male connector

Abstract

To provide a male connector allowing an operator to hold a coupler and easily remove a male luer.SOLUTION: A male connector 100 comprises a male connector body 101 including a male luer 110 being insertable into a medical female connector 200 provided at a distal side, and a body base 120 provided at a proximal side of the male luer 110, and a coupler 102 screwed with the female connector 200 and being movable to a position relative to the male connector body 101. When an axial position of the coupler 102 is defined as a rotation restriction position where the entire male luer 110 is exposed, the male connector body 101 includes the rotation restriction position for restricting rotation of the coupler 102 relative to the male connector body 101, and the coupler 102 includes a wing portion 155 projecting radially outward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to male connectors for medical applications. [Background technology]

[0002] Medical devices have a variety of connectors. With the recent increase in medical devices, incorrect connection of medical devices has become a major problem. For this reason, new connector standards are being established to prevent incorrect connection of medical devices. Specifically, medical devices are divided into six categories, and connectors that prevent medical devices of different categories from being connected to each other are required. For example, in the field of nutrition, a standard requires a male connector with a male luer at the upstream end on the patient side and a female connector that accepts the male luer at the downstream end on the supply side. Under this standard, the connector at the upstream end on the patient side, which was previously a female connector, will be changed to a male connector. The male connector will also be equipped with a coupler to prevent disconnection.

[0003] Male connectors with couplers include those in which the coupler is fixed to the main body of the male connector and those in which the coupler rotates relative to the main body. Compared to male connectors with fixed couplers, male connectors with rotatable couplers have the advantage that the tube is less likely to twist when the coupler and female connector are screwed together or released. On the other hand, male connectors with rotatable couplers have the problem that, because force is not transmitted to the male luer portion when the coupler is gripped, it is difficult to remove the male luer portion when it becomes fixed to the mating portion of the female connector.

[0004] For this reason, male connectors have been considered that allow the coupler to be fixed to the main body of the male connector by aligning it to a specific position, so that the coupler can be grasped and the male luer part can be removed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 01-087391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, conventional male connectors capable of fixing couplers have the following problems.

[0007] First, even when the coupler is fixed, the coupler itself is difficult to grip, making it difficult to apply sufficient force to the male luer part. This is particularly problematic for male connectors for enteral nutrition, which have a larger luer part outer diameter than conventional male luer connectors for infusions and handle nutrients that tend to solidify, as the male luer part tends to stick to the female luer part.

[0008] Another problem is that it is difficult to align the coupler to the fixed state. With conventional male connectors, operators must rely solely on the tactile feedback they get from the coupler to switch between the fixed and rotatable states, which places a great deal of stress on the operator in medical settings where rapid operation is required. Furthermore, if the operation takes too long, there is a high possibility that the operator's fingers or other parts may come into contact with the male luer and become contaminated.

[0009] Furthermore, since it is not possible to tell at a glance whether the coupler is in a fixed state or a rotatable state, there is a risk of operational errors.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to solve at least one of the various problems with male connectors that can fix conventional couplers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A first aspect of the male connector of the present disclosure comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion provided on the tip side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the base side of the male luer portion, and a coupler that screws into the female connector and is movable in its relative position with respect to the male connector body, wherein the male connector body has a rotation restriction portion that restricts the relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the axial position of the coupler is set to a rotation restriction position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and the coupler has wing portions that protrude radially outward.

[0012] According to the first aspect of the male connector, in addition to having a rotation restricting portion that restricts the relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body, the coupler also has wings that protrude radially outward. Therefore, a rotational force can be applied to the male luer portion by grasping the wings of the coupler, making it easy to remove the male luer portion even when it is tightly mated. Furthermore, since the wings are provided on the coupler, force is not transmitted to the male connector body unless the coupler is locked. This makes it less likely that unintentional force will be applied to the wings, causing the tube to twist or the male luer portion to come loose. Furthermore, by rotating the coupler, the direction in which the wings extend can be freely changed, making it easy to prevent the rigid ends of the wings from pressing against the patient.

[0013] A second aspect of the male connector of the present disclosure comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion provided on the tip side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the base side of the male luer portion, and a coupler that screws into the female connector and is movable in its relative position with respect to the male connector body, wherein the male connector body has a rotation restriction portion that restricts the relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the axial position of the coupler is set to a rotation restriction position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and at least one of the coupler and the male connector body has an indicator portion that indicates that the rotation is restricted.

[0014] According to the second aspect of the male connector, the male luer part can be easily removed by gripping the coupler, and since it has an indicator that shows that the rotation is restricted, it is easy to determine whether the rotation is restricted. This allows for quick operation and reduces the possibility of contaminating the male luer part during operation. It also makes it less likely that the connector will be unintentionally detached if the coupler is operated without realizing that the rotation is restricted.

[0015] A third aspect of the male connector of the present disclosure comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion provided on the distal side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal side of the male luer portion, and a coupler that screws into the female connector and is movable in its relative position with respect to the male connector body, wherein the male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts the relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the axial position of the coupler is set to a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and a distal direction movement restricting portion that releasably restricts the coupler from returning from the rotation restricting position to a position where it can screw into the female connector.

[0016] According to the third aspect of the male connector, the coupler can be grasped and the male luer part can be easily removed, and the upstream movement restriction part that releasably restricts the upstream movement of the coupler from the rotation restriction position prevents the coupler from inadvertently moving upstream. This significantly improves operability and makes it less likely that the coupler will come close to the exposed male luer part, causing the inside of the coupler to become dirty.

