Connector cleaner and cleaner adapter

Abstract

To provide a technique for further easily performing a washing process and flushing process.SOLUTION: A connector washer for washing a medical male connector include: a cylindrical male connector body through which a fluid passage penetrates in an axial direction; and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at a rear end side of the male connector body and that surrounds the male connector body. The washer includes; a washing part for washing an inner space of the medical male connector surrounded by the side face of the male connector body and an inner surface of the coupler; and a first cleaning liquid supply part for supplying the cleaning liquid toward the passage of the male connector body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector washer for cleaning connectors for connecting medical tubing, and a washer adapter for use with this connector washer. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, connectors for connecting medical tubes for enteral nutrition applications have been used in which the connector connected to the patient is male and the connector opposite the patient is female. Due to the structure of such connectors, for example, nutrients related to enteral nutrition may remain in the internal space between the luer and coupler of the male connector on the patient's side. As a result, there is a risk of hygienic problems such as bacterial growth in the male connector left in place while connected to the patient. To eliminate this risk, technology for cleaning male connectors has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). After performing this cleaning process, medical professionals connect a syringe or the like to the male connector and pour water into it to flush out any nutrients remaining in the catheter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-099738 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a technique for more easily carrying out the cleaning step and the flushing step. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention employs the following configuration. A connector cleaner for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body with a fluid flow path passing through it in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at the rear end side and surrounds the male connector body, a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0006] According to this, after a liquid such as a nutrient solution is circulated using the medical male connector, the residual matter remaining in the internal space of the medical male connector is purified by the purifying unit, and the residual matter remaining in the flow path of the male connector body is removed by a cleaning liquid supplied from the first cleaning liquid supply unit, and then the cleaning liquid is poured into the patient's body through a tube or the like connected to the medical male connector, thereby performing so-called flushing, which makes it easier to perform the cleaning and flushing processes. In this case, the cleaning liquid is a liquid such as water that can be poured into the patient's body without causing any problems. Here, cleaning refers to removing residues by various methods. The cleaning method is not particularly limited as long as it can remove residues. Examples of cleaning include removing residues by washing with a cleaning liquid, scraping with a member such as a brush, wiping with a member having a wiping portion such as nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0007] In addition, in the present invention, a blocking portion that blocks at least a portion of the flow path of the male connector body, The first cleaning liquid supply portion may be open to the closing portion.

[0008] According to this, at least a portion of the flow path of the male connector body is blocked by the blocking portion, and cleaning liquid is supplied toward the flow path from the first cleaning liquid supply portion that opens into the blocking portion, thereby suppressing or preventing residues in the internal space of the medical male connector or cleaning liquid containing residues in the internal space from entering the flow path.

[0009] In addition, in the present invention, The cleaning section includes: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; The above formula may be used.

[0010] According to this, the internal space of the medical male connector can be washed and cleaned by supplying a cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit to the internal space of the medical male connector housed in the housing part and discharging the cleaning liquid containing the removed residue to the outside from the discharge unit. Since it is only necessary to house the medical male connector in the housing part and supply a cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit, there is no need to scrape or wipe off residue from the internal space of the medical male connector, making it easier to clean the medical male connector.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, a flow path selection unit may be provided that selects whether the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the connector cleaner is to be supplied to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit.

[0012] According to this, the flow path selection unit can select whether the cleaning liquid supplied to the connector washer is to be supplied to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit. That is, the flow path selection unit selects one of at least two cases: when the cleaning liquid supplied to the connector washer is supplied to both the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit, when it is supplied only to the first cleaning liquid supply unit, or when it is supplied only to the second cleaning liquid supply unit. This configuration allows cleaning of the internal space of the medical male connector and cleaning of the flow path of the male connector body to be performed selectively or in combination, providing high convenience.

[0013] The present invention also provides A connector cleaning unit for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body through which a fluid flow path passes in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at the rear end side and surrounds the male connector body, a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; a connector cleaning unit having A cleaning adapter connected to the connector cleaning unit, a cleaning unit adapter having a first connection part connected to the connector cleaning unit, a second connection part connected to a cleaning liquid supply source that supplies the cleaning liquid to the connector cleaning unit, and a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning unit flows; The connector cleaner is characterized by comprising:

[0014] According to this, after a liquid such as a nutrient solution is passed through the medical male connector, the residual matter remaining in the internal space of the medical male connector is cleaned by the cleaning unit, and the residual matter remaining in the flow path of the male connector body is removed by a cleaning liquid supplied from a first cleaning liquid supply unit, and the cleaning liquid is then poured into the patient's body through a tube or the like connected to the medical male connector, thereby performing a so-called flushing process, thereby making it easier to perform the cleaning and flushing processes. Furthermore, by providing a cleaning unit adapter that connects the connector cleaning unit, which allows for easier cleaning and flushing processes, to a cleaning liquid supply source and has a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning unit flows, the degree of freedom in designing the flow path that directs the cleaning liquid to the connector cleaning unit is increased. In this case, a liquid such as water that is safe to pour into the patient's body is used as the cleaning liquid. Here, cleaning refers to removing residues by various methods. The cleaning method is not particularly limited as long as it can remove residues. Examples of cleaning include removing residues by washing with a cleaning liquid, scraping with a member such as a brush, wiping with a member having a wiping portion such as nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0015] In addition, the usage patterns can be set differently for the connector cleaning unit and the cleaning unit adapter unit, i.e., the connector cleaning unit can be used for each patient connected to the medical male connector, while the cleaning unit adapter unit can be used for multiple patients. Furthermore, by designing the second connector connected to the cleaning fluid supply source according to the specifications of the connector with the cleaning fluid supply source or the cleaning adapter on the cleaning fluid supply source side, the medical male connector can be cleaned by simply replacing the cleaning adapter according to the specifications of the connector with the cleaning fluid supply source or the cleaning adapter on the cleaning fluid supply source side. The cleaning fluid supply source can be, for example, a syringe or a cleaning fluid tank with a pressure pump, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, various connection types, such as male or female, Luer lock, or Luer taper, can be used for the second connector and the connector on the cleaning fluid supply source side.

[0016] In addition, in the present invention, The cleaning section of the connector cleaning section includes: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; The above formula may be used.

[0017] According to this, the internal space of the medical male connector can be cleaned and purified by supplying cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit to the internal space of the medical male connector housed in the housing unit and discharging the cleaning liquid containing the removed residue to the outside from the discharge unit. Since it is sufficient to house the medical male connector in the housing unit and supply cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit, there is no need to scrape or wipe off residue from the internal space of the medical male connector. Therefore, by connecting the connector cleaning unit, which can clean the medical male connector more easily, to a cleaning liquid supply source and providing a cleaning unit adapter unit having a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning unit flows, the degree of freedom in designing the flow path that guides the cleaning liquid to the connector cleaning unit is improved.

[0018] In addition, in the present invention, The cleaning device may further include a flow path selector that selects whether the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source is to be supplied to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit.

[0019] According to this, the flow path selection unit can select whether the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning unit is supplied to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit. That is, the flow path selection unit selects one of at least two cases: a case in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to both the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit, a case in which the cleaning liquid is supplied only to the first cleaning liquid supply unit, or a case in which the cleaning liquid is supplied only to the second cleaning liquid supply unit. This configuration is highly convenient because cleaning of the internal space of the medical male connector and cleaning of the flow path of the male connector body can be performed selectively or in combination.

[0020] The present invention also provides A connector washer for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body with a fluid flow path passing through it in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler connected to the male connector body at the rear end side and surrounding the male connector body, the washer adapter being connected to the connector washer and including: a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; and a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body, The connector cleaner is characterized by having a first connection part connected to the connector cleaner, a second connection part connected to a cleaning liquid supply source that supplies the cleaning liquid to the connector cleaner, and a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaner flows.

