Syringe with connector, connector for syringe, and syringe

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 cyrindrical 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.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connector-attached syringe, a connector used for a syringe and a syringe.

BACKGROUND

In the medical field, syringes (i.e., medical instruments for injection) are used in a variety of different ways.

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.

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 part1141L of a syringe1000L is connected to a port1200L by screwing them together using a connector (lockout)1130L, as shown inFIGS. 41A to 41C.

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.

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.

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 inFIG. 42.

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 inFIG. 43, and cannot connect the luer part and needle hub successfully. In addition, since the lockout 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.

Thus, immediate improvement is desired in the versatility of lockout-attached syringes due to the requirements for speedy and accurate responses in medical field.

SUMMARY

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.

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.

Further more, in the present invention, the engaging portion may be a step positioned between a tip and a base of the luer part.

First, according to such structures of the present invention, the luer part is inserted into the second opening (insertion hole) of the connector, and than 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 halo 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 an 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.

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.

One embodiment of the present invention is also a procedure method for treatment and diagnosis using the connector-attached syringe Above.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a procedure method for treatment and diagnosis using the connector-attached syringe above.

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 tulle 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.

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.

Herewith, the connector-attached syringe of the present invention reduces the cost burden an 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.

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.

As a result, the connector of the present invention is effective to enhance the versatility of the syringe for connection with a port.

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.

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.

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.

That is, since the syringe functions as either type, its versatility increases.

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.

According to the structure, the central axis of the luer part coincides with or come close to that of the connector.

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.

In addition, the fitting may be made so that the pin is freely rotatable around the central axis of the reduced-diameter section.

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following sequentially describes Embodiments 1 through 19 of medical syringes of the present invention with the aid of drawings.

1-1. Overall Structure of Prefilled Syringe

FIG. 1is 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 plunger40is shown here in normal lateral view rather than in cross section.

As shown inFIG. 1, a prefilled syringe1may comprise a syringe body10, the plunger (also referred to as a piston)40and the like.

In this embodiment, the syringe body10is 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 body10is sealed by a top face portion110, and a luer part120juts or extends out from the center of the top face portion110.

On the other hand, an opening12may be formed at the posterior end of the syringe body10. Although the luer part120is formed by drawing to basically give a tapered shape, a stepped portion123is provided in a part of the tapered shape, which thereby forms a luer base portion121having a smaller diameter and a luer tip portion122located on the tip side of the luer part120having a larger diameter.

A lockout30, to be hereinafter described, may be fitted to the stepped portion123. In addition, the luer tip portion122may be formed in a tapered shape in compliance with ISO6/100 so that the regular needle hub20can be attached easily. InFIG. 1, a cap20is attached to the tip of the luer part120.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the syringe body10is referred to as an “axial direction” while a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as a “radial direction”.

The plunger40can be made of a resin material with high chemical resistance, similarly to the syringe body10, and includes a plunger body42having 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 portion41to be pressed by the user with a thumb, and the other end piece is a head portion43that is inserted inside the syringe body10in the axial direction.

A packing44is provided at the tip of the head portion43in a manner to make tight contact with the internal wall of the syringe body10. Here, medication100is held in the syringe body10, which is internally sealed by the packing44and the cap20.

When using the prefilled syringe1having such a structure, the user removes the cap20to enable discharge of the medication100. As the user pushes the pressing end portion41of the plunger40into the syringe body10with a thumb, the medication100is discharged from the tip of the luer part120according to the depressed amount of the plunger40.

1-2. Structure of Lockout

The prefilled syringe1of Embodiment 1 includes the locknut30, which is a connector easily detachable from the luer part120, and which is attached so as to engage, in the axial direction, with the stepped portion123of the luer part120. The locknut30is used in the medical field as a connection implement for connecting the prefilled syringe10to a fixed connection port of a transfusion line system or blood collection line system.

The locknut30has 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 portion301, which corresponds to the cylindrical part of the locknut30, to thereby form a female screw3010in compliance with, for example, ISO594-2. The female screw3010may engage with a male screw5010to be hereinafter described.

A snowman-shaped hole3020formed by perforating two holes communicating with each other is provided on a main surface portion302that is the bottom of the locknut30(for detail, seeFIG. 2). One of these two holes is a loose-insertion hole3021and is formed on the main surface portion302away from the center by perforation. The other hole is an engaging hole3022which is formed in the center of the main surface portion302by perforation. The loose-insertion hole3021has a diameter at least larger than that of the luer tip portion122so that the entire luer part120of the prefilled syringe1can be inserted into the hole with clearance therebetween. On the other hand, the engaging hole2022has a diameter slightly smaller than that of the luer tip portion122so that the stepped portion123of the luer part120is fitted thereto and the locknut30rotates with respect to the luer part120. A passage303is formed between the loose-insertion hole3021and engaging hole3022, having a diameter further smaller than that of the engaging hole3022. The width of the passage303is slightly smaller than the diameter of the luer base portion121so that the luer part120shifts to the passage303side only when more than a certain amount of force is applied to the luer base portion121.

1-3. Engagement of Syringe and Locknut

FIG. 2Ashows how to attach the locknut30to the syringe1andFIG. 2Bshows the lockout30after the attachment. As to the locknut30having the above structure, when using the prefilled syringe1, the user first inserts the luer part120of the prefilled syringe1into the loose-insertion hole3021in the axial direction, as shown inFIG. 2A(FIG. 2Ashows that the luer part120is about to be inserted in the direction A, i.e. the axial direction). Since the loose-insertion hole3021has a diameter sufficiently larger than that of the luer tip portion122of the luer part120, the luer part120can be smoothly inserted into the locknut30.

In the second step after the user has inserted the luer part120into the loose-insertion hole3021so as to assuredly insert the luer base portion121thereto, the user brings the lateral side of the luer base portion121into contact with the lateral surface of the loose-insertion hole3021and shifts the luer part120to the engaging hole3022via the passage303(FIG. 2Aalso shows that the luer part120is to be shifted in the direction B). In this process, the luer base portion121is forcedly shifted through the passage303, then the stepped portion123shifts and becomes fitted into the small engaging hole3022. Since the diameter of the engaging hole3022matches that of the stepped portion123and the passage303exists between the engaging hole3022and loose-insertion hole3021, the stepped portion123of the luer part120abuts against the circumference of the engaging hole3022and is securely engaged in the axial direction, as shown inFIG. 2B.

After the lockout30having the snowman-shaped hole3020is engaged with the syringe body10, these two can be readily detached from each other in the following manner. That is, the user shifts the luer part120from the engaging hole3022to the insertion hole3021as exerting some force on the luer part120. 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 locknut30to the prefilled syringe1when required, and detach the locknut30, when not required, to thereby use the prefilled syringe1alone.

FIG. 3is a cross sectional view showing that the prefilled syringe1is connected, using the locknut30, to a fixed connection port50of a transfusion line system. As the male screw5010of the port50is screwed into the female screw3010of the lockout30, the luer tip portion122of the luer part120of the prefilled syringe1canes in close contact with a packing52provided inside the port50, and eventually gets inserted into the transfusion line while pressing the packing52. At this point, in the locknut30, the circumference of the engaging hole3022exerts pressure on the stepped portion123of the luer part120so that they tightly engage with each other. Thus, even if some degree of tension is applied to the prefilled syringe1, the prefilled syringe1does not cane apart from the port50along the axial direction. As a result, the user is able to safely push the plunger40into the syringe body10accordingly and deliver a required amount of medication100to the inside of the port50.

On the other hand,FIG. 4is a cross sectional view showing that the lockout30has been detached from the prefilled syringe1, which is then connected to a direct connection port500of a transfusion line system. Thus, according to Embodiment 1, since the locknut30has been taken off, or otherwise may be an obstacle, the luer tip portion122of the prefilled syringe1is properly and tightly held by the packing52in the port500, which makes a suitable connection between the prefilled syringe1and the port500.

FIG. 5is a cross sectional view showing that the locknut30has been detached from the prefilled syringe1and a needle hub60is attached to the luer tip portion122. The needle hub60has a structure in which a socket portion61composed of a resin material and formed to match the shape of the luer tip portion122holds a needle tube62which is an injection needle. With the conventional prefilled syringe in which the locknut is fixed and cannot be detached therefrom as shown inFIG. 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 lockout can be fundamentally solved by Embodiment 1 since the snowman-shaped hole3020enables easy detachment of the locknut30from the prefilled syringe1.

