DE102019000248A1 - Connector and method for sterile connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector 1 for sterile connection to at least one medium guide line 21, the connector 1 comprising: a tube 3, through which a through-channel 9 extends, the through-channel 9 of a medium flowing through the medium-guide line 21, can be flowed through; and at least one hose element 7, which is arranged at a pipe end 5 of the pipe 3; wherein in an unconnected state of the connector 1, the hose element 7 has a first section 13 on a first hose end 11, which is inserted into the through-channel 9, and a second section 15 on a second hose end 17, which extends around an end region on the pipe end 5 of the tube 3 is turned over so that the second section 15 lies at least partially on an outer side of a lateral surface 19 of the tube 3; wherein an inner diameter d of the tube 3 is dimensioned to compress the first section 13 of the hose element 7 in such a way that the through-channel 9 is hermetically sealed by the hose element 7 in the unconnected state; the pipe end 5 of the pipe 3 with the arranged hose element 7 can be inserted into one end 25 of the medium guide line 21; the tube 3 and the hose element 7 are dimensioned such that when the tube 3 is inserted with the arranged hose element 7, the hose element 7 is held between the tube 3 and the medium guide line 21 to be connected, so that it is displaced by the insertion, that the hose element 7 is pulled out of the through-channel 9 and releases the through-channel 9. The invention further relates to a corresponding method for sterile connection.

Description

The present invention relates to a connector for sterile connection to at least one medium guide line and a method for connecting this connector.

One of the greatest challenges when working with cell cultures is the sterile transfer of liquids. For example, drugs for novel therapies (ATMPs) that contain living cells or living tissue must be manufactured sterile in appropriate cleanrooms. A large number of media have to be added during production and samples have to be taken regularly, so that a large number of connections are required. Various bags and / or small containers are connected to one another via the connections. Medium guide lines that are connected to the bags and / or containers are to be connected directly to the bags and containers and / or individual medium guide lines are to be connected to one another.

In this case, connectors are known from the prior art, by means of which medium guide lines can be connected or connected, but through which the sterile system is interrupted (e.g. CPC connector or syringes with Luer connections). However, in order to continue to ensure the sterility of the cell cultures, it is necessary in the prior art to arrange the system in a clean room (class A, ISO 5). The production of cell cultures in such a clean room is associated with high costs, which are caused, among other things, by the clothing and monitoring requirements.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a connector which allows sterile connections to be made in a system from various bags and / or containers, so that the entire system can form a closed sterile unit.

This object is achieved by the connector according to claim 1 and the method for sterile connection according to claim 7. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

• - ein Rohr, durch welches sich ein Durchgangskanal hindurch erstreckt, wobei der Durchgangskanal von einem Medium, das durch die Mediumführungsleitung strömt, durchströmbar ist; und
• - zumindest ein Schlauchelement, welches an zumindest einem Rohrende des Rohrs angeordnet ist,
  • o wobei in einem unverbundenen Zustand des Verbinders das Schlauchelement an einem ersten Schlauchende einen ersten Teilabschnitt aufweist, der in den Durchgangskanal eingesetzt ist, und an einem zweiten Schlauchende einen zweiten Teilabschnitt aufweist, der um einen Endbereich an dem Rohrende des Rohrs herumgestülpt bzw. umgelegt ist, so dass der zweite Teilabschnitt zumindest teilweise auf einer äußeren Seite einer Mantelfläche des Rohrs aufliegt;
  • o wobei ein Innendurchmesser des Rohrs dimensioniert ist, den ersten Teilabschnitt des Schlauchelements derart zu komprimieren, dass in dem unverbundenen Zustand der Durchgangskanal durch das Schlauchelement hermetisch bzw. steril verschlossen ist;
  • o wobei das Rohrende des Rohrs mit dem angeordneten Schlauchelement in ein Ende der Mediumführungsleitung einschiebbar ist;
  • o wobei das Rohr und das Schlauchelement derart dimensioniert sind, dass beim Einschieben des Rohrs mit dem angeordneten Schlauchelement, das Schlauchelement zwischen dem Rohr und der zu verbindenden Mediumführungsleitung gehalten wird, so dass dieses durch das Einschieben des Rohrs derart verschoben wird, dass das Schlauchelement aus dem Durchgangskanal herausgezogen wird und den Durchgangskanal (zumindest teilweise) freigibt.

