Connector

A connector comprises a housing; a main flow path being configured such that fluid is flowable from a first tube through the main flow path into a second tube; and a connection terminal including a connection side space, the connection terminal being configured such that a third tube is connectable to the connection terminal and an auxiliary flow path of the third tube communicates with the main flow path via the connection side space. The main flow path includes a main flow path side space that is continuous with at least the connection side space and is defined by: a bottom part facing the connection side space and a pair of side parts extending from opposite sides of the bottom part toward the connection side space, and at least one wall surface configured to direct the fluid toward the connection side space and toward at least one of the side parts.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a connector that connects a plurality of tubes to each other, for example, in an infusion line for performing fluid infusion to a patient.

2. Background Art

Conventionally, when performing fluid infusion to a patient, a plurality of tubes are connected to construct an infusion line which is continuous from an infusion bag as a supply source of an infusion fluid up to the patient, and a connector is used as a tool for connecting the tubes to each other. In fluid infusion, with respect to a main line for supplying a main infusion fluid to a patient, another infusion fluid may be supplied from an auxiliary line, and these infusion fluids may be mixed in a connector and directed to the patient. In this case, a connector including a three-way port which can allow an infusion fluid to flow therethrough is used (refer, for example, to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. JP 2010-505551).

The connector includes a housing which has a main line flow path formed therein. A connection terminal to which a plug (tube terminal) of an auxiliary line is connected is formed in a body part of the housing. In this case, a plug housing space (hereinbelow, referred to as a connection side space) which is continuous with the main line flow path is provided inside the connection terminal due to the necessity of connecting a standardized plug thereto.

The connection side space is formed at a position deviated from the main line flow path in order to ensure the insertability of the plug. Therefore, a phenomenon occurs in which fluid (liquid, gas, or the like) existing in the connection side space stagnates in the connection side space. Such fluid stagnating in the connection side space (hereinbelow, also referred to as stagnating fluid in order to distinguish it from fluid flowing in the main line flow path) may disadvantageously cause various troubles, in particular, in medical instruments.

For example, before supplying an infusion fluid to a patient, an operation of filling up the infusion fluid inside an infusion line to remove air therefrom (also referred to as priming) is performed. However, air bubbles (air) may stagnate in a connection side space of a connector. As a result, when supplying the infusion fluid to the patient, the air bubbles remaining therein may be disadvantageously introduced into the patient together with the infusion fluid. In addition, when supplying a high nutritive liquid as an infusion fluid, the liquid stagnates inside the connection side space, and bacteria may thereby grow inside the connector. As a result, the bacteria may be disadvantageously introduced into a patient. Further, when changing an infusion fluid supplied to a patient to a next infusion fluid, if the next infusion fluid is supplied with the previously supplied infusion fluid stagnating in the connection side space, these different infusion fluids may be disadvantageously mixed and introduced into a patient.

In order to prevent the troubles as described above, in the connector disclosed in JP 2010-505551, a wall (fluid flow director) is provided on the main line flow path. Specifically, an infusion fluid flowing through the main line flow path is guided to the connection side space by the wall, and discharge of stagnating fluid is accelerated by the infusion fluid.

However, even when the wall is provided in a midway part of the main line flow path, and an infusion fluid is thereby guided to the connection side space as in the connector of JP 2010-505551, the infusion fluid is mixed into stagnating fluid that is previously filled inside the connection side space, and it is therefore difficult to discharge the stagnating fluid. That is, even if an infusion fluid is simply guided, the guided infusion fluid can affect only a part of stagnating fluid. Therefore, the stagnating fluid still remains left in the connection side space, and the above troubles may occur.

