JP7792882B2 - Medical Connectors - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a medical connector.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical connector comprising a first connector having a first connecting tubular portion and a second connector having a second connecting tubular portion. In this medical connector, when the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other so that the second connecting tubular portion extends along the axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion, the first fluid flow path in the first connecting tubular portion and the second fluid flow path in the second connecting tubular portion communicate with each other.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-166628

The medical connector described above does not have a gasket or other device to prevent fluid leakage between the first and second connecting tubular portions, making it easy for the fluid to leak to the outside when the first and second connectors are connected.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

(1) A first aspect of the present disclosure is a medical connector comprising a first connector having a first connecting tubular portion and a second connector having a second connecting tubular portion, wherein, in a connected state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other so that the second connecting tubular portion extends along the axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion, a first fluid flow path in the first connecting tubular portion and a second fluid flow path in the second connecting tubular portion are connected to each other; the first connector or the second connector is provided with an elastically deformable gasket, the gasket including an annular seal portion having a communication hole for communicating the first fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path to each other; in the connected state, the annular seal portion is sandwiched between a first end of the first connecting tubular portion and a second end of the second connecting tubular portion from the axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion and is compressively deformed; and in the connected state, the second connector includes a deformation suppression portion located radially outward of the annular seal portion, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the annular seal portion abuts the deformation suppression portion when fluid is flowing through the communication hole.

With this configuration, when the first connector and the second connector are connected, the annular seal is sandwiched between the first end of the first connecting cylindrical portion and the second end of the second connecting cylindrical portion in the axial direction of the first connecting cylindrical portion, causing it to compress and deform. This allows a first sealing surface pressure to be applied from the annular seal to the first end, and a second sealing surface pressure to be applied from the annular seal to the second end.

In addition, when the annular seal portion is pressed radially outward by the fluid flowing through the communication hole, the outer peripheral surface of the annular seal portion abuts against the deformation suppression portion. This prevents the annular seal portion from deforming radially outward due to the pressure of the fluid flowing through the communication hole. This prevents the length (thickness) of the portion of the annular seal portion sandwiched between the first end and second end (sandwiched portion) along the axial direction of the first connecting tube portion from becoming thin. In other words, the thickness of the sandwiched portion can be maintained at the thickness necessary to apply the first and second seal surface pressures. This effectively prevents fluid from leaking to the outside when the first and second connectors are connected.

(2) In the medical connector described in item (1) above, the deformation suppression portion may extend in an annular shape.

This configuration effectively prevents the clamping portion from deforming radially outward.

(3) In the medical connector described in item (2) above, the second connector may include a base portion and an outer tubular portion protruding from the base portion along the axial direction of the second connecting tubular portion, the second connecting tubular portion being located within the inner cavity of the outer tubular portion and protruding from the base portion in the protruding direction of the outer tubular portion, the protruding end portion of the outer tubular portion being located in the opposite direction from the base portion relative to the protruding end portion of the second connecting tubular portion, and the deformation suppression portion being provided on the protruding end portion of the outer tubular portion.

With this configuration, the second connecting tube portion is surrounded by the outer tube portion, preventing the user's fingers from coming into contact with the second connecting tube portion. Furthermore, because the deformation suppression portion is provided on the protruding end of the outer tube portion, a simple configuration allows the deformation suppression portion to be positioned radially outward of the annular seal portion in the connected state.

(4) In the medical connector described in item (3) above, a gap may be formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion and the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting tubular portion, and in the connected state, the second end of the second connecting tubular portion may be embedded in the annular seal portion, causing a portion of the annular seal portion to enter the gap.

This configuration allows the second sealing surface pressure to be effectively applied to the second connecting tubular portion.

(5) In the medical connector described in item (3) or (4) above, the first connector may include an annular connecting portion having an inner cavity into which the outer tubular portion is inserted in the connected state, a first threaded portion formed on the inner peripheral surface of the annular connecting portion, and a second threaded portion that screws onto the first threaded portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion.

With this configuration, by tightening the first threaded portion onto the second threaded portion, the second connecting tubular portion can be efficiently pressed against the annular seal portion.

(6) The medical connector described in item (5) above may include a sealing member that seals between the outer peripheral surface of the outer tubular portion and the inner peripheral surface of the annular connecting portion.

With this configuration, even if fluid leaks outside the packing, the sealing member can prevent the fluid from leaking outside the medical connector.

(7) In the medical connector described in any one of items (1) to (6) above, the packing may be provided in the first connector.

