U.S. patent application number 12/385131 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for syringe with connector, connector for syringe, and syringe.
Invention is credited to Ryoji Fujii, Naotsugu Ito, Tadashi Okiyama, Raita Uematsu, Takehiko Yuki.
Application Number | 20090198192 12/385131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35149790 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090198192 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Uematsu; Raita ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
Syringe with connector, connector for syringe, and syringe
Abstract
The present invention aims at offering: a syringe connectable to
a port in a fixed manner as well as capable of demonstrating high
operational performance even in the case of direct connection where
a connector is not used; a connector used for the syringe; and a
syringe able to attach the connector thereto. For the attainment of
the above objectives, the medical syringe of the present invention
is a medical syringe including a cylindrical connection supporting
member which enhances the holding force of a luer part inserted
into a port when the medical syringe is connected to the port. The
connection supporting member is set by sliding along the luer or a
syringe body in a state of being movable between a first position
near a tip of the luer and a second position away from the tip of
the luer. The medical syringe is characterized in that, when the
connection supporting member is moved to the second position, the
tip of the luer part is exposed.
Inventors: |
Uematsu; Raita;
(Higashihiroshima-shi, JP) ; Yuki; Takehiko;
(Hiroshima-shi, JP) ; Ito; Naotsugu;
(Hiroshima-shi, JP) ; Fujii; Ryoji;
(Hiroshima-shi, JP) ; Okiyama; Tadashi;
(Hiroshima-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WENDEROTH, LIND & PONACK, L.L.P.
1030 15th Street, N.W.,, Suite 400 East
Washington
DC
20005-1503
US
|
Family ID: |
35149790 |
Appl. No.: |
12/385131 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11547055 |
Oct 2, 2006 |
|
|
|
PCT/JP2005/001778 |
Feb 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
12385131 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 39/26 20130101;
A61M 39/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/187 |
International
Class: |
A61M 5/31 20060101
A61M005/31 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 7, 2004 |
JP |
2004-113596 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
JP |
2004-113597 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
JP |
2004-113598 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
JP |
2004-113600 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
JP |
2004-113601 |
Apr 7, 2004 |
JP |
2004-113602 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A connector-attached syringe, comprising: a syringe unit
including a syringe body and a plunger; a luer part extending from
the syringe unit a connector for connecting the syringe unit to a
port, the connector being provided to a luer part; and a fixture
attached to the luer part of the syringe unit, wherein a step is
formed on the luer part, the fixture includes a body having an
opening into which the luer part is inserted to thereby hold the
fixture and a first engaging portion disposed on an extension
portion which extends from the body of the fixture, a body of the
connector is tubular, and the connector includes a second engaging
portion on an outer peripheral surface of the body of the
connector, the first and second engaging portions are engaged with
each other by inserting the luer part into the body of the
connector and elastically contacting the extension portion of the
fixture with the outer peripheral surface of the connector, and
engagement of the first and second engaging portions is released by
detaching the second engaging portion from the outer peripheral
surface of the connector according to a predetermined
operation.
16. A connector for connecting a syringe unit to a port while being
held by a fixture having a first engaging portion and attached to a
luer part extending from the syringe unit which includes a syringe
body and a plunger, said connector comprising: a second engaging
portion for engaging with the first engaging portion disposed on an
outer peripheral surface of the connector, and wherein engagement
of the first and second engaging portions is released by applying,
according to a predetermined operation, an external force at least
on the fixture in a direction different from a syringe axial
direction.
17. The connector of claim 16, wherein a body of the connector is
tubular, and the second engaging portion is on an outer peripheral
surface of the body of the connector, the connector and the fixture
are engaged with each other by inserting the luer part extending
from the syringe unit into the body of the connector and
elastically contacting the first and second engaging portions, and
the engagement of the connector and the fixture is released by
detaching the second engaging portion from the outer peripheral
surface of the connector according to the predetermined
operation.
18. A syringe capable of attaching a connector to a fixture
disposed at a luer part extending from the syringe unit which
includes a syringe body and a plunger, the connector being used for
connecting the syringe unit to a port, wherein the fixture includes
a first engaging portion engageable with the second engaging
portion of the connector of claim 16.
19-36. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
11/547,055, filed Oct. 2, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a connector-attached
syringe, a connector used for a syringe and a syringe.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] In the medical field, syringes (i.e., medical instruments
for injection) are used in a variety of different ways.
[0006] For example, in a typical syringe, a female taper connector,
such as a needle hub having a needle tube, is generally attached to
a luer part located at the tip of syringes, and such syringes are
used to draw blood from patients and to inject medication held in
the syringes to patients.
[0007] In addition, syringes may be used in a system referred to as
a pipeline system, such as a transfusion line system and a blood
collection line system. In the pipeline system, a syringe is
connected to an external port of the line system, and then
medication in the syringe is applied therefrom, or reversely fluid
is drawn from the line. To connect a syringe to such a line system,
a direct connection method (also known as luer slip) and a fixed
connection method are used. In the direct connection method, the
luer part is inserted directly into the port of the line system. In
the fixed connection method, a luer part 1141L of a syringe 1000L
is connected to a port 1200L by screwing them together using a
connector (locknut) 1130L, as shown in FIGS. 41A to 41C.
[0008] Prefilled syringes are also used in medical practices.
Prefilled syringes are syringes containing prefilled medication in
the syringe body. In this case, the nozzle tip of the syringe body
is sealed by resin, for example, and the tip is opened before use
and a plunger is inserted into the opening to thereby discharge the
medication. Such prefilled syringes facilitate a rapid procedure by
reducing the trouble and time required for administration of
medication to patients and medication mixing.
[0009] As to syringes connectable to the port of the
above-mentioned line system in a fixed manner (referred to as
luer-lock syringes), it is often the case that a locknut is already
attached to the luer part. A stepped portion, whose diameter is
different from that of the rest of the luer part, is provided in
the luer part. The luer part is preliminarily inserted into the
locknut, which is kept in place by the stepped portion. This
structure is adopted in order to reliably connect the syringe and
the line system and enable a quick connection operation.
[0010] However, such a connector-attached syringe has a problem
that the luer part cannot be connected to the direct connection
port since the locknut is in the way, as shown in FIG. 42.
[0011] Another problem is that, when attempting to attach a needle
hub to the connector-attached syringe at the luer part, the user
cannot see the right positional relationship between the luer part
and the needle hub since the lock nut is in the way, as shown in
FIG. 43, and cannot connect the luer part and needle hub
successfully. In addition, since the locknut is set on the luer
part, the length of a portion of the luer part exposing outside is
insufficient, which leads to a problem of not being able to make
the needle hub adequately hold onto the luer part.
[0012] Thus, immediate improvement is desired in the versatility of
locknut-attached syringes due to the requirements for speedy and
accurate responses in medical field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] One Embodiment of the present invention includes: a syringe
connectable to a port in a fixed manner as well as capable of
demonstrating high operational performance even in the case of
direct connection where a connector is not used; a connector used
for the syringe; and a syringe able to attach the connector
thereto.
[0014] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the
present invention is a connector-attached syringe having a
connector for connecting a syringe unit to a port. The connector is
disposed at a luer part in the syringe unit which includes a
syringe body and a plunger. Here, the luer part includes an
engaging portion for engaging with the connector. The connector
includes a first opening for engaging with the engaging portion in
the syringe axial direction and a second opening larger than the
first opening and allowing for the luer part to be freely
insertable and removable thereto and from in the syringe axial
direction. The first and second openings communicate with each
other. In some embodiments, the first and second openings may
communicate with each other via a passage.
[0015] Furthermore, in the present invention, the engaging portion
may be a step positioned between a tip and a base of the luer
part.
[0016] First, according to such structures of the present
invention, the luer part is inserted into the second opening
(insertion hole) of the connector, and then slid into the first
opening (engaging hole) so that the base side of the luer part next
to the engaging portion is fitted into the engaging hole of the
connector, and whereby the connector is attached to the syringe
while these two are engaged with each other. Thus, the user is able
to attach the connector to the syringe and connect the syringe,
using the connector, to a fixed connection port of a transfusion
line system or the like.
[0017] Second, in one embodiment, the connector can be readily
detached from the luer part engaged with the engaging hole of the
connector by relatively moving the luer part to the insertion
hole.
[0018] Thus, the connector can be detached from the luer part so as
not to be in the way when the luer part is connected to the direct
connection port. As a result, the luer part can be reliably
connected to a direct connection port of a transfusion line system
or the like where a connector is not used. Thus, the syringe of the
present invention exhibits high versatility.
[0019] A prefilled syringe having a conventional structure has
problems regarding operational performance such as the connector
obstructing the view of the user, thus making it difficult to
determine the positioning of the luer part and the needle hab.
Additionally, the needle hub cannot be deeply placed in and
attached to the luer part due to the presence of the connector.
However, the present invention is able to fundamentally solve these
conventional problems since the connector is readily detachable
from the connector.
[0020] Additionally, in one embodiment, the passage is provided
between the first and second openings so that these openings
communicate with each other. Herewith, the luer part is forcedly
shifted through the passage and moved to the engaging hole to be
thereby reliably fitted when the syringe is used.
[0021] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present
invention is also a connector-attached syringe having a connector
for connecting a syringe unit to a port. The connector is disposed
at a luer part in the syringe unit which includes a syringe body
and a plunger. Here, a first engaging portion for engaging with a
second engaging portion on the connector is disposed on the outer
peripheral surface of the syringe body. When an external force is
applied, according to a predetermined operation, to one of the
connector and the syringe unit in a direction different from a
syringe axial direction, the engagement of the first and second
engaging portions is released.
[0022] Here, the first engaging portion may be, on the outer
peripheral surface of the body of the syringe, a tip portion of the
luer part, which has a larger diameter than the remaining portion
(a stepped region in which a convex and a concave portions are
provided side by side).
[0023] Specifically, a body of the connector may be tubular, and
the second engaging portion may be on an extension portion which
extends from the body of the connector. Here, the first and second
engaging portions are engaged with each other by inserting the luer
part into the body of the connector and elastically contacting the
extension portion with the outer peripheral surface of the syringe
body. The engagement is released when the second engaging portion
is detached from the outer peripheral surface by performing the
predetermined operation on one of the connector and the syringe
unit.
[0024] First, according to such a structure of the present
invention, the connector can be attached to the syringe while these
two are engaged with each other by inserting the luer part into the
connector and engaging the second engaging portion of the connector
with the first engaging portion of the body of the syringe. Thus,
the user is able to engage the connector with the syringe and
connect the syringe, using the connector, to a fixed connection
port of a transfusion line system or the like.
[0025] Second, in one embodiment of the present invention, an
external force is applied to the connector in a direction different
from the syringe axial direction (e.g. in the syringe radial
direction) according to a predetermined operation to detach the
second engaging portion of the connector provided, for example, on
the extention portion from the first engaging portion on the
syringe. Herewith, the first and second engaging portions are
disengaged, and whereby the connector can be readily detached from
the luer part.
[0026] Thus, the connector can be detached from the luer part so as
not to be in the way when the luer part is connected to the direct
connection port. As a result, the luer part can be reliably
connected to a direct connection port of a transfusion line system
or the like where a connector is not used. Thus, the syringe of the
present invention exhibits high versatility.
[0027] A prefilled syringe having a conventional structure has
problems regarding operational performance such as that the
connector obstructs the view of the user and makes it difficult to
determine the positioning of the luer part and the needle hab and
that the needle hub cannot be deeply placed in and attached to the
luer part due to the presence of the connector. However,
embodiments of the present invention are able to fundamentally
solve these conventional problems since the connector is readily
detached from the connector.
[0028] To solve the above problems, embodiments of the present
invention are also a connector-attached syringe having a connector
attached to a luer part jutting out from a syringe unit which
includes a syringe body and a plunger. The connector is used for
fixedly holding the syringe unit on a port. Here, the luer part
includes an engaging portion for engaging with the connector. The
connector includes a tubular body portion with a base and a
constraint portion encircling a periphery of the body portion and
exerting constraint effects on the base by shifting in the axial
direction of the body portion. The base includes a plurality of
swingable petal-shaped members. In a first state where the
petal-shaped members are closed due to the constraint effects
exerted on the base, the engaging portion is engaged with the
petal-shaped members in the axial direction. In a second state
where the petal-shaped members are open due to the base being free
from the constraint effects, the luer part is freely insertable and
removable into and from the connector in the axial direction via an
open hole formed in a substantially central region of the base when
the petal-shaped members are open.
[0029] As to embodiments of the present invention, the constraint
portion may be a nut having a screw on an internal peripheral
surface thereof. Here, the body portion is in the shape of a
substantial cylinder, and has a screw, which corresponds to the
nut, on a section of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder.
The section is a range where the constraint portion is movable. In
the first state, part of the body portion corresponding to the
section is closed, taking on a shape of a cylinder. In the second
state, the part of the body portion is open, spreading like open
tweezers towards the base in the axial direction.
[0030] Here, in the connector-attached syringe, the luer part may
have, on the base side thereof, a reduced-diameter section, and the
engaging portion may be a step created by the reduced-diameter
section.
[0031] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a
connector for fixedly holding a syringe unit on a port and being
disposed at a luer part jutting out from the syringe unit which
includes a syringe body and a plunger. The connector comprises: a
tubular body portion with a base; and a constraint portion
encircling a periphery of the body portion and exerting constraint
effects on the base by shifting in the axial direction of the body
portion. Here, the base of the body portion includes a plurality of
swingable petal-shaped members. In a first state where the
petal-shaped members are closed due to the constraint effects
exerted on the base, the luer part is engaged with the petal-shaped
members in the syringe axial direction. In a second state where the
petal-shaped members are open due to the base being free from the
constraint effects, the luer part is freely insertable and
removable into and from the connector via an open hole formed in a
substantially central region of the base when the petal-shaped
members are open.
