Connecting Devices

Abstract

Provided is a connection device capable of preventing two cases from being separated by force generated in a ratchet when the device is threadedly engaged. This connection device is provided with: a casing 30 provided with a first case 36 and a second case 37; a connection member 40 that is formed in a tubular shape forming a flow channel L1 in the inside thereof, is provided in the casing 30 to be rotatable about an axis, and has a thread part 42 with which a syringe 1 threadedly engages; a flow channel member 80 provided in the connection member 40; and a ratchet 50 provided with a gear 51 and a pawl 52, the gear 51 being provided for the connection member 40 and having a plurality of teeth 51a in the circumferential direction, the pawl 52 being provided in the casing 30 and being configured to be engaged, in a direction crossing the protruding direction of a protrusion 36b from a first end surface 36a of the first case 36, with a restriction surface 51b of the gear 51 rotating toward the threadedly engaging direction of the syringe 1, thereby restricting the rotation of the gear 51.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device for fluidly connecting a first device and a second device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in order to fluidly connect a container such as a vial and a device that supplies a fluid such as a syringe or a device that receives a fluid supply, a technology has been used in which a connection device that is connected to the container and a connection device that is connected to the device are used, and these connection devices are connected to fluidly connect the container and the device.

[0003] A known connection device to which such a device is connected is configured to include a housing having a flow path therein, and a device fixing portion that is provided in the housing and to which the device is screwed and fixed.

[0004] Also known is a technique in which a device fixing part is rotatably mounted on a housing, and a ratchet is used to allow rotation of the device fixing part in a direction to remove the device from the device fixing part, but to restrict rotation in a direction to screw the device into the device fixing part. By allowing rotation in a direction to remove the device from the device fixing part, the device is prevented from being removed from the device fixing part (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] A known technique is to form the housing by combining two cases, to form the ratchet gear integrally with the outer periphery of the syringe fixing part, and to provide the ratchet pawl on one of the two cases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 186361 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the above-mentioned configuration in which the rotation of the device fixing part is restricted by the ratchet has the following problem: When a restricting force is applied to the ratchet, the direction in which the gear abuts against the pawl becomes parallel to the protruding direction of the convex portion formed on one of the split surfaces of the two cases, and as a result, when a user fixes the device to the device fixing part, the force applied to the device fixing part separates the two cases.

[0008] For this reason, in order to prevent the two cases from separating, adhesive is used to secure the two cases together in addition to the fixing by fitting the convex and concave portions together.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a connecting device that can prevent two cases from being separated due to the force generated in the ratchet when the devices are screwed together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The connecting device of the present invention is a connecting device that fluidly connects a first device and a second device, and includes: a housing having a first case having a first end face on which a convex portion is formed, and a second case having a second end face on which a concave portion into which the convex portion fits is formed; a connecting member that is formed in a cylindrical shape inside which forms a first flow path, has an axial middle portion rotatably supported by the housing and one end side disposed outside the housing, and has a threaded portion on the one end side into which the first device screws; a flow path member that is provided at the other end of the connecting member, communicates with the first flow path, and has inside a second flow path that is fluidly connected to the second device; a gear that is provided on the circumferential surface of the other end side of the connecting member and has a plurality of teeth in the circumferential direction, each having a restriction surface and a ride-on surface; and a gear that is provided on the circumferential surface of the gear that rotates in the screwing direction and a screw that is connected to the restriction surface of the gear in the screwing direction and a screw that is connected to the convex portion in the protruding direction from the first end face. Orthogonal and a ratchet having a pawl that engages with the gear in a direction opposite to the screwing direction to restrict rotation of the gear, and that allows rotation of the gear by riding on the riding surface of the gear that rotates in the opposite direction to the screwing direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a connecting device that can prevent two cases from being separated due to the force generated in the ratchet when the devices are screwed together. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an infusion connector, a syringe, a spike adapter, and an infusion bag according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the infusion connector and the syringe. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the infusion connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the infusion connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the infusion connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connecting member of the infusion connector. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a modified ratchet used in the infusion connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a bag adapter, which is a modified example of the second device, connected to the infusion connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the configuration of a syringe adapter according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of the syringe adapter. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the syringe adapter. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which an infusion set is connected to the infusion connector. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the infusion connector and the infusion set. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a modified example of the infusion set. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a modified example of the infusion set. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a modified example of the infusion set. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the infusion connector and the infusion set. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the infusion connector and the infusion set. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A connection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an infusion connector 10, a syringe 1, a spike adapter 25, and an infusion bag 20. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the infusion connector 10 and the syringe 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the infusion connector 10. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the infusion connector 10. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the infusion connector 10. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connecting member 40 of the infusion connector 10.

[0015] The connection device includes a housing formed by combining two case members, a connection member rotatably mounted in the housing, having a flow path therein, and screwed with a first device, a flow path member provided in the housing and connected to the connection member, and a ratchet disposed in the housing and restricting rotation of the connection member in the same direction as the screwing direction. The connection device forms a flow path that communicates between the first device and the second device by screwing the first device onto the connection member and connecting the second device to the housing, and the flow path member is fluidly connected to the second device.

[0016] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an infusion connector 10 will be described as an example of a connecting device to which a syringe 1, which is an example of a first device, is screwed. The syringe 1 has an outer cylinder 1a and a plunger 1b. A cylindrical tip 2 and a male luer 2b are provided at the tip of the outer cylinder 1a. A threaded portion, for example, a female thread 2a, is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical tip 2. The male luer 2b is formed within the cylindrical tip 2. The male luer 2b is formed in a cylindrical shape that communicates with the inside of the outer cylinder 1a. The syringe 1 is configured to be able to discharge a fluid contained in the outer cylinder 1a from the cylindrical tip 2 by operating the plunger 1b, or to move a fluid outside the outer cylinder 1a into the outer cylinder 1a through the cylindrical tip 2.

