Catheter connector

Abstract

Provided is a catheter connector to which a catheter can be connected through one-touch operation, that is capable of reliably maintaining the connected state, and that is easy to use. A catheter connector (100) according to the present invention includes: a first member (110) that has an engagement part (123) and a cylindrical member (120) into which a catheter (10) can be inserted; and a second member (150) that has a connecting part (152), a locking part (155), and pressing parts (162, 164, 166) and in which the connecting part (152) is connected to the first member (110), wherein the locking part (155) can be relatively moved in an engagement direction, which is a direction approaching the engagement part (123), and a disengagement direction, which is a direction away from the engagement part (123), and, in a state in which the engagement part (123) and the locking part (155) are engaged with each other, the pressing parts (162, 164, 166) can press the catheter (10) inserted into the cylindrical member (120) via the cylindrical member (120).

Description

catheter connector

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter connector for connecting a catheter to an infusion device.

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, catheter connectors have been used in the medical field to connect catheters and infusion devices. One end of the catheter is attached to a patient, and the other end is inserted into an insertion hole in the catheter connector. A syringe or other infusion device is attached to one upstream end of the catheter connector, and a medicinal liquid such as an anesthetic solution is injected from the syringe through the catheter connector.

[0003] The catheter connector disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a main body and a cap that can be threadedly fitted together. With a catheter inserted into the insertion hole of the catheter connector, the cap is tightened onto the main body. This causes pressure to be applied to the rubber disposed inside the main body and through which the catheter passes, firmly holding the catheter in place. This structure prevents the catheter from coming loose from the catheter connector.

[0004] JP 2013-22255 A

[0005] However, with conventional catheter connectors, connecting a catheter requires several rotations to screw the cap onto the body, making the catheter connection process time-consuming.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide an easy-to-use catheter connector that can connect a catheter with one touch, reliably maintain the connected state, and is easy to use.

[0007] The catheter connector of the present invention comprises a first member having an engagement portion and a tubular member into which a catheter can be inserted, and a second member having a connection portion, a locking portion, and a pressing portion, the connection portion being connected to the first member, wherein the locking portion is capable of relatively moving and releasably engaging with the engagement portion in an engagement direction in which it approaches the engagement portion and in a disengagement direction in which it moves away, and when the engagement portion and the locking portion are engaged, the pressing portion can press the catheter inserted into the tubular member via the tubular member.

[0008] The catheter connector according to the present invention has a locking portion that can be relatively moved in an engagement direction and a disengagement direction and can be releasably engaged with the engaging portion, and when the engaging portion and the locking portion are engaged, the pressing portion can press the catheter inserted into the tubular member via the tubular member. Therefore, an easy-to-use catheter connector can be provided that can connect a catheter with one touch and reliably maintain the connected state.

[0009] In addition, it is preferable that the catheter connector of the present invention is provided with a third member that prevents relative movement between the first member and the second member, and that the third member can be attached by moving relative to the first member and second member that are in an engaged state in the direction of the central axis of the catheter connector.

[0010] The third member of the catheter connector according to the present invention can be attached by moving it relatively along the central axis of the catheter connector, so that the third member can be easily attached and detached, making it possible to provide an easy-to-use catheter connector.

[0011] Furthermore, the catheter connector according to the present invention preferably has a guide portion that guides the third member in the direction of the central axis of the catheter connector when the third member is attached.

[0012] The catheter connector according to the present invention has a guide portion that guides the third member in the central axial direction of the catheter connector when the third member is attached, thereby making it possible to provide an easy-to-use catheter connector that allows the third member to be easily and reliably attached and detached.

[0013] Furthermore, in the catheter connector of the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the first member and the second member has a catheter holding portion that holds the middle portion of the catheter, and that the third member has a shape that covers at least a portion of the catheter when attached to the catheter connector.

[0014] The third member of the catheter connector according to the present invention has a shape that covers at least a part of the catheter, thereby providing an easy-to-use catheter connector that can securely hold the catheter without it coming loose.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the catheter connector of the present invention has an operation feeling generating portion on each of the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member, which are perpendicular to the rotation axis, and which comes into contact with each other at a predetermined rotational angle position in the engagement direction and disengagement direction of the engaging portion and the locking portion.

[0016] The catheter connector according to the present invention has an operation sensation generating portion on each of the opposing surfaces of the first member and the second member, which are perpendicular to the rotation axis. Therefore, while rotating the second member, the user can know that the first member and the second member are at a specific rotation angle position without visually checking the catheter connector. This allows the user to work efficiently and provides an easy-to-use catheter connector.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second member of the catheter connector according to the present invention has two locking bases extending in the direction of engagement with the first member, formed parallel to each other, and having locking portions, and that the first member has an engagement guide portion that is inserted between the two locking bases when engaging with the second member.

[0018] The second member of the catheter connector according to the present invention has two locking bases that extend parallel to each other in the direction of engagement with the first member and have locking portions, and the first member has an engagement guide that is inserted between the two locking bases when engaging with the second member. This prevents misalignment between the first member and the second member, and allows them to be reliably engaged simply by engaging them. This makes it possible to provide an easy-to-use catheter connector.

[0019] In addition, it is preferable that the engagement positions between the engagement portion and the locking portion of the catheter connector according to the present invention include a permanently fixed position and a temporary fixed position located on the disengagement side of the permanently fixed position.

[0020] The engagement positions between the engaging portion and the locking portion of the catheter connector according to the present invention include a permanently fixed position and a temporary fixed position located on the disengagement side of the permanently fixed position. This makes it easier to release the catheter during a test dose than with conventional catheter connectors. This makes it possible to provide an easy-to-use catheter connector.

[0021] 19 is a perspective view of a catheter connector according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 19 is a perspective view of the catheter connector of FIG. 1 at a different angle. 20 is a front view of the catheter connector of FIG. 1. 21 is a top view of the first member of FIG. 1. 22 is a side cross-sectional view of the first member of FIG. 1. 23 is a bottom view of the second member of FIG. 1. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 6. 27 is a side view taken along line D of FIG. 4. 28 is a side view taken along line E of FIG. 29. 29 is a perspective view of a catheter connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 29 is a top view of a catheter connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 20 is a perspective view of the catheter connector of FIG. 12 at a different angle. 21 is a front view of the catheter connector of FIG. 12. 22 is a top view of the first member of FIG. 12. 23 is a top view with a portion of FIG. 16 modified. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical line passing X2 of FIG. 12. 25 is a bottom view of the second member of FIG. 12. 26 is a side view taken along line F of FIG. 16. 27 is a side view taken along line G of FIG. 29. 28 is a top view of the third member of FIG. 12. 29 is a front view of the third member of FIG. 12. 15 with a portion removed. FIG. 16 is a front view of the catheter connector of FIG. 12 at a different angle. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a catheter connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the catheter connector of FIG. 26 at a different angle. FIG. 27 is a front view of the catheter connector of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a top view of the first member of FIG. 26. FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of the third member of FIG. 26. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the catheter connector of FIG. 26 at a different angle. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a catheter connector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a side view of the catheter connector of FIG. 32 at a different angle. FIG. 32 is a side view showing the fully fixed state of the catheter connector of FIG. 32. FIG. 33 is a side cross-sectional view of the catheter connector of FIG. 32. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along XXXIV-XXXIV of FIG. 34. FIG. 35 is a side view showing the temporarily fixed state of the catheter connector of FIG. 32.

[0022] <First Embodiment> The configuration of a catheter connector 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. The catheter connector 100 is used, for example, to connect an indwelling catheter 10 to an infusion device such as a syringe (not shown) during continuous epidural anesthesia. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 100 with the catheter 10 attached, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 100 when the catheter 10 is being detached. Figure 3 is a front view of the catheter connector 100. In Figure 3, the third member 180 is shown with a dashed line to make it easier to understand the shapes of the first member 110 and the second member 150.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, the catheter connector 100 is formed in the longitudinal direction along the direction in which the catheter 10 is connected, and has a central axis X1. The catheter connector 100 includes a first member 110, a second member 150, and a third member 180. As shown in Fig. 1, the distal end portion of the catheter 10 is inserted into the catheter connector 100, and the catheter 10 is then wound around and held on top of the catheter connector 100.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, the catheter connector 100 will be described in a state in which the catheter 10 can be inserted or removed. The first member 110 and the second member 150 are connected at their ends and rotate relative to each other around the connected part as the center of rotation. In Figure 2, the engagement direction in which the second member 150 approaches the first member 110 is indicated by the L direction, and the disengagement direction in which the second member 150 moves away from the first member 110 is indicated by the M direction. The catheter 10 is inserted or removed in the state shown in Figure 2, i.e., in a state in which the second member 150 has rotated open relative to the first member 110. When the second member 150 is open, the catheter 10 inserted in the first member 110 is not subjected to a pressing force from the second member 150. Therefore, the catheter 10 can be easily inserted or removed from the first member 110 when the second member 150 is open.

[0025] The configuration of the first member 110 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 4. Figure 4 is a top view of the first member 110. The first member 110 is a member to which the catheter 10 and an infusion device (not shown) are connected. The first member 110 is integrally formed from resin.

[0026] The configuration of the first member 110 as viewed from the top surface 111 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The first member 110 has one end 112, which is the end to which the catheter 10 is connected, the other end 114, which is the end opposite the one end 112, and an intermediate portion 113 provided between the one end 112 and the other end 114. A tubular member 120 is provided by insert molding on the top surface 111, which is the surface of the first member 110 that contacts the second member 150. The central axis of the tubular member 120 is the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100, and the tubular member 120 is provided from the one end 112 to the end of the intermediate portion 113 on the other end 114 side.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3 , the one end 112 is located on one end side of a tubular member 120 formed inside the first member 110, and is provided with a catheter insertion section 121 into which the tip of the catheter 10 is inserted. The catheter insertion section 121 is provided with a center aligned with the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100. The catheter insertion section 121 is a generally conical hole having a large diameter at the entrance and gradually decreasing in diameter toward the interior. Because the diameter of the catheter insertion section 121 is larger at the entrance than at the rear, the tip of the catheter 10 can be easily inserted. An engagement groove 122 is provided on the upper surface of the one end 112 and has a constant width along the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100.

