Medical Connection Device

Abstract

To provide a medical connection device for rotatably coupling, a connector main body having a male type lure part and an attachment.SOLUTION: A medical connection device 1 comprises: a connector main body 10; a screwing cylinder 20 which is integrally provided on the connector main body 10 or is rotatably coupled to the connector main body; and an attachment 30 which is rotatably coupled to the connector main body 10. The connector main body 10 has a male type lure part 11 on one end side, and an insertion part 12 (first coupling part) on the other end side. The attachment 30 has a reception cylinder part 31 (second coupling part) on one end side, and a tube holder part 32 (connection part) on the other end side. On a periphery of the insertion part 12, a toric first engagement protrusion 15 is formed, on an inner periphery of the reception cylinder part 31, a plurality of second engagement protrusions 35 which is arranged at an interval in a circumferential direction is formed. By engagement of the engagement protrusions 15, 35, the connector main body 10 and the attachment 30 are coupled rotatably, and axial movement where they are separated each other is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical connection device for connecting medical components such as tubing. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional connection system for connecting tubes and the like is shown in Figures 13 and 14 of Patent Document 1. This connection system includes a male connector (medical connection device) and a female connector. The male connector has a connector main body and a threaded tube rotatably connected to the connector main body. The connector main body integrally has a male luer portion on one end side and a tube holder portion on the other end side. A tube is connected to the tube holder portion. The threaded tube has a threaded portion located radially outward of the male luer portion of the connector main body, and a female thread is formed on the inner periphery of this threaded portion. On the other hand, the female connector has a female luer portion on one end side and a tube holder portion on the other end side to which a tube is connected. A protrusion that threads onto the female thread is formed on the outer periphery of the tip of the female luer portion.

[0003] When the threaded tube is turned in the tightening direction while the female thread of the threaded tube is threadedly engaged with the protrusion of the female connector, the male luer part and the female luer part join together. When the threaded tube is turned further in the tightening direction, the male luer part and the female luer part join together firmly with a pressing force, achieving sealing performance.

[0004] In the connection system of Patent Document 1, the two tube holder parts do not rotate relative to each other, so twisting may occur in the tubes connected to these tube holder parts.

[0005] The male connector (medical connecting device) shown in Figure 18 of Patent Document 2 comprises a connector main body having a male luer portion, and an attachment rotatably connected to the connector main body on the side opposite the male luer portion. The attachment has an integral tube holder portion. With this configuration, the tube holder portion of the male connector and the tube holder portion of the female connector are rotatable relative to each other, preventing twisting of the tubes connected to both tube holder portions.

[0006] The connection structure between the connector body and the attachment will now be briefly described. The connector body has a tubular receiving portion at its end. The attachment has an insertion portion with an annular protrusion formed on its outer periphery. The connection between the connector body and the attachment is completed by inserting the insertion portion of the attachment into the tubular receiving portion of the connector body and attaching an annular retaining member to the leading edge of the connector body. The annular protrusion of the attachment is locked by the retaining member of the connector body, preventing separation of the attachment from the connector body.

[0007] Patent Documents 1 and 2 also disclose an operating tube fitted to the exterior of a screw-engagement tube, and a torque limiting mechanism disposed between the operating tube and the screw-engagement tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2020 / 071024 (Figures 13 and 14) [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. WO2016 / 157974 (Figure 18) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the male connector of Patent Document 2, after inserting the insertion portion of the attachment into the receiving tubular portion of the connector body, the pressing member must be fixed to the tip edge of the receiving tubular portion by gluing or welding.Since the pressing member is required separately, the number of parts increases and the task of gluing or welding the pressing member to the receiving tubular portion is complicated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a medical connecting device comprising: (a) a connector body having a male luer part at one end thereof and a first connecting part at the other end thereof, and having a flow path extending from the male luer part to the first connecting part; (b) a threaded tube that is integrally provided on the outer periphery of the connector body between the male luer part and the first connecting part or that is rotatably connected thereto, and that has a threaded part with a female thread formed on its inner periphery, the threaded part being disposed radially outward of the male luer part; and (c) an attachment that has a second connecting part at one end thereof that is rotatably connected to the first connecting part of the connector body, and a connecting part at the other end thereof to which a medical component is connected, One of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured as a receiving tubular portion, and the other connecting portion is configured as an insertion portion to be inserted into the receiving tubular portion, a first engaging protrusion is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion, and a second engaging protrusion is formed on the inner periphery of the receiving tubular portion, and when the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving tubular portion, the second engaging protrusion can overcome the first engaging protrusion due to elastic deformation of the receiving tubular portion and / or the insertion portion, and the engagement between the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion prohibits axial movement of the connector body and the attachment away from each other and is rotatably connected.

[0011] According to the above-described configuration, although the connector body and the attachment are rotatably connected, no additional parts are required and the connection can be easily achieved.