[0032] In the connector above, the constraint portion may be a nut
having a screw on an internal peripheral surface thereof. Here, the
body portion is in the shape of a substantial cylinder, and has a
screw, which corresponds to the nut, on a section of the outer
peripheral surface of the cylinder. The section is a range where
the constraint portion is movable. In the first state, part of the
body portion corresponding to the section is closed, taking on a
shape of a cylinder, and in the second state, the part of the body
portion is open, spreading like open tweezers towards the base in
the axial direction.
[0033] One embodiment of the present invention is also a procedure
method for treatment and diagnosis using the connector-attached
syringe above.
[0034] With the connector-attached syringe of embodiments of the
present invention, the connector can readily change the state
between the first and the second states. Accordingly, the
connector-attached syringe is capable of engaging the luer part of
the syringe with the petal-shaped members of the base as well as
making the luer part freely insertable and removable via the open
hole on the base. That is, the connector-attached syringe allows
for a selective use of the syringe between the luer-lock type and
the luer-slip type according to the connection style of a port on
which the syringe is to be fixedly held.
[0035] As to the connector-attached syringe of embodiments of the
present invention, the connector can be thus freely attached and
detached according to the connection style of the port, and the
detached connector can be used with another syringe. This results
in a reduction in the cost burden on the user but does not cause a
decrease in work performance when the syringe is used. In addition,
the connector-attached syringe of the present invention can be
connected to a port in either the luer-slip style or the luer-lock
style, having high versatility for connection with a port.
[0036] Since having the same structure as the connector attached to
the luer part in the connector-attached syringe above, the
connector of one embodiment of the present invention also has
similar advantageous effects as described above.
[0037] Therefore, the connector in one embodiment of the present
invention is effective to enhance the versatility of the syringe
when it is fixedly held on a port.
[0038] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a
connector-attached syringe having a connector attached to a luer
part jutting out from a syringe unit which includes a syringe body
and a plunger. The connector is used for fixedly hold the syringe
unit on a port. Here, the luer part includes an engaging portion
for engaging with the connector. The connector includes a plurality
of components, which individually have interlocking members for
coupling mechanisms. The interlocking members are interlocked with
each other to thereby couple the components and make the connector
in the shape of a tube having a base. When made in the shape of the
tube, the connector engages with the engaging portion of the luer
part. When the coupling of the components is released, the luer
part is freely insertable and removable into and from the
connector.
[0039] As to the present invention, in the above-mentioned
connector-attached syringe, the components may be symmetrical to
each other and have end portions facing to each other. Here, a
cutout is disposed on each of the end portions. The cutouts face to
each other to form an engaging hole, which engages with the
engaging portion of the luer part.
[0040] As to the present invention, in the above-mentioned
connector-attached syringe, at least one of the coupling mechanisms
may include a locking tab and a locked tab which interlock with
each other when the components are coupled.
[0041] As to the present invention, in one of the above-mentioned
connector-attached syringes, the luer part may have, on a base side
thereof, a reduced-diameter section, and the engaging portion may
be a step created by the reduced-diameter section.
[0042] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention has a
connector for fixedly holding a syringe unit on a port and being
disposed at a luer part jutting out from the syringe unit which
includes a syringe body and a plunger. The connector comprises: a
plurality of components, which individually have interlocking
members for coupling mechanisms. The interlocking members interlock
with each other to thereby couple the components and make the
connector in the shape of a tube having a base. Here, when made in
the shape of the tube, the connector engages with the luer part.
When the coupling of the components is released, the luer part is
freely insertable and removable into and from the connector.
[0043] As to the present invention, in the above-mentioned
connector, the components may be symmetrical to each other and have
end portions facing to each other. Here, a cutout is disposed on
each of the end portions, and the cutouts face to each other to
form an engaging hole, which engages with an engaging portion of
the luer part.
[0044] As to the present invention, in the above-mentioned
connector, at least one of the coupling mechanisms may include a
locking tab and a locked tab which interlock with each other when
the components are coupled.
[0045] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a
procedure method for treatment and diagnosis using the
connector-attached syringe above.
[0046] The connector-attached syringe of this embodiment of the
present invention has a structure in which the connector is freely
attachable and detachable to and from the luer part of the syringe
simply by changing the state of the connector between the state
where the multiple components are coupled to form the tube with a
base and the state where the coupling is released. Accordingly, the
connector-attached syringe allows for a selective use of the
syringe between the luer-lock type and the luer-slip type according
to the connection style of a port on which the syringe is to be
fixedly held.
[0047] Additionally, with the connector-attached syringe, the
connector may be detached from the syringe after used or when not
used, and then the detached connector may be used with another
syringe.
[0048] Herewith, the connector-attached syringe of the present
invention reduces the cost burden on the user but does not cause a
decrease in work performance when the syringe is used. In addition,
the connector-attached syringe of the present invention can be
connected to a port in either the luer-slip style or the luer-lock
style, exhibiting high versatility for connection with a port.
[0049] Similarly to the connector attached to the
connector-attached syringe above, the connector of the present
invention can be easily attached and detached to and from the luer
part of the syringe simply by changing the state of the connector
between the state where the multiple components are coupled to form
the tube with a base and the state where the coupling is released.
Herewith, the connector can be attachable and detachable according
to need--for example, the connector is engaged with the luer part
of the syringe when the syringe and port are connected in the
luer-lock style, and the connector is disengaged when they are
connected in the luer-slip style.
[0050] As a result, the connector of the present invention is
effective to enhance the versatility of the syringe for connection
with a port.
[0051] In order to solve the above problems, in one embodiment of
the present invention is a connector-attached medical syringe
having a tubular connection supporting member and a pin for
increasing, when a syringe unit including a syringe body and a
plunger is connected to a port, a connecting force between a luer
part of the syringe unit and the port. The luer part is inserted
into the port. Here, the connection supporting member includes a
first insertion hole disposed on the outer peripheral surface
thereof and a second insertion hole disposed on an end portion
thereof. The first insertion hole is for the pin to be inserted
thereto. The pin includes a fit portion for being fitted with the
luer part. The syringe unit freely changes a state thereof between
(i) a connector hold state, in which, when the luer part is
inserted into the second insertion hole, the pin is inserted into
the first insertion hole along an insertion path until the fit
portion is fitted with the luer part and (ii) a connector release
state, in which the fitting of the fit portion and the luer part is
released by pulling the pin out from the first insertion hole.
[0052] The syringe of the present invention may be a
connector-attached medical syringe having a tubular connection
supporting member and a pin for increasing, when a syringe unit
including a syringe body and a plunger is connected to a port, a
connecting force between a luer part of the syringe unit and the
port. The luer part is inserted into the port. Here, the connection
supporting member includes a first insertion hole disposed on the
outer peripheral surface thereof and a second insertion hole
disposed on an end portion thereof. The first insertion hole is for
the pin to be inserted thereto. The pin includes a fit portion for
being fitted with the luer part. The syringe unit freely changes a
state thereof between (i) a connector hold state, in which, when
the luer part is inserted into the second insertion hole, the pin
is inserted into the first insertion hole along an insertion path
until the fit portion is fitted with the luer part and (ii) a
connector release state, in which the fitting of the fit portion
and the luer part is released by pulling the pin out from the first
insertion hole.
[0053] Herewith, the syringe can be used as a so-called luer-slip
syringe by pulling out the pin and thereby disengaging the
connector from the syringe. In addition, the syringe can be used
also as a so-called luer-lock syringe by inserting the pin into the
connector and thereby engaging the luer part and the connector.
[0054] That is, since the syringe functions as either type, its
versatility increases.
[0055] In addition, the luer part may be in the shape of a
substantially cylinder locally having a reduced-diameter section in
vicinity of a central region or a base portion thereof. Here, the
insertion path of the pin is a line connecting facing sections on
the outer peripheral surface and passing in vicinity of the central
axis of the connection supporting member. The fitting is made when
the fit portion is fitted with the reduced-diameter section of the
luer part in the vicinity of the central axis.
[0056] According to the structure, the central axis of the luer
part coincides with or come close to that of the connector.
[0057] As to a connection-target instrument in the luer-lock style,
an insertion point for the luer part is generally located in the
middle of an engaging structure such as a threaded portion or a
groove portion for engagement. Therefore, since the central axes of
the luer part and connector substantially coincide, the insertion
of the luer part into the port can be performed while the pin is
being fitted with the luer part.
[0058] In addition, the fitting may be made so that the pin is
freely rotatable around the central axis of the reduced-diameter
section.
[0059] Accordingly, the syringe and the connection-target
instrument in the luer-lock style can be connected and fixed to
each other simply by rotating the connector without rotating the
syringe itself.
[0060] In addition, the pin may include a handle portion to be
grasped in a case of insertion and pullout. This facilitates easy
insertion and pullout of the pin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing a structure of a
prefilled syringe of Embodiment 1;
[0062] FIG. 2 shows the way to attach a locknut of Embodiment 1 to
the prefilled syringe;
[0063] FIG. 3 shows the prefilled syringe of Embodiment 1 connected
to a fixed connection port;
[0064] FIG. 4 shows the prefilled syringe of Embodiment 1 connected
to a direct connection port;
[0065] FIG. 5 shows the prefilled syringe of Embodiment 1 to which
a conventional needle hub is attached;
[0066] FIG. 6 shows a structure of a locknut of Embodiment 2;
[0067] FIG. 7 shows a structure of a locknut of Embodiment 3;
[0068] FIG. 8 shows a structure of a locknut of Embodiment 4;
[0069] FIG. 9 shows a structure of a locknut of Embodiment 5;
[0070] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view showing a structure of a
prefilled syringe of Embodiment 6;
[0071] FIG. 11 shows the way to attach a locknut of Embodiment 6 to
the prefilled syringe;
[0072] FIG. 12 shows the locknut of Embodiment 6 fitted to the
prefilled syringe;
[0073] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the prefilled syringe
and locknut of Embodiment 6;
[0074] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the prefilled
syringe of Embodiment 6 connected to a direct connection port of a
transfusion line system;
[0075] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view showing a luer part of the
prefilled syringe of Embodiment 6 to which a needle hub is
attached;
[0076] FIG. 16 shows a structure of a locknut and a prefilled
syringe of Embodiment 7;
[0077] FIG. 17 shows a structure of a locknut and a prefilled
syringe of Embodiment 8;
[0078] FIG. 18 shows a structure of a locknut and a prefilled
syringe of Embodiment 9;
[0079] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view showing a prefilled
syringe and a locknut of Embodiment 10;
[0080] FIG. 20 is an assembly drawing of the prefilled syringe, a
fixture and the locknut of Embodiment 10;
[0081] FIG. 21 shows the way to connect the prefilled syringe of
Embodiment 10 to the fixed connection port;
[0082] FIG. 22 shows the state of the locknut being disengaged from
the fixture of Embodiment 10;
[0083] FIG. 23 shows the prefilled syringe of Embodiment 10
connected to the direct connection port;
[0084] FIG. 24 shows the prefilled syringe of Embodiment 10 to
which a conventional needle hub is attached;
[0085] FIG. 25 shows a structure of a locknut of Embodiment 11;
[0086] FIG. 26 shows a structure of a locknut of Embodiment 12;
[0087] FIG. 27A is a lateral side view (with a partial cross
sectional view) of a connector 1 of Embodiment 13; and FIG. 27B is
a front view of the connector 1;
[0088] FIG. 28A is a lateral side view (with a partial cross
sectional view) of the connector 1 before the connection with a
syringe 5 of Embodiment 13; and FIG. 28B is a lateral side view
(with a partial cross sectional view) of the connector 1 after the
connection with the syringe 5 of Embodiment 13;
[0089] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a relation between the
connector 1 and an extension tube 6 when they are to be connected
to each other, according to Embodiment 13;
[0090] FIG. 30 is a lateral side view showing a coinfusion port 7
or an injection needle is to be connected to the syringe 5J in
luer-slip style without using the connector 1, according to
Embodiment 13;
[0091] FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a connector 1 of
Embodiment 14; and FIG. 31B is a front view of the connector 1;
[0092] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a relationship between
the connector 1 and an extension tube 6 when they are to be
connected to each other, according to Embodiment 14;
[0093] FIG. 33 is a lateral side view showing a coinfusion port 7
or an injection needle 8 is to be connected to the syringe 5K in
the luer-slip style without using the connector 1, according to
Embodiment 14;
[0094] FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing a relation between a
connector 2 of Embodiment 15 and the syringe 5;
[0095] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a shape of a connector
3 of Embodiment 16;
[0096] FIG. 36 illustrates usage of a syringe according to
Embodiment 17;
[0097] FIG. 37 shows the way of a coupling pin being inserted into
a lock part according to Embodiment 17;
[0098] FIG. 38 shows the way of the syringe of Embodiment 17 being
inserted into a coinfusion port in the luer-slip style;
[0099] FIG. 39 shows an example of realizing a lock mechanism of a
syringe of Embodiment 18, using another structure other than a
screw nut;
[0100] FIG. 40 shows an example where the lock part and syringe are
engaged with each other using a coupling pin of Embodiment 19, the
shape of which is different from that of the coupling pin of
Embodiment 17;
[0101] FIG. 41 illustrates usage of a conventional luer-lock
syringe;
[0102] FIG. 42 shows a structure of a conventional locknut and a
prefilled syringe; and
[0103] FIG. 43 shows a structure of a conventional locknut and a
prefilled syringe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0104] The following sequentially describes Embodiments 1 through
19 of medical syringes of the present invention with the aid of
drawings.
1. Embodiment 1
1-1. Overall Structure of Prefilled Syringe
[0105] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagram showing structures of a
prefilled syringe and a connector (a locknut) according to
Embodiment 1. Note that, here, a structure is adopted in which a
prefilled syringe and a locknut are combined, however, the present
invention may be applied to syringes other than prefilled syringes.