[0028] 4, a space 115 is provided on the other end 114 side of the one end 112. The space 115 is a space for injecting the material of the tubular member 120 formed by insert molding. The space 115 is formed across the entire width of the catheter connector 100, which is perpendicular to the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , the intermediate section 113 has an engagement base 116 at one end 112 of the intermediate section 113 and a connection base 117 at the other end 114 of the intermediate section 113. The connection base 117 may be translucent to such an extent that the catheter 10 can be seen from above. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the catheter 10 is inserted into the body to the appropriate position for injecting a medicinal solution into the body, portions of the catheter 10 may be colored in two locations: a region R1 that can be seen from the top of the connection base 117, and a region R2 that is near the entrance of the catheter insertion section 121 and can be seen from above. In this way, a user can visually recognize the colored portions of the catheter 10 from above through the region R1 of the connection base 117 and the region R2 near the entrance of the catheter insertion section 121, thereby recognizing that the catheter 10 has been inserted to the appropriate position during insertion into the body.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 , the engagement base 116 is provided perpendicular to the upper surface 111 from the upper surface 111. The engagement base 116 is a member that maintains the second member 150 in a closed state when the second member 150 is closed. Engagement portions 123 are formed on the upper end side of the engagement base 116 at both widthwise ends of the engagement base 116, protruding toward the other end 114. An engagement groove 124 is provided between the two engagement portions 123 on the upper surface of the engagement base 116, and is formed with a constant width along the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100. When the second member 150 is closed, the engagement portion 123 fits into a locking portion 155 on the upper surface of the tip portion of the second member 150, maintaining the second member 150 in a closed state.

[0031] To disengage the engaging portion 123 from the locking portion 155, the user holds the one end 112 and the other end 114 with their fingers and bends the intermediate portion 113 between them so that it is convex upward. This causes the catheter connector 100 to elastically deform into an upwardly convex arc, displacing the locking portion 155 from its fixed position and disengaging it from the engaging portion 123. That is, the locking portion 155 is movable relative to the engaging portion 123 in an engaging direction (direction L in FIG. 2 ) in which it approaches the engaging portion 123, and in a disengaging direction (direction M in FIG. 2 ) in which it moves away from the engaging portion 123, and can releasably engage with the engaging portion 123. As described above, the user can easily engage and disengage the first member 110 and the second member 150 and secure the catheter 10 with a single touch. This single-touch operation of the catheter connector 100 reduces variations in user usage and improves the ability to prevent catheter kinking and disengagement, thereby improving usability.

[0032] 4, the connection base 117 has shafts 125 formed to protrude perpendicularly to the central axis X1 direction from both side surfaces parallel to the central axis X1 direction of the catheter connector 100. The shafts 125 are fitted into corresponding portions of the second member 150 and serve to rotatably hold the second member 150.

[0033] The other end 114 is the portion to which an infusion device is connected, and as shown in FIG. 2 , has a threaded ridge 126 for connection to the infusion device. The threaded ridge 126 has a shape corresponding to the infusion device to be connected and may be formed as a female connector conforming to ISO 80369-6. An upstream device for epidural anesthesia, such as an anesthesia filter, is connected to the other end 114. Two threaded ridges 126 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the circumference adjacent to the end face of the other end 114. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view showing the catheter connector 100 with the second member 150 closed to the first member 110. As shown in FIG. 5 , the other end 114 has a connection hole 127 therein that is open on the end face side.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 5 , the configuration of the tubular member 120 provided on the upper surface 111 of the first member 110 will be described. The tubular member 120 extends from the catheter insertion portion 121 at one end to the other end and has a catheter insertion hole 128 communicating with the connection hole 127. The central axis of the tubular member 120 coincides with the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100. The tubular member 120 is formed of an elastically deformable material that is transparent or colored to be opaque by mixing a pigment, such as a thermosetting elastomer (e.g., silicone rubber or fluororubber) or a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, an olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer, or a vinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomer). As shown in FIG. 5 , the end of the tubular member 120 on the side of the one end 112 penetrates the engagement base 116 and is inserted into and fixed to the one end 112. The end of the tubular member 120 on the side of the other end 114 is inserted into and fixed to the connection base 117. The outer surface of the cylindrical member 120 other than the portion covered by the first member 110 is exposed from the first member 110 .

[0035] The configuration of the underside 131 of the first member 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . The underside 131 of the first member 110 is provided with a guide portion 132. The guide portion 132 is a portion along which the inner surface of the third member 180 (described later) slides and guides the third member 180 when the third member 180 is attached. The guide portion 132 is a ridge, and is provided in the center of the underside 131 in the width direction perpendicular to the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100, from one end 112 to the other end 114, parallel to the central axis X1. The number of guide portions 132 may be two or more, as long as the third member 180 can slide stably during attachment. The more guide portions 132 there are, the stronger the catheter connector 100 will be. Furthermore, a plurality of ridges 133 are provided on three surfaces of the first member 110: the underside 131 and both side surfaces. Four ridges 133 are provided along the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100. The ridges 133 prevent the user's fingers from slipping when holding the catheter connector 100. The number of ridges 133 may be other than four, for example, one to three, or five or more. The more ridges 133 there are, the stronger the catheter connector 100 becomes.

[0036] The configuration of the second member 150 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 5. The second member 150 is a member that presses and holds the catheter 10 via the tubular member 120 in a closed state, and also wraps around and holds the middle portion of the catheter 10. When the second member 150 is closed, the second member 150 contacts the upper surface 111 of the first member 110. The outer surface of the second member 150 and the outer surface of the adjacent first member 110 are configured to form a continuous surface with almost no steps. As shown in Figure 2, the second member 150 is rotatable around the axis 125 of the first member 110 to which it is connected. The second member 150 is integrally formed from resin.

[0037] The configuration of the upper surface 151 of the second member 150 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The second member 150 is an elongated plate-like member overall, and the other end 114 of the second member 150 is bifurcated into a Y-shape, with each bifurcated portion provided with a connecting portion 152. Each connecting portion 152 has an axial hole 153 into which the shaft 125 of the first member 110 is fitted, thereby rotatably holding the second member 150 to the first member 110. A catheter locking portion 154, which is a rectangular plate member, is provided on the upper portion of each pair of connecting portions 152. The catheter locking portion 154 is formed to protrude perpendicularly from the upper portion of each connecting portion 152 in the direction of the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 , guide portions 156 are provided on the upper surface 151, each parallel to the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100. The guide portions 156 are two parallel protrusions spaced apart from each other from one end 112 to the other end 114, defining a sliding surface 157 located therebetween. When the third member 180 is slidably attached to the catheter connector 100, the guide portions 156 guide the third member 180 by sandwiching it from both sides as the contact portion of the third member 180 slides on the sliding surface 157. The number of guide portions 156 may be three or more, as long as they can guide the third member 180. Increasing the number of guide portions 156 improves the strength of the catheter connector 100. As shown in FIG. 2 , a locking portion 155 is provided across the entire width of the upper surface 151 on the one end 112 side of the second member 150.

[0039] The configuration of the lower surface 161 of the second member 150 will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the second member 150. Figures 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views taken along lines VII-VII, VIII-VIII, and IX-IX of Figure 6, respectively. Note that Figures 7 to 9 are cross-sectional views of the lower surface 161 of the second member 150 facing downward, and background portions are omitted from the illustration.

[0040] The second member 150 has a first pressing portion 162, a second pressing portion 164, and a third pressing portion 166. The pressing portions are arranged in this order from the one end 112 side to the other end 114 side at the center in the width direction of the lower surface 161 of the second member 150: first pressing portion 162, second pressing portion 164, and third pressing portion 166. The first pressing portion 162 is arranged around the one end 112 side of the lower surface 161, and the second pressing portion 164 and third pressing portion 166 are arranged around the other end 114 side of the lower surface 161.

[0041] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the first pressing portion 162. The first pressing portion 162 has a pressing surface 163 formed as a flat surface. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the second pressing portion 164. The second pressing portion 164 has a pressing surface 165 formed as a concave surface extending along the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100.

[0042] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the third pressing portion 166. The third pressing portion 166 has two protruding portions 167 formed to protrude downward from the lower surface 161. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the two protruding portions 167 are formed in a plate shape and are arranged parallel to the central axis X1 direction of the catheter connector 100 and spaced apart from each other. The two protruding portions 167 each have a flat pressing surface 168 on the opposing surface, i.e., the inner surface. Furthermore, a flat pressing surface 169 is provided between the two pressing surfaces 168 and is part of the lower surface 161 of the third pressing portion 166. That is, the interior of the third pressing portion 166 forms a space surrounded on three sides by flat surfaces: the pressing surface 169, which is a horizontal surface, and the pressing surfaces 168, which are two vertical surfaces.

[0043] The effects of the respective shapes of the first pressing portion 162, the second pressing portion 164, and the third pressing portion 166 will be described below.

[0044] The third pressing portion 166 is a portion that maintains airtightness between the catheter 10 and the inner surface of the insertion hole 128 of the catheter 10 within the insertion hole 128 of the catheter 10. Therefore, the third pressing portion 166 is formed to cover both side surfaces of the tubular member 120 so that a portion of the outer periphery of the pressed tubular member 120 does not escape to the outside. The lower surface side of the tubular member 120 is held by the first member 110, and when the second member 150 is closed, the side and upper surfaces of the tubular member 120 are pressed against the second member 150. As a result, almost the entire circumference of the outer surface of the tubular member 120 is pressed, and the inner surface of the insertion hole 128 and the outer surface of the catheter 10 inside the insertion hole 128 are tightly fitted together. This maintains airtightness between the catheter 10 and the inner surface of the insertion hole 128, allowing medicinal liquid from an infusion device connected to the connection hole 127 to be injected into the catheter 10 without leakage.

[0045] The second pressing portion 164 firmly presses the pressed portion of the cylindrical member 120 so that the pressed portion does not escape from the pressing range of the second pressing portion 164. For this reason, the pressing surface 165 is formed into a concave curved surface that conforms to the shape of the cylindrical member 120 so as to make surface contact.

[0046] The first pressing portion 162 reinforces the pressing force that presses the cylindrical member 120. Therefore, the pressing surface 163 is formed as a flat surface so as to come into point contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical member 120.

[0047] When the second member 150 is closed, the pressing portions press against the tubular member 120, whereby the catheter 10 inserted into the catheter insertion hole 128 of the tubular member 120 is pressed by the inner surface of the catheter insertion hole 128. Because the catheter connector 100 is used with the second member 150 closed, the catheter 10 is always held in place so as not to come off the first member 110 during use.

[0048] Although the pressing portions are provided with a first pressing portion 162, a second pressing portion 164, and a third pressing portion 166, other configurations are also possible. For example, only one or two of the pressing portions may be provided. As shown in FIG. 19 , the first pressing portion 162 and the second pressing portion 164 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the central axis X2. The first pressing portion 162 and the second pressing portion 164 may be extended in a direction parallel to the central axis X2 to form a single continuous pressing portion. This increases the pressing area, thereby increasing the pressing force on the catheter 10. Furthermore, all two or all three of the pressing portions provided may have the same shape.