Other Embodiments

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.

With a snowman-shaped hole3020ain a locknut30A of Embodiment 2 shown inFIG. 6, arcs of a loose-insertion hole3021aand an engaging hole3022aare partially overlapped with each other, and two circumferences of these holes where they overlap form a passage303a.

With the snowman-shaped hole3020ahaving such a shape, the present invention is able to achieve an equivalent effect to that of Embodiment 1. In addition, since the passage303aof Embodiment 2 is formed where the loose-insertion hole3021aand engaging hole3022aoverlap, it is rather edged as compared with that of Embodiment 1, and the luer part120is reliably engaged with the engaging hole3022adue to the shape.

With a snowman-shaped hole3020bin a locknut30B according to Embodiment 3 shown inFIG. 7, an engaging hole3022bis formed between two insertion holes3021bA and3021bB. Although arcs of the engaging hole3022band each of the insertion holes3021bA and3021bB are partially overlapped with each other, these holes may be communicated with each other by passages therebetween. In addition, the insertion holes3021bA and3021bB need not have the same size and shape, but need to have sizes such that at least the stepped portion123of the luer part120can be inserted thereto with clearance therebetween.

With the snowman-shaped hole3020bhaving such a structure, the user can detach the locknut30easily when using the syringe1since the luer part120can be shifted from the engaging hole3022bto either of the two insertion holes3021bA and3021bB. 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 syringe1and locknut30in one hand based on the treatment method using the prefilled syringe1.

With a snowman-shaped hole3020cin a locknut30C of Embodiment 4 shown inFIG. 8, a circular engaging hole3022cis communicated with a rectangular loose-insertion hole3021cvia a passage3023c.

With such a structure also, a similar effect to that of the locknut30of Embodiment 1 can be achieved. An additional advantage is that the user readily recognizes and distinguishes the loose-insertion hole3021cand engaging hole3022cwithout confusion and is able to properly use the lockout30C since the shapes of these holes are distinctly different.

With a snowman-shaped hole3020din a locknut30D of Embodiment 5 shown inFIG. 9, a circular engaging hole3022dis communicated with a hexagonal loose-insertion hole3021dvia a passage3023d.

With such a structure also, a similar effect to that of the locknut30of Embodiment 1 can be achieved. Similarly to Embodiment 4, since the shapes of the loose-insertion hole3021dand engaging hole3022dare distinctly different, the user readily recognizes and distinguishes these two holes without confusion and is able to properly use the lockout30D.

Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 1 through 5

Although the prefilled syringe1of the present invention has been explained with an example in which the needle hub60is attached after the lockout30being 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 syringe1with 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.

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 syringe1may be appropriately connected to the port of a line system using a discontinuous thread, a cup joint, or another structure.

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.

6-1. Overall Structure of Prefilled Syringe

FIG. 10is a cross sectional view showing structures of a prefilled syringe and a connector (lockout) 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 plunger40is shown here in normal lateral view rather than in cross section.

The prefilled syringe1shown in the figure may comprise the syringe body10, the plunger (also referred to as a piston)40and the like. The syringe body10may 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 body10is sealed by the top face portion110, and the luer part120formed by drawing to give a tapered shape juts or extends out from the center of the top face portion110. The luer part120is formed in a tapered shape in compliance with IS06/100 so that the normal needle hub20is easily attached thereto. InFIG. 10, the cap20is attached to the tip of the luer part120. The prefilled syringe1of the present invention is configured, such that convex portions101and102and a concave portion103, which form an engaging portion, are provided side by side, situated closer to the luer part120, so as to encircle the circumference of the syringe body10. These portions are for engaging with the locknut30to be hereinafter described.

On the other hand, the opening12is formed at the posterior end of the syringe body10.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the syringe body10is referred to as an “axial direction” while a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as a “radial direction”.

The plunger40is made of a resin material with high chemical resistance, similarly to the syringe body10, and includes the plunger body42having 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 portion41to be pressed by the user with a thumb, and the other end piece is the head portion43that is inserted inside the syringe body10in the axial direction.

The packing44is provided at the tip of the head portion43in a manner to make tight contact with the internal wall of the syringe body10. Here, medication100is held in the syringe body10, which is internally sealed by the packing44and the cap20.

When using the prefilled syringe1having such a structure, the user removes the cap20to enable discharge of the medication100. As the user pushes the pressing end portion41of the plunger40into the syringe body10with a thumb, the medication100is discharged from the tip of the luer part120according to the depressed amount of the plunger.

6-2. Structure of Locknut

The prefilled syringe1of Embodiment 6 is configured, such that the locknut30, which is a connector easily detachable from the luer part120, is attached thereto as shown inFIG. 10. The locknut30is used in the medical field as a connection implement for connecting the prefilled syringe10to a fixed connection port of a transfusion line system or blood collection line system.

The locknut30has 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 portion301, which corresponds to the cylindrical part of the locknut30, to thereby form a female screw3010in compliance with, for example, ISO594-2. The female screw3010engages with the male screw5010to be hereinafter described.

A rib3020having in the center a perforation with a size such that the luer part120can be inserted, leaving no space therebetween, is formed in the lockout30, and forms a bulkhead which divides the internal space of the lockout30into a syringe side and a port side. On the other hand, outside the locknut30, two plate-like arms31and32are formed parallel to the syringe body10in the axial direction to make T Shapes with the rib. Tab projections310and320having triangular cross sections are formed on the inner sides of the tip ends of the arms31and32. The shape of the projections310and320is made to be complementary to that of the concave portion103of the syringe body10.

6-3. Detachment of Lockout from Syringe

FIG. 11shows the way of engaging the lockout30and the state of locknut30after the engagement.

As to the locknut30having the above structure, when the prefilled syringe1is used, the user first inserts the luer part120into the locknut30(here, the luer part120is inserted in the center of the rib3020inside the locknut30) as shown inFIG. 11. At this point, the user makes sure that the luer part120is inserted so that the rib3020comes all the way to the base of the luer part120.

In the second step, using the arms31and32extending from the locknut30, the user engages the projections310and320provided on the inner sides of the arms31and32with the concave portion103of the syringe body10by elastically contacting and fitting them with each other. The shape of the projection310and320is formed so as to conform to the convex portions101and102and the concave portion103, and therefore the locknut30is securely kept on the syringe body10by the engagement.

FIG. 12is a cross sectional view showing the prefilled syringe1that is, using the lockout30, connected to the fixed connection port50of a transfusion line system. As the male screw5010of the port50is screwed into the female screw3010of the lockout30, the tip of the luer part120of the prefilled syringe1is tightly pressing the packing52provided inside the port50, and eventually gets inserted into the transfusion line. The prefilled syringe1is not disengaged while in use because the syringe body10is securely fixed with the locknut30by the convex portions101and102, concave portion103, and projections310and320, and besides the luer part120is supported by the rib3020in the lockout30to keep the luer part120in place. As a result, the user is able to safely push the plunger40into the syringe body10accordingly and deliver a required amount of medication100to the inside of the port50.

According to Embodiment 6, after being engaged with the syringe body10, the locknut30can be easily disengaged from the syringe1by 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 locknut30with the prefilled syringe1when required, and detach the locknut30, when not required, to thereby use the prefilled syringe1alone.

In a specific method of disengaging the locknut30(the predetermined operation), the user presses the arms31and32on the anterior side of the syringe1, as shown inFIG. 13, which is a cross sectional view of the syringe1and locknut30. In this embodiment, “the principle of leverage” may be applied, with the centers of the arms31and32being fulcrums while the points where the projections310and320abut on the convex portions101being working points. Accordingly, the ends of the arms31and32where the projections310and320are provided warp away from the syringe body10(i.e. an external force is applied to the locknut30in a direction different from the syringe axial direction). Herewith, the projections310and320detach and came free, at least, from the convex portion102and concave portion103. While maintaining this state, the user is able to pull out the locknut30from the syringe1with a little force. Note that the locknut30can be easily disengaged from the syringe body10by spreading outward the ends of the arms31and32with the projections310and320by fingers, instead of pressing the arms31and32on the anterior side of the syringe1.