[0017] In a third aspect of the male connector, the rotation restricting portion may be a rotation restricting rib extending in the axial direction that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the main body base and engages with a coupler-side rotation restricting portion formed on the inner surface of the coupler, and the distal movement restricting portion may be a flange that protrudes radially outward and can be overcome by an inner protrusion formed on the inner surface of the coupler, the flange being spaced apart from the rotation restricting rib and formed distally of the rotation restricting rib. This configuration creates a region in which the coupler's upstream movement is restricted but it is still rotatable, allowing for independent axial and rotational alignment when placing the coupler in a rotation-restricted state, improving operability. Furthermore, the coupler rotates freely, making it easy to apply force when releasing the restriction on the distal movement of the coupler.

[0018] In a third aspect of the male connector, the male connector body may have a proximal movement restriction portion that restricts the coupler from moving proximally beyond the axial position where the coupler is in the rotation-restricted state. This configuration can prevent the coupler from accidentally moving out of the rotation-restricted state. It also makes it easier to find the axial position where the coupler is in the rotation-restricted state.

[0019] A fourth aspect of the male connector of the present disclosure comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion provided on the tip side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the base side of the male luer portion, and a coupler that screws into the female connector and is movable in its relative position with respect to the male connector body, wherein the male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts the relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the axial position of the coupler is set to a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and the rotation restricting portion has a body-side rotation restricting portion formed on the male connector body and a coupler-side rotation restricting portion formed on the coupler that engages with the body-side rotation restricting portion, and has a position indicator that shows the position of the coupler-side rotation restricting portion.

[0020] The fourth aspect of the male connector has a rotation restricting portion, which allows the operator to grasp the coupler in the rotation restricted state and perform the removal operation, improving operability. Furthermore, a position indicator showing the position of the coupler-side rotation restricting portion makes it easy to grasp the rotation restricted position, which is highly effective in guiding the operator to perform the removal operation in the rotation restricted state. By moving the coupler to the rotation restricted position where the male luer portion is exposed and performing the removal operation, not only is the removal operation easier, but the coupler is also separated from the tip of the male luer portion, making it less likely that the chemical solution that has overflowed from the male luer portion will enter the coupler.

[0021] In a fourth aspect of the male connector, the main body-side rotation restricting portion is a protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the male connector main body, and the coupler-side rotation restricting portion can be a notch that is visible from the outside and into which the protrusion is inserted. Because the notch that is the coupler-side rotation restricting portion can be seen from the outside, it also functions as a position indicator, allowing for a simplification of the configuration.

[0022] In this case, the protrusions are plate-shaped and protrude radially outward, and the maximum radial width of the protrusions can be equal to or greater than the maximum radial width of the coupler. With this configuration, when gripping the coupler to remove it, the fingers naturally come into contact with the wing portions, making it easier to apply force. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the male connector of the present disclosure, the coupler can be gripped and the male luer portion can be easily removed, greatly improving operability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a male connector according to one embodiment is connected to a female connector. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the coupler is restricted from rotating. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the coupler is restricted from rotating. [Figure 4] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the male connector body where a rotation restricting rib is formed. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the coupler where a rotation restricting groove is formed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the coupler. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a male connector main body according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a male connector according to a second modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a male connector main body according to a third modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a male connector according to a fourth modified example is connected to a female connector. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the coupler of the male connector according to the fourth modification has been moved to a rotation restricted position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupler according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the coupler of the male connector according to the fourth modification has been moved to a rotation restricted position. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a male connector according to a fourth modified example is connected to a female connector. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a clip groove of a male connector according to a fourth modified example is engaged with a movement restricting flange. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 1 to 6, male connector 100 of one embodiment is, for example, a male connector for enteral nutrition, and includes male connector main body 101 and coupler 102 that is movable in position relative to male connector main body 101. Male connector main body 101 has a rotation restricting part that restricts relative rotation of coupler 102 when the axial position of coupler 102 is set to the rotation restricting position.

[0026] Male connector main body 101 has a male luer portion 110 that can be inserted into a female luer portion 201 of female connector 200 provided on the upstream side (tip side), and a main body base portion 120 to which a tube 300 extending on the downstream side (base end side) is connected. In the following, enteral nutrition use will be exemplified, and the side opposite the patient will be described as the upstream side, and the patient side as the downstream side. In cases other than enteral nutrition use, the upstream side and downstream side may be reversed.

[0027] An upstream flange 122 that protrudes radially outward is formed at the upstream end of main body base 120 (at the boundary with male luer part 110), and a downstream flange 124 that protrudes radially outward is formed near the downstream end. A guide rib 123 that extends in the axial direction is formed between upstream flange 122 and downstream flange 124, and a rotation restriction rib 131 is formed at the position where guide rib 123 and downstream flange 124 intersect.

[0028] The coupler 102 has a first cylindrical portion 150 having a female thread 151 on its inner surface that screws into a male thread 211 provided on the female connector 200, and a second cylindrical portion 160 that is formed downstream of the first cylindrical portion 150 and has a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion.

[0029] An inner flange 172, which is an inner convex portion that protrudes radially inward, is formed near the boundary between the first cylindrical portion 150 and the second cylindrical portion 160 on the inner surface of the coupler 102. A portion of the inner flange 172 is cut out to form a rotation restriction groove 171 that connects the upstream side and the downstream side.

