WO2012117648A1

WO2012117648A1 - Connector assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2012117648A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/079871
Authority: WO
Inventors: 正臣今井; 昌史竹本
Original assignee: テルモ株式会社
Priority date: 2011-02-28
Filing date: 2011-12-22
Publication date: 2012-09-07

Abstract

The connector assembly has a first connector and a second connector that is inserted into the first connector. The first connector is equipped with an outer tube structure having an outer tube provided with internal engaging parts, an inner tube inserted so that the position thereof with respect to the outer tube can be changed, and an inner tube structure having a first engaging piece and a first sealing member provided in the inner tube. The second connector is equipped with a second connector body having an external engaging part and a second sealing member. In the process of the second connector being inserted into the first connector, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are maintained in close contact by the engagement of the first engaging piece with the external engaging part.

Description

Connector assembly

The present invention relates to a connector assembly.

In general, drugs that are dangerous if medical workers accidentally touch them, such as anticancer drugs and immunosuppressive drugs, are stored in a powdered state in a vial container whose mouth is sealed with a rubber stopper.
When taking out a medicine from such a vial container, the following operation is performed.

First, the mouth part of the vial container and the mouth part of the syringe in which the solution for dissolution is separated are connected via a connector (see Patent Document 1). Next, in this connected state, the dissolving solution is injected from the syringe into the vial container. And a chemical | medical agent is uniformly melt | dissolved in the liquid for a dissolution by performing pumping operation or shaking a vial container. Next, a dissolving solution in which the drug is dissolved (hereinafter referred to as “solution”) is sucked into the syringe and taken out.

The connector described in Patent Document 1 used for such an operation includes a hollow needle having a sharp needle tip at the tip, a hub that supports the hollow needle, and a cover member that covers the needle tip. The cover member is movable along the longitudinal direction of the hollow needle, and can move to a first position that covers the needle tip and a second position where the needle tip is exposed. The connector also has a stopper that prevents the cover member from unintentionally moving from the first position to the second position. In the connector having such a configuration, for example, the hub is connected to the syringe, the stopper is operated to move the cover member to the second position, and the rubber stopper of the vial container is pierced with the hollow needle (hereinafter this state is referred to as “use” State "). In this use state, the inside of the syringe and the inside of the vial container communicate with each other through the connector (hollow needle).

However, in the connector described in Patent Document 1, when a force that pulls out the hollow needle from the rubber stopper of the vial container in the state of use is applied, the hollow needle is easily removed from the rubber stopper of the vial container. In this case, the liquid agent scatters from the exposed needle tip and adheres to a medical worker or the like, or the medical worker causes an erroneous puncture by the needle tip, and the liquid agent is safely and reliably transferred through the connector. There was a problem that could not.

In addition, the connector described in Patent Document 1 has a relatively long overall length, and as a result, is difficult to use. The reason why the total length becomes long is that, for example, since the cover member moves to the first position and the second position along the longitudinal direction of the hollow needle, the total length becomes longer by the moving distance.

JP 2005-522282 Gazette

An object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly that can safely and surely transfer liquid from the first connector side to the second connector side or in the opposite direction, and is advantageous for downsizing.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector inserted into the first connector,
The first connector has a cylindrical shape, and is provided on an outer cylinder into which the second connector is inserted from the distal end side and a proximal end side of the outer cylinder, and a first medical instrument is connected to the first connector. An outer cylinder structure having a connecting portion, a hollow needle that is supported and fixed inside the outer cylinder, has an opening that is open on a distal end side of the outer cylinder, and communicates with the first connection section;
The inner cylinder is inserted in a displaceable manner with respect to the outer cylinder, and has a cylindrical shape having a distal end and a proximal end, and is formed of an elastic material supported and fixed inside the inner cylinder and pierced by the hollow needle. An inner cylinder having a first piercing portion and having a first sealing member that seals the distal end side of the inner cylinder, and at least one first engagement piece provided on the inner cylinder A structure,
A first restricting means for temporarily restricting rotation of the inner cylinder structure around the axis relative to the outer cylinder structure; and the outer cylinder structure of the inner cylinder structure at a timing different from that of the first restricting means. A second restricting means for temporarily restricting movement in the proximal direction with respect to the front end, and a distal end of the inner tubular structure with respect to the outer tubular structure at a timing different from that of the first restricting means and the second restricting means And a restriction means having a third restriction means for temporarily restricting movement in the direction,
The second connector has a cylindrical shape having a distal end and a proximal end, and is provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof. When the second connector is inserted into the outer cylinder, the first engagement piece can be engaged with the outer engagement. A second connector main body having a portion, a second connection portion provided in the second connector main body to which a second medical instrument is connected, and provided on a proximal end side of the second connector main body, A second seal that has a second piercing portion made of an elastic material that comes into close contact with the first piercing portion when inserted into the outer cylinder and seals the inside of the second connector With members,
In the process of inserting the second connector into the first connector, rotation about the axis is restricted by the first restricting means, and in the proximal direction by pressing by the second connector. The first state in which movement is possible and the movement in the proximal direction are regulated by the second regulating means, and the rotation around the axis regulated by the first regulating means becomes possible, The second state in which the first piercing portion and the second piercing portion are in close contact with each other, and when the rotation around the axis is performed, the third restricting means causes the distal direction to move toward the distal end. When the movement is restricted and the third state where the movement in the proximal direction, which has been restricted by the second restriction means, becomes possible again, and the movement in the proximal direction again is performed. The first in the contact state Toridoku a fourth state in which the passing unit and the second piercing portion is pierced by the hollow needle,
At least during the transition from the third state to the fourth state, the first engagement piece and the outer engagement portion are engaged to maintain the close contact state. It is.

In the connector assembly of the present invention, when the second connector is removed, the engagement between the first engagement piece and the outer engagement portion is performed by the first engagement piece and the outer engagement. It is preferable that it is released naturally by separating the joint portion.

In the connector assembly of the present invention, the outer cylinder structure has a first pressing portion that presses the first engagement piece toward the outer engagement portion, and the first engagement The piece is preferably engaged with the outer engaging portion by being pressed by the first pressing portion.

In the connector assembly of the present invention, the first engagement piece is arranged around the central axis of the inner cylinder, and is separated from the central axis of the inner cylinder as it goes in the distal direction in a natural state. It is preferable to be inclined.

Moreover, in the connector assembly of the present invention, the outer cylinder structure has an inner engagement portion provided on an inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder,
The inner cylinder structure has at least one second engagement piece that is provided at a position different from the first engagement piece of the inner cylinder and can engage with the inner engagement portion,
In the second state, the second engagement piece and the inner engagement portion are engaged to restrict the movement of the inner cylinder structure to the distal end side with respect to the outer cylinder structure,
When changing from the second state to the third state by rotation about the axis, the engagement between the second engagement piece and the inner engagement portion is released while the close contact state is maintained. It is preferable.

In the connector assembly of the present invention, the second engaging piece is disposed around the central axis of the inner cylinder, and is separated from the central axis of the inner cylinder as it goes in the distal direction in a natural state. It is preferable to be inclined.