(8) In the medical connector described in item (7) above, the packing may be attached to the first connecting tubular portion, and the packing may have a retaining portion that protrudes from the annular seal portion and surrounds the first connecting tubular portion.

This configuration makes it easy to hold the packing in the first connecting tube portion.

(9) In the medical connector described in any one of items (1) to (8) above, the first end or the second end may be provided with a protrusion that protrudes in the axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion or the second connecting tubular portion, and the protrusion may be recessed into the annular seal portion in the connected state.

With this configuration, when the annular seal portion is pressed radially outward by the fluid flowing through the communication hole, the convex portion prevents the inner circumferential surface of the annular seal portion from shifting radially outward relative to the first connecting cylindrical portion and the second connecting cylindrical portion. This prevents fluid leakage due to misalignment of the annular seal portion. Furthermore, even when the first connector is not completely connected to the second connector (loose connection), the first or second sealing surface pressure can be applied to the convex portion, preventing fluid leakage.

(10) The medical connector described in item (9) above, wherein the protrusion is provided on the first end.

(11) In the medical connector described in item (9), the protrusion may extend in an annular shape.

With this configuration, the protrusions further prevent the inner circumferential surface of the annular seal from shifting radially outward relative to the first and second connecting cylindrical portions. This also further reduces fluid leakage.

(12) In the medical connector described in item (11) above, the protrusion may be formed so that the width along the radial direction of the first connecting tube portion or the second connecting tube portion decreases toward the tip of the protrusion.

With this configuration, even when the first connector and the second connector are loosely connected, the first or second sealing surface pressure can be efficiently applied to the convex portion.

This invention effectively prevents fluid from leaking to the outside when the first connector and second connector are connected.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a peritoneal dialysis device equipped with a medical connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the medical connector of FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first connector of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the second connector of FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the first connector and the second connector in a connected state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first connector and the second connector are loosely connected (loosely connected state). FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a medical connector 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is incorporated into, for example, a peritoneal dialysis device 12. Therefore, a liquid (dialysis fluid) flows through the medical connector 10. However, the medical connector 10 may also be incorporated into medical equipment other than the peritoneal dialysis device 12. Furthermore, gas may also flow through the medical connector 10.

The peritoneal dialysis machine 12 is used, for example, when replacing used dialysis fluid in the peritoneal cavity 502 of a patient 500 with new dialysis fluid. The peritoneal dialysis machine 12 includes a peritoneal dialysis device 16 having a first connector 14 and a catheter member 17 having a second connector 20.

The peritoneal dialysis device 16 is a disposable item that is discarded after a single use. The peritoneal dialysis device 16 includes a dialysis bag 22, a drainage bag 24, a dialysis tube 26, a drainage tube 28, a branch 30, a connecting tube 32, and a first connector 14.

The dialysis bag 22 contains unused dialysis fluid before the dialysis fluid is replaced. The drainage bag 24 is a bag for collecting drainage fluid, which is the used dialysis fluid in the abdominal cavity 502. Therefore, before the dialysis fluid is replaced, the drainage bag 24 is empty. Each of the dialysis bag 22 and the drainage bag 24 is formed into a bag shape by, for example, overlapping soft resin sheets and sealing the periphery.

The dialysis tube 26 connects the dialysis bag 22 and the branch 30. The dialysis tube 26 is provided with a first clamp 34 for closing the inner cavity of the dialysis tube 26. The drainage tube 28 connects the branch 30 and the drainage bag 24. The drainage tube 28 is provided with a second clamp 36 for closing the inner cavity of the drainage tube 28. One end of the connection tube 32 is connected to the branch 30. The other end of the connection tube 32 is connected to the first connector 14. Before replacing the dialysis fluid, a first protective cap (not shown) is attached to the first connector 14.

The catheter member 17 has a catheter shaft 18 and a second connector 20 connected to the catheter shaft 18. The catheter shaft 18 is placed in the abdominal cavity 502 of the patient 500. The catheter member 17 is a reusable item that can be used multiple times. Before replacing the dialysis fluid, a second protective cap (not shown) is attached to the second connector 20.

In this type of peritoneal dialysis device 12, the first connector 14 and the second connector 20 are connected to each other with the dialysis bag 22 positioned above the abdominal cavity 502 and the drainage bag 24 positioned below the abdominal cavity 502. After the used dialysate in the abdominal cavity 502 is moved to the drainage bag 24 by the difference in height (gravity), new dialysate in the dialysis bag 22 is introduced into the abdominal cavity 502 by the difference in height (gravity). At this time, the liquid (dialysis solution) in the medical connector 10 is
Therefore, the first connector 14 is connected to the second connector 20 in a liquid-tight manner (air-tight manner when the flowing fluid is gas).