[0049] Referring to Figure 5, the flow of medicinal fluids and the like into the catheter 10 within the catheter connector 100 will be described. The other end 114 is formed with a connection hole 127, which is connected to an infusion device and serves as an inlet for medicinal fluids and the like. A communication hole 129, which communicates with the connection hole 127 and has a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 10, is provided on the one end 112 side of the connection hole 127. The catheter 10 is inserted through the catheter insertion section 121 while being aligned with the central axis of the communication hole 129 until it abuts against the surface of the wall portion on the one end 112 side where the communication hole 129 is formed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the position of the end face of the catheter 10 on the other end 114 side in the direction of the central axis X1 is the same as the position of the end face of the tubular member 120. When the second member 150 is closed, the third pressing portion 166 presses against the outer circumferential surface of the tubular member 120 while surrounding it. Therefore, there is almost no gap between the inner surface of the catheter insertion portion 128 inside the catheter 10 and the outer surface of the catheter 10, and medicinal solutions or the like that flow into the connection hole 127 are injected into the catheter 10 without leaking out. The position of the end face of the tubular member 120 on the other end 114 side in the direction of the central axis X1 may be closer to the one end 112 than the position of the end face of the catheter 10, and the tip of the catheter 10 on the other end 114 side may protrude from the tubular member 120. With this configuration, the catheter 10 can be seen through the first member 110, which is made of a transparent or translucent material that is colored to be opaque by mixing a pigment, and the position of the tip of the catheter 10 can be confirmed. Furthermore, the above configuration is expected to improve moldability.

[0050] The operation feeling generating unit will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. The operation feeling generating unit is a part that allows the user to perceive that the second member 150 is at a predetermined rotation angle position relative to the first member 110 when the second member 150 is opened or closed. Figure 10 is a partial side view taken along arrow D in Figure 4. Figure 11 is a partial side view taken along arrow E in Figure 6, with the one end 112 side facing right and the top surface 151 facing upward.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 10 , one or more protrusions 102 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of one of the shafts 125 provided on the first member 110. That is, the first member 110 and the second member 150 face each other, and both surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis have operation feeling generating portions. The one or more protrusions 102 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 125 adjacent to the connection portion 152 of the second member 150. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10 , a protrusion 103 is provided adjacent to the shaft hole 153 on the surface of the connection portion 152 of the second member 150 adjacent to the protrusion 102, on the connection base portion 117 side. The positions and protrusion amounts of the protrusions 102 and 103 are determined so that they come into contact with each other at a specific angle when the second member 150 rotates relative to the first member 110. The protrusion 102 provided on the first member 110 and the protrusion 103 provided on the second member 150 are operation sensation generating units. Note that one or three protrusions 102 may be provided.

[0052] The center positions of the shaft 125 and the shaft hole 153 are points on a horizontal plane passing through the central axis X1 of the catheter connector 100. The protrusion 103 is provided on the surface of the connecting portion 152 that contacts the protrusion 103, at a position where the horizontal plane passing through the central axis X1 intersects, adjacent to the one end 112 of the shaft hole 153. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10 , two protrusions 102 are provided. The protrusions 102 are provided at positions at angles a1 and a2, with the central axis X1 at 0 degrees. The angle a1 is in the range of approximately 40 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, for example, approximately 50 degrees. The angle a2 is in the range of approximately 110 degrees to approximately 130 degrees, for example, approximately 120 degrees. For example, when attaching the catheter 10 to the catheter connector 100, an opening angle of approximately 40 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, at which each pressing portion, such as the first pressing portion 162, is spaced apart from the tubular member 120, is convenient. Furthermore, when cleaning the catheter connector 100, an opening angle of approximately 120 degrees, in which the second member 150 is in a nearly fully open position, is convenient.

[0053] When the operation feeling generating unit rotates the second member 150 to the above rotation angle position relative to the first member 110, the protrusion 103 of the second member 150 passes over the protrusion 102 of the first member 110. At that time, the user feels a clicking sensation. Therefore, the user can know the degree of opening of the second member 150 just by the sense of operating it with their hand without visually inspecting it, and can proceed with the work efficiently. Furthermore, because the protrusion 103 cannot rotate past the protrusion 102 unless the user operates it to rotate, the operation feeling generating unit can maintain the second member 150 at a predetermined angle relative to the first member 110. The second member 150 can be maintained in an open state without the user having to hold the second member 150 with their hand, allowing the user to efficiently proceed with tasks such as attaching the catheter 10 and cleaning the catheter connector 100.

[0054] The protrusions 102 and 103 can be provided at any desired rotation angle position. In order to reduce the effects of wear on the protrusions 102 and 103, two pairs of protrusions 102 and 103 may be provided, one on each surface of the connecting base 117 and the other on the opposing surface.

[0055] The third member 180 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. The third member 180 is a member that maintains the first member 110 and the second member 150 in a closed state. The third member 180 is a member with a U-shaped cross section, and is attached to the side of the first member 110 and the second member 150 when they are closed, sandwiching them from above and below. The third member 180 can prevent the first member 110 and the second member 150 from unintentionally opening. The third member 180 can also cover and hold at least a portion of the catheter 10 attached to the catheter connector 100.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the third member 180 is attached to the first member 110 and the second member 150, which are in an engaged state, by sliding from one end 112 side of the first member 110 in the N direction in FIG. 1, which is parallel to the direction of the central axis X1.

[0057] The third member 180 has a generally U-shaped cross section perpendicular to the central axis X1. The third member 180 includes an upper plate 181, a lower plate 183, and a side plate 184, each of which is formed in a rectangular plate shape. One end of the upper plate 181 is connected along the upper end of the side plate 184, and one end of the lower plate 183 is connected along the lower end of the side plate 184. A sliding rib 185 is formed along the entire length of the end of the upper plate 181 opposite the side plate 184. The sliding rib 185 has a downward-facing semicircular cross section perpendicular to the central axis X1. The upper surface of the lower plate 183, i.e., the surface facing the first member 110, is flat, and contacts the rib 132 formed on the lower surface 131 of the first member 110 when the third member 180 is attached.

[0058] When the third member 180 is attached to the catheter connector 100, one end of the sliding protrusion 185 provided on the upper plate portion 181 is fitted into the engagement groove 122 of the first member 110, and the third member 180 is attached by sliding it along the engagement groove 124 and the sliding surface 157.

[0059] A method for attaching the catheter 10 to the catheter connector 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. First, the second member 150 is opened, the tip of the catheter 10 is inserted into the catheter insertion section 121 until it hits the butt, and the second member 150 is closed. Next, the middle portion of the catheter 10 is hooked consecutively onto one of the catheter locking sections 154. After that, the catheter 10 is aligned along the side of the one end 112, and the third member 180 is attached so as to cover part of the middle portion of the catheter 10. In this manner, the catheter 10 is attached to the catheter connector 100. To remove the catheter 10, the above procedure is reversed.

[0060] Second Embodiment The configuration of a catheter connector 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 15. The catheter connector 200 has three components similar to the catheter connector 100 according to the first embodiment, but each component has a different shape. The catheter connector 200 will be described below. Note that components of the catheter connector 200 that are the same in shape or structure as the catheter connector 100 will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0061] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 200 with the catheter 10 attached, and Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 200 when attaching or detaching the catheter 10. Fig. 15 is a front view of the catheter connector 200. In Fig. 15, the third member 280 is shown by a dashed line so that the shapes of the first member 210 and the second member 250 can be easily understood.

[0062] 12 , the catheter connector 200 is formed in the longitudinal direction along the direction in which the catheter 10 is connected, and has a central axis X2. The catheter connector 200 includes a first member 210, a second member 250, and a third member 280. The distal end of the catheter 10 is inserted into the catheter connector 200, and the catheter 10 is further held by being wrapped around the lower part of the catheter connector 200.

[0063] Referring to Figure 12, the catheter connector 200 will be described in a state in which the catheter 10 can be inserted or removed. The first member 210 and the second member 250 are connected at their ends and rotate relative to each other around the connected portion. In Figure 14, the engagement direction in which the second member 250 approaches the first member 210 is indicated by the L direction, and the disengagement direction in which the second member 250 moves away from the first member 210 is indicated by the M direction. The catheter 10 is inserted or removed in the state shown in Figure 14, i.e., in a state in which the second member 250 has rotated open relative to the first member 210. When the second member 250 is open, the catheter 10 inserted in the first member 210 is not subjected to a pressing force from the second member 250. Therefore, the catheter 10 can be easily inserted or removed from the first member 210 when the second member 250 is open relative to the first member 210.

[0064] 12 and 15 show the third member 280 included in the catheter connector 200. The third member 280 is a member with a U-shaped cross section, and is attached so as to surround the first member 210 and the second member 250 to prevent them from unintentionally opening.

[0065] The configuration of the first member 210 will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 16. Figure 16 is a top view of the first member 210. The first member 210 is a member to which the catheter 10 and an infusion device (not shown) are connected. The first member 210 is integrally formed from resin.

[0066] The configuration of the first member 210 as viewed from the top surface 211 will be described with reference to Figure 16. The first member 210 has one end 212, which is the end to which the catheter 10 is connected, the other end 214, which is the end opposite the one end 212, and an intermediate portion 16 provided between the one end 212 and the other end 214. A tubular member 220 is provided by insert molding on the top surface 211 of the first member 210, which is the surface that contacts the second member 250. As shown in Figure 18, the tubular member 220 has an undercut shape 220b to prevent the core pin from falling off during molding. The central axis of the tubular member 220 is the central axis X2 of the catheter connector 200, and the tubular member 220 extends from the one end 212 to the end of the intermediate portion 213 on the other end 214 side.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 15 , the one end 212 is one end of a tubular member 220 disposed inside the first member 210, and is provided with a catheter insertion section 221 into which the tip of the catheter 10 is inserted. As shown in FIG. 18 , the catheter insertion section 221 is formed so that its diameter is large at the entrance side and gradually decreases toward the interior. Specifically, the catheter insertion section 221 is defined by an inner surface 221a that is a convex curved surface, like the side of a substantially truncated cone bulging outward along the entire circumference. The center of the catheter insertion section 221 is aligned with the central axis X2 of the catheter connector 200. The catheter insertion section 221 is formed so that the diameter at the entrance side is larger than the diameter at the rear side, allowing the tip of the catheter 10 to be easily inserted. The entrance side of the tubular member 220 is defined by an inner surface 220a that is a convex curved surface, like the side of a substantially truncated cone bulging outward along the entire circumference. As shown in Figure 18, the inner surface 221a of the catheter insertion section 221 and the inner surface 220a of the tubular member 220 are smoothly connected and are formed in a generally horn shape such that the diameter gradually increases in the direction from the tubular member 220 toward the catheter insertion section 221 (to the left in Figure 18), and the rate of increase in diameter gradually increases. This allows the catheter to be guided into the catheter insertion section 221 to the one end of the tubular member 220, allowing the user to easily insert the catheter without it getting caught. The lower end surface of the one end section 212 is provided with two engagement grooves 222 extending from the front surface of the one end section 212 along the central axis X2 of the catheter connector 200, spaced apart in the width direction of the catheter connector 200, which is perpendicular to the central axis X2 of the catheter connector 200. Each engagement groove 222 is formed upward from the lower end surface of the one end section 212, i.e., toward the central axis X2. The lower end of the one end portion 212 protrudes downward from the lower surface 231 of the first member 210. This allows the user to easily fit the catheter 10 into the engagement groove 222.