Thus, there is a need for a connector that can efficiently discharge fluid stagnating in a connection side space in a connection terminal from the connection side space with a simple configuration, thereby enhancing the safety of fluid infusion and correctly supplying a desired fluid.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, a connector comprises a housing; a flow path which is provided inside the housing and allows fluid flowing from a first tube to flow therethrough into a second tube; and a connection terminal which has a connection side space continuous with the flow path and is capable of connecting thereto a third tube through the connection side space. In the connector, the flow path includes a flow path side space which is continuous with at least the connection side space and defined by a bottom part facing the connection side space and a pair of side parts extending from opposite sides of the bottom part toward the connection side space, and at least one wall surface directing the fluid to the connection side space so as to flow toward at least one of the side parts.

With the above configuration, since the wall surface which directs fluid to the connection side space so as to flow toward at least one of the side parts, the fluid can be guided so that turbulence of stagnating fluid existing inside the connection side space is made large to accelerate the flow. Therefore, fluid stagnating inside the connection side space can be easily discharged from the connection side space by the fluid guided by the wall surface. As a result, when constructing an infusion line which administers an infusion fluid using the connector, the safety of fluid infusion can be significantly enhanced, and a desired infusion fluid can be excellently supplied to a patient.

In this case, it is preferred that the at least one wall surface be provided on the bottom part so as to extend obliquely with respect to an axial direction of the flow path in plan view, and opposite ends of the at least one wall surface be coupled to the respective side parts.

In this manner, since the wall surface is provided on the bottom part so as to extend obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the flow path in plan view, and the opposite ends of the wall surface is coupled to the respective side parts, the entire fluid flowing in the axial direction of the flow path can be directed to one of the side parts. Further, the fluid directed to one direction is guided to the connection side space, thereby making it possible to make the turbulence of fluid inside the connection side space larger to accelerate the flow. As a result, it is possible to more efficiently discharge the stagnating fluid inside the connection side space.

The at least one wall surface may include a top part between the side parts in plan view and may be provided on the bottom part so as to extend from the top part obliquely with respect to an axial direction of the flow path, and opposite ends of the at least one wall surface may be coupled to the respective side parts.

In this manner, since the wall surface includes the top part between the side parts in plan view and is provided on the bottom part so as to extend from the top part obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the flow path, and the opposite ends of the wall surface are coupled to the respective side parts, fluid flowing in the axial direction of the flow path can be divided into two directions from the top part and directed to the pair of side parts. Further, even when the fluid directed to the two directions is guided to the connection side space, it is possible to make the turbulence of fluid inside the connection side space large to accelerate the flow.

The at least one wall surface may be formed into a curved shape at a coupled part with the bottom part.

In this manner, since the coupled part of the wall surface is formed into a curved shape, even fluid flowing on the side of the bottom part of the flow path can be easily guided to the connection side space. Therefore, the amount of fluid guided to the connection side space increases, thereby making it possible to make the turbulence of fluid inside the connection side space further larger.

The at least one wall surface may include a plurality of wall surfaces which are provided in a rib dividing the flow path in plan view on both sides facing the divided two flow paths.

In this manner, since the wall surfaces are formed on both sides of the rib, the both sides facing the two flow paths divided by the rib, in either case where each of the two fluid flow ports formed in the housing is attached to the first tube or the second tube, fluid can be guided so as to generate a large flow inside the connection side space by either one of the wall surfaces. As a result, connection of the connector can be simplified.

Each of the side parts preferably has a constricted portion which inwardly extends so as to gradually narrow the width of the flow path side space.

In this manner, since the width of the flow path side space is gradually narrowed by the constricted portion, it is possible to temporarily guide fluid flowing in the flow path side space to the inner side to thereby increase the amount of fluid directed to one of the side parts by the wall surface. As a result, it is possible to generate a larger flow inside the connection side space.

According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently discharge fluid stagnating in a connection side space in a connection terminal from the connection side space with a simple configuration, thereby enhancing the safety of fluid infusion and excellently supplying a desired fluid.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinbelow, a connector according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail on the basis of a relationship with a fluid infusion set to which the connector can be applied. Needless to say, the application of the connector is not limited to application to the fluid infusion set.