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the medical connector 10 includes a first connector 14, a packing 40, a second connector 20, and a sealing member 42. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first connector 14 is integrally molded from a hard resin material. The first connector 14 is made of, for example, polycarbonate. The first connector 14 includes a first base portion 44, a pair of first protrusions 46, a first tube connection portion 48, a first connecting tube portion 50, and an annular connection portion 52.

In FIG. 3, the first base portion 44 includes a base tube portion 54 and an intermediate wall portion 56. The base tube portion 54 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the direction of arrow X. The intermediate wall portion 56 protrudes radially inward from the middle of the base tube portion 54 in the extension direction and extends in an annular shape. The first base portion 44 has a first inner cavity 58 that opens to one end face of the base tube portion 54 (the end face in the direction of arrow X1) and a second inner cavity 60 that opens to the other end face of the base tube portion 54 (the end face in the direction of arrow X2).

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first protrusion 46 is a plate-shaped portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the base tubular portion 54 and extends along the axial direction of the base tubular portion 54. The first protrusion 46 is formed so that the user can place their fingers on it when operating the first connector 14. The pair of first protrusions 46 are positioned 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the base tubular portion 54.

In FIG. 3, the first tube connection portion 48 protrudes from the inner end of the intermediate wall portion 56 into the first lumen 58 (in the direction of arrow X1). The first tube connection portion 48 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first tube connection portion 48 is arranged coaxially with the base tubular portion 54. The outer diameter of the first tube connection portion 48 is smaller than the inner diameter of the base tubular portion 54. The first tube connection portion 48 is fixed in a liquid-tight state inserted into the end of the connection tube 32.

The first connecting tube portion 50 protrudes from the inner end of the intermediate wall portion 56 into the second lumen 60 (in the direction of arrow X2). The first connecting tube portion 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first connecting tube portion 50 is arranged coaxially with the base tube portion 54. The outer diameter of the first connecting tube portion 50 is smaller than the inner diameter of the base tube portion 54.

The first protruding end surface 62 of the first connecting tube portion 50 is located in the second inner cavity 60 of the base tube portion 54 without being exposed from the base tube portion 54. The inner circumferential surface of the first connecting tube portion 50 is seamlessly connected to the inner circumferential surface of the first tube connecting portion 48.

The first protruding end surface 62 of the first connecting tube portion 50 has a protrusion 64 that protrudes in the direction of arrow X2. The protrusion 64 is in contact with the packing 40. The protrusion 64 is formed in an annular shape. The protrusion 64 is formed so that its width along the radial direction of the first connecting tube portion 50 decreases toward the tip of the protrusion 64 (in the direction of arrow X2). In other words, the longitudinal cross section of the protrusion 64 taken along the axial direction of the first connecting tube portion 50 (cross section shown in Figure 3) is formed in a triangular shape. The tip (top) of the protrusion 64 is formed in an arc shape. However, the longitudinal cross section of the protrusion 64 taken along the axial direction of the first connecting tube portion 50 (cross section shown in Figure 3) may also be formed in a trapezoidal shape.

The protrusion length (height) of the protrusion 64 from the first protruding end surface 62 is set to between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, for example, approximately 0.3 mm. If the height of the protrusion 64 is 0.1 mm or greater, an efficient seal can be formed between the first connecting tube portion 50 and the packing 40. If the height of the protrusion 64 is 0.5 mm or less, the torsional force (force along the circumferential direction of the first connecting tube portion 50) acting from the protrusion 64 on the packing 40 when the first connector 14 and the second connector 20 are connected (threaded connection) can be appropriately suppressed.

The first connector 14 has a first fluid flow path 66 that extends from the protruding end surface of the first tube connection portion 48 to the first protruding end surface 62 of the first connecting tubular portion 50. The first fluid flow path 66 communicates with the inner cavity of the connecting tube 32.

The annular connecting portion 52 protrudes in the direction of arrow X2 from the other end of the base tubular portion 54. The annular connecting portion 52 is formed in a circular ring shape. The inner circumferential surface of the annular connecting portion 52 is located radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the base tubular portion 54. The inner circumferential surface of the annular connecting portion 52 is provided with a first threaded portion 67. The first threaded portion 67 is a female threaded portion. The first threaded portion 67 extends from the end of the inner circumferential surface of the annular connecting portion 52 closest to the base tubular portion 54 (the end in the direction of arrow X1) to the central portion of the annular connecting portion 52 in the axial direction. The first threaded portion 67 is not provided at the end of the inner circumferential surface of the annular connecting portion 52 in the direction of arrow X2.

