 110 of the cock 109. Since the rotation range at the time of opening and closing switching of the cock 109 is 90° as described above, the formation range of the rotation restricting long hole 23d is set to a range of 90°. The specific mechanism of the rotation restriction will be described later.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 10 has first to third peripheral plate portions 10b, 10c, and 10d that extend so as to surround the operation member 30 when viewed along the direction of the rotation center line 110. The first peripheral plate portion 10b is formed between the first groove portion 11 and the third groove portion 13. The second peripheral plate portion 10c is formed between the second groove portion 12 and the third groove portion 13. The third peripheral plate portion 10d is formed between the first groove portion 11 and the second groove portion 12 on the side opposite to the side where the third groove portion 13 is formed.

[0051] The first peripheral plate portion 10b and the third peripheral plate portion 10d are respectively provided with a first display portion 24a and a second display portion 24b for displaying the open / closed state of the cock 109 of the three-way valve 104 in cooperation with the operation member 30. The first display portion 24a is a portion for displaying that the open / closed state of the cock 109 is the above-described communication state. On the other hand, the second display portion 24b is a portion for displaying that the open / closed state of the cock 109 is the above-described open state. Examples of the first display portion 24a and the second display portion 24b can be, for example, characters, symbols, figures, colors, patterns, or combinations thereof. In the case of characters, symbols, figures, and patterns, they may be constituted by convex portions protruding from the first peripheral plate portion 10b and the third peripheral plate portion 10d, or may be constituted by concave portions. The first display portion 24a and the second display portion 24b do not necessarily have to be integral with the housing 10. For example, another part for forming a display portion may be incorporated into the pre-formed housing 10, a seal serving as a display portion may be attached to an appropriate location of the housing 10, or printing or the like may be performed at an appropriate location of the housing 10 and used as the display portion.

[0052] Also, as in Modification Example 1 shown in FIG. 11, the first display unit 24a and the second display unit 24b may include Braille characters. Further, the first display unit 24a and the second display unit 24b may be composed of Braille characters only. By using Braille characters, even visually impaired persons can confirm the open / closed state of the cock 109. In this example, the first display unit 24a is set as the character "in", indicating a state where air can be filled into the bag-shaped member 101 by the pump 102. On the other hand, the second display unit 24b is set as the character "out", indicating a state where the air inside the bag-shaped member 101 can be discharged. One of the first display unit 24a and the second display unit 24b may be provided on the second peripheral plate portion 10c.

[0053] Also, on the second peripheral plate portion 10c, an operation direction indicating portion 24c for indicating the operation direction of the operation member 30 is provided. The operation direction indicating portion 24c can be composed of, for example, an arrow or the like. The operation direction indicating portion 24c may be provided on the first peripheral plate portion 10b or the third peripheral plate portion 10d. Note that the operation direction indicating portion 24c may be omitted.

[0054] Next, the operation member 30 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described. The operation member 30 has a substrate portion 31 with a substantially circular outer shape, a peripheral wall portion 32 that protrudes downward from the peripheral edge of the substrate portion 31 and extends in the circumferential direction, and a grip portion 33 that an operator grips. The substrate portion 31, the peripheral wall portion 32, and the grip portion 33 are integrally formed. However, for example, the grip portion 33 may be configured to be attached to the substrate portion 31 as a separate part.

[0055] The center of the substrate portion 31 is positioned on the rotation center line 110 of the cock 109 in a state where the three-way valve 104 is fixed to the housing 10. The outer diameter of the substrate portion 31 is set to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the arc surfaces that form the inner side surfaces 21a, 22a, 23a of the housing 10. In a plan view, the peripheral edge portion of the substrate portion 31 is located radially inward of the inner side surfaces 21a, 22a, 23a.

[0056] With the operating member 30 attached to the housing 10, the downward protruding dimension of the peripheral wall portion 32 is set such that the peripheral wall portion 32 is housed in the first to third recesses 21 to 23. A plurality of slits 32a extending upward from the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 32 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the peripheral wall portion 32. Due to the formation of the slits 32a, the peripheral wall portion 32 is divided into a plurality in the circumferential direction, so that radial deflection deformation (elastic deformation) becomes possible. The slits 32a may be provided as necessary.