FIG. 1is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating an example of a fluid infusion set12to which a connector10according to the present invention is applied.

As already described, the connector10has a function of connecting a plurality of tubes to each other in an infusion line for performing fluid infusion to a patient. For example, the connector10is applied to the fluid infusion set12as illustrated inFIG. 1. The fluid infusion set12has an upstream end which is connected to an infusion bag (not illustrated) and a downstream end which is connected to an indwelling needle (not illustrated). Accordingly, an infusion line that can administer (supply) an infusion fluid T (fluid: refer toFIG. 7) to a patient is constructed.

Examples of the infusion fluid T include any fluids that can be administered to a living body such as a drug solution, a corrective electrolyte solution, and saline. When the infusion fluid is a drug solution, for example, various kinds of drugs such as a sedative, an intravenous anesthetic, an anesthetic sedative, a local anesthetic, a nondepolarizing muscle relaxant, a pressor agent, an antihypertensive agent, a coronary vasodilator, a diuretic agent, an antiarrhythmic agent, a bronchodilator, a hemostatic agent, a vitamin compound, an antibiotic, and a fat emulsion can be applied.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the fluid infusion set12includes a drip tube14which allows the amount of flow of the infusion fluid T (refer toFIG. 7) supplied from the infusion bag to be visually confirmed, a clamp (also referred to as a klemme)16which adjusts the amount of flow of the infusion fluid T, an air vent filter18which discharges (or supplies) air existing in the infusion line, and the like. A tube20which can allow the infusion fluid T to flow therethrough is connected (or inserted through) between the components. The fluid infusion set12is, of course, not limited to the configuration illustrated inFIG. 1. Various components (an infusion pump and a check valve, for example) which are arranged in the infusion line other than the above components can be attached to the fluid infusion set12.

The tube20of the fluid infusion set12is a tube body having flexibility, and constitutes the infusion line through which the infusion fluid T actually flows. Examples of the constituent material of the tube20include soft polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene, and materials mainly composed of these materials.

When the connector10is applied to the fluid infusion set12as described above, the connector10is arranged, for example, between the clamp16and the air vent filter18. That is, the connector10has a function to connect a first tube20awhich is connected to the downstream side of the clamp16and a second tube20bwhich is connected to the upstream side of the air vent filter18to each other to thereby allow the infusion fluid T to flow from the first tube20ato the second tube20b. Further, the connector10is a three-port connector to which a third tube20cwhich is formed, with respect to a main line formed by the first tube20aand the second tube20b, as an auxiliary line can be connected.

The fluid infusion set12does not particularly limit an arrangement position of the connector10. When constructing the infusion line, the connector10can be arranged at a desired position. Further, it is needless to say that the number of connectors10is not limited to one, and a plurality of connectors10can be arranged in the fluid infusion set12(infusion line). For example, two connectors10can be arranged between the clamp16and the air vent filter18and the downstream side of the air vent filter18.

Hereinbelow, the connector10and a connector10A according to the present invention which are applied to the above infusion line will be specifically described by giving preferred embodiments (first and second embodiments).

First Embodiment

FIG. 2is a perspective view illustrating the entire configuration of the connector10according to the first embodiment.FIG. 3is a perspective view illustrating the connector10ofFIG. 2with a lid26detached therefrom.FIG. 4is a plan view of the connector10ofFIG. 3.FIG. 5is a side cross-sectional view of the connector10ofFIG. 2.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the connector10includes a housing22which has a flow path of an infusion line (including a main line and auxiliary line) formed inside thereof. The housing22is formed of a resin material that is hard relative to the tube20having flexibility. Examples of the constituent material of the housing22include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, and polyvinyl chloride.