In the connector assembly of the present invention, the second engagement piece has elasticity, and the inner engagement portion is engaged with the inner engagement portion in the first state by the elastic force. It is preferable to be biased toward the part.

Further, in the connector assembly of the present invention, the inner engagement portion is constituted by a through hole that penetrates the wall portion of the outer cylinder,
The second engagement piece is preferably exposed through the inner engagement portion when engaged with the inner engagement portion in the first state.

Further, in the connector assembly according to the present invention, the restricting means includes a crank-shaped groove formed on one wall of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder along the circumferential direction, and the other wall. It is preferable that the projection is inserted into the groove and is configured to move in the groove as the inner cylinder is displaced.

In the connector assembly of the present invention, the first engagement piece has a claw protruding toward the central axis side of the inner cylinder,
It is preferable that the outer engaging portion is constituted by a concave portion with which the claw is engaged.

Further, in the connector assembly of the present invention, the first medical instrument includes a syringe outer cylinder having a mouth portion that is formed in a tubular shape at the distal end portion.
It is preferable that the first connection portion is configured so that the mouth portion of the syringe outer cylinder is fitted in a liquid-tight manner.

In the connector assembly of the present invention, the second medical device includes a tube through which a liquid passes,
The second connection part is preferably configured so that the tube fits in a liquid-tight manner.

Further, in the connector assembly of the present invention, the second medical instrument includes a bottomed cylindrical container having a bottom and a mouth opening on the opposite side to the bottom.
It is preferable that the second connection portion is configured so that the mouth portion of the container fits in a liquid-tight manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first connector of a connector assembly (first embodiment) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a locking mechanism in the first connector shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second connector of the connector assembly (first embodiment) of the present invention. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second connector shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the inner connector structure of the first connector and the second connector in the connector assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the inner connector structure of the first connector and the second connector in the connector assembly shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the second connector of the connector assembly (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view sequentially illustrating the operation process of the second connector of the connector assembly (second embodiment) of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the middle of the operation process of the connector assembly (third embodiment) of the present invention. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the connector assembly of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first connector of the connector assembly (first embodiment) of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lock mechanism in the first connector shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second connector of the connector assembly (first embodiment) of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the second connector shown in FIG. 3, and FIGS. FIGS. 8 to 13 are longitudinal sectional views sequentially showing the operation process of the connector assembly of the present invention (FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 5, FIG. 11 shows the operation process of the connector assembly of FIG. 14 corresponds to FIG. 7), FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first connector inner cylinder structure and a second connector in the connector assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the relationship with the connector. FIG. 16 is an inner cylindrical structure of the first connector in the connector assembly shown in FIG. Is a perspective view showing the relationship between the second connector. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the upper side “base end”, “upper” or “upper” in FIGS. 1 to 13, 15 and 16 will be referred to, and the lower side will be referred to as “front end”, “lower” or Say “down”.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 13, the connector assembly 1 is composed of a first connector (female connector) 2 and a second connector (male connector) 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the first connector 2 is connected to a syringe 20 as a first medical instrument. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second connector 3 is connected to

tubes

60 a and 60 b as second medical instruments. The connector assembly 1 includes a first connector 2 in which the second connector 3 is inserted from the distal end side, and these connectors are assembled together (in the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 11). It is used to transfer liquid from the connector 2 side to the second connector 3 side or in the opposite direction. Further, the connector assembly 1 is in the process of inserting the second connector 3 into the first connector 2, that is, in the first state shown in FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, and in FIGS. The second state shown in FIG. 6, the third state shown in FIG. 6, and the fourth state shown in FIGS.

The syringe 20 includes a syringe outer cylinder 201 and a gasket (not shown) that slides inside the syringe outer cylinder, and the space surrounded by the syringe outer cylinder 201 and the gasket is filled with the chemical solution P. The syringe outer cylinder 201 has a mouth portion 202 that is formed in a tubular shape and has a reduced diameter at its distal end. The mouth portion 202 is connected to the first connector 2. And the chemical | medical solution P can be discharged | emitted via the opening | mouth part 202 by operating the said gasket to move toward a front-end | tip direction.

The second connector 3 is incorporated as an infusion line mixed injection connector via, for example, the

tubes

60a and 60b. By connecting the first connector 2 connected to the syringe 20 to the second connector 3, the drug solution P in the syringe 20 is transferred to the infusion line.

Next, the connector assembly 1 will be described. As described above, the connector assembly 1 includes the first connector 2 and the second connector 3.

As shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies to FIGS. 2 to 16), the first connector 2 includes an inner cylinder structure 21, an outer cylinder structure 22, and a lock mechanism 23.

The inner cylinder structure 21 can move in the outer cylinder structure 22 along its central axis, and can also rotate in the outer cylinder structure 22 around its central axis. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, the inner cylinder structure 21 includes a cylindrical inner cylinder 7 and a first sealing member 6 supported and fixed inside the inner cylinder 7. On the other hand, the outer cylinder structure 22 includes an outer cylinder 4 having a bottomed cylindrical shape, a hollow needle 5 supported and fixed inside the outer cylinder, and a coil spring 8 installed in the outer cylinder 4. .

The inner cylinder 7 is displaceable with respect to the outer cylinder 4, that is, is movable in the direction of the central axis of the outer cylinder 4, and is also rotatably inserted around the central axis of the outer cylinder 4.

A sealing member installation 73 for installing the first sealing member 6 is provided at the tip of the inner cylinder 7. The sealing member installation 73 includes plate-

like plate portions

731 and 732 facing each other. By sandwiching the first sealing member 6 between the plate-like portion 731 and the plate-like portion 732, the first sealing member 6 is fixed to the inner cylinder 7.

Further, the inner cylinder 7 has a sliding member 74 that slides the hollow needle 5 when the inner cylinder 7 is displaced, and a fixing portion 75 that fixes the sliding member 74 at the base end portion thereof. Yes. The sliding member 74 has a cylindrical shape, and the inner peripheral portion 741 slides on the outer peripheral portion 54 of the hollow needle 5. The sliding member 74 is made of an elastic material, and the elastic material is not particularly limited. For example, various rubber materials such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, , Elastic materials such as various thermoplastic elastomers such as polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, olefin, and styrene, and mixtures thereof. The fixed portion 75 is a cylindrical portion that is integrally formed so as to protrude upward from the plate-like portion 732. The sliding member 74 can be fixed by fitting the sliding member 74 inside the fixing portion 75.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, two protrusions 76 are formed to protrude from the outer peripheral portion of the inner cylinder 7. The protrusions 76 are arranged on opposite sides of the inner cylinder 7 with respect to the central axis. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, each protrusion 76 has an operation of inserting the second connector 3 into the first connector 2 (hereinafter referred to as an “insertion operation”), or from the first connector 2. This is a portion that moves in a crank-shaped groove 48 formed in the outer cylinder 4 in accordance with an operation of extracting the second connector 3 (hereinafter referred to as “extraction operation”).

At the tip of the inner cylinder 7, two first engaging pieces 71 and two second engaging pieces 72 are formed protruding toward the tip direction. Each first engagement piece 71 has a claw 711 protruding toward the central axis side of the inner cylinder 7. Each of the second engaging pieces 72 also has a claw 721 that protrudes toward the central axis of the inner cylinder 7.

