Operation lever, syringe connector, and connection instrument

Abstract

An operation lever (160) is disposed in a hole (131) formed in an outer shell body (110) of a syringe connector (100), and engages with an engaged part (78) of a container connector (20) to be inserted into the syringe connector (100). The operation lever (160) comprises: a pair of support columns (163a) that have one end integrally formed with the outer shell body (110) and are arranged in one direction; a claw width (161a) including a first width part (161a1) inclined outward of the outer shell body (110) with respect to one direction, and a second width part (161a2) integrally formed with the first width part (161a1) and extending along the one direction; an operation head (161b) integrally formed on the outer side of the outer shell body (110) at an end part of the first width part (161a1); a lock claw (162) that is integrally formed on the inner side of the outer shell body (110) at an end part of the (second width part 161a2) and that engages with the engaged part (78); a pair of support parts (163b) integrally formed with the pair of support columns (163a) and the claw width (161a); and a pair of hinges (163c) integrally formed with the outer shell body (110) and on a side surface facing the outer shell body (110) on the other end side of the pair of support columns (163a).

Description

Operating lever, syringe connector and connector

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating lever, a syringe connector, and a connector device in which two members are connected to lock an engaging portion of one member and an engaged portion of the other member in an engaged state.

[0002] Connectors that connect a container and an instrument have been known for some time, in order to collect a medicinal liquid from a container such as a vial using a syringe, or to mix the medicinal liquid in the syringe with the medicinal liquid in the container to prepare a medicine. Here, the medicinal liquid includes not only liquid medicine, but also medicines such as powders or tablets dissolved in a liquid such as physiological saline. Such connectors include a container connector that is fixed to the mouth of the container, and an instrument connector that has an opening at one end and to which the container connector is connected by inserting the container connector through this opening, and to which the instrument is fixed.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, International Publication No. 2018 / 186361 discloses a connecting device that maintains the connection between the appliance connecting device and the container connecting device by engaging an engaging portion provided on the peripheral wall of the appliance connecting device with an engaged portion provided on the outer circumferential surface of the container connecting device.

[0004] However, in the case of the above-mentioned engaging portion, in which a fixed portion serving as the center of rotation is disposed between the engaging portion and the pressing portion, there is a risk that the engaging portion of the appliance connector and the engaged portion of the container connector will be disengaged when an attempt is made to pull the container connector from the appliance connector. Therefore, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7322139, a locking mechanism is known in which the engaging portion and the engaged portion are locked to prevent disengagement of the engaging portion and the engaged portion even when a pulling operation is applied, and the lock can be released by pressing a lever.

[0005] International Publication No. 2018 / 186361 Japanese Patent No. 7322139

[0006] For example, the locking mechanism of Japanese Patent No. 7322139 is configured so that, as a correct operation, the lever is pushed to release the lock, and then, while releasing the lever, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are pulled in a direction that separates them. However, if the lever is pulled while being pushed down, as in the case of incorrect use, the lever is unlocked, but other components may remain engaged, and the locking pawl may be damaged. If the locking pawl is damaged, the device cannot be used thereafter.

[0007] Although the connecting device is disposable, it is used to adjust and administer medicinal solutions and drugs, and if the connecting device is damaged during operation or use, there is a risk that it will no longer be usable.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an operating lever, a syringe connector, and a connector that can prevent erroneous operation.

[0009] The operating lever of the present invention is an operating lever that is placed in a hole formed in the outer body of a syringe connector and engages with the engaged portion of a container connector inserted into the syringe connector, and is equipped with: a pair of support pillars aligned in a direction perpendicular to one direction, one end of which is formed integrally with the outer body; a claw width including a first width portion that inclines toward the outside of the outer body with respect to the one direction and a second width portion that is formed integrally with the first width portion and follows the one direction; an operating head formed integrally with the end of the first width portion on the outer side of the outer body; a locking claw that engages with the engaged portion and is formed integrally with the end of the second width portion on the inner side of the outer body; a pair of support portions formed integrally with the pair of support pillars and the claw width; and a pair of hinges formed integrally with the side of the outer body and the other end of the pair of support pillars that faces the outer body.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operating lever, a syringe connector, and a connector that can prevent erroneous operation.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connector. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the connector with a portion cut away. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a container connector used in the connector. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the container connector. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the container connector. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the container connector. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a container fixing part main body used in the container connector. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of the container fixing part main body. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, with some parts omitted, showing the state in which the container fixing part main body of the container connector is fixed to a container. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a needle member used in the container connector. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of the needle member. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the configuration of the needle member. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a seal cap used in the container connector. FIG. 15 is a side view showing the configuration of the seal cap. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the configuration of the seal cap. Fig. 17 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the seal cap. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the seal cap taken along line F18-F18 in Fig. 16. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the seal cap taken along line F19-F19 in Fig. 15. Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a container seal used in the container connector. Fig. 21 is a side view showing the configuration of the container seal. Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a syringe connector used in the connecting device. Fig. 23 is a side view showing the configuration of the syringe connector. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the syringe connector. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing the configuration of one outer shell component used in the syringe connector. Fig. 26 is a side view showing the configuration of the outer shell component. Fig. 27 is a side view showing the configuration of the other outer shell component used in the syringe connector. Fig. 28 is a side view showing the configuration of the outer shell component. Fig. 29 is a side view showing the configuration of an operating lever provided on the outer shell constituent member. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operating lever. Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a needle holder used in the syringe connector. Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an inner sleeve used in the connector.Fig. 33 is a side view showing the configuration of the inner sleeve. Fig. 34 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the inner sleeve. Fig. 35 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a head sleeve used in the syringe connector. Fig. 36 is a side view showing the configuration of the head sleeve. Fig. 37 is a side view showing the configuration of the head sleeve. Fig. 38 is a plan view showing the configuration of the head sleeve. Fig. 39 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the head sleeve. Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the head sleeve. Fig. 41 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a stopper sleeve used in the connector. Fig. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the stopper sleeve. Fig. 43 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the stopper sleeve. Fig. 44 is a flow chart showing an example of connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. Fig. 45 is a flow chart showing an example of connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. Fig. 46 is a flow chart showing an example of separation between the container connector and the syringe connector. Fig. 47 is a flow chart showing an example of separation between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 48 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 52 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connection between the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 55 is a flow chart illustrating an example of separation of the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 56 is a flow chart illustrating an example of separation of the container connector and the syringe connector. FIG. 57 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a container connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the container connector. Figure 59 is a side view showing the configuration of an operating lever used in an outer shell component of a syringe connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 60 is a side view showing the configuration of an operating lever used in an outer shell component of a syringe connector according to another embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 61 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an operating lever used in an outer shell component of a syringe connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 62 is a side view showing the configuration of an operating lever used in an outer shell component of a syringe connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 63 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the same operating lever. Fig. 64 is a side view showing the configuration of an operating lever used in an outer shell component of a syringe connector according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 65 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the same operating lever.

[0012] A connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 56. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the connector 10, with a portion cut away. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connector 10. Figure 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the connector 10, with a portion cut away. Figure 3 shows a state in which the outer shell body 111 has been rotated 90 degrees around the axis of the outer shell body 111, with respect to Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a container connector 20 used in the connector 10. Figure 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the container connector 20.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the container connector 20. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the container connector 20. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the container fastening part main body 40 used in the container connector 20. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of the container fastening part main body 40. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the container fastening part main body 40 of the container connector 20 is fastened to the container 1.

[0014] Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a needle member 60 used in the container connector 20. Fig. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of the needle member 60. Fig. 13 is a side view showing the configuration of the needle member 60. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a seal cap 70 used in the container connector 20. Fig. 15 is a side view showing the configuration of the seal cap 70. Fig. 16 is a side view showing the configuration of the seal cap 70 rotated 90 degrees around the axis relative to the seal cap 70 shown in Fig. 15.

[0015] Fig. 17 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the seal cap 70. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the seal cap 70 taken along line F18-F18 shown in Fig. 16. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the seal cap 70 taken along line F19-F19 shown in Fig. 15. Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a container seal 90 used in the container connector 20. Fig. 21 is a side view showing the configuration of the container seal 90.

[0016] Fig. 22 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a syringe connector 100 used in the connector 10. Fig. 23 is a side view showing the configuration of the syringe connector 100. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the syringe connector 100. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing the configuration of one outer shell component 132 used in the syringe connector 100. Fig. 26 is a side view showing the configuration of the outer shell component 132.

[0017] Fig. 27 is a side view showing the configuration of the other outer shell component 132 used in the syringe connector 100. Fig. 28 is a side view showing the configuration of the outer shell component 132 and indicating with arrows the flow of resin during molding, Fig. 29 is a side view showing the configuration of the operating levers 160 formed on each of the one and the other outer shell component members 132, and Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the operating levers 160. Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the needle holder 122 used in the syringe connector 100. Fig. 32 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the inner sleeve 140 used in the syringe connector 100. Fig. 33 is a side view showing the configuration of the inner sleeve 140. Fig. 34 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the inner sleeve 140.

[0018] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a head sleeve 180 used in the syringe connector 100. FIG. 36 is a side view showing the configuration of the head sleeve 180. FIG. 37 is a side view showing the configuration of the head sleeve 180. FIG. 38 is a plan view showing the configuration of the head sleeve 180. FIG. 39 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the head sleeve 180. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the head sleeve 180. FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a stopper sleeve 230 used in the connector 10. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the stopper sleeve 230, illustrating a state in which each of the two first arm portions 231 of the stopper sleeve 230 has been cut at a different cutting position. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the stopper sleeve, illustrating a state rotated 90 degrees around the axis with respect to the stopper sleeve 230 shown in FIG. 42. Note that FIG. 43 illustrates a state in which each of the two second arm portions 232 of the stopper sleeve 230 has been cut at a different cutting position.

[0019] Figures 44 and 45 are flow charts showing an example of connection between the container connector 20 and the syringe connector 100, particularly an example of engagement between the seal cap 70 and the operating lever 160. Figures 46 and 47 are flow charts showing an example of separation between the container connector 20 and the syringe connector 100, particularly an example of disengagement between the seal cap 70 and the operating lever 160. Note that in Figures 44 to 46, the configuration of the container connector 20 and the syringe connector 100 is partially omitted. Figures 48 to 54 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of connection between the container connector 20 and the syringe connector 100, particularly an example of engagement between the seal cap 70 and the stopper sleeve 230. Figures 55 and 56 are flow charts showing another example of separation between the container connector 20 and the syringe connector 100, particularly an example of disengagement between the seal cap 70 and the operating lever 160.

[0020] 1 to 3 and 10, the connector 10 comprises a container connector 20 that is fixed to a container 1 that contains a medicinal liquid, and a syringe connector 100 that is formed so as to be fixable to a barrel 8 of a syringe 7 and to which the container connector 20 is detachably connected. Here, the container 1 is, for example, a vial or an IV bag, and comprises, for example, a body 2 that is filled with the medicinal liquid, a neck 4 formed at the end of the body 2, and a plug 6 that seals the opening of the neck 4, as shown in FIG.

[0021] The stopper 6 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer and is flexible. The stopper 6 is also formed so that it can liquid-tightly and airtightly close a hole formed by inserting a needle portion 62 of a needle member 60 (described later) of the container connector 20 after the needle portion 62 of the needle member 60 moves by using its restoring force.

[0022] Note that various types of containers can be used as the container 1 as long as they have a stopper 6 and are capable of containing a medicinal solution. In this embodiment, however, an example will be described in which the container 1 is a vial as shown in Fig. 10. The container 1, which is a vial, is formed in a bottomed tubular shape capable of containing a medicinal solution. The container 1 includes, for example, a cylindrical body 2, a bottom wall 3 formed at the bottom end of the body 2 and closing the body 2, a cylindrical neck 4 formed at the upper end of the body 2 and having a smaller diameter than the body 2, a flange 5 formed on the upper edge of the neck 4, and a stopper 6 fixed within the opening of the neck 4 and sealing the opening of the neck 4.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the connection device 10 has a liquid flow path L1 that communicates with the container 1 and the syringe 7, and this liquid flow path L1 enables the syringe 7 to collect the medicinal liquid from the container 1. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the connection device 10 has a gas flow path L2 that communicates with the container 1 and the inside of an air bag 152 (described later), and this gas flow path L2 makes it possible to maintain a constant pressure inside the container 1. The up and down direction of the connection device 10 is set based on a state in which the container 1 is placed below and the syringe 7 is placed above.

[0024] 4 to 7 , the container connector 20 includes a container fastening part 30 formed so as to be fastenable to the container 1, a seal cap 70 fastened to the container fastening part 30, and a container seal 90 provided on the seal cap 70. The container connector 20, for example, configures a seal cap assembly in which the seal cap 70 and the container seal 90 are connected to a syringe connector 100, and the container fastening part 30 is set appropriately depending on the type of container 1, but the same configuration is used for the seal cap assembly regardless of the container 1.