[0012] Preferably, the first engagement protrusion has a circular ring shape, the second engagement protrusions are arranged in multiple locations spaced apart circumferentially, and a hole having a circumferential length equal to or longer than that of the second engagement protrusion is formed radially through the receiving cylindrical portion adjacent to the rear side of the second engagement protrusion. According to this configuration, even if the second engaging projection is an undercut portion, the connector main body or attachment having the receiving tubular portion can be injection molded relatively easily.

[0013] Preferably, the threaded tube is rotatably connected to the connector body and has a regulating tube portion extending in the opposite direction to the threaded portion, which covers the receiving tube portion and regulates elastic deformation accompanying expansion of the diameter of the receiving tube portion. With this configuration, the regulating tube portion of the screw-on tube regulates the elastic deformation of the receiving tube portion, so that the engagement between the first and second engaging protrusions can be reliably maintained even when a strong tensile force acts between the connector body and the attachment.

[0014] Preferably, the device further comprises an operating tube fitted to the threaded tube, and a torque limiting mechanism arranged between the operating tube and the threaded tube, wherein the torque limiting mechanism transmits the rotational torque in the tightening direction of the operating tube to the threaded tube, and when the rotational torque exceeds a set torque, causes the operating tube to spin freely relative to the threaded tube, and the operating tube has a regulating tube portion that covers the receiving tube portion and regulates elastic deformation accompanying expansion of the diameter of the receiving tube portion. With this configuration, the regulating tube portion of the operating tube regulates the elastic deformation of the receiving tube portion, so that the engagement between the first and second engaging protrusions can be reliably maintained even when a strong pulling force acts between the connector body and the attachment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connection portion of the attachment is a tube holder portion. In another embodiment, the connection portion of the attachment is a female luer portion. In yet another aspect, the medical component is integrally connected to the connection portion of the attachment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the connector body and the attachment can be rotatably connected by a simple operation using a minimum number of parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] 1 is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a medical connecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the attachment taken along line BB in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] 1B is a front view of the attachment as seen from a direction C in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the medical connecting device in an assembled state. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the state in which a female connector is connected to the medical connecting device. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a medical connecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, together with a female connector and a male connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the medical connecting device in the second embodiment, in which a female connector and a male connector are connected to both sides. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a medical connecting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a screw-on tube and an operation tube of the medical connecting device. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7B is a top view of the threaded tube as seen from the direction B in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] 7B is a front view of the threaded tube as seen from the C direction in FIG. 7A. FIG. [Figure 7D] 7B is a front view of the operation tube as seen from the direction D in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a first subassembly consisting of a connector body and an attachment, and a second subassembly consisting of a threaded tube and an operating tube in the medical connecting device. FIG. [Figure 9A] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the medical connecting device completed by assembling the first and second subassemblies. FIG. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9A. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a medical connecting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, together with a female connector and a male connector. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a medical connecting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a medical connecting device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A medical connecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 3, the medical connecting device 1 of this embodiment functions as a male connector, and works in conjunction with a female connector 100 to connect tubes 5, 5' (medical components) through which liquids such as medicinal solutions and blood flow. Each component of the medical connecting device 1 and the female connector 100 are made from injection-molded resin.

[0019] <Components of the medical connection device 1> As shown in FIG. 1A, the medical connecting device 1 includes a connector body 10, a threaded tube 20 provided integrally with the connector body 10, and an attachment 30 formed separately from the connector body 10.

[0020] Connector body 10 has male luer part 11 at one axial end and insertion part 12 (first coupling part) at the other end. Connector body 10 also has flow path 13 that passes through male luer part 11 and insertion part 12 in the axial direction over the entire length of connector body 10. The outer surface of male luer part 11 is gently tapered so that the diameter decreases toward the tip. A circular engagement protrusion 15 (first engagement protrusion) is formed on the outer periphery of insertion part 12. Engagement protrusion 15 has a steep engagement surface 15a that is perpendicular to the axis facing male luer part 11, and an inclined guide surface 15b that faces the opposite side of male luer part 11.

[0021] One end of the threaded tube 20 is integrally connected to the outer periphery of the axially intermediate portion of the connector body 10 (the portion between the male luer portion 11 and the insertion portion 12), and has a threaded portion 21. The threaded portion 21 is coaxial with the male luer portion 11 and is disposed radially outward of the male luer portion 11, and has a female thread 21a formed on its inner periphery.

[0022] The attachment 30 has a large-diameter cylindrical receiving portion 31 (second connecting portion) at one axial end, a small-diameter cylindrical tube holder portion 32 (connecting portion) at the other end, and a partition wall 33 formed between them. An end of a tube 5 is inserted and fixed into the tube holder portion 32. A hole 33a is formed in the center of the partition wall 33. Three (plural) engagement protrusions 35 (second engagement protrusions) are formed circumferentially spaced apart on the inner periphery of the tip edge of the cylindrical receiving portion 31. Each engagement protrusion 35 has a steep engagement surface 35a on the back side (toward the tube holder portion 32) that is perpendicular to the axis, and an inclined guide surface 35b on the tip side (opposite the tube holder portion 32).