The packing 40 is elastically deformable. It is made of a soft thermoplastic material such as an elastomer. The first connector 14 and packing 40 are formed by injection molding (two-color molding). This reduces the manufacturing cost of the medical connector 10 compared to when the packing 40 is made of silicone and attached to the first connector 14.

The packing 40 has an annular seal portion 68 and a retaining portion 70. The annular seal portion 68 extends in an annular shape. The annular seal portion 68 is provided on the first protruding end surface 62 of the first connecting tubular portion 50. The annular seal portion 68 contacts the protrusion 64 of the first connecting tubular portion 50.

The outer diameter of the annular seal portion 68 is larger than the outer diameter of the first connecting tube portion 50 and smaller than the inner diameter of the base tube portion 54. The thickness of the annular seal portion 68 along the axial direction of the first connecting tube portion 50 (the length in the direction of arrow X) is set to, for example, 2.0 mm or more before the first connector 14 is connected to the second connector 20.

The annular seal portion 68 has a communication hole 72 that communicates with the first fluid flow path 66. The annular seal portion 68 has a first seal surface 74, a second seal surface 76, a first outer peripheral surface 78, and a second outer peripheral surface 80. The first seal surface 74 faces the first connecting tubular portion 50 (in the direction of arrow X1). The second seal surface 76 faces the opposite direction from the first seal surface 74 (in the direction of arrow X2). The first outer peripheral surface 78 is inclined radially outward of the annular seal portion 68 from the second seal surface 76 in the direction of arrow X1. The second outer peripheral surface 80 extends along the axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion 50 from the end of the first outer peripheral surface 78 in the direction of arrow X1.

The retaining portion 70 protrudes in the direction of arrow X1 from the outer periphery of the annular seal portion 68 and extends annularly. The retaining portion 70 extends so as to surround the outer periphery of the first connecting tube portion 50. In other words, the first connecting tube portion 50 is inserted inside the annular retaining portion 70.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the second connector 20 includes a first member 82 and a second member 84. The first member 82 and the second member 84 are each a single-piece molded product made of the same material as the first connector 14 described above. The first member 82 includes a second base portion 86, an annular protrusion 88, a second tube connection portion 90, a second connection tube portion 92, and an outer tube portion 94.

In Figure 4, the second base portion 86 is formed in an annular shape. An annular groove 96 in which the seal member 42 is disposed is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second base portion 86. The annular groove 96 is located at one axial end (end in the direction of arrow X1) of the second base portion 86. The annular protrusion 88 protrudes radially outward from the other axial end (end in the direction of arrow X2) of the second base portion 86 and extends in an annular shape.

The second tube connection portion 90 protrudes in the direction of arrow X2 from the inner end of the second base portion 86. The second tube connection portion 90 is cylindrical. The second tube connection portion 90 is fixed in a liquid-tight state inserted into the end of the catheter shaft 18.

The second connecting tube portion 92 protrudes in the direction of arrow X1 from the inner end of the second base portion 86. The second connecting tube portion 92 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The second connecting tube portion 92 is arranged so as to be coaxial with the second tube connecting portion 90. The second protruding end surface 98 of the second connecting tube portion 92 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the second connecting tube portion 92.

The outer tube portion 94 protrudes in the direction of arrow X1 from the second base portion 86. The second connecting tube portion 92 is located within the inner cavity of the outer tube portion 94. The outer tube portion 94 is arranged so as to be coaxial with the second connecting tube portion 92. The protruding end of the outer tube portion 94 is located in the opposite direction (in the direction of arrow X1) from the second base portion 86 relative to the second protruding end surface 98 of the second connecting tube portion 92. In other words, the outer tube portion 94 protrudes in the direction of arrow X1 relative to the second protruding end surface 98 of the second connecting tube portion 92.

A second threaded portion 100 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 94. This second threaded portion 100 is male threaded and threads into the first threaded portion 67 of the first connector 14.

As shown in FIG. 5 , when the first connector 14 and the second connector 20 are connected (hereinafter simply referred to as the "connected state") with the first threaded portion 67 fully tightened onto the second threaded portion 100, the protruding end of the outer tubular portion 94 is inserted into the gap between the second outer peripheral surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68 and the inner peripheral surface of the base tubular portion 54. The protruding end of the outer tubular portion 94 is provided with a deformation suppression portion 102 that suppresses radial outward deformation of the annular seal portion 68 when fluid (dialysis fluid) flows through the communication hole 72 of the annular seal portion 68.