[0025] 2 and 7, the container fixing part 30 has a liquid flow path component L3 that constitutes a part of the liquid flow path L1 and a gas flow path component L4 that constitutes a part of the gas flow path L2. The liquid flow path component L3 and the gas flow path component L4 are container-side flow path components. Furthermore, the portions of the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2 excluding the liquid flow path component L3 and the gas flow path component L4 are syringe-side flow path components. As shown in FIG. 7, the container fixing part 30 specifically has a container fixing part main body 40 that is formed so as to be fixable to the container 1, and a needle member 60 that is fixed to the container fixing part main body 40 and has the flow path components L3 and L4 therein.

[0026] The container fixing part main body 40 is configured to be fixable to the container 1 with the needle member 60 inserted into the stopper 6 at the mouth of the container 1. As shown in Figures 7 to 9, the container fixing part main body 40 specifically includes a base 41 to which the needle member 60 is fixed, two arms 42 provided on the base 41, and two engagement parts 43 provided on each of the two arms 42 and each capable of engaging with the neck part 4 of the container 1.

[0027] 8 and 9, the base 41 is configured in a plate shape having a hole 44 in the center in which the needle member 60 is disposed. As shown in Fig. 9, the hole 44 has an arc portion 45 configured in an arc shape and a rectangular portion 46 configured in a rectangular shape.

[0028] 8 and 9, the base 41 is formed with an engagement claw 47 that engages with the needle member 60 inserted into the hole 44. The engagement claw 47 is arranged on the upper surface of the base 41, for example, near the hole 44. For example, multiple engagement claws 47, two in a specific example, are formed. The two engagement claws 47 are arranged opposite each other with the hole 44 in between.

[0029] 8, the engaging claw 47 has a base 48 configured as a long plate extending upward from the upper surface of the base 41, and a claw portion 49 formed at the upper end of the base 48. The surface of the claw portion 49 opposite to the surface facing the other engaging claw 47 is configured as an inclined surface whose lower end is positioned radially outward from the hole 44.

[0030] 8 and 9, the two arms 42 are integrally formed with the base 41. The two arms 42 are arranged at symmetrical positions on the base 41. A portion of each arm 42 is located higher than one end of the arm 42 on the base 41 side. As shown in FIG. 8, the arm 42 specifically has a first arm 50, a folded-back portion 51, and a second arm 52.

[0031] The first arm 50 is formed in the shape of a plate that is continuous with the base 41 and extends upward. The folded-back portion 51 is continuous with the first arm 50 and is configured in a shape that is folded back downward relative to the first arm 50. The second arm 52 is formed continuous with the folded-back portion 51. The second arm 52 extends, for example, downward beyond the base 41, and its tip is bent toward the opposing second arm 52. An engagement portion 43 is provided at the tip of the second arm 52.

[0032] The two arms 42 configured in this manner move the engaging portions 43 in directions in which they approach and move away from each other as the first arm 50, the folded portion 51, and the second arm 52 elastically deform.

[0033] 3 to 5 and 8, the engaging portions 43 are inclined so as to move away from the opposing engaging portion 43 in a direction away from the base portion 41. Also, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 8, the engaging portions 43 are curved so that the central sides protrude outward more than the end sides in the width direction (circumferential direction around the up-down direction), which is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. Also, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 8, the engaging portions 43 are formed in a curved shape that is convex on the side away from the other engaging portion 43.

[0034] The circumferential length of the lower end of the engaging portion 43 is set to be longer than the circumferential length of the upper end of the engaging portion 43. Furthermore, the circumferential length of the lower end of the engaging portion 43 is set to be longer than the vertical length of the engaging portion 43 from the upper end to the lower end of the engaging portion 43. Here, the circumferential length of the engaging portion 43 refers to the length of the engaging portion 43 in the circumferential direction around the vertical direction.

[0035] The upper end of the engaging portion 43 forms a contact portion 53 that contacts the neck portion 4 of the container 1. The inner surface of the engaging portion 43, i.e., the surface facing the mating engaging portion 43 of the engaging portion 43, contacts the flange 5 of the container 1 and forms a guide surface 54 that guides the neck portion 4 to the contact portion 53.

[0036] The contact portions 53 are formed in a shape that contacts the neck 4 of the container 1 at two points. In other words, the pair of contact portions 53 contact the neck 4 at four points. Furthermore, the guide surface 54 of the engagement portion 43 is formed in a shape that contacts the flange 5 at two points in the process of guiding the neck 4 to the contact portions 53.

[0037] The guide surface 54 is inclined in the vertical direction so that the lower end of the guide surface 54 is located at a position farther away than the upper end of the guide surface 54 in the vertical direction.

[0038] 4 to 9, the guide surface 54 is formed as a curved surface that is convex on the side away from the other engaging portion 43. The circumferential length of the lower end of the guide surface 54 is set to be longer than the circumferential length of the upper end of the guide surface 54. The circumferential length of the lower end of the guide surface 54 is set to be longer than the vertical length of the guide surface 54 from the upper end to the lower end.

[0039] The guide surface 54 configured in this manner is, for example, configured as a curved surface that is symmetrical on both sides of the circumferential center, so that when the container connector 20 is fixed to the container 1, the flange 5 of the container 1 can come into contact with the surface at two points.

[0040] Such guide surface 54 is set in a shape that can prevent the flange 5 from abutting against the body 2 when it is abutted and guided to the abutment portion 53, even for containers 1 with the largest outer diameter of the body 2 among multiple containers 1 with different outer diameters that are intended for use.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 to 13 , the needle member 60 has a needle member base 61 that constitutes one end of the needle member 60 , and a needle portion 62 that constitutes the other end of the needle member 60 .

[0042] The needle member base 61 constitutes the upper portion of the base 41. The needle member base 61 is configured in a columnar shape. A flange 63 is formed on the edge of the upper end of the needle member base 61. In addition, an annular extension portion 64 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the needle member base 61, extending in a direction away from the axis of the needle member base 61. In a specific example, three extension portions 64 are formed. A column portion 65 is formed between the flange 63 and the extension portion 64 facing the flange 63, connecting them. A column portion 65 is formed between two opposing extension portions 64, connecting them.

[0043] Furthermore, a rotation stopper 66 is provided at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the needle member base 61, and is placed in the rectangular portion 46 of the hole 44. The cross section of the rotation stopper 66 that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the needle member base 61 is configured to have a shape that is the same as or smaller than the rectangular portion 46, for example.

[0044] 7, a contact portion 67 that contacts the edge of the hole 44 from above is formed at the lower end of the outer circumferential surface of the needle member base 61. The contact portion 67 is configured, for example, as a protrusion that protrudes from a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the needle member base 61. The contact portion 67 contacts the edge of the hole 44 from above, thereby holding the needle member 60 in the hole 44.

[0045] The needle portion 62 is disposed below the base portion 41. The tip of the needle portion 62 is configured to be sharp.

[0046] The needle member 60 configured in this manner has therein a liquid flow path forming portion L3 that forms part of the liquid flow path L1, and a gas flow path forming portion L4 that forms part of the gas flow path L2.

[0047] The liquid flow path forming portion L3 is a hole that extends in the axial direction of the needle member 60 from the upper end surface of the needle member base portion 61 to the lower end side of the needle portion 62. The lower end of the liquid flow path forming portion L3 opens to the surface of the needle portion 62. The portion of the liquid flow path forming portion L3 that forms the needle member base portion 61 is configured to have a larger flow path area perpendicular to the axial direction of the needle member 60 than the portion that forms the needle portion 62.

[0048] The gas flow path constituent portion L4 is a hole that extends in the axial direction of the needle member 60 from the upper end surface of the needle member base portion 61 to the lower end side of the needle portion 62. The lower end of the gas flow path constituent portion L4 opens to the surface of the needle portion 62. The portion of the gas flow path constituent portion L4 that constitutes the needle member base portion 61 is configured to have a larger flow path area perpendicular to the axial direction of the needle member 60 than the portion that constitutes the needle portion 62.

[0049] The lower end opening of the liquid flow path constituent part L3 is located higher than the lower end opening of the gas flow path constituent part L4. This is to enable the medicinal liquid accumulated on the neck side of the container 1 to be guided to the liquid flow path constituent part L3 when the connector 10, container 1, and syringe 7 are tilted so that the container 1 is positioned above the connector 10.

[0050] 14 to 19, the seal cap 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape to house the needle member base 61 and the container seal 90 inside. The seal cap 70 is configured to be unlockable from the outer shell 110 (described later) of the syringe connector 100 and the stopper sleeve 230, and to be lockable with the stopper sleeve 230. The seal cap 70 is configured in a cylindrical shape to fit the needle member base 61.

[0051] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the seal cap 70 specifically has a cylindrical large diameter portion 71 for the seal cap, a medium diameter portion 72 for the seal cap formed on the large diameter portion 71 for the seal cap, and a small diameter portion 73 for the seal cap formed on the medium diameter portion 72 for the seal cap.

[0052] A plurality of grooves extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter seal cap portion 71. The medium-diameter seal cap portion 72 is configured to have a smaller diameter than the large-diameter seal cap portion 71. The medium-diameter seal cap portion 72 is configured so that when the container connector 20 is inserted into the syringe connector 100 and reaches a predetermined position within the syringe connector 100, it abuts against a stopper sleeve 230 (described below) of the syringe connector 100, thereby unlocking the stopper sleeve 230 and the outer shell 110. Specifically, the upper end 72a of the outer peripheral surface of the medium-diameter seal cap portion 72 is configured as a conical surface whose diameter gradually decreases upward.

[0053] In addition, the medium diameter portion 72 for the seal cap has a locking recess 77 formed therein into which the stopper sleeve 230 engages when the container connector 20 is inserted into the syringe connector 100 and reaches a predetermined position within the syringe connector 100.

[0054] The locking recess 77 is a recess formed in a range from the lower end of a part of the circumferential direction to the middle part in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72. The upper surface of the locking recess 77 is configured as an engaged surface with which the stopper sleeve 230 can engage.

[0055] Additionally, an engaged portion 78 is formed in the seal cap medium diameter portion 72, with which an operating lever 160 (described later) of the syringe connector 100 can engage. Specifically, the engaged portion 78 is formed in a part of an upper end portion 72a formed on a conical surface of the outer circumferential surface of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72. The engaged portion 78 is a protrusion formed in a part of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72 that protrudes radially outward. A lower surface 79 of the engaged portion 78 is configured, for example, as a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the seal cap 70. An upper surface 162a of a locking claw 162 (described later) of the operating lever 160 engages with the lower surface 79 of the engaged portion 78.

[0056] In addition, a first guide protrusion 75 is formed on the outer surface of the large diameter portion 71 for the seal cap and the outer surface of the medium diameter portion 72 for the seal cap, which guides the axial movement of the outer body main body 111 of the container connector 20 within the outer body main body 111 of the syringe connector 100.

[0057] The first guide protrusion 75 is configured as a protrusion that protrudes radially outward. The first guide protrusion 75 is formed so as to be able to be housed in a first guide groove 126 formed in the outer shell main body 111. For example, a plurality of first guide protrusions 75 may be formed. For example, one first guide protrusion 75 may be formed.

[0058] The seal cap small diameter portion 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than the upper end of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72. The seal cap small diameter portion 73 is configured in a cylindrical shape that fits movably within a head sleeve 180 (described later) of the syringe connector 100.

[0059] 18 and 19, the edge 73b of the opening 73a at the upper end of the small diameter portion 73 for the seal cap is configured as an annular shape extending radially inward. The opening 73a is formed in a circular shape. The small diameter portion 73 for the seal cap has a length in the axial direction that allows a portion of the container seal 90 to be positioned between the lower surface 73c of the edge 73b and the upper end of the needle member base 61.

[0060] 18 and 19 , the inner peripheral surface 76 of the seal cap 70 configured in this manner has a groove 81 formed therein in which the engaging claw 47 of the container fixing part main body 40 is disposed. The groove 81 extends in the axial direction and has an engaged surface 82 at its end with which the claw portion 49 of the engaging claw 47 engages. The engaged surface 82 is configured, for example, as a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The engaging claw 47 of the container fixing part main body 40 is accommodated in the groove 81, and the claw portion 49 engages with the engaged surface 82 in the axial direction, thereby fixing the seal cap 70 and the container fixing part main body 40 together.