[0021] According to this, after a liquid such as a nutrient solution is passed through the medical male connector, the residual matter remaining in the internal space of the medical male connector is cleaned by the cleaning unit, and the residual matter remaining in the flow path of the male connector body is removed by the cleaning liquid supplied from the first cleaning liquid supply unit, and the cleaning liquid is then poured into the patient's body through a tube or the like connected to the medical male connector, thereby performing a so-called flushing process. Therefore, by connecting the connector washer, which can more easily perform the cleaning and flushing processes, to a cleaning liquid supply source and providing a washer adapter with a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector washer flows, the degree of freedom in designing the flow path that directs the cleaning liquid to the connector washer is increased. In this case, a liquid such as water that is safe to pour into the patient's body is used as the cleaning liquid. Here, cleaning refers to removing residues by various methods. The cleaning method is not particularly limited as long as it can remove residues. Examples of cleaning include removing residues by washing with a cleaning liquid, scraping with a member such as a brush, wiping with a member having a wiping portion such as nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0022] In addition, the connector washer and the washer adapter can be configured for different usage patterns, such as using one connector washer for each patient connected to a medical male connector, and using the washer adapter for multiple patients. Furthermore, by designing the second connector connected to the cleaning fluid supply source according to the specifications of the connector with the cleaning fluid supply source or the cleaning fluid supply source-side washer adapter, the medical male connector can be cleaned by simply replacing the washer adapter according to the specifications of the connector with the cleaning fluid supply source or the cleaning fluid supply source-side washer adapter. The cleaning fluid supply source can be, for example, a syringe or a cleaning fluid tank with a pressure pump, but is not limited to these. Furthermore, various connection types, such as male or female, Luer lock, or Luer taper, can be used for the second connector and the connector on the cleaning fluid supply source side.

[0023] In addition, in the present invention, The cleaning unit of the connector cleaner includes: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; The above formula may be used.

[0024] According to this, the internal space of the medical male connector can be cleaned and purified by supplying cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit to the internal space of the medical male connector housed in the housing and discharging the cleaning liquid containing the removed residue to the outside from the discharge unit. Since it is only necessary to house the medical male connector in the housing and supply cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit, there is no need to scrape or wipe off residue from the internal space of the medical male connector. Therefore, by connecting the connector washer to a cleaning liquid supply source and providing a washer adapter with a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector washer flows, which makes it easier to clean the medical male connector, the degree of freedom in designing the flow path that guides the cleaning liquid to the connector washer is improved.

[0025] In addition, in the present invention, The cleaning liquid supply path may include a flow path selector that selects whether the cleaning liquid supply path is connected to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit.

[0026] According to this, the flow path selection unit can select whether the cleaning liquid supply path, the first cleaning liquid supply unit, or the second cleaning liquid supply unit is connected as a flow path for the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector washer. That is, the flow path selection unit selects one of at least two cases: a case where the cleaning liquid supply path is connected to the first cleaning liquid supply unit and the second cleaning liquid supply unit, a case where the cleaning liquid supply path is connected only to the first cleaning liquid supply unit, or a case where the cleaning liquid supply path is connected only to the second cleaning liquid supply unit. This configuration is highly convenient because cleaning of the internal space of the medical male connector and cleaning of the flow path of the male connector body can be performed selectively or in combination.

[0027] The present invention also provides a connector washer for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body with a fluid flow path passing through it in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler connected to the male connector body at the rear end side and surrounding the male connector body, the connector washer comprising: a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; and a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; a washer adapter having a first connection part connected to the connector washer, a second connection part connected to a cleaning liquid supply source that supplies the cleaning liquid to the connector washer, and a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector washer flows; the cleaning fluid supply source; A connector cleaning system comprising:

[0028] After using the medical male connector to distribute a liquid such as a nutrient, among the residues remaining in the medical male connector, the remaining matter remaining in the internal space of the medical male connector is cleaned by the cleaning unit, and the residue remaining in the flow path of the male connector body is removed by the cleaning liquid supplied from the first cleaning liquid supply unit, and then poured into the patient's body through a tube or the like connected to the medical male connector, which is called flushing, making cleaning easier. A cleaning step and a flushing step can be performed. In this case, a liquid such as water that can be poured into the patient's body is used as the cleaning liquid. Here, cleaning refers to removing residues by various methods. The cleaning method is not particularly limited as long as it can remove residues. Examples of cleaning include removing residues by washing with a cleaning liquid, scraping with a member such as a brush, wiping with a member having a wiping portion such as nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0029] Furthermore, by providing a washer adapter that connects the connector washer to a cleaning liquid supply source and has a cleaning liquid supply path through which cleaning liquid flows when supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector washer, the degree of freedom in designing the flow path that directs cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid supply section of the connector washer is improved.

[0030] Furthermore, by configuring the washer adapter having a cleaning liquid supply path to be connected to the connector washer and the cleaning liquid supply source, the connection between the connector washer and the cleaning liquid supply source can be disconnected and each can be cleaned separately, allowing for easy and reliable cleaning. In addition, the connector washer and the washer adapter can be configured for different usage patterns, such as using one connector washer for each patient connected to a medical male connector, and using the washer adapter for multiple patients. Furthermore, by designing the second connector connected to the cleaning fluid supply source according to the specifications of the connector with the cleaning fluid supply source or the cleaning fluid supply source-side washer adapter, it is possible to clean the medical male connector by simply replacing the washer adapter according to the specifications of the connector with the cleaning fluid supply source or the cleaning fluid supply source-side washer adapter. Also, various connection styles can be used for the second connector and the cleaning fluid supply source-side connector, such as male or female, luer lock, or luer taper.

[0031] The cleaning liquid supply source may be, for example, but is not limited to, a syringe or a cleaning liquid tank with a pressure pump. When a device such as a cleaning liquid tank with a pressure pump is used as the cleaning liquid supply source, the cleaning liquid supply source also includes a tube or the like that transports the cleaning liquid from such a device to the washer adapter.

[0032] In addition, in the present invention, The cleaning unit of the connector cleaner includes: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; The above formula may be used.

[0033] According to this, the internal space of the medical male connector can be washed and cleaned by supplying a cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit to the internal space of the medical male connector housed in the housing part and discharging the cleaning liquid containing the removed residue to the outside from the discharge unit. Since it is only necessary to house the medical male connector in the housing part and supply a cleaning liquid from the second cleaning liquid supply unit, there is no need to scrape or wipe off residue from the internal space of the medical male connector, making it easier to clean the medical male connector.

[0034] In the present invention, the means for solving the above problems can be used in combination as far as possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the present invention, the cleaning and flushing steps can be performed more easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a cleaning system in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a male connector in Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning unit, and FIG. 3B is a plan view of a main body of the cleaning unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A is an exploded right side view of a cleaning unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is an exploded AA cross-sectional view of the same. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a syringe connecting member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6A is a side view (FIG. 6A), a plan view (FIG. 6B), a bottom view (FIG. 6C), and a BB cross-sectional view (FIG. 6D) of the syringe connecting member in Example 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7A is a perspective view of a syringe according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7B is a side view of the syringe according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the syringe according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for assembling a cleaning system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9(A) is a right side view of the cleaning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of the same. [Figure 10] 10(A) is a front view of a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10(B) is an EE cross-sectional view of the same. [Figure 11] 11A is a plan view of a cleaning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11B is an FF cross-sectional view of the same, and FIG. 11C is a FF partial cross-sectional view of the same. [Figure 12] 12A is a side view (FIG. 12A), a plan view (FIG. 12B), a bottom view (FIG. 12C), and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 12D) of a syringe connecting member according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following aspects.