[0023] The engaging protrusion 35 protrudes radially inward from the receiving cylindrical portion 31, and because it forms an undercut portion during injection molding, it is divided into multiple pieces spaced apart circumferentially for molding convenience. More specifically, in the molding die for injection molding the attachment 30, the die that molds the outer peripheral surface of the attachment 30 has three (multiple) movable molding pieces that can protrude and retract radially and are arranged spaced apart circumferentially. Injection molding is performed with these movable molding pieces protruding from the mold surface, and the engaging surface 35a of the engaging protrusion 35 is molded by these movable molding pieces. After molding, the movable molding pieces retract, and as a result, a hole 36 adjacent to the back side of the engaging protrusion 35 is molded in the receiving cylindrical portion 31. This hole 36 has the same circumferential position and circumferential length as the engaging protrusion 35. It should be noted that in the moving molding pieces, the tip portion for molding the engaging surface 35a of the engaging protrusion 35 is located at a position other than the tip portion. When the width is large, the circumferential length of the hole 36 is longer than the circumferential length of the engaging projection 35 .

[0024] <Assembling the medical connection device> The insertion section 12 of the connector body 10 and the tubular receiving section 31 of the attachment 30 are connected to each other by a so-called snap fit so as to be rotatable relative to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the connector body 10 and the attachment 30 are coaxially arranged with the insertion section 12 and the tubular receiving section 31 facing each other, and then brought close to each other. The insertion section 12 then enters the tubular receiving section 31, and the guide surface 35b of the engaging protrusion 35 of the attachment 30 comes into contact with the guide surface 15b of the engaging protrusion 15 of the insertion section 12. As the two are brought closer to each other, the tubular receiving section 31 is primarily elastically deformed and expanded in diameter, and then elastically returns to its original shape when the engaging protrusion 35 passes over the engaging protrusion 15. The snap fit is thus completed, and the medical connecting device 1 is assembled as shown in FIG. 2A. During this assembly, a seal ring 40 is interposed between the small-diameter tip of the insertion section 12 of the connector body 10 and the inner end of the tubular receiving section 31 of the attachment 30.

[0025] In this embodiment, when the engaging protrusion 35 passes over the engaging protrusion 15, it is mainly the receiving tubular portion 31 that elastically deforms. However, for example, by forming an annular recess radially inside the engaging protrusion 15 in the inserting portion 12, it is also possible to make it so that it is mainly the inserting portion 12 that elastically deforms so as to reduce in diameter, or it is also possible to make the inserting portion 12 and the receiving tubular portion 31 elastically deform to approximately the same extent.

[0026] As described above, the connector body 10 and the attachment 30 can be easily rotatably connected by simply bringing them close to each other. Furthermore, no additional parts are required for connection. Even if an axial pulling force acts between the connector body 10 and the attachment 30, the engagement surfaces 15a, 35a of the engagement protrusions 15, 35 engage, preventing the connector body 10 and the attachment 30 from separating.

[0027] <Connecting the medical connection device and female connector> As shown in Figure 3, female connector 100 has an elongated cylindrical shape and has female luer part 101 at one axial end and tube holder part 102 at the other end. The inner surface of female luer part 101 is gently tapered so that the diameter increases toward the tip. The taper angle of the inner surface of female luer part 101 is substantially equal to the taper angle of the outer surface of male luer part 11. A pair of protrusions 103 that function as male screws are formed 180° apart in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the tip of female luer part 101. The end of tube 5' is inserted and fixed in tube holder part 102.

[0028] The medical connection device 1 and the female connector 100 are brought close to each other, and the male luer portion 11 is inserted into the female luer portion 101. When the protrusion 103 of the female connector 100 contacts the female thread 21a of the threaded tube 20 of the medical connection device 1, the threaded tube 20 is rotated in the tightening direction. This causes the male luer portion 11 to be press-fitted into the female luer portion 101, and the male luer portion 11 and the female luer portion 101 are joined with sufficient sealing performance. In this embodiment, the threaded tube 20 and the connector main body 10 are integral, so the male luer portion 11 is press-fitted into the female luer portion 101 while rotating. Because the connector main body 10 and the attachment 30 are rotatable, the tube 5 will not be twisted even when the threaded tube 20 is rotated.