The deformation suppression portion 102 extends in an annular (circular ring) shape. The deformation suppression portion 102 has an annular inner circumferential surface (contact surface 103). The contact surface 103 of the deformation suppression portion 102 contacts the second outer circumferential surface 80 when the connection is made and no fluid is flowing through the communication hole 72. However, the contact surface 103 of the deformation suppression portion 102 may be spaced apart from the second outer circumferential surface 80 and not contact it when the connection is made and no fluid is flowing through the communication hole 72.

In FIG. 4, the second connector 20 (first member 82) has a second fluid flow path 104 that extends from the second protruding end surface 98 of the second connecting tube portion 92 to the protruding end surface of the second tube connecting portion 90. In the connected state, the second fluid flow path 104 communicates with the first fluid flow path 66 via the communication hole 72 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the second member 84 is attached to the first member 82. The second member 84 has a support tube portion 106 and a pair of second protrusions 108. The support tube portion 106 extends to surround the second tube connection portion 90. In other words, the second tube connection portion 90 is located in the inner cavity of the support tube portion 106. The support tube portion 106 is arranged so as to be coaxial with the second tube connection portion 90.

A second attachment claw 112 that engages with a first attachment claw 110 provided on the second tube connection portion 90 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the support tube portion 106 at the end in the direction of arrow X1. A flange portion 114 that protrudes radially outward is provided on the end in the direction of arrow X1 of the support tube portion 106.

The second protrusions 108 are plate-shaped portions that protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the support tube portion 106 and extend along the axial direction of the support tube portion 106. The second protrusions 108 are formed so that the user can place their fingers on them when operating the second connector 20. The pair of second protrusions 108 are positioned 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the support tube portion 106.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first connector 14 is connected to the second connector 20 by inserting the outer tubular portion 94 of the second connector 20 into the second inner cavity 60 of the first base portion 44 and threading the first threaded portion 67 onto the second threaded portion 100. At this time, the second connecting tubular portion 92 extends along the axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion 50.

When connecting the first connector 14 to the second connector 20, the second protruding end surface 98 of the second connecting tube portion 92 presses against the second seal surface 76 of the annular seal portion 68 in the direction of arrow X1. As a result, the protruding portion 64 sinks into the first seal surface 74, and the first seal surface 74 of the annular seal portion 68 is pressed against the first protruding end surface 62 of the first connecting tube portion 50. As a result, the annular seal portion 68 is compressed and deformed by being sandwiched between the first end portion 51 (end in the direction of arrow X2) of the first connecting tube portion 50 and the second end portion 93 (end in the direction of arrow X1) of the second connecting tube portion 92 from the direction of arrow X. At this time, the second end portion 93 of the second connecting tube portion 92 sinks into the second seal surface 76 of the annular seal portion 68, causing a portion of the compressed and deformed annular seal portion 68 to enter the gap between the second connecting tube portion 92 and the outer tube portion 94. The compression amount L1 of the annular seal portion 68 (the depth to which the second connecting tube portion 92 is recessed into the second seal surface 76) is, for example, approximately 0.5 mm.

Furthermore, when connecting the first connector 14 to the second connector 20, the protruding end (deformation suppression portion 102) of the outer tubular portion 94 of the second connector 20 is inserted into the gap between the outer circumferential surface of the annular seal portion 68 and the inner circumferential surface of the base tubular portion 54. In other words, the annular seal portion 68 is inserted into the inner cavity of the outer tubular portion 94. At this time, if the annular seal portion 68 and the outer tubular portion 94 are not positioned coaxially (misaligned), the deformation suppression portion 102 will come into contact with the first outer circumferential surface 78 (inclined surface) of the annular seal portion 68. Therefore, the deformation suppression portion 102 is smoothly guided into the gap between the annular seal portion 68 and the base tubular portion 54 by the first outer circumferential surface 78.

In the connected state, the elastic force (restoring force) of the compressed and deformed annular seal portion 68 acts as a first seal surface pressure on the first end portion 51 of the first connecting tubular portion 50. This creates a liquid-tight seal between the first end portion 51 and the annular seal portion 68. In addition, the elastic force (restoring force) of the compressed and deformed annular seal portion 68 acts as a second seal surface pressure on the second end portion 93 of the second connecting tubular portion 92. This creates a liquid-tight seal between the second end portion 93 and the annular seal portion 68.

In addition, in the connected state, the abutment surface 103 (the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 94) of the deformation suppression portion 102 provided at the protruding end of the outer cylindrical portion 94 contacts the second outer peripheral surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68. Furthermore, in the connected state, the seal member 42 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface of the annular connecting portion 52. The seal member 42 is positioned offset in the direction of arrow X1 by a predetermined length from the protruding end face (end face in the direction of arrow X2) of the annular connecting portion 52.