[0038] Example 1 1 shows the overall configuration of a cleaning system 1 according to this embodiment, which includes a connector cleaning unit 10, a syringe connecting member 20, and a syringe 30. The cleaning system 1 corresponds to the connector cleaning system of the present invention. In the cleaning system 1, a male connector 100 housed in a connector cleaning section (hereinafter simply referred to as a cleaning section) 10 is cleaned with a cleaning liquid stored in a syringe 30.

[0039] 1, a syringe connecting member 20 is connected to the axial side (referred to as the base end side) of the cleaning unit 10 opposite to the side where the male connector 100 is inserted. The syringe 30 is connected to the cleaning unit 10 via the syringe connecting member 20.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross section of a male connector 100 for enteral nutrition, which is an example of a connector to be cleaned by the cleaning unit 10 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, the lower side corresponds to the tip end of the male connector 100, and the upper side corresponds to the rear end. In FIG. 1, the dashed line Ax0 indicates the axial direction of the male connector 100. The male connector 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a connector body 101 as a male connector body having a flow path 101a therein that communicates with a tube 102. The connector body 101 has a tapered side surface 101b (which can also be said to be frustum-shaped) whose outer diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the tip end. The male connector 100 corresponds to a medical male connector according to the present invention. Note that the objects to be cleaned by the cleaning unit 10 are not limited to male connectors for enteral nutrition, but can also be used for medical purposes such as dialysis. Connectors used in the act may also be included.

[0041] A substantially cylindrical coupler 103 is provided around the connector body 101, surrounding the outer periphery of the connector body 101. A coupler coupling portion 103b provided on the rear end of the inner surface of the coupler 103, together with a body coupling portion 101c provided on the rear end of a side surface 101b of the connector body 101, forms a connector coupling portion 100a as a coupling portion. In the connector coupling portion 100a, the coupler 103 is coupled to the connector body 101 so as to be rotatable around its axis and not to come off toward the tip end. The space surrounded by the side surface 101b of the connector body 101, the inner surface of the coupler 103, and the connector coupling portion 100a is hereinafter referred to as the internal space 100b of the male connector 100. Note that the coupling portion may be such that the coupler 103 is fixed to the connector body 101 so as not to be rotatable around its axis. That is, although a free-lock connector is shown as an example in this embodiment, a fixed-lock connector may also be used.

[0042] Further, further rearward of the main body coupling portion 101c of the connector main body 101, a disk-shaped rib portion 101d is formed extending outward from the entire side surface of the connector main body 101, functioning as a stopper to prevent the coupler 103 from moving excessively rearward relative to the connector main body 101. A similar disk-shaped rib portion 101e is formed rearward of the rib portion 101d, extending outward from the entire side surface of the connector main body 101. A circumferential groove 101g is formed between the rib portion 101d and the rib portion 101e by a bottom portion 101f extending parallel to the axial direction of the connector main body 101 and the rib portion 101d and the rib portion 101e, and is fitted with an elastic ring (not shown). Furthermore, the rear end of the flow path 101a provided in the connector main body 101 has an expanded inner diameter to form a large-diameter portion 101h into which the tube 102 can be press-fitted. A female thread 103a is formed on the inner surface of the coupler 103, and can be screwed to a female connector (not shown) having a male thread. The disk-shaped rib 101d is not essential, and the coupler 103 may be designed to move freely toward the rear end relative to the connector body 101. In other words, the coupler 103 may be a slide coupler.

[0043] In this embodiment, the tube 102 shown in Figure 2 is connected to the living body, and the male connector 100 is screwed to the female connector (not shown), so that fluids such as nutrient solution are supplied to the living body from the female connector side via the male connector 100 and the tube 102.

[0044] FIG. 3(A) shows an exploded perspective view of the entire cleaning unit 10 for fixing and cleaning the male connector 100 in this embodiment. FIG. 3(B) shows a plan view of the main body 11 of the cleaning unit 10. FIG. 4(A) shows an exploded right side view of the cleaning unit 10, and FIG. 4(B) shows an exploded AA cross-sectional view of the same. Here, the front, back, top, bottom, left and right are defined based on the cleaning unit 10 viewed from the direction in which the drainage tube 112 of the cleaning unit 10 protrudes, with the main body 11 axially in an upright position (the position shown in FIG. 3(A)). In FIG. 6, dashed line Ax1 indicates the axial direction of the cleaning unit 10.

[0045] The cleaning unit 10 is composed of a substantially cylindrical main body 11 and a cover member 12. The cleaning unit 10 corresponds to the connector cleaner of the present invention.

[0046] The main body 11 has a cylindrical connector mounting portion 111 to which the male connector 100 is attached, a drainage tube portion 112 for discharging cleaning fluid after cleaning the male connector 100, and a connecting member mounting portion 113 to which the syringe connecting member 20 is attached. The main body 11 is made of a hard material. The main body 11 may be configured to be disposable and is assumed to be replaced after one or more cleanings.

[0047] The connector mounting portion 111 includes an opening 1111 to which the cover member 12 is attached and into which the male connector 100 is inserted, and has a generally cylindrical hollow interior in which the male connector 100 is housed. The cover member 12 is attached to the main body 2 by fitting the end of a wall portion 1112, which surrounds the opening 1111 and extends axially like a cylinder, on the opening 1111 side into a groove 1223 of the cover member 12, which will be described later. In addition, engagement protrusions 1112e and 1112f that protrude outward in the radial direction are formed on the end of the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion 1112 on the opening 1111 side. The engagement protrusions 1112e and 1112f extend over a portion of the circumference and are formed so that the amount of protrusion in the radial direction increases axially from the opening 1111 side toward the connection member mounting portion 113 side.

[0048] The wall 1112 of the connector mounting portion 111 includes an expanded diameter portion 1112a that expands in diameter toward the opening 1111, and a small diameter portion 1112d of approximately the same diameter, with a step portion 1112b and a tapered portion 1112c interposed between the expanded diameter portion 1112a and the opening 1111. The tapered portion 1112c functions to guide the male connector 100 into the small diameter portion 1112d when the male connector 100 is inserted through an insertion hole 121a of the cover member 12, which will be described later. The inner diameter of the small diameter portion 1112d is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the coupler 103 of the male connector 100. When the male connector 100 is mounted to the connector mounting portion 111, a gap is formed between the wall 1112 and the coupler 103, forming a flow path for the cleaning liquid. The hollow interior of the connector mounting portion 111 is separated from the connecting member mounting portion 113 by a partition wall 1113. An end face 1113a of the partition wall 1113 on the small diameter portion 1112d side is provided with a groove 1113b that is annular in plan view and can accommodate the tip of the connector main body 101 when the male connector 100 is attached. A cylindrical protrusion 1113c that is inserted into the flow path 101a of the connector main body 101 is formed on the center side of the inner circumference of the groove 1113b. The protrusion 1113c forms a separating portion that separates the flow path 101a of the connector main body 101 from the flow path of the cleaning liquid. The protrusion 1113c has a hole 1113c1 that extends in the axial direction. The hole 1113c1 penetrates from the end face of the protrusion 1113c on the opening 1111 side to the end face 1113e on the connecting member mounting portion 113 side. When the male connector 100 is attached to the connector mounting portion 111, the tip of the coupler 103 abuts against the end face 1113a on the small diameter portion 1112d side, on the outer periphery of the groove 1113b. At this time, the groove 1113b faces the internal space 100b of the male connector 100 at the front of the male connector 100. A groove for attaching an elastic ring may be provided on the end face 1113a with which the tip of the coupler 103 abuts, so that the tip of the coupler 103 abuts against the elastic ring. In this way, the male connector 100 can be supported so that it can elastically move up and down. The connector mounting portion 111 corresponds to the storage portion of the present invention. The storage portion of the present invention may include a cover member 12 in addition to the connector mounting portion 111. The protrusion 1113c corresponds to the blocking portion of the present invention, and the hole 1113c1 corresponds to the first cleaning liquid ejection portion of the present invention.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3(B), cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 serving as a cleaning liquid supply section are arranged circumferentially around the axis of protrusion 1113c on bottom surface 1113b1 of groove 1113b of end surface 1113a. Here, cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 are arranged at equal angles (90°) apart in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, axis Ax1 of protrusion 1113c coincides with axis Ax0 of male connector 100 attached to cleaning unit 10. These cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 penetrate through partition wall 1113 and communicate with end surface 1113e on the connecting member attachment section 113 side. When cleaning liquid is pressure-fed from the outside to the cleaning liquid inlet hole, the cleaning liquid is ejected from cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 located in front of male connector 100. Here, four holes are provided as cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4 as the second cleaning liquid supply unit, but the number and arrangement of the cleaning liquid ejection holes are not limited to this as long as they are arranged circumferentially around the axis of the protrusion 1113c. One or more cleaning liquid ejection holes can be arranged at a position with a constant diameter from the axis of the protrusion 1113c. Also, the cleaning liquid ejection hole can have a plurality of different diameters from the axis of the protrusion 1113c. They may be arranged circumferentially.