[0017] The infusion connector 10 is configured to allow a spike adapter 25, which is an example of a second device and is connected to the infusion bag 20, to be detachably attached. When the spike adapter 25 is connected to the infusion connector 10, a flow path connecting the spike adapter 25 and the syringe is formed. The infusion connector 10, together with the spike adapter 25, forms a flow path that fluidly connects the infusion bag 20 and the syringe 1. The syringe 1 supplies a drug to the infusion bag via the infusion connector 10 and the spike adapter 25.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the infusion connector 10 includes, for example, a housing 30, a connecting member 40 that is rotatably supported on the housing 30 and to which a syringe 1 is connected, and a ratchet 50 that restricts rotation of the connecting member 40 in a first direction that is the same as the screwing direction of the syringe 1 and allows rotation in a second direction that is the same as the other direction.

[0019] In this embodiment, connecting the syringe 1 to the connecting member 40 means that the nozzle 2 is threaded onto the connecting member 40 and the male luer 2b is fitted into the connecting member 40. By fitting the male luer 2b into the connecting member 40, the outer surface of the male luer 2b comes into surface contact with the inner surface of the connecting member 40, and the space between the outer surface of the male luer 2b and the inner surface of the connecting member 40 is sealed.

[0020] The infusion connector 10 also includes an engaging member 70 that fixes and releases the housing 30 and the spike adapter 25, a flow path member 80 that is provided within the housing 30 and connected to the connecting member 40, a cylindrical head sleeve 90 that is movably stored within the housing 30, a needle seal 110 fixed to the head sleeve 90, a stopper sleeve 100 that is configured to selectively fix the head sleeve 90 to the housing 30 and to selectively fix the head sleeve 90 and the spike adapter 25, and a biasing member 120 that biases the head sleeve 90 in the direction of extending from the housing 30.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 30 is formed by combining a first case 36 and a second case 37. The housing 30 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape with one end closed and the other end open. Specifically, the housing 30 includes an end wall portion 31, a body portion 32, and a support wall portion 33. The housing 30 is also integrally formed with a pawl 52 of the ratchet 50, which will be described later. A part of the spike adapter 25 is inserted into the housing 30 through an opening 30a at the other end.

[0022] The end wall portion 31 is configured, for example, in the shape of a plate with a part of the edge formed in an arc shape and the other part formed in a rectangular shape. The end wall portion 31 has a hole 31a formed therein. In the example of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the hole 31a is provided, for example, at a position offset from the center of the arc in the region where the edge is formed in an arc shape. Note that forming the hole 31a at a position offset from the center of the arc means that the center of the hole 31a is offset from the center of the arc. In another example, the hole 31a may be formed at the center of the arc in the region where the edge of the end wall portion 31 is formed in an arc shape.

[0023] The body 32 is formed on the edge of the end wall 31. The body 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape in which a portion of the spike adapter 25 is movably disposed. Specifically, the body 32 includes a cylindrical portion 34a that continues from the arc-shaped portion of the outer periphery of the end wall 31, and a rectangular portion 34b that continues from the rectangular portion of the outer periphery of the end wall 31.

[0024] Furthermore, holes 35 are formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 34a. The holes 35 penetrate the body portion 32 in the radial direction. The holes 35 are formed in an elongated shape along the axis of the housing 30. Two holes 35 are formed.

[0025] 4 and 5, the support wall 33 is formed on the inner surface of the body 32. The support wall 33 rotatably supports the connecting member 40. The support wall 33 is, for example, a partition wall that divides the interior of the body 32 in the axial direction, and has a hole 33a in which a small diameter portion 40b (described later) of the connecting member 40 is rotatably disposed.

[0026] The housing 30 configured in this manner is constructed by combining a first case 36 and a second case 37. As shown in Fig. 5, the cases 36 and 37 have a shape obtained by dividing the housing 30, for example, along a plane that passes through the axis of the housing 30 and is parallel to the direction in which the cylindrical portion 34a and rectangular portion 34b of the body 32 are aligned. The cases 36 and 37 also have protrusions and recesses that fit together when combined with each other. Specifically, the first case 36 has a first end face 36a. The first end face 36a is formed, for example, as a flat surface. The first case 36 has, for example, a plurality of protrusions 36b. The plurality of protrusions 36b are formed on the first end face 36a. The plurality of protrusions 36b are formed, for example, toward the center of the first end face 36a in the thickness direction of the wall thickness of the first case 36.

[0027] The second case 37 has a second end face 37a. The second end face 37a abuts, for example, against the first end face 36a. The second case 37 has a plurality of recesses 37b. The plurality of recesses 37b are formed so as to be able to fit onto the plurality of protrusions 36b. The plurality of recesses 37b are formed on the second end face 37a. The plurality of recesses 37b are formed toward the center of the second end face 37a in the thickness direction of the second case 37.

[0028] Furthermore, one of the first case 36 and the second case 37, for example the first case 36, has a hole 36c formed in a part of an area facing a gear 51 of a ratchet 50 (described later). The hole 36c extends, for example, from the end of the rectangular portion 34b of the first case 36 on the cylindrical portion 34a side in the circumferential direction centered on the axis of the cylindrical portion 34a to a position facing the central axis of the gear 51 of the ratchet 50 in the direction in which the protrusion 36b protrudes from the first end face 36a.