The housing22includes a connector base24having a bottomed tubular shape, the lid26which is attached to the connector base24so as to block an upper side opening of the connector base24, and a first port28and a second port30each of which is coupled to the side peripheral surface of the connector base24. In this case, the first tube20ais connected to the first port28, and the second tube20bis connected to the second port30. A third port (connection terminal)32to which the third tube20cis connected is arranged continuous with the upper surface of the lid26.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 to 5, the first port28is formed into a generally cylindrical shape. The first port28has a proximal end which is continuous with the connector base24and a tip end which linearly extends toward the upstream side of the infusion line. An inner cavity of the first port28serves as a first port flow path34which can allow the infusion fluid T to flow therethrough (refer toFIG. 5).

The outer shape of the first port28is formed into a male luer taper. The first port28is inserted into the first tube20a(the inner cavity of the first tube20a). That is, a tapered surface28awhose diameter slightly expands from the tip end toward the proximal end is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first port28. Accordingly, the tip end of the first port28can be easily inserted into the first tube20awhen the first port28is connected to the first tube20a. Further, a projection28bis formed on the proximal side with respect to the tapered surface28a. Accordingly, by allowing the first tube20ato advance beyond the projection28b, the first tube20adoes not easily come off, and the first tube20aand the first port28can be liquid-tightly connected to each other.

On the other hand, the second port30is coupled to the connector base24on the opposite side of the first port28. The second port30has a proximal end which is continuous with the connector base24and a tip end which linearly extends toward the downstream side of the infusion line. That is, the first port28and the second port30are formed so as to be linearly arranged in a row with their axes coincide with each other in plan view (refer toFIG. 4). An inner cavity of the second port30serves as a second port flow path36which can allow an infusion fluid to flow therethrough (refer toFIG. 5).

The second port30is formed into the same shape as the first port28(a male luer taper having a tapered surface30aand a projection30bon the outer peripheral surface thereof), and can obtain the same effect as the first tube20awhen being connected to the second tube20b. A method of connecting the first and second tubes20aand20band the first and second ports28and30is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, connection mechanisms may be provided on the distal ends of the first and second tubes20aand20band the distal ends of the first and second ports28and30to achieve easy attachment/detachment.

In the connector10, the first port flow path34and the second port flow path36serve as a flow path of a main line of the infusion fluid T (hereinbelow, referred to as a main line flow path38). That is, the main line flow path38is formed so that an extension line of the axis of the first port flow path34(in the axial direction) and an extension line of the axis of the second port flow path36(in the axial direction) coincide with each other in plan view and side view.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the third port32is formed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first port28and the second port30. In other words, the connector10according to the first embodiment is configured as a T-shaped connector in which the branch angle of the third port32with respect to the main line flow path38is 90 degree. The third port32allows an infusion fluid supplied through the third tube20cto join the infusion fluid T flowing in the main line flow path38.

The lid26in which the third port32is formed is configured as a single unit which includes an outer casing40, an inner casing42, and a valve44. Each of the outer casing40and the inner casing42is formed as a cylindrical body. An end of each of the outer casing40and the inner casing42, the end being connected to the connector base24, forms a flange portion extending in the outer diameter direction. The lid26is attached to the upper side of the connector base24so that the outer casing40covers the outer peripheral surface and the upper surface of the inner casing42. When attaching the lid26to the connector base24, a pair of locking claws40awhich are provided in the outer casing40(flange portion) along the formation direction of the first port28and the second port30are hooked on engagement portions24aof the connector base24to thereby hold the engagement portions24aby the locking claws40aand the outer edge of the inner casing42. As a result, it is possible to firmly fix the lid26to the connector base24.

The valve44is formed of an elastic material. The peripheral edge of the valve44is interposed between the outer casing40and the inner casing42, so that the valve44is held on the upper part of the lid26. The valve44self-blocks the third port32when the third tube20cis not connected. On the other hand, when the third tube20cis connected, the valve44is elastically deformed in response to the entrance of a plug46(refer toFIG. 6) to thereby liquid-tightly connect the plug46thereto.