It is desirable that the arms31and32be provided on the locknut30so that T shapes are formed with the rib, and points where the arms31and32abut on the rib become fulcrums. This, the user can easily disengage the locknut30from the syringe body10by pushing the posterior ends of the arms31and32to spread the anterior ends thereof.

FIG. 14is a cross sectional view showing that the prefilled syringe1may be connected to the direct connection port500of a transfusion line system after the locknut30has been detached therefrom according to the above method. Thus, in Embodiment 6, since the lockout30has been removed, or may otherwise be an obstacle, the luer part120of the prefilled syringe1is properly and tightly held by the packing52in the port500, which makes a suitable connection between the prefilled syringe1and the port500.

FIG. 15is a cross sectional view showing that the needle hub70is attached to the luer part120after the locknut30has been detached from the prefilled syringe1. The needle hub70has a structure in which a socket portion71composed of a resin material and formed to match the shape of the luer part120holds a needle tube72which is an injection needle. With the conventional prefilled syringe in which the locknut is fixed and cannot be detached therefrom as shown inFIG. 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 locknut30from the prefilled syringe1by handling the arms31and32in a simple fashion.

Other Embodiments

Note that Embodiment 6 has a structure in which one projection310or320having a triangular cross section is formed on the end of each arm31and32and fitted with the convex portions101and102and concave portion103of the syringe body10. However, the following embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

As to Embodiment 7 shown inFIG. 16, although the structure of the locknut30is substantially similar to that of Embodiment 1, the syringe body10has a slightly different structure. Embodiment 7 is characterized by a male screw portion104formed with a helical convex portion provided on the outer surface of the syringe body10.

With using the syringe body10having the male screw portion104also, 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 body10and the locknut30by changing the degree of screwing of the male screw portion104into the lockout30(i.e. how far the male screw portion104is screwed into the locknut30). Consequently, Embodiment 7 achieves a good connection of the syringe1to a fixed connection port corresponding to the luer part120shorter than a conventional one.

As to Embodiment 8 shown inFIG. 17, although the structure of the locknut30is substantially similar to that of Embodiment 6, the syringe body10has a slightly different structure. Embodiment 8 is configured to have a concave portion105which is formed by concaving the outer surface of the syringe body10.

With using the syringe body10having the concave portion105also, Embodiment 8 is able to achieve an equivalent effect to that of Embodiment 6. In addition, since the syringe body10of Embodiment 8 has a smooth surface without the convex portions101and102, a problem such as the convex portions101and102of the syringe body10catching the user's clothes while in use can be avoided. It is a matter of course that the syringe body10according to Embodiment 8 must have enough thickness for the formation of the concave portion105.

As to Embodiment 9 shown inFIG. 18, although the structure of the syringe body10is substantially similar to that of Embodiment 6, a locknut35has a slightly different structure. Embodiment 9 is characterized by projection sets351and352, each of which includes multiple projections, formed on the inner sides of the tip ends of arms36and37, respectively. Here, in the respective sets351and352, the projections are provided with a predetermined distance therebetween.

With using the syringe body10having the lockout35also, Embodiment 9 is able to achieve an equivalent effect to that of Embodiment 6. Especially since the multiple projections of the sets351and352are fitted with the syringe body10, Embodiment 9 allows for a more reliable fixation of the syringe1and locknut35.

Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 6 through 9

Although the prefilled syringe1of the present invention has been explained with an example in which the needle hub60is attached after the locknut30being 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 syringe1with 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.

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 syringe1may be appropriately connected to the port of a line system using a discontinuous thread, a cup joint, or another structure.

In addition, although each embodiment above describes a structural example of a lockout 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.

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.

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.

10-1. Overall Structure of Prefilled Syringe

FIG. 19is a cross sectional diagram showing structures of a prefilled syringe and a connector (locknut) according to Embodiment 10. For convenience of explanation, the plunger40is shown here in normal lateral view rather than in cross section.

The prefilled syringe1shown inFIG. 19may comprise the syringe body10, the plunger (also referred to as a piston)40and the like.

The syringe body10may 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 body10is sealed by the top face portion110, and the luer part120juts out from the center of the top face portion110.

On the other hand, the opening12is formed at the posterior end of the syringe body10. Although the luer part120is formed by drawing to basically give a tapered shape, the stepped portion123is provided in a part of the tapered shape, which thereby forms the luer base portion121having a smaller diameter and the luer tip portion122located on the tip side of the luer part120and having a larger diameter. A fixture20, to be hereinafter described, is fitted to the stepped portion123. In addition, the luer tip portion122is formed in a tapered shape in compliance with ISO6/100 so that the regular needle hub20can be attached thereto easily. InFIG. 19, the cap15is attached to the tip of the luer part120.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the syringe body10is referred to as an “axial direction” while a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is referred to as a “radial direction”.

The plunger40is made of a resin material with high chemical resistance, similarly to the syringe body10, and includes the plunger body42having 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 portion41to be pressed by the user with a thumb, and the other end piece is the head portion43that is inserted inside the syringe body10in the axial direction.

The packing44is provided at the tip of the head portion43in a manner to make tight contact with the internal wall of the syringe body10. Here, medication100is held in the syringe body10, which is internally sealed by the packing44and the cap20.

When using the prefilled syringe1having such a structure, the user removes the cap20to enable discharge of the medication100. As the user pushes the pressing end portion of the plunger40into the syringe body10with a thumb, the medication100is discharged from the tip of the luer part120according to the depressed amount of the plunger.

10-2. Structures of Fixture and Locknut

The prefilled syringe1of Embodiment 10 is constructed such that the locknut30, which is a connector easily detachable from the syringe body10, is inserted onto the luer part120in the axial direction and attached thereto so as to be engaged with the fixture20positioned at the stepped portion123. The locknut30is used in the medical field as a connection implement for connecting the prefilled syringe10to a fixed connection port of a transfusion line system or blood collection line system. Note that, here, the prefilled syringe1is adopted as a syringe for engaging with the locknut30; however, the present invention may be applied to syringes other than prefilled syringes.

The fixture20is formed by injection molding a resin material with mechanical strength and appropriate elasticity. As shown in the assembly drawing ofFIG. 20, the fixture20comprises: a platy fixture body201having an insertion hole202; two platy arms205and206extending in one direction from the periphery of the fixture body201; and two platy levers203and204also extending in the opposite direction from the periphery of the fixture body201.

The diameter of the insertion hole202of the fixture body201is slightly smaller than that of the luer tip portion122of the luer part120, but larger than that of the luer base portion121. The fixture20is inserted onto the luer part120through the insertion hole202and then forcedly shifted to fit at the luer base portion, and whereby the stepped portion123abuts on the periphery of the insertion hole202and the fixture20is held so as to be not easily separated from the luer part120. In order to favorably hold the fixture body201by “forced fit” at the stepped portion123using the insertion hole202, it is desirable to make the insertion hole202have the minimum possible diameter that enables the luer base portion121to pass therethrough. In addition, the diameter enabling the “forced fit” varies according to the elasticity of the material of the fixture body201, and therefore it is desirable to take into account the size of the luer base portion121and the material properties of the fixture20for designing the insertion hole202.

The two arms205and206extend in the syringe axial direction, and projections2050and2060, each having a triangular cross section, are formed inside the tip ends of the arms205and206. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the projections2050and2060may be rectangular, semicircular, or other forms.

The two levers203and204and the arms205and206are formed swayable so that each of these sets warps away from the syringe axis, with portions thereof adjacent to the fixture body201being fixed points and their tip ends spreading like open tweezers. As shown inFIG. 20, the levers203and204are formed to be symmetric with the two arms205and206, respectively, around the fixed points of the fixture201, and thereby when the levers203and204are pressed, the arms205and206open up, warping away from the syringe axis. This mechanism is for detaching the locknut30. Note that it is desirable to use a material having appropriate elasticity (polypropylene, for example) for the fixture20in order to favorably design the insertion hole202and achieve the swayable mechanism.

The locknut30has 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 locknut30, to thereby form the female screw3010in compliance with, for example, ISO594-2. The female screw3010engages with the male screw to be hereinafter described.