[0029] When the medical connecting device 1 and female connector 100 are connected, the tubes 5, 5' are connected via the hole 33a in the partition 33 of the attachment 30, the flow path 13 of the medical connecting device 1, and the flow path of the female connector 100, allowing the circulation of medical fluids and blood. In this connected state, the connector body 10 of the medical connecting device 1 and the attachment 30 are rotatable relative to each other, and therefore the tube holder portions 32, 102 are rotatable relative to each other, so that twisting of the tubes 5, 5' can be prevented even if the orientation or arrangement of the tubes changes.

[0030] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below, in which components corresponding to those in the preceding embodiment are designated by the same or similar numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Second Embodiment In a medical connecting device 1A of a second embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, a connector main body 10A and a threaded tube 20A are separate bodies. Connector main body 10A has a circular engaging protrusion 16 as a support portion between male luer portion 11 and insertion portion 12. This engaging protrusion 16 has an inclined guide surface on the male luer portion 11 side and a steep engaging surface on the insertion portion 12 side. Threaded tube 20A has, in order from one end to the other, a threaded portion 21, an attachment portion 22, and a cylindrical restricting tube portion 23.

[0031] An annular engaging protrusion 24 is formed on the inner periphery of the mounting portion 22. This engaging protrusion 24 has an inclined guide surface on the side of the restricting tube portion 23, and has a steep engaging surface on the side of the screwing portion 21. By arranging the screwing tube 20A coaxially with the connector main body 10A and bringing them close to each other, the engaging protrusion 24 and the engaging protrusion 16 are engaged (snap-fitted), and thus the screwing tube 20A is rotatably connected to the connector main body 10A.

[0032] As in the first embodiment, an engagement protrusion 15 is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12 of the connector main body 10A. An annular groove is formed on the outer periphery of the tip end of the insertion portion 12, and a seal ring 40 is housed in this annular groove.

[0033] Attachment 30A has a tubular receiving portion 31 and a female luer portion 37 (connecting portion) that are coaxial. A pair of protrusions 38 that function as male screws are formed on the outer periphery of the tip of female luer portion 37. These female luer portion 37 and protrusions 38 have the same shapes as those of the female connector 100 described above. Similar to the first embodiment, multiple engaging protrusions 35 and holes 36 are formed in tubular receiving portion 31.

[0034] <Assembly of the medical connection device of the second embodiment> First, the connector main body 10A and the attachment 30A are rotatably connected by engaging (snap-fitting) the engaging protrusions 15, 35 as in the first embodiment, and then the screwing tube 20A is rotatably connected to the connector main body 10A by snap-fitting as described above, thereby completing the assembly of the medical connecting device 1A. In this assembled state, the restricting tube portion 23 of the screwing tube 20A is in contact with the outer periphery of the receiving tube portion 31 of the attachment 30A or covers the entire periphery of the receiving tube portion 31 (at least the portion where the engaging protrusions 35 are formed) with a small gap therebetween.

[0035] <Tube connection> On one side of the medical connecting device 1A, as in the first embodiment, the female luer portion 101 of the female connector 100 is joined to the male luer portion 11 by turning the threaded tube 20A, thereby connecting the tube 5' to the medical connecting device 1A.

[0036] A tube 5 is connected to the other side of the medical connection device 1A via a male connector 200. Similar to the medical connection device 1A, the male connector 200 has a connector main body 210 and a threaded tube 220 rotatably attached to the connector main body 210. The connector main body 210 has a male luer portion 211 at one end, a tube holder portion 212 at the other end, and a support portion 213 in the middle. The threaded tube 220 has a threaded portion 221 with a female thread 221a at one end, and an attachment portion 222 at the other end. The attachment portion 222 of the threaded tube 220 is snap-fitted into the support portion 213 of the connector main body 210, thereby rotatably attaching the threaded tube 220 to the connector main body 210. The tube 5 is inserted and fixed in the tube holder portion 212.

[0037] The male connector 200 is positioned coaxially with and brought close to the medical connection device 1A, and the female thread 221a of the threaded tube 220 of the male connector 200 is threadedly engaged with the protrusion 38 of the female luer portion 37 of the medical connection device 1A. By turning the threaded tube 220 in the tightening direction, the female luer portion 37 of the medical connection device 1A and the male luer portion 211 of the male connector 200 are joined, thereby connecting the tube 5 to the medical connection device 1A.

[0038] When a strong pulling force is applied to the tubes 5, 5', this pulling force causes the engaging protrusion 15 of the insertion section 12 of the connector main body 10A to come into strong contact with the engaging protrusion 35 of the receiving tubular portion 31 of the attachment 30A, and a force in the radially expanding direction is applied to the receiving tubular portion 31 of the attachment 30A. However, because the restricting tubular portion 23 of the threaded tube 20A covers the receiving tubular portion 31 of the attachment 30A and restricts the elastic deformation of the receiving tubular portion 31 in the radially expanding direction, the engaged state of the engaging protrusions 15, 35 can be reliably maintained, and the attachment 30A can be reliably prevented from coming off the medical connecting device 1A.