The third port32is formed so as to have a predetermined thickness by stacking the cylindrical bodies of the outer casing40and the inner casing42in the diameter direction. In this case, an opening on one end of the third port32is connected to the main line flow path38of the connector base24. The valve44is arranged on an opening on the other end of the third port32.

FIG. 6is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the plug46of the third tube20cis connected to the third port32of the connector10ofFIG. 5.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the plug46of the third tube20cis inserted into the third port32. The plug46is standardized, for example, by ISO. Specifically, the plug46of the third tube20cincludes an inner tube48which has a flow path of an auxiliary line of the infusion fluid T (hereinbelow, referred to as auxiliary line flow path48a) inside thereof and an outer tube50which surrounds the inner tube48. The plug46holds the third port32between the outer periphery of the inner tube48and the inner periphery of the outer tube50.

On the other hand, the third port32has a connection side space52which can attach and hold the plug46. The connection side space52is surrounded by an inner wall53(refer toFIG. 5) of the inner casing42which forms the cylindrical body. The inner tube48of the plug46is inserted into the connection side space52so as to push the valve44thereinto. Accordingly, the valve44and the inner tube48are liquid-tightly fitted to and held by the inner wall53of the inner casing42, and the auxiliary line flow path48acommunicates with the main line flow path38through the connection side space52.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, when the valve44self-blocks the third port32(that is, when the plug46is not inserted into the third port32), the connection side space52is formed as a space having a predetermined volume by the valve44and the inner wall53. Further, the connection side space52is provided continuous with the linearly formed main line flow path38so as to be deviated upward from the main line flow path38in side view. Therefore, when the plug46is not inserted into the third port32, the infusion fluid T flowing in the main line flow path38flows into the connection side space52.

The lid26which has the third port32having the above configuration is attached to the upper side opening of the connector base24which is formed into a bottomed tubular shape (refer toFIG. 2). As illustrated inFIG. 3, a flow path groove (flow path side space)54is provided inside the connector base24. The flow path groove54penetrates the connector base24along the axial direction of the first port28and the second port30(linearly). Further, as described above, the pair of engagement portions24aon which the locking claws40aare hooked are formed on the upper side of the side peripheral wall of the connector base24in the formation direction of the first port28and the second port30.

In a state where the lid26is attached to the connector base24, the flow path groove54is continuous with the connection side space52. Accordingly, an integrated space is formed in a central part of the connector10by the connection side space52and the flow path groove54(refer toFIG. 5).

The flow path groove54includes a bottom part58which faces the connection side space52and a pair of side parts60aand60bwhich extend from opposite sides of the bottom part58toward the connection side space52. The first port flow path34communicates with one end in the extending direction of the flow path groove54, and the second port flow path36communicates with the other end thereof. That is, the main line flow path38of the connector10includes the first port flow path34, the flow path groove54, and the second port flow path36in this order from the upstream side toward the downstream side. These flow paths (and the groove) are linearly formed so as to be continuous with each other.

A rib56which extends obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the main line flow path38is formed on the bottom part58of the flow path groove54at an intermediate position in the extending direction of the flow path groove54. The rib56is formed so as to be lower than the side parts60aand60bof the flow path groove54, and has a function to direct the infusion fluid T flowing through the main line flow path38to the downstream side and, at the same time, guide the infusion fluid T to the connection side space52located above along a wall surface56a. In the rib56according to the first embodiment, one end thereof is coupled to the side part60aand the coupled part therebetween is located on the upstream side with respect to the center in the extending direction of the flow path groove54, and the other end thereof is coupled to the side part60band the coupled part therebetween is located on the downstream side with respect to the center in the extending direction of the flow path groove54.