An insertion hole305is provided on the main surface portion302that is the bottom of the locknut30. The insertion hole305is formed to have a diameter at least larger than that of the luer tip portion122so that the entire luer part120of the prefilled syringe1is inserted thereto with clearance therebetween. Concave portions303and304are formed on the lateral side portion301of the lockout. These concave portions303and304have, for example, a rectangular cross section, and their locations and sizes are determined so that the concave portions303and304can engage with the projections2050and2060provided on the arms205and206of the fixture20.

10-3. Engagement of Syringe and Locknut

As a characteristic of Embodiment 10, the engagement of the syringe body10and locknut30using the fixture20is described with reference to the assembly drawing ofFIG. 20. Note thatFIG. 20shows an operation of attaching the fixture20to the luer part120, and this operation takes place only when the fixture20is attached to the syringe body10for the first time. Once the luer part120and fixture20are attached to each other, the present invention does not require to detach them again.

As to the locknut30having the above structure and the fixture20fitted with the luer base portion121of the luer part120and held at the stepped portion123, the user first presses the levers203and204by gripping them with fingers so as to open the tip ends of the arms205and206away from the axial direction, as shown inFIG. 22. While this state is maintained, the user inserts, into the insertion hole305along the axial direction, the luer tip portion122of the luer part120to which the fixture20is attached. At this point, since the insertion hole305has a sufficiently large diameter as compared to the luer tip portion122of the luer part120, the user can smoothly insert the luer part120into the lockout30. Note that the size of the insertion hole305may be set so that the insertion hole305is slidable over the luer tip portion122to some degree, and then a device preventing the locknut30from easily disengaging from the luer tip portion122may be provided.

After shifting the lockout30sufficiently to the luer part120side, as the second step, the user checks on the relative positions of the concave portions303and304provided on the lockout's lateral side portion301and the projections2050and2060of the fixture20, and releases the pressure applied on the levers203and204. Herewith, the projections2050and2060of the arms205and206engage with the concave portions303and304of the locknut30, and whereby the locknut30is favorably held on the syringe body10by means of the fixture20.

On the other hand, the fixture20and locknut30can, after being engaged with each other, be again detached by performing a predetermined operation (i.e. applying an external force an the fixture20in a direction different from the syringe axial direction) in the following manner. That is, when the user presses the levers203and204while grasping the fixture20, the projections2050and2060of the arms205and206are released from the concave portions303and304of the locknut30according to so-called “the principle of leverage”, and in this state of things, the user can pull the locknut30out 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 locknut30to the prefilled syringe1when required, and detach the locknut30, when not required, to thereby use the prefilled syringe1alone.

FIG. 21is a cross sectional view showing that the prefilled syringe1may be connected, using the locknut30, to the fixed connection port50of a transfusion line system. The male screw of the port50is screwed into the female screw3010of the locknut30shown inFIG. 21, and herewith the luer tip portion122of the luer part120of the prefilled syringe1is in close contact with the packing52provided inside the port50and is inserted into the transfusion line. The locknut30is tightly engaged with the syringe1by the projections2050and2060of the arms205and206and the concave portions303and304of the locknut30so that the prefilled syringe1does not come apart from the port50along the axial direction even if some degree of tension is applied to the prefilled syringe1. As a result, the user is able to leave the prefilled syringe1connected to the port50over a long period of time and deliver a required amount of medication100to the inside of the port50by safely pushing the plunger40into the syringe body10.

On the other hand,FIG. 23is a cross sectional view showing that the prefilled syringe1is connected to the direct connection port500of a transfusion line system after the locknut30has been detached from the prefilled syringe1. With the prefilled syringe1from which the locknut30has been detached, no obstacle exists around the luer tip portion. It is therefore possible to, without the interference of the locknut30, achieve a suitable connection between the prefilled syringe1and the port500by properly and tightly holding the luer tip portion122with the packing52in the port500. As a result, with the direct connection port500also, the user is able to leave the prefilled syringe1connected to the port500over a long period of time and deliver a required amount of medication100to the inside of the port50by safely pushing the plunger40into the syringe body10.

FIG. 24is a cross sectional view showing that the needle hub60is attached to the luer tip portion122after the locknut30has been detached from the prefilled syringe1. The needle hub60has a structure in which the socket portion61composed of a resin material and formed to match the shape of the luer tip portion122holds the needle tube62which is an injection needle. With the conventional prefilled syringe in which the locknut is fixed and cannot be detached therefrom as shown inFIG. 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 caning 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 levers205and206which spread like open tweezers from the fixture20.

Other Embodiments

Note that although in Embodiment 10 the locknut30is attached to the syringe using the arms205and206and concave portions303and304, the following embodiments are also within the scope of the present invention.

In a structural example of Embodiment 11 shown inFIG. 25, slit-shaped concave portions303E and304E are formed on a lateral side portion301E of a locknut30E along the circumference thereof. On the other hand, in addition to levers203A and204A similar to the levers203and204of Embodiment 10, arms205A and206A are provided, each shaped like an arc of a semicircle in cross section. These arms205A and206A extend from a fixture body20A, and a slit207A is created on the arms205A and206A adjacent to the boundary between the arms205A and206A and the fixture body201A. With the slit207A, the arms205A and206A spread like open tweezers when the user presses the levers203A and204A. On the inner side of the tip ends of the arms205A and206A, projections2050A and2060A are formed to match the shape of the slit-shaped concave portions303E and304E.

Embodiment 11 with the fixture20and lockout30having such structures can achieve an equivalent effect to that of Embodiment 10. In addition, Embodiment 11 has a structure in which the arms205A and206A hold the lockout30E in a manner to encase it, enabling more reliably attachment of the locknut30E to the syringe1without any play. Furthermore, according to Embodiment 11, even if torque is applied to the locknut30E in the radial direction while in use, the engagement of the slit-shaped concave portions303E and304E and the projections2050A and2060A favorably prevents the locknut30A from rotating, which results in maintaining stable engagement of the syringe1and locknut30E.

In a structural example of Embodiment 12 shown inFIG. 26, a female screw portion303B is spirally formed on a lateral side portion301B of the locknut30B along the circumference thereof. On the other hand, in addition to levers203B and204B similar to the levers203and204of Embodiment 10, arms205B and206B having male screw portions2050B and2060B made up of multiple projections are provided. The female screw portion303B and male screw portions2050B and2060B are formed so that they can be screwed with each other. The arms205B and206B are provided so as to extend from a fixture body201B, and spread like open tweezers when the user presses levers203B and204B. To attach a fixture20B to the locknut30B, the user spreads the male screw portions2050B and2060B by pressing the levers203B and204B, and brings the male screw portions2050B and2060B into contact with the female screw portion303B provided on the external peripheral surface of the lockout30B. Subsequently, the male screw portions2050B and2060B and the female screw portion303B are screwed with each other by causing relative rotation between the fixture20B and locknut30B.

Embodiment 12 with the fixture20B and lockout30B 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 locknut30B to the syringe1while preventing play and unwanted rotation between the fixture20B and locknut30B by adjusting the degree of screwing of the male screw portions2050B and2060B into the female screw portion303B (i.e. how tightly they are locked together). As a result, even if unwanted torque is applied to the locknut30B in the radial direction while in use, the engagement of the screw portions favorably prevents the lockout30B from rotating, which results in maintaining stable engagement of the syringe1and lockout30B.

Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 10 through 12

Although the prefilled syringe1of the above embodiments has been explained with an example in which the needle hub60is attached after the locknut30being 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 syringe1with 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.

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.

13-1. Structure of Connecter1J

The following describes a structure of a connecter1J which is a connector of Embodiment 13, with reference toFIG. 27.

The connector1J is used to fixedly hold a syringe5J, to be hereinafter described, on a port61J (seeFIG. 29). As shown inFIG. 27A, the connector1J is made up of: a connector body10J as the main body thereof; and a locknut20J functioning as a constraint portion which constrains the shape of the connector body10J.FIG. 27Ashows that, in the connecter1J, the connector body10J is free from the construction of the locknut20J.

Of the components of the connector1J, the connector body10J is substantially tubular with a bottom, and includes a port connecting portion11J and a syringe connecting portion12J which are integrally formed. The port connecting portion11J is located on the opening side of the substantially tubular connector body10J, and a male screw11afor 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 connector1J to an instrument.

