female connector

Abstract

To increase a flow rate of liquid when a male member having a large diameter is inserted to a female connector including a partition member formed with a slit.SOLUTION: A projection 22 is provided in an inner surface 21 of a partition member 10. In the projection 22, a slit 13 penetrating the partition member 10 in a thickness direction of the partition member 10 is provided. The slit 13 includes a plurality of slit segments 13a, 13b extending radially from a center 1a of the partition member 10. The shape of the projection 13 when the partition member 10 is viewed from the inner surface 21 side is non-circular shape inscribed inside a virtual circle 22a having, as a radius, a distance from the center 1a to an outer peripheral end of the projection 22 along an extension direction of the plurality of slit segments 13a, 13b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a female connector into which a male member can be inserted and removed, and more particularly to a female connector having a partition member made of a soft material and having a slit formed therein. [Background technology]

[0002] In the medical field, connectors consisting of a male member and a female connector are used to form flow paths for various liquids, such as drug solutions and blood. Depending on the type of liquid flowing through the flow path, it may be desirable to prevent the liquid from leaking to the outside. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe female connectors that meet this requirement. This female connector includes a thin, plate-like partition wall member made of a soft material. The partition wall member has a linear slit (cut) penetrating the partition wall member in its thickness direction. A rod-shaped male member can be inserted into the female connector. When inserted into the female connector, the male member deforms the partition wall member, opening the slit. The male member penetrates the slit, connecting the male member and the female connector. When the male member is removed from the female connector, the partition wall member immediately returns to its initial state, closing the slit. The partition wall member functions as a self-closing valve that opens only when the male member is inserted (connected) to the female connector.

[0003] The diameter (outer diameter) of the male member inserted into the female connector varies. The larger the diameter of the male member, the greater the deformation of the partition member when the male member is inserted into the female connector. If a relatively thick male member (hereinafter referred to as a "large-diameter male member") is forcibly inserted into the female connector, the partition member will be significantly deformed, increasing the possibility of cracks occurring in the partition member starting from the end of the slit in the extension direction.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes a female connector equipped with a partition member having a ring-shaped thin-walled portion formed around a circular central portion with a slit. When a large-diameter male member is inserted into this female connector, the tip of the male member abuts the central portion of the partition member, and the male member pushes the central portion into the lumen of the female connector. At this time, the thin-walled portion around the central portion is selectively stretched. An elastic restoring force generated in the thin-walled portion pulls the central portion radially outward, opening the slit. The male member and the female connector are now in communication (see Figure 4 of Patent Document 3). The slit does not open wide enough for the male member to pass through. Because the central portion does not deform sufficiently to allow the large-diameter male member to pass through the slit, there is little possibility of cracks originating from the edge of the slit occurring in the partition member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-075684 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-252165 [Patent Document 3] WO2019 / 181743 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 3, when a large-diameter male member is inserted into a female connector, the slit in the partition member does not open wide, which poses a problem of a small flow rate of liquid flowing between the male member and the female connector.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to increase the flow rate of liquid when a large-diameter male member is inserted into a female connector having a partition member with a slit formed therein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The female connector of the present invention comprises a thin-plate partition member made of a soft material, a female connector body having a retaining tube, and a cap with a central opening. The partition member is held in the thickness direction of the partition member by the retaining tube of the female connector body and the cap. The partition member has outer and inner surfaces facing opposite each other, a convex portion provided on the inner surface of the partition member that protrudes toward the inner cavity of the female connector body, and a slit provided within the convex portion that penetrates the partition member in the thickness direction. The slit is composed of a plurality of slit segments extending radially from the center of the partition member. The shape of the convex portion when viewed from the inner surface side of the partition member is non-circular and inscribed in an imaginary circle whose radius is the distance from the center to the outer peripheral edge of the convex portion along the extension direction of the plurality of slit segments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the convex portion provided on the inner surface of the partition member has a non-circular shape corresponding to the shape of the slit, so that when a large-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector, the slit opens wider, thereby increasing the flow rate of liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, taken along a plane including its central axis. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector according to one embodiment of the present invention, taken along another plane including the central axis thereof. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective cross-sectional view of a female connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a partition member according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from its inner surface side, and Figure 5B is a plan view of the partition member as viewed from its inner surface side. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to one embodiment of the present invention with a small diameter male member inserted therein. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to one embodiment of the present invention with a large diameter male member inserted therein. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to a comparative example, taken along a plane including its central axis. [Figure 9] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a partition member according to a comparative example, as viewed from its inner surface side, and Fig. 9B is a plan view of the partition member, as viewed from its inner surface side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector according to a comparative example, with a large-diameter male member inserted therein. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are perspective and plan views of a partition member according to another embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from its inner surface side, respectively. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are perspective and plan views of a partition member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the partition member having a slit formed therein that is substantially Y-shaped in plan view, as viewed from the inner surface side. [Figure 13] Figure 13A is a perspective view of a partition member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, seen from its inner surface, having a slit formed therein that is shaped like the letter "X" in plan view, and Figure 13B is a plan view of the partition member seen from its inner surface. [Figure 14] Fig. 14A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 14A in Fig. 2. Fig. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 14B in Fig. 7. [Figure 15] Fig. 15A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the open end of the cap and its vicinity in a female connector according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the female connector of Fig. 15A with a large-diameter male member inserted therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one aspect of the female connector of the present invention, when the partition member is seen through in the thickness direction, the protrusion may be located inside the opening of the cap, which is advantageous for increasing the flow rate of liquid when a large-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector.

[0012] In one aspect of the female connector of the present invention, the inner surface of the partition member may have an annular flat surface adjacent to and surrounding the protrusion. The protrusion may protrude from the annular flat surface toward the inner cavity of the female connector body. According to this aspect, when a large-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector, a force (tensile force) for opening the slit can be effectively generated in the area where the annular flat surface is formed.

[0013] In one aspect of the female connector of the present invention, the retaining cylinder of the female connector body may support the annular flat surface of the partition member. This aspect is advantageous for increasing the flow rate of liquid when a large-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector.

[0014] In one aspect of the female connector of the present invention, an annular rib may protrude from the top surface of the retaining barrel. This aspect is advantageous, first, in preventing liquid in the lumen of the female connector body from leaking out through the gap between the partition member and the retaining barrel, and second, in preventing the partition member from shifting position relative to the retaining barrel or falling off from the retaining barrel when a male member is inserted into the female connector.

[0015] In one aspect of the female connector of the present invention, the plurality of slit segments may be disposed at equal angular intervals relative to the center of the partition member, which is advantageous for increasing the flow rate of liquid when a male member with a large diameter is inserted into the female connector.