[0061] A portion of the container seal 90 is housed within the seal cap 70, and another portion of the container seal 90 is disposed outside the seal cap 70 through an opening 73a at the upper end of the seal cap 70. The container seal 90 is configured to be able to seal the opening 73a of the seal cap 70. The container seal 90 is also configured to be able to seal each of the openings of the liquid flow path constituent portion L3 and the gas flow path constituent portion L4 of the needle member 60.

[0062] The container seal 90 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer and is flexible, and is configured so that it can liquid-tightly and air-tightly seal holes formed by the insertion of the liquid needle 170 and gas needle 175 (described later) of the syringe connector 100 by means of a restoring force after the liquid needle 170 and gas needle 175 have moved.

[0063] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the container seal 90 specifically has a large diameter seal portion 93 that is arranged inside the seal cap 70, a small diameter seal portion 94 that is formed on the upper surface of the large diameter seal portion 93 and is arranged inside the opening 73a, a first fitting portion 96 that is formed on the lower surface of the large diameter seal portion 93 and is arranged in the opening of the liquid flow path component L3, and a second fitting portion 97 that is formed on the lower surface of the large diameter seal portion 93 and is arranged in the opening of the gas flow path component L4.

[0064] The large-diameter seal portion 93 is formed to be able to form a seal with the inner circumferential surface 76 of the seal cap 70. Specifically, the large-diameter seal portion 93 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the seal cap 70, and is configured in a cylindrical shape that is longer in the axial direction than the distance from the upper end of the needle member 60 to the edge portion 73b of the small-diameter seal cap portion 73.

[0065] The small-diameter seal portion 94 is configured to be able to seal the opening 73 a. Specifically, the small-diameter seal portion 94 has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the opening 73 a, and is configured in a cylindrical shape with a portion of its axial direction protruding above the upper surface of the small-diameter seal cap portion 73.

[0066] The portion of the small diameter seal portion 94 that protrudes outward from the upper surface of the small diameter seal portion 73 for seal cap is a crushing allowance that abuts against and crushes the needle seal 200 (described later), thereby forming a seal between the needle seal 200. This crushing allowance is set to an amount that allows sealing between the upper surface of the small diameter seal portion 94 and the needle seal 200. An upper end surface 95 of the small diameter seal portion 94 is configured as a plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the small diameter seal portion 94.

[0067] The first fitting portion 96 is formed to be able to seal the opening of the liquid flow path constituent portion L3. Specifically, the first fitting portion 96 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the liquid flow path constituent portion L3.

[0068] The second fitting portion 97 is configured to be able to seal the opening of the gas flow path configuration portion L4. Specifically, the second fitting portion 97 is configured in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the gas flow path configuration portion L4.

[0069] Next, the syringe connector 100 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and 22 to 24, the syringe connector 100 comprises an outer shell 110, an air bag 152 housed within the outer shell 110, a liquid needle 170 constituting part of the liquid flow path L1, a gas needle 175 constituting part of the gas flow path L2, a cylindrical head sleeve 180 movably housed within the outer shell 110, a needle seal 200 fixed to the head sleeve 180, a stopper sleeve 230 configured to selectively fix the head sleeve 180 to the outer shell 110 and to selectively fix the head sleeve 180 and the container connector 20, and a biasing member 250 that biases the head sleeve 180 in a direction extending from the outer shell main body 111.

[0070] As shown in Figures 22 to 24, the outer casing 110 has an outer casing main body 111, an air bag storage section 150 that stores an air bag 152, and an operating lever 160 that releasably locks the outer casing main body 111 to the container connector 20.

[0071] The outer shell main body 111 is configured in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. Specifically, the outer shell main body 111 has a ceiling wall portion 114, a syringe fixing portion 115 formed on the ceiling wall portion 114 and capable of fixing the barrel 8 of the syringe 7, a liquid needle fixing portion 116 formed on the ceiling wall portion 114 and capable of fixing the liquid needle 170, a cylindrical body portion 117 formed on the periphery of the ceiling wall portion 114, and an inner sleeve 140 fixed inside the outer shell main body 111.

[0072] 22 and 24 , the ceiling wall portion 114 is formed, for example, in a disk shape. The syringe fixing portion 115 is formed on the upper surface of the ceiling wall portion 114 and is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes upward relative to other parts of the upper surface. The syringe fixing portion 115 is formed so as to be able to fit into the tip end of the barrel 8. Specifically, the syringe fixing portion 115 has a syringe fixing portion main body 120 formed in a cylindrical shape, and a syringe fixing portion protrusion 121 formed on the periphery of the upper end of the syringe fixing portion main body 120 and protruding radially outward.

[0073] For example, a plurality of syringe fixing portion protrusions 121 are formed. Each syringe fixing portion protrusion 121 has a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the syringe fixing portion main body 120. The syringe fixing portion protrusion 121 is screwed into a female thread portion formed at the tip of the barrel 8, thereby fixing the syringe 7 and the syringe connector 100 together.

[0074] The liquid needle fixing part 116 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the ceiling wall part 114 and fixes the liquid needle 170 inside. The liquid needle fixing part 116 communicates with the inside of the syringe fixing part main body 120. The liquid needle fixing part 116 is formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0075] The syringe fixing part 115 and the liquid needle fixing part 116 are formed, for example, by a needle holder 122 that is a separate member from the other parts of the outer shell main body 111. In other words, the syringe fixing part 115 and the liquid needle fixing part 116 are formed by attaching the needle holder 122 to the outer shell main body 111.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 31 , the needle holder 122 has a base 124, a syringe fixing part 115, and a liquid needle fixing part 116. As shown in Fig. 31 , the base 124 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than that of the liquid needle fixing part 116 and smaller than that of the syringe fixing part 115. As shown in Fig. 31 , a ratchet 124a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base 124. The ratchet 124a allows the needle holder 122 to rotate in only one direction about the axis of the syringe fixing part 115 and restricts rotation in the opposite direction. The rotation direction of the needle holder 122 allowed by the ratchet 124a is the direction in which the syringe 7 is rotated relative to the syringe fixing part 115 to remove the syringe 7 from the syringe fixing part 115.

[0077] As shown in Figures 22 and 23 , a protrusion 123 is formed on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell main body 111 below the ceiling wall portion 114, with a portion of the protrusion 123 protruding inward from the outer shell main body 111. As a specific example, as shown in Figure 27 , the protrusion 123 is formed in a band shape extending along the circumferential direction, with one end formed integrally with the outer shell main body 111 and disposed in a hole formed in the outer shell main body 111. In addition, a protrusion 123a is formed on the inner surface of the other end of the protrusion 123. When the syringe 7 is engaged with the syringe fixing portion 115 and rotated to fix the syringe 7 to the syringe fixing portion 115, the protrusion 123a abuts against the ratchet 124a, thereby restricting the rotation of the needle holder 122.

[0078] 22 and 23 , body portion 117 is formed in a cylindrical shape into which seal cap large-diameter portion 71 of container connector 20 is movably fitted. A hole 117a is formed at the upper end of body portion 117, into which a portion of inner sleeve 140 is disposed. Hole 117a communicates with the inside of air bag storage section 150.

[0079] 26 and 27 , a first guide groove 126 and a second guide groove 127 are formed inside the body 117. As a specific example, the body 117 has the first guide groove 126 formed in a part of the lower end of its inner circumferential surface 117b, which movably accommodates the first guide protrusion 75 of the seal cap 70 of the container connector 20. The first guide groove 126 opens at the lower end of the body 117. The first guide protrusion 75 enters the first guide groove 126 through this opening.

[0080] The first guide groove 126 has a length sufficient to guide the upward movement of the container connector 20 at least to a position where the liquid needle 170 is positioned in the liquid flow path component L3 and the gas needle 175 is positioned in the gas flow path component L4, thereby forming a liquid flow path L1 and a gas flow path L2.

[0081] The first guide groove 126 extends in the axial direction of the outer body 110. The width of the first guide groove 126 along the circumferential direction of the outer body 110 is large enough to allow the first guide protrusion 75 to movably fit therein. The inner surface of the first guide groove 126 abuts against the first guide protrusion 75 in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing rotation of the container connector 20. The number of first guide grooves 126 formed corresponds to the number of first guide protrusions 75. For example, one first guide groove 126 is formed.

[0082] In addition, the body 117 has a second guide groove 127 formed in the axial middle of its inner surface, in a portion axially aligned with the first guide groove 126, for movably accommodating a second guide protrusion 182 of the head sleeve 180, which will be described later.

[0083] The second guide groove 127 extends in the axial direction of the outer shell main body 111. The second guide groove 127 has a length that is sufficient to guide the upward movement of the container connector 20 at least to the position where the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2 are formed.

[0084] The width of the second guide groove 127 along the circumferential direction of the outer shell main body 111 is large enough to allow the second guide protrusion 182 to movably fit therein. The inner surface of the second guide groove 127 is formed so as to be able to prevent rotation of the head sleeve 180 by abutting against the second guide protrusion 182 in the circumferential direction. For example, a plurality of second guide grooves 127 are formed. For example, two second guide grooves 127 are formed, and they are arranged 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the outer shell main body 111.

[0085] 26 , a locking protrusion 128 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the body 117 at a position midway in the axial direction, offset in the circumferential direction from the second guide groove 127. The locking protrusion 128 protrudes radially inward from the outer shell main body 111.

[0086] The locking projection 128 is formed so as to be able to restrict upward movement of the head sleeve 180 fixed to the stopper sleeve 230 by engaging with the stopper sleeve 230 .

[0087] For example, a plurality of locking protrusions 128 are formed. For example, two locking protrusions 128 are formed. The two locking protrusions 128 are arranged 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the body portion 117 and are arranged at positions offset by 45 degrees in the circumferential direction of the outer shell main body 111 with respect to the first guide groove 126 and the second guide groove 127.

[0088] 27, an unlocking protrusion 129 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the body 117 at a position midway in the axial direction, offset circumferentially from the locking protrusion 128. The unlocking protrusion 129 protrudes radially inward from the outer shell main body 111.

[0089] The unlocking projection 129 is formed so as to be able to release the engagement between the stopper sleeve 230 and the locking recess 77 of the container connector 20 by abutting against the stopper sleeve 230 .

[0090] The unlocking protrusion 129 is formed, for example, in a shape such that the midpoint in the axial direction of the body portion 117 protrudes furthest radially inward from the outer shell main body 111, and the amount of protrusion radially inward gradually increases from the upper and lower ends to the midpoint.

[0091] For example, a plurality of unlocking protrusions 129 are formed. For example, two unlocking protrusions 129 are formed. The two unlocking protrusions 129 are spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the outer shell main body 111 and are disposed at positions spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction from the locking protrusion 128.

[0092] As shown in Figures 22 to 27, a hole 131 is formed at the lower end of the body 117, in which an operating lever 160 formed integrally with the body 117 is disposed. The hole 131 penetrates the body 117 in the radial direction. For example, a plurality of holes 131 are formed. For example, two holes 131 are formed. The two holes 131 are spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the outer casing 110, and are disposed at positions spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction from the first guide groove 126 and the second guide groove 127, for example.

[0093] The outer shell main body 111 configured in this manner is formed, for example, by combining multiple members. The outer shell main body 111 is formed, for example, by fixing and assembling two outer shell constituent members 132 together. Figures 25 and 26 show one of the outer shell constituent members 132. Figure 27 shows the inner surface of the other outer shell constituent member 132.

[0094] As shown in Figures 25 to 27, each of the two outer casing constituent members 132 has a shape in which the outer casing main body 111 is divided into two by a plane that passes through the axis of the outer casing main body 111 and is parallel to both the axial direction of the outer casing main body 111 and the direction in which the outer casing main body 111 and the air bag storage section 150 are aligned.

[0095] For example, one outer shell component 132 has a plurality of pins 134. The other outer shell component 132 has a plurality of holes 135 formed therein into which the plurality of pins 134 fit. The two outer shell components 132 are fixed together by fitting the plurality of pins 134 into the plurality of holes 135.

[0096] 2, the inner sleeve 140 constitutes a gas flow path forming section L5, which is the section of the gas flow path L2 from the gas needle 175 to the air bladder 152. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, the inner sleeve 140 has an inner sleeve main body 141 and an extension section 142 that extends from the inner sleeve main body 141 toward the air bladder storage section 150.

[0097] The inner sleeve body 141 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A hole 143 is formed in the inner sleeve body 141 in which the liquid needle fixing portion 116 is rotatably disposed. As shown in Figure 34, a gas needle fixing portion 144 capable of fixing the gas needle 175 is formed on the underside of the inner sleeve body 141 at a position aligned with the hole 143, for example, in the radial direction. The gas needle fixing portion 144 is a hole to which the gas needle 175 is fixed. The gas needle fixing portion 144 communicates with the gas flow path component L5 of the gas flow path L2.