[0050] A first cleaning liquid discharge hole 112b communicating with a cleaning liquid discharge path 112a passing through the inside of the drain tube portion 112 is opened at the end of the wall portion 1112 of the connector mounting portion 111 on the partition wall 1113 side, and a second cleaning liquid discharge hole 112c similarly communicating with the cleaning liquid discharge path 112a is opened in the side wall of the groove 1113b. At least a portion of the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning liquid spray holes 1113d1 to 1113d4 into the internal space 100b of the male connector 100 passes from the connector coupling portion 100a, through a gap between the small diameter portion 1112d of the connector mounting portion 111 and the outer surface of the coupler 103, and is discharged from the first cleaning liquid discharge hole 112b to the cleaning liquid discharge path 112a. At least a portion of the cleaning liquid ejected from the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 into the internal space 100b of the male connector 100 flows into the groove 1113b and is then ejected from the second cleaning liquid ejection hole 112c to the cleaning liquid ejection channel 112a. The bottom surface 1113b1 of the groove 1113b is perpendicular to the axis Ax1. When the height is defined in the direction of the arrow on the axis Ax1 (corresponding to the front to rear of the male connector 100 attached to the cleaning unit 10), the height of the bottom surface 1113b1 is constant around the axis Ax1. Of the second cleaning liquid ejection hole 112c opening into the groove 1113b, the portion 1112c1 intersecting the AA cross section is the lowest (lowest portion). The height of the lowest portion 112c1 of this second cleaning liquid ejection hole 112c is the same as the height of the bottom surface 1113b1. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid discharge channel 112a, which is continuous with the second cleaning liquid discharge hole 112c, is formed with a discharge channel 112a1 whose height decreases from a lowest part 112c1 on the AA cross section toward the tip of the drainage tube part 112. In this embodiment, the height of the lowest part 112c1 of the second cleaning liquid discharge hole 112c is the same as the height of the bottom surface 1113b1, but it may be lower than the height of the bottom surface 113b1. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 1113b1 has a uniform height, but if the bottom surface 113b1 has portions of different heights, the height of the lowest part 112c1 of the second cleaning liquid discharge hole 112c is set to be the same as or lower than the lowest part of the bottom surface 113b1.In this way, by setting the lowest part of the second cleaning liquid discharge hole 112c opening into the groove 1113b to be the same as or lower than the lowest part of the bottom surface 113b1 of the groove 113b, it is possible to reduce the amount of cleaning liquid or waste liquid that remains in the groove 1113b without being discharged from the cleaning liquid discharge channel 112a. In this embodiment, the first cleaning liquid discharge hole 112b and the second cleaning liquid discharge hole 112c are only separated by the coupler 103 when the male connector 100 is attached, so they may be formed simultaneously when the cleaning liquid discharge channel 112a is formed. The cleaning liquid discharge channel 112a corresponds to the discharge section in this invention.

[0051] Connecting member mounting portion 113 is provided on the axially opposite side of main body 11 from connector mounting portion 111. Connecting member mounting portion 113 has a large diameter portion 1131 including an opening 1131a through which syringe connecting member 20 is inserted, and a small diameter portion 1133 connected to large diameter portion 1131 via a reduced diameter portion 1132. Opening 1131a of large diameter portion 1131 has a shape in which fan-shaped openings 1131a2 and 1131a3 that expand radially are connected to both sides in the diameter direction from a circular opening 1131a1 through which tip portion 217 of syringe connecting member 20 can be inserted. Fan-shaped openings 1131a2 and 1131a3 are formed from the end face on the opening 1131a side to a predetermined depth toward connector mounting portion 111 along the axial direction. Grooves 1131b2 and 1131b3 are formed circumferentially, convex from the inner circumferential surface of large-diameter portion 1131 to the outer diameter side, continuing from the ends of the fan-shaped portions of openings 1131a2 and 1131a3 on the connector mounting portion 111 side. Grooves 1131b2 and 1131b3 are formed clockwise relative to the ends of openings 1131a2 and 1131a3 when viewed axially from the syringe connecting member 20 side, and form a generally wedge shape in which the axial height of grooves 1131b2 and 1131b3 decreases clockwise. The outer diameter sides of these generally wedge-shaped grooves 1131b2 and 1131b3 penetrate to the outer circumferential surface, forming wedge-shaped holes 1131c2 and 1131c3. The holes 1131c2 and 1131c3 are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the axis, and are generally wedge-shaped with their axial height decreasing clockwise when viewed from the syringe connecting member 20 side. 33. An end face 1113e of the partition wall 1113 on the small diameter portion 1133 side is provided with cleaning liquid inlet holes which communicate with the above-mentioned cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4.