[0030] The outer diameter φ1 of the main body base 120 at the rotation restricting rib 131 is smaller than the inner diameter φ2 of the second tubular portion 160 excluding the inner flange 172 and is larger than the inner diameter φ3 of the inner flange 172. The circumferential width of the rotation restricting groove 171 is also approximately equal to the circumferential width of the rotation restricting rib 131. Therefore, by setting the axial and rotational positions of the coupler 102 to predetermined positions relative to the male connector main body 101 and engaging the rotation restricting rib 131 with the rotation restricting groove 171, the coupler 102 is restricted in rotation with respect to the male connector main body 101 and cannot rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the coupler 102 is positioned at a rotation restricting position where rotation restriction occurs, the rotation restricting rib 131 functions as a main body-side rotation restricting portion that restricts the relative rotation of the coupler 102 with respect to the male connector main body 101, and the rotation restricting groove 171 functions as a coupler-side rotation restricting portion.

[0031] In a rotation restricted state in which rotation is restricted by engagement between rotation restricting rib 131 and rotation restricting groove 171, the rotational force applied to coupler 102 is transmitted to male connector main body 101. For this reason, by grasping and operating coupler 102, even when male luer portion 110 is tightly mated with female luer portion 201, force can be applied to male luer portion 110 to release the mating and easily remove the male luer portion.

[0032] The axial length of the rotation restricting rib 131 is preferably longer than the axial length of the rotation restricting groove 171. By doing so, the rotation restricting state can be achieved within a range having a certain degree of width in the axial direction, which makes it easier to align the coupler 102 in the axial direction and improves operability.

[0033] The axial position where coupler 102 is in the rotation restricted state may be any position downstream of the position where female thread 151 of coupler 102 and male thread 211 of female connector 200 are disengaged, but is preferably a position where male luer portion 110 is completely exposed. By completely exposing male luer portion 110, even if liquid drips when gripping and inserting or removing coupler 102, liquid adhering to male luer portion 110 can be easily wiped off. Furthermore, because the gap between coupler 102 and the upstream end of male luer portion 110 is large, even if liquid overflows from male luer portion 110, it is possible to prevent the liquid from flowing into coupler 102.

[0034] In the rotation restricted state, the distance L1 from the upstream end of the male luer part 110 to the upstream end of the coupler 102 is preferably three times or less the length L2 of the male luer part 110. In this way, when the coupler 102 is grasped, the distance from the grasping position to the tip of the male luer part 110 does not become too long, making it easier to grasp the coupler 102 and insert and remove it.

[0035] To place coupler 102 in a rotation-restricted state after it has been released from engagement with female connector 200, coupler 102 is moved downstream to a position where the upstream end of rotation-restricting rib 131 abuts against the downstream surface of inner flange 172, and then coupler 102 is rotated while being pulled downstream. When the circumferential position of rotation-restricting groove 171 coincides with the circumferential position of rotation-restricting rib 131, coupler 102 moves further downstream and rotation-restricting groove 171 engages with rotation-restricting rib 131, thereby entering the rotation-restricted state.

[0036] An indicator may be provided to indicate that the coupler 102 is in a rotation-restricted state. In this embodiment, a guide notch 162 is formed at the downstream end of the coupler 102 so that its circumferential position overlaps with the rotation-restricting groove 171, and when the coupler is in a rotation-restricted state, part of the rotation-restricting rib 131 can be seen through the guide notch 162. Therefore, the guide notch 162 functions as a coupler-side indicator that indicates whether the coupler 102 is in a rotation-restricted state, and the rotation-restricting rib 131 functions as a main body-side indicator. Visibility can be further improved by coloring the rotation-restricting rib 131, which is the main body-side indicator, in a color different from the other parts of the main body base 120.

[0037] The coupler-side indicator can be one that indicates that the rotation restricting groove 171 is aligned with the rotation restricting rib 131. For this reason, it is not limited to a notch, but can also be an opening through which the rotation restricting rib 131 can be seen, or a transparent window. Furthermore, it is not limited to one that allows the rotation restricting rib 131 to be seen. For example, the position where the rotation restricting state is reached can be indicated by a distinctive three-dimensional shape such as a protrusion or depression, or by a symbol or color such as an arrow. The symbol or color indication can also be formed by attaching a sticker or the like to the coupler 102. However, notches and openings are not only easy to form, but also have the advantage of making alignment easier because the rotation restricting rib 131 can be seen.

[0038] The main body-side display unit does not have to be the rotation restriction rib 131. For example, it can be a distinctive three-dimensional shape, symbol display, color display, or the like that aligns with the coupler-side display unit when the rotation restriction state is reached. It is not necessary to provide both the coupler-side display unit and the main body-side display unit; a display unit may be provided on only one of them as long as it can indicate whether the coupler 102 is in the rotation restriction state. Furthermore, a display unit may be provided as needed, or may not be provided at all.

[0039] The indicator is not limited to an indicator indicating that the rotation restriction state has been established, but may also be a position indicator indicating a position where the rotation restriction state can be established. For example, in this embodiment, the guide notch 162 indicates the position of the rotation restriction groove 171, which is the coupler-side rotation restriction portion, and therefore also functions to indicate a position where the rotation restriction state can be established. By indicating the position of the coupler-side rotation restriction portion, for example, even when the position of the main body-side rotation restriction portion is hidden by the coupler and cannot be seen, the rotation restriction state can be easily established. Even if the coupler-side rotation restriction portion is a recess rather than a notch, the user can smoothly align it via the position indicator. The position indicator indicating the position where the rotation restriction state can be established is not limited to a notch, but can also be a symbol or color indication.