[0029] The hole 36c is configured in a shape that allows the first case 36 to be molded using a mold. Specifically, the hole 36c is formed as a groove that does not form an undercut for the pawl 52 of the ratchet 50. Specifically, the hole 36c is formed in a shape that is larger than the pawl 52 in the direction in which the first case 36 and the second case 37 face each other. Here, "the hole 36c is larger than the pawl 52 in the direction in which the cases 36 and 37 face each other" means that the hole 36c has a size that allows the pawl 52 to be positioned inside the hole 36c in the direction in which the cases 36 and 37 face each other. In other words, the hole 36c is formed in a size that allows the pawl 52 to be positioned inside the hole 36c when viewed in the direction in which the cases 36 and 37 face each other.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the connecting member 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a gear 51 of the ratchet 50, which will be described later, is formed integrally therewith. The connecting member 40 is configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape having a large diameter portion 40a and a small diameter portion 40b. The interior of the connecting member 40 forms a flow path L1. An axial middle portion of the large diameter portion 40a of the connecting member 40 is disposed in the hole 31a of the end wall portion 31 of the housing 30. One end side of the large diameter portion 40a opposite the small diameter portion 40b of the connecting member 40 is disposed outside the housing 30. The other portion of the connecting member 40, i.e., the small diameter portion 40b side of the large diameter portion 40a and the small diameter portion 40b, are disposed inside the housing 30.

[0031] A stopper portion 40a1 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole 31a is formed on the circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 40a. The stopper portion 40a1 abuts against the edge of the hole 31a, thereby preventing the connecting member 40 from slipping out of the housing 30 through the hole 31a. A threaded portion 42 into which the cylindrical tip 2 of the syringe 1 is threaded is formed on one end 41 of the large diameter portion 40a. The threaded portion 42 is, for example, a male thread that threads into the female thread 2a formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical tip 2. The inner circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 40a is formed in a female luer shape that is mated with the male luer 2b of the syringe 1. Here, the female luer shape that is mated with the male luer 2b is a shape that makes surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the male luer 2b when the male luer 2b is inserted into the large diameter portion 40a, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] The small diameter portion 40b is disposed in the hole 33a of the support wall portion 33. By disposing the small diameter portion 40b in the hole 33a, the end face of the large diameter portion 40a acts as a stopper, preventing the connecting member 40 from moving in a direction away from the end wall portion 31.

[0033] The ratchet 50 includes a gear 51 formed integrally with the connecting member 40 and a pawl 52 formed integrally with one of the first case 36 and the second case 37 .

[0034] The gear 51 is integrally formed on the circumferential surface of the large diameter portion 40a of the connecting member 40 on the side of the small diameter portion 40b. The gear 51 has a plurality of teeth 51a in the circumferential direction of the large diameter portion 40a. The teeth 51a have a restriction surface 51b and a ride-on surface 51c.

[0035] The restriction surface 51b is formed, for example, as a plane that abuts against the claw 52 in a direction intersecting the direction in which the protrusion 36b protrudes from the first end face 36a. In this embodiment, the intersecting direction is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the protrusion 36b protrudes from the first end face 36a.

[0036] The pawl 52 is formed on the housing 30. The pawl 52 extends toward the gear 51 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the housing 30. The pawl 52 restricts the rotation of the gear 51 in the first direction by engaging a restricting surface 51b of the gear 51, which rotates in the first direction, in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the convex portion 36b relative to the first end face 36a of the first case 36. In the example of this embodiment, the restricting surface 51b of the pawl 52 engages in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the protruding direction of the convex portion 36b relative to the first end face 36a.

[0037] The pawl 52 is disposed within the hole 36c. Specifically, the pawl 52 includes a main body 52a, an abutment portion 52b, and a rib 52c. When the force input from the gear 51 biased in the first direction exceeds a predetermined value, the main body 52a and the rib 52c elastically deform, causing the pawl 52 to retract from the gear 51 and allowing the gear 51 to rotate in the first direction. Here, the predetermined value is a value smaller than the value at which the syringe 1 or the infusion connector 10 is damaged.

[0038] The main body 52a extends from one end 36c1 of the hole 36c on the rectangular portion 34b side along the outer periphery of the trunk 32, in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the housing 30, from the rectangular portion 34b toward the cylindrical portion 34a, toward the gear 51. The main body 52a extends from one end 36c1 of the hole 36c to near the other end. Here, one end of the claw 52 on the one end 36c1 side of the hole 36c is referred to as the base end 52e, and the other end is referred to as the tip end. There is a gap between the main body 52a and the inner surface of the hole 36c. This gap is, for example, large enough to allow the main body 52a to move.

[0039] An outer surface 52a1 of the main body 52a is offset inward of the body 32 from the outer surface 32a of the trunk 32. The outer surface 52a1 of the main body 52a is the surface exposed to the outside of the housing 30 through the hole 36c.

[0040] In this embodiment, the offset amount of the outer surface 52a1 with respect to the outer surface 32a is an amount by which the outer surface 52a1 of the main body 52a does not protrude outward from the outer surface 32a of the trunk 32, even if the riding surface 51c of the gear 51 rotating in the second direction rides up on the claw 52, ​​thereby elastically deforming the claw 52. In other words, the offset amount of the outer surface 52a1 with respect to the outer surface 32a is an amount by which the outer surface 52a1 of the main body 52a is flush with the outer surface 32a of the trunk 32, or the outer surface 52a1 is located more inward of the housing 30 than the outer surface 32a, even if the riding surface 51c of the gear 51 rotating in the second direction rides up on the claw 52, ​​thereby elastically deforming the claw 52. Here, the phrase "the outer surface 52a1 is flush with the outer surface 32a" means that it is flush with the surface obtained by extending the outer surface 32a to the hole 36c.

[0041] Alternatively, the offset amount of outer surface 52a1 relative to outer surface 32a may be the amount by which outer surface 52a1 protrudes outward from outer surface 32a when claw 52 is elastically deformed as a result of the riding surface 51c of gear 51 rotating in the second direction riding over claw 52.