[0068] 16, a space 215 is provided on the side of the other end 214 of the one end 212. As will be described later, the space 215 is a space into which a part of the second member 250 is inserted to maintain the second member 250 in a closed state.

[0069] The intermediate portion 213 has an engagement base 216 at one end 212 side of the intermediate portion 213 and a connection base 217 at the other end 214 side of the intermediate portion 213 .

[0070] As shown in Figure 14, the engagement base 216 includes a portion whose cross section in side view is formed in a substantially triangular prism shape, and is disposed on the upper surface 211 with the central axis of the substantially triangular prism-shaped portion oriented perpendicular to the central axis X2 of the catheter connector 200. The engagement base 216 is connected to the one end 212 by engagement portions 241 provided at both ends of the engagement base 216 in the width direction. The space 215 is formed by being surrounded by the one end 212 and the engagement base 216 in top view. The engagement base 216 has an inclined surface 242 extending perpendicular to the central axis X2. When the second member 250 is closed, the inclined surface 242 comes close to or directly contacts a corresponding surface of the second member 250 with a small gap therebetween.

[0071] The engaging base 216 has guide portions 239, which are protrusions formed parallel to the central axis X2, on both side surfaces. When the third member 280 is attached, the guide portions 239 guide the sliding movement of the third member 280 in the direction of the central axis X2, i.e., in the N direction in Figure 12, relative to the first member 210 and the second member 250, which are in an engaged state.

[0072] On the other end 214 side of the engagement base 216, mating protrusions 243 are provided on both ends in the width direction on the top surface 211. The mating protrusions 243 are formed in a modified pentagonal shape in top view, with one corner of a rectangular parallelepiped cut off at a flat surface. The mating protrusions 243 fit into corresponding recesses in the second member 250 to hold the first member 210 and the second member 250 in place.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 16 , the connection base 217 has shafts 225 formed on both side surfaces of the catheter connector 200 parallel to the central axis X2 and protruding perpendicular to the central axis X2. The shafts 225 fit into corresponding portions of the second member 250 to rotatably hold the second member 250. As shown in FIG. 16 , the connection base 217 has a generally rectangular portion in top view and a protruding portion that locally protrudes to the left from the generally rectangular portion. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17 , the protruding portion of the connection base 217 in FIG. 16 may be omitted so that the tubular member 220 is visibly exposed from the top surface. This prevents or suppresses the occurrence of sink marks and voids in the protruding portions during molding of the connection base 217, thereby improving the moldability of the connection base 217.

[0074] The other end 214 is the portion to which an infusion device is connected, and as shown in Figure 14, has a threaded ridge 226 for connection to the infusion device, and also has a connection hole 127 inside the other end 214. The other end 214 has a similar shape to the other end 114 of the first embodiment, and the structure, operation and effect are the same as those of the other end 114 of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] The configuration of the tubular member 220 provided on the upper surface 211 of the first member 210 will be described. One end of the tubular member 220 is a catheter insertion portion 221, and the other end has a catheter insertion hole 228 that communicates with the connection hole 127. The tubular member 220 is formed of an elastically deformable material, such as a rubber tube. The end of the tubular member 220 on the side of one end 212 penetrates the engagement base 216 and is inserted into the one end 212, and the end of the tubular member 220 on the side of the other end 214 is inserted into and fixed to the connection base 217. In other words, the tubular member 220 is fixed to the first member 210 at each of the above-mentioned fixing points.

[0076] At each of the above-mentioned fixed locations where the tubular member 220 is fixed to the first member 210, the tubular member 220 has an enlarged-diameter portion (not shown) around the entire periphery of the tubular member 220. The enlarged-diameter portion prevents the tubular member 220 from shifting in the direction of the central axis X2 relative to the first member 210. The first member 210 is molded with resin, encasing each enlarged-diameter portion at each of the above-mentioned fixed locations. Each enlarged-diameter portion need only be molded with enough strength to prevent shifting in the direction of the central axis X2. The outer diameter of each enlarged-diameter portion is approximately 110% to 130% of the outer diameter of the tubular member 220 excluding the enlarged-diameter portion, for example, 115% to 125%. The enlarged-diameter portion provided within the one end 212 may also be provided on the end surface of the tubular member 220 on the one end 212 side. The outer surface of the tubular member 220 other than the portion covered by the first member 210 is exposed from the first member 210.

[0077] The tubular member 220 and its surrounding area are similar in structure to the tubular member 120 and its surrounding area of ​​the first embodiment shown in the side cross-sectional view of Fig. 5, so refer to Fig. 5 and omit the side cross-sectional view of the second embodiment. The tubular member 220, catheter insertion section 221, catheter insertion hole 228, engagement base 216, and connection base 217 in the second embodiment correspond to the tubular member 120, catheter insertion section 121, catheter insertion hole 128, engagement base 116, and connection base 117 in the first embodiment of Fig. 5, respectively.

[0078] The configuration of the lower surface 231 of the first member 210 will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . The lower surface 231 of the first member 210 is provided with a protrusion 234. The protrusion 234 is formed to protrude horizontally so as to extend both widthwise ends of the flat lower surface 231. An injection hole 235 is formed near the approximate center of the lower surface 231. The injection hole 235 is formed through the first member 210 and is a hole for injecting material for the tubular member 220, which is formed by insert molding, from the lower surface 231. Note that, in addition to a method in which the tubular member 220 is molded after the first member 210 has been molded and then the material is injected through the injection hole 235 to mold the tubular member 220, it is also possible to mold the tubular member 220 first and then insert mold the first member 210.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 25 , a stepped surface 236, which is a surface that is stepped relative to the lower surface 231, is provided on the other end 214 side of the lower surface 231 of the first member 210, i.e., the lower surface of the connection base 217. A catheter winding portion 237 is provided on the stepped surface 236, protruding downward from the stepped surface 236. The lower surface, which is the distal end portion of the protruding side of the catheter winding portion 237, is formed as an inclined surface, with the one end 212 side being flush with the lower surface 231 and the other end 214 side being flush with the lower surface 231. That is, the lower portion of the catheter winding portion 237 is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface 231. This allows the user to easily wind the catheter 10 around the catheter winding portion 237. Furthermore, guide portions 238 are provided at both widthwise ends of the stepped surface 236, protruding downward perpendicular to the stepped surface 236 and formed at approximately the same height as the lower surface 231.

[0080] The configuration of the second member 250 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14 and 19. The second member 250 is a member that presses and holds the catheter 10 via the tubular member 220 in the closed state.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 12, when the second member 250 is closed, the second member 250 is in contact with the upper surface 211 of the first member 210. As shown in Fig. 14, the second member 250 is rotatable around the axis 225 of the first member 210 to which it is connected. The second member 250 is integrally formed from resin.

[0082] The configuration of the upper surface 251 of the second member 250 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . The second member 250 is an elongated plate-like member overall, and the other end 214 side of the second member 250 is bifurcated into a Y-shape, with each bifurcated portion provided with a connecting portion 252. As shown in FIG. 13 , the second member 250 may be provided with a canopy portion 227 extending between the connecting portions 252 and blocking at least a portion of the tubular member 220 from being visibly exposed from the top surface. Returning to FIG. 12 , each connecting portion 252 has an axial hole 253 into which the shaft 225 of the first member 210 is fitted, thereby rotatably holding the second member 250 to the first member 210. The one end 212 side of the second member 250 is also bifurcated into a Y-shape, with each bifurcated portion provided with a locking base 257. The lower half of the side surface of the connecting portion 252 is formed to protrude relative to the upper half from a horizontal plane passing through the center of the axial hole 253. The upper surfaces of the protruding lower half of the connecting portion 252 on both sides of the axial hole 253 serve as guide portions 254. The guide portions 254 are portions that guide the sliding movement of the third member 280 when the third member 280 is attached.

[0083] The locking base 257 has a complex shape with multiple bends. The locking base 257 extends from the one end 212 of the second member 250 toward the one end 212, then extends toward the central axis X2, again toward the one end 212, and finally forms a downwardly extending tip. Each tip is provided with a locking portion 258 that protrudes outward in a direction perpendicular to the central axis X2. The locking portion 258 is positioned so as to overlap the space 215 in a top view. When the second member 250 is closed, the locking base 257 is inserted into the space 215 while bending toward the central axis X2, and the locking portion 258 engages with the engaging portion 241. Furthermore, a protrusion 256 having an arc-shaped cross section is provided on the upper surface 251 along the central axis X2.

[0084] The configuration of the lower surface 261 of the second member 250 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the second member 250.

[0085] Similar to the second member 150 of the first embodiment, the second member 250 has a first pressing portion 162, a second pressing portion 164, and a third pressing portion 166. The shape, cross section, respective arrangement, and effects of each of the pressing portions are the same as those of the second member 150 of the first embodiment.

[0086] The configuration of the tubular member 220 of the catheter connector 200 and its surrounding area is similar to the tubular member 120 of the first embodiment and its surrounding area. A connecting hole 127 is formed in the other end 114. A communication hole 129 is provided on the one end 212 side of the connecting hole 127, which communicates with the connecting hole 127 and has a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 10. The internal structure of the catheter connector 200 and the flow of medicinal fluids and the like within the catheter connector 200 from the connecting hole 127 to the catheter 10 are similar to those of the catheter connector 100 of the first embodiment.

[0087] The flow of a medicinal solution or the like into the catheter 10 inside the catheter connector 200 will be explained by combining the overall view of the catheter connector 200 in Fig. 14 with the peripheral portion of the connection hole 127 in Fig. 5 , which has the same structure as the peripheral portion of the connection hole 127 of the catheter connector 200. Note that in Fig. 5 , the respective symbols will be interpreted as follows: the first member 110 in Fig. 5 will be interpreted as the first member 210, the second member 150 as the second member 250, the one end 112 as the one end 212, the other end 114 as the other end 214, the catheter insertion portion 121 as the catheter insertion portion 221, and the central axis X1 as the central axis X2.