When the first screw portion 67 is fully tightened onto the second screw portion 100, the positions of the pair of first protrusions 46 and the pair of second protrusions 108 coincide with each other in the circumferential direction of the first base portion 44. This allows the user to easily recognize that the first connector 14 has been connected to the second connector 20 with the first screw portion 67 fully tightened onto the second screw portion 100.

In this embodiment, when the first connector 14 and the second connector 20 are connected, dialysis fluid (fluid) flows through the first fluid flow path 66, the communication hole 72, and the second fluid flow path 104. When dialysis fluid flows through the communication hole 72, the annular seal portion 68 is pressed radially outward by the dialysis fluid. Note that if the abutment surface 103 of the deformation suppression portion 102 is separated from the second outer peripheral surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68 before dialysis fluid flows in the connected state, the annular seal portion 68 is pressed radially outward by the dialysis fluid, causing the second outer peripheral surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68 to abut against the abutment surface 103. In this embodiment, the second outer peripheral surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68 abuts liquid-tightly against the abutment surface 103 of the deformation suppression portion 102 when dialysis fluid flows through the communication hole 72.

This prevents deformation of the portion of the annular seal 68 that is sandwiched between the first end 51 of the first connecting tube 50 and the second end 93 of the second connecting tube 92 (the sandwiched portion) when the annular seal 68 is pressed radially outward by the dialysis fluid. In other words, the thickness of the sandwiched portion can be maintained at the thickness necessary to apply the first and second sealing surface pressures. This prevents a decrease in the first and second sealing surface pressures when dialysis fluid flows through the communication hole 72.

Furthermore, when the annular seal portion 68 is pressed radially outward by the dialysis fluid, the second outer peripheral surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68 abuts against the abutment surface 103 of the deformation suppression portion 102, making it difficult for the inner peripheral surface of the annular seal portion 68 to shift radially outward relative to the first connecting tube portion 50 and the second connecting tube portion 92. In this case, the convex portion 64 also prevents the inner peripheral surface of the annular seal portion 68 from shifting radially outward. This prevents the annular seal portion 68 from shifting position and causing the dialysis fluid (fluid) to leak to the outside when the dialysis fluid flows through the communication hole 72.

Furthermore, the second outer surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68 abuts liquid-tightly against the abutment surface 103 of the deformation suppression portion 102. Therefore, even if dialysis fluid leaks between the second end portion 93 of the second connecting tube portion 92 and the second seal surface 76, the dialysis fluid can be prevented from flowing into the gap between the outer surface of the outer tube portion 94 and the inner surface of the base tube portion 54.

However, the outer surface (second threaded portion 100) of the outer tube portion 94 of the second connector 20 is exposed to the outside when the first connector 14 is not connected to the second connector 20, and is therefore easily touched by fingers. If dialysis fluid adheres to the outer surface of this outer tube portion 94, it can easily become unclean. Furthermore, since the second connector 20 is a reusable product that can be used multiple times, it needs to be kept clean even after use.

In this embodiment, leakage of dialysis fluid outside the annular seal portion 68 is effectively prevented. This prevents the outer surface of the outer tube portion 94 (second threaded portion 100) of the second connector 20 from becoming wet with dialysis fluid. This makes it easier to keep the second connector 20 clean.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the medical connector 10, the first connector 14 may be connected to the second connector 20 when the first threaded portion 67 is not fully tightened onto the second threaded portion 100. As shown in Figure 7, in this loosely connected state, the pair of first protrusions 46 are positioned offset by a predetermined angle θ from the first protrusions 46 shown in phantom lines in the opposite direction to the tightening direction of the first threaded portion 67. Note that in Figure 7, the first protrusions 46 shown in phantom lines represent the first protrusions 46 in the connected state (when the first threaded portion 67 is fully tightened onto the second threaded portion 100). In the example of Figure 7, the predetermined angle θ is 22.5°.

As shown in Figure 6, in the loosely connected state, the compression amount L2 of the annular seal portion 68 (the depth to which the second connecting tube portion 92 is recessed into the second seal surface 76) is smaller than the compression amount L1 (see Figure 5) in the connected state (fully connected state). However, because the convex portion 64 of the first connecting tube portion 50 is recessed into the first seal surface 76, the first seal surface 76 can be pressed against the convex portion 64. Therefore, the first seal surface pressure is less likely to decrease than when the convex portion 64 is not provided. This effectively prevents dialysis fluid leakage, even in the loosely connected state.