[0098] Extension portion 142 is connected to air bladder 152. Extension portion 142 is configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape that protrudes radially outward from the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of inner sleeve main body 141. As shown in Figure 2, extension portion 142 has support portion 145 that is disposed in and supported by hole 117a formed in outer shell main body 111, and fixing portion 146 that is disposed within air bladder storage section 150 and to which air bladder 152 is fixed.

[0099] The support portion 145 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the hole 117a. The fixing portion 146 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than that of the support portion 145. A flange 147 is formed at the tip of the fixing portion 146.

[0100] Fixing section 146 is arranged, for example, on the upper or lower side across the center in the vertical direction of air bag housing section 150. In the present embodiment, as an example, fixing section 146 is arranged on the upper side across the center in the vertical direction of air bag housing section 150.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 33, the end surface 148 of the flange 147 is configured as a flat surface that is inclined both vertically and in the axial direction of the fixing portion 146 when the inner sleeve 140 is attached to the outer shell 110.

[0102] In a configuration in which fixing part 146 is disposed above the center of air bag housing part 150 in the vertical direction, this inclined plane is a plane in which lower end 148a of end face 148 is located closer to support part 145 than upper end 148b. In other words, upper end 148b is located closer to the center line of air bag housing part 150 than lower end 148a. Here, the center line is a line that passes through the center of air bag housing part 150 and is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0103] Furthermore, in the case where fixing part 146 is arranged below the center in the vertical direction of air bag housing part 150, the inclined plane is a plane in which upper end 148b of end face 148 is located closer to support part 145 than lower end 148a. In other words, lower end 148a is located closer to the center line of air bag housing part 150 than upper end 148b.

[0104] The thickness of the flange 147 gradually increases from the upper end 148b to the center in the vertical direction, and gradually decreases from the center in the vertical direction to the lower end 148a. The inner sleeve 140 having such a shape can be manufactured by injection molding by locating a dividing line, which is the boundary between the upper and lower molds, at the center position of the flange 147.

[0105] In addition, when the fixing portion 146 is configured to be located below the center of the air bag storage portion 150 in the vertical direction, the end surface 148 may be configured as a plane in which the lower end 148a is located closer to the center line of the air bag storage portion 150 than the upper end 148b.

[0106] 2, air bag storage section 150 is disposed at a distance from outer shell main body 111 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of outer shell main body 111. In this embodiment, air bag storage section 150 is disposed next to outer shell main body 111 in the direction in which two first guide grooves 126 are aligned. Air bag storage section 150 is formed in a box shape having a space therein capable of storing air bag 152.

[0107] Air bladder housing 150 has an external appearance formed in, for example, a cylindrical shape, with its axis disposed parallel to the axis of outer shell main body 111. The upper end wall of air bladder housing 150 is configured in an upwardly protruding dome shape, and upper surface 150a of the interior space of air bladder housing 150 is also configured in an upwardly protruding dome shape. Upper surface 150a has an upwardly protruding shape with its upper end located on the axis of air bladder housing 150, and is configured in, for example, a bowl shape. The lower end wall of air bladder housing 150 is configured in a downwardly protruding dome shape, and bottom surface 150b of the interior space of air bladder housing 150 is also configured in a downwardly protruding dome shape. Bottom surface 150b has a downwardly protruding shape with its lower end located on the axis of air bladder housing 150, and is configured in, for example, a bowl shape.

[0108] Air bag storage section 150 is fixed to outer shell main body 111 by connecting section 151. Air bag storage section 150 may be made of a transparent or translucent resin material, or an opening or transparent window may be provided in part of the wall of air bag storage section 150 so that the shape of air bag 152 can be seen.

[0109] Air bladder storage section 150 and connecting section 151 configured in this manner can be constructed, for example, by combining multiple components. Air bladder storage section 150 is constructed, for example, by fastening two components together. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 6 , one component constituting air bladder storage section 150 is integrally formed with one outer shell component 132 together with a portion of connecting section 151. The other component constituting air bladder storage section 150 is integrally formed with the other outer shell component 132 together with the other portion of connecting section 151. In other words, outer shell main body 111, air bladder storage section 150, and connecting section 151 are constructed by fastening two outer shell components 132 together.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 , the operating lever 160 is partially disposed within the hole 131. The operating lever 160 engages with the engaged portion 78 of the seal cap 70 when the container connector 20 is inserted into the outer shell main body 111 and the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2 are formed. By engaging with the engaged portion 78, the operating lever 160 locks the connected container connector 20 and syringe connector 100 so that they do not move in the direction of separation. The operating lever 160 is configured to be able to release its engagement with the engaged portion 78 when operated. Furthermore, the operating lever 160 is configured to be able to lock its engagement with the engaged portion 78. The operating lever 160 and the engaged portion 78 constitute a locking mechanism that locks their mutual engagement. For example, multiple operating levers 160, specifically two, are provided. The two operating levers 160 are disposed 180 degrees apart around the axis of the outer shell main body 111.

[0111] The operating lever 160 is molded integrally with the body portion 117. As a specific example, as shown in Figures 28 to 30, the operating lever 160 includes a lever 161 whose longitudinal direction is oriented in the axial direction of the outer shell main body 111, a locking claw 162 formed at the end of the lever 161 and engaging with the engaged portion 78 of the seal cap 70, and a lever hinge 163 that supports the lever 161 and allows it to rotate about a predetermined axis.

[0112] The lever 161 is an operating body that is pressed by an operator when releasing the engagement between the locking claw 162 and the engaged portion 78 .

[0113] The lever 161 includes a claw width 161a and an operating head 161b. The operating head 161b is integrally formed at one end of the claw width 161a, specifically at the upper end, and a lock claw 162 is integrally formed at the other end of the claw width 161a, specifically at the lower end.

[0114] The lever width 161a includes, for example, a first width portion 161a1 formed in the shape of a plate that is long in one direction and extends from the center of the lever width 161a to one end, and a second width portion 161a2 integrally formed with the first width portion 161a1 and formed in the shape of a plate that is long in one direction and extends from the center of the lever width 161a to the other end. The first width portion 161a1 and the second width portion 161a2 are inclined at a predetermined angle, for example, 155 degrees. For example, in the initial position where no external force is applied to the lever 161, the first width portion 161a1 is inclined, for example, 25 degrees, with respect to the axial direction of the outer body main body 111 so that the upper end faces outward from the outer body main body 111, and the second width portion 161a2 extends along the axial direction of the outer body main body 111.

[0115] The operation head 161b is an end portion of the first width portion 161a1 and is integrally formed with the first width portion 161a1 on the outer side of the outer body 111 (outer body). The operation head 161b is thicker than the thickness of the first width portion 161a1 and is wider than the width of the first width portion 161a1 perpendicular to the up-down direction. As a specific example, the operation head 161b is formed in a rectangular plate shape. For example, the operation head 161b has curved corners and ridges. The operation head 161b has a flat outer surface and is formed in a rectangular shape with a longer vertical side when viewed from above. Furthermore, the operation head 161b has curved corners and ridges. That is, the corners between the top surface (first surface) and the side surface (second surface) in the width direction of the operation head 161b, and the corners between the bottom surface (third surface) and the side surface (second surface) are formed into curved surfaces with a predetermined radius of curvature. Also, the ridges between the top surface (first surface), side surface (second surface), and bottom surface (third surface) of the operation head 161b and the outer surface to be operated (i.e., the ridges at the outer periphery of the outer surface of the operation head 161b) are formed into curved surfaces with a predetermined radius of curvature.

[0116] For example, the radius of curvature of the corners of the upper and side surfaces of the operating head 161b is larger than the radius of curvature of the corners of the lower and side surfaces and the ridges where the upper, side, and lower surfaces meet the outer surface. As an example, the radius of curvature of the corners of the upper and side surfaces is 1.2 mm, and the radius of curvature of the corners of the lower and side surfaces and the ridges where the upper, side, and lower surfaces meet the outer surface is 0.4 mm. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the corners of the upper and side surfaces of the operating head 161b is smaller than half the width of the operating head 161b, thereby forming a straight portion on the upper surface of the operating head 161b.

[0117] The locking claw 162 engages with the engaged portion 78 of the seal cap 70 when the syringe connector 100 is inserted into the container connector 20 to form the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2. The locking claw 162 is integrally formed on the second width portion 161a2 at the end of the second width portion 161a2 opposite the first width portion 161a1 on the inner side of the outer shell main body 111. Specifically, the locking claw 162 protrudes radially inward of the outer shell main body 111 from the main surface (inner surface) of the second width portion 161a2, which is located on the inner side of the outer shell main body 111. The upper surface 162a of the locking claw 162 abuts against the lower surface of the engaged portion 78 in the vertical direction, thereby receiving a load from the engaged portion 78 when the container connector 20 is pulled downward in the axial direction of the barrel 117, in other words, in the direction of pulling the container connector 20 out of the syringe connector 100. The upper surface 162a is configured, for example, as a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The seal cap 70 abuts against the lower surface 162b of the locking claw 162 when the container connector 20 is inserted into the syringe connector 100. The lower surface 162b is formed as a guide surface that guides the movement of the seal cap 70. Specifically, the lower surface 162b is configured as a flat or curved surface that gradually extends upward toward the inside of the outer shell main body 111. In other words, the lower surface 162b is inclined upward in the vertical direction from the base, which is the second width portion 161b2 side of the locking claw 162, toward the tip.

[0118] The lever hinge 163 comprises a pair of pillars 163a whose one end is integrally connected to the body portion 117, a pair of support portions 163b connecting the lever 161 and the pair of pillars 163a, and a pair of hinges 163c connecting the pair of pillars 163a and the outer casing main body 111.

[0119] The support pillars 163a are formed in the shape of long plates extending in one direction. The pair of support pillars 163a are arranged side by side with a predetermined gap in the width direction (circumferential direction) of the outer housing main body 111. The upper ends of the pair of support pillars 163a are integrally continuous with the outer housing main body 111, and the lower ends and side edges are formed spaced apart from the holes 131 formed in the outer housing main body 111 (body portion 117). In addition, the lever 161 is arranged between the pair of support pillars 163a in the arrangement direction, i.e., the width direction (circumferential direction) of the outer housing main body 111.

[0120] The pair of support portions 163b connect the pair of support columns 163a and the lever 161 disposed between the pair of support columns 163a so that the pair of support columns 163a can support the lever 161 at two locations. The pair of support portions 163b are formed integrally with the lever 161 and the pair of support columns 163a. ​​The support portions 163b are formed, for example, in the shape of a plate with a rectangular cross section. The support portions 163b are provided at the lower ends of the support columns 163a and on opposing surfaces of the pair of support columns 163a. ​​In other words, the support portions 163b are integrally provided at the lower ends of the side surfaces of the support columns 163a that face the other support column. The pair of support portions 163b are also provided on both side surfaces of the lever 161 in the width direction and at the same height position in the height direction. As a specific example, the pair of support portions 163b are provided on a portion of the upper end of the second width portion 161a2 of the lever 161.

[0121] The pair of hinges 163c connect the pair of support columns 163a to the inner surface of the hole 131 of the body 117 so that the pair of support columns 163a can be supported on the body 117 at two locations. The pair of hinges 163c are formed integrally with the pair of support columns 163a and the inner surface of the hole 131 (i.e., the body 117). The hinges 163c are formed, for example, in the shape of a plate with a rectangular cross section. The hinges 163c are provided at a height position toward the center of the lever 161, on a side surface facing the inner surface of the hole 131, opposite the side surfaces facing the pair of support columns 163a. ​​As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 29 , the pair of hinges 163c are provided at the same height as the upper end of the second width portion 161a2. More preferably, the majority of the pair of hinges 163c are provided at the height position of the upper end of the second width portion 161a2, and a small portion is provided at the height position of the lower end of the first width portion 161a1.

[0122] Furthermore, the support portion 163b is disposed, for example, at the same position as the hinge 163c in the up-down direction, or is disposed offset downward in the height direction relative to the hinge 163c so that a portion or the entire support portion 163b is lower than the hinge 163c. In this embodiment, the support portion 163b is positioned lower than the hinge 163c so that a portion of the support portion 163b is lower than the hinge 163c. In other words, in this embodiment, the hinge 163c is disposed above the support portion 163b in the up-down direction.

[0123] The operating lever 160 configured in this manner is disposed with a predetermined gap from the hole 131, except for the portion that is integrally continuous with the body portion 117. Next, examples of the dimensions of each portion of the operating lever 160 will be described with reference to Figures 29 and 30.