For convenience of explanation, a plunger 40 is shown here in
normal lateral view rather than in cross section.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 1, a prefilled syringe 1 may comprise a
syringe body 10, the plunger (also referred to as a piston) 40 and
the like.
[0107] In this embodiment, the syringe body 10 is a tubular body
formed by injection molding a material with high chemical
resistance, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate or
polyvinyl chloride. The tip end of the syringe body 10 is sealed by
a top face portion 110, and a luer part 120 juts or extends out
from the center of the top face portion 110.
[0108] On the other hand, an opening 12 may be formed at the
posterior end of the syringe body 10. Although the luer part 120 is
formed by drawing to basically give a tapered shape, a stepped
portion 123 is provided in a part of the tapered shape, which
thereby forms a luer base portion 121 having a smaller diameter and
a luer tip portion 122 located on the tip side of the luer part 120
having a larger diameter.
[0109] A locknut 30, to be hereinafter described, may be fitted to
the stepped portion 123. In addition, the luer tip portion 122 may
be formed in a tapered shape in compliance with ISO6/100 so that
the regular needle hub 20 can be attached easily. In FIG. 1, a cap
20 is attached to the tip of the luer part 120.
[0110] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of
the syringe body 10 is referred to as an "axial direction" while a
direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as a
"radial direction".
[0111] The plunger 40 can be made of a resin material with high
chemical resistance, similarly to the syringe body 10, and includes
a plunger body 42 having a cruciform cross sectional shape for the
purpose of reinforcement, at each end of which are formed
disk-shaped end pieces having main surfaces in the radial
direction. One of the end pieces is a pressing end portion 41 to be
pressed by the user with a thumb, and the other end piece is a head
portion 43 that is inserted inside the syringe body 10 in the axial
direction.
[0112] A packing 44 is provided at the tip of the head portion 43
in a manner to make tight contact with the internal wall of the
syringe body 10. Here, medication 100 is held in the syringe body
10, which is internally sealed by the packing 44 and the cap
20.
[0113] When using the prefilled syringe 1 having such a structure,
the user removes the cap 20 to enable discharge of the medication
100. As the user pushes the pressing end portion 41 of the plunger
40 into the syringe body 10 with a thumb, the medication 100 is
discharged from the tip of the luer part 120 according to the
depressed amount of the plunger 40.
1-2. Structure of Locknut
[0114] The prefilled syringe 1 of Embodiment 1 includes the locknut
30, which is a connector easily detachable from the luer part 120,
and which is attached so as to engage, in the axial direction, with
the stepped portion 123 of the luer part 120. The locknut 30 is
used in the medical field as a connection implement for connecting
the prefilled syringe 10 to a fixed connection port of a
transfusion line system or blood collection line system.
[0115] The locknut 30 has a cylindrical form with a bottom, being
formed by injection molding a resin material with high mechanical
strength. A screw thread is cut on the internal surface of a
lateral side portion 301, which corresponds to the cylindrical part
of the locknut 30, to thereby form a female screw 3010 in
compliance with, for example, ISO594-2. The female screw 3010 may
engage with a male screw 5010 to be hereinafter described.
[0116] A snowman-shaped hole 3020 formed by perforating two holes
communicating with each other is provided on a main surface portion
302 that is the bottom of the locknut 30 (for detail, see FIG. 2).
One of these two holes is a loose-insertion hole 3021 and is formed
on the main surface portion 302 away from the center by
perforation. The other hole is an engaging hole 3022 which is
formed in the center of the main surface portion 302 by
perforation. The loose-insertion hole 3021 has a diameter at least
larger than that of the luer tip portion 122 so that the entire
luer part 120 of the prefilled syringe 1 can be inserted into the
hole with clearance therebetween. On the other hand, the engaging
hole 2022 has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the luer tip
portion 122 so that the stepped portion 123 of the luer part 120 is
fitted thereto and the locknut 30 rotates with respect to the luer
part 120. A passage 303 is formed between the loose-insertion hole
3021 and engaging hole 3022, having a diameter further smaller than
that of the engaging hole 3022. The width of the passage 303 is
slightly smaller than the diameter of the luer base portion 121 so
that the luer part 120 shifts to the passage 303 side only when
more than a certain amount of force is applied to the luer base
portion 121.
1-3. Engagement of Syringe and Locknut
[0117] FIG. 2A shows how to attach the locknut 30 to the syringe 1
and FIG. 2B shows the locknut 30 after the attachment. As to the
locknut 30 having the above structure, when using the prefilled
syringe 1, the user first inserts the luer part 120 of the
prefilled syringe 1 into the loose-insertion hole 3021 in the axial
direction, as shown in FIG. 2A (FIG. 2A shows that the luer part
120 is about to be inserted in the direction A, i.e. the axial
direction). Since the loose-insertion hole 3021 has a diameter
sufficiently larger than that of the luer tip portion 122 of the
luer part 120, the luer part 120 can be smoothly inserted into the
locknut 30.
[0118] In the second step after the user has inserted the luer part
120 into the loose-insertion hole 3021 so as to assuredly insert
the luer base portion 121 thereto, the user brings the lateral side
of the luer base portion 121 into contact with the lateral surface
of the loose-insertion hole 3021 and shifts the luer part 120 to
the engaging hole 3022 via the passage 303 (FIG. 2A also shows that
the luer part 120 is to be shifted in the direction B). In this
process, the luer base portion 121 is forcedly shifted through the
passage 303, then the stepped portion 123 shifts and becomes fitted
into the small engaging hole 3022. Since the diameter of the
engaging hole 3022 matches that of the stepped portion 123 and the
passage 303 exists between the engaging hole 3022 and
loose-insertion hole 3021, the stepped portion 123 of the luer part
120 abuts against the circumference of the engaging hole 3022 and
is securely engaged in the axial direction, as shown in FIG.
2B.
[0119] After the locknut 30 having the snowman-shaped hole 3020 is
engaged with the syringe body 10, these two can be readily detached
from each other in the following manner. That is, the user shifts
the luer part 120 from the engaging hole 3022 to the insertion hole
3021 as exerting some force on the luer part 120. This operation
can be performed in a reversible and simple fashion (for example,
in one hand), and the user is therefore able to easily attach the
locknut 30 to the prefilled syringe 1 when required, and detach the
locknut 30, when not required, to thereby use the prefilled syringe
1 alone.
[0120] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing that the prefilled
syringe 1 is connected, using the locknut 30, to a fixed connection
port 50 of a transfusion line system. As the male screw 5010 of the
port 50 is screwed into the female screw 3010 of the locknut 30,
the luer tip portion 122 of the luer part 120 of the prefilled
syringe 1 comes in close contact with a packing 52 provided inside
the port 50, and eventually gets inserted into the transfusion line
while pressing the packing 52. At this point, in the locknut 30,
the circumference of the engaging hole 3022 exerts pressure on the
stepped portion 123 of the luer part 120 so that they tightly
engage with each other. Thus, even if some degree of tension is
applied to the prefilled syringe 1, the prefilled syringe 1 does
not come apart from the port 50 along the axial direction. As a
result, the user is able to safely push the plunger 40 into the
syringe body 10 accordingly and deliver a required amount of
medication 100 to the inside of the port 50.
[0121] On the other hand, FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing
that the locknut 30 has been detached from the prefilled syringe 1,
which is then connected to a direct connection port 500 of a
transfusion line system. Thus, according to Embodiment 1, since the
locknut 30 has been taken off, or otherwise may be an obstacle, the
luer tip portion 122 of the prefilled syringe 1 is properly and
tightly held by the packing 52 in the port 500, which makes a
suitable connection between the prefilled syringe 1 and the port
500.
[0122] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing that the locknut 30
has been detached from the prefilled syringe 1 and a needle hub 60
is attached to the luer tip portion 122. The needle hub 60 has a
structure in which a socket portion 61 composed of a resin material
and formed to match the shape of the luer tip portion 122 holds a
needle tube 62 which is an injection needle. With the conventional
prefilled syringe in which the locknut is fixed and cannot be
detached therefrom as shown in FIG. 43, the locknut obstructs the
view of the user and makes it difficult to determine the
positioning of the luer part and the needle hub, thereby creating
the danger of the user mistakenly pricking himself/herself and
coming into contact with infectious material. In addition, the
conventional problem that the needle hub cannot be deeply placed in
and attached to the luer part due to the presence of the locknut
can be fundamentally solved by Embodiment 1 since the
snowman-shaped hole 3020 enables easy detachment of the locknut 30
from the prefilled syringe 1.
Other Embodiments
[0123] Note that although in Embodiment 1 the snowman-shaped hole
is formed by circular insertion and engaging holes communicating
with each other via the passage, the following embodiments are also
within the scope of the present invention.
2. Embodiment 2
[0124] With a snowman-shaped hole 3020a in a locknut 30A of
Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 6, arcs of a loose-insertion hole 3021a
and an engaging hole 3022a are partially overlapped with each
other, and two circumferences of these holes where they overlap
form a passage 303a.
[0125] With the snowman-shaped hole 3020a having such a shape, the
present invention is able to achieve an equivalent effect to that
of Embodiment 1. In addition, since the passage 303a of Embodiment
2 is formed where the loose-insertion hole 3021a and engaging hole
3022a overlap, it is rather edged as compared with that of
Embodiment 1, and the luer part 120 is reliably engaged with the
engaging hole 3022a due to the shape.
3. Embodiment 3
[0126] With a snowman-shaped hole 3020b in a locknut 30B according
to Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 7, an engaging hole 3022b is formed
between two insertion holes 3021bA and 3021bB. Although arcs of the
engaging hole 3022b and each of the insertion holes 3021bA and
3021bB are partially overlapped with each other, these holes may be
communicated with each other by passages therebetween. In addition,
the insertion holes 3021bA and 3021bB need not have the same size
and shape, but need to have sizes such that at least the stepped
portion 123 of the luer part 120 can be inserted thereto with
clearance therebetween.
[0127] With the snowman-shaped hole 3020b having such a structure,
the user can detach the locknut 30 easily when using the syringe 1
since the luer part 120 can be shifted from the engaging hole 3022b
to either of the two insertion holes 3021bA and 3021bB. This
results in reducing the operational load on the user. Embodiment 3
is expected to achieve a very high level of convenience especially
in medical practices which require the user to handle the prefilled
syringe 1 and locknut 30 in one hand based on the treatment method
using the prefilled syringe 1.
4. Embodiment 4
[0128] With a snowman-shaped hole 3020c in a locknut 30C of
Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 8, a circular engaging hole 3022c is
communicated with a rectangular loose-insertion hole 3021c via a
passage 3023c.
[0129] With such a structure also, a similar effect to that of the
locknut 30 of Embodiment 1 can be achieved. An additional advantage
is that the user readily recognizes and distinguishes the
loose-insertion hole 3021c and engaging hole 3022c without
confusion and is able to properly use the locknut 30C since the
shapes of these holes are distinctly different.
5. Embodiment 5
[0130] With a snowman-shaped hole 3020d in a locknut 30D of
Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 9, a circular engaging hole 3022d is
communicated with a hexagonal loose-insertion hole 3021d via a
passage 3023d.
[0131] With such a structure also, a similar effect to that of the
locknut 30 of Embodiment 1 can be achieved. Similarly to Embodiment
4, since the shapes of the loose-insertion hole 3021d and engaging
hole 3022d are distinctly different, the user readily recognizes
and distinguishes these two holes without confusion and is able to
properly use the locknut 30D.
Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 1 Through 5
[0132] Although the prefilled syringe 1 of the present invention
has been explained with an example in which the needle hub 60 is
attached after the locknut 30 being detached, the present invention
is not limited to that case. Instead of a needle hub, a tubelike
luer or a tube may be used. It is effective to attach, from the
top, a cap or the like to the prefilled syringe 1 with a needle hub
attached thereto so as to protectively cover the needle hub and
needle tube for the purpose of avoiding accidental pricking. As
such a cap, one similar to a cap for a vial container can be
used.
[0133] Each embodiment described above discloses a structural
example of a connector (locknut) in which a screw thread is cut to
form a female screw. However, the present invention is not confined
to this structure, and the prefilled syringe 1 may be appropriately
connected to the port of a line system using a discontinuous
thread, a cup joint, or another structure.
[0134] The luer part of the syringe used in the present invention
does not necessarily have a circular cross section, and either one
of the luer tip portion and the luer base portion or both have
rectangular, elliptic, or triangle cross sections. Note however
that it is preferable that the shape of the engaging hole be
appropriately decided in accordance with the cross sectional shape
of the stepped portion of the luer part so as to stably and
reliably engage the luer part in the engaging hole of the
locknut.
6. EMBODIMENT 6
6-1. Overall Structure of Prefilled Syringe
[0135] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view showing structures of a
prefilled syringe and a connector (locknut) according to Embodiment
1. Note that Embodiment 6 has a structure in which a prefilled
syringe and a locknut are combined, however, the present invention
is applicable to syringes other than prefilled syringes. For
convenience of explanation, the plunger 40 is shown here in normal
lateral view rather than in cross section.
[0136] The prefilled syringe 1 shown in the figure may comprise the
syringe body 10, the plunger (also referred to as a piston) 40 and
the like. The syringe body 10 may be a tubular body formed by
injection molding a material with high chemical resistance, such as
polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride.
The tip end of the syringe body 10 is sealed by the top face
portion 110, and the luer part 120 formed by drawing to give a
tapered shape juts or extends out from the center of the top face
portion 110. The luer part 120 is formed in a tapered shape in
compliance with IS06/100 so that the normal needle hub 20 is easily
attached thereto. In FIG. 10, the cap 20 is attached to the tip of
the luer part 120. The prefilled syringe 1 of the present invention
is configured, such that convex portions 101 and 102 and a concave
portion 103 are provided side by side, situated closer to the luer
part 120, so as to encircle the circumference of the syringe body
10. These portions are for engaging with the locknut 30 to be
hereinafter described.