The syringe connecting portion12J is positioned, within the connector body10J, at the bottom face thereof and part of the lateral wall adjacent to the bottom face. The bottom-face part of the syringe connecting portion12J is divided by a slit13J into two, up and down halved an upper bottom member121J and a lower bottom member122j—in the y direction in the figure. The halved bottom members121J and122J are structured so that the slit13J therebetween is opened and closed according to the constraint force exerted by the locknut20J onto the connector body10J. A single female screw12adiscontinued by the slit13J is formed on the outer surface of the syringe connecting portion12J.

As shown inFIG. 27B, the upper and lower bottom members121J and122J divided by the slit13J 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 locknut20J. Formed on the respective bottom members121J and122J are semicircular cutouts121hand122h. The chords of the cutouts121hand122hcorrespond to the lines extending from the edges of the bottom members121J and122J exposed to the slit13J. In the state shown inFIG. 27B, the cutouts121hand122hoppose each other across a space, forming an oval shape. Here, a hypothetical inscribed circle12hof the cutouts121hand122hhas a diameter of φD0.

Referring back toFIG. 27A, the lockout20J is placed to encircle the periphery of the syringe connecting portion12J in the connector body10J, and a male screw21J is provided on the internal peripheral surface as shown in the closeup in the figure. The male screw21J is to be screwed with the female screw12aformed on the outer surface of the syringe connecting portion12J in the connector body10J. In addition, on the outer peripheral surface of the locknut20J, knurling, similar to the one provided on the outer surface of the port connecting portion11, is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the locknut20J to thereby prevent slippage. When the locknut20J is positioned, in the x direction, to the right of the syringe connecting portion12J as shown inFIG. 27, the syringe connecting portion12J spreads like open tweezers toward the bottom side. Herewith, the cutouts121hand122hform an oval shape as described above.

The following describes a state-changeable mechanism of the connector1J having the above-mentioned structure.

InFIG. 27A, the locknut20J is located, in the x direction, on the rightmost side of the syringe connecting portion12J in the connector body10J. In this configuration, the locknut20J does not apply constraint force to the syringe connecting portion12J.

When the locknut20J in the configuration shown inFIG. 27Ais shifted, in the x direction, to the left of the syringe connecting portion12J as being screwed into the female screw12a, the syringe connecting portion12J becomes subject to constraint force exerted by the locknut20J in the direction that the slit13J becomes narrowed—i.e. in the direction that the space between the petal shaped bottom members121J and122J becomes narrowed. When the locknut20J has been shifted to the vicinity of the bottom, the shape of the syringe connecting portion12J that previously spread like open tweezers has been transformed to be substantially tubular. With the transformation, the space between the cutouts121hand122hnarrows, and the diameter of the inscribed circle12his also reduced to less than the diameter φD0.

It is preferable that the connector body10J be made of a material having elastic properties (e.g. a resin material) in consideration for repetitive attachment and detachment. Although the syringe connecting portion12J changes its shape under the constraint force of the locknut20J, the transformation is performed within the elastic range of the material constituting the connector body10J. Accordingly, the syringe connection portion12J returns to the state shown inFIGS. 27A and 27Bwithout any deformation once the constraint force of the locknut20J is removed.

Thus, the connector1J has a mechanism that the space between the cutouts121hand122hon the bottom members121J and122J widens and narrows simply by tightening and loosening the lockout20J. This mechanism is reversible and can be operated repeatedly.

The general structure of a syringe5J is described with reference toFIG. 28.

The syringe5J, part of which is shown inFIG. 28A, is a prefilled syringe, and a luer part51J juts or extends out at the right-hand end of a syringe body52J. Formed on the base side of the luer part51J is a neck portion53J having a reduced diameter. Although no illustration is given, the syringe5J includes a plunger, a packing and the like, and the tubular part of the syringe body52J is filled with the liquid medication.

Among the components of the syringe5J, the luer part51J has a tapered shape and a maximum outer diameter of φD1. The outer diameter φD1is smaller than the diameter D0of the inscribed circle12hof the connector1J in the open state shown inFIG. 27, i.e. (φD1<φD0). The neck portion53J on the base side of the luer part51J is tubular with a diameter smaller than the diameter φD1.

A step is made in a part of the luer part51J close to the neck portion53J so as to form an engaging portion51a.

The connection of the above-mentioned syringe5J and connector1J are described next also with reference toFIG. 28.

As shown inFIG. 28A, the lockout20J of the connector1J is set back, within the syringe connecting portion12J, to the side closest to the port connecting portion11J, and whereby the connector body10J is kept free from the constraint force of the lockout20J in the radial direction, similar to the case ofFIG. 27. The luer part51J of the syringe5J is inserted toward the inscribed circle12h(not shown inFIG. 28) of the cutouts121hand122hof the connector1J in this state (arrow B). Here, the maximum outer diameter φD1of the luer part51J and the diameter φD0of the inscribed circle12hsatisfy φD1<φD0, which thereby allows for smooth insertion of the luer part51J.

The insertion of the luer part51J into the connector1J is done when the neck portion53J reaches an inner bottom surface123J of the connector1J. While the center of the syringe5J in the radial direction is substantially aligned with that of the connector1J, the locknut20J of the connector1J is rotated along the female screw12aand Shifted to the left in the figure. The shifting is done when the lockout20J substantially reaches the left end of the connector body10J.

The female screw12aon the outer surface of the syringe connection portion12J is formed up to the bottom members121J and122J (seeFIG. 1) so that the locknut20J stops thereat.

As shown inFIG. 28B, in a condition where the lockout20J has been shifted to the leftmost side of the syringe connection portion12J, the syringe connection portion12J that previously spread like open tweezers as inFIG. 28Acloses under the constraint force exerted by the locknut20J to be substantially tubular. With the transformation, the space between the cutouts121hand122hnarrows, and the diameter of the inscribed circle12his also reduced. Then, the inscribed circle12hformed by the cutouts121hand122hbecomes substantially circular in the state ofFIG. 28B. At this point, the diameter of the inscribed circle12hof the connector1is φD2. The relationship between the diameters φD1and φD2is φD2<φD1. Namely, in the state ofFIG. 28B, the inner bottom surface123J of the connector1J is engaged with the engaging portion51aof the syringe5J, and the syringe5J is fixedly held by the connector1J.

Note that, inFIG. 28B, the diameter φD2of the open hole formed by the cutouts121hand122hin the connector1J is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the neck portion53J of the syringe5J so as to have a clearance therebetween. However, this clearance is not necessarily provided.

As has been described, the connector1J is structured to be freely attachable to and detachable from the syringe5J by simply handling the lockout20J. Here, the connector1J may be provided to the user as an accessory of the syringe5J, or separately by itself.

In order to change a state of the syringe5J from one in which the connector1J is attached, as shown inFIG. 28B, to one in which the connector1J is detached, as shown inFIG. 28A, a reverse process of the above-mentioned procedure for connecting the connector1J may be performed.

Referring toFIG. 29, the following describes a method of connecting the syringe5J, to which the connector1J is attached, to a port of a medical instrument in the liner-lock style. InFIG. 29, an extension tube6J with a port attached thereto is used as an example of a connection target to which the syringe5J is connected in the luer-lock style.

The extension tube6J of the connection target includes the port61J provided at one end of a tube62J, as shown inFIG. 29. Within the port61J, a female screw61ais formed on the outer surface of the tubular body. The female screw61acorresponds to the male screw11a(not shown inFIG. 29; refer toFIGS. 27 and 28) of the connector1J (i.e. the male screw11acan be screwed into the female screw61a).

On the end face of the port61J, a hole63J is provided in the central region. This hole63J is connected to the inner duct of the tube62J. The inner diameter of the hole63J is set slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter φD1of the luer part51J of the syringe5J, and a portion of the luer part51J of the syringe5J can enter the inner duct through the hole63J when the syringe5J is connected to the extension tube6J.

For connecting the syringe5J and the extension tube6J to each other, the user brings the connector1J attached to the proximity of the luer part51J of the syringe5J (seeFIG. 28) forward (arrow E) with respect to the extension tube6J, and when the connector1J and the port61of the extension tube6J make contacts, the user starts rotating the connector1J in the direction of arrow C. Herewith, the male screw11aprovided in the connector body10J (seeFIGS. 27 and 28) is progressively screwed into the female screw61aon the port61J of the extension tube6J. At this point, the luer part51J of the syringe5J is being inserted into the hole63J of the extension tube6J. The male screw11ais continuously screwed into the female screw61auntil the space between the external peripheral surface of the luer part51J and the periphery of the hole63J is closed.

