JP7809954B2 - male connector - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a male connector for medical use.

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

Male connectors with couplers come in two types: one in which the coupler is fixed to the main body of the male connector, and one that rotates relative to it. Compared to male connectors with fixed couplers, male connectors with rotatable couplers have the advantage that the tube is less likely to twist when the coupler is screwed into or released from the female connector. On the other hand, male connectors with rotatable couplers have the problem that, because force is not transmitted to the male luer portion when the coupler is gripped, it becomes difficult to remove the male luer portion when it becomes stuck in the mating portion of the female connector.

For this reason, male connectors are being considered that allow the coupler to be fixed to the main body of the male connector by aligning it with a specific position, so that the coupler can be grasped and the male luer portion can be removed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 01-087391

However, conventional male connectors that can secure couplers have the following problems:

First, even when the coupler is secured, the coupler itself is difficult to grip, making it difficult to apply sufficient force to the male luer part. This is particularly problematic for male connectors for enteral nutrition, which have a larger luer part outer diameter than conventional male luer connectors for infusions and handle nutritional supplements that tend to solidify, as the male luer part is prone to sticking to the female luer part.

Another problem is that it is difficult to align the coupler to lock it in place. With conventional male connectors, operators must rely solely on the feel of the coupler in their hands to switch between a locked state and a rotatable state, which places a great deal of stress on the operator in medical settings where quick operation is required. Furthermore, if operation takes time, there is a high possibility that fingers or other parts of the body may come into contact with the male luer, resulting in contamination.

In addition, it is not possible to tell at a glance whether the coupler is fixed or rotatable, which could lead to operating errors.

The objective of this disclosure is to solve at least one of the various problems with male connectors that can lock conventional couplers.

A first aspect of the male connector disclosed herein comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion located at the distal end and insertable into a medical female connector, and a main body base portion located proximal to the male luer portion; and a coupler that threads into the female connector and is movable relative to the male connector body. The male connector body has a rotation restriction portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned axially in a rotation restriction position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and the coupler has wing portions that protrude radially outward.

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

A second aspect of the male connector disclosed herein comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion located at the distal end and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion located proximal to the male luer portion; and a coupler that threads into the female connector and is movable relative to the male connector body. The male connector body has a rotation restriction portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned axially in a rotation restriction position in which the entire male luer portion is exposed, and at least one of the coupler and the male connector body has an indicator that indicates that the rotation restriction state is in place.

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

A third aspect of the male connector disclosed herein comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion located at the distal end and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion located proximal to the male luer portion; and a coupler that threads into the female connector and is movable relative to the male connector body. The male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is axially positioned in a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and a distal movement restricting portion that releasably restricts the coupler from returning from the rotation restricting position to a position where it can thread into the female connector.

The third aspect of the male connector allows the coupler to be grasped and the male luer portion to be easily removed, and has an upstream movement restriction portion that releasably restricts the coupler from moving upstream from the rotation restriction position, preventing the coupler from inadvertently moving upstream. This significantly improves operability and also reduces the likelihood of the coupler approaching an exposed male luer portion and contaminating the inside of the coupler.

In a third aspect of the male connector, the rotation restricting portion is a rotation restricting rib that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the main body base and extends axially to engage with a coupler-side rotation restricting portion formed on the inner surface of the coupler, and the tip-side movement restricting portion is a flange that protrudes radially outward and can be overcome by an inner protrusion formed on the inner surface of the coupler, and the flange may be formed distally of the rotation restricting rib and spaced apart from it. This configuration restricts upstream movement of the coupler but creates an area in which it can rotate. This allows axial and rotational alignment to be performed independently when placing the coupler in a rotation-restricted state, improving operability. Furthermore, the coupler rotates freely, making it easy to apply force when releasing the restriction on tip-side movement of the coupler.

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

A fourth aspect of the male connector disclosed herein comprises a male connector body having a male luer portion located at the distal end and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion located proximal to the male luer portion; and a coupler that threads into the female connector and is movable relative to the male connector body. The male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned axially in a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed. The rotation restricting portion has a body-side rotation restricting portion formed on the male connector body and a coupler-side rotation restricting portion formed on the coupler that engages with the body-side rotation restricting portion, and has a position indicator that indicates the position of the coupler-side rotation restricting portion.