The rib56includes wall surfaces56aon both sides facing the first port flow path34and the second port flow path36. Each of these wall surfaces56ais formed on the bottom part58so as to extend obliquely with respect to the axial direction of the main line flow path38in plan view (refer toFIG. 4) on the basis of the shape of the rib56. The respective ends of each of the wall surfaces56aare coupled to the side parts60aand60b. Therefore, when viewed from the upstream side of the flow path groove54, each of the wall surfaces56ais formed so that one end thereof which is coupled to the side part60ais located on the front side and the other end thereof which is coupled to the side part60bis located on the depth side.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, a part of the rib56, the part being coupled to the bottom part58, is formed into a curved shape (a curved portion56b). The curved portion56bhas a function to smoothly guide the infusion fluid T which flows from the upstream side to the rib56to the connection side space52located above.

A pair of constricted portions62which gradually narrow the width of the flow path groove54are formed on the side parts60aand60bso as to inwardly extend at an intermediate position in the extending direction of the flow path groove54. The pair of constricted portions62can temporarily guide the infusion fluid T flowing in the flow path groove54to the inner side to thereby increase the amount of the infusion fluid T guided by the rib56.

The connector10is basically configured as described above. Next, an operation and an effect when using the connector10will be described. As described above, the connector10can connect the first to third tubes20ato20cto perform fluid infusion. However, since the connector10according to the first embodiment can obtain a larger effect when the third tube20cis not connected thereto, a case where only the first tube20aand the second tube20bare connected to the connector10will be described in detail in the following description.

FIG. 7Ais a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the flow of the infusion fluid T in the connector10according to the first embodiment; andFIG. 7Bis a main part enlarged plan view schematically illustrating the flow of the infusion fluid T in the connector10according to the first embodiment.

In the connector10, the first tube20a(refer toFIG. 1) is connected to the first port28located on the upstream side, and the second tube20b(refer toFIG. 1) is connected to the second port30located on the downstream side. In this state, the infusion fluid T flows through the connector10. On the other hand, the third port32into which the plug46(refer toFIG. 6) of the third tube20cis inserted is in a blocked state by the valve44.

The infusion fluid T supplied from an infusion bag flows into the connector10through the first tube20a. Then, as illustrated inFIG. 7A, the infusion fluid T passes through the main line flow path38inside the connector10, and flows out of the connector10. Then, the infusion fluid T is administered (supplied) to a living body through an indwelling needle which is connected to the downstream side of the connector10.

In this case, inside the connector10, the infusion fluid T flows from the inside of the first tube20ainto the first port flow path34, and advances straight (linearly moves) toward the downstream side (the connector base24) along the first port flow path34.

The infusion fluid T that has moved to the connector base24linearly flows into the flow path groove54. Then, the movement of the infusion fluid T is guided in a predetermined direction by the rib56which is provided in a standing manner at the intermediated position in the extending direction of the flow path groove54.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, the infusion fluid T that has moved from the upstream side (the left side inFIG. 7B) moves in an oblique direction by one of the wall surfaces56awhich obliquely extends in plan view. That is, the infusion fluid T is guided so as to flow toward the side part60bhaving depth from the side part60alocated on the front side along the wall surface56aof the rib56which is opposed to a travelling direction of the infusion fluid T. Therefore, the travelling direction of the infusion fluid T is inclined toward the side part60bwith respect to the axial direction of the main line flow path38.

As illustrated inFIG. 7A, since the rib56(wall surface56a) is provided in a standing manner so as to extend upward from the bottom part58, the travelling direction of the infusion fluid T that has advanced straight from the first port flow path34is inclined upward. In this case, since the wall surface56aof the rib56has the curved portion56bat the coupled part with the bottom part58, it is possible to smoothly guide the infusion fluid T upward from the bottom part58.

In this manner, the infusion fluid T is guided by the wall surface56ain the lateral direction (a direction to flow toward the side part60b) and in the upper direction. As a result, the infusion fluid T flows obliquely upward, and therefore easily flows into the connection side space52. Further, the infusion fluid T is concentrated on a part of the connection side space52(near above the side part60binFIG. 7B) by the obliquely upward flow. Inside the connection side space52, the infusion fluid T that has been guided so as to be concentrated on a part of the connection side space52flows around in the circumferential direction by the inner wall53opposed thereto. As a result, a large flow (turbulence of fluid) is generated inside the connection side space52.