[0039] In the medical connecting device 1A of the second embodiment, two connecting portions that involve the rotational operation of the threaded tubes 20A and 220 can be provided for connecting the tubes 5 and 5'. The attachment 30A of the second embodiment may have a tube holder portion for inserting and fixing a tube, instead of the female luer portion 38, similar to the attachment 30 of the first embodiment.

[0040] Third Embodiment The medical connecting device 1B of the third embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9 includes an attachment 30 having the same structure as the first embodiment, and includes a connector main body 10B and a threaded tube 20B, which are separate bodies, as in the second embodiment. The medical connecting device 1B also includes a loosening prevention mechanism 50, an operating tube 60, and a torque limit mechanism 70, which function as described below. Note that in Figures 6, 8, and 9A, the tube 5 (see Figures 1 to 3) is omitted for simplicity. Details will be described below.

[0041] <Connector body configuration> As in the second embodiment, the connector main body 10B has a male luer portion 11, an insertion portion 12, an engaging protrusion 15 formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion 12, and an engaging protrusion 16 formed between the male luer portion 11 and the insertion portion 12 and closer to the male luer portion 11. Furthermore, a pair of elastic pieces 51 are integrally formed on the outer periphery of the middle portion of the connector main body 10B, between the engaging protrusion 16 and the insertion portion 12. A claw 52 protruding radially outward is formed at the tip of each elastic piece 51. These elastic pieces 51 constitute a part of the loosening prevention mechanism 50.

[0042] <Assembly of the first subassembly> 8, the connector main body 10B and the attachment 30 are connected to each other so as to be capable of relative rotation, and the first subassembly SA1 is assembled by inserting the insertion portion 12 of the connector main body 10B into the receiving tubular portion 31 of the attachment 30 and snap-fitting the engaging protrusions 15 and 35. This snap-fitting is similar to that in the first and second embodiments, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] <Threaded tube configuration> 6 and 7A to 7C, the threaded tube 20B has, in order from one end to the other, a threaded portion 21, an attachment portion 22, and an action tube portion 25. The action tube portion 25 has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the threaded portion 21, and the attachment portion 22 has the smallest diameter. An annular engagement protrusion 24 is formed on the inner periphery of the attachment portion 22, and is provided for connection to the connector main body 10B, as in the second embodiment.

[0044] A pair of elastic pieces 71 facing each other in the diametric direction are formed at the front end of the action tube portion 25. Each elastic piece 71 is defined by a pair of axially extending slits 26 formed at the front end of the action tube portion 25. A claw 72 is formed on the outer surface of each elastic piece 71. These elastic pieces 71 constitute a part of the torque limit mechanism 70.

[0045] The remaining arcuate portion 27 at the tip of the action tube portion 25 has a circumferential length longer than the elastic piece 71, and an engaging protrusion 28 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer periphery of the circumferential center of its tip edge. This engaging protrusion 28 has a steep engaging surface on the inner side and an inclined guide surface on the tip side, and is provided for connection with the operating tube 60 as will be described later. The tip edge of the elastic piece 71 is set back from the tip edge of the arcuate portion 27, and the positions of the claw 72 of the elastic piece 71 and the engaging protrusion 28 are misaligned in the axial direction.

[0046] Ratchet teeth 55, which form part of the anti-loosening mechanism 50, are formed around the entire inner periphery of the innermost part of the operating tube portion 25. Some of the ratchet teeth 55 (two diametrically opposed locations) extend axially toward the open end. These extensions are designated by the symbol 55a.

[0047] <Configuration of the control cylinder> 6, 7A, and 7D, ratchet teeth 75 are formed around the entire inner periphery of the axially intermediate portion of the operating tube 60. These ratchet teeth 75 constitute a part of the torque limit mechanism 70. One axial end of each of the ratchet teeth 75 is provided as a steep engagement surface 75a that is perpendicular to the axis, and the other end is provided as an inclined guide surface 75b.

[0048] <Assembly of the second subassembly> As shown in Figure 7A, when the operating tube 60 and the threaded tube 20B are brought close together while remaining coaxial, and the threaded tube 20B is inserted into the operating tube 60, the guide surface of the engagement protrusion 28 of the threaded tube 20B comes into contact with the guide surface 75b of the ratchet teeth 75 of the operating tube 60, and when the threaded tube 20B is further pushed in, the threaded tube 20B and the operating tube 60 elastically deform, and then elastically return to their original position when the engagement protrusion 28 rides over the ratchet teeth 75. In this way, the snap fitting is completed, and the second subassembly SA2 is assembled, as shown in Figure 8.