[0040] In this embodiment, a guide rib 123 extending in the axial direction is formed between the upstream flange 122 and the rotation restriction rib 131. The guide rib 123 protrudes lower than the rotation restriction rib 131 and does not interfere with the rotation of the coupler 102. By aligning the guide cutout 162 with the position of the guide rib 123 and moving the coupler 102 downstream along the guide rib 123, the rotation restriction rib 131 and the rotation restriction groove 171 can be smoothly engaged. In this case, the guide rib 123, together with the rotation restriction rib 131, also functions as a main body display unit.

[0041] It is also possible to adjust the height of the guide rib 123 so that the rotation of the coupler 102 is not hindered, but a clicking sensation or the like occurs when the rotation restriction groove 171 passes the position of the guide rib 123. With such a configuration, it becomes even easier to align the coupler 102 to a rotation position where the rotation is restricted.

[0042] In this embodiment, the rotation restriction ribs 131 are formed at four locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the rotation restriction grooves 171 are also formed at four locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction corresponding to the rotation restriction ribs 131. By forming multiple pairs of rotation restriction ribs 131 and rotation restriction grooves 171 in this manner, when the coupler 102 is gripped and a rotational force is applied, the force is applied evenly to the male connector body 101. Furthermore, the rotation restriction state can be achieved with a maximum of one-quarter of a turn, improving operability. Furthermore, the force applied to the rotation restriction ribs 131 and rotation restriction grooves 171 can be dispersed, reducing wear and deterioration. However, it is preferable to have one or more pairs of rotation restriction ribs 131 and rotation restriction grooves 171. Furthermore, there may be more rotation restriction grooves 171 than rotation restriction ribs 131. Even when multiple pairs of rotation restriction ribs 131 and rotation restriction grooves 171 are formed, one guide notch 162 is sufficient, but multiple guide notches 162 can also be provided.

[0043] The coupler 102 of this embodiment has wings 155 that protrude radially outward from the second cylindrical portion 160. Providing the wings 155 improves the operability of the coupler 102. The wings 155 of this embodiment are thin, flat plates that extend in both directions around the central axis of the coupler 102, so the coupler 102 can be easily rotated by placing a finger on the wing surface of each wing 155 and twisting it.

[0044] The axial position of wing portion 155 preferably overlaps with the axial position of inner flange portion 172, which is the rotation restricting portion on coupler 102. With this configuration, the rotational force applied to wing portion 155 in the rotation restricted state can be efficiently transmitted to male connector body 101, improving operability during removal. It is preferable that the axial position of the portion of wing portion 155 that protrudes most radially outward coincides with the axial position of inner flange portion 172, but inner flange portion 172 may be located between the most upstream and most downstream positions of wing portion 155.

[0045] The wing portion 155 is preferably formed as close to the downstream end of the coupler 102 as possible, and can be formed on the second cylindrical portion 160 side. When formed on the second cylindrical portion 160 side, the distance between the position where the finger is placed and the male luer part 110 is larger than when formed near the upstream end of the first cylindrical portion 150. For this reason, when placing a finger on the wing portion 155 to operate, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the finger accidentally touching the male luer part 110 and becoming contaminated.

[0046] Furthermore, by providing wing portions 155 on the side of second cylindrical portion 160, which has a smaller outer diameter than first cylindrical portion 150, it is possible to make it easier to hook a finger even if the radially outward protrusion length of wing portions 155 is reduced. Furthermore, it is preferable that a reduced diameter portion in which the outer diameter gradually decreases is formed between first cylindrical portion 150 and second cylindrical portion 160, and that wing portions 155 extend beyond the reduced diameter portion and reach first cylindrical portion 150. In this way, a finger placed on wing portions 155 hits the inclined surface of the reduced diameter portion, making it easier to apply a large force.

[0047] It is preferable to form an outer surface rib 152 extending in the axial direction on the outer surface of the coupler 102. Forming the outer surface rib 152 at a position that overlaps the axial position of the wing portion 155 further improves the operability of the coupler 102. In this embodiment, the outer surface rib 152 is formed so as to extend from the first tubular portion 150 to the second tubular portion 160, but it is preferable that the outer surface rib 152 be formed at least on the tapered portion that forms an inclined surface. In this way, a finger placed on the wing portion 155 also abuts and engages with the outer surface rib 152, so that a large rotational force can be applied even if the radially outward protrusion length of the wing portion 155 is reduced.

[0048] In this embodiment, because wing portions 155 are formed on coupler 102, when coupler 102 is not fixed, even if force is applied to wing portions 155, no force is applied to male connector main body 101. This makes it possible to prevent the tube from being accidentally twisted or male luer portion 110 from coming loose.

[0049] The male connector for enteral nutrition connected to the upstream end of the enteral nutrition catheter is often placed near the patient's face. In this embodiment, both wings of the wing portion 155 extend almost horizontally, so by rotating the coupler 102, it is easy to position the wing surface of the wing portion 155 so that it is parallel to the patient's skin. This prevents the end of the wing portion 155 from pressing against the patient's skin, causing pain or discomfort. From a safety perspective, it is preferable that the wing portion 155 has a rounded shape with no corners.

[0050] When the wing portion 155 is provided on the second tubular portion 160 side, it is preferable that it protrudes radially outward from the first tubular portion 150 in order to make it easier to grip, and in order to avoid getting in the way, it is preferable that the maximum width of the coupler 102 at the wing portion 155 is not more than twice the maximum outer diameter of the first tubular portion 150, and it is more preferable that it is not more than 1.5 times.