[0124] In the following description, the width of the first width portion 161a1 of the claw width 161a of the lever 161 is designated A, the thickness of the first width portion 161a1 is designated B, the width of the second width portion 161a2 is designated C, and the thickness of the second width portion 161a2 is designated D. The angle of inclination of the first width portion 161a1 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the second width portion 161a2 (the axial direction of the outer casing main body 111) is designated E. The width of the operating head 161b of the lever 161 is designated F, the thickness of the operating head 161b is designated G, the radius of curvature of the curved surfaces of the corners between the upper surface and the side surfaces in the width direction of the operating head 161b is designated R1, the radius of curvature of the curved surfaces of the ridges between the upper surface, side surfaces, and lower surface of the operating head 161b and the outer surface to be operated (i.e., the ridges at the outer peripheral edges of the outer surface of the operating head 161b) is designated R2, and the radius of curvature of the curved surfaces of the corners between the side surfaces in the width direction of the operating head 161b and the lower surface is designated R3.

[0125] The width of the support pillar 163a is H, and the thickness of the support pillar 163a is I. Note that the widths A, C, and F of the lever 161 and the width H of the support pillar 163a are dimensions along a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The width of the support portion 163b is J, and the width of the hinge 163c is K. The widths H and J of the support portion 163b and the hinge 163c are dimensions along the vertical direction. In addition, in the vertical direction, the length from the upper end of the support pillar 163a connected to the hole 131 to the hinge 163c is L, the distance from the lower end of the hinge 163c to the lower end of the support portion 163b is M, the distance from the lower end of the support portion 163b to the locking claw 162 is N, and the distance from the lower end of the support portion 163b to the lower end of the second width portion 161a2 (locking claw 162) is O.

[0126] In the operating lever 160, the width H and thickness I of the support pillar 163a and the width J of the support portion 163b mainly determine the elastic force of the lever 161 and the pair of support pillars 163a. ​​In addition, the distance M from the lower end of the hinge 163c to the lower end of the support portion 163b and the distance N from the lower end of the support portion 163b to the locking claw 162 mainly determine the fitting strength of the locking claw 162 to the engaged portion 78. In addition, as the distance M from the lower end of the hinge 163c to the lower end of the support portion 163b increases, the fitting force decreases and the rotational force of the hinge 163c increases.

[0127] Furthermore, the width A of the first width portion 161a1 and the width C of the second width portion 161a2 of the lever 161 mainly determine the strength when the connecting device 10 is pulled when the locking claw 162 is engaged with the engaged portion 78, i.e., the strength required to maintain the engagement.

[0128] Furthermore, the width F and thickness G of the operation head 161b and the shape of the operation head 161b mainly determine the pressure-receiving area and stress concentration on the fingers when the lever 161 is operated.

[0129] The dimensions A to N of the operating lever 160 are set in the following ranges, for example: A = 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, B = 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, C = 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm, D = 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, E = 15° to 40°, F = 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, G = 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, H = 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, I = 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, J = 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, K = 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm, L = 8.0 mm to 15.0 mm, M = 0 mm to 4.0 mm, N = 0 mm to 4.0 mm, R1 = 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, R2 = 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, R3 = 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0130] As a preferred example, the dimensions A to N of the operating lever 160 are set as follows: A = 3.0 mm, B = 1.5 mm, C = 3.0 mm, D = 1.5 mm, E = 25°, F = 3.8 mm, G = 1.9 mm, H = 1.5 mm, I = 1.5 mm, J = 2.0 mm, K = 2.0 mm, L = 9.4 mm, M = 1.0 mm, N = 2 mm, O = 4.5 mm, R1 = 1.2 mm, R2 = 0.4 mm, R3 = 0.4 mm.

[0131] As shown in Figure 2, the air bag 152 is stored in the air bag storage section 150. The air bag 152 is made of a thin film resin material that is easily deformed as air is let in and out of the inside. The pressure inside the container 1 can be adjusted by the deformation of the air bag 152. The air bag 152 has a volume equal to or greater than the volume of the barrel 8 of the syringe 7.

[0132] Air bag 152 is fixed to end surface 148 of flange 147 of extension portion 142 of inner sleeve 140. Air bag 152 is fixed to end surface 148 by, for example, gluing. Air bag 152 communicates with the interior of outer shell main body 111 via extension portion 142. When not in use, air bag 152 is stored in air bag storage section 150 in a folded state. Figure 2 shows air bag 152 in a folded state.

[0133] Because end surface 148 of gas needle fixing portion 144 of inner sleeve 140 is inclined vertically and upper end 148b is configured as a plane that is located closer to the center of air bag storage portion 150 than lower end 148a, the upper end of air bag 152 in the folded state is located closer to the center of air bag storage portion 150 than the lower end of air bag 152 in the folded state. As a result, a sufficient space is provided between the upper end of air bag 152 in the folded state and upper surface 150a of the internal space of air bag storage portion 150.

[0134] For this reason, the upper end of air bag 152 in the folded state does not abut against the upper surface of the internal space of air bag storage section 150. In other words, end surface 148 of inner sleeve 140 is configured as a surface that allows the upper end of air bag 152 in the folded state to be positioned so as not to abut against the upper surface of the internal space of air bag storage section 150, i.e., positioned closer to the center than the outer periphery of the upper surface.

[0135] 2, the liquid needle 170 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The upper end of the liquid needle 170 is housed in the liquid needle fixing portion 116 and is fixed to the liquid needle fixing portion 116. The liquid needle 170 forms part of the liquid flow path L1.

[0136] In this embodiment, the liquid needle 170 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a closed lower end 171. The lower end 171 is formed with a sharp point. A hole 172 that connects the inside and outside of the liquid needle 170 is formed in the lower end of the outer circumferential surface 173 of the liquid needle 170.

[0137] The hole 172 is an example of an opening on the tip side of the liquid needle 170. The hole 172 may be arranged, for example, on the circumferential surface of the lower end part of the outer circumferential surface 173. Alternatively, the hole 172 may be formed on the lower end part of the liquid needle 170, i.e., the part formed into a sharp point. In short, the hole 172 may be arranged on the tip side of the liquid needle 170.

[0138] The gas needle 175 is configured to allow gas to flow. The gas needle 175 has a similar configuration to, for example, the liquid needle 170. Components of the gas needle 175 that have the same functions as the liquid needle 170 are given the same reference numerals as the liquid needle 170, and their descriptions will be omitted. The end of the gas needle 175 is fixed to the gas needle fixing portion 144 of the inner sleeve 140.

[0139] The vertical position of the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 is the same as the vertical position of the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical position of the lower end of the gas needle 175 is the same as the vertical position of the lower end of the liquid needle 170. For this reason, as will be described later, the gas needle 175 penetrates the needle seal 200 at the same time as the liquid needle 170 as the head sleeve 180 moves within the outer shell 110. Furthermore, the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 enters the container seal 90 at the same time as the liquid needle 170.

[0140] When the head sleeve 180 is positioned at the lower end of its range of movement within the outer shell main body 111, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 have a length that allows their respective lower ends to be positioned within the needle seal 200. In other words, the holes 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are positioned within the needle seal 200, and thus have a length that allows these holes 172 to be sealed by the needle seal 200.

[0141] 1 to 3, the head sleeve 180 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is movable within the outer shell main body 111. As shown in Figures 35 to 40, the head sleeve 180 has a head sleeve main body 181 and a second guide protrusion 182. The head sleeve main body 181 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is movably fitted onto the inner circumferential surface of the barrel portion 117, for example.

[0142] The head sleeve body 181 is configured in a cylindrical shape that movably fits onto the inner circumferential surface of the inner sleeve 140. A first arm portion accommodating recess 185 capable of accommodating a portion of a first arm portion 231 (described later) of the stopper sleeve 230 and a second arm portion accommodating recess 186 capable of accommodating a portion of a second arm portion 232 (described later) of the stopper sleeve 230 are formed at the lower end of the outer circumferential surface 183 of the head sleeve body 181.

[0143] The first arm accommodating recess 185 is configured in a shape in which a portion of the outer circumferential surface 183 is recessed radially inward. The first arm accommodating recess 185 is configured in a shape in which its radial depth gradually increases from the lower end to the upper end. For example, multiple first arm accommodating recesses 185 are formed. In this embodiment, two first arm accommodating recesses 185 are formed. The two first arm accommodating recesses 185 are positioned 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the head sleeve main body 181.

[0144] The second arm accommodating recess 186 is configured in a shape in which a portion of the outer circumferential surface 183 is recessed radially inward. The second arm accommodating recess 186 is formed in a shape in which its radial depth gradually increases from the lower end to the upper end. For example, multiple second arm accommodating recesses 186 are formed. In this embodiment, two second arm accommodating recesses 186 are formed. The two second arm accommodating recesses 186 are each positioned 90 degrees apart from the first arm accommodating recess 185 in the circumferential direction of the head sleeve main body 181.

[0145] Furthermore, a fixing protrusion accommodating recess 187 for accommodating a fixing protrusion 236 (described later) of the stopper sleeve 230 is formed at the lower end of the outer circumferential surface 183. The fixing protrusion accommodating recess 187 is configured in a shape in which a part of the outer circumferential surface 183 is recessed radially inward.

[0146] The fixing protrusion accommodating recess 187 has an entrance portion 188 that opens at the lower end of the head sleeve main body 181 and through which the fixing protrusion 236 passes when the stopper sleeve 230 is fixed to the head sleeve 180, and a retaining portion 189 that extends in the circumferential direction of the head sleeve main body 181 and retains the fixing protrusion 236 that has entered through the entrance portion 188. The retaining portion 189 communicates with the entrance portion 188 and is formed above the entrance portion 188. The retaining portion 189 is formed in a shape that is longer in the circumferential direction of the head sleeve main body 181 than the entrance portion.

[0147] For example, a plurality of fixing protrusion accommodating recesses 187 are formed in this manner. In this embodiment, four fixing protrusion accommodating recesses 187 are formed. The four fixing protrusion accommodating recesses 187 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the head sleeve main body 181, and each communicates with the first arm accommodating recess 185 or the second arm accommodating recess 186.

[0148] The second guide protrusion 182 is formed at an axially intermediate portion of the outer peripheral surface 183. The second guide protrusion 182 is housed in the second guide groove 127 of the body portion 117. The second guide protrusion 182 is formed to be movable within the second guide groove 127.

[0149] For example, a plurality of second guide protrusions 182 may be formed. In this embodiment, two second guide protrusions 182 are formed. The two second guide protrusions 182 are each arranged at positions 45 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the head sleeve 180 relative to the first arm portion housing recess 185. The second guide protrusions 182 are formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Furthermore, the height positions of the two second guide protrusions 182 from the lower end of the head sleeve main body 181 are different. Specifically, one second guide protrusion 182 is arranged on the upper end side of the head sleeve main body 181, and the other second guide protrusion 182 is arranged on the lower end side of the head sleeve main body.

[0150] As shown in Figures 38 to 40, a partition 191 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 190 of the head sleeve main body 181. The partition 191 divides the internal space of the head sleeve main body 181 into two parts in the vertical direction. The partition 191 is formed in the middle of the inner circumferential surface 190 in the axial direction. The partition 191 is configured as a wall that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface 190. A hole 192 is formed in the partition 191, in which part of the needle seal 200 is disposed. The hole 192 is configured in, for example, an oval shape.

[0151] A guide 194 is provided on an upper surface 193 of the partition portion 191 to guide the movement of the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 relative to the needle seal 200. The guide 194 has a guide body 195 and a support portion 196 that supports the guide body 195 on the upper surface 193.

[0152] The guide body 195 is configured, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a hole 197 in which a portion of the liquid needle 170 fixed to the liquid needle fixing part 116 is disposed, and a hole 198 in which a portion of the gas needle 175 fixed to the gas needle fixing part 144 is disposed. The holes 197 and 198 pass through the guide body 195.

[0153] Hole 197 is formed to allow liquid needle 170 to move relatively to head sleeve 180. The inner diameter of hole 197 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of liquid needle 170 to an extent that liquid needle 170 can move. The upper end of hole 197 is formed to have a diameter that widens toward the upper end.

[0154] The hole 198 is formed to allow the gas needle 175 to move relatively to the head sleeve 180. Specifically, the inner diameter of the hole 198 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the gas needle 175 to an extent that the gas needle 175 is movable. The upper end of the hole 198 is formed to have a diameter that increases toward the upper end.

[0155] As shown in Figure 38, the support portions 196 are formed on both sides of the hole 192. The support portions 196 are configured in the shape of columns extending in the axial direction. The support portions 196 are fixed to the guide main body 195. The support portions 196 fix the guide main body 195 at a position where there is a gap between them and the upper surface 193, and where the holes 197 and 198 axially face the hole 192 of the partition portion 191.