As described above, in a connection side space of a connector, since the flow of fluid (infusion fluid or air bubbles) is not generated, a phenomenon such that fluid stagnates inside the connection side space (stagnating fluid) occurs. A conventional connector (refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2010-505551, for example) simply guides an infusion fluid upward. Therefore, since the guided infusion fluid relatively calmly flows inside the connection side space, the infusion fluid hardly affects the stagnating fluid and flows out to the downstream side. Therefore, it has been difficult to discharge the stagnating fluid from the connection side space.

On the other hand, the rib56according to the present invention guides the infusion fluid T obliquely upward with respect to the axial direction of the main line flow path38. That is, by directing the infusion fluid T not only to the upper direction, but also to the lateral direction by the rib56, a flow in the circumferential direction (lateral direction) is generated inside the connection side space52. Accordingly, it is possible to make turbulence of the entire fluid inside the connection side space52large to accelerate the flow, thereby agitating stagnating fluid. In other words, fluid (infusion fluid or air bubbles) that stagnates inside the connection side space52is easily mixed into the infusion fluid T.

In particular, a relatively large amount of stagnating fluid exists near the inner wall53of the connection side space52. However, as described above, since the infusion fluid T flows along the circumferential direction of the inner wall53, it is possible to efficiently allow stagnating fluid to flow. Further, the infusion fluid T containing stagnating fluid moves from the connection side space52to the opposite side (downstream side) in the flow path groove54beyond the rib56. As a result, the stagnating fluid can be discharged from the connection side space52.

The infusion fluid T containing the stagnating fluid flows from the flow path groove54into the second port flow path36, linearly moves along the second port flow path36, and flows out into the second tube20blocated on the downstream side.

A necessary process can be performed on the infusion fluid T containing the stagnating fluid that has flown out of the connector10according to the kind of the stagnating fluid and the condition of the fluid infusion. For example, when performing priming of the infusion line, air bubbles (air) are assumed as stagnating fluid inside the connection side space52. Therefore, it is possible to perform a process of discharging air bubbles in the air vent filter18. When it is assumed that an infusion fluid that is different from the infusion fluid T to be supplied remains as stagnating fluid inside the connection side space52, it is possible to perform a process of discharging the infusion fluid T for a predetermined period of time on the downstream side of the connector10.

As described above, in the connector10according to the first embodiment, the wall surface56ais inclined so as to direct the infusion fluid T to the side part60b. Accordingly, the infusion fluid T can be guided so that the turbulence of stagnating fluid existing inside the connection side space52is made large to accelerate the flow. Therefore, fluid stagnating inside the connection side space52can be easily discharged from the connection side space52by the infusion fluid T guided by the wall surface56a. As a result, in the infusion line to which the connector10is applied, the safety of fluid infusion can be significantly enhanced, and a desired infusion fluid can be excellently supplied to a patient.

In particular, in the first embodiment, the wall surface56ais provided in a standing manner from the bottom part58so as to obliquely extend on the bottom part58, and the opposite ends thereof are coupled to the pair of side parts60aand60b. Accordingly, the entire infusion fluid T flowing in the axial direction of the main line flow path38can be directed to one direction. Then, the infusion fluid T directed to one direction is guided to the connection side space52, thereby making it possible to make the flow (turbulence) of stagnating fluid inside the connection side space52larger to accelerate the flow. As a result, it is possible to more efficiently discharge the stagnating fluid inside the connection side space52.

Further, since the coupled part of the wall surface56ais formed as the curved portion56b, even the infusion fluid T flowing on the side of the bottom part58of the main line flow path38can be easily guided to the connection side space52. Therefore, the amount of infusion fluid T guided to the connection side space52increases, thereby making it possible to make the flow of stagnating fluid inside the connection side space52further larger.