In each first engagement piece 71, the claw 711 engages with the second connector 3 (outer engagement portion 105) between the second state and the fourth state. In the second state, each second engagement piece 72 is engaged with the outer structure 22 (inner engagement portion 45) at a portion opposite to the protruding direction of the claw 721. Further, this engagement is released during the transition from the second state to the third state. In addition, each of the second engagement pieces 72 whose engagement has been released engages the second connector 3 with the claw 721 between the third state and the fourth state.

The first engagement pieces 71 and the second engagement pieces 72 are spaced apart from each other and are alternately arranged around the central axis of the inner cylinder 7 at equal angular intervals. In other words, the two first engagement pieces 71 are arranged to face each other via the central axis of the inner cylinder 7, and the two second engagement pieces 72 are the first engagement pieces. Arranged at positions different from the combined piece 71 through the central axis of the inner cylinder 7. With such an arrangement, in the first state, when each first engagement piece 71 is engaged with the second connector 3, the engagement is stabilized and each second engagement piece 72 is The engagement is also stabilized when engaged with the outer cylinder structure 22. Further, during the transition from the second state to the fourth state, each first engagement piece 71 and each second engagement piece 72 can be engaged with the second connector 3 at a time, Therefore, the engagement is also stable. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the engagement from being unintentionally released in each state.

The first engagement piece 71 and the second engagement piece 72 are arranged at the same position in the central axis direction of the inner cylinder 7. On the other hand, for example, when the first engagement piece 71 and the second engagement piece 72 are arranged so as to be shifted in the central axis direction of the inner cylinder 7, the entire length of the inner structure 21 is increased by the amount of the shift. As a result, the entire length of the first connector 2 becomes longer. However, in the present embodiment, since the first engagement piece 71 and the second engagement piece 72 are arranged at the same position in the central axis direction of the inner cylinder 7, the aforementioned deviation is arranged. Rather, the overall length of the first connector 2 can be shortened, which is advantageous in reducing the size of the connector assembly 1.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 15, the first engagement piece 71 and the second engagement piece 72 are arranged around the central axis of the inner cylinder 7, and are arranged in the natural state toward the distal direction. Inclined away from the central axis of the cylinder 7. As a result, when the first engagement piece 71 and the second engagement piece 72 are pressed inward, the pressed engagement pieces return to the original shape, that is, outward. Get the elastic force (biasing force) to tilt. Moreover, if the pressing force with respect to the engaging piece is released, the engaging piece returns to its original shape and is inclined outward. Thus, the posture of the engagement piece can be changed with a simple structure in which a pressing force can be applied to or released from the engagement piece. Thereby, in the 1st engagement piece 71, engagement with the 2nd connector 3 and cancellation | release of that engagement can be performed easily. Further, in the second engagement piece 72, the engagement with the outer cylinder structure 22 and the release of the engagement, the engagement with the second connector 3, and the release of the engagement can be easily performed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first sealing member 6 is installed in the sealing member installation 73 of the inner cylinder 7. The first sealing member 6 has a disk shape, and seals the inner cavity 7 (inside the first connector 2). The edge of the first sealing member 6 is sandwiched between the plate-

like portions

731 and 732 constituting the sealing member installation 73, so that the first sealing member 6 is securely fixed to the inner cylinder 7 and moved together with the inner cylinder 7. can do.

Further, the first sealing member 6 is a raised elastic body in which the thickness of the center portion is thicker than the thickness of the edge portion. This central portion is a first piercing portion 61 that is pierced by the hollow needle 5 when the first sealing member 6 moves in the proximal direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, in the second state, the first sealing member 6 is in close contact with a second sealing member 11 of the second connector 3 described later. At this time, in the first sealing member 6, the distal end surface 612 bulging in the natural state of the first piercing portion 61 is crushed and deformed. Thereby, the contact state becomes more reliable, and thus liquid tightness at the boundary between the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 can be ensured. Thereby, the liquid can be safely and reliably transferred in the assembled state (fourth state).

It should be noted that the constituent material of the first sealing member 6 is not particularly limited, and for example, the same elastic material as the constituent material of the sliding member 74 described above can be used.

The outer cylinder structure 22 that houses the inner cylinder structure 21 having such a configuration includes the outer cylinder 4, the hollow needle 5, and the coil spring 8.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 13, the outer cylinder 4 is constituted by a member having a bottomed cylindrical shape into which the second connector 3 can be inserted from an opening 44 opening toward the distal end side.

As shown in FIG. 14, the outer cylinder 4 has two inner engagement portions 45 with which the second engagement pieces 72 of the inner structure 21 are engaged in the second state. The respective inner engaging portions 45 are arranged to face each other via the central axis of the outer cylinder 4. Moreover, each inner engaging part 45 is comprised by the through-hole which penetrates the wall part of the outer cylinder 4, ie, penetrates from the inner peripheral part of the outer cylinder 4 to an outer peripheral part, respectively. When each second engagement piece 72 engages with the inner engagement portion 45 in the second state, the second engagement piece 72 is exposed through the inner engagement portion 45. It will be. Thereby, the second engagement piece 72 can be pressed by the pressing piece 94 of the pinching member 9.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14, the outer cylinder 4 has two first pressing portions 46. Each of the first pressing portions 46 has the first engaging piece 71 when the first engaging piece 71 of the inner structure 21 is engaged with the second connector 3 in the second state. This is a portion that is pressed toward the second connector 3. Each of the first pressing portions 46 is disposed at a position shifted by 180 degrees around the central axis of the outer cylinder 4 with respect to the inner engagement portion 45 described above. Each first pressing portion 46 is configured by an elastic piece that penetrates the wall portion of the outer cylinder 4 and is surrounded by a slit 461 having a “U” shape in a side view. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, in the process from when the second connector 3 is inserted into the outer tube 4 of the first connector 2 until it is in the assembled state, each first pressing portion 46 is Each of the first engagement pieces 71 can be pressed and reliably engaged with the second connector 3.