[0156] 24, the needle seal 200 is fixed to the hole 192. The needle seal 200 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer, and is formed so that it can liquid-tightly and air-tightly seal the hole formed by the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 by means of a restoring force after the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 have moved.

[0157] Specifically, the needle seal 200 has a first part 201 arranged on one side of the hole 192 on the guide body 195 side, sandwiched between the partition part 191, a second part 202 arranged within the hole 192, and a third part 203 arranged on the other side, sandwiched between the partition part 191.

[0158] First portion 201 is configured, for example, in the shape of an oval column that abuts against the lower surface of guide body 195 and two support portions 196. The upper surface of first portion 201 is formed with, for example, recesses that serve as targets for inserting liquid needle 170 and gas needle 175 during the assembly operation of syringe connector 100. First portion 201 is configured so that a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction is larger than a cross section of second portion 202 perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0159] The second portion 202 is configured in the shape of an oval column that fits into the hole 192. The third portion 203 is configured, for example, in the shape of a cylinder. The third portion 203 is configured to have a shape in which a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction is larger than a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the second portion 202. A lower end surface 204 of the third portion 203 is configured as a surface that abuts against the upper end surface 95 of the container seal 90, thereby forming a seal between the upper end surface 95 and the third portion 203.

[0160] 3, the stopper sleeve 230 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the head sleeve 180. The stopper sleeve 230 is formed to selectively restrict movement of the head sleeve 180 relative to the outer shell 110 and to selectively fix the head sleeve 180 to the seal cap 70.

[0161] As shown in Figures 41 to 43, the stopper sleeve 230 specifically has a first arm portion 231 formed so as to be able to engage with the locking protrusion 128 of the body portion 117, a second arm portion 232 so as to be able to engage with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70, and a connecting portion 233 connecting the first arm portion 231 and the second arm portion 232.

[0162] 48 and 49 , the first arm 231 is formed to be able to engage with the locking protrusion 128 when the head sleeve 180 is positioned at the lower end within the outer casing 110. By engaging with the locking protrusion 128, the first arm 231 prevents the head sleeve 180 from moving upward within the outer casing 110.

[0163] Specifically, as shown in Figures 41, 48, and 49, the first arm portion 231 is formed in the shape of a plate that is long in the axial direction of the head sleeve 180 when fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the head sleeve 180. A fixing protrusion 236 is formed in the center of a surface 235 of the first arm portion 231 that faces the head sleeve 180. The upper end surface of the first arm portion 231 is formed so as to be able to abut against the locking protrusion 128 from below to above. The upper end surface is formed, for example, as a flat surface.

[0164] A first arm projection 237 is formed at the lower end of the surface 235 of the first arm 231. The first arm projection 237 is formed so that a lower end surface 238 can abut against the upper end 72a, which is formed on the conical surface of the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72 of the seal cap 70. The lower end surface 238 is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the axis of the head sleeve 180 when the stopper sleeve 230 is fixed to the head sleeve 180.

[0165] Furthermore, the first arm projection 237 is formed so that its lower end surface 238 abuts against the upper end portion 72a, which is formed on the conical surface of the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72, thereby rotating the first arm portion 231 so that its upper end surface moves toward the head sleeve 180, thereby disengaging the first arm portion 231 from the locking projection 128. For example, a plurality of first arm projections 237 may be formed. In this embodiment, two first arm projections 237 are formed. For example, a plurality of first arms 231 may be formed. In this embodiment, two first arms 231 are formed.

[0166] As shown in Figures 41, 50 and 51, the second arm portion 232 is formed so that, by engaging with the seal cap 70, the small diameter portion 73 for the seal cap is fitted into the head sleeve 180 and the upper end surface 95 of the container seal 90 can be maintained in close contact with the lower end surface 204 of the third part 203 of the needle seal 200.

[0167] 41 , the second arm portion 232 is formed in the shape of a plate that is long in the axial direction of the head sleeve 180 when fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the head sleeve 180. A second arm portion protrusion 240 that can engage with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70 is formed on the lower end of a surface 239 of the second arm portion 232 that faces the head sleeve 180.

[0168] An upper surface 241 of the second arm projection 240 is formed so as to be able to engage with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70. A lower end surface 242 of the second arm projection 240 is formed as an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the axis of the head sleeve 180 when the stopper sleeve 230 is fixed to the head sleeve 180.

[0169] A fixing protrusion 236 is formed in the center of the surface 239. A surface 243 of the second arm portion 232 opposite the head sleeve 180 is formed so as to be able to abut against the unlocking protrusion 129 of the body portion 117.

[0170] Specifically, the second arm portion 232 is formed with a generally trapezoidal cross section, with the circumferential central portion of the surface 243 protruding outward. A circumferential central portion 243a of the surface 243 is formed so as to be able to abut against the unlocking protrusion 129. The central portion 243a is formed so that, by abutting against the unlocking protrusion 129, the second arm portion 232 rotates so that the second arm protrusion 240 moves away from the head sleeve 180, moving the second arm protrusion 240 out of the locking recess 77 and disengaging the second arm protrusion 240 from the locking recess 77. Furthermore, for example, a plurality of second arms 232 are formed. In this embodiment, two second arms 232 are formed.

[0171] When the head sleeve 180 is positioned downward within the outer casing main body 111 as shown in Figure 48 and the first arm 231 is engaged with the locking protrusion 128, the second arm 232 formed in this manner rotates to a position where the engagement with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70 is released by the axial midpoint of the unlocking protrusion 129 (the part that protrudes most radially inward from the body 117) of the body 117 being in contact with the upper part of the central portion 243a of the surface 243 as shown in Figure 50.

[0172] Furthermore, as the stopper sleeve 230 moves upward, the second arm 232 moves upward relative to the unlocking protrusion 129, and the middle portion, which is the most protruding part of the unlocking protrusion 129, abuts against the lower end of the central portion 243a of the surface 243 of the second arm 232.

[0173] The second arm 232 is formed so as to be rotatable to a position where the second arm protrusion 240 engages with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70 due to the contact of the unlocking protrusion 129 with its lower end and the restoring force of the connecting portion 233.

[0174] The connecting portion 233 connects the first arm portion 231 and the second arm portion 232. The connecting portion 233 is flexible and is formed so that the first arm portion 231 can rotate and the second arm portion 232 can rotate when twisted. When no external force is applied to the first arm portion 231, the connecting portion 233 positions the first arm portion 231 at a position where it can engage with the locking protrusion 128. When no external force is applied to the second arm portion 232, the connecting portion 233 positions the second arm portion 232 at a position where it can engage with the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70.

[0175] The stopper sleeve 230 configured in this manner is formed in an annular shape with the first arm portions 231 and the second arm portions 232 arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The first arm portions 231 and the second arm portions 232 are arranged to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0176] The stopper sleeve 230 is rotated a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction after the fixing protrusion 236 is inserted axially into the head sleeve body 181 through the inlet portion 188 of the fixing protrusion receiving recess 187 of the head sleeve body 181 and inserted into the holding portion 189. This rotation positions the fixing protrusion 236 in a position that is not aligned with the inlet portion 188, so that the fixing protrusion 236 will not come out of the inlet portion 188. As a result, the stopper sleeve 230 is fixed to the head sleeve 180.

[0177] Furthermore, as described above, when the fixing protrusion 236 is stored in the holding portion 189, the first arm portion 231 faces the first arm storage recess 185, and the second arm portion 232 faces the second arm storage recess 186.

[0178] Since the first arm 231 faces the first arm storage recess 185, a portion of the upper part of the first arm 231 is stored in the first arm storage recess 185 when the first arm 231 rotates. That is, the first arm storage recess 185 provides part of the movement allowance when the first arm 231 rotates, so the first arm 231 can rotate up to a position where the engagement between the upper end of the first arm 231 and the locking protrusion 128 is released. Since the second arm 232 faces the second arm storage recess 186, a portion of the upper part of the second arm 232 is stored in the second arm storage recess 186 when the second arm 232 rotates. That is, the second arm storage recess 186 provides part of the movement allowance when the second arm 232 rotates, so the second arm 232 can rotate up to a position where the engagement between the second arm protrusion 240 and the locking recess 77 is released.

[0179] As shown in Fig. 2, the biasing member 250 is housed within the outer shell main body 111 and is configured to be able to bias the head sleeve 180 downward. Specifically, the biasing member 250 is housed above the partition 191 within the head sleeve 180. The biasing member 250 is, for example, a coil spring. One end of the biasing member 250 abuts against the inner sleeve 140. The other end of the biasing member 250 abuts against the partition 191. The biasing member 250 is configured to be compressed when the head sleeve 180 is positioned at the lowest end of the movement range of the outer shell main body 111.

[0180] Furthermore, a biasing portion 118 is formed on the trunk portion 117 of the outer shell main body 111. The biasing portion 118 is configured to be able to press the first arm portion 231 of the stopper sleeve 230, which engages with the locking projection 128, in the direction of engagement with the locking projection 128. In other words, the biasing portion 118 is configured to be able to bias the first arm portion 231, thereby strengthening the engagement between the first arm portion 231 and the locking projection 128.

[0181] Specifically, the biasing portion 118 is provided on the edge of a hole 117a formed in the body portion 117 at a position opposite the first arm portion 231 of the stopper sleeve 230 when it is positioned at the lower end.

[0182] Next, an example of the operation of connecting the container connector 20 to the container 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, the container connector 20 is shown with the base 41, needle member 60, and seal cap 70 omitted.

[0183] First, the worker places the container 1 on the workbench 9 as shown in Fig. 10. After placing the container 1 on the workbench 9, the worker abuts the tip of the needle portion 62 of the needle member 60 against the center of the upper surface of the stopper 6 of the container 1. Once the tip of the needle portion 62 is abutted against the center of the upper surface of the stopper 6, the worker moves the container connector 20 toward the container 1, thereby pushing the needle portion 62 into the container 1.

[0184] When the needle portion 62 of the container connector 20 is pushed a predetermined distance into the container 1, the guide surfaces 54 of the two engaging portions 43 come into contact with the outer periphery of the flange 5 of the container 1. Because the guide surfaces 54 are configured in a V-shape, the guide surfaces 54 come into contact with the flange 5 at two points. As a result, the container connector 20 comes into contact with the container 1 at four points.

[0185] The operator brings the guide surfaces 54 of the two engaging portions 43 into contact with the flange 5 of the container 1, and then pushes the container connector 20 further downward. When the container connector 20 is pushed further downward, the two engaging portions 43 receive a force in a direction away from the flange 5, causing the two arms 42 to bend and the two engaging portions 43 to spread apart, causing the abutment portions 53 of the two engaging portions 43 to move downward against the outer circumferential surface of the flange 5 of the container 1.

[0186] When the container connector 20 is pushed further downward, the abutting portions 53 of the two engaging portions 43 are moved to a position facing the neck 4 of the container 1, and the restoring force of the arms 42 moves each of the two engaging portions 43 toward the neck 4, causing the abutting portions 53 to abut against the neck 4. In other words, the abutting portions 53, which are supported at four points, abut against the neck 4, thereby engaging the engaging portions 43 with the neck 4. Through these steps, the container connector 20 is connected to the container.

[0187] Next, the flow of operations of each component when connecting and disconnecting the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 will be described with reference to Figures 44 to 56. Note that in Figures 44 to 56, some components are omitted or shown in a simplified form.

[0188] First, the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180 are connected. The operation of connecting the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 to form the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2 will be described with reference to Figures 44, 45, 48 to 54.

[0189] As shown in step ST11 of FIG. 44 and FIG. 48 , when the syringe connector 100 is not connected to the container connector 20, the head sleeve 180 is located at the lower end within the outer shell 110. Furthermore, the first arm 231 of the stopper sleeve 230 engages with the locking projection 128. Furthermore, the second arm 232 of the stopper sleeve 230 abuts against the unlocking projection 129 of the body 117, and the second arm projection 240 is rotated to a position where it is disengaged from the locking recess 77 of the seal cap 70. A portion of the second arm 232 is housed within the second arm housing recess 186 of the head sleeve 180. At this time, the locking claw 162 is disposed, for example, between the first arm 231 and the second arm 232, as shown in step ST11 of FIG. 44 . At this time, the locking claw 162 may be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the head sleeve 180 or may be spaced apart.

[0190] Furthermore, the portion of the liquid needle 170 where the hole 172 is formed and the portion of the gas needle 175 where the hole 172 is formed are disposed within the needle seal 200. That is, the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 are hermetically sealed by the needle seal 200, and are sealed airtight and liquidtight.