[0042] Furthermore, the amount of offset of outer surface 52a1 toward the inside of housing 30 relative to outer surface 32a is such that when a user presses hole 36c and the surrounding area of ​​body 32 with a finger, the finger can press main body 52a toward the inside of body 32, causing abutment portion 52b to abut against gear 51. By abutting abutment portion 52b against gear 51, rotation of gear 51 in the second direction can be restricted.

[0043] The abutment portion 52b protrudes from the tip of the main body 52a toward the inside of the trunk 32 and comes into contact with the gear 51. The abutment portion 52b is located closer to the gear 51 than the base end 52e of the main body 52a in the direction in which the abutment portion 52b protrudes from the main body 52a. The abutment portion 52b has enough rigidity to not deform even when the gear 51 rotating in the first and second directions abuts against it. The claw 52 has an abutment surface 52d with which the restriction surface 51b abuts. The abutment surface 52d is formed, for example, as a flat surface with which the restriction surface 51b comes into surface contact or a flat surface with which the restriction surface 51b comes into approximate surface contact.

[0044] The rib 52c is formed along the main body 52a. The rib 52c is formed on the inner surface of the main body 52a. The inner surface of the main body 52a is the surface on the axial side of the housing 30. The rib 52c extends from the base end 52e of the main body 52a to the abutment portion 52b. The thickness of the rib 52c is thinner than the thickness of the main body 52a. Here, the thickness of the rib 52c refers to the thickness in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction of the rib 52c and the direction in which the rib 52c protrudes from the main body 52a. In other words, the thickness of the rib 52c refers to the thickness in a direction perpendicular to both the direction from the base end 52e of the main body 52a to the tip and the direction in which the rib 52c protrudes from the main body 52a.

[0045] The thickness of the rib 52c and the height of the rib 52c protruding from the main body 52a are set to a thickness and a protruding height that allow the main body 52a and the rib 52c to elastically deform and retreat to a position where the gear 51 can rotate in the first direction when the pressing force input from the gear 51 biased in the first direction exceeds a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is a value smaller than the value that would cause damage to the syringe 1 and the infusion connector 10, and a value greater than the pressing force input from the gear 51 that occurs when the syringe 1 is screwed into the connecting member 40 during normal use.

[0046] The distal end surface 52c1 of the rib 52c in the protruding direction is formed flat on the contact portion 52b side and curved on the base end 52e side. One end of the rib 52c on the contact portion 52b side is connected to the midpoint of the contact portion 52b in the protruding direction.

[0047] That is, in the example of this embodiment, when the pressing force from the gear 51 biased in the first direction exceeds a predetermined value, the claw 52 is configured such that the main body 52a and the rib 52c elastically deform and the gear 51 can retreat to a position where it can rotate in the first direction, so that the tip surface 52c1 is formed flat with the contact portion 52b side lower, and the base end 52e side of the tip surface 52c1 is formed into a gently sloping curved surface.

[0048] A plurality of engaging members 70 are provided, and engage with the spike adapter 25 when the spike adapter 25 is inserted into the housing 30. When the engaging members 70 engage with the spike adapter 25, the spike adapter 25 is fixed to the housing 30 via the engaging members 70. When the engaging members 70 are operated, they are released from engagement with the spike adapter 25. For example, two engaging members 70 are provided.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 3, the engaging member 70 is formed in a shape that is long in one direction. One end of the engaging member 70 is fixed to the opening side of the hole 35 in the housing 30. The engaging member 70 is formed, for example, integrally with the housing 30. An engaging portion 71 that engages with the spike adapter 25 is provided at a midpoint in the longitudinal direction of the engaging member 70, and an operating portion 72 that is operated by the user is provided at the other end of the engaging member 70.

[0050] The engaging portion 71 engages with the spike adapter 25 when the flow path member 80 of the infusion connector 10 is inserted into the spike adapter 25. The engaging portion 71 is configured to be able to release its engagement with the spike adapter 25 by operating the operating portion 72.

[0051] The operating unit 72 is disposed outside the body 32. For example, when the operating unit 72 is operated, specifically when it is pressed inward of the body 32, the operating unit 72 moves inward of the body 32 from the position before the operation.

[0052] The flow path member 80 has a flow path L2 therein. The flow path member 80 is, for example, a needle member. The flow path member 80 has openings formed at both ends thereof that communicate with the flow path L2. In this embodiment, the opening at the end of the flow path member 80 on the seal 110 side is formed on the side surface of the flow path member 80. One end of the flow path member 80 is fixed within the small diameter portion 40b of the connecting member 40, as shown in FIG. 4. The flow path member 80 communicates with the flow path L1 within the connecting member 40.

[0053] The head sleeve 90 is housed in the housing 30. The head sleeve 90 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is movable within the housing 30, as shown in FIG. The stopper sleeve 100 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the head sleeve 90. The stopper sleeve 100 is formed to selectively restrict movement of the head sleeve 90 relative to the housing 30 and to be able to selectively fix the head sleeve 90 to the spike adapter 25.

[0054] 4, the needle seal 110 is provided inside the stopper sleeve 100. The needle seal 110 seals the opening on the tip side of the flow path member 80, in other words, the end portion that is inserted into the spike adapter 25. The needle seal 110 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer, and is formed so that it can liquid-tightly and air-tightly seal the hole formed by the flow path member 80 by its restoring force after the flow path member 80 moves.

[0055] When the spike adapter 25 is inserted into the housing 30 and the head sleeve 90 moves toward the end wall portion 31 , the flow path member 80 penetrates the needle seal 110 .

[0056] 4, the biasing member 120 is housed in the housing 30 and biases the head sleeve 90 toward the opening side of the housing 30. The biasing member 120 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0057] In the infusion connector 10 configured in this manner, the head sleeve 90 and stopper sleeve 100, which are combined into one unit, move together with the spike adapter 25 within the housing 30 toward the end wall portion 31 when the spike adapter 25 is inserted into the housing 30.