The fourth aspect of the male connector has a rotation restriction section, which allows the operator to grasp the coupler in the rotation-restricted state and perform the removal operation, improving operability. It also has a position indicator that shows the position of the coupler-side rotation restriction section, making it easy to grasp the rotation-restricted position and highly effective in guiding the operator to perform the removal operation in the rotation-restricted state. By moving the coupler to the rotation-restricted position where the male luer portion is exposed and performing the removal operation, not only is the removal operation easier, but the coupler is also separated from the tip of the male luer portion, making it less likely that the medicinal liquid will overflow from the male luer portion and enter the coupler.

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

In this case, the protrusion is a plate-like member that protrudes radially outward, and the maximum radial width of the protrusion can be equal to or greater than the maximum radial width of the coupler. With this configuration, when gripping the coupler to remove it, the fingers naturally come into contact with the wing portion, making it even easier to apply force.

The male connector disclosed herein allows the coupler to be grasped and the male luer portion to be easily removed, greatly improving operability.

1 is a plan view showing a state in which a male connector according to one embodiment is connected to a female connector. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which the coupler is restricted from rotating. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the coupler is restricted from rotating. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the male connector body where a rotation restricting rib is formed. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the coupler where a rotation restricting groove is formed. FIG. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the coupler. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a male connector main body according to a first modified example. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a male connector according to a second modified example. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a male connector main body according to a third modified example. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a male connector according to a fourth modified example is connected to a female connector. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which the coupler of the male connector according to the fourth modified example has been moved to a rotation restricted position. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a coupler according to a fourth modified example. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the coupler of the male connector according to the fourth modification has been moved to a rotation restricted position. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a male connector according to a fourth modified example is connected to a female connector. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the clip groove of the male connector according to the fourth modification is engaged with the movement restricting flange portion. FIG.

As shown in Figures 1 to 6, one embodiment of the male connector 100 is a male connector for, for example, enteral nutrition, and includes a male connector body 101 and a coupler 102 whose position relative to the male connector body 101 is movable. The male connector body 101 has a rotation restriction portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler 102 when the axial position of the coupler 102 is set to the rotation restriction position.

The male connector main body 101 has a male luer portion 110 that can be inserted into the female luer portion 201 of the female connector 200 provided on the upstream side (tip side), and a main body base portion 120 to which a tube 300 extending on the downstream side (base end side) is connected. In the following, enteral nutrition applications will be used as an example, and the side opposite the patient will be described as the upstream side, and the patient side as the downstream side. For applications other than enteral nutrition, the upstream and downstream sides may be reversed.

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

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

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

The outer diameter φ1 of the main body base 120 at the rotation restriction rib 131 is smaller than the inner diameter φ2 of the second tubular portion 160 excluding the inner flange 172, and is larger than the inner diameter φ3 of the inner flange 172. The circumferential width of the rotation restriction groove 171 is approximately equal to the circumferential width of the rotation restriction rib 131. Therefore, by setting the axial and rotational positions of the coupler 102 to a predetermined position relative to the male connector main body 101 and engaging the rotation restriction rib 131 with the rotation restriction groove 171, the coupler 102 is restricted from rotating relative to the male connector main body 101, preventing relative rotation. Therefore, when the coupler 102 is positioned at a rotation restriction position where rotation restriction occurs, the rotation restriction rib 131 functions as a main body-side rotation restriction portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler 102 with respect to the male connector main body 101, and the rotation restriction groove 171 functions as a coupler-side rotation restriction portion.

In the rotation-restricting state where the rotation-restricting rib 131 and the rotation-restricting groove 171 are engaged to restrict rotation, the rotational force applied to the coupler 102 is transmitted to the male connector body 101. Therefore, by grasping and operating the coupler 102, even if the male luer portion 110 is tightly mated with the female luer portion 201, force can be applied to the male luer portion 110 to release the mating and easily remove the male luer portion 110.

The axial length of the rotation restriction rib 131 is preferably longer than the axial length of the rotation restriction groove 171. This allows the rotation restriction state to be achieved within a certain range in the axial direction, making it easier to align the coupler 102 in the axial direction and improving operability.

The axial position at which the coupler 102 is in a rotation-restricted state may be downstream of the position at which the female thread 151 of the coupler 102 and the male thread 211 of the female connector 200 are disengaged, but is preferably a position at which the male luer portion 110 is fully exposed. By fully exposing the male luer portion 110, even if liquid drips when the coupler 102 is grasped and inserted or removed, the liquid adhering to the male luer portion 110 can be easily wiped off. Furthermore, because the gap between the coupler 102 and the upstream end of the male luer portion 110 is large, even if liquid overflows from the male luer portion 110, it is less likely for the liquid to flow into the coupler 102.