[0052] The cover member 12 has a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom. It has a generally disc-shaped end face 121 and a generally cylindrical wall portion 122. An insertion hole 121a for inserting the male connector 100 is formed in the center of the end face 121. The size of the insertion hole 121a need only be large enough to allow insertion of the male connector 100 by elastic deformation, and is not limited to a case where it is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the connector body 101 of the male connector 100 accommodated in the connector attachment portion 111. The size of the insertion hole 121a may be such that there is a gap between the insertion hole 121a and the connector body 101. The wall portion 122 includes an outer wall portion 1221 on the outer diameter side and an inner wall portion 1222, and a cylindrical groove 1223 having an axial depth is provided around the entire circumference between the outer wall portion 1221 and the inner wall portion 1222. Holes 1221a and 1221b extending in a portion of the circumferential direction are provided on the end face 121 side of the outer wall portion 1221. The holes 1221a and 1221b penetrate the outer peripheral surface of the outer wall portion 1221 from the groove 1223 side and are provided at positions rotationally symmetrical to each other about the axis. The cover member 12 is formed of an elastic material such as a vinyl chloride sheet, rubber, elastomer, or polyethylene. The cover member 12 is not limited to being formed integrally with an elastic material as described above. The portion of the cover member 12 including the insertion hole 121a may be formed of the above-mentioned elastic material and held by a holding portion by adhesive, welding, or the like. In this case, the holding portion may be provided integrally with the connector mounting portion 111 or may be provided separately.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the syringe connecting member 20, FIG. 6(A) is a right side view thereof, FIG. 6(B) is a plan view thereof, FIG. 6(C) is a bottom view thereof, and FIG. 6(C) is a B-B cross-sectional view thereof. Here, the syringe connecting member 20 corresponds to the washer adapter of the present invention. The cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20 connected to this cleaning unit 10 can also constitute the connector washer of the present invention. In this case, the cleaning unit 10 corresponds to the connector washer of the present invention, and the syringe connecting member 20 corresponds to the washer adapter of the present invention. The cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20 that constitute the connector washer may be constructed separately as described below, and the syringe connecting member 20 may be assembled to the cleaning unit 10, or they may be pre-assembled or constructed integrally. The syringe connection member 20 is a member to which a syringe 30 storing a cleaning liquid is connected, and is connected and fixed to the main body portion 11 by an operator. The syringe connection member 20 is composed of a main body portion 21 having a substantially cylindrical shape and a coupler 22. The main body portion 21 of the syringe connection member 20 has a hollow interior 211. The hollow interior 211 penetrates in the axial direction Ax2 from the end face 212 on the syringe 30 side to the end face 213 on the cleaning unit 10 side. The hollow interior 211 includes a reduced-diameter portion 211a whose inner diameter decreases from the syringe 30 side to the cleaning unit 10 side, a small-diameter portion 211b continuous with the reduced-diameter portion 211a, a first enlarged-diameter portion 211c continuous with the small-diameter portion 211b and having a slightly enlarged inner diameter toward the cleaning unit 10 side, and a second enlarged-diameter portion 211e that further expands in inner diameter from the first enlarged-diameter portion 211c through an annular end face 211d in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction and opens to the end face 213 on the cleaning unit 10 side. When the inner diameter of the end portion on the syringe side of the reduced-diameter portion 211a is Da, the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion is Db, and the inner diameter of the end portion on the end face 211d side of the first enlarged-diameter portion 211c is Dc, Db < Dc < Da. That is, the inner diameter of the reduced-diameter portion 211a is the largest at the end on the syringe 30 side and decreases toward the cleaning unit 10 side, and the inner diameter is the smallest at the small-diameter portion 211b of the tip portion 217. And the inner diameter of the first enlarged-diameter portion 211c increases from the small-diameter portion toward the end face 211d side. Thus, the hollow interior 211 of the syringe connection member 20 has a portion (here, the small-diameter portion 211b) where the inner diameter decreases between the end face 213 on the cleaning unit 10 side and the end face 21s on the syringe 30 side. Here, the hollow interior 211 corresponds to the cleaning liquid supply path of the present invention.

[0054] The end portion 2151 on the syringe 30 side of the main body portion 21 of the syringe connection member 20 has a tapered shape in which the outer peripheral surface contracts toward the end face 212. The outer periphery of the end portion 2151 on the cleaning unit 10 side A groove-shaped coupling portion 2152 that is rotatably coupled to the coupler 22 is formed around the entire circumference on the surface. A rib 2153 that protrudes in the outward direction is formed around the entire circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the coupling portion 2152 that faces the cleaning unit 10. This rib 2153 functions as a stopper that restricts movement of the coupler 22, which is attached to the outer periphery of the main body 21, toward the cleaning unit 10 in the direction of the axis Ax2. A flange portion 216 that protrudes in the outward direction is formed around the entire circumference on the cleaning unit 10 side of the rib 2153. The tip portion 217, which is the portion from the flange portion 216 on the cleaning unit 10 side, has an outer diameter that is larger than that of the syringe 30 side. Between the rib 2153 and the flange portion 216, plate-shaped wing portions 2154 and 2155 that extend in the outward direction are formed continuously with the rib 2153 and the flange portion 216 at two locations on the outer peripheral surface that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the direction of the axis Ax2. The wings 2154 and 2155 allow the syringe connection member 20 to be securely held when inserting or removing the syringe connection member 20 through the opening 1131a of the cleaning unit 10. Furthermore, when rotating the syringe connection member 20 clockwise to attach it to the cleaning unit 10 or counterclockwise to remove it from the cleaning unit 10, placing your fingers on the wings 2154 and 2155 increases the rotational moment of the force in the rotational direction, allowing for easy and secure attachment and removal without applying a large amount of force. Here, the main body 21 and coupler 22 of the syringe connection member 20 correspond to the main body and coupler 22 of the washer adapter of the present invention, respectively. Furthermore, the end 2151 of the main body 21 of the syringe connection member 20 and the coupler 22 correspond to the second connecting portion of the present invention. Furthermore, the tip 217 corresponds to the first connecting portion of the present invention.

[0055] Engagement protrusions 2171 and 2172 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of tip portion 217, protruding in the outer diameter direction. Engagement protrusions 2171 and 2172 are plate-shaped, extending over a portion of the circumference and protruding toward the outer diameter side. Engagement protrusion 2171 is generally wedge-shaped when viewed from the outer diameter direction. That is, when viewed from the outer diameter direction, the shape of engagement protrusion 2171 becomes thinner in the axial direction toward end 2171a in the clockwise direction when viewed in the axial direction from the syringe 30 side. Furthermore, the axial distance between flange portion 216 and surface 2171b of engagement protrusion 2171 on the syringe 30 side is configured to change in the circumferential direction. That is, when viewed in the axial direction from the syringe 30 side, surface 2171b of engaging protrusion 2171 is formed so that it is closer to flange 216 at end 2171c in the counterclockwise direction and farther from flange 216 at end 2171a in the clockwise direction. Engaging protrusion 2172 has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical to the above-mentioned engaging protrusion 2171 with respect to the axis.

[0056] A groove 2173 is formed around the entire outer periphery of the tip 217 on the cleaning part 10 side of the engaging projections 2171 and 2172, which is recessed on the inner diameter side to mount the elastic ring 5 on the main body part 2 side.

[0057] The substantially cylindrical coupler 22 has a coupling portion 221, which is rotatably coupled to the main body 21, formed on the cleaning unit 10 side so as to protrude toward the inner diameter side. By coupling the coupling portion 221 of the coupler 22 to the coupling portion 2152 of the main body 21, the coupler 22 is coupled to the main body 21 so as to be rotatable about its axis and not come off toward the syringe 30 side. Note that the coupler 22 may also be fixed to the main body 21 so as not to be rotatable about its axis. An internal thread portion 223 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the coupler 22 from an opening 222 on the syringe 30 side toward the coupling portion 221.

[0058] Fig. 7(A) is a perspective view of syringe 30, Fig. 7(B) is a front view of syringe 30, and Fig. 7(C) is a CC cross-sectional view of syringe 30. Syringe 30 corresponds to the cleaning liquid supply source of the present invention. A syringe 30 is connected to the coupler 22 side of the syringe connection member 20. The syringe 30 has a substantially cylindrical outer tube 31 and a small-diameter, substantially cylindrical tip 32. The outer tube 31 has an opening 311 on the side opposite to the syringe connection member 20. The tip 32 is provided in the center of the outer tube 31 on the syringe connection member 20 side, and has an opening 321 on the syringe connection member 20 side. Engagement protrusions 322 and 323 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle 321. The engagement protrusions 322 and 323 protrude radially outward and are generally plate-shaped, extending circumferentially. When viewed axially from the opening 311 side, the engagement protrusions 322 and 323 are inclined such that clockwise ends 322a and 323a are closer to the opening 321 and counterclockwise ends 322b and 323b are farther from the opening 321 and closer to the outer tube 31. The hollow interior 324 of the tip 32 is continuous with the hollow interior 312 of the outer tube 31 via the step 235 and the small-diameter portion 326. The diameter of the hollow interior 324 decreases from the opening 321 toward the step 325. Here, the tip 32 forms a female connector corresponding to a male connector formed by the end 2151 of the main body 21 of the syringe connecting member 20 and the coupler 22. Although not shown, the syringe 30 has a plunger that is inserted into a hollow interior 312 that communicates with the outside through an opening 311 provided at the end axially opposite to the cylindrical tip 32. The plunger has an axial extension, and a gasket is attached to the tip on the cylindrical tip 32 side to maintain an airtight and liquid-tight seal between the plunger and the outer cylinder 31.