[0191] Next, as shown in step ST12 of Figure 44, Figures 49 and 50, the seal cap small diameter portion 73 of the seal cap 70 is inserted into the head sleeve 180. Before the upper end surface 95 of the container seal 90 comes into close contact with the lower end surface 204 of the needle seal 200, the lower end surface 238 of the first arm projection 237 of the first arm portion 231 of the stopper sleeve 230 comes into contact with the upper end 72a, which is configured as a conical surface on the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72. The curved upper end surface 95 of the container seal 90 is deformed by being pressed against the lower end surface 204 of the needle seal 200, and comes into close contact with the lower end surface 204. At this time, as shown in step ST12 of Figure 44, the positional relationship between the locking claw 162 and the head sleeve 180 remains unchanged from step ST11.

[0192] When the syringe connector 100 is further lowered from this state, the first arm projection 237 is guided by the upper end portion 72a and moves radially outward, as shown in FIG. 49 . As the first arm projection 237 moves radially outward, the first arm 231 rotates. When the upper end surface 95 of the container seal 90 and the lower end surface 204 of the needle seal 200 are in close contact with each other, the first arm 231 is guided by the upper end portion 72a, which has a conical surface, and rotates to a position where it disengages from the locking projection 128. At this time, a portion of the first arm 231 is accommodated in the first arm accommodation recess 185 of the head sleeve 180. By disengaging the first arm 231 from the locking projection 128, the head sleeve 180 is able to move upward within the outer shell main body 111.

[0193] At this time, when the syringe connector 100 is lowered until the upper end surface 95 of the container seal 90 is in close contact with the lower end surface 204 of the needle seal 200, as shown in Figure 50, the second arm protrusion 240 faces the locking recess 77.

[0194] As the syringe connector 100 is further lowered, the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180 move upward together within the outer shell body 111. As the head sleeve 180 moves upward within the outer shell body 111, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 move downward relative to the needle seal 200.

[0195] Furthermore, when the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180 move upward together within the outer shell main body 111, the operating lever 160 moves downward relative to the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180, as in step ST13 of Figure 44, and the lower surface 162b of the locking claw 162 abuts against the connecting portion 233.

[0196] When the syringe connector 100 is further lowered, the container connector 20 and the head sleeve 180 move further upward within the outer shell main body 111, causing the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 to pierce the needle seal 200 and pierce the container seal 90. The liquid needle 170 and the container seal 90 are sealed liquid-tight and airtight by the container seal 90 coming into close contact with the liquid needle 170. Similarly, the gas needle 175 and the container seal 90 are sealed by the container seal 90 coming into close contact with the gas needle 175. Furthermore, as shown in step ST14 of Figure 45, because the lower surface 162b of the locking claw 162 is inclined with respect to the up-down direction, the lever 161 rotates around the hinge 163c by the abutting connecting portion 233 in a direction in which the locking claw 162 moves away from the head sleeve 180. Specifically, the lever 161 rotates around the hinge 163c so that the first width portion 161a1 and the operating head 161b approach the head sleeve 180 and the second width portion 161a2 and the locking claw 162 move away from the head sleeve 180. As a result, the locking claw 162 rides up onto the connecting portion 233.

[0197] When the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 have penetrated the needle seal 200, the second arm 232 is moved upward relative to the unlocking projection 129. During this upward movement of the second arm 232 relative to the unlocking projection 129, the abutment position of the middle portion of the unlocking projection 129 that protrudes furthest radially inward of the outer shell main body 111 at the center portion 243a of the surface 243 of the second arm 232 moves downward. This downward movement of the abutment position reduces the biasing force that biases the second arm projection 240 radially outward of the outer shell main body 111.

[0198] 51 , when the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 have penetrated the needle seal 200, the radially inward bias of the second arm 232 due to its contact with the unlocking projection 129 of the body 117 is released, and the second arm 232 is rotated by the elastic force (restoring force) of the connecting portion 233 and the contact of the second arm projection 240 with the lower end of the second arm 232, causing the second arm projection 240 to engage with the locking recess 77. In other words, the stopper sleeve 230 and the seal cap 70 are fixed to each other before the liquid needle 170 penetrates the needle seal 200.

[0199] When the second arm projection 240 of the second arm 232 is engaged with the locking recess 77 as shown in Figure 51, the first arm projection 237 of the first arm 231 is maintained in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap medium diameter portion 72 of the seal cap 70 as shown in Figure 52.

[0200] When the syringe connector 100 is further lowered, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 penetrate the container seal 90 as shown in FIG. 2, and the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 is positioned in the liquid flow path configuration part L3, and the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 is positioned in the gas flow path configuration part L4.

[0201] When the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 is positioned within L3, the liquid flow path constituent portion L3 of the container connector 20 and the liquid needle 170 communicate with each other. When the liquid flow path constituent portion L3 and the liquid needle 170 communicate with each other, a liquid flow path L1 is formed. When the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 is positioned within L4, the gas flow path constituent portion L4 of the container connector 20 and the gas needle 175 communicate with each other. When the gas flow path constituent portion L4 and the gas needle 175 communicate with each other, a gas flow path L2 is formed. At this time, as shown in step ST15 of Figure 45 , the locking claw 162 rides up onto the engaged portion 78 and is positioned on the outer circumferential surface of the engaged portion 78.

[0202] As the syringe connector 100 is further lowered, as shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 , the first guide projection 75 abuts against the upper end of the first guide groove 126. Furthermore, the second guide projection 182 abuts against the upper end of the second guide groove 127. This abutment restricts movement of the head sleeve 180 and the container connector 20 within the outer shell main body 111. In other words, the syringe connector 100 is lowered to a so-called bottomed-out state. Then, as shown in step ST16 of FIG. 45 , the locking claw 162 passes over the engaged portion 78 and is positioned below the engaged portion 78 in the vertical direction. The lever 161 rotates about the hinge 163c so that the first width portion 161a1 and the operating head 161b are separated from the head sleeve 180, and the upper surface 162a of the locking claw 162 engages with the lower surface 79 of the engaged portion 78.

[0203] The operator recognizes that the liquid flow path L1 and the gas flow path L2 have been formed by lowering the syringe connector 100 to the bottom. When the syringe connector 100 is lowered to the bottom, the operator operates the syringe 7 to collect the medicinal liquid from the container 1. The liquid is transferred from the container 1 to the syringe 7 through the liquid flow path L1.

[0204] Next, the operation of separating the container connector 20 from the syringe connector 100 will be described. When separating the connected syringe connector 100 and container connector 20 as shown in step ST21 of FIG. 46 , the operator presses the operating head 161b of the operating lever 160 as shown in step ST22 of FIG. 46 . This causes the lever 161 to rotate around the hinge 163c in a direction in which the locking claw 162 moves away from the seal cap 70, thereby releasing the engagement between the upper surface 162a of the locking claw 162 and the lower surface 79 of the engaged portion 78 of the seal cap 70. When the engagement between the locking claw 162 and the engaged portion 78 is released, the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180 move downward relative to the outer shell main body 111 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 250 as shown in step ST22 of FIG. 46 .

[0205] Next, the operator releases the pressure on operation head 161b and pulls up syringe connector 100. At this time, locking claw 162 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of engaged portion 78 and connecting portion 233, as shown in steps ST22 and ST23 of Figure 46. Then, head sleeve 180 is fixed to seal cap 70 by second arm portion 232 of stopper sleeve 230. Therefore, when syringe connector 100 is pulled up, outer shell 110, liquid needle 170, and gas needle 175 move upward relative to head sleeve 180 and needle seal 200.

[0206] As the outer shell 110, the liquid needle 170, and the gas needle 175 move upward relative to the head sleeve 180 and the needle seal 200, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 move upward within the container seal 90. Furthermore, as shown in step ST24 of Figure 47, when the locking claw 162 climbs over the connecting portion 233, the lever 161 rotates around the hinge 163c in a direction in which the locking claw 162 approaches the head sleeve 180.

[0207] When the syringe connector 100 is further pulled up a predetermined distance, the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 are pulled out of the container seal 90. The container seal 90 uses its restoring force to liquid-tightly and air-tightly seal the hole formed by the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175. Furthermore, the hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 is sealed by the needle seal 200. The hole 172 of the gas needle 175 is sealed by the needle seal 200. As shown in step ST25 of Figure 47, the locking claw 162 moves vertically relative to the head sleeve 180, but the lever 161 does not rotate around the hinge 163c.

[0208] Furthermore, when the syringe connector 100 is further pulled up a predetermined distance after the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175 have been pulled out of the container seal 90, the second arm 232 is rotated by the unlocking protrusion 129 of the body 117, causing the second arm protrusion 240 of the second arm 232 to move radially outward from the locking recess 77, thereby releasing the engagement between the second arm protrusion 240 and the locking recess 77. In other words, the fixation between the stopper sleeve 230 and the seal cap 70 is released.

[0209] In this state, the portion of the liquid needle 170 where the hole 172 is formed and the portion of the gas needle 175 where the hole 172 is formed are housed within the needle seal 200, and both holes 172 are sealed by the needle seal 200. The needle seal 200 uses its restoring force to liquid-tightly and air-tightly seal the holes formed by the liquid needle 170 and the gas needle 175.

[0210] The hole 172 of the liquid needle 170 and the hole 172 of the gas needle 175 come out of the container seal 90 at the same time and are housed in the needle seal 200 at the same time.

[0211] In this way, the liquid flow path L1 is divided, the liquid needle 170, which is the part of the liquid flow path L1 formed within the syringe connector 100, is sealed, and the liquid flow path component L3, which is the part of the liquid flow path L1 formed within the container connector 20, is sealed.

[0212] Similarly, the gas flow path L2 is divided, the gas needle 175, which is the part of the gas flow path L2 formed within the syringe connector 100, is sealed, and the gas flow path component L4, which is the part of the gas flow path L2 formed within the container connector 20, is sealed.

[0213] After the fixation between seal cap 70 and head sleeve 180 is released, if syringe connector 100 is further pulled up, seal cap 70 moves downward relative to first arm 231 of stopper sleeve 230. As seal cap 70 moves downward relative to first arm 231, the biasing force exerted by the outer peripheral surface of seal cap 70 on first arm 231 is released. Note that, as shown in step ST26 of Figure 47, lever 161 does not rotate around hinge 163c.

[0214] When the biasing force from the outer peripheral surface of the seal cap 70 is released, the first arm portion 231 rotates due to the elastic force (restoring force) of the connecting portion 233. By rotating, the upper end of the first arm portion 231 is positioned below the locking protrusion 128. In other words, the first arm portion 231 becomes able to engage with the locking protrusion 128.

[0215] When the first arm portion 231 is in a state where it can engage with the locking protrusion 128, the head sleeve 180 is prevented from moving from a state in which the liquid needle 170, which is the part of the liquid flow path L1 formed within the syringe connector 100, is sealed, i.e., the hole 172 is sealed by the needle seal 200, and the gas needle 175, which is the part of the gas flow path L2 formed within the syringe connector 100, is sealed, i.e., the hole 172 is sealed by the needle seal 200.

[0216] It should be noted that the syringe connector 100 of this embodiment can also be used to separate the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 while the lever 161 is being pressed. Next, an example of separating the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 while the lever 161 is being pressed will be described with reference to Figures 55 and 56 .

[0217] 55 , with the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 connected, the operator presses the operating head 161b toward the inside of the outer shell body 111 as shown in step ST32. Pressing the operating head 161b toward the inside of the outer shell body 111 causes the lever 161 to rotate around the hinge 163c. As a result, as shown in step ST32, the locking claw 162 moves away from the engaged portion 78, and the engagement between the locking claw 162 and the engaged portion 78 is released. Then, due to the biasing force of the biasing member 250, the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180 move downward relative to the outer shell body 111.

[0218] Next, when the operator pulls up the syringe connector 100 while maintaining the pressure on the operating head 161b, the locking claw 162 remains spaced apart in the radial direction from the engaged portion 78 and the coupling portion 233, and therefore, as shown in steps ST33 to ST35 in Figures 55 and 56, the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180 move while the locking claw 162 remains spaced apart from the seal cap 70 and the head sleeve 180, separating the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20. Then, as shown in step ST36 in Figure 56, after the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 have been separated, the operator releases the pressure on the operating head 161b, and the lever 161 rotates about the hinge 163c in a direction in which the locking claw 162 approaches the head sleeve 180 and the operating head 161b moves away from the head sleeve 180.

[0219] In the operating lever 160 of the syringe connector 100 configured in this manner, the lever 161 is supported by a pair of support posts 163a and is formed to be rotatable about a pair of hinges 163c formed integrally with the support posts 163a and the body 117. Therefore, when the operating head 161b is operated, the lever 161 rotates about the hinges 163c and the locking claw 162 moves outward, i.e., in a direction away from the head sleeve 180, thereby reliably releasing the engagement with the engaged portion 78.