[0016] In one aspect of the female connector of the present invention, the slit may be composed of only two slit segments. The shape of the convex portion when the partition member is viewed from the inner surface side may be approximately elliptical. Having a slit composed of only two slit segments is advantageous for preventing liquid leakage to the outside when a small-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector. Furthermore, having a approximately elliptical shape of the convex portion is advantageous for improving the durability of the partition member against repeated insertion and removal of male members into the female connector.

[0017] In one aspect of the female connector of the present invention, a rod-shaped male member having an outer peripheral surface that can fit into the opening end of the cap may be inserted into and removed from the opening of the cap. When the male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface fits into the opening end of the opening, the outer surface of the partition member may be in close contact with the tip of the male member in the axial direction of the female connector, and the lips defining the slit may be separated, thereby connecting the male member and the female connector. This aspect is advantageous in preventing cracks from occurring in the partition member starting from the end of the slit when a large-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector.

[0018] The outer peripheral surface of the male member may be provided with a male tapered surface whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the male member. The inner peripheral surface defining the opening of the cap may be provided with a female tapered surface whose inner diameter decreases toward the bore. The female tapered surface may have a larger taper angle than the male tapered surface. This aspect is advantageous for stably maintaining the male member fitted into the opening end of the cap opening.

[0019] The present invention will be described in detail below, illustrating preferred embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For the sake of convenience, the drawings referred to in the following description show simplified views of the main components constituting the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention may include any components not shown in the following drawings. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the components shown in the following drawings may be modified or omitted. In the drawings referred to in the description of each embodiment, components corresponding to components shown in the drawings referred to in the preceding embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the drawings of the preceding embodiment. Duplicate descriptions of such components are omitted, and the descriptions of the preceding embodiment should be taken into consideration as appropriate.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views of the female connector 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective cross-sectional view of the female connector 1. In FIGS. 2 and 3, a dashed line 1a is the axis (i.e., the central axis) of the female connector 1. The axis 1a passes through the center of a circle included in the female connector 1 and / or coincides with the central axis of a cylinder or cone (taper) included in the female connector 1. The cross sections of FIGS. 2 and 4 include the axis 1a and are perpendicular to the extension direction of the slit 13 (see FIG. 1). The cross section of FIG. 3 includes the axis 1a and is parallel to the extension direction of the slit 13. For convenience of the following explanation, the direction parallel to the axis 1a will be referred to as the "vertical direction." The tip side of the female connector 1 (the upper side in FIGS. 2 and 3) will be referred to as the "upper" side, and the base side of the female connector 1 (the lower side in FIGS. 2 and 3) will be referred to as the "lower" side. The direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis 1a will be referred to as the "horizontal direction." However, "upper," "lower," and "horizontal" do not refer to the orientation of the female connector 1 when actually in use. The direction along a line perpendicular to the axis 1a is called the "radial direction" or "diameter direction." In the radial direction, the side closer to the axis 1a is called the "inner side," and the side farther from the axis 1a is called the "outer side." The direction of rotation around the axis 1a is called the "circumferential direction."

[0021] 4, the female connector 1 includes a partition member (sometimes called a "septum") 10, a female connector main body (hereinafter referred to as the "main body") 30, and a cap 60. The main body 30 and the cap 60 sandwich and fix the partition member 10 in the vertical direction.

[0022] The partition member 10 has an overall circular thin plate shape. The partition member 10 is made of a soft material (so-called elastomer) that is elastic (or flexible) so that it can be deformed relatively easily by external force and immediately returns to its pre-deformation state (initial state) when the external force is removed. Usable soft materials include, but are not limited to, soft polyvinyl chloride; thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based elastomers, olefin-based elastomers, and polyurethane-based elastomers; and rubbers such as isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, and butyl rubber. The partition member 10 can be manufactured as a single, integrated part using the above materials.

[0023] The partition member 10 has an outer surface (or upper surface) 11 and an inner surface (or lower surface) 21 facing opposite to each other in the thickness direction (or the direction of the axis 1a) of the partition member 10.

[0024] The outer surface 11 of the partition member 10 is provided with a central portion 12, an annular groove 16, and an annular protrusion 18, which are arranged coaxially in this order from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction. The central portion 12 has a circular shape in plan view (a shape viewed along the axis 1a), and its top surface (the surface facing upward) is a flat surface along the horizontal direction. The central portion 12 is exposed to the outside through an opening 62 in the cap 60 (see FIG. 1). Preferably, the central portion 12 is fitted into the opening 62 in the cap 60 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). A slit (cut) 13 is formed in the central portion 12, penetrating the partition member 10 in its thickness direction. In this embodiment, the slit 13 intersects the axis 1a and extends linearly (diametrically). The length of the slit 13 is shorter than the diameter of the central portion 12. The annular groove 16 has a circular shape in plan view and extends annularly around the central portion 12. The annular protrusion 18 is adjacent to the annular groove 16 and radially outward from the annular groove 16. The annular protrusion 18 has a circular shape in a plan view and extends in an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge of the partition member 10. The central portion 12 and the annular protrusion 18 protrude upward from the bottom of the annular groove 16 (the deepest part of the annular groove 16).

[0025] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the partition member 10 as viewed from the inner surface 21 side. FIG. 5B is a plan view of the partition member 10 as viewed from the inner surface 21 side. The inner surface 21 of the partition member 10 has a convex portion 22, an annular flat surface 26, and an annular convex portion 28, which are coaxially arranged in this order from the inside to the outside in the radial direction. The convex portion 22 has a generally elliptical shape in a plan view, and its major axis is aligned with the extension direction of the slit 13. The dimension of the convex portion 22 in the major axis direction is longer than the length of the slit 13. The top surface of the convex portion 22 (the surface facing downward in the female connector 1 or toward the lumen 35 of the main body 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 3)) is a flat surface extending horizontally. The annular flat surface 26 is adjacent to the convex portion 22, radially outward from the convex portion 22. The annular flat surface 26 extends continuously in the circumferential direction so as to surround the convex portion 22. The annular flat surface 26 is a flat surface extending horizontally. The annular protrusion 28 is adjacent to the annular flat surface 26 and radially outward from the annular flat surface 26. The annular protrusion 28 has a circular shape in a plan view and extends in an annular shape along the outer peripheral edge of the partition wall member 10. The annular protrusion 28 is provided at approximately the same position in the radial direction as the annular protrusion 18 (see FIG. 4). The protrusion 22 and the annular protrusion 28 protrude downward from the annular flat surface 26.