[0059] Figures 8(A) to 8(C) are diagrams explaining how to assemble the cleaning system 1, showing the cleaning unit 10 as viewed from the front. Figures 9(A) and 9(B), 10(A) and 10(B), and 11(A) to 11(C) show the overall configuration of the cleaning system 1 assembled in this manner. Fig. 9(A) is a right side view of the cleaning system 1, and Fig. 9(B) is a DD cross-sectional view of the cleaning system 1. Fig. 10(A) is a front view of the cleaning system 1, and Fig. 10(B) is an EE cross-sectional view of the cleaning system 1. Fig. 11(A) is a plan view of the cleaning system 1, Fig. 11(B) is an FF cross-sectional view of the cleaning system, and Fig. 11(C) is an enlarged view of the connection portions between the syringe connection member 20 and each part in the FF cross-sectional view.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 8(A), first, the syringe connecting member 20 is connected to the cleaning unit 10, which has the cover member 12 attached to the connector mounting portion 111 of the main body 11. Here, the arrow between the cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20 in FIG. 8(A) indicates the direction in which the cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20 connect to the connector washer of the present invention. The tip portion 217 of the syringe connecting member 20 is inserted through the opening 1131a of the large diameter portion 1131 of the connecting member mounting portion 113. At this time, the position in the rotational direction around the axis is adjusted so that the engaging protrusions 2171 and 2172 of the syringe connecting member 20 are positioned at the fan-shaped openings 1131a2 and 1131a3 of the large diameter portion 1131 of the connecting member mounting portion 113. At this time, since engaging protrusions 2171 and 2172 of syringe connecting member 20 are formed rotationally symmetrically about the axis, engaging protrusions 2171 and 2172 may be inserted from openings 1131a2 and 1131a3, respectively, or from openings 1131a3 and 1131a2, respectively. In the following, the engaging protrusions 2171 and 2172 will be described as being inserted from openings 1131a2 and 1131a3, respectively.

[0061] As described above, when tip portion 217 and engaging protrusions 2171 and 2172 of syringe connecting member 20 are inserted through openings 1131a1, 1131a2, and 1131a3, respectively, engaging protrusions 2171 and 2172 abut against the axial ends of openings 1131a2 and 1131a3, respectively. From this position, syringe connecting member 20 is rotated clockwise about its axis as viewed from coupler 22, as shown in FIG. 8(A). Grooves 1131b2 and 1131b3 are formed in connection with openings 1131a2 and 1131a3, respectively, of connecting member mounting portion 113. Therefore, by rotating syringe connecting member 20 in the clockwise direction as described above, engaging protrusions 2171 and 2172 engage with grooves 1131b2 and 1131b3, respectively. The groove 1131b2 has a generally wedge-like shape, with the axial height decreasing clockwise. When viewed axially from the syringe 30 side, the surface 2171b of the engaging projection 2171 is formed so that the counterclockwise end 2171c is close to the flange 216 and the clockwise end 2171a is farther from the flange 216. Therefore, by rotating the syringe connecting member 20 clockwise, the clockwise end 2171a of the engaging projection 2171 advances to the portion of the groove 1131b2 where the axial height is smaller. In this way, the engaging projection 2171 is guided into the groove 1131b2, and the syringe connecting member 20 is rotated in the connecting member attachment direction. Engaging protrusion 2172 and groove 1131b3 are configured similarly to engaging protrusion 2171 and groove 1131b2, and therefore, as engaging protrusion 2172 is guided into groove 1131b3, syringe connecting member 20 is similarly pushed further toward connecting member mounting portion 113.

[0062] In this way, when syringe connecting member 20 is pushed into connecting member mounting portion 113, end face 213 of syringe connecting member 20 reaches a position where it abuts end face 1113e of connecting member mounting portion 113 (see FIGS. 9(B), 10(B), 11(B), and (C)). At this time, elastic ring 5 attached to groove 2173 of tip portion 217 presses against the inner circumferential surface of small diameter portion 1133, thereby maintaining a liquid-tight gap between cleaning section 10 and syringe connecting member 20 and preventing the cleaning liquid sprayed from enlarged diameter portion 211e from leaking from opening 1131a. The method of maintaining the liquid-tightness of the gap between tip portion 217 of syringe connecting member 20 and connecting member mounting portion 113 of cleaning unit 10 is not limited to the above-described case of interposing elastic ring 5. For example, the gap between tip portion 217 of syringe connecting member 20 and connecting member mounting portion 113 of cleaning unit 10 can be maintained liquid-tight by bringing a tapered surface provided on tip portion 217 of syringe connecting member 20 into liquid-tight contact with a tapered surface provided on connecting member mounting portion 113 of cleaning unit 10.

[0063] 11(B) and 11(C), when the end face 213 of the syringe connecting member 20 is in contact with the end face 1113e of the connecting member mounting portion 113 of the cleaning unit 10, cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 penetrating the partition wall 1113 are opened in the end face 1113e opposite to the end face 211d where the first expanded diameter portion 211c of the syringe connecting member 20 opens. The second expanded diameter portion 211e where the first expanded diameter portion 211c of the syringe connecting member 20 opens in the center is expanded in diameter to a range that covers the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 that are evenly arranged around the end face 1113e. In this way, by forming hollow interior 211, the cleaning liquid pressurized from syringe 30 can be efficiently guided to cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4, and passed through partition 1113, allowing the cleaning liquid to be ejected evenly circumferentially from the bottom of groove 1113b on the end face 1113a side into internal space 100b of male connector 100, thereby enabling male connector 100 to be cleaned more reliably.

[0064] After attaching the syringe connection member 20 to the cleaning unit 10 as described above, the syringe 30 is connected to the syringe connection member 20 as shown in FIG. 8(B). The tip 32 is inserted between the end 2151 of the main body 21 of the syringe connection member 20 and the opening 222 of the coupler 22, and the end 2151 of the main body 21 of the syringe connection member 20 is inserted into the opening 321 of the tip 32. By rotating the coupler 22 counterclockwise about the axis Ax2 as shown in FIG. 8(B), the engaging protrusions 322 and 323 of the tip 32 engage with the female thread portion 223 and move along the thread groove toward the cleaning unit 10. At this time, the tapered end 2151 of the main body 21 of the syringe connection member 20 moves along the hollow interior 324 of the tip 32, which narrows from the opening 321. In this way, engaging protrusions 322 and 323 engage with female thread portion 223 of coupler 22, and end portion 2151 of main body 21 of syringe connecting member 20 and hollow interior 324 of nozzle 32 are tapered and fitted together (see FIGS. 9(B), 10(B), 11(B), and 11(C)). This ensures a secure connection between syringe connecting member 20 and syringe 30, and prevents cleaning liquid from leaking from the connection portion between syringe connecting member 20 and syringe 30.

[0065] In this way, the cleaning unit 10, the syringe connecting member 20, and the syringe 30 are connected. Furthermore, although not shown, the syringe or the drainage tube is connected to the drainage tube portion 112 of the cleaning unit 10.

[0066] Next, as shown in FIG. 8(C), the male connector 100 is inserted through the insertion hole 121a of the cover member 12 of the cleaning unit 10. The male connector 100 is inserted into the insertion hole 121a of the cover member 12 of the cleaning unit 10. The coupler 103 and connector main body 101 are inserted into the insertion hole 121a from the side where the coupler 103 is attached, and then the coupler 103 and connector main body 101 are pushed into the hollow interior of the connector attachment portion 111 through the opening 1111. The tip of the connector main body 101 is accommodated in an annular groove 1113b provided in an end face 1113a on the small diameter portion 1112d side of the bulkhead 1113 of the connector attachment portion 111, and a cylindrical protrusion 1113c provided on the center side of the inner circumference of the groove 1113b is inserted into the tip portion 101a1 of the flow path 101a of the connector main body 101. When the male connector 100 is attached to the connector attachment portion 111, the tip of the coupler 103 abuts against the end face 1113a on the small diameter portion 1112d side on the outer periphery side of the groove 1113b (see FIGS. 9B, 10B, 11B, and 11C).