[0088] An infusion device such as a syringe is connected to the connection hole 127. A communication hole 129, which is connected to the connection hole 127 and has a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 10, is provided on the one end 212 side of the connection hole 127. The catheter 10 is inserted through the catheter insertion section 221 while being aligned with the central axis X2 of the communication hole 129 until it abuts against the surface of the wall section on the one end 212 side where the communication hole 129 is formed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the position of the end face of the catheter 10 on the other end 214 side in the direction of the central axis X2 is the same as the position of the end face of the tubular member 220. When the second member 250 is closed, the third pressing portion 166 presses against the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 120 while surrounding it. Therefore, there is almost no gap between the inner surface of the catheter insertion portion 128 inside the catheter 10 and the outer surface of the catheter 10, and medicinal liquids and the like that flow into the connection hole 127 are injected into the catheter 10 without leaking out of the catheter 10. The position of the end face of the tubular member 220 on the other end 214 side in the direction of the central axis X2 may be closer to the one end 212 than the position of the end face of the catheter 10, and the tip of the catheter 10 on the other end 214 side may protrude from the tubular member 220. With this configuration, the catheter 10 can be viewed through the first member 210 formed of a transparent or colored translucent material, and the position of the tip of the catheter 10 can be confirmed. Furthermore, the above configuration is expected to improve moldability.

[0089] The operation feeling generating unit will be described with reference to Figures 20 and 21. The operation feeling generating unit is a part that allows the user to perceive that the second member 250 is at a predetermined rotation angle position relative to the first member 210 when the second member 250 is opened or closed. Figure 20 is a partial side view taken along arrow F in Figure 16. Figure 21 is a partial side view taken along arrow G in Figure 19, with the one end 212 side facing right and the top surface 251 facing upward.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 20 , a cylindrical protrusion 202 is provided on one side of the connection base 217, on which the shaft 225 of the first member 210 is provided. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 21 , a protrusion 203 is provided adjacent to the shaft hole 253 on the surface of the connection base 217 side of the connection portion 252 of the second member 250, adjacent to the protrusion 202. The protrusions 202 and 203 are linearly formed in radial directions from the center of the shaft hole 253 at a position adjacent to the shaft hole 253. The positions and protrusion amounts of the protrusions 202 and 203 are determined so that they come into contact with each other at a specific angle when the second member 250 rotates relative to the first member 210. The protrusions 202 of the first member 210 and the protrusions 203 of the second member 250 are operation feeling generating units. That is, the operation feeling generating units are provided on both surfaces of the first member 210 and the second member 250, which are opposed to each other and perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0091] The center position of the shaft 225 and the center position of the shaft hole 253 are points on a horizontal plane passing through the central axis X2 of the catheter connector 200. If a plane passing through the center of the shaft 225 and perpendicular to the central axis X2 is defined as Z2, the protrusion 202 is located at a position rotated by an angle a3 from the vertical plane Z2 around the center of the shaft 225. The vertical plane Z2 coincides with the protrusion 203 when the second member 250 is closed. Therefore, when the second member 250 is rotated by the angle a3, the protrusion 202 and the protrusion 203 come into contact. In other words, the angle a3 is the angle at which the second member 250 opens a predetermined angle relative to the first member 210. The angle a3 is in the range of approximately 60 degrees to approximately 80 degrees, for example, approximately 70 degrees. The angle a3 is appropriately determined to be convenient for attaching the catheter 10 or cleaning the catheter connector 200. Note that two or more protrusions 202 may be provided. In addition, two pairs of protrusions 202 and 203 may be provided in total, one on each surface of the connection base 117 and one on the opposing surface thereof, in order to reduce the influence of wear of the two.

[0092] When the operation feeling generating unit rotates the second member 250 to angle a3 relative to the first member 210, the protrusion 203 of the second member 250 passes over the protrusion 202 of the first member 210. At this time, the user feels a clicking sensation. Therefore, the user can know the degree of opening of the second member 250 simply by the sense of operating with their hand without visual inspection, allowing them to proceed with their work efficiently. Furthermore, because the protrusion 203 cannot rotate past the protrusion 202 unless the user operates it by rotating it, the operation feeling generating unit can maintain the second member 250 at a predetermined angle relative to the first member 210. The second member 250 can remain open without the user having to hold the second member 250 with their hand, allowing them to efficiently proceed with tasks such as attaching the catheter 10 and cleaning the catheter connector 200.

[0093] The attachment state of the third member 280 will be described with reference to Figure 12. The third member 280 is a member that maintains the first member 210 and the second member 250 in a closed state. The third member 280 is a member with a U-shaped cross section, and is attached so that the first member 210 and the second member 250 do not unintentionally open. The third member 280 is attached with the opening of the U-shape facing up, sliding in the N direction in Figure 12 that is parallel to the direction of the central axis X2 from one end 212 of the first member 210 relative to the first member 210 and the second member 250, which are in an engaged state.

[0094] The configuration of the third member 280 will be described with reference to Figures 22 and 23. The third member 280 includes a lower plate 283 formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and plate-like side plate portions 284 provided perpendicularly on both ends of the lower plate 283. Each side plate portion 284 has a protrusion 286 that protrudes from a central portion of the side plate portion 284 in the direction of the central axis X2 and is formed along the direction of the central axis X2. Each side plate portion 284 also has a protrusion 287 that protrudes in the direction of the central axis X2 from both ends of the side plate portion 284 in the direction of the central axis X2 and is formed along the direction of the central axis X2. The lower plate portion 283 has sliding surfaces 288 formed slightly higher than the upper surfaces of the other lower plate portions 283 at both widthwise ends thereof in the direction of the central axis X2. Furthermore, the lower plate portion 283 has elongated holes 285 near the center of both ends of the lower plate portion 283 in order to improve the formability of the third member 280 .

[0095] The third member 280 is formed symmetrically with respect to the central axis X2 and a perpendicular line Y2 passing through the center point of the central axis X2 of the third member 280 as the center of symmetry. Therefore, the third member 280 can be attached from either side in the direction of the central axis X2. This eliminates the need for the user to re-hold the third member 280 in order to adjust its orientation, allowing for efficient work.

[0096] 14 and 23 , the guide portion that guides third member 280 when third member 280 is attached will be described. When third member 280 slides, guide portion 238 provided on the underside of first member 210 and the lower end of one end 212 slide against corresponding sliding surfaces 288 of third member 280. In addition, the upper surface of guide portion 239 and guide portion 254 slide against protrusion portion 286 and protrusion portion 287.

[0097] 24, a state in which the locking base 257 of the second member 250 engages with the first member 210 will be described. FIG. 24 is a front view of the state in which one end 212 is removed from FIG. 15. As the second member 250 is closed onto the first member 210, the locking base 257 approaches the space 215 of the first member 210. As the second member 250 is further closed, the locking portions 258 at the tip portions of the locking base 257 each enter the space 215. Both locking portions 258 bend in the direction of the central axis X2, passing over the inner surface of the engaging portion 241, and engage with the underside of the engaging portion 241.

[0098] To release the engagement of the second member 250, both outer surfaces of the locking base 257 relative to the central axis X2 are pressed with the fingers in a pinching motion to bend both locking portions 258 toward the central axis X2, thereby disengaging the locking portions 258 from the respective engaging portions 241 and releasing the engagement. That is, the locking portions 258 are movable relative to the engaging portions 241 in an engaging direction (direction L in FIG. 14 ) in which they approach the engaging portions 241, and in a disengaging direction (direction M in FIG. 14 ) in which they move away from the engaging portions 241, and can be releasably engaged with the engaging portions 241. As described above, the user can easily engage and disengage the first member 210 and the second member 250 and secure the catheter 10 with a single touch. This single-touch operation of the catheter connector 200 reduces variations in user usage and improves the ability to prevent catheter kinking and disengagement, thereby improving usability.

[0099] A method for attaching the catheter 10 to the catheter connector 200 will be described with reference to Figure 25. First, the second member 250 is opened, the tip of the catheter 10 is inserted into the catheter insertion section 221 until it butts, and the second member 250 is closed. Next, on the lower surface 231, the middle portion of the catheter 10 is hooked, in order, into the engagement groove 222 at the lower end of the one end 212, one protrusion 234, the catheter winding section 237, the other protrusion 234, and the other engagement groove 222. Thereafter, the catheter 10 is held inside, and the third member 280 is attached while covering at least a portion of the catheter 10 with the third member 280. In this manner, the catheter 10 is attached to the catheter connector 200. To remove the catheter 10, the above procedure is reversed.

[0100] 26 to 28, the configuration of a catheter connector 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The catheter connector 300 includes a first member 310, a second member 250, and a third member 380. Like the catheter connectors 100 and 200 according to the first embodiment, the catheter connector 300 includes three members, but the shapes of the corresponding members are different. The catheter connector 300 also includes a second member 250 that has the same shape as the catheter connector 200 according to the second embodiment, but the shape of a portion of the underside of the first member 310 and the shape of the third member 380 are different. The following describes the differences between the catheter connector 300 and the catheter connector 200 according to the second embodiment. The same parts and structures of the catheter connector 300 as those of the catheter connector 100 or the catheter connector 200 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0101] Figure 26 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 300 with the catheter 10 attached, and Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 300 when attaching or detaching the catheter 10. Figure 28 is a front view of the catheter connector 300. In Figure 28, the third member 380 is shown by a dashed line so that the shapes of the first member 310 and the second member 250 can be easily understood.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 26, the catheter connector 300 is formed in the longitudinal direction along the direction in which the catheter 10 is connected, and has a central axis X3. As shown in Fig. 26, the distal end of the catheter 10 is inserted into the first member 310, and the catheter 10 is held by being wrapped around the lower part of the first member 310. In this state, the third member 380 is attached.

[0103] Referring to Figure 27, the catheter connector 300 will be described in a state in which the catheter 10 can be inserted or removed. The first member 310 and the second member 250 are connected at their ends and rotate relative to each other around the connected portion. In Figure 27, the engagement direction in which the second member 250 approaches the first member 310 is indicated by the L direction, and the disengagement direction in which the second member 250 moves away from the first member 310 is indicated by the M direction. The catheter 10 is inserted or removed in the state shown in Figure 27, i.e., in a state in which the second member 250 has rotated open relative to the first member 310. When the second member 250 is open, the catheter 10 inserted in the first member 310 is not subjected to a pressing force from the second member 250. Therefore, the catheter 10 can be easily inserted or removed from the first member 310 when the second member 250 is open. The third member 380 is attached so as to encase the first member 310 and the second member 250 from the outside to prevent unintentional opening.

[0104] The configuration of the first member 310 will be described with reference to Figures 27 and 29. Figure 29 is a top view of the first member 310. The following description focuses on the fitting protrusion 243 and the lower surface 231, which have different shapes compared to the first member 210 of the second embodiment. The shapes of other parts of the first member 310 are the same as those of the first member 210 of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 29, the connection base 217 has a substantially rectangular portion in top view and a protruding portion that locally protrudes to the left from the substantially rectangular portion; however, as in Figure 17 of the second embodiment, the protruding portion may be omitted.