[0058] The integral combination of the head sleeve 90 and the stopper sleeve 100 is fixed to the spike adapter 25 as the flow path member 80 moves together with the spike adapter 25 to a position where it is inserted into the spike adapter 25. This fixing is achieved, for example, by an engaging portion such as an arm member provided on the stopper sleeve 100 engaging with an engaged portion such as a recess provided on the outer peripheral surface of the spike adapter 25.

[0059] Furthermore, when the head sleeve 90 and stopper sleeve 100 are fixed to the spike adapter 25 and the flow path member 80 is inserted into the spike adapter 25, when the spike adapter 25 is moved in the direction of being pulled out from the housing 30, the head sleeve 90, stopper sleeve 100, and spike adapter 25 move together within the housing 30 toward the opening side of the housing 30, due to the biasing member 120.

[0060] The fixation between the integral combination of the head sleeve 90 and the stopper sleeve 100 and the spike adapter 25 is released when the head sleeve 90 and the stopper sleeve 100 move to the end of the opening side of the housing 30 and the flow path member 80 comes out of the spike adapter 25.

[0061] Next, an example of the operation of connecting the syringe 1 to the infusion connector 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the user aligns the tip of the cylindrical tip 2 of the syringe 1 with one end of the large diameter portion 40a of the connecting member 40, for example.

[0062] Next, the user, for example, rotates the syringe 1 to thread the threaded portion 42 of the connecting member 40 into the female thread 2a on the inner surface of the cylindrical tip 2. The user rotates the syringe 1 until rotation of the syringe 1 relative to the connecting member 40 is restricted. As the threaded portion 42 threads into the threaded portion 2a on the inner surface of the cylindrical tip 2, the male luer 2b in the cylindrical tip 2 is inserted into the female luer on the inner surface of the connecting member 40. The user rotates the syringe 1 until the female luer and the male luer are completely joined; in other words, the outer peripheral surface of the male luer 2b comes into surface contact with the inner peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 40a of the connecting member 40, thereby sealing between these outer and inner peripheral surfaces, and rotation of the syringe 1 relative to the connecting member 40 is restricted.

[0063] A force that tries to rotate connecting member 40 by rotating syringe 1 is input to connecting member 40 in a first direction. As a result, restricting surface 51b of tooth 51a of gear 51 abuts against abutting portion 52b of pawl 52. When restricting surface 51b abuts against abutting portion 52b, abutting portion 52b and restricting surface 51b engage in a direction that intersects with the protruding direction of convex portion 36b relative to first end surface 36a of first case 36. As a result, rotation of connecting member 40 in the first direction, which is the same direction as the direction in which syringe 1 is screwed, is restricted.

[0064] The syringe 1 is rotated to the end, thereby completing the connection between the syringe 1 and the infusion connector 10. Here, the syringe 1 is rotated to the end means that the rotation of the syringe 1 is restricted by the ratchet 50 and the syringe 1 is rotated to a position where it cannot rotate any further.

[0065] The ratchet 50 allows a second rotation, which is a rotation in the same direction as the rotation in the direction to remove the syringe 1. Therefore, according to the infusion connector 10, even if the syringe 1 is rotated in an attempt to remove it from the infusion connector 10, the syringe 1 and the connecting member 40 rotate together, preventing the syringe 1 from being removed.

[0066] However, in the unlikely event that it becomes necessary to remove the syringe 1 from the infusion connector 10, the infusion connector 10 makes it possible to remove the syringe 1. Next, an example of the procedure for removing the syringe 1 from the infusion connector 10 will be described.

[0067] When removing the syringe 1 from the connecting member 40, the user presses the outer surface 52a1 of the main body 52a of the claw 52 with a finger. Here, pressing the outer surface 52a1 with a finger means pressing the outer surface 52a1 with a force sufficient to prevent the claw 52 from moving outward when the user attempts to rotate the syringe 1 in the second direction to remove the syringe 1 from the infusion connector 10. Pressing the main body 52a with a finger prevents the main body 52a from bending outward from the housing 30. Preventing the main body 52a from bending outward from the housing 30 prevents the riding surface 51c from riding over the abutment portion 52b. As a result, rotation of the gear 51 in the second direction is restricted.

[0068] The user presses main body 52a to restrict rotation of gear 51 in the second direction, and rotates syringe 1 in the second direction, which is the direction to remove syringe 1 from connecting member 40. Because rotation of gear 51 in the second direction is restricted, even if syringe 1 is rotated in the direction to remove syringe 1 from connecting member 40, connecting member 40 will not rotate integrally with syringe 1. By rotating syringe 1 until syringe 1 is separated from connecting member 40, the operation of removing syringe 1 from connecting member 40 is completed.

[0069] In the infusion connector 10 configured in this manner, when the gear 51 of the ratchet 50 is rotated in the first direction, which is the restriction direction, the restriction surface 51b abuts against the pawl 52 in a direction intersecting the protruding direction of the convex portion 36b relative to the first end surface 36a of the first case 36. As a result, the restriction surface 51b and the abutment portion 52b engage with each other, thereby restricting the rotation of the gear 51 in the first direction.

[0070] Therefore, even if the gear 51 is rotated in the first direction, the convex portion 36b abuts against the inner surface of the concave portion 37b in a direction along the end faces 36a, 37a, thereby preventing the cases 36, 37 from shifting along the end faces 36a, 37a.

[0071] Furthermore, the restricting surface 51b of the gear 51 abuts against the abutting portion 52b in a direction intersecting the direction in which the convex portion 36b protrudes relative to the first end face 36a, so that only a portion of the force input from the restricting surface 51b to the abutting portion 52b acts in a direction that releases the engagement between the convex portion 36b and the concave portion 37b of the cases 36 and 37. Here, the direction that releases the engagement between the convex portion 36b and the concave portion 37b is the direction that pulls the convex portion 36b out of the concave portion 37b.