[0049] In the assembled state described above, the operating tube 60 and the threaded tube 20B are connected so as to be capable of relative rotation. Due to the engagement between the engagement surface of the engagement protrusion 28 and the engagement surface 75a of the ratchet teeth 75, and the engagement between one end edge of the operating tube 60 and the annular stepped surface 21b at the tip of the threaded portion 21 of the threaded tube 20B, relative movement in the axial direction between the operating tube 60 and the threaded tube 20B is prohibited. With this assembly, the pawl 72 of the elastic piece 71 of the threaded tube 20B meshes with the ratchet teeth 75 of the operating tube 60, and the torque limit mechanism 70 is constructed.

[0050] The operating tube 60 has a restricting tube portion 61 that protrudes in the axial direction from the threaded tube 20B. The function of this restricting tube portion 61 will be described later.

[0051] <Final assembly of medical connection device> Finally, as shown in Figure 8, the first subassembly SA1 and the second subassembly SA2 are brought coaxially close to each other, and the connector body 10B of the first subassembly SA1 is inserted into the threaded tube 20B of the second subassembly SA2. When the guide surfaces of the engaging projections 16 of the connector body 10B come into contact with the guide surfaces of the engaging projections 24 of the threaded tube 20B and the first subassembly SA1 is further pushed in, the threaded tube 20B elastically deforms, mainly expanding in diameter, and then elastically returns to its original shape when the engaging projections 16 clear the engaging projections 24. In this way, the snap fitting is completed, and the medical connecting device 1B is assembled as shown in Figure 9A.

[0052] In the assembled state, the threaded tube 20B is rotatably connected to the connector body 10B but is immovable in the axial direction. By the above assembly, the pawl 52 of the elastic piece 51 is engaged with the annular ratchet teeth 55, and the loosening prevention mechanism 50 is constructed.

[0053] In the above assembly process, before the guide surface of the engaging projection 16 of the connector main body 10B comes into contact with the guide surface of the engaging projection 24 of the threaded tube 20B, the pawl 52 of the elastic piece 51 of the connector main body 10B is engaged with the extension 55a of the ratchet teeth 55 of the threaded tube 20B. This allows the pawl 52 of the elastic piece 51 to be reliably engaged with the annular ratchet teeth 55 when the connector main body 10B is pushed into the threaded tube 20B. This also prevents the pawl 52 from coming into contact with the ratchet teeth 55 and damaging the elastic piece 51.

[0054] 9B, ratchet teeth 55 of loosening prevention mechanism 50 and ratchet teeth 75 of torque limit mechanism 70 form an inclined surface on the side in the tightening direction T and a steep surface on the side in the loosening direction L. The elastic modulus of elastic piece 71 of torque limit mechanism 70 is much greater than that of elastic piece 51 of loosening prevention mechanism 50.

[0055] <Operation of medical connection device> As in the first embodiment, when the male luer portion 11 of the medical connecting device 1B is inserted into the female luer portion 101 of the female connector 100 (see Figure 3), and the operating tube 60 is rotated in the tightening direction T, the torque of the operating tube 60 is transmitted to the threaded tube 20B via the torque limit mechanism 70, and the threaded tube 20B rotates together.

[0056] When the screwing tube 20B rotates in the fastening direction T, the elastic piece 51 of the loosening prevention mechanism 50 elastically deforms and the engaging pawl 52 moves over the ratchet teeth 55, so that the screwing tube 20B rotates freely relative to the connector main body 10B.

[0057] By turning the threaded tube 20B in the tightening direction T, the threading of the female thread 21a and the protrusion 103 progresses, and the male luer part 11 and the female luer part 101 are joined with a pressing force. In this way, the male luer part 11 and the female luer part 101 can be joined with sufficient sealing performance. In this state, the protrusion 103 of the female connector 100 abuts against the inner surface of the thread of the female thread 21a of the threaded tube 20B.

[0058] If an attempt is made to further rotate the control tube 60, a large resistance is encountered from the joint between the male luer part 11 and the female luer part 101, causing the rotational torque to exceed the set torque. Then, the elastic deformation of the elastic piece 71 causes the engagement pawl 72 to overcome the ratchet teeth 75, causing the control tube 60 to rotate freely relative to the threaded tube 20B, and the rotational torque of the control tube 60 is no longer transmitted to the threaded tube 20B. As a result, excessive torque is not applied to the threaded tube 20B, preventing damage to the male luer part 11 and the female luer part 101 and preventing the male luer part 11 and the female luer part 101 from becoming stuck together to the extent that they cannot be separated.

[0059] In the above-described connected state, even if torque is unintentionally applied to the threaded tube 20B in the loosening direction L, the ratchet teeth 55 are engaged with the pawls 52 of the connector main body 10B, preventing the threaded tube 20B from rotating in the loosening direction relative to the connector main body 10B. As a result, the innermost surface of the thread of the female thread 21a of the threaded tube 20B remains in contact with the protrusion 103 of the female connector 100. Therefore, even when the fluid pressure is high, the female luer portion 101 and the male luer portion 11 are not displaced apart, maintaining sufficient sealing performance and thereby preventing fluid leakage.