In the rotation restricted state, it is preferable that the distance L1 from the upstream end of the male luer part 110 to the upstream end of the coupler 102 be no more than three times the length L2 of the male luer part 110. In this way, when the coupler 102 is grasped, the distance from the grasping position to the tip of the male luer part 110 does not become too long, making it easier to grasp and insert and remove the coupler 102.

To restrict the rotation of the coupler 102 after it has been released from engagement with the female connector 200, the coupler 102 is moved downstream until the upstream end of the rotation restriction rib 131 abuts the downstream surface of the inner flange 172, and then the coupler 102 is rotated while being pulled downstream. When the circumferential position of the rotation restriction groove 171 coincides with the circumferential position of the rotation restriction rib 131, the coupler 102 moves further downstream, and the rotation restriction groove 171 engages with the rotation restriction rib 131, thereby restricting the rotation.

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

The coupler-side indicator can be made to show that the rotation restriction groove 171 is aligned with the rotation restriction rib 131. For this reason, it is not limited to a notch, but can also be an opening through which the rotation restriction rib 131 is visible, or a transparent window. Furthermore, it is not limited to something that makes the rotation restriction rib 131 visible. For example, the position where the rotation restriction state occurs can be indicated by a distinctive three-dimensional shape such as a protrusion or depression, or by a symbol or color such as an arrow. Symbolic or color indications can also be formed by attaching a sticker or the like to the coupler 102. However, notches and openings are not only easy to form, but also have the advantage of making alignment easier because the rotation restriction rib 131 can be visible.

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

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

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

The height of the guide rib 123 can be adjusted so that rotation of the coupler 102 is not impeded, but a clicking sensation or similar is felt when the rotation restriction groove 171 passes the position of the guide rib 123. This configuration makes it even easier to align the coupler 102 to a rotational position where rotation is restricted.

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

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

The axial position of the wing portion 155 preferably overlaps with the axial position of the inner flange portion 172, which is the rotation restriction portion on the coupler 102 side. This configuration allows the rotational force applied to the wing portion 155 in the rotation restriction state to be efficiently transmitted to the male connector body 101, improving operability during removal. It is preferable that the axial position of the radially outward-most protruding portion of the wing portion 155 coincides with the axial position of the inner flange portion 172, but the inner flange portion 172 may be located between the most upstream and most downstream positions of the wing portion 155.

The wing portion 155 is preferably formed as close to the downstream end of the coupler 102 as possible, and can be formed on the second tubular portion 160 side. If formed on the second tubular portion 160 side, the distance between the position where the finger is placed and the male luer portion 110 will be greater than if formed near the upstream end of the first tubular portion 150. This makes it less likely that the finger will accidentally touch the male luer portion 110 and become contaminated when operating the wing portion 155.

Furthermore, by providing wings 155 on the second cylindrical portion 160 side, which has a smaller outer diameter than the first cylindrical portion 150, it is possible to make it easier to hook a finger even if the radially outward protrusion length of the wings 155 is reduced. Furthermore, it is preferable to form a tapered diameter portion between the first cylindrical portion 150 and the second cylindrical portion 160, where the outer diameter gradually decreases, so that the wings 155 extend beyond the tapered diameter portion and reach the first cylindrical portion 150. In this way, a finger placed on the wings 155 will hit the inclined surface of the tapered diameter portion, making it easier to apply a large force.

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

In this embodiment, the coupler 102 is formed with wing portions 155. Therefore, when the coupler 102 is not fixed, even if force is applied to the wing portions 155, no force is applied to the male connector body 101. This makes it less likely that the tube will be accidentally twisted or the male luer portion 110 will come loose.

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

When the wing portions 155 are provided on the second tubular portion 160 side, it is preferable that they protrude radially outward from the first tubular portion 150 to make it easier to grip, and to avoid getting in the way, it is preferable that the maximum width of the coupler 102 at the wing portions 155 is no more than twice the maximum outer diameter of the first tubular portion 150, and it is more preferable that it is no more than 1.5 times.

When the wing portion 155 is formed on the second cylindrical portion 160 side, it is preferable to form the wing portion 155 at a position circumferentially offset from the guide notch 162. In this embodiment, the wing portion 155 is formed at a position circumferentially offset from the guide notch 162. By forming the wing portion 155 at a position circumferentially offset from the guide notch 162, it is possible to prevent the wing portion 155 from interfering with the alignment and display provided by the guide notch 162.