As shown in FIG. 14, the outer cylinder 4 has two second pressing portions 47 on its inner peripheral portion. Each of the second pressing portions 47 rotates the inner cylinder structure 21 around the central axis (clockwise in FIG. 14) with respect to the outer cylinder structure 22 from the first state to the third state. This is a portion that presses the second engagement piece 72 inward (in a direction away from the inner engagement portion 45). Each second pressing portion 47 is disposed between the inner engagement portion 45 and the first pressing portion 46. Moreover, in each 2nd press part 47, it forms so that the thickness of the wall part of the outer cylinder 4 may each increase gradually in the clockwise direction in FIG. Thereby, if the inner cylinder structure 21 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 14 with respect to the outer cylinder structure 22 from the second state, the second engagement pieces 72 are moved inward by the second pressing portions 47. It can be surely pressed toward. Then, the pressed second engagement piece 72 is separated from the inner engagement portion 45 to be reliably released from engagement with the inner engagement portion 45, and approaches the second connector 3 to move to the second engagement piece 45. Engagement with the second connector 3 is ensured.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the wall portion of the outer cylinder 4 is formed with two groove portions 48 penetrating the wall portion in the middle of the longitudinal direction. Each groove part 48 is arrange | positioned on the opposite side via the central axis of the outer cylinder 4, and the protrusion part 76 of the inner cylinder 7 is inserted. As described above, the protrusion 76 of the inner cylinder 7 can move in the groove 48. Each groove portion 48 has a crank shape in a side view, a lateral groove 481 formed along the circumferential direction of the wall portion of the outer cylinder 4, and a distal direction from one end of the lateral groove 481 along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 4. And a vertical groove 483 formed in the proximal direction along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 4 from the other end of the horizontal groove 481. The groove portion 48, together with the protrusion 76 of the inner cylinder 7, constitutes an “operation restriction means (regulation means) 18” that restricts an insertion operation and an extraction operation. The operation restricting means 18 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the protrusion 76 is positioned in the longitudinal groove 482 when the second connector 3 is not yet inserted into the first connector 2. For this reason, the connector assembly 1 is in the first state in which the rotation around the axis of the outer structure 22 of the inner cylinder structure 21 is temporarily restricted. Here, the protrusion 76 and the longitudinal groove 482 serve as the first restricting means.

When the insertion operation of inserting the second connector 3 into the first connector 2 from the first state shown in FIG. 1 is performed, the second sealing member 11 of the second connector 3 is moved to the first connector 2. In contact with the first sealing member 6 and presses the first sealing member 6 in the proximal direction, whereby the entire inner cylinder structure 21 moves in the proximal direction (FIGS. 8 and 8). 9). At this time, the protrusion 76 also moves along the vertical groove 482 (see FIG. 5).

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the protrusion 76 is located at the intersection of the vertical groove 482 and the horizontal groove 481, the connector assembly 1 is in the proximal direction of the inner cylindrical structure 21 with respect to the outer cylindrical structure 22. The second state in which movement to is restricted is restricted, and the insertion operation is restricted temporarily (temporarily). Here, the protrusion 76 and the portion from the intersection of the horizontal groove 481 to the vertical groove 482 to the point immediately before the intersection of the vertical groove 483 is the second restricting means. Further, due to this restriction, the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 are in close contact with each other (see FIG. 10). Further, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 76 is located at the intersection of the vertical groove 482 and the horizontal groove 481, so that the rotation operation with respect to the inner cylinder structure 21 is possible.

When the second connector 3 is rotated together with the inner cylindrical structure 21 from the second state shown in FIG. 6 as shown in FIG. 6 (FIG. 16), the protrusion 76 moves along the lateral groove 481. This rotation operation is performed until the protrusion 76 is located at the intersection of the horizontal groove 481 and the vertical groove 483. Even during the rotation operation, the close contact state between the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 is maintained by the engagement between the first engagement piece 71 and the outer engagement portion 105 described above. The

When the protrusion 76 is located at the intersection of the horizontal groove 481 and the vertical groove 483, the connector assembly 1 is restricted from moving in the distal direction of the inner cylindrical structure 21, and is not allowed to move in the proximal direction. The third state becomes possible again, and the restriction of the insertion operation is released. Here, the portion immediately after the intersection of the protrusion 76 and the vertical groove 482 of the horizontal groove 481 to the intersection of the vertical groove 483 is the third restricting means.

Then, from the third state shown in FIG. 6, the connector assembly 1 resists the urging force of the coil spring 8 together with the inner cylindrical structure 21 from the second connector 3 as shown in FIG. 7 (FIG. 11). The fourth state of pushing in the proximal direction can be set, so that the insertion operation is resumed. At this time, the protrusion 76 moves along the vertical groove 483. Even in this state, the close contact between the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 is maintained by the engagement between the first engaging piece 71 and the outer engaging portion 105 described above. Yes.

Contrary to the above, even in the process of removing the second connector 3 from the first connector 2, the removal operation is temporarily performed depending on the positional relationship between the protrusion 76 and the groove 48 as in the insertion operation. It is regulated, or the removal operation is resumed after the regulation is released.

As described above, the connector assembly 1 is inserted by the first restricting means, the second restricting means, and the third restricting means constituting the operation restricting means 18, that is, depending on the position of the protrusion 76 in the groove 48. The operation restriction, the release operation restriction, the removal operation restriction, and the removal operation restriction release are performed at different timings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a tubular first connecting portion 42 is formed to protrude upward at the center of the bottom 41 at the base end of the outer cylinder 4. The mouth portion 202 of the syringe 20 can be inserted and connected to the first connection portion 42. At that time, the first connecting portion 42 and the mouth portion 202 of the syringe 20 are fitted in a liquid-tight manner, and the first connector 2 is attached to the syringe 20. Can be used. Further, in the mounted state, the inside of the syringe 20 and the lumen of the hollow needle 5 (the first flow path 52) communicate with each other through the first connection portion 42. Thereby, the chemical solution P can be supplied from the syringe 20 into the hollow needle 5.

8 to 13, a hollow needle 5 made of a metal material such as stainless steel is disposed inside the outer cylinder 4. The base end of the hollow needle 5 is supported by the bottom 41 of the outer cylinder 4. The hollow needle 5 has a tubular shape, and its lumen functions as a first flow path 52 through which the drug solution P can pass. Moreover, the hollow needle 5 has its tip closed, and a side hole (opening) 53 opened at the tip of the wall is formed. The side hole 53 communicates with the first flow path 52. A sharp needle tip 51 is formed at the tip of the hollow needle 5. As shown in FIG. 11, the needle tip 51 can pierce the first sealing member 6 of the first connector 2 and the second sealing member 11 of the eleventh connector 3 described later. In the assembled state shown in FIG. 11, the hollow needle 5 is exposed to protrude from the needle tip 51 to the site where the side hole 53 is formed in the inner cavity of the second connector 3. As a result, the lumen of the hollow needle 5 and the lumen of the second connector 3 communicate with each other via the side hole 53 of the hollow needle 5, that is, the first flow path 52 of the first connector 2 and a later-described passage. The second flow path 102 of the second connector 3 communicates with the second connector 3.

Further, a coil spring 8 made of a metal material such as stainless steel is disposed concentrically with the hollow needle 5 inside the outer cylinder 4. In a compressed state, the coil spring 8 has a distal end 81 in contact with the plate-like portion 732 of the inner cylinder 7 and a proximal end 82 in contact with the bottom 41 of the outer cylinder 4. Accordingly, the first sealing member 6 can be reliably urged toward the distal end direction via the inner cylinder 7, and accordingly, the first sealing member 6 and the second connector 3 of the second connector 3 can be urged. The sealing member 11 can be in close contact. In addition to the coil spring 8, the urging member may be made of a bellows-like leaf spring, or a cylindrical or bellows-like rubber.