[0026] In FIG. 5B, the two-dot chain line 22a is an imaginary circle (i.e., a circumscribed circle) circumscribing the protrusion 22. The center of the imaginary circle 22a coincides with the center of the partition member 10, which also coincides with the axis 1a of the female connector 1. In other words, the protrusion 22 is inscribed in the imaginary circle 22a that is concentric with the partition member 10. The slit 13 is composed of two slit segments 13a and 13b that extend radially (in the radial direction) from the center 1a of the partition member 10 (or the imaginary circle 22a). The slit segment 13a and the slit segment 13b have the same length and extend in a straight line from the center 1a toward opposite sides. The imaginary circle 22a has a radius that is the distance from the center 1a of the partition member 10 to the outer circumferential edge of the protrusion 22 along the extension direction of the slit segments 13a and 13b. The protrusion 22 is inscribed in the imaginary circle 22a at the point where the extensions of the slit segments 13a and 13b intersect with the outer peripheral edge of the protrusion 22 (intersection point).

[0027] Returning to FIG. 4 , the main body 30 has a base 31 on its upper side. The base 31 has a double-cylinder structure consisting of an outer cylinder 33 and a retaining cylinder (lower retaining cylinder) 36. The outer cylinder 33 and the retaining cylinder 36 both have a substantially cylindrical shape coaxial with the axis 1a. The outer cylinder 33 is disposed radially outward of the retaining cylinder 36 and spaced apart from it in the radial direction. The outer cylinder 33 extends upward to a higher position than the retaining cylinder 36. The inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 33 is provided with a fitting structure 34 consisting of a circumferentially extending convex rib (annular rib) and / or concave rib (annular groove). The top surface (the surface facing upward) of the retaining cylinder 36 is a horizontally flat surface. An annular rib 37 protrudes upward from the top surface of the retaining cylinder 36. The annular rib 37 is continuous in the circumferential direction along a circle concentric with the axis 1a. The cross-sectional shape of the annular rib 37 along the plane including the axis 1a is not limited, and can be arbitrarily selected from tapered trapezoids, triangles (wedge shapes), semicircles, etc. The radial dimension of the annular rib 37 is smaller than the radial dimension of the top surface of the retaining tube 36, preferably one-half or less, and more preferably one-third or less.

[0028] The main body 30 has a connecting portion 40 on its lower side. The connecting portion 40 is composed of a connecting tube 41 and a skirt portion 45, which are coaxial with the axis 1a. The connecting tube 41 has a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape. A flow path 42 penetrates the connecting tube 41 along the axis 1a. The flow path 42 is connected to the inner cavity 35 of the female connector 1 (or the main body 30 or the retaining tube 36). The outer peripheral surface 43 of the connecting tube 41 is a tapered surface (a so-called male tapered surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip. The skirt portion 45 has a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape, surrounds the connecting tube 41, and is spaced radially from the connecting tube 41. A female thread 46 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the skirt portion 45. A flexible tube that forms a circuit through which a liquid (e.g., blood, a medicinal solution, physiological saline, etc.) flows is connected to the connecting tube 41 directly or indirectly via another member (not shown).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the outer peripheral surface of the main body 30 is provided with a pair of recesses 51 (only one recess 51 is visible in FIG. 1) and an annular groove 53. The recess 51 has a hook shape (approximately a "J" shape or a "L" shape) extending downward from the upper end of the outer cylinder 33. The pair of recesses 51 are symmetrical with respect to the axis 1a. The annular groove 53 continues in the circumferential direction along the boundary between the outer cylinder 33 and the skirt portion 45.

[0030] Returning to FIG. 4 , the cap 60 includes a disk-shaped top plate 61. A circular opening (through-hole) 62 is formed in the center of the top plate 61. A fitting tube 63 and a retaining tube (upper retaining tube) 66 extend downward from the underside of the top plate 61. The fitting tube 63 and the retaining tube 66 each have a substantially cylindrical shape. The top plate 61, the opening 62, the fitting tube 63, and the retaining tube 66 are all coaxial with the axis 1a. The opening 62, the retaining tube 66, and the fitting tube 63 are arranged in this order from the inside to the outside in the radial direction, spaced apart from one another. The fitting tube 63 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the partition member 10. The outer peripheral surface of the fitting tube 63 is provided with a fitting structure 64 consisting of circumferentially continuous convex ribs (annular ribs) and / or concave ribs (annular grooves).

[0031] The main body 30 and the cap 60 are preferably made of a hard material. Materials for the main body 30 and the cap 60 are not limited, but may be resin materials such as polyacetal, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyamide, polypropylene, and hard polyvinyl chloride. The main body 30 and the cap 60 can be manufactured as a single unit using these resin materials by injection molding or the like.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the partition member 10 is housed within the outer tube 33 of the main body 30. The annular flat surface 26 of the partition member 10 rests on the retaining tube 36 of the main body 30. The retaining tube 36 supports a portion of the annular flat surface 26 near its radially outer end (the portion near the annular protrusion 28). The inner cavity 35 is closed by the partition member 10. The fitting tube 63 of the cap 60 is fitted into the outer tube 33. The partition member 10 is housed within the fitting tube 63. The fitting structure 34 provided on the outer tube 33 of the main body 30 is fitted into the fitting structure 64 provided on the fitting tube 63 of the cap 60. The retaining tube 66 of the cap 60 is fitted into the annular groove 16 on the outer surface 11 of the partition member 10. The retaining tube 66 of the cap 60 is located approximately opposite the retaining tube 36 of the main body 30 in the vertical direction. The partition member 10 is held by the retaining tube 36 and the retaining tube 66 while being compressed in the thickness direction (vertical direction). An annular rib 37 protruding from the retaining tube 36 bites into the annular flat surface 26, locally compressing and deforming the partition member 10. The annular protrusion 28 is disposed radially outward from the retaining tube 36, radially facing and adjacent to the retaining tube 36. The annular protrusion 18 is disposed radially outward from the retaining tube 66, radially facing and adjacent to the retaining tube 66. The central portion 12 and slit 13 of the partition member 10 are exposed upward through an opening 62 in the cap 60 (see FIG. 1). In the initial state before a male member (e.g., male members 80 and 90, described below) is inserted into the female connector 1, the partition member 10 (particularly its central portion 12) is substantially undeformed, and a pair of opposing lips 13x defining the slit 13 are in close contact with each other, thereby substantially liquid-tightly closing the slit 13 (see FIG. 2). Even if the lumen 35 is filled with liquid, the liquid will not leak out to the outside through the slit 13.

[0033] The female connector 1 is connected to a male member by inserting the male member into the opening 62 of the cap 60. The male member is a rod-shaped member that extends straight. A flow path is provided inside the male member along its longitudinal direction. The flow path opens toward the outside at or near the tip of the male member. When the male member is connected to the female connector 1, the flow path of the male member and the lumen 35 (and further the flow path 42) of the main body 30 (or female connector 1) are connected.