The wing portions 155 and outer surface ribs 152 may be formed as needed, and may not be formed at all.

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

In the example shown, the inner flange 172 is used to form the rotation restriction groove 171 as a component on the coupler 102 side that abuts against the upstream flange 122 and prevents the coupler 102 from slipping out toward the upstream side. However, the stopper can also be a separate component from the inner flange 172.

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

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

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

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

It is preferable to form the intermediate flange 125 at a distance upstream from the upstream end of the rotation restriction rib 131 by at least the axial thickness of the inner flange 172. This creates an area in which the coupler 102 is restricted from moving upstream but can rotate freely. As a result, after the inner flange 172 passes over the intermediate flange 125, the coupler 102 can be rotated to align the rotation restriction groove 171 with the rotation restriction rib 131, improving operability. Furthermore, when moving the coupler 102 upstream, a force can also be applied in the twisting direction of the coupler 102, making it easier to move it upstream.

The upstream and downstream surfaces of the intermediate flange 125 are preferably inclined. This configuration ensures that appropriate resistance is generated when the coupler 102 is moved. Furthermore, while the example shown uses the inner flange 172 to form the rotation restriction groove 171 as the coupler-side abutment portion that abuts against the intermediate flange 125 and restricts the upstream movement of the coupler 102, the abutment portion can also be a separate member from the inner flange 172.

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

Methods for restricting downstream movement of the coupler 102 include, for example, forming a wall at the upstream end of the rotation restriction groove 171, or forming a circumferentially wider portion at the downstream end of the rotation restriction rib 131. It is also possible to prevent the inner flange 172 from climbing over the downstream flange 124.

Furthermore, as in the second modified male connector 100B shown in Figure 8, movement restriction wings 142 can be formed on the male connector main body 101B to restrict downstream movement of the coupler 102. The movement restriction wings 142 are formed to extend radially outward near the downstream end of the main body base 120B, restricting downstream movement of the coupler 102.

It is preferable that the movement-restricting wing 142 be formed so that it is flush with the wing 155 when aligned with the guide notch 162 of the coupler 102 to restrict rotation. This allows the fingers to be placed on the movement-restricting wing 142 as well as the wing 155 to perform operation.

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

In the illustrated configuration, the main body base 120B has the function of restricting downstream movement, but a movement restriction section separate from the male connector main body 101B can also be provided on the tube 300. For example, a ring with an outer diameter that does not allow the coupler 102 to pass through can be fitted onto the tube 300, or tape can be wrapped around it to prevent the coupler 102 from passing through. If the movement restriction section provided on the tube 300 is provided with a mechanism that engages with the base end of the coupler 102, it is also possible to releasably restrict the upstream movement of the coupler 102.

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

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

When the coupler 102 is moved to the downstream end of the male connector body 101C and the inner convex portion abuts the downstream flange 145 or the second edge 132B of the rotation-restricting convex portion 132, and the coupler 102 is rotated leftward as viewed downstream, the inner convex portion abuts the first edge 132A of the rotation-restricting convex portion 132, restricting rotation of the coupler 102. When the coupler 102 is rotated rightward as viewed downstream, the inner convex portion can move along the second edge 132B, preventing rotation. In this modified example, the rotation direction in which rotation restriction occurs coincides with the direction in which the female thread 151 of the coupler 102 and the male thread 211 of the female connector 200 are disengaged. Therefore, after disengaging the coupler 102, moving the coupler 102 backward while continuing to rotate naturally re-enters the rotation-restricted state, making it easy to disengage the male luer portion 110. However, the rotation direction in which rotation is restricted can be set to the opposite direction to the direction in which the coupler 102 is unscrewed, to prevent the male luer part 110 from being accidentally removed.

In this modified example, a downstream flange 145 is formed at the downstream end of the main body base 120C at a height that the inner protrusion cannot overcome. This configuration prevents the coupler 102 from falling downstream of the rotation restriction position, improving operability. However, it is also possible to allow the inner protrusion to overcome the downstream flange 145 by performing a specified operation, moving the coupler 102 toward the tube 300.

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

A second cylindrical portion 160 with a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion 150, which is provided with an internal thread, is formed downstream of the coupler 102, and wing portions 155 are formed on the second cylindrical portion 160 side, making it easier to hook a finger even if the radial outward protrusion length of the wing portions 155 is reduced. The lower limit of the outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 160 is limited by the outer diameter of the main body base 120, but is preferably 90% or less of the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 150, and more preferably 80% or less. The axial length of the second cylindrical portion 160 is preferably 10% or more and 50% or less of the axial length of the first cylindrical portion 150.