[0057] An engaging convex portion 32b protruding radially outward and extending in the circumferential direction is provided at the lower end portion of the peripheral wall portion 32. Due to the formation of the slits 32a, a plurality of engaging convex portions 32b are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging convex portion 32b is disposed below the third convex portion 23b and engages with the third convex portion 23b from below. Similarly, the engaging convex portion 32b is also disposed below the first convex portion 21b and the second convex portion 22b and engages with the first convex portion 21b and the second convex portion 22b from below. When attaching the operating member 30 to the housing 10, the operating member 30 is moved downward from above the housing 10 to press the tip of the peripheral wall portion 32 against the first convex portion 21b, the second convex portion 22b, and the third convex portion 23b. Then, the peripheral wall portion 32 deflects and deforms inward in the radial direction, and the engaging convex portion 32b gets over the first convex portion 21b, the second convex portion 22b, and the third convex portion 23b. When the engaging convex portion 32b completely gets over the first convex portion 21b, the second convex portion 22b, and the third convex portion 23b, the shape of the peripheral wall portion 32 is restored, and the engaging convex portion 32b engages with the first convex portion 21b, the second convex portion 22b, and the third convex portion 23b.

[0058] As a result, the operating member 30 is prevented from detaching from the housing 10, and due to the engaging convex portion 32b, the first convex portion 21b, the second convex portion 22b, and the third convex portion 23b extending in the circumferential direction, relative rotation of the operating member 30 with respect to the housing 10 becomes possible. That is, the operating member 30 is supported by the housing 10 so as to be rotatable around the rotation center line 110 of the cock 109 of the three-way valve 104.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of cock engaging portions 34 that engage with the cock 109 of the three-way cock 104 are provided on the back surface (lower surface) of the substrate portion 31. In this embodiment, the four cock engaging portions 34 are formed by ribs that protrude downward from mutually separated portions of the substrate portion 31, and are shaped such that they can be respectively fitted to a plurality of mutually separated locations on the cock 109. The cock engaging portions 34 do not necessarily have to be separated from each other, and may be formed of, for example, a continuous single rib or the like. The cock engaging portions 34 are formed so as to respectively abut against the side surfaces of the first to third lever portions 109a, 109b, 109c of the cock 109. Thereby, the forward and reverse rotational forces of the operation member 30 are reliably transmitted to the cock 109, and the play of the operation member 30 with respect to the cock 109 is suppressed.

[0060] The gripping portion 33 bulges upward in the direction of the rotation center line (upward) from the substrate portion 31 that constitutes the main body portion of the operation member 30, and is shaped to extend long in a direction intersecting the rotation center line 110. The upper end portion of the gripping portion 33 protrudes above the first to third peripheral plate portions 10b, 10c, 10d of the housing 10, so that the first to third peripheral plate portions 10b, 10c, 10d do not get in the way when the gripping portion 33 is pinched and gripped with a finger. The inside of the gripping portion 33 is hollow.

[0061] One end portion in the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 33 has a tapered shape portion 33a that is tapered in plan view. The rotational position of the operation member 30 where the tapered shape portion 33a is closest to the first display portion 24a is the above-described communication state, and the rotational position of the operation member 30 where the tapered shape portion 33a is closest to the second display portion 24b is the above-described open state. Therefore, it becomes possible to display the open / closed state of the cock 109 by the operation member 30, the first display portion 24a, and the second display portion 24b. Note that the state where the circumferential positions of the tapered shape portion 33a and the first display portion 24a coincide (the state where the tapered shape portion 33a faces the first display portion 24a) may be defined as the above-described communication state, or the state where the circumferential positions of the tapered shape portion 33a and the second display portion 24b coincide (the state where the tapered shape portion 33a faces the second display portion 24b) may be defined as the above-described open state.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, a stopper (first engaging portion) 35 is provided on the substrate portion 31. The stopper 35 projects downward from the back surface of the substrate portion 31 and is composed of a protrusion that is inserted into a rotation restricting long hole 23d (shown in FIG. 6). The shape of the stopper 35 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be shaft-shaped, columnar, cylindrical, or rib-shaped.

[0063] FIG. 12 shows the positional relationship between the rotation restricting long hole 23d and the stopper 35, and is a view from above of the state where the stopper 35 is inserted into the rotation restricting long hole 23d. When the rotation position of the operation member 30 is in the above-described communication state, the stopper 35 is at the position indicated by the solid line. On the other hand, when the rotation position of the operation member 30 is in the above-described open state, the circumferential position of the stopper 35 with respect to the substrate portion 31 is set so that the stopper 35 is at the position indicated by the virtual line.

[0064] When the stopper 35 is at the position indicated by the solid line, the peripheral edge portion on one longitudinal side of the rotation restricting long hole 23d engages with the side surface of the stopper 35, and the stopper 35 stops moving further in the direction of arrow A. Further, when the stopper 35 is at the position indicated by the virtual line, the peripheral edge portion on the other longitudinal side of the rotation restricting long hole 23d engages with the side surface of the stopper 35, and the stopper 35 stops moving further in the direction of arrow B. Since the formation range of the rotation restricting long hole 23d coincides with the rotation range at the time of opening and closing switching of the cock 109, the rotation range of the operation member 30 can be physically restricted by the stopper 35 and the rotation restricting long hole 23d to be the same as the rotation range at the time of opening and closing switching of the cock 109.