[0137] On the other hand, the opening 12 is formed at the posterior
end of the syringe body 10.
[0138] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of
the syringe body 10 is referred to as an "axial direction" while a
direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as a
"radial direction".
[0139] The plunger 40 is made of a resin material with high
chemical resistance, similarly to the syringe body 10, and includes
the plunger body 42 having a cruciform cross sectional shape for
the purpose of reinforcement, at each end of which are formed
disk-shaped end pieces having main surfaces in the radial
direction. One of the end pieces is the pressing end portion 41 to
be pressed by the user with a thumb, and the other end piece is the
head portion 43 that is inserted inside the syringe body 10 in the
axial direction.
[0140] The packing 44 is provided at the tip of the head portion 43
in a manner to make tight contact with the internal wall of the
syringe body 10. Here, medication 100 is held in the syringe body
10, which is internally sealed by the packing 44 and the cap
20.
[0141] When using the prefilled syringe 1 having such a structure,
the user removes the cap 20 to enable discharge of the medication
100. As the user pushes the pressing end portion 41 of the plunger
40 into the syringe body 10 with a thumb, the medication 100 is
discharged from the tip of the luer part 120 according to the
depressed amount of the plunger.
6-2. Structure of Locknut
[0142] The prefilled syringe 1 of Embodiment 6 is configured, such
that the locknut 30, which is a connector easily detachable from
the luer part 120, is attached thereto as shown in FIG. 10. The
locknut 30 is used in the medical field as a connection implement
for connecting the prefilled syringe 10 to a fixed connection port
of a transfusion line system or blood collection line system.
[0143] The locknut 30 has a cylindrical shape having a bottom, and
is formed by injection molding a resin material with high
mechanical strength. A screw thread is cut on the internal surface
of a lateral side portion 301, which corresponds to the cylindrical
part of the locknut 30, to thereby form a female screw 3010 in
compliance with, for example, ISO594-2. The female screw 3010
engages with the male screw 5010 to be hereinafter described.
[0144] A rib 3020 having in the center a perforation with a size
such that the luer part 120 can be inserted, leaving no space
therebetween, is formed in the locknut 30, and forms a bulkhead
which divides the internal space of the locknut 30 into a syringe
side and a port side. On the other hand, outside the locknut 30,
two plate-like arms 31 and 32 are formed parallel to the syringe
body 10 in the axial direction to make T shapes with the rib. Tab
projections 310 and 320 having triangular cross sections are formed
on the inner sides of the tip ends of the arms 31 and 32. The shape
of the projections 310 and 320 is made to be complementary to that
of the concave portion 103 of the syringe body 10.
6-3. Detachment of Locknut from Syringe
[0145] FIG. 11 shows the way of engaging the locknut 30 and the
state of locknut 30 after the engagement.
[0146] As to the locknut 30 having the above structure, when the
prefilled syringe 1 is used, the user first inserts the luer part
120 into the locknut 30 (here, the luer part 120 is inserted in the
center of the rib 3020 inside the locknut 30) as shown in FIG. 11.
At this point, the user makes sure that the luer part 120 is
inserted so that the rib 3020 comes all the way to the base of the
luer part 120.
[0147] In the second step, using the arms 31 and 32 extending from
the locknut 30, the user engages the projections 310 and 320
provided on the inner sides of the arms 31 and 32 with the concave
portion 103 of the syringe body 10 by elastically contacting and
fitting them with each other. The shape of the projection 310 and
320 is formed so as to conform to the convex portions 101 and 102
and the concave portion 103, and therefore the locknut 30 is
securely kept on the syringe body 10 by the engagement.
[0148] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view showing the prefilled
syringe 1 that is, using the locknut 30, connected to the fixed
connection port 50 of a transfusion line system. As the male screw
5010 of the port 50 is screwed into the female screw 3010 of the
locknut 30, the tip of the luer part 120 of the prefilled syringe 1
is tightly pressing the packing 52 provided inside the port 50, and
eventually gets inserted into the transfusion line. The prefilled
syringe 1 is not disengaged while in use because the syringe body
10 is securely fixed with the locknut 30 by the convex portions 101
and 102, concave portion 103, and projections 310 and 320, and
besides the luer part 120 is supported by the rib 3020 in the
locknut 30 to keep the luer part 120 in place. As a result, the
user is able to safely push the plunger 40 into the syringe body 10
accordingly and deliver a required amount of medication 100 to the
inside of the port 50.
[0149] According to Embodiment 6, after being engaged with the
syringe body 10, the locknut 30 can be easily disengaged from the
syringe 1 by performing a predetermined operation in the following
manner. This operation can be performed in a reversible and simple
fashion (for example, in one hand), and the user is therefore able
to easily engage the locknut 30 with the prefilled syringe 1 when
required, and detach the locknut 30, when not required, to thereby
use the prefilled syringe 1 alone.
[0150] In a specific method of disengaging the locknut 30 (the
predetermined operation), the user presses the arms 31 and 32 on
the anterior side of the syringe 1, as shown in FIG. 13, which is a
cross sectional view of the syringe 1 and locknut 30. In this
embodiment, "the principle of leverage" may be applied, with the
centers of the arms 31 and 32 being fulcrums while the points where
the projections 310 and 320 abut on the convex portions 101 being
working points. Accordingly, the ends of the arms 31 and 32 where
the projections 310 and 320 are provided warp away from the syringe
body 10 (i.e. an external force is applied to the locknut 30 in a
direction different from the syringe axial direction). Herewith,
the projections 310 and 320 detach and come free, at least, from
the convex portion 102 and concave portion 103. While maintaining
this state, the user is able to pull out the locknut 30 from the
syringe 1 with a little force. Note that the locknut 30 can be
easily disengaged from the syringe body 10 by spreading outward the
ends of the arms 31 and 32 with the projections 310 and 320 by
fingers, instead of pressing the arms 31 and 32 on the anterior
side of the syringe 1.
[0151] It is desirable that the arms 31 and 32 be provided on the
locknut 30 so that T shapes are formed with the rib, and points
where the arms 31 and 32 abut on the rib become fulcrums. This, the
user can easily disengage the locknut 30 from the syringe body 10
by pushing the posterior ends of the arms 31 and 32 to spread the
anterior ends thereof.
[0152] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing that the prefilled
syringe 1 may be connected to the direct connection port 500 of a
transfusion line system after the locknut 30 has been detached
therefrom according to the above method. Thus, in Embodiment 6,
since the locknut 30 has been removed, or may otherwise be an
obstacle, the luer part 120 of the prefilled syringe 1 is properly
and tightly held by the packing 52 in the port 500, which makes a
suitable connection between the prefilled syringe 1 and the port
500.
[0153] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view showing that the needle
hub 70 is attached to the luer part 120 after the locknut 30 has
been detached from the prefilled syringe 1. The needle hub 70 has a
structure in which a socket portion 71 composed of a resin material
and formed to match the shape of the luer part 120 holds a needle
tube 72 which is an injection needle. With the conventional
prefilled syringe in which the locknut is fixed and cannot be
detached therefrom as shown in FIG. 43, the locknut obstructs the
view of the user and makes it difficult to check on the positioning
of the luer and the needle hub, thereby creating the danger of the
user mistakenly pricking himself/herself and coming into contact
with infectious material. In addition, the conventional problem
that the needle hub cannot be deeply placed in and attached to the
luer part due to the presence of the locknut can be fundamentally
solved by Embodiment 6 since the user can readily detach the
locknut 30 from the prefilled syringe 1 by handling the arms 31 and
32 in a simple fashion.
Other Embodiments
[0154] Note that Embodiment 6 has a structure in which one
projection 310 or 320 having a triangular cross section is formed
on the end of each arm 31 and 32 and fitted with the convex
portions 101 and 102 and concave portion 103 of the syringe body
10. However, the following embodiments are also within the scope of
the present invention.
7. Embodiment 7
[0155] As to Embodiment 7 shown in FIG. 16, although the structure
of the locknut 30 is substantially similar to that of Embodiment 1,
the syringe body 10 has a slightly different structure. Embodiment
7 is characterized by a male screw portion 104 formed with a
helical convex portion provided on the outer surface of the syringe
body 10.
[0156] With using the syringe body 10 having the male screw portion
104 also, the present invention is able to achieve an equivalent
effect to that of Embodiment 6. In addition, Embodiment 7 allows
for a slight adjustment of the positional relationship between the
syringe body 10 and the locknut 30 by changing the degree of
screwing of the male screw portion 104 into the locknut 30 (i.e.
how far the male screw portion 104 is screwed into the locknut 30).
Consequently, Embodiment 7 achieves a good connection of the
syringe 1 to a fixed connection port corresponding to the luer part
120 shorter than a conventional one.
8. Embodiment 8
[0157] As to Embodiment 8 shown in FIG. 17, although the structure
of the locknut 30 is substantially similar to that of Embodiment 6,
the syringe body 10 has a slightly different structure. Embodiment
8 is configured to have a concave portion 105 which is formed by
concaving the outer surface of the syringe body 10.
[0158] With using the syringe body 10 having the concave portion
105 also, Embodiment 8 is able to achieve an equivalent effect to
that of Embodiment 6. In addition, since the syringe body 10 of
Embodiment 8 has a smooth surface without the convex portions 101
and 102, a problem such as the convex portions 101 and 102 of the
syringe body 10 catching the user's clothes while in use can be
avoided. It is a matter of course that the syringe body 10
according to Embodiment 8 must have enough thickness for the
formation of the concave portion 105.
9. Embodiment 9
[0159] As to Embodiment 9 shown in FIG. 18, although the structure
of the syringe body 10 is substantially similar to that of
Embodiment 6, a locknut 35 has a slightly different structure.
Embodiment 9 is characterized by projection sets 351 and 352, each
of which includes multiple projections, formed on the inner sides
of the tip ends of arms 36 and 37, respectively. Here, in the
respective sets 351 and 352, the projections are provided with a
predetermined distance therebetween.
[0160] With using the syringe body 10 having the locknut 35 also,
Embodiment 9 is able to achieve an equivalent effect to that of
Embodiment 6. Especially since the multiple projections of the sets
351 and 352 are fitted with the syringe body 10, Embodiment 9
allows for a more reliable fixation of the syringe 1 and locknut
35.
Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 6 Through 9
[0161] Although the prefilled syringe 1 of the present invention
has been explained with an example in which the needle hub 60 is
attached after the locknut 30 being detached, the present invention
is not limited to that case. Instead of a needle hub, a tubelike
luer or a tube may be used. It is effective to attach, from the
top, a cap or the like to the prefilled syringe 1 with a needle hub
attached thereto so as to protectively cover the needle hub and
needle tube for the purpose of avoiding accidental pricking. As
such a cap, one similar to a cap for a vial container can be
used.
[0162] Each embodiment described above discloses a structural
example of a locknut having a female screw formed therein. However,
the present invention is not confined to this structure, and the
prefilled syringe 1 may be appropriately connected to the port of a
line system using a discontinuous thread, a cup joint, or another
structure.
[0163] In addition, although each embodiment above describes a
structural example of a locknut having two arms, the present
invention is not limited to the number of arms. Further more,
instead of the arms, a tubular extension may be formed by extending
the cylindrical body of the locknut in the axial direction, and
projections may be provided on the inner side of the extension. In
this case, it is desirable that the locknut and syringe be engaged
with each other by not fitting engagement, but screwing engagement
in view of the elastic deformation properties of the locknut.
[0164] The luer part of the syringe used in the present invention
does not necessarily have a circular cross section, and may have a
rectangular, elliptic or triangle cross section, for example. Note
however that, in this case, a port and a needle hub matching the
shape of the luer part have to be employed.
[0165] In addition, the present invention may have a structure in
which multiple arms are provided that extend from the outer
circumference of the top face portion positioned at the base of the
luer part, and are engaged with the convex portion formed on the
outer surface of the locknut. In this case, the structure is
designed so that each arm is detached from the locknut by applying
external forces to the syringe body in a direction different from
the axial direction.
10. Embodiment 10
10-1. Overall Structure of Prefilled Syringe
[0166] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional diagram showing structures of a
prefilled syringe and a connector (locknut) according to Embodiment
10. For convenience of explanation, the plunger 40 is shown here in
normal lateral view rather than in cross section.
[0167] The prefilled syringe 1 shown in FIG. 19 may comprise the
syringe body 10, the plunger (also referred to as a piston) 40 and
the like.
[0168] The syringe body 10 may be a tubular body formed by
injection molding a material with high chemical resistance, such as
polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate or polyvinyl chloride.
The tip end of the syringe body 10 is sealed by the top face
portion 110, and the luer part 120 juts out from the center of the
top face portion 110.
[0169] On the other hand, the opening 12 is formed at the posterior
end of the syringe body 10. Although the luer part 120 is formed by
drawing to basically give a tapered shape, the stepped portion 123
is provided in a part of the tapered shape, which thereby forms the
luer base portion 121 having a smaller diameter and the luer tip
portion 122 located on the tip side of the luer part 120 and having
a larger diameter. A fixture 20, to be hereinafter described, is
fitted to the stepped portion 123. In addition, the luer tip
portion 122 is formed in a tapered shape in compliance with
ISO6/100 so that the regular needle hub 20 can be attached thereto
easily. In FIG. 19, the cap 15 is attached to the tip of the luer
part 120.
[0170] In the following description, the longitudinal direction of
the syringe body 10 is referred to as an "axial direction" while a
direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as a
"radial direction".