[0051] When the wing portions 155 are formed on the second cylindrical portion 160 side, the wing portions 155 are preferably formed at positions circumferentially offset from the guide notch 162, and in this embodiment, the wing portions 155 are formed at positions circumferentially offset 1 / 4 of the way around the guide notch 162. By forming the wing portions 155 at positions circumferentially offset from the guide notch 162, it is possible to prevent the wing portions 155 from interfering with the alignment and display by the guide notch 162.

[0052] The wings 155 and the outer surface ribs 152 may be formed as needed, and may not be formed at all.

[0053] The maximum outer diameter of the upstream flange 122 formed at the upstream end of the body base 120 of the male connector body 101 is larger than the minimum inner diameter of the inner flange 172 of the coupler 102. When the coupler 102 is threaded into the female connector 200, the upstream surface of the inner flange 172 abuts against and does not overcome the downstream surface of the upstream flange 122, thereby functioning as a retainer to prevent the coupler 102 from slipping off upstream. However, it is also possible to configure the inner flange 172 to overcome the upstream flange 122 by performing a specific operation, such as applying a large force in a specific direction or adjusting the rotational position. This allows the coupler 102 to be replaced or cleaned if it becomes dirty.

[0054] In addition, an example has been shown in which the inner flange 172 for forming the rotation restriction groove 171 is used as a configuration on the coupler 102 side that abuts against the upstream flange 122 and prevents the coupler 102 from slipping out toward the upstream side, but the stopper can also be a separate member from the inner flange 172.

[0055] In this embodiment, the rotation restricting groove 171 penetrates from the upstream side to the downstream side of the inner flange 172. Therefore, the coupler 102 can be removed downstream by aligning the rotation restricting groove 171 with the rotation restricting rib 131. This exposes the entire main body base 120, making it easy to perform operations such as wiping off dirt from the main body base 120.

[0056] The movement of the coupler 102 downstream from the rotation restriction position can also be restricted in a releasable manner. For example, the height of the downstream flange 124 can be set to a height that the inner flange 172 can overcome by applying a light force. In this case, resistance can be generated when the coupler 102 is moved downstream from the rotation restriction position, allowing the downstream flange 124 to function as a downstream movement restriction portion. By providing a downstream movement restriction portion, the coupler 102 can be maintained in a rotation restriction state, making it easier to apply a rotational force to the male connector body 101. In this case, it is preferable that the upstream and downstream surfaces of the downstream flange 124 be inclined. This allows appropriate resistance to be generated when the coupler 102 is moved.

[0057] Although an example has been shown in which the downstream flange 124 is used as the flow direction movement restricting portion, other configurations are possible as long as they can releasably restrict downstream movement of the coupler 102. For example, the radial widths of the rotation restricting groove 171 and the rotation restricting rib 131 can be adjusted so that resistance is generated when the rotation restricting groove 171 passes over the rotation restricting rib 131. Also, instead of the inner flange 172 climbing over the downstream flange 124, another member may climb over the inner flange 172.

[0058] The movement of the coupler 102 from the rotation restriction position toward the upstream side can also be releasably restricted. For example, as in the male connector main body 101A of the first modified example shown in FIG. 7, an intermediate flange 125 can be provided between the upstream flange 122 and the downstream flange 124 of the main body base 120A as a portion restricting movement in the upstream direction. The intermediate flange 125 has a height that allows the inner flange 172 to overcome it by applying a light force. This makes it less likely that the coupler 102 will inadvertently return from the rotation restriction position to the upstream screwable position, causing the enteral nutrition solution to adhere to the inner surface of the coupler 102. It is also preferable that the intermediate flange 125 has inclined surfaces on the upstream and downstream sides.

[0059] The intermediate flange 125 is preferably formed at a position upstream from the upstream end of the rotation restriction rib 131 at least the axial thickness of the inner flange 172. This creates an area in which the upstream movement of the coupler 102 is restricted but the coupler 102 can rotate freely. This improves operability because, after the inner flange 172 passes over the intermediate flange 125, the coupler 102 can be rotated to align the rotation restriction groove 171 with the rotation restriction rib 131. Furthermore, when moving the coupler 102 upstream, a force can also be applied in the twisting direction of the coupler 102, making it easier to move the coupler 102 upstream.

[0060] The upstream and downstream surfaces of the intermediate flange 125 are preferably inclined. Such a configuration allows appropriate resistance to be generated when the coupler 102 is moved. Also, although the example has been shown in which the inner flange 172 is used to form the rotation restricting groove 171 as the coupler-side abutting portion that abuts against the intermediate flange 125 to restrict the upstream movement of the coupler 102, the abutting portion may be a member separate from the inner flange 172.

[0061] Although an example has been shown in which coupler 102 can be moved up tube 300, a configuration is also possible in which coupler 102 does not fall off downstream from the male connector body. By restricting the downstream movement of coupler 102, it is possible to prevent the coupler 102 from accidentally moving to a position where it comes into contact with the patient's skin and becoming contaminated.

[0062] As a method for restricting the movement of the coupler 102 toward the downstream side, for example, a wall may be formed at the upstream end of the rotation restricting groove 171, or a portion that is wider in the circumferential direction may be formed at the downstream end of the rotation restricting rib 131. It is also possible to prevent the inner flange 172 from climbing over the downstream flange 124.

[0063] 8, movement-restricting wings 142 may be formed on male connector main body 101B to restrict downstream movement of coupler 102. Movement-restricting wings 142 are formed near the downstream end of main body base 120B and extend radially outward, restricting downstream movement of coupler 102.