[0072] Therefore, the cases 36 and 37 can be kept fixed by the fitting force of the recessed portion 37b and the protruding portion 36b, so there is no need to use adhesive to fix the cases 36 and 37 together.

[0073] Furthermore, the direction in which the restricting surface 51b of the gear 51 abuts against the abutting portion 52b is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the convex portion 36b protrudes from the first end face 36a, thereby reducing the force acting in the direction to release the engagement between the convex portion 36b and the concave portion 37b. Also, the direction in which the restricting surface 51b of the gear 51 abuts against the abutting portion 52b is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the convex portion 36b protrudes from the first end face 36a, thereby preventing the generation of a force that releases the engagement between the convex portion 36b and the concave portion 37b.

[0074] Furthermore, the first case 36 has a hole 36c. This allows the first case 36 to be molded using a mold. That is, although the claws 52 extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the mold used to mold the first case 36 is removed, the first case 36 has a hole 36c, and one end of the claws 52 is provided at one end of the hole 36c, thereby preventing the claws 52 from becoming undercut. This allows the first case 36 to be molded using a mold.

[0075] Furthermore, the pawl 52 includes a main body 52a, an abutment portion 52b, and a rib 52c. The rib 52c extends from one end of the main body 52a to the abutment portion 52b. This allows the area in which the rib 52c is formed to be large, thereby increasing the strength of the pawl 52 and increasing the restricting force that restricts the rotation of the gear 51 with a simple configuration.

[0076] Furthermore, by setting the shape of the rib 52c to a desired shape, the restricting force of the ratchet 50 can be set to a desired restricting force. Therefore, the restricting force of the ratchet 50 is set to a restricting force that elastically deforms the main body 52a and the rib 52c and retracts the abutment portion 52b from the gear 51 before the force input from the gear 51 to the pawl 52 due to rotation of the gear 51 in the first direction reaches the smaller of the force that would damage the syringe 1 and the force that would damage the infusion connector 10. This prevents damage to the syringe 1 and the infusion connector 10. Here, damage to the syringe 1 refers to, for example, damage to the female thread 2a of the nozzle 2. Damage to the infusion connector 10 refers to, for example, damage to the ratchet 50 or the threaded portion 42.

[0077] Furthermore, by placing the main body 52a in the hole 36c, the user can press the main body 52a from the outside of the housing 30 to bring the abutment portion 52b into contact with the riding surface 51c of the gear 51, thereby restricting the rotation of the gear 51 in the second direction.

[0078] Therefore, if it becomes necessary to remove the syringe 1 from the infusion connector 10, the syringe 1 can be removed from the connecting member 40 by pressing the main body 52a to restrict the rotation of the gear 51 in the second direction.

[0079] Furthermore, the abutting portion 52b is located closer to the gear 51 than the base end 52e of the main body 52a in the direction in which the abutting portion 52b protrudes from the main body 52a. Therefore, the main body 52a and the rib 52c are elastically deformed, allowing the pawl 52 to retreat from the gear 51.

[0080] Furthermore, outer surface 52a1 of main body 52a of claw 52 is positioned at a position offset inward of housing 30 from outer surface 32a of housing 30. Therefore, even if claw 52 is elastically deformed when gear 51 rotates in the second direction, as a result of riding surface 51c of gear 51 riding on contact portion 52b, the amount by which claw 52 protrudes outward from housing 30 can be reduced.

[0081] In this way, the elastic deformation of pawl 52 causes outer surface 52a1 of pawl 52 to protrude further outward from outer surface 32a of housing 30, making it easier for the user to stop ratchet 50. Here, stopping ratchet 50 means stopping rotation of gear 51 in the second direction, which is the direction in which rotation is permitted. Furthermore, when it is not necessary to stop ratchet 50, the amount of protrusion of outer surface 52a1 can be reduced, so that even if a user presses outer surface 52a1 with their fingers, the strain on the fingers can be reduced.

[0082] Furthermore, by setting the offset amount of outer surface 52a1 of main body 52a with respect to outer surface 32a of housing 30 to an amount that prevents outer surface 52a1 from protruding outward from outer surface 32a of housing 30 when riding-up surface 51c rides up contact portion 52b, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally touching main body 52a. In other words, it is possible to prevent the user from unintentionally restricting the rotation of gear 51 in the second direction, and therefore it is possible to prevent syringe 1 from unintentionally coming off connecting member 40.

[0083] In the above example, the pawl 52 of the ratchet 50 includes the main body 52a, the contact portion 52b, and the rib 52c, and the main body 52a is formed in a shape that extends along the circumferential direction of the housing 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0084] 7, the claw 52 may be configured to extend linearly toward the gear 51. In this configuration, the claw 52 may not include the contact portion 52b and the rib 52c.

[0085] In the above example, the case where the housing 30 has the hole 36c has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the claw 52 can be molded integrally with the housing 30 using a mold even if the housing 30 does not have the hole 36c, the housing 30 may have a configuration without the hole 36c.

[0086] In the above example, the spike adapter 25 is connected to the infusion connector 10 as the second device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another example, the second device may be a bag adapter 25A, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0087] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of bag adapter 25 A. As shown in Fig. 8, bag adapter 25 A includes spike portion 125, first device connecting portion 126, and second device connecting portion 127.

[0088] The spike portion 125 is connected to the infusion bag 20 by being inserted into the infusion bag 20. The first device connection portion 126 is connected to the infusion connector 10. The first device connection portion 126 has, for example, the same configuration as the portion inserted into the housing 30 of the spike adapter 25. The second device connection portion 127 is connected to a third device. The third device supplies fluid to the infusion bag 20 via the bag adapter 25A, or is supplied with fluid from the infusion bag 20 via the bag adapter 25A. The third device may also be, for example, a member through which fluid moves, such as a tube.