[0060] <Snap-fit ​​structure> When a strong pulling force is applied to the tubes 5, 5' (see Figure 3), this pulling force causes the engaging protrusion 15 of the insertion section 12 of the connector main body 10B to come into strong contact with the engaging protrusion 35 of the receiving tubular portion 31 of the attachment 30, and a force in the radially expanding direction is applied to the receiving tubular portion 31 of the attachment 30. However, the restricting tubular portion 61 of the operating tube 60 covers the receiving tubular portion 31 of the attachment 30 and restricts elastic deformation of the receiving tubular portion 31 in the radially expanding direction, so the engaged state of the engaging protrusions 15, 35 can be reliably maintained.

[0061] <Fourth embodiment> The medical connecting device 1C of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 10 includes a connector body 10B, a threaded tube 20B, a loosening prevention mechanism 50, an operating tube 60, and a torque limit mechanism 70, which have the same configuration as the medical connecting device 1B of the third embodiment, and also includes an attachment 30A, which has the same configuration as the medical connecting device 1A of the second embodiment.

[0062] Similar to the medical connecting device 1A of the second embodiment, the medical connecting device 1C of this embodiment can provide two connecting portions that involve the rotation of the threaded tubes 20B, 220 to connect the tubes 5, 5'. Moreover, when rotating one of the threaded tubes 20B, torque can be managed by using the operating tube 60 and the torque limit mechanism 70. In this embodiment as well, the restricting tube portion 61 of the operating tube 60 covers the receiving tube portion 31 of the attachment 30A.

[0063] Fifth Embodiment A medical connecting device 1D according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 is similar to the medical connecting device 1B according to the third embodiment, except for the connection structure between the connector main body 10D and the attachment 30D. The connector main body 10D has a tubular receiving portion 80 (first connecting portion) at the end opposite the male luer portion 11. The attachment 30D has an insertion portion 90 (second connecting portion) that is inserted into the tubular receiving portion 80. Similar to the tubular receiving portions 31 of the first to fourth embodiments, three (plural) engaging protrusions 85 extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the inner periphery of the tip edge of the tubular receiving portion 80, spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each engaging protrusion 85 has an inclined guide surface on the tip side and a steep engaging surface on the rear side. A hole 86 having the same circumferential length as the engaging protrusion 85 is formed adjacent to the engaging protrusion 85.

[0064] On the other hand, the insertion portion 90 of the attachment 30D has an annular engagement protrusion 95, similar to the insertion portion 12 of the first to fourth embodiments. This engagement protrusion 95 has a steep engagement surface on the tube holder portion 32 side and an inclined guide surface on the opposite side. The extension portion 61 of the operation tube 60 covers the receiving tube portion 80 of the connector main body 10D via a small gap, and restricts elastic deformation in the radial expansion direction.

[0065] Sixth Embodiment The medical connection device 1E of the sixth embodiment shown in Fig. 12 differs from the third embodiment only in the attachment 30E. This attachment 30E has a connection part 39 integrally connected to an end part 301 of one of the flow tube parts of a three-way stopcock 300 (stopcock; medical component), instead of the tube holder part 32 of the third embodiment. The attachment 30E may have an insertion part, as in the fifth embodiment.

[0066] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In the above embodiment, the first engagement protrusion formed on the insertion portion is a continuous ring, but it may also be a ring cut out in multiple places, in which case the gap between the cutouts needs to be narrower than the circumferential length of the second engagement protrusion. Furthermore, both the first and second engagement projections may be circular, or the second engagement projection may be circular and a plurality of first engagement projections may be formed spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The features of the various embodiments described above may be applied to other embodiments. [Industrial Applicability]

[0067] The present invention can be applied to a medical connection device used in a medical connection system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E Medical Connection Device 5.5' tubing (medical component) 10, 10A, 10B, 10D connector body 11 Male lure part 12 Insertion section (first connection section) 13 Flow path 15 Engagement protrusion (first engagement protrusion) 20, 20A, 20B screw tube 21 Threaded joint 21a female thread 23 Regulating tube 30, 30D, 30E attachments 31 Receiving tube portion (second connecting portion) 32 Tube holder part (connection part) 35 Engagement protrusion (second engagement protrusion) 36 holes 37 Female luer part (connection part) 39 Connection 50 Anti-loosening mechanism 60 Operation tube 61 Regulating tube 70 Torque limit mechanism 80 Receiving tube part (first connecting part) 85 Engagement protrusion (second engagement protrusion) 86 holes 90 Insertion section (second connection section) 95 Engagement protrusion (1st engagement protrusion) 300 Three-way stopcock (medical component)