[0064] It is preferable that movement restricting wing 142 is formed so as to be flush with wing 155 when aligned with guide notch 162 of coupler 102 to place the coupler in the rotation restricted state. In this way, it is possible to operate the coupler by placing fingers on movement restricting wing 142 as well as wing 155.

[0065] In this modified example, a downstream guide rib 141 is formed that extends downstream of the rotation restricting rib 131. The downstream guide rib 141, together with the guide notch 162, functions as a main body indicator that indicates that the rotation is restricted. The height of the downstream guide rib 141 can also be adjusted to engage with the guide notch 162, allowing it to be used for aligning the rotational position. Furthermore, by adjusting the circumferential width of the downstream guide rib 141 along with its height and loosely fitting it into the guide notch 162, it can also function as a movement restricting portion that releasably restricts movement of the coupler 102 upstream.

[0066] Although a configuration has been shown in which main body base 120B has the function of restricting movement downstream, a movement restricting portion separate from male connector main body 101B can also be provided on tube 300. For example, coupler 102 can be prevented from passing by fitting a ring with an outer diameter that does not allow coupler 102 to pass through onto tube 300 or by wrapping tape around the tube. If the movement restricting portion provided on tube 300 is provided with a mechanism that engages with the base end of coupler 102, it is also possible to restrict movement of coupler 102 upstream in a releasable manner.

[0067] In the example shown, rotation restricting groove 171, which serves as the coupler-side rotation restricting portion, is formed by cutting out a portion of inner flange 172, which is formed in an annular shape on the inner surface of coupler 102. This configuration makes it easy to ensure the strength of rotation restricting groove 171. It also makes it possible to ensure that rotation is restricted only at specified rotation positions. However, the coupler-side rotation restricting portion can also be an independent protrusion that abuts against the side surface of rotation restricting rib 131, rather than a groove that sandwiches rotation restricting rib 131 from both sides.

[0068] When the coupler-side rotation restricting portion is an independent protrusion, a rotation restricting protrusion 132 that restricts rotation in only one direction can be formed, as in the third modified example shown in Figure 9. In this modified example, a downstream flange 145 is formed at the downstream end of the main body base 120C, and the rotation restricting protrusion 132 is formed adjacent to the upstream side of the downstream flange 145. The rotation restricting protrusion 132 is a protrusion that has a generally triangular shape in plan view and has a first side 132A extending in the axial direction and a second side 132B that gradually approaches the downstream side as it moves away from the first side 132A. The rotation restricting protrusion 132 and the downstream flange 145 abut against an inner protrusion formed on the inner surface of the coupler 102 and have a height that the inner protrusion cannot overcome.

[0069] When coupler 102 is moved to the downstream end of male connector main body 101C and rotated leftward as viewed from the downstream side with the inner convex portion abutting downstream flange 145 or second side 132B of rotation restricting convex portion 132, the inner convex portion abuts first side 132A of rotation restricting convex portion 132, restricting rotation of coupler 102. When coupler 102 is rotated rightward as viewed from the downstream side, the inner convex portion can move along second side 132B, and rotation is not restricted. In this modified example, the rotation direction in which rotation restriction occurs coincides with the direction in which the female thread 151 of coupler 102 and the male thread 211 of female connector 200 are disengaged. Therefore, after disengaging coupler 102, moving coupler 102 rearward while continuing to rotate naturally results in the rotation restriction state, making it easy to disengage the male luer part 110. However, the rotation direction in which the rotation restriction occurs can be set to the opposite direction to the direction in which the coupler 102 is unscrewed, so that the male luer part 110 is not accidentally removed.

[0070] In this modification, a downstream flange 145 is formed at the downstream end of the main body base 120C at a height that the inner convex portion cannot overcome. This configuration prevents the coupler 102 from falling downstream of the rotation restriction position, improving operability. However, it is also possible to configure the inner convex portion to overcome the downstream flange 145 by performing a predetermined operation, allowing the coupler 102 to move toward the tube 300.

[0071] The axial length of the coupler 102 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 1.2 to 2 times the axial length of the male luer part 110. If the distance between the downstream end of the coupler 102 and the upstream end of the male luer part 110 becomes too large when rotation restriction of the coupler 102 occurs, it becomes difficult to operate the coupler 102 to remove the male luer part 110. By setting the length of the coupler 102 within an appropriate range, even if rotation restriction occurs at a position where the entire male luer part 110 is exposed, the distance between the downstream end of the coupler 102 and the upstream end of the male luer part 110 can be prevented from becoming too large, improving operability.

[0072] A second cylindrical portion 160 having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion 150 having a female thread is formed downstream of the coupler 102, and wing portions 155 are formed on the second cylindrical portion 160 side, so that even if the radially outward protrusion length of the wing portions 155 is reduced, it is possible to make it easier to hook a finger. The lower limit of the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 160 is limited by the outer diameter of the main body base portion 120, but is preferably 90% or less, and more preferably 80% or less, of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 150. The axial length of the second cylindrical portion 160 is preferably 10% or more and 50% or less of the axial length of the first cylindrical portion 150.

[0073] Although an example has been shown in which the coupler-side rotation restricting portion that engages with the protrusion that is the main body-side rotation restricting portion is formed on the inner surface of the coupler, other configurations are also possible. For example, in male connector 100D of a fourth modified example shown in Figures 10 to 15, rotation restricting notch 167 formed on the downstream end (base end) of coupler 102D engages with the protrusion that is the main body-side rotation restricting portion formed on the downstream end (base end) of male connector main body 101D.