[0065] Further, the cross-sectional shape of the stopper 35 is set such that the dimension W1 in the rotation direction is longer than the dimension W2 in the direction orthogonal to the rotation direction. Thereby, even if an excessive force acts in the A direction or the B direction, the stopper 35 is less likely to break. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the stopper 35 may be circular. The stopper 35 of the present embodiment was constituted by a protrusion inserted into the rotation restricting elongated hole 23d provided in the housing 10, but a rotation restricting elongated hole (not shown) may be formed in the operation member 30, and a stopper (not shown) may be provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the housing 10 in the direction along the rotation center line 110.

[0066] (Method of using the operating instrument for the three-way stopcock) When attaching the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock to the three-way stopcock 104, the operation member 30 is removed from the housing 10. Thereafter, after housing and fixing the three-way stopcock body 105 in the housing 10, the operation member 30 is attached to the housing 10.

[0067] After attaching the operating instrument 1 for the three-way stopcock, when filling the bag-shaped member 101 with air, the operation member 30 is rotated until the tapered portion 33a of the operation member 30 is closest to the first display portion 24a. Thereafter, by operating the pump 102, the bag-shaped member 101 can be filled with air.

[0068] On the other hand, when discharging the air inside the bag-shaped member 101, the operation member 30 is rotated until the tapered portion 33a of the operation member 30 is closest to the second display portion 24b. Thereby, since the bag-shaped member 101 is opened to the atmosphere, the air inside the bag-shaped member 101 is discharged.

[0069] (Operational effects of the embodiment) As described above, according to this embodiment, since the housing 10 to which the three-way valve body 105 is fixed is formed so as to surround the three-way valve body 105 and the cylindrical portions 106, 107, and 108, the size of the housing 10 becomes larger than the size of the three-way valve body 105. Therefore, it is easier for the operator to hold the housing 10 rather than the three-way valve body 105. Further, since the operation member 30 is formed so as to surround the lever portions 109a, 109b, and 109c of the cock 109, it is easier for the operator to hold the gripping portion 33 rather than directly holding the cock 109, and it becomes easier to apply force. Furthermore, due to the presence of the gripping portion 33, the operator can intuitively grasp where to hold.

[0070] When the operator holds the gripping portion 33 and operates the operation member 30, since the cock engaging portion 34 is engaged with the cock 109, the cock 109 also moves in the same direction. Thereby, the opening and closing states of the ports P1 to P3 of the three-way valve 104 are switched. At this time, since the display portions 24a and 24b are provided on the housing 10, it is possible to intuitively grasp how far to move the operation member 30 so that the ports P1 to P3 are in a desired opening and closing state. Therefore, the three-way valve 104 can be easily and intuitively switched to a desired state.

[0071] The above-described embodiment is merely an example in all respects and should not be construed in a limiting manner. Further, all modifications and changes belonging to the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present invention. Although not shown, for example, a rotation restricting elongated hole may be formed in the substrate portion 31 of the operation member 30, and a stopper may be formed in the housing 10.

[0072] Also, as in the modification example 2 shown in FIG. 13, an extension portion 36 may be provided on the gripping portion 33 of the operation member 30. The extension portion 36 is formed in a rod shape or a column shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the gripping portion 33. By providing the extension portion 36, the rotational operability of the operation member 30 becomes even better.

[0073] Further, as in Modification Example 3 shown in FIG. 14, the first display portion 24a and the second display portion 24b may be numbers. In this Modification Example 3, the second display portion 24b is provided on the second peripheral plate portion 10c.

[0074] Also, as in Modification Example 4 shown in FIG. 15, a rotation restricting elongated hole 23e may be formed on the inner surface 23a of the third recess 23. The rotation restricting elongated hole 23e of this Modification Example 4 is in the shape of a slit that opens to the inner surface 23a. In the case of Modification Example 4, as shown in FIG. 16, a stopper 37 may be provided so as to project radially outward from the peripheral wall portion 32 of the operation member 30. Thereby, the stopper 37 can be inserted into the rotation restricting elongated hole 23e to restrict the rotation range of the operation member 30.

[0075] Also, in Modification Example 4, although not shown, a rotation restricting elongated hole may be formed in the peripheral wall portion 32 of the operation member 30, and the stopper may be formed so as to project radially inward from the inner surface 23a of the housing 10 and inserted into the rotation restricting elongated hole.