[0171] The plunger 40 is made of a resin material with high
chemical resistance, similarly to the syringe body 10, and includes
the plunger body 42 having a cruciform cross sectional shape for
the purpose of reinforcement, at each end of which are formed
disk-shaped end pieces having main surfaces in the radial
direction. One of the end pieces is the pressing end portion 41 to
be pressed by the user with a thumb, and the other end piece is the
head portion 43 that is inserted inside the syringe body 10 in the
axial direction.
[0172] The packing 44 is provided at the tip of the head portion 43
in a manner to make tight contact with the internal wall of the
syringe body 10. Here, medication 100 is held in the syringe body
10, which is internally sealed by the packing 44 and the cap
20.
[0173] When using the prefilled syringe 1 having such a structure,
the user removes the cap 20 to enable discharge of the medication
100. As the user pushes the pressing end portion of the plunger 40
into the syringe body 10 with a thumb, the medication 100 is
discharged from the tip of the luer part 120 according to the
depressed amount of the plunger.
10-2. Structures of Fixture and Locknut
[0174] The prefilled syringe 1 of Embodiment 10 is constructed such
that the locknut 30, which is a connector easily detachable from
the syringe body 10, is inserted onto the luer part 120 in the
axial direction and attached thereto so as to be engaged with the
fixture 20 positioned at the stepped portion 123. The locknut 30 is
used in the medical field as a connection implement for connecting
the prefilled syringe 10 to a fixed connection port of a
transfusion line system or blood collection line system. Note that,
here, the prefilled syringe 1 is adopted as a syringe for engaging
with the locknut 30; however, the present invention may be applied
to syringes other than prefilled syringes.
[0175] The fixture 20 is formed by injection molding a resin
material with mechanical strength and appropriate elasticity. As
shown in the assembly drawing of FIG. 20, the fixture 20 comprises:
a platy fixture body 201 having an insertion hole 202; two platy
arms 205 and 206 extending in one direction from the periphery of
the fixture body 201; and two platy levers 203 and 204 also
extending in the opposite direction from the periphery of the
fixture body 201.
[0176] The diameter of the insertion hole 202 of the fixture body
201 is slightly smaller than that of the luer tip portion 122 of
the luer part 120, but larger than that of the luer base portion
121. The fixture 20 is inserted onto the luer part 120 through the
insertion hole 202 and then forcedly shifted to fit at the luer
base portion, and whereby the stepped portion 123 abuts on the
periphery of the insertion hole 202 and the fixture 20 is held so
as to be not easily separated from the luer part 120. In order to
favorably hold the fixture body 201 by "forced fit" at the stepped
portion 123 using the insertion hole 202, it is desirable to make
the insertion hole 202 have the minimum possible diameter that
enables the luer base portion 121 to pass therethrough. In
addition, the diameter enabling the "forced fit" varies according
to the elasticity of the material of the fixture body 201, and
therefore it is desirable to take into account the size of the luer
base portion 121 and the material properties of the fixture 20 for
designing the insertion hole 202.
[0177] The two arms 205 and 206 extend in the syringe axial
direction, and projections 2050 and 2060, each having a triangular
cross section, are formed inside the tip ends of the arms 205 and
206. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the projections 2050
and 2060 may be rectangular, semicircular, or other forms.
[0178] The two levers 203 and 204 and the arms 205 and 206 are
formed swayable so that each of these sets warps away from the
syringe axis, with portions thereof adjacent to the fixture body
201 being fixed points and their tip ends spreading like open
tweezers. As shown in FIG. 20, the levers 203 and 204 are formed to
be symmetric with the two arms 205 and 206, respectively, around
the fixed points of the fixture 201, and thereby when the levers
203 and 204 are pressed, the arms 205 and 206 open up, warping away
from the syringe axis. This mechanism is for detaching the locknut
30. Note that it is desirable to use a material having appropriate
elasticity (polypropylene, for example) for the fixture 20 in order
to favorably design the insertion hole 202 and achieve the swayable
mechanism.
[0179] The locknut 30 has a cylindrical shape having a bottom, and
is formed by injection molding a resin material with high
mechanical strength. A screw thread is cut on the internal surface
of the lateral side portion (outer surface) 301, which corresponds
to the cylindrical part of the locknut 30, to thereby form the
female screw 3010 in compliance with, for example, ISO594-2. The
female screw 3010 engages with the male screw to be hereinafter
described.
[0180] An insertion hole 305 is provided on the main surface
portion 302 that is the bottom of the locknut 30. The insertion
hole 305 is formed to have a diameter at least larger than that of
the luer tip portion 122 so that the entire luer part 120 of the
prefilled syringe 1 is inserted thereto with clearance
therebetween. Concave portions 303 and 304 are formed on the
lateral side portion 301 of the locknut. These concave portions 303
and 304 have, for example, a rectangular cross section, and their
locations and sizes are determined so that the concave portions 303
and 304 can engage with the projections 2050 and 2060 provided on
the arms 205 and 206 of the fixture 20.
10-3. Engagement of Syringe and Locknut
[0181] As a characteristic of Embodiment 10, the engagement of the
syringe body 10 and locknut 30 using the fixture 20 is described
with reference to the assembly drawing of FIG. 20. Note that FIG.
20 shows an operation of attaching the fixture 20 to the luer part
120, and this operation takes place only when the fixture 20 is
attached to the syringe body 10 for the first time. Once the luer
part 120 and fixture 20 are attached to each other, the present
invention does not require to detach them again.
[0182] As to the locknut 30 having the above structure and the
fixture 20 fitted with the luer base portion 121 of the luer part
120 and held at the stepped portion 123, the user first presses the
levers 203 and 204 by gripping them with fingers so as to open the
tip ends of the arms 205 and 206 away from the axial direction, as
shown in FIG. 22. While this state is maintained, the user inserts,
into the insertion hole 305 along the axial direction, the luer tip
portion 122 of the luer part 120 to which the fixture 20 is
attached. At this point, since the insertion hole 305 has a
sufficiently large diameter as compared to the luer tip portion 122
of the luer part 120, the user can smoothly insert the luer part
120 into the locknut 30. Note that the size of the insertion hole
305 may be set so that the insertion hole 305 is slidable over the
luer tip portion 122 to some degree, and then a device preventing
the locknut 30 from easily disengaging from the luer tip portion
122 may be provided.
[0183] After shifting the locknut 30 sufficiently to the luer part
120 side, as the second step, the user checks on the relative
positions of the concave portions 303 and 304 provided on the
locknut's lateral side portion 301 and the projections 2050 and
2060 of the fixture 20, and releases the pressure applied on the
levers 203 and 204. Herewith, the projections 2050 and 2060 of the
arms 205 and 206 engage with the concave portions 303 and 304 of
the locknut 30, and whereby the locknut 30 is favorably held on the
syringe body 10 by means of the fixture 20.
[0184] On the other hand, the fixture 20 and locknut 30 can, after
being engaged with each other, be again detached by performing a
predetermined operation (i.e. applying an external force on the
fixture 20 in a direction different from the syringe axial
direction) in the following manner. That is, when the user presses
the levers 203 and 204 while grasping the fixture 20, the
projections 2050 and 2060 of the arms 205 and 206 are released from
the concave portions 303 and 304 of the locknut 30 according to
so-called "the principle of leverage", and in this state of things,
the user can pull the locknut 30 out along the axial direction.
This operation can be performed in a reversible and simple fashion
(for example, in one hand), and the user is therefore able to
easily attach the locknut 30 to the prefilled syringe 1 when
required, and detach the locknut 30, when not required, to thereby
use the prefilled syringe 1 alone.
[0185] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view showing that the prefilled
syringe 1 may be connected, using the locknut 30, to the fixed
connection port 50 of a transfusion line system. The male screw of
the port 50 is screwed into the female screw 3010 of the locknut 30
shown in FIG. 21, and herewith the luer tip portion 122 of the luer
part 120 of the prefilled syringe 1 is in close contact with the
packing 52 provided inside the port 50 and is inserted into the
transfusion line. The locknut 30 is tightly engaged with the
syringe 1 by the projections 2050 and 2060 of the arms 205 and 206
and the concave portions 303 and 304 of the locknut 30 so that the
prefilled syringe 1 does not come apart from the port 50 along the
axial direction even if some degree of tension is applied to the
prefilled syringe 1. As a result, the user is able to leave the
prefilled syringe 1 connected to the port 50 over a long period of
time and deliver a required amount of medication 100 to the inside
of the port 50 by safely pushing the plunger 40 into the syringe
body 10.
[0186] On the other hand, FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view showing
that the prefilled syringe 1 is connected to the direct connection
port 500 of a transfusion line system after the locknut 30 has been
detached from the prefilled syringe 1. With the prefilled syringe 1
from which the locknut 30 has been detached, no obstacle exists
around the luer tip portion. It is therefore possible to, without
the interference of the locknut 30, achieve a suitable connection
between the prefilled syringe 1 and the port 500 by properly and
tightly holding the luer tip portion 122 with the packing 52 in the
port 500. As a result, with the direct connection port 500 also,
the user is able to leave the prefilled syringe 1 connected to the
port 500 over a long period of time and deliver a required amount
of medication 100 to the inside of the port 50 by safely pushing
the plunger 40 into the syringe body 10.
[0187] FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view showing that the needle
hub 60 is attached to the luer tip portion 122 after the locknut 30
has been detached from the prefilled syringe 1. The needle hub 60
has a structure in which the socket portion 61 composed of a resin
material and formed to match the shape of the luer tip portion 122
holds the needle tube 62 which is an injection needle. With the
conventional prefilled syringe in which the locknut is fixed and
cannot be detached therefrom as shown in FIG. 43, the locknut
obstructs the view of the user and makes it difficult to visually
determine the positioning of the luer and the needle hub, thereby
creating the danger of the user mistakenly pricking himself/herself
and coming into contact with infectious material. However,
Embodiment 1 solves such a conventional problem since allowing for
easy observation of the positional relationship around the luer
between the levers 205 and 206 which spread like open tweezers from
the fixture 20.
Other Embodiments
[0188] Note that although in Embodiment 10 the locknut 30 is
attached to the syringe using the arms 205 and 206 and concave
portions 303 and 304, the following embodiments are also within the
scope of the present invention.
11. Embodiment 11
[0189] In a structural example of Embodiment 11 shown in FIG. 25,
slit-shaped concave portions 303E and 304E are formed on a lateral
side portion 301E of a locknut 30E along the circumference thereof.
On the other hand, in addition to levers 203A and 204A similar to
the levers 203 and 204 of Embodiment 10, arms 205A and 206A are
provided, each shaped like an arc of a semicircle in cross section.
These arms 205A and 206A extend from a fixture body 20A, and a slit
207A is created on the arms 205A and 206A adjacent to the boundary
between the arms 205A and 206A and the fixture body 201A. With the
slit 207A, the arms 205A and 206A spread like open tweezers when
the user presses the levers 203A and 204A. On the inner side of the
tip ends of the arms 205A and 206A, projections 2050A and 2060A are
formed to match the shape of the slit-shaped concave portions 303E
and 304E.
[0190] Embodiment 11 with the fixture 20 and locknut 30 having such
structures can achieve an equivalent effect to that of Embodiment
10. In addition, Embodiment 11 has a structure in which the arms
205A and 206A hold the locknut 30E in a manner to encase it,
enabling more reliably attachment of the locknut 30E to the syringe
1 without any play. Furthermore, according to Embodiment 11, even
if torque is applied to the locknut 30E in the radial direction
while in use, the engagement of the slit-shaped concave portions
303E and 304E and the projections 2050A and 2060A favorably
prevents the locknut 30A from rotating, which results in
maintaining stable engagement of the syringe 1 and locknut 30E.
12. Embodiment 12
[0191] In a structural example of Embodiment 12 shown in FIG. 26, a
female screw portion 303B is spirally formed on a lateral side
portion 301B of the locknut 30B along the circumference thereof. On
the other hand, in addition to levers 203B and 204B similar to the
levers 203 and 204 of Embodiment 10, arms 205B and 206B having male
screw portions 2050B and 2060B made up of multiple projections are
provided. The female screw portion 303B and male screw portions
2050B and 2060B are formed so that they can be screwed with each
other. The arms 205B and 206B are provided so as to extend from a
fixture body 201B, and spread like open tweezers when the user
presses levers 203B and 204B. To attach a fixture 20B to the
locknut 30B, the user spreads the male screw portions 2050B and
2060B by pressing the levers 203B and 204B, and brings the male
screw portions 2050B and 2060B into contact with the female screw
portion 303B provided on the external peripheral surface of the
locknut 30B. Subsequently, the male screw portions 2050B and 2060B
and the female screw portion 303B are screwed with each other by
causing relative rotation between the fixture 20B and locknut
30B.
[0192] Embodiment 12 with the fixture 20B and locknut 30B having
such structures can achieve an equivalent effect to that of
Embodiment 10. In addition, according to Embodiment 12, it is
possible to securely attach the locknut 30B to the syringe 1 while
preventing play and unwanted rotation between the fixture 20B and
locknut 30B by adjusting the degree of screwing of the male screw
portions 2050B and 2060B into the female screw portion 303B (i.e.
how tightly they are locked together). As a result, even if
unwanted torque is applied to the locknut 30B in the radial
direction while in use, the engagement of the screw portions
favorably prevents the locknut 30B from rotating, which results in
maintaining stable engagement of the syringe 1 and locknut 30B.
Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 10 Through 12
[0193] Although the prefilled syringe 1 of the above embodiments
has been explained with an example in which the needle hub 60 is
attached after the locknut 30 being detached, the present invention
is not limited to that case. Instead of a needle hub, a tubelike
luer or a tube may be used. It is effective to attach, from the
top, a cap or the like to the prefilled syringe 1 with a needle hub
attached thereto so as to protectively cover the needle hub and
needle tube for the purpose of avoiding accidental pricking. As
such a cap, one similar to a cap for a vial container can be
used.