[0034] In the present invention, there is no limitation on the male member, and there is also no limitation on the diameter (particularly the outer diameter) of the male member.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector 1 into which a small-diameter male member 80 is inserted. The cross-section of FIG. 6 is the same as the cross-section of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional image of the female connector 1 into which the male member 80 is inserted, obtained by X-ray CT. The male member 80 is a long, thin rod-shaped member. A flow path 81 is provided within the male member 80 along the longitudinal direction of the male member 80. The flow path 81 penetrates the male member 80 and opens at the tip of the male member 80. The outer peripheral surface 83 of the male member 80 is a cylindrical surface having a substantially constant outer diameter in the longitudinal direction of the male member 80. However, the shape of the outer peripheral surface 83 is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a tapered surface (a so-called male taper surface) in which the outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the male member 80, or any other shape. The outer diameter of the male member 80 is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 62 of the cap 60.

[0036] The male member 80 passes through the slit 13 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the partition member 10. The male member 80 protrudes further toward the inner cavity 35 of the female connector 1 than the partition member 10. The flow path 81 of the male member 80 communicates with the inner cavity 35.

[0037] The partition member 10 is deformed by the male member 80. Specifically, when the male member 80 passes through the slit 13, friction between the male member 80 and the partition member 10 causes the central portion 12 and the annular flat surface 26 of the partition member 10 to bend and deform toward the inner cavity 35 of the female connector 1. The lips 13x of the slit 13 are spaced apart, with the male member 80 inserted therebetween. The lips 13x are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface 83 of the male member 80. A liquid-tight seal is formed between the lips 13x and the outer peripheral surface 83 of the male member 80. Therefore, there is little possibility that the liquid in the inner cavity 35 will leak out between the lips 13x and the male member 80.

[0038] When the male member 80 is pulled out of the female connector 1 in the state shown in Figure 6, the partition member 10 immediately returns to its initial state (see Figures 1 to 3). The lips 13x come into close contact with each other, and the slit 13 is closed liquid-tight. The partition member 10 functions as a self-closing valve that opens only when the male member 80 is inserted (connected) into the female connector 1.

[0039] Because the outer diameter of the male member 80 is relatively small, the opening of the slit 13 (the distance between the lips 13x) is relatively small when the male member 80 penetrates the partition member 10 as shown in Fig. 6. For this reason, even if the male member 80 penetrates the partition member 10, it is unlikely that a crack will occur in the partition member 10, originating from the end of the slit 13 in the extension direction (i.e., the part of the slit 13 farthest from the center 1a; hereinafter referred to as the "slit end").

[0040] Because the male member 80 can penetrate the partition member 10, the flow path 81 of the male member 80 is open to the lumen 35 without being blocked by the partition member 10. Liquid can flow between the male member 80 and the female connector 1 at a flow rate that depends on the cross-sectional area of the flow path 81.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the female connector 1 into which a large-diameter male member 90 has been inserted. The cross-section of FIG. 7 is the same as the cross-section of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional image of the female connector 1 into which the male member 90 has been inserted, obtained by X-ray CT. The male member 90 is a thick, long, rod-shaped member. A flow path 91 is provided within the male member 90 along the longitudinal direction of the male member 90. The flow path 91 penetrates the male member 90 and opens at the tip of the male member 90. The outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90 is a tapered surface (a so-called male taper surface, for example, a 6% taper surface) whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the male member 90. However, the shape of the outer peripheral surface 93 is not limited thereto and may be, for example, a cylindrical surface whose outer diameter is approximately constant in the longitudinal direction of the male member 90, or any other shape. The outer diameter of the male member 90 is larger than that of the small-diameter male member 80 (see FIG. 6).

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the male member 90 is inserted until its outer circumferential surface 93 fits into the open end that defines the opening 62 of the cap 60. The outer circumferential surface 93 and the open end come into contact, generating a frictional force between them. This frictional force maintains the male member 90 inserted to a predetermined depth and connected to the female connector 1. The tip of the male member 90 reaches the interior of the lumen 35 of the female connector 1.

[0043] As can be easily understood by comparing FIG. 7 with FIG. 6 , which shows the state in which the small-diameter male member 80 is inserted, the male member 90 does not penetrate the slit 13 of the partition member 10. The tip of the male member 90 abuts against the top surface (the upward-facing surface, see FIG. 2 ) of the central portion 12 of the partition member 10 in the vertical direction (the direction of the axis 1a). The central portion 12 is pushed toward the inner cavity 35 by the male member 90 while the tip of the male member 90 remains in abutment. The partition member 10 is bent downward so that the relatively thin portion (see FIGS. 2 and 5A , hereinafter referred to as the “thin-walled portion”) where the annular flat surface 26 is formed is sandwiched radially between the retaining tube 36 and the male member 90. The thin-walled portion is stretched vertically along the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90. The elastic restoring force (repulsion force) of the thin-walled portion pulls the protrusion 22 surrounded by the annular flat surface 26. As a result, the opposing lips 13x that define the slit 13 move away from each other, opening the slit 13. The flow path 94 of the male member 90 communicates with the inner cavity 35 of the female connector 1 through the slit 13 (or the gap between the lips 13x).

[0044] The elastic restoring force of the thin-walled portion presses the top surface of the central portion 12 of the partition member 10 in the axial direction 1a against the tip of the male member 90, forming a liquid-tight seal between the central portion 12 and the tip of the male member 90. This makes it unlikely that liquid in the lumen 35 will leak out between the partition member 10 and the male member 90.

[0045] When the male member 90 is pulled out of the female connector 1 in the state shown in Figure 7, the partition member 10 immediately returns to its initial state (see Figures 1 to 3). The lips 13x come into close contact with each other, and the slit 13 is closed liquid-tight. The partition member 10 functions as a self-closing valve that opens only when the male member 90 is inserted (connected) into the female connector 1.

[0046] The length of the slit 13 is set so that when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, the male member 90 does not penetrate the slit 13. When the male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, the lips 13x do not separate as far as the outer diameter of the male member 90. The distance between the lips 13x is smaller than the outer diameter of the male member 90 at its tip. Because the opening of the slit 13 is thus relatively small when the male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, there is little likelihood that a crack will occur in the partition member 10, originating from the end of the slit 13 in the extension direction (slit end). In addition, because deformation of the central portion 12 in which the slit 13 is formed is relatively small, the liquid-tightness of the seal formed between the central portion 12 and the tip of the male member 90 is improved.