[0105] The first member 310 has an engagement base 216 on the top surface 211. On the other end 214 side of the engagement base 216, engagement protrusions 243 are provided on both ends in the width direction on the top surface 211. The engagement protrusions 243 are formed in a substantially triangular shape when viewed from above. The engagement protrusions 243 fit into corresponding recesses in the second member 250 to hold the first member 310 and the second member 250 in place so that they do not shift position.

[0106] 27 and 29, a situation in which the locking base 257 of the second member 250 engages with the first member 310 will be described. As the second member 250 approaches the first member 310 in the L direction, the locking base 257 approaches the space 215 of the first member 310 shown in Fig. 29. As the second member 250 is further approached, the locking portions 258 at the tip portions of the locking base 257 each enter the space 215. Both locking portions 258 bend toward the central axis X2, passing over the inner surface of the engaging portion 241, and engage with the lower surface of the engaging portion 241.

[0107] Furthermore, when disengaging the second member 250, both outer surfaces of the locking base 257 are pressed with fingers in a pinching motion relative to the central axis X2 to bend the locking portion 258 and release the engagement. That is, the locking portion 258 is movable relative to the engaging portion 241 in an engaging direction (direction L in FIG. 27 ) in which it approaches the engaging portion 241, and in a disengaging direction (direction M in FIG. 27 ) in which it moves away from the engaging portion 241, and can be releasably engaged with the engaging portion 241. Therefore, the user can easily engage and disengage the first member 310 and the second member 250 with a single touch.

[0108] The configuration of the lower surface 231 of the first member 310 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 . As shown in FIG. 27 , a catheter wrapping portion 244 is formed on the lower surface 231 of the first member 310, protruding in a U-shape in the height direction from the lower surface 231. As shown in FIG. 28 , grooves 245 are provided between the catheter wrapping portion 244 and the lower ends of both side surfaces of the first member 310. The grooves 245 are positioned so as to overlap with the engagement grooves 222 formed on the lower end of the one end 212 in a front view. Note that the grooves 245 may be formed as deeper grooves on the upper side, i.e., toward the central axis X3. The grooves 245 may be formed deep over the entire length of the grooves 245, up to an intermediate position in the length between the upper surface 251 and the lower surface 231 of the first member 310, or to a position on the upper surface 251 side of the intermediate position. The groove 245 may be formed, for example, such that the other end 214 side is at the midpoint of the length between the upper surface 251 and the lower surface 231, and the one end 212 side is at a depth of about ¾ of the length between the upper surface 251 and the lower surface 231, and the groove 245 gradually becomes deeper from the one end 212 side to the other end 214 side. By providing a recessed portion in this way, formability can be improved.

[0109] 27 , two engagement grooves 222 are formed on the lower end surface of the one end portion 212, extending from the front surface of the one end portion 212 along the central axis X3 of the catheter connector 300. The engagement grooves 222 are spaced apart in the width direction of the catheter connector 300, which is perpendicular to the central axis X2 of the catheter connector 200. Each engagement groove 222 is formed upward from the lower end surface of the one end portion 212, i.e., toward the central axis X3. The lower end of the one end portion 212 protrudes downward from the lower surface 231 of the first member 310. This allows the user to easily fit the catheter 10 into the engagement grooves 222.

[0110] As shown in Figure 27, a winding protrusion 246 is formed at the end of the catheter winding section 244 on the other end 214 side. The lower surface, which is the tip portion of the winding protrusion 246 on the protruding side, is formed as an inclined surface. The one end 212 side of the winding protrusion 246 is flush with the lower surface 231, and is formed to protrude downward as it approaches the other end 214 side. In other words, the lower part of the winding protrusion 246 is formed to protrude downward from the lower surface 231. This allows the user to easily wind the catheter 10 around the winding protrusion 246. As shown in Figure 27, a recess 248 that is locally recessed compared to the surrounding area may be formed on the lower surface 231 side of the first member 310. 27 , the recess 248 is configured with a first recess 248a that is generally bell-shaped (a shape combining a rectangle and a semicircle) with its longitudinal direction parallel to the central axis X3, and a second recess 248b that is generally rectangular, continues to the first recess 248a, and is smaller than the first recess, with its longitudinal direction parallel to the central axis X3. That is, the first member 310 is formed thinner at the recess 248 than at the peripheral portion extending along the periphery of the recess 248. The thickness of the recess 248 of the first member 310 is preferably such that the tubular member 220 is not visible. The peripheral edge portion is composed of a first peripheral edge portion 249a (the curved portion is composed of the winding protrusion 246) extending in a generally U-shape along the periphery of the first recess 248a, and a second peripheral edge portion 249b extending in a generally U-shape (a shape like a rectangle with one short side missing) along the periphery of the second recess 248b. The provision of the recess 248 (thin portion) prevents or suppresses the occurrence of sink marks and voids during molding of the catheter winding portion 244, thereby improving moldability.

[0111] The flow of medicinal fluids and the like into the catheter 10 inside the catheter connector 300 will be explained by combining the overall view of the catheter connector 300 in Figure 27 with the peripheral portion of the connection hole 127 in Figure 5, which has the same structure as the peripheral portion of the connection hole 127 of the catheter connector 300. Note that in Figure 5, the symbols will be interpreted as follows: the first member 110 in Figure 5 will be interpreted as the first member 310, the second member 150 as the second member 250, the one end 112 as the one end 212, the other end 114 as the other end 214, the catheter insertion portion 121 as the catheter insertion portion 221, and the central axis X1 as the central axis X3.

[0112] An infusion device such as a syringe is connected to the connection hole 127. A communication hole 129, which is connected to the connection hole 127 and has a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 10, is provided on the one end 212 side of the connection hole 127. The catheter 10 is inserted through the catheter insertion section 221 while being aligned with the central axis X3 of the communication hole 129 until it abuts against the surface of the wall section on the one end 212 side where the communication hole 129 is formed. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the position of the end face of the catheter 10 on the other end 214 side in the direction of the central axis X3 is the same as the position of the end face of the tubular member 220. When the second member 250 is closed, the third pressing portion 166 presses against the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 120 while surrounding it. Therefore, there is almost no gap between the inner surface of the catheter insertion portion 128 inside the catheter 10 and the outer surface of the catheter 10, and medicinal liquids and the like that flow into the connection hole 127 are injected into the catheter 10 without leaking out of the catheter 10. The position of the end face of the tubular member 220 on the other end 214 side in the direction of the central axis X3 may be closer to the one end 212 than the position of the end face of the catheter 10, and the tip of the catheter 10 on the other end 214 side may protrude from the tubular member 220. With this configuration, the catheter 10 can be viewed through the first member 210 formed of a transparent or colored translucent material, and the position of the tip of the catheter 10 can be confirmed. Furthermore, the above configuration is expected to improve moldability.

[0113] 25, an injection hole 235 is provided near the approximate center of the lower surface 231. The injection hole 235 is formed by penetrating the first member 310, is formed by insert molding, and is a hole for injecting material for the tubular member 220 shown in Fig. 29 from the lower surface 231. Note that, in addition to a method in which the first member 310 is molded and then the material is injected through the injection hole 235 to mold the tubular member 220, it is also possible to mold the tubular member 220 first and then insert mold the first member 310.

[0114] The configuration of the third member 380 will be described with reference to Figures 26, 25, and 27. The third member 380 is attached so as to enclose the first member 310 and the second member 250 from the outside, preventing the first member 310 and the second member 250 from opening unintentionally by the user. Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of the third member 380 taken along a vertical plane passing through the central axis X3 of the catheter connector 300, showing the inner surface side of the third member 380.

[0115] The third member 380 is a hollow, generally rectangular prism-shaped member. The third member 380 includes a lower plate 383, side plate portions 384 vertically disposed on both ends of the lower plate 383, and upper plate portions 381 extending toward each other from the upper ends of the side plate portions 384. The opposing ends of the upper plate portions 381 are spaced apart, allowing the third member 380 to be elastically deformable about the central axis X3. As shown in FIG. 30 , the inner surface of the lower plate 383 on the other end 214 side is provided with a fitting recess 382 that extends in the direction of the central axis X3 and gradually deepens from the one end 212 toward the other end 214. Furthermore, one or more ridges parallel to the central axis X3 are formed on the inner surfaces of both side plate portions 384, and these ridges slide against both side surfaces of the catheter connector 300 when the third member 380 is attached. At least one of the side plates of the side plate portion 384 may have two or more ridges extending parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the side plate. This allows multiple ridges to abut the first member 310 and the second member 250 compared to a single ridge, preventing rattles when the first member 310 and the second member 250 are inserted into the third member 380. When at least one of the side plates of the side plate portion 384 has two or more ridges extending parallel to each other, if the first member 310 and the second member 250 are inserted upside down into the third member 380, the lowest ridge interferes with the locking base 257 of the second member 250, preventing insertion. Furthermore, an indicator or mark may be provided on each of the top plate portion 381 of the third member 380 and the top surface 251 of the second member 250. This allows the user to visually recognize that the indicator is provided on upper plate portion 381 of third member 380, and that the indicator is provided on upper surface 251 of second member 250. This allows the user to insert first member 310 and second member 250 engaged therewith into third member 380 in a state in which the third member 380, first member 310, and second member 250 engaged therewith are securely aligned vertically.That is, it is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which a user inserts the first member 310 and the second member 250 upside down into the third member 380. Note that, in addition to or instead of the upper plate portion 381 of the third member 380 and the upper surface 251 of the second member 250, indicators or marks may be provided on the lower plate portion 381 of the third member 380 and the lower surface 231 of the first member 310, respectively. Furthermore, indicators or marks may be provided on the right side plate portion 384 of the third member 380 and the right side surface of the first member 310 or the right side surface of the second member 250, respectively. Furthermore, indicators or marks may be provided on the left side plate portion 384 of the third member 380 and the left side surface of the first member 310 or the left side surface of the second member 250, respectively. As for the form of the indicator or mark, a visible printed mark may be provided as an indicator in a portion where the first member 310, the second member 250, and the third member 380 do not interfere with each other when the first member 310 and the second member 250 are inserted into the third member 380. Alternatively, a visible convex portion may be provided as an indicator in a portion where the first member 310, the second member 250, and the third member 380 do not interfere with each other when the first member 310 and the second member 250 are inserted into the third member 380. Furthermore, a visible concave portion may be provided as an indicator in a portion where the first member 310, the second member 250, and the third member 380 do not interfere with each other when the first member 310 and the second member 250 are inserted into the third member 380. Note that, as shown in FIG. 30 , a protrusion that locally protrudes inward may be provided on portion A, which is a part of the ridge 386. When the first member 310 passes over the protrusion during the process of insertion into the first member 310 and the second member 250, the user feels a clicking sensation, which allows the user to recognize that the first member 310 and the second member 250 have been completely inserted into the third member 380. In other words, the protrusion constitutes an operation sensation generating portion.