[0220] The syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 can be separated by pressing the operating head 161b once to disengage the locking claw 162 and the engaged portion 78, and then, after releasing the pressure on the operating head 161b, moving the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 relative to each other in the direction to separate them. Alternatively, the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 can be separated by pressing the operating head 161b to disengage the locking claw 162 and the engaged portion 78, and then, while maintaining the pressure on the operating head 161b, moving the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20 relative to each other in the direction to separate them. In this way, the syringe connector 100 can be separated from the container connector 20 by either of two operation methods: a first operation in which the operating head 161b is pressed once and then released, or a second operation in which the operating head 161b is pressed and maintained. In this way, syringe connector 100 can perform the separation work using two possible operating methods of operating lever 160, which is operated by pressing it, so the operator will not make an operation error. Therefore, syringe connector 100 can prevent the occurrence of an operation error, and therefore can prevent damage or the like caused by an operation error.

[0221] Furthermore, in this type of operating lever 160, the pair of support posts 163a and the pair of hinges 163c are continuous with the body 117. Therefore, when the outer shell component 132 is molded by injection molding, the resin material around the hole 131 in the mold flows to the operating lever 160 from four locations, as shown by the arrows in Figure 28. Specifically, the resin material flows from the periphery of the hole 131 through the pair of support posts 163a and the pair of hinges 163c, and then flows to the distal operating head 161b, as shown by the arrows in Figures 28 and 30. As such, even in resin molding, the resin material is likely to flow to the operating lever 160, preventing molding defects.

[0222] Furthermore, by making the corners and edges of the operation head 161b of the operation lever 160 curved and setting the dimensions within the above-mentioned range, the portion that comes into contact with the fingers when pressed can be made flat. Specifically, the radius of curvature R1 of the corners of the upper and side surfaces of the operation head 161b is larger than the radius of curvature R2 of the edges between the upper, side, and lower surfaces of the operation head 161b and the outer surface to be operated, and the radius of curvature R3 of the corners of the lower and side surfaces. Furthermore, the radius of curvature R1 is smaller than half the width F (F / 2) of the operation head 161b (R1<F / 2). This prevents pressure from being applied to a portion of the finger when the operation head 161b is pressed with the finger, thereby preventing pain in the finger when repeatedly pressing the operation head 161b.

[0223] As described above, according to the syringe connector 100 of this embodiment, when separating the syringe connector 100 and the container connector 20, either the first operation in which the operating lever 160 is pressed and then released, or the second operation in which the operating lever 160 is maintained pressed, can be performed, so that erroneous operation of the operating lever 160 does not occur and damage can be prevented.

[0224] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above example, the container connector 20 is connected to the container 1 as a vial, and the syringe connector 100 has a configuration related to the air bag 152 and the gas flow path L2, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0225] Next, a container connector 20A according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 57 and 58. Components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0226] Fig. 57 is a perspective view showing the configuration of container connector 20A. Fig. 58 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of container connector 20A. Container connector 20A is configured so that it can be fixed to a syringe connector that does not have air bladder 152 or a configuration related to gas flow path L2. One example of this syringe connector has a configuration in which air bladder 152, air bladder storage section 150, gas needle 175, and inner sleeve 140 are omitted from syringe connector 100 described in the first embodiment.

[0227] As shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, the container connector 20A includes a needle member 60A, a seal cap 70, and a container seal 90.

[0228] The needle member 60A includes a needle member base 61A, a needle portion 62A, and a tube connection portion 300. The needle portion 62A of the needle member 60A is connected to an infusion bag, for example, by being inserted into the infusion bag.

[0229] The needle member base 61A does not have the gas flow path component L4 of the needle member base 61 of the first embodiment. The needle member 62A extends in a direction inclined relative to the needle member base 61A, specifically in a direction perpendicular to the needle member base 61A. The needle member 62A has a liquid flow path component L3 and a gas flow path component L4 inside.

[0230] The tube connection part 300 extends from the needle part 62A. A tube such as an intravenous tube is connected to the tube connection part 300. Specifically, a needle fixed to the tube and having an internal flow path is inserted into the tube connection part 300, thereby connecting the tube connection part 300 to the tube. The tube connection part 300 is configured in a cylindrical shape that communicates with the gas flow path configuration part L4. A stopper 301 that closes the opening of the tube connection part 300 is provided at the opening. The needle of the tube is inserted into the stopper 301.

[0231] The stopper 301 is made of a resin such as rubber or elastomer and is flexible, and is formed so that it can liquid-tightly and air-tightly close a hole formed by inserting a needle provided in a tube after the needle has moved by using its restoring force.

[0232] Even such a container connector 20A is fixed to the syringe connector by an operating lever 160 similar to that of the syringe connector 100 of the above-described embodiment.

[0233] Furthermore, in the above example, the operating lever 160 has been described as being provided on the syringe connector 100 as an example, but this is not limiting. The operating lever 160 may be provided on the outer shell (outer shell main body) of a first member having an opening, and the locking claw 162 may be configured to engage with a second member inserted into the first member. In other words, the syringe connector 100 is an example of the first member, and the container connectors 20, 20A are examples of the second member. That is, as long as the operating lever 160 is configured to engage with the engaged portion 78, the operating lever 160 can be applied to the outer shells (outer shell main bodies) of various members. In this way, the operating lever 160 is configured so that, when the operating head 161b is pressed, the lever 161, which is supported by a pair of pillars 163a via a pair of support portions 163b, rotates around the hinge 163c, and the locking claw 162 provided at the end opposite the operating head 161b moves away from the engaged portion 78.

[0234] Furthermore, in the above example, a preferred example of the operating head 161b of the operating lever 160 capable of suppressing pain in the fingers during pressing operation has been described. However, the shape of the operating head 161b is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in the modified example in FIG. 59, the operating head 161b may have a configuration in which the upper surface does not have a straight portion, but the upper surface is curved with a single radius of curvature. Furthermore, as shown in the modified example in FIG. 60, the corners of the upper surface and the side surface may have the same radius of curvature R1 and the corners of the lower surface and the side surface may have the same radius of curvature R3. Alternatively, the ridges of the outer surface and the side surface may be curved with a predetermined radius of curvature, and the ridges between the outer surface and the upper surface and the ridges between the outer surface and the lower surface may be corners without being curved. Furthermore, as shown in the modified example in FIG. 61, the thickness of the operating head 161b may exceed the above-described range. Furthermore, as shown in the modified examples in FIGS. 62 and 63, the outer surface may have a curved shape. 64 and 65, the operation head 161b may be formed over most of the first width portion 161a1 and may be triangular in side view. However, in order to prevent pain in the fingers during operation, it is preferable to use the operation head 161b shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0235] In the above example, the operating lever 160 is disposed in the up-down direction, but this is not limiting. That is, the arrangement of the operating lever 160 may be defined as one direction, with the up-down direction being one side of that one direction, and the down-down direction being the other side of that one direction.

[0236] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

[0237] 10...connection device, 20...container connector, 20A...container connector, 30...container fixing portion, 40...container fixing portion main body, 41...base, 42...arm portion, 43...engaging portion, 44...hole, 45...arc portion, 46...rectangular portion, 47...engaging claw, 48...base, 49...claw portion, 50...first arm portion, 51...barbed portion, 52...second arm portion, 53...contact portion, 54...guide surface, 60, 60A...needle member, 61, 61A...needle member base portion, 62...needle portion, 62A...needle portion, 63...flange, 64...extension portion, 65...pillar portion, 66...rotation stop portion, 67...contact portion, 70...seal cap, 71...seal cap Large diameter portion for cap, 72...medium diameter portion for seal cap, 72a...upper end, 73...small diameter portion for seal cap, 73a...opening, 73b...edge portion, 73c...lower surface, 75...first guide protrusion, 76...inner peripheral surface, 77...locking recess, 78...engaged portion, 79...lower surface, 81...groove, 82...engaged surface, 90...container seal, 93...large diameter portion for seal, 94...small diameter portion for seal, 95...upper end surface, 96...first fitting portion, 97...second fitting portion, 100...syringe connector, 110...outer body, 111...outer body main body, 114...ceiling wall portion, 115...syringe fixing portion, 116...liquid needle fixing portion, 117 ...Body portion, 117a...hole, 117b...inner peripheral surface, 118...urging portion, 120...syringe fixing portion main body, 121...syringe fixing portion protrusion, 122...needle holder, 123...protrusion, 123a...projection, 124...base, 124a...ratchet, 126...first guide groove, 127...second guide groove, 128...locking projection, 129...unlocking projection, 131...hole, 132...outer body constituent member, 134...pin, 135...hole, 140...inner sleeve, 141...inner sleeve main body, 142...extension portion, 143...hole, 144...gas needle fixing portion, 145...support portion, 146... Fixed portion, 147... flange, 148... end surface, 148a... lower end, 148b... upper end, 150... air bag storage portion, 151... connecting portion, 152... air bag, 160... operation lever, 161... lever, 161a... claw width, 161a1... first width portion, 161a2... second width portion, 161b... operation head, 161b2... second width portion, 162... lock claw, 162a... upper surface, 162b... lower surface, 163... lever hinge, 163a... support, 163b... support portion, 163c... hinge, 170... liquid needle, 171... lower end portion, 172... hole, 172... both holes, 173... outer circumferential surface, 175... gas needle,175...needle, 180...head sleeve, 181...head sleeve main body, 182...second guide protrusion, 183...outer peripheral surface, 185...first arm portion accommodating recess, 186...second arm portion accommodating recess, 187...fixing protrusion accommodating recess, 188...inlet portion, 189...retaining portion, 190...inner peripheral surface, 191...partition portion, 192...hole, 193...upper surface, 194...guide, 195...guide main body, 196...support portion, 197...hole, 198...hole, 200...needle seal, 201...first portion, 202...second portion, 203 ...third part, 204...lower end surface, 230...stopper sleeve, 231...first arm portion, 232...second arm portion, 233...connecting portion, 235...surface, 236...fixing protrusion, 237...first arm portion protrusion, 238...lower end surface, 239...surface, 240...second arm portion protrusion, 241...upper surface, 242...lower end surface, 243...surface, 243a...central portion, 250...urging member, 300...tube connecting portion, 301...plug, L1...liquid flow path, L2...gas flow path, L3...liquid flow path forming portion, L4...gas flow path forming portion, L5...gas flow path forming portion.

Claims

1. An operating lever disposed in a hole formed in an outer body of a syringe connector and engaging with an engaged portion of a container connector inserted into the syringe connector, the operating lever including: a pair of struts integrally formed with the outer body at one end and arranged in a direction orthogonal to one direction; a claw width including a first width portion inclined outward of the outer body with respect to the one direction and a second width portion along the one direction integrally formed with the first width portion; an operating head integrally formed on the outer body side of an end portion of the first width portion; a locking claw integrally formed on the inner body side of an end portion of the second width portion and engaging with the engaged portion; a pair of support portions integrally formed with the pair of struts and the claw width; and a pair of hinges integrally formed on a side surface of the outer body and the outer body on the other end side of the pair of struts facing the outer body.

2. The operating lever according to claim 1, wherein in the one direction, the support portion and the hinge are at the same position, or the hinge is disposed on one side of the one direction with respect to the support portion.

3. The operating lever according to claim 2, wherein in the one direction, the operating head is disposed on one side of the one direction with respect to the hinge, and the locking claw is disposed on the other side of the one direction with respect to the hinge.

4. The operating lever according to claim 3, wherein the hinge is disposed at an end portion of the second width portion on the first width portion side in the one direction.

5. The operating head is formed in a rectangular shape with a long side in the one direction, and corners of a first surface on one side of the one direction and a second surface orthogonal to the one direction, and corners of a third surface on the other side of the one direction and the second surface are formed in a curved shape. A radius of curvature of a corner of the first surface and the second surface is larger than a radius of curvature of a corner of the second surface and the third surface, and is smaller than half of a width of the operating head orthogonal to the one direction. The operating lever according to claim 1.

6. The operating lever according to claim 5, wherein ridges between the first surface, the second surface, the third surface and the outer surface are curved surfaces.

7. A syringe connector for use with a syringe, which is fixed to a container, has a container-side flow path component inside, and is connected to a container connector having an engaged portion on the outer surface, the syringe connector being configured in a cylindrical shape into which the container connector can be inserted from one end, and having a hole formed at a position facing the container connector in the radial direction, a syringe-side flow path component housed in the barrel portion and communicating with the container-side flow path component when the container connector is inserted into the barrel portion, and an operation lever according to any one of claims 1 to 6 provided on the barrel portion which is the outer body.

8. A connecting device comprising a container connector fixed to a container, having a container-side flow path component inside, and having an engaged portion on the outer surface, and the syringe connector according to claim 7.

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