[0047] In this embodiment, the planar shape of the convex portion 22 formed on the inner surface 12 of the partition member 10 is a substantially ellipse with a major axis aligned with the slit 13 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). This is advantageous for increasing the opening of the slit 13 when a large-diameter male member 90 is connected to the female connector 1, thereby increasing the flow rate of liquid between the male member 80 and the female connector 1. This will be explained below.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a female connector 901 according to a comparative example, taken along a plane including its central axis. Similar to FIG. 2, the cross-section of FIG. 8 includes the axis 1a of the female connector 901 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the slit 13. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in the female connector 1 (see FIG. 2) are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The female connector 901 differs from the female connector 1 of this embodiment in terms of the partition member 910. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the partition member 910, as viewed from its inner surface 21. FIG. 9B is a plan view of the partition member 910, as viewed from its inner surface 21. Comparing FIGS. 9A and 9B with FIGS. 5A and 5B, the partition member 910 differs from the partition member 10, in that the convex portion 922 has a circular shape in plan view that is concentric with the center 1a of the partition member 910 (or the axis 1a of the female connector 910), in that the convex portion 22 has a substantially elliptical shape in plan view.

[0049] Similar to FIG. 7, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view that schematically shows a cross-sectional image obtained by X-ray CT of a female connector 901 into which a large-diameter male member 90 has been inserted. The cross-section of FIG. 10 is the same as that of FIG. 8. As in FIG. 7, the male member 90 is inserted until its outer peripheral surface 93 fits into the opening end that defines the opening 62 of the cap 60. Although the insertion depth of the male member 90 into the female connector (1, 901) is the same in FIGS. 7 and 10, the opening of the slit 13 (the distance between the lips 13x) is larger in FIG. 7 than in FIG. 10. The inventors believe that the reason for this is roughly as follows.

[0050] In both the female connector 1 and the female connector 901, when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, 901, the male member 90 selectively stretches the thin-walled portion of the partition member 10, 910 (the relatively thin portion of the partition member 10, 910 where the annular flat surface 26 is formed). An elastic restoring force (repulsive force) generated in the thin-walled portion pulls the convex portion 22, 922 surrounded by the annular flat surface 26 radially outward. This tensile force separates the lips 13x from each other, opening the slit 13. When the slit 13 opens, the relatively thick convex portion 22, 922 surrounding the slit 13 is deformed. An elastic restoring force (repulsive force) that attempts to return the deformed convex portion 22, 922 to its initial state before deformation, i.e., a force that attempts to close the slit 13 (hereinafter referred to as the "closing force"), is generated in the deformed convex portion 22, 922. Because the deformation of the protrusions (22, 922) is generally a bending deformation along a horizontal plane, the magnitude of the closing force depends on the dimensions of the protrusions (22, 922) along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the slit 13 (or slit segments 13a, 13b). The dimensions of the protrusions (22, 922) along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the slit 13 are smaller in this embodiment (see FIG. 5B) in which the protrusions 22 are substantially elliptical than in the comparative example (see FIG. 9B) in which the protrusions 922 are circular. Therefore, the closing force generated in the substantially elliptical protrusions 22 is smaller than the closing force generated in the circular protrusions 922. Therefore, although the insertion depth of the male member 90 into the female connector is the same as that of the comparative example (FIG. 10) in this embodiment (FIG. 7), the opening degree of the slit 13 (the distance between the lips 13x) is greater than that of the comparative example (FIG. 10).

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, slit 13 is composed of two slit segments 13a and 13b extending radially from center 1a of partition member 10 (see FIG. 5B). When viewed from the inner surface 21 of partition member 10, protrusion 22 has a generally elliptical shape inscribed in imaginary circle 22a, the radius of which is the distance from center 1a to the outer circumferential edge of protrusion 22 along the extension direction of slit segments 13a and 13b. In other words, protrusion 22 has a generally elliptical shape in which the distance from center 1a to the outer circumferential edge of protrusion 22 is greatest in the extension direction of slit segments 13a and 13b. Because protrusion 22 has a noncircular shape corresponding to the shape of slit 13 (or the extension direction of slit segments 13a and 13b), when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted, slit 13 opens more widely in female connector 1 of this embodiment (FIG. 7) than in female connector 901 (FIG. 10) of the comparative example. The liquid flows through the slit 13 (or the gap between the lips 13x). Therefore, as can be easily understood by comparing Figure 7 with Figure 10, the female connector 1 of this embodiment can increase the flow rate of the liquid flowing between the male member 90 and the female connector 1 when a male member 90 with a large diameter is inserted.

[0052] In FIG. 5B, a two-dot chain line 62 indicates the opening 62 (particularly its opening end; see FIGS. 1 to 3 ) of the cap 60 when the female connector 1 is seen through the axis 1a. The opening end of the opening 62 coincides with the outer peripheral edge of the central portion 12 provided on the upper surface 11 of the partition member 10. In the present invention, there is no limitation on the size relationship between the opening 62 (or the central portion 12) and the protruding portion 22. For example, the protruding portion 22 may protrude radially outward from the opening 62 (or the central portion 12). However, as in this embodiment, the protruding portion 22 is preferably positioned inside the opening 62 (or the central portion 12). This means that the area of the protruding portion 22 is relatively small when the partition member 10 is viewed from above. If the area of the protruding portion 22 is small, the closing force generated in the protruding portion 22 when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1 is reduced, and the opening degree of the slit 13 (the distance between the lips 13x) is increased. Therefore, locating the protrusion 22 inside the opening 62 is advantageous for increasing the flow rate of liquid that flows between the male member 90 and the female connector 1 when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1. Note that if the inner circumferential surface that defines the opening 62 has a shape other than a cylindrical surface (for example, see FIG. 15A described later), the opening 62 is defined in relation to the protrusion 22 based on the smallest inner diameter part of the inner circumferential surface.

[0053] In the present invention, the configuration around the protrusion 22 on the inner surface 21 of the partition member 10 is arbitrary. However, as in this embodiment, preferably, the inner surface 21 is provided with an annular flat surface 26 adjacent to and surrounding the protrusion 22 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ). The protrusion 22 protrudes from the annular flat surface 26 toward the inner cavity 35 of the main body 30 (or the female connector 1) (see FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The region of the partition member 10 where the annular flat surface 26 is formed functions as a thin-walled portion that is selectively stretched when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1 (see FIG. 7 ). Therefore, providing the inner surface 21 of the partition member 10 with the annular flat surface 26 is advantageous for effectively generating a force (tensile force) that opens the slit 13 when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1.