[0116] The third member 380 has an end surface 389 on one end 212 side, and an open end on the other end 214 side. The end surface 389 is notched from the upper end to the center, and the notch in the end surface 389 is formed as a continuous notch from the gap formed between the two upper plate portions 381. The third member 380 has a protrusion 385 formed on the one end 212 side, which protrudes from the other portions along the entire periphery of the outer surface of each plate portion. The protrusion 385 formed with a constant width along the entire periphery can improve the user's grip. It is also possible to form the entire outer surface of each plate portion as a flat surface without providing the protrusion 385.

[0117] A method for attaching the third member 380 will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27. The third member 380 is attached to the engaged first member 310 and second member 250 by sliding it from the one end 212 of the first member 310 in the direction N in Figure 26, which is parallel to the direction of the central axis X3. The upper plate portion 381 of the third member 380 is aligned with the upper surface of the locking base 257 of the second member 250, and the one end 212 of the first member 310 is inserted through the opening on the opposite side of the end face 389. The third member 380 is then slid between the upper surface of the locking base 257 and the inner surface of the upper plate portion 381, between the winding protrusion 246 of the catheter winding portion 244 and the inner surface of the lower plate portion 383, and between the protrusions on the inner surface of the side plate portion 384 and both side surfaces of the catheter connector 300. The upper surface of locking base 257 and winding protrusion 246 act as guides for easily attaching third member 380. When winding protrusion 246 fits into fitting recess 382 and one end 212 of first member 310 slides to a position where it abuts against the inner surface of end face 389, attachment of third member 380 is complete.

[0118] A method for attaching the catheter 10 to the catheter connector 300 will be described with reference to Figure 31. First, the second member 250 is opened, the tip of the catheter 10 is inserted into the catheter insertion section 221 until it butts, and the second member 250 is closed. Next, the middle portion of the catheter 10 is fitted into one of the engagement grooves 222 at the lower end of the one end 212 on the lower surface 231. Then, the catheter 10 is passed through one groove 245, the winding protrusion 246, and the other groove 245, wrapped around the catheter winding section 244, and then fitted into the other engagement groove 222 and pulled out. Finally, the third member 380 is attached so as to cover a portion of the middle portion of the catheter 10, and the catheter 10 is attached. To remove the catheter 10 from the catheter connector 300, the above procedure is reversed.

[0119] As described above, the user can easily, with one touch, engage and disengage the first member 310 and the second member 250 and secure the catheter 10. By being able to perform operations with one touch, the catheter connector 300 reduces variations in how users use it and improves its ability to prevent kinking and dislodgment of the catheter, thereby improving usability.

[0120] <Fourth embodiment> The configuration of a catheter connector 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 32 to 35. The catheter connector 400 has a different overall shape from the catheter connectors 100, 200, and 300. Figure 32 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 400 with the catheter 10 attached, and Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the catheter connector 400 when the catheter 10 is being attached or detached. Figure 34 is a side view of the catheter connector 400 in an engaged state. Figure 35 is a front view of the catheter connector 400 of Figure 34.

[0121] As shown in Figure 32, the catheter connector 400 is formed in the longitudinal direction along the direction in which the catheter 10 is connected, and has a central axis X4. The catheter connector 400 includes a first member 410 and a second member 450. As shown in Figure 32, the tip of the catheter 10 is inserted into the catheter connector 400, and the catheter 10 is further held by being wrapped around the upper part of the catheter connector 400. The catheter connector 400 is integrally formed from resin.

[0122] Referring to Figure 33, the catheter connector 400 will be described in a state in which the catheter 10 can be inserted or withdrawn. The first member 410 and the second member 450 are connected at their ends, and the first engaging portion 434, the second engaging portion 417, and the locking portion 463 included in the engaging portion move relatively around the connected portion as the center of rotation. In Figure 33, the engagement direction in which the first engaging portion 434 and the second engaging portion 417 of the second member 450 approach the locking portion 463 of the first member 410 is the L direction, and the disengagement direction in which they move away from the locking portion 463 is the M direction. The catheter 10 is inserted or withdrawn in the state shown in Figure 33, i.e., in a state in which the second member 450 has rotated open relative to the first member 410. When the second member 450 is rotating relatively, the corresponding portion of the second member 450 does not press against the first member 410, and the catheter 10 inserted into the first member 410 does not receive a pressing force from the second member 450. Therefore, the catheter 10 can be easily inserted into and removed from the first member 410 when the second member 450 is open.

[0123] The configuration of the first member 410 will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34. The first member 410 is a member to which the catheter 10 and an infusion device (not shown) are connected. The first member 410 has one end 412, which is the end to which the catheter 10 is connected, the other end 414, which is the end opposite the one end 412 and to which the infusion device is connected, and an intermediate portion 413, which is provided between the one end 412 and the other end 414. A tubular member 420 is provided by insert molding on an upper surface 411 of the first member 410, which is the surface that contacts the second member 450. The central axis of the tubular member 420 is the central axis X4 of the catheter connector 400, and the tubular member 420 is provided from the one end 412 to the end of the intermediate portion 413 on the other end 414 side.

[0124] The tubular member 420 has a catheter insertion section 421 at the end on the one end 412 side of the tubular member 420, into which the tip of the catheter 10 is inserted. The catheter insertion section 421 is a generally conical hole formed with a large diameter at the entrance side and a gradually decreasing diameter toward the interior. The catheter insertion section 421 is provided with its center coinciding with the central axis X4 of the catheter connector 400. The catheter insertion section 421 is formed with a larger diameter at the entrance side than at the rear side, allowing the tip of the catheter 10 to be easily inserted.

[0125] The upper surface 411 side of the first member 410 will be described with reference to Figure 32. The end of the cylindrical member 420 on the one end 412 side is inserted into and fixed to the first annular portion 415, which is provided at the one end 412 and has a generally annular shape centered on the central axis X4. At the locations where a horizontal plane passing through the central axis X4 intersects with both sides of the outer circumferential surface of the first annular portion 415, both sides of the outer circumferential surface below the horizontal plane are milled in the thickness direction, thereby forming second engagement portions 417. The second engagement portions 417 are part of the flat surface that constitutes the horizontal plane. A second annular portion 416, which is generally annular and has a diameter slightly larger than that of the first annular portion 415 and is centered on the central axis X4, is provided on the other end 414 side of the second engagement portion 417 and is in contact with the second engagement portion 417.

[0126] A connecting base 418 is provided on the other end 414 side of the intermediate portion 413. The connecting base 418 is formed in a generally annular shape with its center on the central axis X4 and with substantially the same diameter as the second annular portion 416. The other end 414 side of the tubular member 420 is inserted into the connecting base 418 to fix the tubular member 420. Both ends of the tubular member 420 are fixed by the first annular portion 415, the second annular portion 416, and the connecting base 418, and the top surface of the tubular member 420 is exposed in the remaining portions.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 34 , a second member 450 is connected to the end of the intermediate portion 413 opposite the one end 412. The other end 414, to which an infusion device is connected, is connected to the intermediate portion 413. The other end 414 is the portion to which the infusion device is connected and has a threaded ridge 426 for connection to the infusion device. The threaded ridge 426 has a shape corresponding to the infusion device to be connected and may be formed as a female connector conforming to ISO 80369-6. An upstream device for epidural anesthesia, such as an anesthesia filter, is connected to the other end 414. Two threaded ridges 426 are provided circumferentially at equal intervals on the circumference adjacent to the end face of the other end 414. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 36 , the other end 414 has a connection hole 427 therein that is open on the end face side.

[0128] The underside 431 of the first member 410 will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34. The tip of the one end 412 is provided with an inclined surface 419. The inclined surface 419 is formed facing upward and forms an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, for example approximately 45 degrees, with respect to the central axis X4. A downward protrusion 432 protruding from the underside 431 of the one end 412 is provided on the underside 431 of the one end 412. The downward protrusion 432 is formed to gradually protrude from the underside 431 from the other end 414 side of the intermediate portion 413 of the underside 431 toward the one end 412 side. A downward protrusion plane 436, which is a flat surface, is formed on the underside of the downward protrusion 432.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 34 , the tip position of the downward protrusion 432 on the one end 412 side is located slightly closer to the other end 414 than the tip position of the one end 412 on the central axis X4. As a result, a first engagement portion 434 is formed on the underside of the tip of the one end 412. An inclined surface 435 is provided at the tip of the downward protrusion 432. The inclined surface 419 is formed upward and forms an angle of approximately 40 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, for example, approximately 50 degrees, with the central axis X4. As shown in FIG. 33 , the inclined surface 435 is provided with a forward protrusion 433 that protrudes forward. The forward protrusion 433 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped portion and is provided at the center of the inclined surface 435 in the width direction.

[0130] 36 , the configuration of the lower surface 431 of the first member 410 will be described. An injection hole 437 is provided near the approximate center of the lower surface 431. The injection hole 437 is formed through the first member 410 and is a hole for injecting material for the tubular member 420 to be formed by insert molding from the lower surface 431. Note that, in addition to a method in which the tubular member 420 is molded after the first member 410 has been molded and then the material is injected through the injection hole 437 to mold the tubular member 420, it is also possible to mold the tubular member 420 first and then insert mold the first member 410.

[0131] 32 and 33, the configuration of the second member 450 will be described. The second member 450 is a member that presses and holds the catheter 10 via the tubular member 420 while engaged with the first member 410, and also wraps around and holds the middle portion of the catheter 10.

[0132] One end of the second member 450 is integrally formed with and non-detachably connected to the first member 410, and the other end is detachably connected to the first member 410. The second member 450 has a connection portion 455 connected to the first member 410, an upper plate portion 458 connected to the connection portion 455, and a tip portion 459 connected to the upper plate portion 458.

[0133] The connecting portion 455 is a portion that connects to the connecting base 418 of the second member 450. The connecting portion 455 is formed in a curved plate shape. When the second member 450 engages with and disengages from the first member 410, an elastic force generated by the connecting portion 455 acts.

[0134] The upper plate portion 458 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape and is connected to the connecting portion 455. As shown in Figure 34, when the second member 450 is engaged with the first member 410, the upper plate portion 458 is configured to be substantially parallel to the central axis X4.