In the above manner, the luer-lock connection of the syringe5J and extension tube6J is completed. Since the connection in the luer-lock style is stable, the syringe5J and the extension tube6J are less likely to came disengaged or loose from each other over a long period of time.

Referring toFIG. 30, the following describes a method of connecting the syringe5J to a port of a medical instrument in the luer-slip style. InFIG. 30, a coinfusion port7J and an injection needle8J are used as examples of connection targets to which the syringe5J is connected.

For the connection in the luer-slip style, the syringe5J to which the connector1J is not attached is used, as shown inFIG. 30. As to the syringe5J, the user may use one to which no connector is originally attached, or alternatively obtain one with the connector1J attached thereto and use this syringe after detaching the connector1J therefrom. The connector1J can be readily detached according to a reverse process of the above-mentioned procedure shown inFIG. 28.

For the connection in the luer-slip style, the luer part51J of the syringe5J is simply inserted into a port of a connection-target medical instrument. For example, the connection of the syringe5J to the coinfusion port7J is completed simply by inserting the luer part51J of the syringe5J into a valve plug (not shown) provided in a cover body71J. Herewith, the interior of the syringe5J and the interior of the tubes72J and73J of the coinfusion port7J are communicated to each other.

The valve plug of the coinfusion port7J is an elastic thin film, and a slit to receive the luer part51J is formed in a part of the valve plug. Since such matters are public knowledge, the descriptions are omitted here.

Next, for connecting the syringe5J and the injection needle8J to each other, a needle hub82J of the injection needle8J is mounted on the luer part51J of the syringe5J. The syringe5J and the injection needle8J are connected to each other when an internal peripheral surface82fof the needle hub82J becomes tightly attached to the external peripheral surface51fof the luer part51J. Although no graphic representation is given, the needle tube81J juts out also inside the needle hub82J, and the jutted part is inserted into an inner hole of the luer part51J when the syringe5J and the injection needle8J are connected to each other. The needle hub82J and the inner hole of the luer part51J are tightly fitted to each other while the injection needle8J being connected to the syringe5J. That is, the needle hub81J and the inner hole are designed so that the liquid medication will not leak out therefrom or bacteria will not enter therefrom.

The luer-slip connection of the syringe5J and another medical instrument has been described by presenting two examples above. The syringe5J ofFIG. 30does not have the connector1J attached thereto, allowing for quick luer-slip connection.

Although, there are various medical instruments that can be connected to the syringe5J in the luer-slip style besides the above two examples, the connection operations for those instruments are the same as Above.

Advantages of Connector1J and Syringe5J Having Connector1J Attached Thereto

As has been described above and also shown inFIG. 28, the connector1J of Embodiment 13 is attachable to and detachable from the syringe5J by simply performing the screwing operation of the lockout20J. Thus, in the medical practices, the user is able to readily attach and detach the connector1J to/from the syringe5J according to need.

Thus, since being able to attach and detach the connector1J functioning as a connector to/from the syringe5J if necessary, the user can use the detached connector1J with another syringe. This results in a reduction in the cost burden on the user and allows for an excellent operational performance of the syringe5. Furthermore, the syringe5J can be connected to the port of another medical instrument in either the luer-slip or luer-lock style.

When connecting the injection needle8J to the syringe5J, the user can use the syringe5J from which the connector1J has been detached, as shown inFIG. 30. Thus, the syringe5J is also effective in preventing the user from mistakenly pricking himself/herself.

Note that the connector1J, which functions as a connector, does not have to be provided with every syringe5J when supplied to the user, and may be singularly provided to the user instead. In such a case, the user may attach/detach the connector1J to/from the syringe5J according to need. Thus, the connector1J can be attached and detached, according to the connection style of the syringe5J 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.

Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiment 13

Although Embodiment 13 is described with an example in which the connector body10J is fitted to the extension tube6J by screwing the lockout20J into the connector body10J and thereby making the locknut20J shift toward the connector body10J, 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 locknut20J, a ring body with no screw provided on the internal peripheral surface thereof. Here, the connector body10J is fitted to the extension tube6J by sliding the ring body toward the connector body10J.

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 body10J is fitted to the extension tube6J. Fixing the ring body with a pin is an example of such a measure.

Although, in the above embodiment, the connection target is the (prefilled) syringe5J 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.

The structure of a connector1K of Embodiment 14 which functions as a connector is described with the aid ofFIG. 31.

As shown inFIG. 31A, the connector1K may be made up of three components: split frames11K and12K; and a coupling portion13K coupling the sides of the split frames11K and12K. These three components are integrally formed. Of them, the split frames11K and12K have a shape as if created by halving, along the axis, a hollow cylinder having a bottom.FIGS. 31A and 31Bshow the state where the split frames11K and12K are open (hereinafter, “the open position”).

Each of the split frames11K and12K having a shape as if created by halving a cylinder hollow having a bottom includes a semicylindrical portion112K/122K and a semicircular bottom portion111K/121K. Formed on the semicylindrical portions112K and122K are sets of tabs11mand12mto be interlocked with each other. That is, the tabs11mand12mfunction as coupling members of the split frames11K and12K, and become interlocked with each other when the split frames11K and12K are coupled. These tabs11mand12mare designed so that, when once they are interlocked with each other, the coupling will not be disconnected unless an operation of pulling the tabs12moutward is performed. Cutouts11hand12hare formed on the bottom portions111K and112K that butt against each other when the split frames11K and12K are engaged using the tabs11mand12m(hereinafter, “the closed position”). Each of the cutouts11hand12hhas the shape of a semicircle with a chord coinciding with the halving line of the split frames11K and12K.

Furthermore, male screw portions11nand12nare provided on the inner surface of the semicylindrical portions112K and122K of the split frames11K and12K. These male screw portions11nand12nform a single, unbroken male screw when the split frames11K and12K are in the closed position.

The wall thickness of the coupling portion13K is thinner than that of the individual split frames11K and12K, and the coupling portion13K will not be dismembered after repetitive opening and closing of the split frames11K and12K.

The opening-and-closing mechanism of the connector1K having the above structure is described next with the aid ofFIG. 31Bshowing the connector1K ofFIG. 31A, viewed from arrow A.

As shown inFIG. 31B, in an anterior view, each of the split frames11K and12K is semicircular. When folded at the coupling portion13, the split frames11K and12K face to each other, and the tabs11mand12minterlock with each other. Thus, the connector1K is substantially in the shape of a cylinder having a bottom when the tabs11mand12mengage with each other (i.e. in the closed position).

Thus, when the split frames11K and12K are joined together, the cutouts11hand12hprovided on the split frames11K and12K also face to each other to form a circular hole with a diameter of φD1.

Note that the split frames11K and12K and the coupling portion13K, all of which are integrally formed, are preferably made of, for example, a resin material in order to achieve the above-mentioned functions.

A general structure of a syringe5K is described with the aid ofFIG. 32.

The syringe5K, a part of which is shown inFIG. 32, is a prefilled syringe, and a luer part51K juts out at the right-hand end of a syringe body52K. Formed on the base side of the luer part51K is a neck portion53K having a reduced diameter. Although no illustration is given, the syringe5K includes a plunger, a packing and the like, and the tubular part of the syringe body52K is filled with the liquid medication.

Among the components of the syringe5K, the luer part51K has a tapered shape and a maximum outer diameter of φD3. The outer diameter φD3is larger than the diameter φD1of the hole formed by the cutouts11hand12hinFIG. 31(i.e. φD3>φD1). The neck portion53K located on the base side of the luer part51K is in the shape of a cylinder with an outer diameter of φD2.

A step is made in a part of the luer part51K close to the neck portion53K so as to form an engaging portion51n.

The connection of the above-mentioned syringe5K and connector1K is described next with reference toFIGS. 31 and 32.

The luer part51K of the syringe5K is inserted into the connector1K in the open position as shown inFIG. 31Aand positioned in a manner that the neck portion53K sets in the edge of either the cutout11hor12h. At this point, the syringe5K and the connector1K are maintained so that their axes substantially coincide with each other.