Industrial Applicability

[0076] As described above, the operating instrument for a three-way stopcock according to the present invention can be used, for example, when operating a three-way stopcock in the method of enteral nutrition.

Explanation of Signs

[0077] 1 Operating instrument for a three-way stopcock 10 Housing 10b First peripheral plate portion 10c Second peripheral plate portion 10d Third peripheral plate portion 11a First fitting piece (fitting portion) 12a Second fitting piece (fitting portion) 23d Rotation restricting elongated hole (rotation restricting portion) 24a, 24b First display portion, second display portion 30 Operating member 33 Gripping portion 34 Cock engaging portion 35 Stopper (first engaging portion) 104 Three-way stopcock 105 Three-way stopcock body 106 First cylinder part 107 Second cylinder part 108 Third cylinder part 109 Cock

Claims

1. In a three-way valve operating instrument for operating a three-way valve having a three-way valve body formed with a plurality of ports and a cock for switching the opening and closing of the ports, a housing formed so as to surround at least a part of the three-way valve body and to which the three-way valve body is fixed; an operating member which is separate from the housing, is formed so as to surround at least a part of the cock, has a cock engaging portion that engages with the cock, and has a gripping portion that is gripped by an operator; the operating member is supported by the housing so as to be rotatable around the rotation center line of the cock; the gripping portion bulges from the main body portion of the operating member in the direction of the rotation center line, and is shaped to extend long on both radial sides that intersect the rotation center line with the rotation center line as a reference; a three-way valve operating instrument in which a display portion for displaying the open / closed state of the cock in cooperation with the operating member is provided on the housing.

2. In the three-way valve operating instrument according to Claim 1, a first engaging portion is provided on one of the housing and the operating member; a rotation restricting portion for restricting the rotation range so that the rotation range of the operating member with respect to the housing coincides with the rotation range at the time of opening / closing switching of the cock is provided on the other of the housing and the operating member, the rotation restricting portion engaging with the first engaging portion.

3. In the three-way valve operating instrument according to Claim 2, the rotation restricting portion is constituted by a long hole extending around the rotation center line of the operating member; the first engaging portion is constituted by a protrusion inserted into the long hole.

4. In the three-way valve operating instrument according to Claim 1, the housing has a peripheral plate portion that extends so as to surround the operating member when viewed along the direction of the rotation center line; the display portion is provided on the peripheral plate portion.

5. In the three-way valve operating instrument according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, the cock engaging portion is constituted by ribs that respectively fit into a plurality of spaced-apart locations on the cock.

6. In the three-way valve operating instrument according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, a fitting portion into which a plurality of cylindrical portions that protrude from the three-way valve body and have the ports formed therein are respectively fitted is formed on the housing.

7. In a three-way stopcock operating instrument for operating a three-way stopcock body having a plurality of ports and a cock for switching the opening and closing of the ports, a housing formed so as to surround at least a part of the three-way stopcock body and to which the three-way stopcock body is fixed; an operating member formed separately from the housing so as to surround at least a part of the cock, having a cock engaging portion that engages with the cock and a gripping portion that is gripped by an operator, and being supported by the housing so as to be rotatable around the rotation center line of the cock; the gripping portion bulges from the main body portion of the operating member in the direction of the rotation center line and has a shape that extends long in both radial directions intersecting the rotation center line with the rotation center line as a reference; a first engaging portion is provided on one of the housing and the operating member; a rotation restricting portion is provided on the other of the housing and the operating member, which engages with the first engaging portion and restricts the rotation range so that the rotation range of the operating member with respect to the housing coincides with the rotation range at the time of opening and closing switching of the cock. A three-way stopcock operating instrument.

8. In the three-way stopcock operating instrument according to claim 7, the rotation restricting portion is constituted by a long hole extending around the rotation center line of the operating member; the first engaging portion is constituted by a protrusion inserted into the long hole. A three-way stopcock operating instrument.

9. In a three-way stopcock operating instrument for operating a three-way stopcock body having a plurality of ports and a cock for switching the opening and closing of the ports, a housing formed so as to surround at least a part of the three-way stopcock body and to which the three-way stopcock body is fixed; an operating member formed separately from the housing so as to surround at least a part of the cock, having a cock engaging portion that engages with the cock and a gripping portion that is gripped by an operator; the housing has a circular plate shape in plan view; the housing has a plurality of groove portions for respectively accommodating a plurality of cylindrical portions of the three-way stopcock body in which the ports are formed inside; a display portion for displaying the open / closed state of the cock in cooperation with the operating member is provided on the housing. A three-way stopcock operating instrument.

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