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

In this modified example, the protrusions that form the main body-side rotation restriction portion are a pair of rotation restriction wing portions 147. The rotation restriction wing portions 147 are plate-shaped bodies formed at the downstream end of the main body base 120D and protruding radially outward. The rotation restriction notch 167, which forms the coupler-side rotation restriction portion, is a notch that is open on the downstream end side of the coupler 102D and has a circumferential width that is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the circumferential width of the rotation restriction wing portions 147. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, when the coupler 102D is moved to the downstream end of the male connector main body 101D and adjusted to a predetermined angle, the rotation restriction wing portions 147 are inserted into the rotation restriction notch 167. This results in a rotation restriction state in which the coupler 102D does not rotate relative to the male connector main body 101D.

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

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

In this modified example, the maximum radial width W1 of the rotation restricting wing 147 is equal to or greater than the maximum radial width W2 of the coupler 102D. With this configuration, when gripping and rotating the coupler 102D, the fingers naturally come into contact with the rotation restricting wing 147, allowing for the application of greater force. To ensure that the rotation restricting wing 147 does not get in the way in connectors intended for long-term placement, it is preferable that the maximum radial width W1 of the rotation restricting wing 147 be no more than twice the maximum width W2 of the coupler 102D. As shown in Figure 13, the maximum radial width W1 of the rotation restricting wing 147 is the distance from the central axis of the male connector body to the outermost end of the wing, and the maximum radial width W2 of the coupler 102D is the maximum radius of the coupler 102D.

In this modified example, the protrusion that serves as the main body rotation restriction section is a wing that extends in both directions, but it may also be plate-shaped with a flat surface that the finger rests against, or it may be shaped to protrude in only one radial direction. Furthermore, it is not limited to these shapes, and may also be a rod-shaped protrusion or a rib with a low protruding height.

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

In this modified example, an inner flange 165 that protrudes radially inward is formed on the inner surface of the second tubular portion 160 of the coupler 102D. The inner diameter of the inner flange 165 is smaller than the outer diameter of the upstream flange 122 formed between the male luer portion 110 and the main body base 120D. This prevents the coupler 102D from slipping out upstream. The inner flange 165 also adds thickness to the rotation restriction notch 167. This increases the contact surface between the rotation restriction notch 167 and the rotation restriction wing portion 147, allowing for greater force to be transmitted. The rotation restriction notch 167 can also be reinforced.

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

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

The height and inclination of the flange 126 and clip groove 166 can be adjusted so that they can be engaged and disengaged with minimal resistance. In this modified example, the clip groove 166 is formed only in a portion of the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion 160, but it may be formed around the entire circumference, excluding the portion where the rotation-restricting notch 167 is formed. Also, while the movement-restricting flange 126 is formed around the entire circumference, excluding the portion where the rotation-restricting wing 147 is formed, it may also be formed only in the portion that engages with the clip groove 166.

In this modified example, a cap 180 is provided to close the upstream end of the male connector 100D. The cap 180 includes a cap body 181 that closes the upstream ends of the male luer portion 110 and the coupler 102D, an attachment portion 182 attached to the tube 300, and a connecting portion 183 that connects the cap body 181 and the attachment portion 182. The cap body 181 is provided with a tab 185, allowing it to be easily attached to and detached from the upstream end of the male connector 100D. Furthermore, the tube 300 is inserted through an opening 182a formed in the attachment portion 182, allowing the attachment portion 182 to slide freely along the tube 300. Therefore, by moving the attachment portion 182 downstream, it does not get in the way when moving the coupler 102D to a downstream rotation-restricted position or twisting the coupler 102D to remove the male luer portion 110. Additionally, by moving the mounting portion 182 upstream, the cap body 181 can be easily attached to the upstream end of the male connector 100D.

The opening 182a of the attachment portion 182 is not particularly limited, but if it is a slit-shaped opening, the tube 300 can be inserted even if the tube 300 varies in diameter. Furthermore, because a moderate frictional force is applied, the tube 300 can slide freely along the tube 300 while preventing unintended movement.

By attaching the cap 180 to the tube 300, it does not get in the way when inserting or removing the male connector 100D. However, the cap 180 can also be attached to the male connector body 101D or the coupler 102D. Note that caps can also be provided on male connectors in other embodiments and variants of the present disclosure.