[0067] 9(B), 10(B), 11(B), and 11(C), when the male connector 100 is attached to the cleaning unit 10, the syringe 30 and the hole 1113c1 of the protrusion 1113c are in communication with each other through the hollow interior 211 of the syringe connecting member 20. Therefore, the cleaning liquid pumped from the syringe 30 is ejected from the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 into the internal space 100b of the male connector 100, and is also ejected through the hole 1113c1 toward the flow path 101a of the connector main body 101. If water or the like is used as the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid ejected into the flow path 101a of the connector main body 101 can be poured into the patient's body through the tube 102 together with the nutrient remaining in the flow path 101a of the connector main body 101 and the tube 102. In this way, by providing hole 1113c1 that communicates with flow path 101a of connector main body 101, flushing can be performed simultaneously with cleaning of internal space 100b of male connector 100, thereby keeping flow path 101a of connector main body 101 and tube 102 clean. Protrusion 1113c isolates flow path 101a of connector main body 101 from the flow path of the cleaning liquid from cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 to discharge path 112a1, so that dirt in internal space 100b of male connector 100 does not flow into flow path 101a of connector main body 101.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, one hole 1113c1 is opened in the protrusion 1113c, but the number of flushing holes opening into the flow path 101a of the connector body 101 is not limited to one, and multiple holes may be opened. Furthermore, protrusion 1113c separates the cleaning liquid flow path from cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 to discharge path 112a1 from flow path 101a of connector main body 101, but the configuration of the separation part is not limited to this. An annular protrusion surrounding the outer periphery of tip end 101i of connector main body 101 may be provided on bottom surface 1113b1 of groove 1113b in end face 1113a, and a hole penetrating through partition wall 1113 and communicating with end surface 1113e on the connecting member attachment part 113 side may be provided on bottom surface 1113b1 facing flow path 101a of connector main body 101. In such a configuration, the protrusion and bottom surface 1113b1 correspond to the blocking part of the present invention, and the hole provided on bottom surface 1113b1 corresponds to the first cleaning liquid supply part of the present invention.

[0069] As described above, the assembled cleaning system 1 is configured as shown in the overall perspective view of FIG. Here, in the cleaning system 1, the syringe 30 is used as the cleaning liquid supply source, but a cleaning liquid tank equipped with a pressure pump can also be used as the cleaning liquid supply source. In this case, the end of the syringe connecting member 20 opposite the cleaning unit 10 can be configured to be connectable to a tube that transports the cleaning liquid and is connected to the pressure pump. Furthermore, by providing the end of such a tube with a connecting part in the form of a female connector similar to the nozzle 32 of the syringe 30, the cleaning system 1 can be configured in which the syringe connecting member 20 serves both as the syringe 30 and the cleaning liquid tank.

[0070] <Example 2> Second Embodiment A syringe connecting member 20A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The syringe connecting member 20A is included in the cleaning system 1 together with the cleaning unit 10 and the syringe 30 according to the first embodiment. The same components as those of the syringe connecting member 20A according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Here, the syringe connecting member 20A corresponds to the washer adapter of the present invention. The connector washer of the present invention can also be configured by the cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20A connected to the cleaning unit 10. In this case, the cleaning unit 10 corresponds to the connector washer of the present invention, and the syringe connecting member 20A corresponds to the washer adapter of the present invention. The cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20A that make up the connector washer may be configured separately as described below, and the syringe connecting member 20A may be assembled to the cleaning unit 10, or they may be pre-assembled or configured as an integrated unit.

[0071] Syringe connecting member 20A differs from syringe connecting member 20 in the configuration of the end portion of main body 21A on the cleaning unit 10 side. First enlarged diameter portion 211c of hollow interior 211 opens at the center of end face 213 of syringe connecting member 20A. Grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 extend radially outward from first enlarged diameter portion 211c on end face 213. Grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 are disposed at 90° angles in the circumferential direction. Grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 extend from first enlarged diameter portion 211c to the end portion in the radially outward direction and are concave toward coupler 22 in the axial direction.

[0072] As in Example 1, tip portion 217 of syringe connecting member 20A is attached to connecting member mounting portion 113 of cleaning unit 10. At this time, end face 218 of tip portion 217 abuts end face 113e of connecting member mounting portion 113. A flow path for cleaning liquid communicating with first enlarged diameter portion 211c is formed between end face 218 and concave grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4. Syringe connecting member 20A is attached to cleaning unit 10 so as to be rotatable around its axis within a predetermined range. Hole 1113c1 is formed in the center of end face 113e of connecting member mounting portion 113, and cleaning liquid inlet holes are formed around hole 1113c1 and communicate with cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4 evenly spaced in the circumferential direction.

[0073] When the syringe connecting member 20A is rotated about its axis relative to the cleaning unit 10 and grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 and the cleaning liquid inlet holes communicating with the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 are positioned opposite each other in the axial direction, the hollow interior 211 of the syringe connecting member 20A communicates with the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4. At this time, a flow path is formed from the syringe 30 to the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 of the cleaning unit 10.

[0074] When the syringe connecting member 20A is rotated about its axis relative to the cleaning unit 10 and grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 and the cleaning liquid inlet holes communicating with the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 are positioned so that they do not overlap in the axial direction, the hollow interior 211 of the syringe connecting member 20A does not communicate with the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 of the cleaning unit 10, and the flow path from the syringe 30 to the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4 of the cleaning unit 10 is blocked between the syringe connecting member 20A and the cleaning unit 10. Because hole 1113c1 of the cleaning unit 10 is located in the center of end face 1113e, it is positioned so as to face first enlarged diameter portion 211c in the axial direction regardless of rotation of the syringe connecting member 20A. In this way, communication is maintained between hollow interior 211 of syringe connecting member 20A and hole 1113c1 of cleaning unit 10, regardless of rotation of syringe connecting member 20A relative to cleaning unit 10. As a result, cleaning liquid pressure-fed from the syringe is ejected into flow path 101a1 of connector main body 101 through hollow interior 211 and hole 1113c1 of syringe connecting member 20A, thereby enabling flushing.

[0075] Therefore, the syringe connecting member 20A can be rotated around the axis relative to the cleaning unit 10. This makes it possible to select whether hollow interior 211 of syringe connecting member 20A is connected to hole 1113c1 of protrusion 1113c and cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4, or to only hole 1113c1 of protrusion 1113c. In other words, by rotating syringe connecting member 20A about its axis relative to cleaning unit 10, it is possible to switch between a mode in which internal space 100b of male connector 100 is cleaned and flushed simultaneously, and a mode in which only flushing is performed. Furthermore, by rotating syringe connecting member 20A about its axis with respect to cleaning unit 10 and changing the axial overlap between grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 and cleaning liquid inlets communicating with cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4, it is possible to narrow the flow path between grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 and the cleaning liquid inlets communicating with cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1-1113d4, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the cleaning liquid. Here, grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 formed in end face 213 correspond to the flow path selector of the present invention. Here, the hollow interior 211 of the syringe connecting member 20A and the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4 are connected or blocked, but the hollow interior 211 of the syringe connecting member 20A and the hole 1113c1 may also be connected or blocked, or these may be combined.