[0054] In the present invention, the partition member 10 is held in the axial direction 1a by the substantially cylindrical retaining tube 36 of the main body 30 and the cap 60. In the present invention, there are no limitations on the structure in which the retaining tube 36 and the cap 60 hold the partition member 10. However, preferably, the retaining tube 36 supports the annular flat surface 26 on the inner surface 21 of the partition member 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In this configuration, in the initial state, the annular flat surface 26 extends radially inward from the retaining tube 36. When a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, the annular flat surface 26 faces the inner circumferential surface of the retaining tube 36 in the radial direction, and the region where the annular flat surface 26 is formed (thin-walled portion) is stretched in the vertical direction (see FIG. 7). Because the annular flat surface 26, which has no protrusions, faces the retaining tube 36, even if the annular flat surface 26 abuts against the retaining tube 36 in the radial direction, the abutment does not adversely affect the elongation of the thin-walled portion. When a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, the partition member 10 easily stretches, which is effective in increasing the opening of the slit 13 (the distance between the lips 13x). Therefore, the fact that the retaining cylinder 36 supports the annular flat surface 26 of the partition member 10 is advantageous in increasing the flow rate of liquid that flows between the male member 90 and the female connector 1 when a large-diameter male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1.

[0055] In this embodiment, an annular rib 37 protrudes from the top surface of the retaining tube 36. The annular rib 37 bites into the annular flat surface 26 of the partition member 10 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 7). The annular rib 37 improves the sealing between the partition member 10 and the retaining tube 36 and is advantageous in preventing liquid in the inner cavity 35 from leaking out through the gap between the partition member 10 and the retaining tube 36 to the outside. The annular rib 37 is also advantageous in preventing the partition member 10 from shifting position relative to the retaining tube 36 or falling off from the retaining tube 36 when the male members 80, 90 are inserted into the female connector 1 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0056] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0057] The planar shapes of the convex portions and slits provided in the partition member are not limited to those in the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, the shape of the convex portion 22 provided on the inner surface 21 of the partition member 10 was approximately elliptical (see FIGS. 5A and 5B), but the shape of the convex portion as viewed from the inner surface 21 side in the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the inner surface 21 of the partition member 110 may be formed with a convex portion 122 having an elliptical shape (the shape of a track at an athletics stadium) composed of two semicircles (arcs) at both ends and two straight lines connecting them. A linear slit 13 similar to that of the above embodiment is formed within the convex portion 122. Similar to the convex portion 22 of the above embodiment (see FIG. 5B), the convex portion 122 is a non-circular shape inscribed in an imaginary circle 122a whose radius is the distance from the center 1a along the extension direction of the two slit segments 13a and 13b that make up the slit 13 to the outer circumferential edge of the convex portion 122.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the slit 13 provided in the partition member 10 was along a straight line passing through the center 1a of the partition member 10 (see Figure 5B), but in the present invention, the planar shape of the slit is not limited to this.

[0060] 12A and 12B, a partition member 210 may be formed with a slit 213 having a substantially Y-shaped planar shape. The slit 213 is composed of three slit segments 213a, 213b, and 213c extending radially from a center 1a of the partition member 210. The three slit segments 213a, 213b, and 213c are arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the center 1a of the partition member 210. A protrusion 222 having a shape corresponding to the slit 213 is formed on the inner surface 21 of the partition member 210. Specifically, the shape of the protrusion 222 as viewed from the inner surface 21 side is a non-circular shape inscribed in an imaginary circle 222a whose radius is the distance from the center 1a along the extension direction of the three slit segments 213a, 213b, and 213c to the outer circumferential edge of the protrusion 222.

[0061] 13A and 13B, a slit 313 having a substantially "X" (or substantially cross) shape in plan view may be formed in the partition member 310. The slit 313 is composed of four slit segments 313a, 313b, 313c, and 313d extending radially from the center 1a of the partition member 310. The four slit segments 313a, 313b, 313c, and 313d are arranged at equal angular intervals with respect to the center 1a of the partition member 310. A protrusion 322 having a shape corresponding to the slit 313 is formed on the inner surface 21 of the partition member 310. Specifically, the shape of the protrusion 322 as viewed from the inner surface 21 side is a non-circular shape inscribed in an imaginary circle 322a whose radius is the distance from the center 1a along the extension direction of the four slit segments 313a, 313b, 313c, and 313d to the outer circumferential edge of the protrusion 322.

[0062] As described above, in the present invention, the slits provided in the partition member must be composed of multiple slit segments extending radially from the center of the partition member. Each slit segment extends straight from the center of the partition member along the radial direction. The planar shape of the convex portions provided on the inner surface of the partition member can be changed depending on the planar shape of the slits. Specifically, the shape of the convex portions as viewed from the inner surface of the partition member (planar shape) is a noncircular shape inscribed in an imaginary circle whose radius is the distance from the center of the partition member to the outer circumferential edge of the convex portions along the extension direction of the multiple slit segments. In other words, the planar shape of the convex portions is a noncircular shape inscribed in a common imaginary circle concentric with the partition member at the point (intersection) where extension lines of each slit segment intersect with the outer circumferential edge of the convex portions. In further words, the planar shape of the convex portions is a noncircular shape inscribed in an imaginary circle concentric with the partition member at the point where extension lines of each slit segment intersect with the imaginary circle concentric with the partition member. Therefore, the distance from the center of the partition member to the outer peripheral edge of the convex portion is maximum (maximum distance) in the extension direction of the slit segment, and is shorter than this maximum distance in at least one other direction. The number of points (contact points) where the convex portion is inscribed in the imaginary circle preferably matches the number of slit segments that make up the slit. A female connector equipped with a partition member (110, 210, 310) having such slits and convex portions can increase the flow rate of liquid flowing between the male member and the female connector when a large-diameter male member is inserted, similar to the female connector 1 of the above embodiment.

[0063] In the present invention, when viewed from the inner surface side of the partition member, the convex portion protrudes radially outward most at the points (intersections) where the extension lines of each slit segment intersect with the outer peripheral end of the convex portion. Preferably, the outer peripheral end of the convex portion has a convex curve protruding radially outward at each intersection. The radius of curvature of the convex curve is not limited, but is preferably smaller than the radius of the imaginary circle inscribed with the convex portion at the intersection. Between adjacent intersections in the circumferential direction, the outer peripheral end of the convex portion may have a convex curve protruding radially outward (see FIG. 5B), a straight line perpendicular to the radial direction (see FIG. 11B), or a concave curve receding radially inward (see FIGS. 12B and 13B). In general, when the number of slit segments constituting the slit is two, it is preferable that the outer peripheral end of the convex portion has a convex curve or a straight line perpendicular to the radial direction between adjacent intersection points in the circumferential direction (see Figures 5B and 11B), and when the number of slit segments constituting the slit is three or more, it is preferable that the outer peripheral end of the convex portion has a concave curve between adjacent intersection points in the circumferential direction (see Figures 12B and 13B).