[0194] The luer part of the syringe used in the present invention
does not necessarily have a circular cross section, and either one
of the luer tip portion and the luer base portion or both have
rectangular, elliptic, or triangle cross sections. In brief, the
luer tip portion must have a larger diameter than the luer base
portion.
13. Embodiment 13
13-1. Structure of Connecter 1J
[0195] The following describes a structure of a connecter 1J which
is a connector of Embodiment 13, with reference to FIG. 27.
[0196] The connector 1J is used to fixedly hold a syringe 5J, to be
hereinafter described, on a port 61J (see FIG. 29). As shown in
FIG. 27A, the connector 1J is made up of: a connector body 10J as
the main body thereof; and a locknut 20J functioning as a
constraint portion which constrains the shape of the connector body
10J. FIG. 27A shows that, in the connecter 1J, the connector body
10J is free from the construction of the locknut 20J.
[0197] Of the components of the connector 1J, the connector body
10J is substantially tubular with a bottom, and includes a port
connecting portion 11J and a syringe connecting portion 12J which
are integrally formed. The port connecting portion 11J is located
on the opening side of the substantially tubular connector body
10J, and a male screw 11a for connecting with an instrument is
formed on the internal surface of the tubular body. In addition,
knurling with straight ridges and grooves is provided on the outer
surface of the tubular body so as to prevent slippage in an
operation of connecting the connector 1J to an instrument.
[0198] The syringe connecting portion 12J is positioned, within the
connector body 10J, at the bottom face thereof and part of the
lateral wall adjacent to the bottom face. The bottom-face part of
the syringe connecting portion 12J is divided by a slit 13J into
two, up and down halves--an upper bottom member 121J and a lower
bottom member 122J--in the y direction in the figure. The halved
bottom members 121J and 122J are structured so that the slit 13J
therebetween is opened and closed according to the constraint force
exerted by the locknut 20J onto the connector body 10J. A single
female screw 12a discontinued by the slit 13J is formed on the
outer surface of the syringe connecting portion 12J.
[0199] As shown in FIG. 27B, the upper and lower bottom members
121J and 122J divided by the slit 13J into up and down halves in
the y direction respectively have a petal-like shape, and swing in
the y direction in the figure when no constraint force is exerted
by the locknut 20J. Formed on the respective bottom members 121J
and 122J are semicircular cutouts 121h and 122h. The chords of the
cutouts 121h and 122h correspond to the lines extending from the
edges of the bottom members 121J and 122J exposed to the slit 13J.
In the state shown in FIG. 27B, the cutouts 121h and 122h oppose
each other across a space, forming an oval shape. Here, a
hypothetical inscribed circle 12h of the cutouts 121h and 122h has
a diameter of .phi.D0.
[0200] Referring back to FIG. 27A, the locknut 20J is placed to
encircle the periphery of the syringe connecting portion 12J in the
connector body 10J, and a male screw 21J is provided on the
internal peripheral surface as shown in the closeup in the figure.
The male screw 21J is to be screwed with the female screw 12a
formed on the outer surface of the syringe connecting portion 12J
in the connector body 10J. In addition, on the outer peripheral
surface of the locknut 20J, knurling, similar to the one provided
on the outer surface of the port connecting portion 11, is
performed on the outer peripheral surface of the locknut 20J to
thereby prevent slippage. When the locknut 20J is positioned, in
the x direction, to the right of the syringe connecting portion 12J
as shown in FIG. 27, the syringe connecting portion 12J spreads
like open tweezers toward the bottom side. Herewith, the cutouts
121h and 122h form an oval shape as described above.
13-2. State-Changeable Mechanism of Connector 1J
[0201] The following describes a state-changeable mechanism of the
connector 1J having the above-mentioned structure.
[0202] In FIG. 27A, the locknut 20J is located, in the x direction,
on the rightmost side of the syringe connecting portion 12J in the
connector body 10J. In this configuration, the locknut 20J does not
apply constraint force to the syringe connecting portion 12J.
[0203] When the locknut 20J in the configuration shown in FIG. 27A
is shifted, in the x direction, to the left of the syringe
connecting portion 12J as being screwed into the female screw 12a,
the syringe connecting portion 12J becomes subject to constraint
force exerted by the locknut 20J in the direction that the slit 13J
becomes narrowed--i.e. in the direction that the space between the
petal shaped bottom members 121J and 122J becomes narrowed. When
the locknut 20J has been shifted to the vicinity of the bottom, the
shape of the syringe connecting portion 12J that previously spread
like open tweezers has been transformed to be substantially
tubular. With the transformation, the space between the cutouts
121h and 122h narrows, and the diameter of the inscribed circle 12h
is also reduced to less than the diameter .phi.D0.
[0204] It is preferable that the connector body 10J be made of a
material having elastic properties (e.g. a resin material) in
consideration for repetitive attachment and detachment. Although
the syringe connecting portion 12J changes its shape under the
constraint force of the locknut 20J, the transformation is
performed within the elastic range of the material constituting the
connector body 10J. Accordingly, the syringe connection portion 12J
returns to the state shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B without any
deformation once the constraint force of the locknut 20J is
removed.
[0205] Thus, the connector 1J has a mechanism that the space
between the cutouts 121h and 122h on the bottom members 121J and
122J widens and narrows simply by tightening and loosening the
locknut 20J. This mechanism is reversible and can be operated
repeatedly.
[0206] The general structure of a syringe 5J is described with
reference to FIG. 28.
[0207] The syringe 5J, part of which is shown in FIG. 28A, is a
prefilled syringe, and a luer part 51J juts or extends out at the
right-hand end of a syringe body 52J. Formed on the base side of
the luer part 51J is a neck portion 53J having a reduced diameter.
Although no illustration is given, the syringe 5J includes a
plunger, a packing and the like, and the tubular part of the
syringe body 52J is filled with the liquid medication.
[0208] Among the components of the syringe 5J, the luer part 51J
has a tapered shape and a maximum outer diameter of .phi.D1. The
outer diameter .phi.D1 is smaller than the diameter D0 of the
inscribed circle 12h of the connector 1J in the open state shown in
FIG. 27, i.e. (.phi.D1<.phi.D0). The neck portion 53J on the
base side of the luer part 51J is tubular with a diameter smaller
than the diameter .phi.D1.
[0209] A step is made in a part of the luer part 51J close to the
neck portion 53J so as to form an engaging portion 51a.
[0210] The connection of the above-mentioned syringe 5J and
connector 1J are described next also with reference to FIG. 28.
[0211] As shown in FIG. 28A, the locknut 20J of the connector 1J is
set back, within the syringe connecting portion 12J, to the side
closest to the port connecting portion 11J, and whereby the
connector body 10J is kept free from the constraint force of the
locknut 20J in the radial direction, similar to the case of FIG.
27. The luer part 51J of the syringe 5J is inserted toward the
inscribed circle 12h (not shown in FIG. 28) of the cutouts 121h and
122h of the connector 1J in this state (arrow B). Here, the maximum
outer diameter D1 of the luer part 51J and the diameter .phi.D0 of
the inscribed circle 12h satisfy .phi.D1<.phi.D0, which thereby
allows for smooth insertion of the luer part 51J.
[0212] The insertion of the luer part 51J into the connector 1J is
done when the neck portion 53J reaches an inner bottom surface 123J
of the connector 1J. While the center of the syringe 5J in the
radial direction is substantially aligned with that of the
connector 1J, the locknut 20J of the connector 1J is rotated along
the female screw 12a and shifted to the left in the figure. The
shifting is done when the locknut 20J substantially reaches the
left end of the connector body 10J.
[0213] The female screw 12a on the outer surface of the syringe
connection portion 12J is formed up to the bottom members 121J and
122J (see FIG. 1) so that the locknut 20J stops thereat.
[0214] As shown in FIG. 28B, in a condition where the locknut 20J
has been shifted to the leftmost side of the syringe connection
portion 12J, the syringe connection portion 12J that previously
spread like open tweezers as in FIG. 28A closes under the
constraint force exerted by the locknut 20J to be substantially
tubular. With the transformation, the space between the cutouts
121h and 122h narrows, and the diameter of the inscribed circle 12h
is also reduced. Then, the inscribed circle 12h formed by the
cutouts 121h and 122h becomes substantially circular in the state
of FIG. 28B. At this point, the diameter of the inscribed circle
12h of the connector 1 is .phi.D2. The relationship between the
diameters .phi.D1 and .phi.D2 is .phi.D2<.phi.D1. Namely, in the
state of FIG. 28B, the inner bottom surface 123J of the connector
1J is engaged with the engaging portion 51a of the syringe 5J, and
the syringe 5J is fixedly held by the connector 1J.
[0215] Note that, in FIG. 28B, the diameter .phi.D2 of the open
hole formed by the cutouts 121h and 122h in the connector 1J is
slightly larger than the outer diameter of the neck portion 53J of
the syringe 5J so as to have a clearance therebetween. However,
this clearance is not necessarily provided.
[0216] As has been described, the connector 1J is structured to be
freely attachable to and detachable from the syringe 5J by simply
handling the locknut 20J. Here, the connector 1J may be provided to
the user as an accessory of the syringe 5J, or separately by
itself.
[0217] In order to change a state of the syringe 5J from one in
which the connector 1J is attached, as shown in FIG. 28B, to one in
which the connector 1J is detached, as shown in FIG. 28A, a reverse
process of the above-mentioned procedure for connecting the
connector 1J may be performed.
[0218] Referring to FIG. 29, the following describes a method of
connecting the syringe 5J, to which the connector 1J is attached,
to a port of a medical instrument in the luer-lock style. In FIG.
29, an extension tube 6J with a port attached thereto is used as an
example of a connection target to which the syringe 5J is connected
in the luer-lock style.
[0219] The extension tube 6J of the connection target includes the
port 61J provided at one end of a tube 62J, as shown in FIG. 29.
Within the port 61J, a female screw 61a is formed on the outer
surface of the tubular body. The female screw 61a corresponds to
the male screw 11a (not shown in FIG. 29; refer to FIGS. 27 and 28)
of the connector 1J (i.e. the male screw 11a can be screwed into
the female screw 61a).
[0220] On the end face of the port 61J, a hole 63J is provided in
the central region. This hole 63J is connected to the inner duct of
the tube 62J. The inner diameter of the hole 63J is set slightly
smaller than the maximum outer diameter .phi.D1 of the luer part
51J of the syringe 5J, and a portion of the luer part 51J of the
syringe 5J can enter the inner duct through the hole 63J when the
syringe 5J is connected to the extension tube 6J.
[0221] For connecting the syringe 5J and the extension tube 6J to
each other, the user brings the connector 1J attached to the
proximity of the luer part 51J of the syringe 5J (see FIG. 28)
forward (arrow E) with respect to the extension tube 6J, and when
the connector 1J and the port 61 of the extension tube 6J make
contacts, the user starts rotating the connector 1J in the
direction of arrow C. Herewith, the male screw 11a provided in the
connector body 10J (see FIGS. 27 and 28) is progressively screwed
into the female screw 61a on the port 61J of the extension tube 6J.
At this point, the luer part 51J of the syringe 5J is being
inserted into the hole 63J of the extension tube 6J. The male screw
11a is continuously screwed into the female screw 61a until the
space between the external peripheral surface of the luer part 51J
and the periphery of the hole 63J is closed.
[0222] In the above manner, the luer-lock connection of the syringe
5J and extension tube 6J is completed. Since the connection in the
luer-lock style is stable, the syringe 5J and the extension tube 6J
are less likely to come disengaged or loose from each other over a
long period of time.
[0223] Referring to FIG. 30, the following describes a method of
connecting the syringe 5J to a port of a medical instrument in the
luer-slip style. In FIG. 30, a coinfusion port 7J and an injection
needle 8J are used as examples of connection targets to which the
syringe 5J is connected.
[0224] For the connection in the luer-slip style, the syringe 5J to
which the connector 1J is not attached is used, as shown in FIG.
30. As to the syringe 5J, the user may use one to which no
connector is originally attached, or alternatively obtain one with
the connector 1J attached thereto and use this syringe after
detaching the connector 1J therefrom. The connector 1J can be
readily detached according to a reverse process of the
above-mentioned procedure shown in FIG. 28.
[0225] For the connection in the luer-slip style, the luer part 51J
of the syringe 5J is simply inserted into a port of a
connection-target medical instrument. For example, the connection
of the syringe 5J to the coinfusion port 7J is completed simply by
inserting the luer part 51J of the syringe 5J into a valve plug
(not shown) provided in a cover body 71J. Herewith, the interior of
the syringe 5J and the interior of the tubes 72J and 73J of the
coinfusion port 7J are communicated to each other.
[0226] The valve plug of the coinfusion port 7J is an elastic thin
film, and a slit to receive the luer part 51J is formed in a part
of the valve plug. Since such matters are public knowledge, the
descriptions are omitted here.
[0227] Next, for connecting the syringe 5J and the injection needle
8J to each other, a needle hub 82J of the injection needle 8J is
mounted on the luer part 51J of the syringe 5J. The syringe 5J and
the injection needle 8J are connected to each other when an
internal peripheral surface 82f of the needle hub 82J becomes
tightly attached to the external peripheral surface 51f of the luer
part 51J. Although no graphic representation is given, the needle
tube 81J juts out also inside the needle hub 82J, and the jutted
part is inserted into an inner hole of the luer part 51J when the
syringe 5J and the injection needle 8J are connected to each other.
The needle hub 82J and the inner hole of the luer part 51J are
tightly fitted to each other while the injection needle 8J being
connected to the syringe 5J. That is, the needle hub 81J and the
inner hole are designed so that the liquid medication will not leak
out therefrom or bacteria will not enter therefrom.