[0076] <Variation 1> Furthermore, in the above-described cleaning system 1, the cleaning solution is sprayed toward the internal space 100b of the male connector 100 to remove the nutrient adhering to the outer periphery of the connector main body 101, but the method of cleaning the internal space 100b of the male connector 100 is not limited to this. For example, instead of the cleaning solution spray holes 1113d1-1113d4 of the cleaning unit 10, a configuration in which the nutrient is scraped off by a brush inserted into the internal space 100b of the male connector 100 and rotated, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2021-785575 and 2021-79019, can also be adopted. By providing a hole similar to the hole 1113c1 opening into the flow path 101a of the connector main body 101 in the blocking portion 138 described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-785575 or the columnar body 16 described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-79019, scraping off the nutrient with the brush and flushing can be performed simultaneously. In this configuration, the mechanism including the brush corresponds to the cleaning unit of the present invention, and scraping by the brush corresponds to cleaning of the present invention. Also, as described in JP 2020-110687 A, a configuration can be adopted in which the nutrient is wiped away using a cylindrical tip 110 inserted into the internal space 100b of the male connector 100. By providing a luer exposed inside the cylindrical portion 111 of the tip 110 described in JP 2020-110687 A and connecting a syringe to the base end of this luer, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the nutrient in the internal space 100b of the male connector 100 is wiped away and flushed simultaneously. In this configuration, the tip corresponds to the cleaning unit of the present invention, and wiping by the tip corresponds to cleaning of the present invention. Furthermore, by providing a hole in the stopper 15 of the adapter 1 disclosed in JP 2015-188522 A that communicates with the nozzle 61 of the first syringe 60 and opens into the flow path 101a of the connector body 101, it is possible to realize a configuration that simultaneously cleans and flushes the internal space 100b of the male connector 100.

[0077] <Variation 2> In the above-described second embodiment, grooves 2111f1, 2111f2, 2111f3, and 2111f4 are formed in syringe connection member 20A of syringe connection member 20. Here, by rotating syringe connection member 20A about its axis relative to cleaning unit 10, it is possible to select whether hollow interior 211 of syringe connection member 20A is connected to hole 1113c1 of protrusion 1113c and cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4, or to only hole 1113c1 of protrusion 1113c. The cleaning liquid pumped from the syringe is connected to either hole 1113c1 of protrusion 1113c or cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4. The selection mechanism is not limited to this. For example, a component that, by sliding, blocks or opens either the flow path from the syringe to the hole 1113c1 of the protrusion 1113c or the flow path from the syringe to the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4 may be provided as a component corresponding to the flow path selector of the present invention. Furthermore, a component such as a multi-way stopcock that, by changing the orientation of a cock, switches either the flow path from the syringe to the hole 1113c1 of the protrusion 1113c or the flow path from the syringe to the cleaning liquid ejection holes 1113d1 to 1113d4 may be provided as a component corresponding to the flow path selector of the present invention. Furthermore, a component corresponding to these flow path selectors may be provided in either the cleaning unit 10 or the syringe connecting member 20.

[0078] <Variation 3> In the above-described first and second embodiments, the cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20 are configured as separate units, but it is also possible to configure the syringe connecting member 20 as incorporated into the cleaning unit 10. In this case, the cleaning unit 10 corresponds to the connector cleaning unit of the present invention, and the syringe connecting member 20 corresponds to the cleaning unit adapter of the present invention, and the cleaning unit 10 and the syringe connecting member 20 form the connector washer of the present invention. A component corresponding to the flow path selecting unit may be provided in either the cleaning unit 10 or the syringe connecting member 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 10. Cleaning section 11 Connector mounting part 100··· Male Connector 100a Connector connection part 100b・interior space 101··Connector body 103 Coupler 112a・Cleaning liquid drain path 1113c·Protrusion 1113c1 · Hole 1113d1~1113d4 Cleaning fluid nozzle

Claims

1. A connector cleaner for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body with a fluid flow path passing through it in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at the rear end side and surrounds the male connector body, a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; an isolation portion that isolates the internal space from the flow path; A connector cleaner comprising:

2. The isolation portion includes a blocking portion that blocks at least a portion of the flow path of the male connector body, 2. The connector cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first cleaning liquid supply portion opens into the closing portion.

3. The cleaning section includes: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; 3. The connector cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. A connector cleaner for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body through which a fluid flow path passes in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at the rear end side of the male connector body and surrounds the male connector body, a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; Equipped with The connector washer is characterized in that the cleaning unit has a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector.

5. A blocking portion that blocks at least a portion of the flow path of the male connector body, 5. The connector cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the first cleaning liquid supply portion opens into the closing portion.

6. The cleaning section a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; 6. The connector cleaner according to claim 4, further comprising:

7. 5. The connector cleaner according to claim 3, further comprising a flow path selection unit that selects whether the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the connector cleaner is to be supplied to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit.

8. A connector cleaning unit for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body through which a fluid flow path passes in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at the rear end side and surrounds the male connector body, a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; an isolation portion that isolates the internal space from the flow path; a connector cleaning unit having A cleaning adapter connected to the connector cleaning unit, a cleaning unit adapter having a first connection part connected to the connector cleaning unit, a second connection part connected to a cleaning liquid supply source that supplies the cleaning liquid to the connector cleaning unit, and a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning unit flows; A connector cleaner comprising:

9. A connector cleaning unit for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body through which a fluid flow path passes in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at the rear end side of the male connector body and surrounds the male connector body, a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; a connector cleaning unit having A cleaning adapter connected to the connector cleaning unit, a cleaning unit adapter having a first connection part connected to the connector cleaning unit, a second connection part connected to a cleaning liquid supply source that supplies the cleaning liquid to the connector cleaning unit, and a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning unit flows; Equipped with The cleaning liquid supply path is formed by a hollow interior extending from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning section, and has a small diameter portion having an inner diameter smaller than that of the cleaning liquid supply source side. Kuta washer.

10. The cleaning section of the connector cleaning section includes: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; 10. The connector cleaner according to claim 8, further comprising:

11. A connector cleaning unit for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body through which a fluid flow path passes in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler that is connected to the male connector body at the rear end side of the male connector body and surrounds the male connector body, a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies a cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body; and the cleaning unit includes a connector cleaning unit having a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; A cleaning adapter connected to the connector cleaning unit, a cleaning unit adapter having a first connection part connected to the connector cleaning unit, a second connection part connected to a cleaning liquid supply source that supplies the cleaning liquid to the connector cleaning unit, and a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector cleaning unit flows; A connector cleaner comprising:

12. The cleaning section of the connector cleaning section comprises: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; 12. The connector cleaner of claim 11, further comprising:

13. 12. The connector cleaner according to claim 10, further comprising a flow path selection unit that selects whether the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source is to be supplied to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit.

14. A connector washer for cleaning a medical male connector having a cylindrical male connector body with a fluid flow path passing through it in the axial direction, and a substantially cylindrical coupler connected to the male connector body at the rear end side and surrounding the male connector body, the washer adapter being connected to the connector washer and including: a cleaning unit that cleans the internal space of the medical male connector that is surrounded by the side surface of the male connector body and the inner surface of the coupler; and a first cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies cleaning liquid toward the flow path of the male connector body, a cleaning liquid supply path through which the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector washer flows, the cleaning liquid supply path being formed by a hollow interior extending from the cleaning liquid supply source to the connector washer and having a small-diameter portion whose inner diameter is smaller than that of the cleaning liquid supply source.

15. The cleaning unit of the connector cleaner includes: a housing portion for housing the medical male connector; a second cleaning liquid supply unit that supplies the cleaning liquid to the internal space from the front of the medical male connector; a discharge section that is in communication with the housing section and that discharges the cleaning liquid supplied to the internal space of the medical male connector to the outside while the medical male connector is housed in the housing section; 15. The washer adapter of claim 14, further comprising:

16. 16. The adapter for a washer according to claim 15, further comprising a flow path selector for selecting whether the cleaning liquid supply path is connected to the first cleaning liquid supply unit or the second cleaning liquid supply unit.

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