[0064] Although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the multiple slit segments constituting the slit be arranged at equal angular intervals relative to the center of the partition member. If the multiple slit segments are not arranged at equal angular intervals relative to the center of the partition member, for example, when a large-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector, there is a high possibility that the slit will not open uniformly (or rotationally symmetrically) about the axis of the female connector. In this case, the center of the opened slit may become eccentric from the axis of the female connector, reducing the flow rate of liquid flowing through the slit. If the multiple slit segments are arranged at equal angular intervals relative to the center of the partition member, this problem can be prevented, and the flow rate of liquid flowing between the large-diameter male member and the female connector can be increased when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

[0065] Furthermore, the lengths of the multiple slit segments are not limited, but are preferably the same. If the lengths of the multiple slit segments are uneven, for example, when a large-diameter male member is inserted into the female connector, there is a high possibility that the slits will not open uniformly (or rotationally symmetrically) with respect to the axis of the female connector. In this case, the flow rate of liquid flowing through the slits may decrease, as in the case where the multiple slit segments are not arranged at equal angular intervals. If the lengths of the multiple slit segments are the same, this problem can be prevented, and the flow rate of liquid flowing between the large-diameter male member and the female connector can be increased when the male member is inserted into the female connector.

[0066] When a small-diameter male member 80 is inserted into the female connector 1 (see FIG. 6 ), the ends of the slits in the extension direction (slit ends) can form a passage between the male member 80 and the partition member through which liquid in the lumen 35 leaks to the outside. Therefore, it is preferable to have a small number of slit ends, i.e., the number of slit segments constituting the slit. In the present invention, the number of slit segments constituting the slit provided in the partition member is not limited, but is preferably 6 or less, further preferably 4 or less, and particularly preferably 2 or 3. A slit consisting of only two slit segments, as in the partition member 10 (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ), is advantageous for preventing liquid leakage to the outside when a small-diameter male member 80 is inserted into the female connector 1. Furthermore, in this case, if the shape of the convex portion is approximately elliptical, the entire outer peripheral edge of the convex portion is formed by a smooth convex curve, so stress concentration is less likely to occur at the outer peripheral edge of the convex portion when the male member 80, 90 is inserted into the female connector 1. This is advantageous in improving the durability of the partition member against repeated insertion and removal of the male members 80 and 90 into the female connector 1.

[0067] The configuration of the female connector of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 14A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 14A of FIG. 2 of the female connector 1. An inner peripheral surface 62a facing the axis 1a is provided at the opening end that defines the opening 62 of the cap 60. The inner peripheral surface 62a is a cylindrical surface coaxial with the axis 1a (see FIG. 2). FIG. 14B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion 14B of FIG. 7. A large-diameter male member 90 is fitted into the opening 62. The outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90 is a male tapered surface whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the male member 90. The male member 90 is pressed firmly into the opening 62. As a result, the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 62a of the cap 60, and the inner peripheral surface 62a is elastically compressed and deformed in the radial direction. Almost the entire area of the inner peripheral surface 62a in the axial direction 1a is in contact with the outer peripheral surface 93. As described above, when the male member 90 is inserted into the female connector 1, the male member 90 is pushed back upward by the elastic restoring force of the stretched partition member 10. The frictional force generated between the outer peripheral surface 93 and the inner peripheral surface 62a counteracts this elastic restoring force of the partition member 10, allowing the male member 90 to remain inserted in the opening 62.

[0069] In the present invention, the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the opening 62 is not limited to the cylindrical surface 62a shown in FIG. 14A. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, a tapered surface (female tapered surface) 162a whose inner diameter decreases toward the bore 35 may be formed at the opening end defining the opening 62 of the cap 60. FIG. 15B shows a state in which a large-diameter male member 90 is fitted into the opening 62 of FIG. 15A. As in FIG. 14B, the male member 90 is pressed firmly into the opening 62. The taper angle of the female tapered surface 162a is greater than the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface 93, which is a male tapered surface. Therefore, unlike FIG. 14B, only a portion of the female tapered surface 162a on the bore 35 side (hereinafter referred to as the "bore-side end portion") of the entire area of the female tapered surface 162a in the axial direction 1a abuts against the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90 and is elastically compressed and deformed in the radial direction. Only the bore-side end portion of the male tapered surface 162a contacts the outer peripheral surface 93. Compared to FIG. 14B, in FIG. 15B, when the male member 90 is inserted into the opening 62, the male member 90 is guided by the female tapered surface 162a and inserted deeper into the opening 62. Furthermore, when a large-diameter male member 90 is fitted into the opening 62, the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90 abuts against the cap 60 over a smaller area. As a result, a larger frictional force is generated between the outer peripheral surface 93 and the female tapered surface 162a than in FIG. 14B. This larger frictional force is advantageous for stably maintaining the male member 90 fitted into the opening 62 against the elastic restoring force of the partition member 10.

[0070] The taper angle of the female tapered surface 162a is preferably larger than the taper angle of the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90. This reduces the contact area of the male member 90 with the cap 60 when the male member 90 is fitted into the opening 62. This generates a larger frictional force between the male member 90 and the cap 60, which is advantageous for stably maintaining the male member 90 fitted into the opening 62. Since the outer peripheral surface 93 of the large-diameter male member 90 generally has a tapered surface of 6%, the taper angle of the female tapered surface 162a is preferably 8% or more, and more preferably 10% or more. There is no upper limit to the taper angle of the female tapered surface 162a, but it is preferably 30% or less, and more preferably 20% or less.

[0071] The inner peripheral surface of the opening 62 of the cap 60 is not limited to a cylindrical surface 62a (see FIG. 14A) or a female tapered surface 162a (see FIG. 15A). For example, the inner peripheral surface of the opening 62 may be provided with a tapered surface whose inner diameter increases toward the bore 35. Alternatively, the inner peripheral surface of the opening 62 may be provided with a convex curved surface whose cross-sectional shape on a plane including the axis 1a is a curve that protrudes toward the axis 1a. In these cases, similar to when the female tapered surface 162a is provided (see FIGS. 15A and 15B), when the male member 90 is inserted into the opening 62, the contact area of the cap 60 with the male member 90 is reduced. Therefore, compared to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the male member 90 can be more stably maintained inserted into the opening 62.

[0072] 14B and 15B, when the male member 90 is fitted into the opening 62 of the cap 60, the cap 60 is elastically deformed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Whether the male member 90 or the cap 60 deforms depends on their materials. In the present invention, when the male member 90 is fitted into the opening 62 of the cap 60, the outer peripheral surface 93 of the male member 90 may be elastically deformed, and the above description also applies to this case.