[0074] In this modified example, the protrusions serving as the main body-side rotation restricting portion are a pair of rotation restricting wing portions 147. Rotation restricting wing portion 147 is a plate-like body formed at the downstream end of main body base portion 120D and protruding radially outward. Rotation restricting notch 167 serving as the coupler-side rotation restricting portion is a notch that is open toward the downstream end of coupler 102D, and its circumferential width is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the circumferential width of rotation restricting wing portion 147. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 , when coupler 102D is moved to the downstream end of male connector main body 101D and adjusted to a predetermined angle, rotation restricting wing portion 147 is inserted into rotation restricting notch 167. This results in a rotation restricted state in which coupler 102D does not rotate relative to male connector main body 101D.

[0075] Furthermore, because it is possible to tell at a glance whether the rotation restricting wing 147 is inserted into the rotation restricting notch 167, the rotation restricting wing 147 and the rotation restricting notch 167 also function as indicators that show whether the rotation is restricted. The rotation restricting notch 167 is easily visible from the outside, so it also functions as an indicator that shows the position where the rotation can be restricted. However, indicators other than the rotation restricting wing 147 and the rotation restricting notch 167 may also be provided. Furthermore, the rotation restricting wing 147 also functions as a downstream movement restrictor that prevents the coupler 102 from moving downstream beyond the rotation restricting position.

[0076] Although not particularly limited, it is preferable to form a pair of rotation restricting wings 147 at positions opposite each other in the circumferential direction. In this way, it is possible to prevent force from being applied to a single point, and since the pair of rotation restricting wings 147 are arranged on the same plane, it is less likely that the end faces of the rotation restricting wings 147 will come into contact with the patient. However, the number of rotation restricting wings 147 may be one or three or more. The rotation restricting notches 167 may be formed in the same number as the rotation restricting wings 147 and aligned with them, but it is also possible to form more rotation restricting notches 167 than the rotation restricting wings 147.

[0077] In this modification, the maximum radial width W1 of the rotation restricting wing 147 is equal to or greater than the maximum radial width W2 of the coupler 102D. With this configuration, when gripping and rotating the coupler 102D, the fingers naturally come into contact with the rotation restricting wing 147, allowing for the application of greater force. To prevent the rotation restricting wing 147 from getting in the way in a connector intended for long-term placement, the maximum radial width W1 of the rotation restricting wing 147 is preferably no more than twice the maximum width W2 of the coupler 102D. As shown in FIG. 13 , the maximum radial width W1 of the rotation restricting wing 147 is the distance from the central axis of the male connector body to the outermost end of the wing, and the maximum radial width W2 of the coupler 102D is the maximum radius of the coupler 102D.

[0078] In this modification, the protrusion that is the main body side rotation restricting portion is a wing portion that spreads in both directions, but it may be a plate-like portion with a flat surface that a finger touches, or it may be a shape that protrudes only in one radial direction. Furthermore, it is not limited to these shapes, and it may be a rod-like protrusion, a rib with a low protruding height, or the like.

[0079] In this modified example, six ribs 152 are formed at equal intervals around the circumference on the outer surface of the coupler 102D. Furthermore, rotation restricting notches 167 are formed at the positions of the ribs 152. When inserting the rotation restricting wing portion 147 into the rotation restricting notches 167, the operator tends to grip the position farthest from the two rotation restricting notches 167 with their fingers, but this position is between the two ribs 152. This stabilizes the gripping fingers, and since the fingers come into contact with the ribs 152 when twisting, a greater force can be applied. However, the number of ribs 152, the position of the rotation restricting notches 167, etc. can be freely set.

[0080] In this modified example, an inner flange 165 protruding radially inward is formed on the inner surface of the second tubular portion 160 of the coupler 102D. The inner diameter of the inner flange 165 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upstream flange 122 formed between the male luer part 110 and the main body base 120D. This prevents the coupler 102D from slipping out toward the upstream side. Furthermore, the inner flange 165 allows thickness to be added to the rotation restriction notch 167. This allows the contact surface between the rotation restriction notch 167 and the rotation restriction wing portion 147 to be increased, enabling a greater force to be transmitted. Furthermore, the rotation restriction notch 167 can be reinforced.

[0081] In this modified example, the inner flange 165 is formed continuously in the circumferential direction except for the portion of the rotation restriction notch 167, but as long as it can abut against the upstream flange 122 and prevent it from slipping off upstream, it can also be formed intermittently or as multiple convex portions rather than being formed continuously.

[0082] In this modification, the main body base 120D of the male connector main body 101D has a movement-restricting flange 126 located slightly upstream of the downstream end, and the second tubular portion 160 of the coupler 102D has a clip groove 166 that engages with the movement-restricting flange 126. When the coupler 102D is moved to the rotation-restricting position, the movement-restricting flange 126 engages with the clip groove 166, making it less likely that the coupler 102D will unintentionally move from the rotation-restricting position, facilitating the removal of the male luer part 110. Furthermore, when the coupler 102D is moved to the rotation-restricting position, a clicking sensation is given to the operator, allowing the operator to easily recognize that the coupler 102D has moved to the rotation-restricting position. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the coupler 102D from accidentally moving upstream, causing liquid spilling from the male luer part 110 to flow into the coupler 102D.

[0083] The height and inclination of the flange 126 and the clip groove 166 may be adjusted so that they can be engaged and disengaged with slight resistance. In this modification, the clip groove 166 is formed only in a portion of the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion 160, but it may be formed around the entire circumference except for the portion of the rotation restricting notch 167. Also, although the movement restricting flange 126 is formed around the entire circumference except for the portion of the rotation restricting wing 147, it may also be formed only in the portion that engages with the clip groove 166.