This embodiment provides the following advantages:

According to this embodiment, when the first connector 14 and the second connector 20 are connected, the annular seal portion 68 is sandwiched between the first end portion 51 of the first connecting tubular portion 50 and the second end portion 93 of the second connecting tubular portion 92 in the axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion 50, causing compression deformation. Therefore, a first sealing surface pressure can be applied from the annular seal portion 68 to the first end portion 51, and a second sealing surface pressure can be applied from the annular seal portion 68 to the second end portion 93.

Furthermore, when the annular seal portion 68 is pressed radially outward by the dialysis fluid flowing through the communication hole 72, the second outer surface 80 of the annular seal portion 68 abuts against the deformation suppression portion 102. This prevents the annular seal portion 68 from deforming radially outward due to the pressure of the dialysis fluid flowing through the communication hole 72. This prevents the length (thickness) of the portion of the annular seal portion 68 sandwiched between the first connecting tube portion 50 and the second connecting tube portion 92 (sandwiched portion) along the axial direction of the first connecting tube portion 50 from becoming thin. In other words, the thickness of the sandwiched portion can be maintained at the thickness required to apply the first and second sealing surface pressures. This effectively prevents fluid leakage to the outside when the first connector 14 and the second connector 20 are connected.

The deformation suppression portion 102 extends in an annular shape.

This configuration effectively prevents the clamping portion from deforming radially outward.

The second connector 20 comprises a second base portion 86 and an outer tube portion 94 that protrudes from the second base portion 86 along the axial direction of the second connecting tube portion 92. The second connecting tube portion 92 is located within the inner cavity of the outer tube portion 94 and protrudes from the second base portion 86 in the protruding direction of the outer tube portion 94. The protruding end of the outer tube portion 94 is located in the opposite direction from the second base portion 86 than the protruding end of the second connecting tube portion 92. A deformation suppression portion 102 is provided on the protruding end of the outer tube portion 94.

With this configuration, the second connecting tube portion 92 is surrounded by the outer tube portion 94, preventing the user's fingers from coming into contact with the second connecting tube portion 92. Furthermore, because the deformation suppression portion 102 is provided on the protruding end of the outer tube portion 94, the deformation suppression portion 102 can be positioned radially outward of the annular seal portion 68 in the connected state with a simple configuration.

A gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the outer tubular portion 94 and the outer circumferential surface of the second connecting tubular portion 92. In the connected state, the second end portion 93 of the second connecting tubular portion 92 is embedded in the annular seal portion 68, causing part of the annular seal portion 68 to fit into the gap.

This configuration allows the second sealing surface pressure to be effectively applied to the second connecting tube portion 92.

The first connector 14 has an annular connecting portion 52 with an inner cavity into which the outer tubular portion 94 is inserted when connected. A first threaded portion 67 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the annular connecting portion 52. A second threaded portion 100 that screws onto the first threaded portion 67 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer tubular portion 94.

With this configuration, by tightening the first threaded portion 67 onto the second threaded portion 100, the second connecting tube portion 92 can be efficiently pressed against the annular seal portion 68.

The medical connector 10 is equipped with a seal member 42 that seals between the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube portion 94 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular connecting portion 52.

With this configuration, even if dialysis fluid leaks outside the packing 40, the sealing member 42 can prevent the dialysis fluid from leaking outside the medical connector 10.

The packing 40 has a retaining portion 70 that protrudes from the annular seal portion 68 and surrounds the first connecting tube portion 50.

This configuration makes it easy to hold the gasket 40 in the first connecting tube portion 50.

The first end portion 51 is provided with a protrusion 64 that protrudes in the axial direction of the first connecting tube portion 50. The protrusion 64 is recessed into the annular seal portion 68 in the connected state.

With this configuration, when the annular seal portion 68 is pressed radially outward by the dialysis fluid flowing through the communication hole 72, the convex portion 64 prevents the inner surface of the annular seal portion 68 from shifting radially outward relative to the first connecting tube portion 50 and the second connecting tube portion 92. This prevents leakage of dialysis fluid due to misalignment of the annular seal portion 68. Furthermore, even when the first connector 14 is not completely connected to the second connector 20 (loose connection), the first seal surface pressure can be applied to the convex portion 64, thereby preventing leakage of dialysis fluid.

The protrusion 64 extends in an annular shape.

With this configuration, the protrusion 64 can further prevent the inner circumferential surface of the annular seal portion 68 from shifting radially outward relative to the first connecting tube portion 50 and the second connecting tube portion 92. This also further reduces leakage of dialysis fluid.