[0089] The bag adapter 25A has a first device connection portion 126 connected to the infusion connector 10 and a spike portion 125 connected to the infusion bag 20, so that the infusion connector 10, the first device connection portion 126, and the spike portion 125 form a flow path that fluidly connects the syringe 1 and the infusion bag 20.

[0090] Furthermore, the spike portion 125 of the bag adapter 25A is connected to the infusion bag 20, and a third device is connected to the second device connecting portion 127, so that a flow path that fluidly connects the infusion bag 20 and the third device is formed by the spike portion 125 and the second device connecting portion 127. These flow paths are independent of each other.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above example, the infusion connector 10 has been described as an example of the connecting device, but the connecting device is not limited to the infusion connector 10. In another example, as shown in Figures 9 to 11, the connecting device may be a syringe adapter 130 to which a container adapter 25B is connected as a second device. Regarding the syringe adapter 130, components having the same functions as those of the infusion connector 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the infusion connector 10, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a front view showing the configuration of syringe adapter 130. Fig. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of syringe adapter 130. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which container adapter 25B is connected to syringe adapter 130.

[0093] 9 to 11, the container adapter 25B is connected to a container such as a vial. The container adapter 25B has two flow paths 26 and 27 therein. One end of the flow paths 26 and 27 is sealed by a seal 28. When the container adapter 25B is connected to the container, these two flow paths 26 and 27 communicate with the inside of the container.

[0094] The syringe adapter 130 includes, for example, a housing 30A, a connecting member 40 that is rotatably supported in the housing 30A and into which the nozzle 2 of the syringe 1 is screwed, a ratchet 50, an engaging member 70 that secures and releases the housing 30A and the container adapter 25B, a flow path member 80 that is provided within the housing 30A and connected to the connecting member 40, a cylindrical head sleeve 90 that is movably stored within the housing 30A, a needle seal 110 fixed to the head sleeve 90, a stopper sleeve 100 that is configured to selectively secure the head sleeve 90 to the housing 30A and to selectively secure the head sleeve 90 to the container adapter 25B, a biasing member 120 that biases the head sleeve 90 in the direction of coming out of the housing 30A, an air bag 131, and a gas flow path 132 that is connected to the air bag 131 and can be connected to the container adapter 25B.

[0095] Housing 30A includes end wall portion 31, body portion 32, support wall portion 33, and air bag storage portion 135. Air bag storage portion 135 stores air bag 131 therein. Air bag storage portion 135 is formed integrally with rectangular portion 34b on the side opposite cylindrical portion 34a, for example.

[0096] The gas flow path 132 includes, for example, a gas needle 133 and a flow path portion 134 that fluidly connects the gas needle 133 and the air bag 131 .

[0097] When container adapter 25B is connected to syringe adapter 130, flow path member 80 penetrates seals 110 and 28 and is inserted into flow path 26, thereby communicating with flow path 26. When container adapter 25B is connected to syringe adapter 130, gas needle 133 penetrates seals 110 and 28 and is inserted into flow path 27, thereby communicating with flow path 27.

[0098] Such syringe adapter 130, together with container adapter 25B, constitutes a flow path that connects the container and syringe 1. Furthermore, syringe adapter 130, together with container adapter 25B, constitutes a flow path that connects the container and air bag 131.

[0099] In such a syringe adapter 130, when the volume of the contents such as the medicine and air in the container increases by, for example, moving a medicine or the like from the syringe 1 to the container, the air in the container moves to the air bag 131 via the flow path 27 and the flow path section 134, thereby maintaining a constant pressure in the container.

[0100] In the above example, the infusion connector 10 and the syringe adapter 130 have been described as being configured such that the syringe 1 is connected to the connecting member 40 as the first device, but this is not limiting. In other examples, an infusion set 140 may be connected as shown in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the infusion set 140 is connected to the infusion connector 10. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the infusion connector 10 and the infusion set 140.

[0101] 12 and 13, the infusion set 140 includes at least a tube 141. In this modification, the infusion set 140 includes the tube 141 and a connection part 142.

[0102] One end 143 of the tube 141 is connected to the connecting member 40. Specifically, the end 143 is inserted into the large diameter portion 40a and fixed to the large diameter portion 40a, as shown in Fig. 12. The end 143 is fixed to the inside of the large diameter portion 40a by, for example, bonding with an adhesive or by a fixing means such as welding. The tube 141 may have, for example, an adjusting portion 141a that adjusts the amount of fluid flowing through the tube 141.

[0103] The connecting part 142 is provided at the other end of the tube 141. The connecting part 142 is configured to be connectable to a connection destination that makes the tube 141 fluid. The connecting part 142 is, for example, a luer lock.

[0104] 14, the infusion set 140 may be configured such that the tube 141 has one or more branched flow path sections 144. FIG. 14 shows a configuration in which the tube 141 has one flow path section 144. The tube 141 may also be provided with a valve 145 that selects a flow path that communicates with the infusion connector 10. The valve 145 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the infusion connector 10 communicates with one of the flow path sections 144 and blocks the infusion connector 10 from the connection section 142, and a state in which the infusion connector 10 and the flow path section 144 are blocked and the infusion connector 10 and the connection section 142 are connected.

[0105] Furthermore, flow path section 144 branching off from tube 141 may be provided at its end with connection section 146 that can be connected to a connection destination to fluidly connect flow path section 144. Connection section 146 may be, for example, a luer lock as shown in Fig. 14. Alternatively, connection section 146 may be a bottle needle as shown in Fig. 15.

[0106] In the above example, the tube 141 of the infusion set 140 is inserted into the large diameter portion 40a and fixed to the large diameter portion 40a, but this is not limiting. In another example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the large diameter portion 40a may be fixed to the end portion 143. The large diameter portion 40a is fixed to the end portion 143 by, for example, bonding with an adhesive or welding.