Next, while the syringe5K is held not to move with respect to the connector1K, the split frames11K and12K are folded at the coupling portion13K so that the openings of the split frames11K and12K face to each other. The connector1K has the shape of a cylinder having a bottom when the tabs11mand12mof the split frames11K and12K interlock with each other. At this point, the cutouts11hand12hform a circular hole with an inner diameter of φD1.

The syringe5K is thus engaged, at the neck portion53K, with the connector1K in the closed position. That is, the maximum outer diameter φD3of the luer part51K is larger than the inner diameter φD1of the hole formed by the cutouts11hand12h, and the engaging portion51nof the luer part51K is fixedly held by inner bottom faces111nand121nof the connector1K. Thus, the syringe5K and the connector1K are connected to each other. The tabs11m/12mof each set are provided at two locations on the split frame11K/12K, and when these tabs11mand12monce interlock with each other, the connector1K does not return to the open position unless the disengagement operation (releasing the coupling of the tabs11mand12m) is conducted.

Note that the male screw portions11nand12n, each provided on the split frame11K/12K of the connector1K, are designed to form one unbroken male screw across a line of junction1KL of the split frames11K and12K.

Referring toFIG. 32, the following describes a method of connecting the syringe5K, to which the connector1K is attached, to a port of another medical instrument in the luer-lock style. InFIG. 32, an extension tube6K with a port attached thereto is used as an example of a connection target to which the syringe5K is connected.

The extension tube6K being a connection target includes a port61K provided at one end of a tube62K, as shown inFIG. 32. Within the port61K, a female screw portion61nis formed on the outer surface of the tubular body. The female screw portion61ncorresponds to the male screw portions11nand12nof the connector1K. Although no illustration is given, a hole is provided in the central region of the end face of the port61K, and functions as an opening of the inner duct of the tube62K.

The hole in the central region of the port61K has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the maximum outer diameter φD3of the luer part51K of the syringe5K. Thus, the hole of the port61K is designed so that the luer part51K of the syringe5K can be inserted thereinto.

For connecting the syringe5K and the extension tube6K to each other, the user brings the connector1K attached to the syringe5K forward (arrow B) with respect to the port61K of the extension tube6K. When the connector1K and the port61K of the extension tube6K make contacts, the user starts rotating the connector1K in the direction of arrow C and still brings the connector1K forward. Herewith, the male screw portions11nand12nprovided in the split frames11K and12K are progressively screwed into the female screw portion61non the port61K of the extension tube6K. In parallel with the screwing operation, the luer part51K of the syringe5K is gradually inserted into the hole on the end face of the port61K of the extension tube6K. Subsequently, when the male screw portions11nand12nof the connector1K are completely screwed into the female screw portion61nof the port61K, the syringe5K and the extension tube6K are connected to each other.

Since the connection of the syringe5K and the extension tube6K with the connector1K therebetween (the luer-lock connection) is stable, the syringe5K and the extension tube6K are less likely to disengage or loose from each other over a long period of time.

Referring toFIG. 33, the following describes a method of connecting the syringe5K and another medical instrument in the luer-slip style. InFIG. 33, a coinfusion port7K and an injection needle8K are used as examples of connection targets to which the syringe5K is connected.

For the connection in the luer-slip style, the syringe5K to which the connector1K is not attached is used, as shown inFIG. 33. As to the syringe5K, the user may use a syringe to which no connector is originally attached, or alternatively obtain a syringe with the connector1K attached and use this after detaching the connector1K therefrom. The connector1K can be readily detached by releasing the coupling of the interlocking tabs11mand12m.

In the connection in the luer-slip style, the luer part51K of the syringe5K is simply inserted into a port of a connection-target medical instrument. For example, the connection of the syringe5K to the coinfusion port7K is completed simply by inserting the luer part51K of the syringe5K into a valve plug (not shown) provided in a cover body71K. Herewith, the interior of the syringe5K and the interior of the tubes72K and73K of the coinfusion port7K are communicated to each other.

The valve plug of the coinfusion port7K is an elastic thin film, and a slit to receive the luer part51K is formed in a part of the valve plug. Since such matters are public knowledge, the descriptions are omitted here.

Next, for connecting the syringe5K and the injection needle8K to each other, a needle hub82K of the injection needle8K is mounted on the luer part51K of the syringe5K. The syringe5K and the injection needle8K are connected to each other when an internal peripheral surface82fof the needle hub82K becomes tightly attached to the external peripheral surface51fof the luer part51K. Although no graphic representation is given, the needle tube81K juts out also inside the needle hub82K, and the jutted part is inserted into an inner hole of the luer part51K when the syringe5K and the injection needle8K are connected to each other. The needle hub82K and the inner hole of the luer part51K are tightly fitted to each other while the injection needle8K being connected to the syringe5K. That is, the needle hub81K and the inner hole are designed so that the liquid medication will not leak out therefrom or bacteria will not enter therefrom.

The luer-slip connection of the syringe5K and another medical instrument has been described by presenting two examples above. The syringe5K ofFIG. 33does not have the connector1K attached thereto, allowing for quick luer-slip connection.

Although there are various medical instruments can be connected to the syringe5K in the luer-slip style besides the above two examples, the connection operations for those instruments are the same as above.

Advantages of Connector1K and Syringe5K Having Connector1K Attached Thereto

As has been described above and also shown inFIG. 31, the connector1K of Embodiment 14 is composed of the split frames11K and12K and the coupling portion13K, and allows for easy attachment to the syringe5K by the coupling operation of the two split frames11K and12K as well as easy detachment from the syringe5K by releasing the interlocking tabs11mand12mand opening the split frames11K and12K. On the other hand, unless the interlocking tabs11mand12mare released, an incident in which the split frames11K and12K open up during the use of the syringe5K or the like is avoided.

Thus, since the user is able to attach and detach the connector1K to/from the syringe5K as the need arises, the connector1K has advantageous effects of (1) reducing the cost burden on the user, (2) not causing hindrance to the work performance when the syringe5K is used, and (3) enabling connection of the syringe5K to the port of another instrument in either the luer-slip or luer-lock style. The syringe5K having the connector1K attached thereto also exhibits these advantages.

When connecting the injection needle8K to the syringe5K, the user can use the syringe5K from which the connector1K has been detached, as shown inFIG. 33. Thus, the syringe5K is also effective in preventing the user from mistakenly pricking himself/herself.

Note that the connector1K does not have to be provided with every syringe5K when supplied to the user, and may be singularly provided to the user instead. In such a case, the user may attach/detach the connector1K to/from the syringe5K according to need.

If using the syringe5K having the connector1K attached thereto for treatment and testing in the medical practices, the user is able to select whether to attach or detach the connector1K according to the connection style of the syringe to the port. Thus, using the syringe5K with the connector1K attached thereto achieves high efficiency in the medical practices.

A connector2of Embodiment 15 is described with the aid ofFIG. 34.

The connector2K is composed of split frames21K and22K as shown inFIG. 34, and differs from the connector1K in that these split frames21K and22K are separated from each other. That is, the connector2K can be said to be the connector1K of Embodiment 14 from which the coupling portion13K is removed. Note however that the connector2has additional tabs11mand12mformed on the split frames21K and22K at the locations corresponding to where the coupling portion13K is attached.

Since other components of the connector2K are the same as those of the connector1K, the descriptions are omitted here.

Attachment of the connector2K to the syringe5K is achieved by setting the neck portion53K of the syringe5in the cutouts21hand22hwhile the split frames21K and22K are separated from each other, and then interlocking the tabs11mof the split frame21K and the tabs12mof the split frame22K. Here, the relationships of the inner diameter of the hole formed by the cutouts21hand22hwith the maximum outer diameter of the luer part51K of the syringe5K, and with the outer diameter of the neck portion53K are the same as those of connector1K of Embodiment 14 above.

The connector2K is easily detached from the syringe5K by doing the reverse of the above procedure, i.e. releasing the interlocking tabs11mand12m. Accordingly, also when using the connector2K according to the present embodiment, the user is able to easily attach and detach the connector2K to/from the syringe5K as the need arises.

As a result, the connector2K 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 syringe5K is used, and (3) enabling connection of the syringe5K to the port of another instrument in either the luer-slip or luer-lock style.

A connector3K of Embodiment 16 is described next with the aid ofFIG. 35.