In the connector assembly 1, a portion pierced by the hollow needle 5 of the first sealing member 6 (first piercing portion 61) and the second sealing member 11 (second piercing portion 111); The total of the sliding resistance between the outer peripheral portion 54 of the hollow needle 5 in contact with the portion and the sliding resistance between the inner peripheral portion 741 of the sliding member 74 and the outer peripheral portion 54 of the hollow needle 5 in contact with the portion is a coil spring. It is set to be smaller than the urging force of 8. Thereby, the 1st sealing member 6 can be reliably returned to the original position, ie, the position beyond the needle point 51 of the hollow needle 5, with extraction operation. In addition, although it does not specifically limit as a setting method of the magnitude relationship between these forces, For example, selection of the constituent material of the 1st sealing member 6, the 2nd sealing member 11, and the sliding member 74, 1st The method of adjusting the thickness of the piercing part 61 and the second piercing part 111, selecting the constituent material of the coil spring 8, adjusting the wire diameter and the number of turns, adjusting the outer diameter of the hollow needle 5, etc. .

As shown in FIG. 1, a lock mechanism 23 is installed at the tip of the outer cylinder structure 22. The lock mechanism 23 has a function of maintaining the assembled state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the lock mechanism 23 includes a pair of pinching members 9 and a support member 12 that collectively supports the pair of pinching members 9 with respect to the outer cylinder 4 in a state where the pair of pinching members 9 overlap each other. ing.

Each pinching member 9 has a ring shape, and has an operation portion 92 for pressing the pinching member 9 at a part of the outer peripheral portion thereof. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the pressing member 9 moves in a direction orthogonal to the central axis of the outer cylinder 4 by pressing the operation portion 92.

Further, each clamping member 9 has a plurality of protrusions 91 protruding inward at a part opposite to the operation part 92. Then, the protrusion 91 of one clamping member 9 and the projection 91 of the other clamping member 9 are arranged to face each other with the central axis of the outer cylinder 4 interposed therebetween.

Furthermore, each clamping member 9 has a pair of elastic pieces 93 protruding from the outer peripheral portion on the same side as the protruding portion 91. Each elastic piece 93 of one clamping member 9 is in contact with the inner part of the operation portion 92 of the other clamping member 9, and similarly, each elastic piece 93 of the other clamping member 9 is The pressing member 9 is in contact with the inner part of the operation portion 92.

When pressing each clamping member 9, the pressing operation is performed against the urging force (elastic force) of the elastic piece 93. By this operation, the protrusion 91 of one clamping member 9 and the projection 91 of the other clamping member 9 are separated from each other. And if the pressing force with respect to each clamping member 9 is cancelled | released, with the urging | biasing force of the elastic piece 93, the protrusion 91 of one clamping member 9 and the projection 91 of the other clamping member 9 approached, Become.

When the protrusion 91 of one clamping member 9 and the protrusion 91 of the other clamping member 9 are close to each other, the protrusions 91 engage with the flange portion 109 of the second connector 3 in a lump. (See FIG. 11). Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent the second connector 3 from being unintentionally detached from the outer cylinder 4, so that the assembled state of the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 can be maintained. it can. In addition, in a state in which the protrusion 91 of one clamping member 9 and the projection 91 of the other clamping member 9 are separated from each other, the engagement between each clamping member 9 and the second connector 3 is released. (See FIG. 12).

Each clamping member 9 has a pressing piece 94 that protrudes from the operation portion 92 and can press the second engagement piece 72 inward in the second state (see FIG. 13). . When the pressing members 9 are pressed against the urging force of the elastic piece 93 as described above, the second engaging piece engaged with the inner engaging portion 45 of the outer cylinder 4 by the pressing piece 94. 72 can be pressed. At this time, the engagement between the second engagement piece 72 and the inner engagement portion 45 is forcibly released, and the second connector 3 can be removed from the first connector 2. Thus, in the connector assembly 1, the lock mechanism 23 functions as an engagement release unit that can forcibly release the engagement between the second engagement piece 72 and the inner engagement portion 45 in the first state. It can also be said that it also has.

The constituent materials of the outer cylinder 4, the inner cylinder 7, the pinching member 9, and the support member 12 are not particularly limited. For example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, cyclic polyolefin, polystyrene, poly- (4-methylpentene- 1) Polycarbonate, acrylic resin, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyamide (for example, nylon 6,

nylon

6,6,

nylon

6, 10 and nylon 12). Among them, resins such as polypropylene, cyclic polyolefin, and polyester are preferable because they are easy to mold and have low water vapor permeability.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second connector 3 includes a cylindrical second connector main body 10, and a second sealing member 11 provided at a proximal end portion of the second connector main body 10. have.

The second connector main body 10 functions as a second flow path 102 through which the liquid can pass. Further, the second flow path 102 is divided into two flow paths by a partition wall 107 from the middle to the base end side.

In the second connector main body 10,

second connection portions

108a and 108b branched from the middle in the longitudinal direction project respectively in a tubular shape. The second connection portion 108a and the second connection portion 108b protrude in opposite directions. The tube 60a is liquid-tightly connected to the second connecting portion 108a, and the tube 60b is liquid-tightly connected to the second connecting portion 108b. The second connecting portion 108a communicates with one of the two flow channels, and the second connecting portion 108b communicates with the other of the two flow channels. is doing.

By providing such

second connection portions

108a and 108b, liquid is supplied from the second connection portion 108a side to the second connection portion 108b side or vice versa. To the second connecting portion 108a.

As shown in FIG. 3, an outer engaging portion 105 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second connector main body 10. The outer engagement portion 105 is composed of four recesses arranged along the circumferential direction of the second connector body 10, and these recesses are formed by the second connector 3 and the outer cylinder of the first connector 2. 4, the first recess 105 a in which the claw 711 of the first engagement piece 71 is engaged in the first state when inserted into the first engagement piece 71, and the second engagement piece 72 in the second state to the fourth state. And the second recess 105b with which the claw 721 is engaged. As described above, the outer engagement portion 105 is formed of a concave portion, whereby engagement with each engagement piece is easily and reliably performed.

Further, the outer peripheral portion of the second connector main body 10 is provided with a flange portion 109 whose outer diameter is enlarged at a portion closer to the distal end side than the outer engaging portion 105. As described above, the flange portion 109 is a portion with which the protrusion 91 of each clamping member 9 of the lock mechanism 23 engages.

The constituent material of the second connector main body 10 is not particularly limited, and for example, the materials mentioned in the description of the outer cylinder 4, the inner cylinder 7, the pinching member 9, and the support member 12 can be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second sealing member 11 seals the second connector body 10, that is, the second flow path 102, has a disk shape, and has a thickness direction. Are arranged so as to coincide with the central axis direction of the second connector body 10. Thereby, the 2nd sealing member 11 can face the 1st sealing member 6, and when it closely_contact | adheres, with the said 1st sealing member 6 and the needle tip 51 of the hollow needle 5, it is easy and It is surely pierced.

Further, the second sealing member 11 is an elastic body whose central portion is thicker than the edge. This central portion is a second piercing portion 111 that is pierced by the hollow needle 5. The second piercing portion 111 has a base end surface 112 raised in a natural state where no external force is applied. As shown in FIG. 10, when the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 are in close contact with each other, the raised base end surface 112 is the distal end surface of the first sealing member 6. Like 612, it collapses. Thereby, the contact state becomes more reliable, and thus liquid tightness at the boundary between the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 can be ensured.