[0228] The luer-slip connection of the syringe 5J and another
medical instrument has been described by presenting two examples
above. The syringe 5J of FIG. 30 does not have the connector 1J
attached thereto, allowing for quick luer-slip connection.
[0229] Although, there are various medical instruments that can be
connected to the syringe 5J in the luer-slip style besides the
above two examples, the connection operations for those instruments
are the same as above.
[0230] Advantages of Connector 1J and Syringe 5J Having Connector
1J Attached Thereto
[0231] As has been described above and also shown in FIG. 28, the
connector 1J of Embodiment 13 is attachable to and detachable from
the syringe 5J by simply performing the screwing operation of the
locknut 20J.
[0232] Thus, in the medical practices, the user is able to readily
attach and detach the connector 1J to/from the syringe 5J according
to need.
[0233] Thus, since being able to attach and detach the connector 1J
functioning as a connector to/from the syringe 5J if necessary, the
user can use the detached connector 1J with another syringe. This
results in a reduction in the cost burden on the user and allows
for an excellent operational performance of the syringe 5.
Furthermore, the syringe 5J can be connected to the port of another
medical instrument in either the luer-slip or luer-lock style.
[0234] When connecting the injection needle 8J to the syringe 5J,
the user can use the syringe 5J from which the connector 1J has
been detached, as shown in FIG. 30. Thus, the syringe 5J is also
effective in preventing the user from mistakenly pricking
himself/herself.
[0235] Note that the connector 1J, which functions as a connector,
does not have to be provided with every syringe 5J when supplied to
the user, and may be singularly provided to the user instead. In
such a case, the user may attach/detach the connector 1J to/from
the syringe 5J according to need. Thus, the connector 1J can be
attached and detached, according to the connection style of the
syringe 5J with the port, at the stages of treatment and medical
care in the medical practices. As a result, operating efficiency
can be improved, and the number of syringe types required to be
prepared in advance can be reduced.
[0236] Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiment 13
[0237] Although Embodiment 13 is described with an example in which
the connector body 10J is fitted to the extension tube 6J by
screwing the locknut 20J into the connector body 10J and thereby
making the locknut 20J shift toward the connector body 10J, the
present invention is not limited to the case. The same effect as
that of Embodiment 13 can be achieved, for example, with a
connector having, instead of the locknut 20J, a ring body with no
screw provided on the internal peripheral surface thereof. Here,
the connector body 10J is fitted to the extension tube 6J by
sliding the ring body toward the connector body 10J.
[0238] Note that, in the case of adopting such a sliding mechanism,
it is required to implement a measure that prevents the ring body
from shifting back to the original position when the connector body
10J is fitted to the extension tube 6J. Fixing the ring body with a
pin is an example of such a measure.
[0239] Although, in the above embodiment, the connection target is
the (prefilled) syringe 5J filled with liquid medication in
advance, the above operation remains the same even if a different
type of syringe, other than a prefilled syringe, is used.
14. Embodiment 14
[0240] The structure of a connector 1K of Embodiment 14 which
functions as a connector is described with the aid of FIG. 31.
[0241] As shown in FIG. 31A, the connector 1K may be made up of
three components: split frames 11K and 12K; and a coupling portion
13K coupling the sides of the split frames 11K and 12K. These three
components are integrally formed. Of them, the split frames 11K and
12K have a shape as if created by halving, along the axis, a hollow
cylinder having a bottom. FIGS. 31A and 31B show the state where
the split frames 11K and 12K are open (hereinafter, "the open
position").
[0242] Each of the split frames 11K and 12K having a shape as if
created by halving a cylinder hollow having a bottom includes a
semicylindrical portion 112K/122K and a semicircular bottom portion
11K/121K. Formed on the semicylindrical portions 112K and 122K are
sets of tabs 11m and 12m to be interlocked with each other. That
is, the tabs 11m and 12m function as coupling members of the split
frames 11K and 12K, and become interlocked with each other when the
split frames 11K and 12K are coupled. These tabs 11m and 12m are
designed so that, when once they are interlocked with each other,
the coupling will not be disconnected unless an operation of
pulling the tabs 12m outward is performed. Cutouts 11h and 12h are
formed on the bottom portions 111K and 112K that butt against each
other when the split frames 11K and 12K are engaged using the tabs
11m and 12m (hereinafter, "the closed position"). Each of the
cutouts 11h and 12h has the shape of a semicircle with a chord
coinciding with the halving line of the split frames 11K and
12K.
[0243] Furthermore, male screw portions 11n and 12n are provided on
the inner surface of the semicylindrical portions 112K and 122K of
the split frames 11K and 12K. These male screw portions 11n and 12n
form a single, unbroken male screw when the split frames 11K and
12K are in the closed position.
[0244] The wall thickness of the coupling portion 13K is thinner
than that of the individual split frames 11K and 12K, and the
coupling portion 13K will not be dismembered after repetitive
opening and closing of the split frames 11K and 12K.
[0245] The opening-and-closing mechanism of the connector 1K having
the above structure is described next with the aid of FIG. 31B
showing the connector 1K of FIG. 31A viewed from arrow A.
[0246] As shown in FIG. 31B, in an anterior view, each of the split
frames 11K and 12K is semicircular. When folded at the coupling
portion 13, the split frames 11K and 12K face to each other, and
the tabs 11m and 12m interlock with each other. Thus, the connector
1K is substantially in the shape of a cylinder having a bottom when
the tabs 11m and 12m engage with each other (i.e. in the closed
position).
[0247] Thus, when the split frames 11K and 12K are joined together,
the cutouts 11h and 12h provided on the split frames 11K and 12K
also face to each other to form a circular hole with a diameter of
.phi.D1.
[0248] Note that the split frames 11K and 12K and the coupling
portion 13K, all of which are integrally formed, are preferably
made of, for example, a resin material in order to achieve the
above-mentioned functions.
[0249] A general structure of a syringe 5K is described with the
aid of FIG. 32.
[0250] The syringe 5K, a part of which is shown in FIG. 32, is a
prefilled syringe, and a luer part 51K juts out at the right-hand
end of a syringe body 52K. Formed on the base side of the luer part
51K is a neck portion 53K having a reduced diameter. Although no
illustration is given, the syringe 5K includes a plunger, a packing
and the like, and the tubular part of the syringe body 52K is
filled with the liquid medication.
[0251] Among the components of the syringe 5K, the luer part 51K
has a tapered shape and a maximum outer diameter of .phi.D3. The
outer diameter .phi.D3 is larger than the diameter .phi.D1 of the
hole formed by the cutouts 11h and 12h in FIG. 31 (i.e.
.phi.D3>.phi.D1). The neck portion 53K located on the base side
of the luer part 51K is in the shape of a cylinder with an outer
diameter of .phi.D2.
[0252] A step is made in a part of the luer part 51K close to the
neck portion 53K so as to form an engaging portion 51n.
[0253] The connection of the above-mentioned syringe 5K and
connector 1K is described next with reference to FIGS. 31 and
32.
[0254] The luer part 51K of the syringe 5K is inserted into the
connector 1K in the open position as shown in FIG. 31A and
positioned in a manner that the neck portion 53K sets in the edge
of either the cutout 11h or 12h. At this point, the syringe 5K and
the connector 1K are maintained so that their axes substantially
coincide with each other.
[0255] Next, while the syringe 5K is held not to move with respect
to the connector 1K, the split frames 11K and 12K are folded at the
coupling portion 13K so that the openings of the split frames 11K
and 12K face to each other. The connector 1K has the shape of a
cylinder having a bottom when the tabs 11m and 12m of the split
frames 11K and 12K interlock with each other. At this point, the
cutouts 11h and 12h form a circular hole with an inner diameter of
.phi.D1.
[0256] The syringe 5K is thus engaged, at the neck portion 53K,
with the connector 1K in the closed position. That is, the maximum
outer diameter .phi.D3 of the luer part 51K is larger than the
inner diameter .phi.D1 of the hole formed by the cutouts 11h and
12h, and the engaging portion 51n of the luer part 51K is fixedly
held by inner bottom faces 111n and 121n of the connector 1K. Thus,
the syringe 5K and the connector 1K are connected to each other.
The tabs 11m/12m of each set are provided at two locations on the
split frame 11K/12K, and when these tabs 11m and 12m once interlock
with each other, the connector 1K does not return to the open
position unless the disengagement operation (releasing the coupling
of the tabs 11m and 12m) is conducted.
[0257] Note that the male screw portions 11n and 12n, each provided
on the split frame 11K/12K of the connector 1K, are designed to
form one unbroken male screw across a line of junction 1KL of the
split frames 11K and 12K.
[0258] Referring to FIG. 32, the following describes a method of
connecting the syringe 5K, to which the connector 1K is attached,
to a port of another medical instrument in the luer-lock style. In
FIG. 32, an extension tube 6K with a port attached thereto is used
as an example of a connection target to which the syringe 5K is
connected.
[0259] The extension tube 6K being a connection target includes a
port 61K provided at one end of a tube 62K, as shown in FIG. 32.
Within the port 61K, a female screw portion 61n is formed on the
outer surface of the tubular body. The female screw portion 61n
corresponds to the male screw portions 11n and 12n of the connector
1K. Although no illustration is given, a hole is provided in the
central region of the end face of the port 61K, and functions as an
opening of the inner duct of the tube 62K.
[0260] The hole in the central region of the port 61K has an inner
diameter slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter .phi.D3
of the luer part 51K of the syringe 5K. Thus, the hole of the port
61K is designed so that the luer part 51K of the syringe 5K can be
inserted thereinto.
[0261] For connecting the syringe 5K and the extension tube 6K to
each other, the user brings the connector 1K attached to the
syringe 5K forward (arrow B) with respect to the port 61K of the
extension tube 6K. When the connector 1K and the port 61K of the
extension tube 6K make contacts, the user starts rotating the
connector 1K in the direction of arrow C and still brings the
connector 1K forward. Herewith, the male screw portions 11n and 12n
provided in the split frames 11K and 12K are progressively screwed
into the female screw portion 61n on the port 61K of the extension
tube 6K. In parallel with the screwing operation, the luer part 51K
of the syringe 5K is gradually inserted into the hole on the end
face of the port 61K of the extension tube 6K. Subsequently, when
the male screw portions 11n and 12n of the connector 1K are
completely screwed into the female screw portion 61n of the port
61K, the syringe 5K and the extension tube 6K are connected to each
other.
[0262] Since the connection of the syringe 5K and the extension
tube 6K with the connector 1K therebetween (the luer-lock
connection) is stable, the syringe 5K and the extension tube 6K are
less likely to disengage or loose from each other over a long
period of time.
[0263] Referring to FIG. 33, the following describes a method of
connecting the syringe 5K and another medical instrument in the
luer-slip style. In FIG. 33, a coinfusion port 7K and an injection
needle 8K are used as examples of connection targets to which the
syringe 5K is connected.
[0264] For the connection in the luer-slip style, the syringe 5K to
which the connector 1K is not attached is used, as shown in FIG.
33. As to the syringe 5K, the user may use a syringe to which no
connector is originally attached, or alternatively obtain a syringe
with the connector 1K attached and use this after detaching the
connector 1K therefrom. The connector 1K can be readily detached by
releasing the coupling of the interlocking tabs 11m and 12m.
[0265] In the connection in the luer-slip style, the luer part 51K
of the syringe 5K is simply inserted into a port of a
connection-target medical instrument. For example, the connection
of the syringe 5K to the coinfusion port 7K is completed simply by
inserting the luer part 51K of the syringe 5K into a valve plug
(not shown) provided in a cover body 71K. Herewith, the interior of
the syringe 5K and the interior of the tubes 72K and 73K of the
coinfusion port 7K are communicated to each other.
[0266] The valve plug of the coinfusion port 7K is an elastic thin
film, and a slit to receive the luer part 51K is formed in a part
of the valve plug. Since such matters are public knowledge, the
descriptions are omitted here.
[0267] Next, for connecting the syringe 5K and the injection needle
8K to each other, a needle hub 82K of the injection needle 8K is
mounted on the luer part 51K of the syringe 5K. The syringe 5K and
the injection needle 8K are connected to each other when an
internal peripheral surface 82f of the needle hub 82K becomes
tightly attached to the external peripheral surface 51f of the luer
part 51K. Although no graphic representation is given, the needle
tube 81K juts out also inside the needle hub 82K, and the jutted
part is inserted into an inner hole of the luer part 51K when the
syringe 5K and the injection needle 8K are connected to each other.
The needle hub 82K and the inner hole of the luer part 51K are
tightly fitted to each other while the injection needle 8K being
connected to the syringe 5K. That is, the needle hub 81K and the
inner hole are designed so that the liquid medication will not leak
out therefrom or bacteria will not enter therefrom.
[0268] The luer-slip connection of the syringe 5K and another
medical instrument has been described by presenting two examples
above. The syringe 5K of FIG. 33 does not have the connector 1K
attached thereto, allowing for quick luer-slip connection.
[0269] Although there are various medical instruments can be
connected to the syringe 5K in the luer-slip style besides the
above two examples, the connection operations for those instruments
are the same as above.
[0270] Advantages of Connector 1K and Syringe 5K Having Connector
1K Attached Thereto
[0271] As has been described above and also shown in FIG. 31, the
connector 1K of Embodiment 14 is composed of the split frames 11K
and 12K and the coupling portion 13K, and allows for easy
attachment to the syringe 5K by the coupling operation of the two
split frames 11K and 12K as well as easy detachment from the
syringe 5K by releasing the interlocking tabs 11m and 12m and
opening the split frames 11K and 12K. On the other hand, unless the
interlocking tabs 11m and 12m are released, an incident in which
the split frames 11K and 12K open up during the use of the syringe
5K or the like is avoided.