[0084] In this modification, a cap 180 is provided to close the upstream end of male connector 100D. Cap 180 has a cap body 181 that closes the upstream ends of male luer part 110 and coupler 102D, an attachment part 182 attached to tube 300, and a connecting part 183 that connects cap body 181 and attachment part 182. Cap body 181 is provided with a tab 185, allowing it to be easily attached to and detached from the upstream end of male connector 100D. Furthermore, tube 300 is inserted through opening 182a formed in attachment part 182, allowing attachment part 182 to slide freely along tube 300. Therefore, by moving attachment part 182 downstream, it is less likely to get in the way when moving coupler 102D to a downstream rotation-restricted position or twisting coupler 102D to remove male luer part 110. Furthermore, by moving attachment portion 182 to the upstream side, cap body 181 can be easily attached to the upstream end of male connector 100D.

[0085] Opening 182a of mounting portion 182 is not particularly limited, but if it is a slit-shaped opening, tube 300 can be inserted even if the diameter of tube 300 varies. Also, because an appropriate frictional force acts, it can slide freely along tube 300 and prevent unintended movement.

[0086] Cap 180 is attached to tube 300, so that it does not get in the way when inserting or removing male connector 100D. However, cap 180 can also be attached to male connector main body 101D or coupler 102D. Note that caps can also be provided in male connectors of other embodiments and modified examples of the present disclosure.

[0087] As an embodiment and a modified example, an example has been shown in which the main body rotation restricting portion is a convex portion protruding from the male connector main body and the coupler side rotation restricting portion is a groove or notch that engages with the convex portion of the main body rotation restricting portion, and an example in which the main body side rotation restricting portion and the coupler side rotation restricting portion are convex portions that engage with each other. However, the main body side rotation restricting portion may be a groove or a recess, and the coupler side rotation restricting portion may be a convex portion that engages with it. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The male connector of the present disclosure allows the coupler to be gripped and the male luer portion to be easily removed, making it useful in the medical field. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100, 100B, 100D male connector 101, 101A, 101B, 101C, 101D male connector body 102, 102D coupler 110 Male lure part 120, 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D Main body base 122 Upstream flange 123 Guide Rib 124 Downstream flange 125 Intermediate flange 126 Movement restriction flange 131 Rotation control rib 132 Rotation restriction protrusion 132A First Side 132B Second Side 141 Downstream guide rib 142 Movement restriction wing 145 Downstream flange 147 Rotation control wing 150 First cylindrical section 151 Female thread 152 Outer rib 155 Wings 160 Second cylindrical section 162 Guide notch 165 Inner flange 166 Clip groove 167 Rotation restriction notch 171 Rotation restriction groove 172 Inner flange 180 caps 181 Cap body 182 Mounting part 182a opening 183 Connecting part 185 tabs 200 female connector 201 Female Lure Club 211 Male thread 300 tubes

Claims

1. a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion; a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable; the male connector body has a body-side rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned in an axial direction at a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, the coupler has a first cylindrical portion having an internal surface provided with a female thread that screws into the female connector, and a second cylindrical portion that is provided closer to the base end than the first cylindrical portion, has an internal surface provided with a coupler-side rotation restricting portion that engages with the main body-side rotation restricting portion, and has a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion; The coupler has a wing portion protruding radially outward on an outer surface of the second cylindrical portion. Male connector.

2. a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion; a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable; the male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned in an axial direction at a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, the rotation restricting portion has a main body side rotation restricting portion formed on the male connector main body, and a coupler side rotation restricting portion formed on the coupler and engaging with the main body side rotation restricting portion, the main body side rotation restricting portion is a rotation restricting wing portion that is a plate-like body that protrudes radially outward from the male connector main body, the coupler-side rotation restricting portion is a rotation restricting notch that is open on the coupler base end side, the rotation restriction wing portion functions as an indicator that indicates a rotation restriction state when inserted into the rotation restriction notch, A male connector, wherein the maximum radial width of the rotation restricting wing portion from the central axis of the male connector body is equal to or greater than the maximum radial width of the coupler from the central axis of the male connector body.

3. a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion; a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable; The male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the axial position of the coupler is set to a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and a convex distal end direction movement restricting portion that releasably restricts the coupler from returning from the rotation restricting position to a position where it can be screwed with the female connector, The male connector moves from the rotation restriction position to a position where the coupler can be screwed with the female connector by climbing over the distal direction movement restriction portion.

4. the rotation restricting portion is a rotation restricting rib that protrudes radially outward from an outer surface of the main body base and extends in an axial direction to engage with a coupler-side rotation restricting portion formed on an inner surface of the coupler, the distal end direction movement restricting portion is a flange portion that protrudes radially outward and that can be overcome by an inner convex portion formed on an inner surface of the coupler, The male connector according to claim 3 , wherein the flange portion is formed spaced apart from the rotation restricting rib and closer to a tip end than the rotation restricting rib.

5. The male connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the male connector body has a base-end direction movement restriction portion that restricts the coupler from moving toward the base end beyond the axial position where the coupler is in a rotation restricted state.

6. a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion; a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable; the male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned in an axial direction at a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, the rotation restricting portion has a main body side rotation restricting portion formed on the male connector main body, and a coupler side rotation restricting portion formed on an inner surface of the coupler and engaging with the main body side rotation restricting portion, The coupler has a position indicator that indicates the circumferential position of the coupler side rotation restricting portion, thereby indicating the circumferential position at which the coupler can be placed in a rotation restricted state relative to the male connector main body.

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