In addition, it does not specifically limit as a constituent material of the 2nd sealing member 11, For example, the thing similar to what was illustrated as a constituent material of the sliding member 74 mentioned above can be used.

Next, an operation state when the connector assembly 1 is used will be described.
[1] Process of changing from the disassembled state in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are disassembled to the assembled state in which the first connector 2 and the second connector 3 are assembled First, FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the disassembled second connector 3 is approached from the proximal end side toward the distal end portion of the first connector 2 and inserted into the first connector 2. At this time, in the first connector 2, each of the first engagement pieces 71 is resisted against the pressing force (biasing force) of the first pressing portion 46 by the distal end portion of the second connector 3. The first pressing portion 46 is spread together. Further, the rotation of the inner cylinder structure 21 is restricted until the protrusion 76 of the inner cylinder structure 21 reaches the intersection of the horizontal groove 481 and the vertical groove 482 of the outer cylinder structure 22 (first Status).

With this insertion operation, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10, in the first connector 2, the protrusion 76 of the inner cylinder structure 21 intersects the horizontal groove 481 and the vertical groove 482 of the outer cylinder structure 22. As described above, the insertion operation of the second connector 3 with respect to the first connector 2 is temporarily restricted (second state). Thereby, the 1st piercing part 61 of the 1st connector 2 and the 2nd piercing part 111 of the 2nd connector 3 will be in the contact | adherence state contact | adhered, elastically deforming as mentioned above. At this time, the claw 711 of each first engagement piece 71 is positioned to reach the first recess 105a of the second connector 3, and engages with the first recess 105a. . This engagement restricts the positional relationship between the inner cylinder structure 21 and the second connector 3 and prevents them from being separated from each other. Therefore, the first piercing portion 61 and the second piercing portion are prevented. A close contact state with the passing portion 111 can be maintained.

On the other hand, each second engagement piece 72 is engaged with the inner engagement portion 45 of the outer cylinder structure 22 (see FIG. 5). By this engagement, the movement of the inner cylinder structure 21 toward the distal end side with respect to the outer cylinder structure 22 is restricted.

Thus, the connector assembly 1 goes through the first state and the second state in the order of the insertion operation. In the connector assembly 1, the first engagement piece 71 and the second engagement piece 72 are arranged at the same position in the central axis direction of the inner cylinder structure 21. The size is reduced, and the insertion depth during the insertion operation can be suppressed as much as possible. Therefore, the operability is improved.

In addition, if the inner cylinder structure 21 is rotated before the first piercing portion 61 and the second piercing portion 111 are in close contact with each other, the close contact between these piercing portions is not maintained. The piercing parts may be pierced by the hollow needle 5 and the chemical solution P may leak. However, as described above, the connector assembly 1 is configured such that the inner cylinder structure 21 can rotate only after being brought into a close contact state, so that the leakage of the chemical solution P can be prevented.

When the first engaging piece 71 and the outer engaging portion 105 pierce the first piercing portion 61 and the second piercing portion 111 that are in close contact with the hollow needle 5 at the same time, In order to maintain the close contact state, the first engagement piece 71 and the outer engagement portion 105 may be engaged with each other. That is, during the transition from the third state to the fourth state, the first engaging piece 71 and the outer engaging portion 105 are engaged, and the first piercing portion 61 and the second piercing portion are engaged. What is necessary is just to maintain the close_contact | adherence state with 111. FIG.

Next, the inner cylinder structure 21 is rotated around its central axis with respect to the outer cylinder structure 22 together with the second connector 3 from the second state. By this rotation operation, as shown in FIG. 6, in the first connector 2, the protrusion 76 of the inner cylinder structure 21 reaches the intersection of the horizontal groove 481 and the vertical groove 483 of the outer cylinder structure 22, As described above, the insertion operation of the second connector 3 with respect to the first connector 2 can be resumed (third state). Further, even during the rotation operation, the close contact state between the first piercing portion 61 and the second piercing portion 111 is maintained by the engagement between the first engaging piece 71 and the outer engaging portion 105 described above. The

Further, as described above, the second engagement pieces 72 are pressed by the second pressing portion 47 and the engagement with the inner engagement portion 45 is released along with this rotation operation. .
Thus, the connector assembly 1 goes through the third state in the course of the insertion operation.

Next, the insertion operation is resumed from the third state (see FIG. 7). Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11, the hollow needle 5 pierces the first piercing portion 61 and the second piercing portion 111 that are in close contact with each other, and the side holes 53 are formed in the second connector 3. The second flow path 102 is exposed (fourth state). Thereby, the syringe 20 and the

tubes

60a and 60b communicate with each other through the connector assembly 1 in the assembled state. Further, in the assembled state, the close contact state between the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 is maintained by the engagement between the first engaging piece 71 and the outer engaging portion 105 described above. Thus, the liquid tightness (air tightness) of the first flow path 52 and the second flow path 102, particularly in the vicinity of the joint portion, can be reliably maintained. Therefore, the chemical liquid P passing through these flow paths is reliably prevented from leaking out of the assembled connector assembly 1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the first connector 2 and the second connector are locked by the lock mechanism 23, and as described above, the first connector 2 to the second connector 3 are unintentionally moved. It is prevented from being removed. Thereby, the chemical solution P can be safely transferred via the connector assembly 1.

[2] Process of Reassembling from Assembled State As shown in FIG. 12, each pinching member 9 of the lock mechanism 23 is operated to release the locked state between the first connector 2 and the second connector. . Thereby, the extraction operation which extracts the 2nd connector from the 1st connector 2 can be started.

When the extraction operation is started, the second connector 3 is moved in the distal direction by the urging force of the coil spring 8 contrary to the above. At this time, since the first engagement piece 71 and the outer engagement portion 105 are engaged, the first sealing member 6 can follow the movement of the second connector 3. Thereby, also when performing extraction operation, the contact | adherence state of the 1st sealing member 6 and the 2nd sealing member 11 is maintained.

In the first connector 2, the protrusion 76 of the inner cylinder structure 21 reaches the intersection of the horizontal groove 481 and the vertical groove 483 of the outer cylinder structure 22, and as described above, the removal operation is temporarily performed. Be regulated. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, in the hollow needle 5, the side hole 53 is located closer to the proximal end side than the first sealing member 6. In addition, as for the 1st sealing member 6 and the 2nd sealing member 11, respectively, the part pierced with the hollow needle 5 closes by self-occlusion.

Next, when the inner cylinder structure 21 is rotated together with the second connector 3 with respect to the outer cylinder structure 22 in the opposite direction to the above, in the first connector 2, each second engagement piece 72 is respectively an outer cylinder structure. Re-engage with the inner engagement portion 45 of the body 22. In order to release this engagement, as shown in FIG. 13, each clamping member 9 of the lock mechanism 23 is operated, and the second engagement piece 72 is pressed by the pressing piece 94.

And the extraction operation of the 2nd connector 3 can be restarted with the press with respect to the 2nd engagement piece 72, and the connector assembly 1 which was an assembly state can be made into a disassembled state again. When the disassembled state is set again (the second connector 3 is removed), the engaged first engaging piece 71 and the outer engaging portion 105 are separated from each other. Is naturally released. For this reason, the connector assembly 1 is excellent in operability.