Claims

1. (A) a connector body having a male luer part at one end side and a first connecting part at the other end side, and having a flow path extending from the male luer part to the first connecting part; (A) a threaded tube that is integrally provided or rotatably connected to the outer periphery between the male luer portion and the first coupling portion of the connector body, the threaded tube having a female thread formed on its inner periphery, the threaded tube being disposed radially outward of the male luer portion; (c) an attachment having a second connecting portion at one end thereof rotatably connected to the first connecting portion of the connector body and a connecting portion at the other end thereof to which a medical component is connected; In a medical connection device comprising: One of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured as a receiving cylindrical portion, and the other connecting portion is configured as an inserting portion that is inserted into the receiving cylindrical portion, a first engagement protrusion having an annular shape is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion; a plurality of second engagement protrusions spaced apart in the circumferential direction are formed on the inner periphery of a peripheral wall that extends continuously around the entire periphery of the receiving cylindrical portion; The receiving cylindrical portion has a hole formed radially therethrough adjacent to the innermost side of the second engaging projection and having a circumferential length equal to or longer than the circumferential length of the second engaging projection, A medical connection device characterized in that, when the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving tubular portion, the second engaging protrusion can overcome the first engaging protrusion due to elastic deformation of the receiving tubular portion and / or the insertion portion, and the engagement between the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion prohibits axial movement of the connector body and the attachment away from each other and rotatably connects them.

2. The medical connecting device described in Claim 1, further comprising an operating tube attached to the threaded tube, and a torque limiting mechanism arranged between the operating tube and the threaded tube, wherein the torque limiting mechanism transmits the rotational torque in the tightening direction of the operating tube to the threaded tube, and when the rotational torque exceeds a set torque, causes the operating tube to spin freely relative to the threaded tube.

3. (A) A connector body having a male luer portion at one end and a first connecting portion at the other end, and having a flow path extending from the male luer portion to the first connecting portion; (A) an attachment portion rotatably connected to an outer periphery between the male luer portion and the first coupling portion of the connector body; and a threaded tube having a threaded portion with a female thread formed on an inner periphery, the threaded portion being disposed radially outward of the male luer portion; (c) an attachment having a second connecting portion at one end thereof rotatably connected to the first connecting portion of the connector body and a connecting portion at the other end thereof to which a medical component is connected; In a medical connection device comprising: One of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured as a receiving cylindrical portion, and the other connecting portion is configured as an inserting portion that is inserted into the receiving cylindrical portion, A first engagement protrusion is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion, and a second engagement protrusion is formed on the inner periphery of the receiving cylindrical portion, When the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving tubular portion, the second engaging protrusion can overcome the first engaging protrusion due to elastic deformation of the receiving tubular portion and / or the insertion portion, and the engagement between the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion prohibits the connector body and the attachment from moving apart in the axial direction and rotatably connects them, The threaded tube has a regulating tube portion extending from the attachment portion in the opposite direction to the threaded tube portion, and this regulating tube portion covers the receiving tube portion and regulates elastic deformation accompanying expansion of the diameter of the receiving tube portion.

4. (A) A connector body having a male luer portion at one end and a first connecting portion at the other end, and having a flow path extending from the male luer portion to the first connecting portion; (A) a threaded tube that is integrally provided or rotatably connected to the outer periphery between the male luer portion and the first coupling portion of the connector body, the threaded tube having a female thread formed on its inner periphery, the threaded tube being disposed radially outward of the male luer portion; (c) an attachment having a second connecting portion at one end thereof rotatably connected to the first connecting portion of the connector body and a connecting portion at the other end thereof to which a medical component is connected; In a medical connection device comprising: One of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is configured as a receiving cylindrical portion, and the other connecting portion is configured as an inserting portion that is inserted into the receiving cylindrical portion, A first engagement protrusion is formed on the outer periphery of the insertion portion, and a second engagement protrusion is formed on the inner periphery of the receiving cylindrical portion, When the insertion portion is inserted into the receiving tubular portion, the second engaging protrusion can overcome the first engaging protrusion due to elastic deformation of the receiving tubular portion and / or the insertion portion, and the engagement between the first engaging protrusion and the second engaging protrusion prohibits the connector body and the attachment from moving apart in the axial direction and rotatably connects them, Further, the device includes an operating tube fitted to the threaded tube, and a torque limiting mechanism disposed between the operating tube and the threaded tube, the torque limiting mechanism transmitting a rotational torque in the tightening direction of the operating tube to the threaded tube, and causing the operating tube to rotate freely relative to the threaded tube when the rotational torque exceeds a set torque, The operating tube has a restricting tube portion that covers the receiving tube portion and restricts elastic deformation that accompanies expansion of the diameter of the receiving tube portion.

5. 5. The medical connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion of the attachment is a tube holder portion.

6. 5. The medical connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion of the attachment is a female luer portion.

7. 5. The medical connecting device according to claim 1, wherein the medical component is integrally connected to the connecting portion of the attachment.

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