In the above embodiments and variations, the main body rotation restricting portion is a convex portion protruding from the male connector main body, and the coupler rotation restricting portion is a groove or notch that engages with the convex portion of the main body rotation restricting portion, and the main body rotation restricting portion and the coupler rotation restricting portion are convex portions that engage with each other. However, the main body rotation restricting portion may also be a groove or recess, and the coupler rotation restricting portion may be a convex portion that engages with it.

The male connector disclosed herein allows for easy grasping of the coupler to remove the male luer portion, making it useful in the medical field.

100, 100B, 100D Male connector 101, 101A, 101B, 101C, 101D Male connector body 102, 102D Coupler 110 Male luer part 120, 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D Body base 122 Upstream flange 123 Guide rib 124 Downstream flange 125 Intermediate flange 126 Movement restricting flange 131 Rotation restricting rib 132 Rotation restricting protrusion 132A First side 132B Second side 141 Downstream guide rib 142 Movement restricting wing 145 Downstream flange 147 Rotation restricting wing 150 First cylindrical part 151 Female thread 152 Outer surface rib 155 Wing 160 Second cylindrical part 162 Guide notch 165 Inner flange 166, clip groove 167, rotation restriction notch 171, rotation restriction groove 172, inner flange 180, cap 181, cap body 182, attachment portion 182a, opening 183, connecting portion 185, tab 200, female connector 201, female luer portion 211, male thread 300, tube

Claims (6)

a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion;
a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable;
the male connector body has a body-side rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned in an axial direction at a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed,
the coupler has a first cylindrical portion having an internal surface provided with a female thread that screws into the female connector, and a second cylindrical portion that is provided closer to the base end than the first cylindrical portion, has an internal surface provided with a coupler-side rotation restricting portion that engages with the main body-side rotation restricting portion, and has a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion;
The coupler has a wing portion protruding radially outward on an outer surface of the second cylindrical portion .
Male connector. a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion;
a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable;
the male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned in an axial direction at a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed,
the rotation restricting portion has a main body side rotation restricting portion formed on the male connector main body, and a coupler side rotation restricting portion formed on the coupler and engaging with the main body side rotation restricting portion,
the main body side rotation restricting portion is a rotation restricting wing portion that is a plate-like body that protrudes radially outward from the male connector main body,
the coupler-side rotation restricting portion is a rotation restricting notch that is open on the coupler base end side,
the rotation restriction wing portion functions as an indicator that indicates a rotation restriction state when inserted into the rotation restriction notch ,
A male connector , wherein the maximum radial width of the rotation restricting wing portion from the central axis of the male connector body is equal to or greater than the maximum radial width of the coupler from the central axis of the male connector body . a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion;
a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable;
The male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the axial position of the coupler is set to a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed, and a convex distal end direction movement restricting portion that releasably restricts the coupler from returning from the rotation restricting position to a position where it can be screwed with the female connector,
The male connector moves from the rotation restriction position to a position where the coupler can be screwed with the female connector by climbing over the distal direction movement restriction portion . the rotation restricting portion is a rotation restricting rib that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the main body base and extends in the axial direction to engage with a coupler-side rotation restricting portion formed on the inner surface of the coupler,
the distal end direction movement restricting portion is a flange portion that protrudes radially outward and that can be overcome by an inner convex portion formed on an inner surface of the coupler,
The male connector according to claim 3 , wherein the flange portion is formed spaced apart from the rotation restricting rib and closer to a tip end than the rotation restricting rib. A male connector according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the male connector body has a proximal movement restriction portion that restricts the coupler from moving proximally beyond the axial position where the coupler is in a rotation-restricted state. a male connector body having a male luer portion formed on the distal end side and insertable into a medical female connector, and a body base portion provided on the proximal end side of the male luer portion;
a coupler that is threadably engaged with the female connector and whose position relative to the male connector body is movable;
the male connector body has a rotation restricting portion that restricts relative rotation of the coupler with respect to the male connector body when the coupler is positioned in an axial direction at a rotation restricting position where the entire male luer portion is exposed,
the rotation restricting portion has a main body side rotation restricting portion formed on the male connector main body, and a coupler side rotation restricting portion formed on the inner surface of the coupler and engaging with the main body side rotation restricting portion,
The coupler has a position indicator that indicates the circumferential position of the coupler side rotation restricting portion, thereby indicating the circumferential position at which the coupler can be placed in a rotation restricted state relative to the male connector main body .