In the connector assembly 1, when the second connector 3 is removed from the first connector 2, the first engagement piece 71 and the outer engagement portion 105 are engaged. It is possible to prevent the first sealing member 6 and the second sealing member 11 from separating before they can be completely removed from the second sealing member 11. Thereby, even when the connector assembly 1 in the assembled state is being disassembled, the liquid tightness of the first flow path 52 and the second flow path 102 is maintained, so that the liquid agent (liquid) in these flow paths is maintained. ) Is reliably prevented from leaking out of the connector assembly 1. Thereby, the liquid agent can be safely transferred using the connector assembly 1.

Second Embodiment
FIGS. 17 and 18 are longitudinal sectional views sequentially showing the operation process of the second connector of the connector assembly (second embodiment) of the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the upper side in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 is referred to as “upper” or “upper”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower” or “lower”.

Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the second medical instrument and the second connector is different.

17 and 18, in the present embodiment, the second medical instrument is a container 70 having a bottomed cylindrical shape. The container 70 has a bottom portion 701 on the proximal end side and a mouth portion 702 that opens to the distal end side (the side opposite to the bottom portion 701). In the mouth portion 702, the inner diameter and the outer diameter are reduced. In the container 70 having such a configuration, the freeze-dried medicine Q is stored in advance. Then, the dissolving liquid is supplied from the syringe 20 to the container 70 through the connector assembly 1 in the assembled state to dissolve the drug Q, and the drug solution in which the drug Q is dissolved can be sucked into the syringe 20. The drug Q is not particularly limited. For example, an anticancer agent, an immunosuppressive agent, etc., which must be dissolved when used by a medical worker, such as a dangerous drug, antibiotic, hemostatic agent, etc. Drugs, drugs that require dilution such as drugs for children, vaccines, heparin, drugs that can be used multiple times such as drugs for children, and the like. Moreover, this chemical | medical agent is not limited to a powdery thing, For example, a liquid thing may be sufficient.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the 2nd connector 3 becomes the 2nd connection part 108 by which the front-end | tip part of the 2nd connector main body 10 fits and the mouth part 702 of the container 70 fits and is connected. ing. Thereby, the dissolution liquid and the chemical solution are prevented from unintentionally leaking from between the mouth portion 702 of the container 70 and the second connection portion 108 from the syringe 20.

In addition, the second connection portion 108 is formed with a plurality of through holes 108 c that penetrate the wall portion of the second connector body 10. The functions of these through holes 108c include the following.

In lyophilization, a liquid composition (to be used as the medicine Q) to be dried is stored in a container 70 and the whole container 70 is cooled. At this time, the second connector 3 is attached to the mouth portion 702 of the container 70 in a state shown in FIG. 17, that is, in a state where the inside of the container 70 communicates with the outside through each through hole 108c. . When lyophilization is performed in this state, the liquid composition can be reliably dried by functioning as each through hole 108c vent hole. Then, when the liquid composition is freeze-dried into the medicine Q, as shown in FIG. 18, the second connector 3 is pushed toward the container 70 until each through hole 108c is located in the container 70. In this case, the second connector 3 and the container 70 are connected in a liquid-tight manner.

In the present embodiment, the second connecting portion 108 is preferably made of an elastic material as described above.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the middle of an operation process of the connector assembly (third embodiment) of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the upper side “base end”, “upper” or “upper” is referred to, and the lower side is referred to as “tip”, “lower” or “lower”.

Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the connector assembly of the present invention will be described with reference to these drawings. However, the description will focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same matters will be omitted.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the first connector is different.

As shown in FIG. 20, the first connector 2A of the connector assembly 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the first connector 2 of the connector assembly 1 according to the first embodiment, and is different from the inner cylinder 7 to the second engagement. The joining piece 72 is omitted. The omitted second engagement piece 72 is replaced with the first engagement piece 71.

Further, with the omission of the second engagement piece 72, the first connector 2A has the inner engagement portion 45 that is engaged with the second engagement piece 72 in the first state omitted from the outer cylinder 4. The pressing piece 94 that can forcibly release the engagement when the second engagement piece 72 and the inner engagement portion 45 are engaged is also omitted from the pinching member 9 (see FIG. 19). As a result, the first connector 2A can have a simple configuration. Further, since a pressing operation is not required during the extraction operation, the extraction operation can be easily performed, and operability is improved.

Even in the connector assembly 1 including the first connector 2A having the above-described configuration, the operation restricting means 18, that is, the groove 48 of the outer cylinder 4 in the process of assembling the first connector 2A and the second connector 3. Depending on the position of the protrusion 76 of the inner cylinder 7, the insertion operation and the rotation operation are temporarily restricted. In the first connector 2A, the first engagement pieces 71 of the inner cylinder 7 and the outer engagement portions 105 of the second connector 3 are engaged with each other in accordance with the rotation operation, so that the first sealing is performed. It is comprised so that the contact state of the stop member 6 and the 2nd sealing member 11 may be maintained. In this case, a plurality of first pressing portions 46 that press each first engagement piece 71 are provided along the axial direction on the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4 (the same number as the first engagement pieces 71). It is composed of formed ribs. Each rib has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral portion of the outer cylinder 4, and the first engagement piece 71 can climb the inclined surface in accordance with the rotation operation. As a result, one first pressing portion 46 presses one first engaging piece 71 against its elastic force, and each first engaging piece 71 and second second of the inner cylinder 7 are pressed. The outer engagement portion 105 of the connector 3 is engaged.

As mentioned above, although the connector assembly of this invention was demonstrated about embodiment of illustration, this invention is not limited to this, Each part which comprises a connector assembly is arbitrary structures which can exhibit the same function. Can be substituted. Moreover, arbitrary components may be added.

Further, the connector assembly of the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

In the first embodiment, the number of the first engagement pieces and the second engagement pieces formed in the first connector is two in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. 1 sheet or 3 sheets or more may be sufficient. In addition, the number of first engagement pieces and the number of second engagement pieces may be the same or different.

The operation restricting means is composed of a groove formed on the wall of the outer cylinder and a protrusion formed on the wall of the inner cylinder and inserted into the groove, but is not limited thereto. Instead, it may be configured by a groove formed in the wall portion of the inner cylinder and a protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion of the outer cylinder and is inserted into the groove portion.

In addition, the first piercing portion and the second piercing portion each have their end surfaces raised, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only one end surface of these piercing portions is raised. You may do it.