[0272] Thus, since the user is able to attach and detach the
connector 1K to/from the syringe 5K as the need arises, the
connector 1K has advantageous effects of (1) reducing the cost
burden on the user, (2) not causing hindrance to the work
performance when the syringe 5K is used, and (3) enabling
connection of the syringe 5K to the port of another instrument in
either the luer-slip or luer-lock style. The syringe 5K having the
connector 1K attached thereto also exhibits these advantages.
[0273] When connecting the injection needle 8K to the syringe 5K,
the user can use the syringe 5K from which the connector 1K has
been detached, as shown in FIG. 33. Thus, the syringe 5K is also
effective in preventing the user from mistakenly pricking
himself/herself.
[0274] Note that the connector 1K does not have to be provided with
every syringe 5K when supplied to the user, and may be singularly
provided to the user instead. In such a case, the user may
attach/detach the connector 1K to/from the syringe 5K according to
need.
[0275] If using the syringe 5K having the connector 1K attached
thereto for treatment and testing in the medical practices, the
user is able to select whether to attach or detach the connector 1K
according to the connection style of the syringe to the port. Thus,
using the syringe 5K with the connector 1K attached thereto
achieves high efficiency in the medical practices.
15. Embodiment 15
[0276] A connector 2 of Embodiment 15 is described with the aid of
FIG. 34.
[0277] The connector 2K is composed of split frames 21K and 22K as
shown in FIG. 34, and differs from the connector 1K in that these
split frames 21K and 22K are separated from each other. That is,
the connector 2K can be said to be the connector 1K of Embodiment
14 from which the coupling portion 13K is removed. Note however
that the connector 2 has additional tabs 11m and 12m formed on the
split frames 21K and 22K at the locations corresponding to where
the coupling portion 13K is attached.
[0278] Since other components of the connector 2K are the same as
those of the connector 1K, the descriptions are omitted here.
[0279] Attachment of the connector 2K to the syringe 5K is achieved
by setting the neck portion 53K of the syringe 5 in the cutouts 21h
and 22h while the split frames 21K and 22K are separated from each
other, and then interlocking the tabs 11m of the split frame 21K
and the tabs 12m of the split frame 22K. Here, the relationships of
the inner diameter of the hole formed by the cutouts 21h and 22h
with the maximum outer diameter of the luer part 51K of the syringe
5K, and with the outer diameter of the neck portion 53K are the
same as those of connector 1K of Embodiment 14 above.
[0280] The connector 2K is easily detached from the syringe 5K by
doing the reverse of the above procedure, i.e. releasing the
interlocking tabs 11m and 12m. Accordingly, also when using the
connector 2K according to the present embodiment, the user is able
to easily attach and detach the connector 2K to/from the syringe 5K
as the need arises.
[0281] As a result, the connector 2K of Embodiment 15 also has
advantageous effects of (1) reducing the cost burden on the user,
(2) not causing hindrance to the work performance when the syringe
5K is used, and (3) enabling connection of the syringe 5K to the
port of another instrument in either the luer-slip or luer-lock
style.
16. Embodiment 16
[0282] A connector 3K of Embodiment 16 is described next with the
aid of FIG. 35.
[0283] The connector 3K is characterized by the split balance of
split frames 31K and 32K different from that of split frames 11K
and 12K of the connector 1K, as shown in FIG. 35. That is, while
the split frames 11K and 12K of the connector 1K have a shape as if
they were formed by halving, along the axis, a hollow cylinder with
a bottom, the split frame 32K of the connector 3K according to the
present embodiment has a shape as if it was formed by halving only
the bottom face and the vicinity thereof of a hollow cylinder with
a bottom.
[0284] The opening and closing of the connector 3K is basically the
same as that of the connector 1K shown in FIG. 31.
[0285] Besides the advantageous effects of the connector 1K, the
connector 3K has an additional advantage of having a cylindrical
part which exhibits higher stiffness when the connector 3K is being
screwed on another medical instrument (e.g. the extension tube 6K
of FIG. 32), as compared to that of the connector 1K. That is, when
a male screw 31n of the connector 3K is screwed into the female
screw of the medical instrument to thereby join the connector 3K
with the medical instrument, the cylindrical part of the connector
3K receives a force also in the outer radial direction. At this
point, the connector 3K whose cylindrical part is not split has an
advantage in exhibiting higher stiffness in the radial direction
than the connector 1K whose cylindrical part is split.
[0286] This means that the connector 3K enables to set the syringe
more firmly on the port of another medical instrument.
Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 14 Through 16
[0287] In Embodiments 14 to 16 above, the features, functions and
effects of the present invention are described by taking as
examples three kinds of connectors 1K, 2K and 3K, however, the
present invention is not limited to those.
[0288] Although, in Embodiment 14 above, a prefilled syringe filled
with liquid medication in advance is used as an example of the
syringe, the above-mentioned functions and effects remain the same
even if a syringe of a different type is used.
[0289] In Embodiments 14 to 16, the connector 1K, 2K or 3K is
connected to the syringe 5K by using the neck portion 53K formed on
the base side of the luer part 51K of the syringe 5K. However, it
is not necessary that the neck portion 53K is formed on the base
side of the luer part 51K. For example, similar functions and
effects to the above can be achieved by providing a narrowed part
(which corresponds to the neck portion) on a part of the external
peripheral surface of the syringe body 52K and forming a connector
to correspond to the narrowed part.
17. Embodiment 17
[0290] FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C and 36D illustrate a structure of a
syringe of Embodiment 17.
[0291] A syringe 100L is a prefilled syringe filled with liquid
medication 110L in advance, and allows for speedy insertion and
removal into/out of either the luer-lock coinfusion port or the
luer-slip coinfusion port.
[0292] Regarding the syringe 100, as shown in FIG. 36A, a
cylindrical syringe portion 120L is filled with the liquid
medication 110L and subsequently sealed by a plunger portion 150L,
and a lock part 130L (which is an example of a connection
supporting member) is freely rotatably coupled to one end of the
syringe portion 120L by means of a coupling pin 160L (which is an
example of a pin).
[0293] In the syringe part 120L, a cylindrical luer part 140L
extends from one end (hereinafter referred to as "the first end")
of a cylindrical syringe body 121L, and a flange 121a is provided
at the opposite end to the first end (hereinafter referred to as
"the second end").
[0294] The luer part 140L is cylindrical, and may be composed of: a
1.sup.st luer portion 144L with a diameter d1 on the base side; and
a tapered 2.sup.nd luer portion 141L located on the tip side of the
luer part 140L and having a tip-end diameter d2 and a rear-end
diameter d3. With this arrangement, d3>d2 and d3>d1.
[0295] The lock part 130L is made of a resin material, and is a
cylindrical nut with a bottom for engaging the syringe 100L and a
connection-target instrument. A through hole 134L of a diameter d4
is provided on the bottom face of the lock part 130L, and through
holes 132a and 132b with rectangular openings are provided on the
lateral side of the cylindrical body.
[0296] Note that d4 is larger than d3 to enable the 2.sup.nd luer
portion 141L to pass through the through hole 134L.
[0297] The coupling pin 160L is a substantially U-shaped pin for
engaging the lock part 130L and the luer part 140L, and has a
function of engaging with the 1.sup.st luer portion 144L while
penetrating through the hull of the lock part 130L to be thereby
fitted with the lock part 130L.
[0298] To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 36D which is a cutaway
view of the coupling pin 160L fitted with the lock part 130L and
cut parallel to the main surface thereof, the coupling pin 160L is
a substantially U-shaped pin having two symmetric extending
portions 163L extending from a rectangular base portion 161L.
Stepped portions 162L, which abut against the lock part 130L when
inserted thereinto, are provided at the base of the extending
portions 163L, and a projecting portion 163a is provided on the
outer side of each extending portion 163L, towards the tip end
thereof.
[0299] Provided in the center of the groove 164L formed between
these two extending portions 163L is a concave portion 165L to
which the 1st luer portion 144L is fitted.
[0300] There is no problem whether the lock part 130L and coupling
pin 160L are detached or attached from/to the syringe 100L when the
syringe 100L is delivered to a medical practice site. Here, for
convenience of explanation, the syringe 100L is used from which the
lock part 130L and coupling pin 160L have been detached at the time
of delivery.
[0301] The following explains how to use the syringe 100L.
[0302] Connection with Luer-Lock Coinfusion Port
[0303] When a coinfusion port to which the syringe 100L is to be
connected is a luer-lock coinfusion port, a person (hereinafter,
the "operator") inserts the luer part 140L into the through hole
134L of the lock part 130L, as shown in FIG. 36A. Subsequently, the
operator inserts the coupling pin 160L into the through holes 132a
and 132b of the lock part 130L as shown in FIG. 36B, and pushes the
coupling pin 160L thereinto until the edges of the stepped portions
162L of the lock part 130L make contacts with edges 162a of both
sides of the through hole 132a, as shown in FIGS. 37A to 37F.
[0304] At this point, the projecting portions 163a of the coupling
pin 160L go over contact points 162b on both sides of the through
hole 132b and thereby prohibit the coupling pins 160L from shifting
in the reverse direction of the insertion. At the same time, the
1.sup.st luer portion 144L is fitted into the concave portion
165L.
[0305] Here, the 1st luer portion 144L and the lock part 130L are
engaged with each other to be positioned concentrically.
[0306] In addition, since the contact faces of the 1st luer portion
144L and the concave portion 165L of the coupling pin 160L slip
against each other in the circumferential direction, the 1st luer
portion 144L and the lock part 130L rotate relatively to each other
around the central axis of the 1st luer portion 144L.
[0307] As to the above-mentioned coinfusion port 200L which is a
luer-lock coinfusion port, on the lateral side of a port body 201L
functioning as a transfusion line or a similar flow path, a rubber
valve 204 having a hole 204a is held in place by being covered with
a cylindrical cover body 202L. A screw thread is cut on the
external periphery of the cover body 202L to thereby form a thread
groove 203L.
[0308] When connecting the syringe 100L to the coinfusion port
200L, the operator rotates the lock part 130L and screws the lock
part 130L onto the thread groove 203L while inserting the 2nd luer
portion 141L of the syringe 100L into the hole 204a of the
coinfusion port 200L, as shown in FIG. 36C, and whereby the syringe
100L is securely connected to the coinfusion port 200L.
[0309] When connecting the syringe 100L to the luer-slip coinfusion
port 210L, the operator is able to rapidly connect the syringe
100L, to which the lock part 130L is not attached, to a coinfusion
port 210L by inserting the 2nd luer portion 141L into the hole 204a
of the coinfusion port 210L, as shown in FIG. 38.
[0310] Thus, since the syringe 100L of the present embodiment
allows for easy attachment and detachment of the lock part 130L by
insertion and pullout of the coupling pin 160L, the syringe 100L is
smoothly connected to a luer-slip style instrument by detaching the
lock part 130L from the syringe 100L, similarly to the case of a
conventional luer-slip syringe.
[0311] When the syringe 100L is connected to an instrument in the
luer-lock style, secure connection can be established by attaching
the lock part 130L to the syringe 100L, similarly to the case of a
conventional luer-lock syringe.
[0312] In Embodiment 17, the 1.sup.st luer portion 144L and the
lock part 130L are designed to rotate relatively to each other,
however, the present invention is not limited to this. For example,
the following structure may be employed: a spline parallel to the
syringe axis direction (hereinafter, "the 1.sup.st spline) is
provided on the outer surface of the 1.sup.st luer portion 144L of
the syringe 100L, and another spline (hereinafter, "the 2.sup.nd
spline") corresponding to the 1.sup.st spline is provided on the
concave portion 165L of the coupling pin 160L. Herewith, when the
1.sup.st luer portion 144L is fitted into the concave portion 165L,
the 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd splines are fitted with each other so
that the 1.sup.st luer portion 144L is positionally fixed in
relation to the concave portion 165L.
[0313] In this case, although the syringe 100L and the lock part
130L cannot rotate relative to each other, the above-mentioned nut
can be screwed by rotating the entire syringe 100L while inserting
the 2.sup.nd luer portion 141L into a target location since the
lock part 130L and the 1.sup.st luer portion 144L are in a
concentric configuration.
[0314] Note also that, although in Embodiment 17 the lock part 130L
of the syringe 100L is a nut that engages with an instrument such
as a coinfusion port, this is merely an example and the part does
not have to be a nut.
[0315] For instance, as in Embodiment 18 shown in FIG. 39, a lock
part 132L having claw portions 133a and 133b may be used instead of
the lock part 130L having a thread.
[0316] In this case, the change in the locking mechanism of the
syringe necessitates a change in the structure of the engaging
portion of the luer-lock coinfusion port. A coinfusion port 220L
having two L-shaped grooves 231a is one example of such a
structural change.
[0317] Note that, although the coupling pin 160L is substantially
U-shaped, this is merely an example. If a pin fulfills a similar
function, i.e. enabling the lock part 130L and the luer part 140L
to be fixed at a determined position, the pin may take any
shape.
[0318] For example, a coupling pin 180 of Embodiment 19 shown in
FIG. 40 (corresponding to FIG. 36D) may be used. Here, a lock part
170L has been formed by partially revising the cross-sectional
shape of the lock part 130L so that the lock part 170L serves the
function fulfilled by one of the two extending portions 163L of the
coupling pin 160L, and the coupling pin 180L has only one extending
portion 163L.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0319] The connector-attached syringes, connectors used for
syringes, and syringes of the present invention can be used to
apply liquid medication to patients and collect blood in medical
practices.
[0320] The connector-attached syringes and connectors of the
present invention are adaptable for both luer-slip and luer-lock
style ports, providing a cost reduction to the users.
[0321] The present invention is applicable to manufacturing medical
syringes used in medical practices in which various types of
connection ports are used.
* * * * *