[0073] The structure by which the main body 30 and the cap 60 hold the partition member in the axial direction 1a can be modified as desired. For example, two or more annular ribs 37 may be provided on the top surface of the retaining tube 36 of the main body 30. Instead of the annular rib 37, at least one circumferentially discontinuous protrusion may be provided on the top surface of the retaining tube 36. The top surface of the retaining tube 36 of the cap 60 (the surface that abuts against the partition member in the axial direction 1a) may be provided with at least one annular rib similar to the annular rib 37 or at least one circumferentially discontinuous protrusion. The retaining tube 36 of the main body 30 and the retaining tube 66 of the cap 60 may be misaligned in the radial direction. The cap 60 may not have a retaining tube 66. In this case, the partition member is held in the thickness direction of the partition member by the top plate 61 of the cap 60 and the retaining tube 36.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the retaining cylinder 36 of the main body 30 supports the annular flat surface 26 of the partition member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a continuous annular groove may be formed in the outer circumferential portion of the annular flat surface 26 (the portion in the vicinity of the annular protrusion 28), and the retaining cylinder 36 may be fitted into this groove to support the partition member.

[0075] The annular groove 16 on the outer surface 11 of the partition member may be omitted, and the portion between the central portion 12 and the annular protrusion 18 may be a flat surface (annular flat surface) along the horizontal direction. In this case, the retaining cylinder 66 of the cap 60 may abut against this flat surface.

[0076] The base 31 of the main body 30 does not have to have a double-cylinder structure consisting of the outer cylinder 33 and the retaining cylinder 36. For example, the outer cylinder 33 may be omitted. In this case, the fitting cylinder 63 of the cap 60 may be fitted onto the outside of the main body 30.

[0077] The configuration of the female connector, excluding the partition member and its vicinity, is not limited to the above embodiment and may be modified as appropriate. The female connector of the present invention may have any configuration known in conventional female connectors within the scope of the present invention. For example, one or both of the recess 51 and the annular groove 53 on the outer circumferential surface of the main body 30 may be omitted.

[0078] In the female connector 1 of the above embodiment, the main body 30 is provided with a connection part 40 for connecting the female connector 1 to the end of a tube. The configuration of the connection part 40 is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as desired. The female connector of the present invention is not limited to one provided at the end of a tube. The female connector of the present invention may be provided midway along a tube as a so-called mixing port (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Alternatively, the female connector of the present invention may be provided as one of three ports in a three-way stopcock in which the communication state between the three ports can be switched using a rotating cock.

[0079] The male member connected to the female connector of the present invention is not limited to the male members 80 and 90 described above. For example, the outer diameter and shape of the outer peripheral surface of the male member are not limited to the male members 80 and 90 described above. A large-diameter male member does not have to fit into the open end of the opening 62 of the cap 60. The flow path of the male member does not have to open in the longitudinal direction of the male member at the tip surface of the male member. For example, the flow path of the male member may open in the radial direction near the tip of the male member (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The male member may be provided on any male connector (see, for example, Patent Document 2), or may be provided on the barrel tip of a syringe.

[0080] A locking mechanism for stably maintaining the male member connected to the female connector may be integrally provided on the male member. In cases where the male member has such a small diameter that it cannot be fitted into the opening 62 of the cap 60 of the female connector (see FIG. 6), providing the locking mechanism integrally on the male member is particularly effective. The locking mechanism may have any configuration. For example, the locking mechanism may be configured with a protrusion that engages with a substantially L-shaped recess 51 provided on the outer circumferential surface of the female connector. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may be configured with a swingable locking lever provided with a pawl that engages with the annular groove 53 of the female connector (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Industrial Applicability]

[0081] The field of application of the present invention is not particularly limited, but it can be widely used as a female connector into which a rod-shaped male member is inserted. The female connector of the present invention is configured so that liquid does not leak into the outside world whether the male member is connected or disconnected. Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for use in the medical field, which handles dangerous chemicals (e.g., anticancer drugs) and blood. Furthermore, the present invention can also be used in fields other than medical fields, such as chemicals and food, which handle any liquid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 female connector 1a Axis of female connector (center of bulkhead member) 10,110,210,310 Partition wall members 11 Outer surface of bulkhead member 13,213,313 slits 13a, 13b Slit segments 13x Slit Lips 213a, 213b, 213c Slit segments 313a, 313b, 313c, 313d Slit segments 21 Inner surface of partition member 22,122,222,322 convex part 22a,122a,222a,322a Virtual Circle 26 Circular flat surface 30 Female connector body (body) 35 lumen 36 Holding cylinder (lower holding cylinder) 37 Annular rib 60 Cap 62 Aperture 162a Inner surface of opening (female taper surface) 80 Small diameter male member 83 Outer surface of male member 90 Large diameter male member 93 Outer surface of male member (male tapered surface)

Claims

1. A female connector comprising a thin plate-like partition member made of a soft material, a female connector body having a retaining cylinder, and a cap having an opening formed in the center, wherein the partition member is held in a thickness direction of the partition member by the retaining cylinder of the female connector body and the cap, The partition member is Opposite outer and inner surfaces; a protrusion provided on the inner surface of the partition member and protruding toward the inner cavity of the female connector body; a slit provided in the protrusion and penetrating the partition member in its thickness direction; Equipped with the slit is composed of a plurality of slit segments extending radially from the center of the partition member, A female connector characterized in that when the partition member is held by the retaining tube and the cap and the shape of the convex portion when viewed from the inner surface side is non-circular and inscribed in an imaginary circle whose radius is the distance from the center to the outer peripheral end of the convex portion along the extension direction of the multiple slit segments, and the number of contact points of the convex portion inscribed in the imaginary circle matches the number of the slit segments that make up the slit.

2. 2. The female connector according to claim 1, wherein when the partition member is seen through in its thickness direction, the protrusion is located inside the opening of the cap.

3. the inner surface of the partition member has an annular flat surface adjacent to and surrounding the protrusion, 3. The female connector according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the annular flat surface toward the inner cavity of the female connector body.

4. The female connector according to claim 3 , wherein the retaining cylinder of the female connector body supports the annular flat surface of the partition member.

5. 5. The female connector according to claim 1, wherein an annular rib protrudes from the top surface of the retaining cylinder.

6. 6. The female connector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slit segments are arranged at equal angular intervals relative to the center of the partition member.

7. the slit consists of only two slit segments; The female connector according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shape of the convex portion when viewed from the inner surface side of the partition member is substantially elliptical.

8. a rod-shaped male member having an outer circumferential surface that can be fitted into the opening end of the opening of the cap, the rod-shaped male member being insertable into and removable from the opening of the cap; A female connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the male member is inserted into the opening of the cap until the outer peripheral surface engages with the opening end of the opening, the outer surface of the partition member adheres to the tip of the male member in the axial direction of the female connector, and the lips defining the slit separate, thereby connecting the male member and the female connector.

9. The outer peripheral surface of the male member is provided with a male tapered surface whose outer diameter decreases toward the tip of the male member, an inner circumferential surface of the cap that defines the opening is provided with a female tapered surface whose inner diameter decreases toward the inner cavity; 9. The female connector according to claim 8, wherein the female tapered surface has a larger taper angle than the male tapered surface.

Images