[0107] 18, the connecting member 40 may be formed in a shape that does not have a portion that is disposed outside the housing 30, but is disposed inside the housing 30. As an example of this, for example, the large diameter portion 40a of the connecting member 40 has a length that does not extend outside the housing 30 in the axial direction. Then, the end 143 of the tube 141 may be fixed inside the connecting member 40 within the housing 30, or may be fixed with the connecting member 40 disposed inside.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. The following is a description equivalent to the invention described in the original claims of the present application. [1] A connection device for fluidly connecting a first device and a second device, comprising: a housing including a first case having a first end surface on which a convex portion is formed, and a second case having a second end surface on which a concave portion into which the convex portion fits is formed; a connecting member having a cylindrical shape with an interior that forms a first flow path, an axial middle portion of which is rotatably supported by the housing, one end of which is disposed outside the housing, and a threaded portion formed on the one end into which the first device is screwed; a flow path member provided at the other end of the connection member, communicating with the first flow path, and having a second flow path therein that is fluidly connected to the second device; a gear provided on the circumferential surface of the other end side of the connecting member, the gear having a plurality of teeth in a circumferential direction, the teeth having a restriction surface and a ride-up surface; and a ratchet provided on the housing, the ratchet including a pawl that engages with the restriction surface of the gear rotating in the screwing direction in a direction intersecting the protruding direction from the first end surface of the convex portion to restrict the rotation of the gear, and that allows the gear to rotate by being ride-up by the ride-up surface of the gear rotating in the direction opposite to the screwing direction; A connection device comprising: [2] The housing has a hole facing the claw in a direction in which the first case and the second case face each other, The holes are sized to accommodate the claws in the opposing directions. [1] The connection device according to [1]. [3] The hole is configured to be elongated in the circumferential direction of the housing, The claw includes a main body disposed within the hole and extending from one end of the hole to the other end, a contact portion provided at a tip of the main body and protruding toward the gear, with which the tooth contacts, and a rib provided on the inner side of the housing of the main body and extending from one end of the main body to the contact portion. [2] The connection device according to [2]. [4] A tip end of the contact portion is located closer to the gear than a base end of the main body in the protruding direction of the contact portion. [3] The connection device according to [3]. [5] A connection device as described in [3], wherein a first outer surface of the main body exposed to the outside of the housing is positioned at a position offset toward the inside of the housing from a second outer surface of the housing. [6] The connection device described in [5], wherein the amount of offset of the first outer surface relative to the second outer surface is set to an amount such that when the riding surface rides over the abutment portion, the first outer surface is positioned at the same position as the second outer surface or further inward from the housing than the second outer surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1...syringe, 2...tip, 10...infusion connector, 20...infusion bag, 25...spike adapter, 25A...bag adapter, 25B...container adapter, 26...flow path, 27...flow path, 28...seal, 30...casing, 30a...opening, 30A...casing, 31...end wall portion, 31a...hole, 32...body portion, 32a...outer surface, 33...support wall portion, 33a...hole, 34a...cylindrical portion, 34b...rectangular portion, 35...hole, 36...first case, 36a...first end face, 36b...convex portion, 36c...hole, 37...first Case 2, 37a...second end face, 37b...recess, 40...connecting member, 40a...large diameter portion, 40a1...stopper portion, 40b...small diameter portion, 41...one end, 42...screw portion, 50...ratchet, 51...gear, 51a...teeth, 51b...regulating surface, 51c...riding surface, 52...claw, 52a...main body, 52a1...outer surface, 52b...abutment portion, 52c...rib, 52c1...tip surface, 52d...abutment surface, 52e...base end, 80...flow path member, 130...syringe adapter, L1...flow path, L2...flow path.

Claims

1. 1. A connection device for fluidly connecting a first device and a second device, comprising: a housing including a first case having a first end surface on which a protrusion is formed, and a second case having a second end surface on which a recess into which the protrusion fits is formed; a connecting member having a cylindrical shape with an interior that forms a first flow path, an axial middle portion of which is rotatably supported by the housing, one end of which is disposed outside the housing, and a threaded portion formed on the one end into which the first device is screwed; a flow path member provided at the other end of the connection member, communicating with the first flow path, and having a second flow path therein that is fluidly connected to the second device; a gear provided on the circumferential surface of the other end side of the connecting member, the gear having a plurality of teeth in a circumferential direction, the teeth having a restriction surface and a ride-up surface; and a ratchet provided on the housing, the ratchet including a pawl that engages with the restriction surface of the gear rotating in the screwing direction in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction from the first end surface of the convex portion to restrict the rotation of the gear, and that allows the gear to rotate by being ride-up on the ride-up surface of the gear rotating in the direction opposite to the screwing direction; A connection device comprising:

2. the housing has a hole facing the claw in a direction in which the first case and the second case face each other, The holes are sized to accommodate the claws in the opposing directions. The connection device according to claim 1 .

3. The hole is configured to be elongated in the circumferential direction of the housing, The claw includes a main body disposed within the hole and extending from one end of the hole to the other end, a contact portion provided at a tip of the main body and protruding toward the gear, with which the tooth contacts, and a rib provided on the inner side of the housing of the main body and extending from one end of the main body to the contact portion. The connection device according to claim 2 .

4. a tip end of the contact portion is located closer to the gear than a base end of the main body in the protruding direction of the contact portion; The connection device according to claim 3 .

5. 4. The connection device according to claim 3, wherein a first outer surface of said main body exposed to the outside of said housing is positioned at a position offset inward of said housing from a second outer surface of said housing.

6. 6. The connection device according to claim 5, wherein the amount of offset of the first outer surface relative to the second outer surface is set to an amount such that when the riding surface rides over the abutment portion, the first outer surface is positioned at the same position as the second outer surface or further inward of the housing than the second outer surface.

Images