Further, the wall surfaces56aare formed on both sides of the rib56, the both sides facing the first port flow path34and the second port flow path36divided by the rib56. Accordingly, in either case where each of the first port28and the second port30formed in the housing22is attached to the first tube20aor the second tube20b, either one of the wall surfaces56acan be made to face the travelling direction of the infusion fluid T. As a result, connection of the connector10can be simplified.

Further, since the constricted portion62is formed on the side part60bof the flow path groove54, the infusion fluid T can be temporarily gathered to the inner side. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the flow velocity of the infusion fluid T as well as direct the travelling direction of the infusion fluid T obliquely upward. As a result, the infusion fluid T can be easily guided to the connection side space52.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 8is a plan view illustrating the entire configuration of the connector10A according to the second embodiment. In the connector10A according to the second embodiment described below, the same configurations or configurations achieving the same functions as those of the connector10according to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description of these configurations will be omitted.

The connector10A according to the second embodiment is different from the connector10according to the first embodiment in that the shape of a rib70is formed into a generally cross shape which is different from the shape of the rib56. More specifically, the rib70of the connector10A is provided in a standing manner on a bottom part58of a main line flow path38, and has a top part72located on the central axis of the main line flow path38in plan view. A wall surface70aof the rib70is formed so as to obliquely extend from the top part72toward a pair of side parts60aand60b, and coupled to the pair of side parts60aand60b. In this manner, even when the rib70is formed into a generally cross shape, it is possible to guide the infusion fluid T so as to generate a large flow inside a connection side space52to accelerate agitation of stagnating fluid.

Hereinbelow, an operation of an infusion fluid T flowing through the connector10A will be specifically described. The infusion fluid T flowing from a first port28is divided into two directions from the top part72of the rib70as a base point, the top part72being located on the axis of the main line flow path38(flow path groove54), toward one direction from the top part72, the side part60aand toward another direction from the top part72, the side part60b. Even when being divided into two directions by the wall surface70a, the infusion fluid T is guided so as to flow toward the side part60aand the side part60bin the respective directions.

Accordingly, the infusion fluid T that has been guided to two oblique directions flows into the connection side space52, thereby making it possible to make the flow (turbulence) of stagnating fluid large inside the connection side space52. As a result, also by the wall surface70aof the second embodiment, stagnating fluid inside the connection side space52can be efficiently discharged.

Further, the wall surface70ahas a curved portion70bat a position coupled to the bottom part58. Accordingly, in the same manner as in the curved portion56bof the rib56of the first embodiment, the infusion fluid T can be smoothly guided to the connection side space52located above.

Also in the connector10A, wall surfaces70acan be formed on both sides of the rib70, the both sides facing a first port flow path34and a second port flow path36divided by the rib70. Therefore, in either case where each of the first port28and the second port30formed in the housing22is attached to the first tube20aor the second tube20b, either one of the wall surfaces70acan be made to face the travelling direction of the infusion fluid T. As a result, connection of the connector10A can be simplified.

Reference Example

FIG. 9is a plan view illustrating the entire configuration of a connector10B as a reference example.

The connector10B according to the reference example is different from the connector10according to the first embodiment and the connector10A according to the second embodiment in that a central part in the width direction of a rib80is formed into a generally recessed shape recessed along the travelling direction. More specifically, a wall surface80aof the rib80is provided in a standing manner on a bottom part58of a main line flow path38, and curved into an arc shape from a pair of side parts60aand60btoward the central axis of the main line flow path38in plan view. A top part (valley portion82) of the wall surface80aon the central axis is the deepest part. It is conceivable that the connector10B has such a rib80(wall surface80a) formed on the main line flow path38.

It is needless to say that the connectors10and10A according to the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and can have various configurations without departing from the scope of the invention.