The protrusion 64 is formed so that its width along the radial direction of the first connecting tube portion 50 decreases toward the tip of the protrusion 64.

With this configuration, the first sealing surface pressure can be efficiently applied to the protrusion 64 even when the first connector 14 and the second connector 20 are loosely connected.

In the above-described embodiment, the protrusion 64 may be provided on the second protrusion end face 98 instead of the first protrusion end face 62. Furthermore, the protrusion 64 may be provided on both the first protrusion end face 62 and the second protrusion end face 98. The packing 40 may be attached to the second end 93 of the second connecting tubular portion 92 instead of the first connecting tubular portion 50. The deformation suppression portion 102 does not have to extend annularly. The deformation suppression portion 102 may extend over a range of less than 360° in the circumferential direction of the annular seal portion 68. In this case, multiple deformation suppression portions 102 may be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular seal portion 68.

The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... medical connector 14... first connector 20... second connector 22... dialysis bag 40... packing 42... sealing member 44... first base portion 50... first connecting tubular portion 51... first end portion 52... annular connecting portion 62... first protruding end surface 64... convex portion 66... first fluid flow path 67... first threaded portion 68... annular seal portion 72... communicating hole 74... first seal surface 76... second seal surface 78... first outer peripheral surface 80... second outer peripheral surface 86... second base portion 92... second connecting tubular portion 93... second end portion 94... outer cylindrical portion 98... second protruding end surface 100... second threaded portion 102... deformation suppression portion 104... second fluid flow path

Claims (12)

A medical connector comprising a first connector having a first connecting tubular portion and a second connector having a second connecting tubular portion, wherein in a connected state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other such that the second connecting tubular portion extends along an axial direction of the first connecting tubular portion, a first fluid flow path in the first connecting tubular portion and a second fluid flow path in the second connecting tubular portion communicate with each other,
The first connector or the second connector is provided with an elastically deformable packing,
the packing includes an annular seal portion having a communication hole for communicating the first fluid flow path and the second fluid flow path with each other,
In the connected state, the annular seal portion is sandwiched between a first end portion of the first connecting cylindrical portion and a second end portion of the second connecting cylindrical portion in the axial direction and is compressively deformed,
the second connector includes a deformation suppression portion located radially outward of the annular seal portion in the connected state,
The medical connector has an outer peripheral surface of the annular seal portion that abuts against the deformation suppression portion when a fluid is flowing through the communication hole. The medical connector according to claim 1,
The deformation suppression portion extends in an annular shape. 3. The medical connector according to claim 2,
The second connector is
A base portion and
an outer cylindrical portion protruding from the base portion along the axial direction of the second connecting cylindrical portion,
the second connecting tube portion is located in the inner cavity of the outer tube portion and protrudes from the base portion in a protruding direction of the outer tube portion,
a protruding end of the outer cylindrical portion is located in a direction opposite to the base portion with respect to a protruding end of the second connecting cylindrical portion;
A medical connector, wherein the deformation suppression portion is provided on the protruding end portion of the outer tube portion. 4. The medical connector according to claim 3,
a gap is formed between an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion and an outer peripheral surface of the second connecting cylindrical portion,
In the connected state, the second end of the second connecting tube portion is recessed into the annular seal portion, causing a portion of the annular seal portion to enter the gap. 4. The medical connector according to claim 3,
the first connector includes an annular connecting portion having an inner cavity into which the outer cylindrical portion is inserted in the connected state,
a first thread portion is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the annular connecting portion,
A medical connector, wherein a second threaded portion that screws into the first threaded portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube portion. 6. The medical connector according to claim 5,
A medical connector comprising a sealing member that seals between an outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion and an inner peripheral surface of the annular connecting portion. 2. The medical connector according to claim 1,
The medical connector, wherein the packing is provided on the first connector. The medical connector according to claim 7,
The packing is attached to the first connecting cylindrical portion,
The medical connector, wherein the packing has a holding portion that protrudes from the annular seal portion and surrounds the first connecting tube portion. The medical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
a protrusion protruding in an axial direction of the first connecting cylindrical portion or the second connecting cylindrical portion is provided at the first end portion or the second end portion,
The medical connector, wherein the protrusion is recessed into the annular seal portion in the connected state. 10. The medical connector according to claim 9,
The medical connector, wherein the protrusion is provided on the first end. 10. The medical connector according to claim 9,
The medical connector, wherein the protrusion extends in an annular shape. The medical connector according to claim 11,
A medical connector, wherein the protrusion is formed so that the width along the radial direction of the first connecting tube portion or the second connecting tube portion becomes smaller toward the tip of the protrusion.