The connector assembly of the present invention is a connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector inserted into the first connector, the first connector having a cylindrical shape, An outer cylinder into which the second connector is inserted from the side, a first connection portion provided on the proximal end side of the outer cylinder, to which the first medical instrument is connected, and supported and fixed inside the outer cylinder An outer cylinder structure having an opening that opens on a distal end side of the outer cylinder and having a hollow needle that communicates with the first connecting portion; and a displaceable insertion with respect to the outer cylinder; A cylindrical inner cylinder having a proximal end; a first piercing portion made of an elastic material supported and fixed inside the inner cylinder and pierced by the hollow needle; and the inner cylinder 1st sealing member which seals the front end side of this, and at least 1 1st engagement piece provided in the said inner cylinder A tubular structure, a first restricting means for temporarily restricting rotation of the inner tubular structure around the axis with respect to the outer tubular structure, and a timing different from that of the first restricting means. A second restricting means for temporarily restricting movement in the proximal direction with respect to the outer cylindrical structure, and the outer cylinder structure at a different timing from the first restricting means and the second restricting means. And a third restricting means for temporarily restricting movement in the distal direction relative to the tubular structure, and the second connector has a cylindrical shape having a distal end and a proximal end, and has an outer periphery. A second connector body having an outer engaging portion that can be engaged with the first engaging piece when inserted into the outer cylinder; and a second connector main body provided on the second connector main body, A second connecting portion to which two medical instruments are connected, and the second connector book A second piercing portion made of an elastic material that is in close contact with the first piercing portion when inserted into the outer cylinder, and has a second piercing portion formed in the second connector. A second sealing member for sealing, and in the process of inserting the second connector into the first connector, the rotation around the axis is regulated by the first regulating means, A first state in which movement in the proximal direction is possible by pressing by the second connector, and movement in the proximal direction are regulated by the second regulating means, and regulated by the first regulating means. The second state where the first piercing portion and the second piercing portion are in close contact with each other and the rotation around the axis are performed while the rotation around the axis can be performed. And when the movement in the distal direction is restricted by the third restricting means. In addition, the third state in which the movement in the proximal direction, which has been restricted by the second restricting means, is again possible, and the close state when the movement in the proximal direction is performed again. The first state where the first piercing portion and the second piercing portion may be in a fourth state where they are pierced with the hollow needle, and at least during the transition from the third state to the fourth state, The first engagement piece and the outer engagement portion are engaged to maintain the close contact state.

Therefore, in the assembled state in which the second connector is inserted into the first connector and assembled, the close contact between the first sealing member of the first connector and the second sealing member of the second connector is maintained. ing. Accordingly, the liquid tightness between the first connector and the second connector in the assembled state can be reliably maintained, so that the liquid is reliably prevented from leaking from the assembled connector assembly. Liquid can be safely and reliably transferred from one connector side to the second connector side or in the opposite direction.

Further, for example, in the case where the first engagement piece and the second engagement piece are arranged at the same position in the central axis direction of the inner cylinder in the inner structure, the first engagement piece and the second engagement piece The total length of the inner structure can be shortened as much as possible as compared with the configuration in which the engagement piece is displaced in the direction of the central axis of the inner cylinder. As a result, the total length of the first connector can also be shortened. it can. This is advantageous for miniaturization of the connector assembly.
Therefore, the connector assembly of the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

A connector assembly comprising a first connector and a second connector inserted into the first connector,
The first connector has a cylindrical shape, and is provided on an outer cylinder into which the second connector is inserted from the distal end side and a proximal end side of the outer cylinder, and a first medical instrument is connected to the first connector. An outer cylinder structure having a connecting portion, a hollow needle that is supported and fixed inside the outer cylinder, has an opening that is open on a distal end side of the outer cylinder, and communicates with the first connection section;
The inner cylinder is inserted in a displaceable manner with respect to the outer cylinder, and has a cylindrical shape having a distal end and a proximal end, and is formed of an elastic material supported and fixed inside the inner cylinder and pierced by the hollow needle. An inner cylinder having a first piercing portion and having a first sealing member that seals the distal end side of the inner cylinder, and at least one first engagement piece provided on the inner cylinder A structure,
A first restricting means for temporarily restricting rotation of the inner cylinder structure around the axis relative to the outer cylinder structure; and the outer cylinder structure of the inner cylinder structure at a timing different from that of the first restricting means. A second restricting means for temporarily restricting movement in the proximal direction with respect to the front end, and a distal end of the inner tubular structure with respect to the outer tubular structure at a timing different from that of the first restricting means and the second restricting means And a restriction means having a third restriction means for temporarily restricting movement in the direction,
The second connector has a cylindrical shape having a distal end and a proximal end, and is provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof. When the second connector is inserted into the outer cylinder, the first engagement piece can be engaged with the outer engagement. A second connector main body having a portion, a second connection portion provided in the second connector main body to which a second medical instrument is connected, and provided on a proximal end side of the second connector main body, A second seal that has a second piercing portion made of an elastic material that comes into close contact with the first piercing portion when inserted into the outer cylinder and seals the inside of the second connector With members,
In the process of inserting the second connector into the first connector, rotation about the axis is restricted by the first restricting means, and in the proximal direction by pressing by the second connector. The first state in which movement is possible and the movement in the proximal direction are regulated by the second regulating means, and the rotation around the axis regulated by the first regulating means becomes possible, The second state in which the first piercing portion and the second piercing portion are in close contact with each other, and when the rotation around the axis is performed, the third restricting means causes the distal direction to move toward the distal end. When the movement is restricted and the third state where the movement in the proximal direction, which has been restricted by the second restriction means, becomes possible again, and the movement in the proximal direction again is performed. The first in the contact state Toridoku a fourth state in which the passing unit and the second piercing portion is pierced by the hollow needle,
At least during the transition from the third state to the fourth state, the first engagement piece and the outer engagement portion are engaged to maintain the close contact state. .
When the second connector is removed, the engagement between the first engagement piece and the outer engagement portion is naturally caused by the separation of the first engagement piece and the outer engagement portion. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector assembly is released.
The outer cylinder structure includes a first pressing portion that presses the first engagement piece toward the outer engagement portion, and the first engagement piece is pressed by the first pressing portion. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector assembly is engaged with the outer engaging portion.
2. The first engagement piece is disposed around a central axis of the inner cylinder, and is inclined so as to move away from the central axis of the inner cylinder toward the distal direction in a natural state. Connector assembly.
The outer cylinder structure has an inner engagement portion provided on an inner periphery of the outer cylinder,
The inner cylinder structure has at least one second engagement piece that is provided at a position different from the first engagement piece of the inner cylinder and can engage with the inner engagement portion,
In the second state, the second engagement piece and the inner engagement portion are engaged to restrict the movement of the inner cylinder structure to the distal end side with respect to the outer cylinder structure,
When changing from the second state to the third state by rotation about the axis, the engagement between the second engagement piece and the inner engagement portion is released while the close contact state is maintained. The connector assembly according to claim 1.
The said 2nd engagement piece is arrange | positioned around the central axis of the said inner cylinder, and it inclines so that it may leave | separate from the central axis of the said inner cylinder as it goes to a front-end | tip direction in a natural state. Connector assembly.
The second engagement piece has elasticity, and is biased toward the inner engagement portion when the second engagement piece is engaged with the inner engagement portion in the first state by the elastic force. 6. The connector assembly according to 5.
The inner engagement portion is constituted by a through hole that penetrates the wall portion of the outer cylinder,
The connector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second engagement piece is exposed through the inner engagement portion when engaged with the inner engagement portion in the first state.
The regulating means includes a crank-shaped groove portion formed along one of the wall portions of the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder along the circumferential direction, and protrudes from the other wall portion to be inserted into the groove portion. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector assembly includes a protrusion that moves in the groove as the cylinder is displaced.