The connector3K is characterized by the split balance of split frames31K and32K different from that of split frames11K and12K of the connector1K, as shown inFIG. 35. That is, while the split frames11K and12K of the connector1K have a shape as if they were formed by halving, along the axis, a hollow cylinder with a bottom, the split frame32K of the connector3K 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.

The opening and closing of the connector3K is basically the same as that of the connector1K shown inFIG. 31.

Besides the advantageous effects of the connector1K, the connector3K has an additional advantage of having a cylindrical part which exhibits higher stiffness when the connector3K is being screwed on another medical instrument (e.g. the extension tube6K ofFIG. 32), as compared to that of the connector1K. That is, when a male screw31nof the connector3K is screwed into the female screw of the medical instrument to thereby join the connector3K with the medical instrument, the cylindrical part of the connector3K receives a force also in the outer radial direction. At this point, the connector3K whose cylindrical part is not split has an advantage in exhibiting higher stiffness in the radial direction than the connector1K whose cylindrical part is split.

This means that the connector3K enables to set the syringe more firmly on the port of another medical instrument.

Additional Particulars Regarding Embodiments 14 through 16

In Embodiments 14 to 16 above, the features, functions and effects of the present invention are described by taking as examples three kinds of connectors1K,2K and3K, however, the present invention is not limited to those.

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.

In Embodiments 14 to 16, the connector1K,2K or3K is connected to the syringe5K by using the neck portion53K formed on the base side of the luer part51K of the syringe5K. However, it is not necessary that the neck portion53K is formed on the base side of the luer part51K. 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 body52K and forming a connector to correspond to the narrowed part.

FIGS. 36A,36B,36C and36D illustrate a structure of a syringe of Embodiment 17.

A syringe100L is a prefilled syringe filled with liquid medication110L in advance, and allows for speedy insertion and removal into/out of either the luer-lock coinfusion port or the luer-slip coinfusion port.

Regarding the syringe100, as shown inFIG. 36A, a cylindrical syringe portion120L is filled with the liquid medication110L and subsequently sealed by a plunger portion150L, and a lock part130L (which is an example of a connection supporting member) is freely rotatably coupled to one end of the syringe portion120L by means of a coupling pin160L (which is an example of a pin).

In the syringe part120L, a cylindrical luer part140L extends from one end (hereinafter referred to as “the first end”) of a cylindrical syringe body121L, and a flange121ais provided at the opposite end to the first end (hereinafter referred to as “the second end”).

The luer part140L is cylindrical, and may be composed of: a 1stluer portion144L with a diameter d1on the base side; and a tapered 2ndluer portion141L located on the tip side of the luer part140L and having a tip-end diameter d2and a rear-end diameter d3. With this arrangement, d3>d2and d3>d1.

The lock part130L is made of a resin material, and is a cylindrical nut with a bottom for engaging the syringe100L and a connection-target instrument. A through hole134L of a diameter d4is provided on the bottom face of the lock part130L, and through holes132aand132bwith rectangular openings are provided on the lateral side of the cylindrical body.

Note that d4is larger than d3to enable the 2ndluer portion141L to pass through the through hole134L.

The coupling pin160L is a substantially U-shaped pin for engaging the lock part130L and the luer part140L, and has a function of engaging with the 1stluer portion144L while penetrating through the hull of the lock part130L to be thereby fitted with the lock part130L.

To be more specific, as shown inFIG. 36Dwhich is a cutaway view of the coupling pin160L fitted with the lock part130L and cut parallel to the main surface thereof, the coupling pin160L is a substantially U-shaped pin having two symmetric extending portions163L extending from a rectangular fuse portion161L. Stepped portions162L, which abut against the lock part130L when inserted thereinto, are provided at the base of the extending portions163L, and a projecting portion163ais provided on the outer side of each extending portion163L, towards the tip end thereof.

Provided in the center of the groove164L formed between these two extending portions163L is a concave portion165L to which the 1st luer portion144L is fitted.

There is no problem whether the lock part130L and coupling pin160L are detached or attached from/to the syringe100L when the syringe100L is delivered to a medical practice site. Here, for convenience of explanation, the syringe100L is used from which the lock part130L and coupling pin160L have been detached at the time of delivery.

The following explains how to use the syringe100L.

Connection with Luer-Lock Coinfusion Port

When a coinfusion port to which the syringe100L is to be connected is a luer-lock coinfusion port, a person (hereinafter, the “operator”) inserts the luer part140L into the through hole134L of the lock part130L, as shown inFIG. 36A. Subsequently, the operator inserts the coupling pin160L into the through holes132aand132bof the lock part130L as shown inFIG. 36B, and pushes the coupling pin160L thereinto until the edges of the stepped portions162L of the lock part130L make contacts with edges162aof both sides of the through hole132a, as shown inFIGS. 37A to 37F.

At this point, the projecting portions163aof the coupling pin160L go over contact points162ban both sides of the through hole132band thereby prohibit the coupling pins160L from shifting in the reverse direction of the insertion. At the same time, the 1stluer portion144L is fitted into the concave portion165L.

Here, the 1st luer portion144L and the lock part130L are engaged with each other to be positioned concentrically.

In addition, since the contact faces of the 1st luer portion144L and the concave portion165L of the coupling pin160L slip against each other in the circumferential direction, the 1st luer portion144L and the lock part130L rotate relatively to each other around the central axis of the 1st luer portion144L.

As to the above-mentioned coinfusion port200L which is a luer-lock coinfusion port, on the lateral side of a port body201L functioning as a transfusion line or a similar flow path, a rubber valve204having a hole204ais held in place by being covered with a cylindrical cover body202L. A screw thread is cut on the external periphery of the cover body.202L to thereby form a thread groove203L.

When connecting the syringe100L to the coinfusion port200L, the operator rotates the lock part130L and screws the lock part130L onto the thread groove203L while inserting the 2nd luer portion141L of the syringe100L into the hole204aof the coinfusion port200L, as shown inFIG. 36C, and whereby the syringe100L is securely connected to the coinfusion port200L.

When connecting the syringe100L to the luer-slip coinfusion port210L, the operator is able to rapidly connect the syringe100L, to which the lock part130L is not attached, to a coinfusion port210L by inserting the 2nd luer portion141L into the hole204aof the coinfusion port210L, as shown inFIG. 38.

Thus, since the syringe100L of the present embodiment allows for easy attachment and detachment of the lock part130L by insertion and pullout of the coupling pin160L, the syringe100L is smoothly connected to a luer-slip style instrument by detaching the lock part130L from the syringe100L, similarly to the case of a conventional luer-slip syringe.

When the syringe100L is connected to an instrument in the luer-lock style, secure connection can be established by attaching the lock part130L to the syringe100L, similarly to the case of a conventional luer-lock syringe.

In Embodiment 17, the 1stluer portion144L and the lock part130L 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 1stspline) is provided on the outer surface of the 1stluer portion144L of the syringe100L, and another spline (hereinafter, “the 2ndspline”) corresponding to the 1stspline is provided on the concave portion165L of the coupling pin160L. Herewith, when the 1stluer portion144L is fitted into the concave portion165L, the 1stand 2ndsplines are fitted with each other so that the 1stluer portion144L is positionally fixed in relation to the concave portion165L.

In this case, although the syringe100L and the lock part130L cannot rotate relative to each other, the above-mentioned nut can be screwed by rotating the entire syringe100L while inserting the 2ndluer Portion141L into a target location since the lock part130L and the 1stluer portion144L are in a concentric configuration.

Note also that, although in Embodiment 17 the lock part130L of the syringe100L 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.

For instance, as in Embodiment 18 shown inFIG. 39, a lock part132L having claw portions133aand133bmay be used instead of the lock part130L having a thread.

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 port220L having two L-shaped grooves231ais one example of such a structural change.

Note that, although the coupling pin160L is substantially U-shaped, this is merely an example. If a pin fulfills a similar function, i.e. enabling the lock part130L and the luer part140L to be fixed at a determined position, the pin may take any shape.

For example, a coupling pin180of Embodiment 19 shown inFIG. 40(corresponding toFIG. 36D) may be used. Here, a lock part170L has been formed by partially revising the cross-sectional shape of the lock part130L so that the lock part170L serves the function fulfilled by one of the two extending portions163L of the coupling pin160L, and the coupling pin180L has only one extending portion163L.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

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.

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.

The present invention is applicable to manufacturing medical syringes used in medical practices in which various types of connection ports are used.