[0135] A pressing portion 452 is provided on the upper surface 451 of the upper plate portion 458, approximately in the center of the upper surface 451. The pressing portion 452 is formed as a slightly concave curved surface to make it easier to press the upper plate portion 458 with a finger. The pressing portion 452 is provided with a plurality of linear ridges 453 to prevent the finger from slipping. The ridges 453 are arranged perpendicular to the central axis X4. A first catheter holding portion 454 is provided on the end of the upper plate portion 458 on the connection portion 455 side. The first catheter holding portion 454 is a plate-shaped member and is provided so as to extend the upper surface 451 toward the other end 414.

[0136] An abutting portion 465 is provided on the lower side of the upper plate portion 458. The abutting portion 465 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and is formed in a trapezoid shape with the lower side shorter than the upper side in a side view. The abutting portion 465 has recesses 466 formed on both side surfaces. The lower surface 461 of the abutting portion 465 is provided with pressing portions 467 that protrude downward from the lower surface 461 in the direction of the central axis X4. The three pressing portions 467 are spaced apart from one another and arranged along the direction of the central axis X4. As shown in FIG. 33 , each pressing portion 467 has a pressing surface 468 that is recessed in an arc shape.

[0137] The shape of the pressing portion 467 may be a shape other than the above. For example, the pressing portions 467 may be formed in different shapes. Furthermore, any two or all three of the pressing portions provided may have the same shape. Furthermore, only one or only two of the pressing portions 467 may be provided. The pressing surface 468 of the pressing portion 467 may be formed as a flat surface. Furthermore, the pressing portion 467 may have two vertical surfaces and a horizontal surface formed between them, forming a space surrounded by flat surfaces on three sides and an open bottom side.

[0138] Referring to Figure 33, the configuration of the tip portion 459 will be described. The tip portion 459 is connected to one end 412 of the upper plate portion 458 and includes a portion that curves downward, from which it is bifurcated into a Y shape and has a pair of locking bases 462 extending downward. The locking bases 462 extend in the direction in which the second member 450 engages with the first member 410, and two locking bases 462 are formed parallel to each other. Each locking base 462 has a locking portion 463 at its tip. The locking portion 463 is formed by extending from a side surface of the other end 414 of each locking base 462 in the direction of the other end 414.

[0139] A gap 464 is formed between each locking base 462. The gap 464 is a space into which the forward protrusion 433 is inserted, and the distance between the two is formed slightly larger than the width dimension of the forward protrusion 433. When the second member 450 engages with the first member 410, the forward protrusion 433 is inserted into the gap 464, and the locking base 462 can hold the forward protrusion 433. When the second member 450 engages with or disengages from the first member 410, the forward protrusion 433 moves within the gap 464 while being guided by the two locking bases 462. The forward protrusion 433 is an engagement guide that guides the second member 450 so that it engages with the first member 410 at a specified position.

[0140] Each locking base 462 has a second catheter holding portion 456. The second catheter holding portion 456 is provided on the surface of one end 412 side of each locking base 462 via an attachment portion, parallel to each locking base 462 and with a certain gap therebetween. A protrusion 457 is provided at the tip of each second catheter holding portion 456, which prevents the catheter 10 inserted into the second catheter holding portion 456 from slipping out.

[0141] Referring to Figure 36, the flow of a medicinal solution or the like into the catheter 10 within the catheter connector 400 will be described. Figure 36 is a side cross-sectional view of the catheter connector 400 with the second member 450 engaged with the first member 410. An infusion device for injecting a medicinal solution or the like is connected to a connecting hole 427 formed in the other end 414. A communication hole 429, which communicates with the connecting hole 427 and has a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the catheter 10, is provided on the one end 412 side of the connection hole 427. The catheter 10 inserted through the catheter insertion section 421 is inserted with its central axis aligned with the communication hole 429 until it hits the surface of the wall portion on the one end 412 side where the communication hole 429 is formed. In the embodiment shown in Figure 36, the position of the end face of the catheter 10 on the other end 414 side and the position of the end face of the tubular member 420 are the same in the direction of the central axis X4. When the second member 450 is engaged with the first member 410, each pressing portion 467 presses against the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 420. Therefore, there is almost no gap between the inner surface of the catheter insertion portion 428 inside the catheter 10 and the outer surface of the catheter 10, and medicinal liquids and the like that flow into the connection hole 127 are injected into the catheter 10 without leaking out. The position of the end face of the tubular member 420 on the other end 414 side in the direction of the central axis X4 may be closer to the one end 412 than the position of the end face of the catheter 10, and the tip of the catheter 10 on the other end 414 side may protrude from the tubular member 420. With this configuration, the catheter 10 can be viewed through the first member 410, which is made of a transparent or colored translucent material, and the position of the tip of the catheter 10 can be confirmed. Furthermore, the above configuration is expected to improve moldability.

[0142] A method of attaching the catheter 10 to the catheter connector 400 will be described with reference to Figure 32. First, the second member 450 is disengaged, and the distal end of the catheter 10 is inserted into the catheter insertion section 421 until it butts, thereby engaging the second member 450 with the first member 410. Next, the middle portion of the catheter 10 is hooked onto one of the locking bases 462. Thereafter, the catheter 10 is wrapped around the second member 450 and hooked onto the first catheter holding section 454 and either of the other locking bases 462. The catheter 10 is then fixed with tape. In this manner, the catheter 10 is fixed to the catheter connector 400. To remove the catheter 10, the above procedure is reversed.

[0143] A method for permanently securing and a method for temporarily securing the catheter connector 400 will be described with reference to Figures 34 and 38. The catheter connector 400 has a permanently secured position where the second member 450, which engages with the first member 410, is engaged with the first member 410. The permanently secured position is used for proper administration of a drug or the like, and the temporary secured position is used for temporarily securing the catheter 10. Figure 34 shows the permanently secured state, and Figure 38 shows the temporary secured state. In both the permanently secured state and the temporary secured state, the push portion 452 is pressed with a finger in the L direction in Figure 33, i.e., downward, from the disengaged state shown in Figure 33, to engage the locking portion 463 of the first member 410 with the second member 450.

[0144] To fully secure the catheter connector 400, the pushing portion 452 is pressed with a finger in the direction L in Fig. 33, and as shown in Fig. 34, the locking portion 463 of the second member 450 moves over the inclined surface 419 and reaches the first engaging portion 434, where it is caught by the first engaging portion 434. In this fully secured state, the catheter connector 400 reliably maintains the engaged state and holds the catheter 10. To release the engagement, the catheter connector 400 is held in one hand and the tip portion 459 in the other, and the locking portion 463 is released by slightly pulling it forward along the central axis X4.

[0145] Next, when temporarily fixing the catheter connector 400, as shown in Figure 38, the pressing portion 452 is pressed with a finger until the locking portions 463 of the first member 410 climb over the inclined surface 419 and reach the second engaging portions 417, thereby hooking them onto the second engaging portions 417. In the temporarily fixed state, each locking portion 463 is hooked onto the second engaging portions 417 provided on the side surfaces of the first annular portion 415. Because each locking portion 463 is respectively engaged with the second engaging portions 417 on both sides of the first annular portion 415, the second member 450 is prevented from being unintentionally detached by the user.

[0146] The disengagement method is the same as when the catheter 10 is fully secured. While holding the catheter 10, the locking base 462 can be lifted upward to disengage the second member 450 from the first member 410. As shown in FIG. 38 , in the provisionally secured state, the engagement between the first member 410 and the second member 450 is shallower and the engagement force is weaker than in the fully secured state. Therefore, for example, during a test dose, the provisionally secured state makes it easier to disengage the catheter connector 400 than in the fully secured state. In both the fully secured and provisionally secured states, the locking portion 463 of the catheter connector 400 can be disengaged and relatively movable in the engagement direction L, which is a direction toward and away from the engaging portions 463, 417, and in the disengagement direction M, which is a direction away from and releasably engaged with the engaging portions 463, 417.

[0147] As described above, the user can easily, with one touch, engage and disengage the first member 410 and the second member 450 and secure the catheter 10. By being able to perform operations with one touch, the catheter connector 400 reduces variations in how users use it and improves its ability to prevent kinking and dislodgment of the catheter, thereby improving usability.

[0148] The present invention provides a catheter connector that can easily and quickly connect a catheter and can reliably maintain the connected state of the catheter.

[0149] 10 Catheter, 100, 200, 300, 400 Catheter connector, 102, 103, 202, 203 Operation feeling generating unit, 110, 210, 310, 410 First member, 120, 220, 420 Cylindrical member, 123, 241, 417, 434 Engagement portion, 150, 250, 450 Second member, 152, 252, 455 Connection portion, 155, 258, 463 Locking portion, 132, 156, 238, 239, 254 Guide portion, 162, 164, 166, 467 Pressing portion, 180, 280, 380 Third member, 154, 234, 244, 454, 456 Catheter holding portion, 246 Winding protrusion (guide portion), 433 forward protrusion (engagement guide portion), 462 locking base portion.

Claims

1. a first member having an engagement portion and a tubular member into which a catheter can be inserted; A catheter connector including a second member having a connecting portion, a locking portion, and a pressing portion, the connecting portion being connected to the first member, the locking portion can be relatively movable and disengageable in an engagement direction, which is a direction in which the locking portion approaches the engaging portion, and in a disengagement direction, which is a direction in which the locking portion moves away from the engaging portion; When the engaging portion and the locking portion are engaged with each other, the pressing portion can press the catheter inserted into the tubular member via the tubular member, A catheter connector comprising a third member that prevents relative movement between the first member and the second member, and the third member can be attached by moving relative to the first member and the second member, which are in an engaged state, in the central axial direction of the catheter connector.

2. (delete)

3. 2. The catheter connector according to claim 1, wherein the catheter connector has a guide portion that guides the third member in the central axis direction of the catheter connector when the third member is attached.

4. 4. The catheter connector according to claim 3, wherein indicators showing the correct relative insertion positions of the first and second members and the third member are provided on at least one of the first and second members and the third member.

5. At least one of the first member and the second member has a catheter holding portion that holds an intermediate portion of a catheter, The catheter connector according to claim 1 , wherein the third member has a shape that covers at least a part of the catheter when attached to the catheter connector.

6. The catheter connector is a catheter connector as described in any one of claims 1, 3, 4 and 5, which is an opposing surface between the first member and the second member, and has an operation feeling generating portion on each of the opposing surfaces perpendicular to the rotation axis, which comes into contact with each other at a predetermined rotation angle position in the engagement direction and disengagement direction of the engaging portion and the locking portion.

7. the second member has two locking bases that extend in a direction of engagement with the first member, are formed parallel to each other, and have the locking portions; 6. A catheter connector according to claim 1, wherein the first member has an engagement guide portion that is inserted between the two locking base portions when engaged with the second member.

8. A catheter connector as described in any one of claims 1, 3, 4 and 5, wherein the engagement positions between the engagement portion and the locking portion include a permanently fixed position and a temporary fixed position located on the disengagement direction side of the permanently fixed position.