In particular, the object is achieved by a connector for sterile connection to at least one medium guide line, the connector comprising:

• - A tube through which a through-channel extends, the through-channel being able to be flowed through by a medium which flows through the medium-guiding line; and
• at least one hose element which is arranged on at least one pipe end of the pipe,
  • o In an unconnected state of the connector, the hose element has a first section at a first hose end, which is inserted into the through-channel, and has a second section at a second hose end, which is turned or folded around an end region on the pipe end of the pipe , so that the second section lies at least partially on an outer side of a lateral surface of the tube;
  • o wherein an inner diameter of the tube is dimensioned to compress the first section of the hose element in such a way that in the unconnected state the through-channel is hermetically or sterile closed by the hose element;
  • o the tube end of the tube with the arranged hose element being insertable into one end of the medium guide line;
  • o the tube and the hose element are dimensioned such that when the tube is inserted with the arranged hose element, the hose element is held between the tube and the medium guide line to be connected, so that the tube element is displaced by the insertion of the tube in such a way that the hose element extends the through-channel is pulled out and (at least partially) clears the through-channel.

The hose element is a flexible piece of hose that is put over an end region of the pipe end in the unconnected state. The diameter of the hose element can be less than or equal to the diameter of the tube. It is crucial, however, that the first section of the hose element, which is located in the through-channel, is compressed by the tube in such a way that a hermetic seal is achieved by the hose element. As part of the hermetic seal, neither air nor liquids can penetrate the through-channel.

Areas of the hose element, which come into contact with the ambient air in the unconnected state and are therefore contaminated, are held in the connection process of the connector with the medium guide line between the jacket surface of the tube and an inner surface of the medium guide line in such a way that the contaminated surfaces do not contact the medium come into contact, which flows through the connector. In other words, the hose member becomes so in the disconnected state used to hermetically seal the interior of the connector. Through the connection process with the medium guide line, however, simply by pushing the tube with the arranged hose element into the medium guide line, the hose element is automatically pushed out of the flow area in order not to come into contact with the sterile medium. The hose element is securely arranged between the pipe and the medium guide line, so that contamination of the medium can be prevented.

With such a connector, a closed sterile system can be kept sterile, so that the need for a clean room with a high degree of purity can be prevented. The production costs of cell cultures can thus be reduced.

The hose element is preferably made of silicone.

The silicone used can preferably have a hardness of 15 to 25 Shore A and in particular a hardness of 20 Shore A. The decisive factor for the choice of material is the tear resistance.

Silicone is still an inert material and is therefore particularly suitable with regard to "leachables" and "extractables". In addition, silicone does not have a negative effect on cell growth.

In a first alternative, the pipe can have a connection port e.g. of a bioreactor.

As has already been described above with regard to the prior art, various containers are regularly connected to one another in the production of cell cultures, which containers should together form a sterile system. In order to connect the containers, which can be, for example, a bioreactor or a container for storing a medium, the individual containers must each be connected to one another by medium guide lines. If the pipe is a connection port, the connector is arranged directly on the container. The through channel of the tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the container, which is sterile. In the unconnected state, the interior of the container is hermetically sealed at the port by the hose element. By pushing the port with the hose element into one end of the medium guide line, a medium guide line is sterile connected to the container.

The container on which the connection port is arranged can be a flexible bag or a rigid container.

In a further alternative embodiment, the connector is an adapter which can be connected to a plurality of medium guide lines,
the tube having at least two tube ends,
wherein a tube element is arranged at the tube ends, and
the pipe ends with the arranged hose elements can each be inserted into a corresponding end of the medium guide lines

In other words, at least two medium guide lines can be connected to one another by the adapter and linked to one another in a sterile manner with the aid of the adapter.

The tube preferably has at least one projection on the outer side of the lateral surface, which is designed to define the maximum insertion depth of the tube into the medium guide line to be connected.

A protrusion on the outer side of the outer surface of the tube is formed by an elevation, which prevents the tube from being pushed deeper into the medium guide line. A front end surface at the end of the medium guide line into which the tube is inserted comes into contact with the projection when the maximum insertion depth is reached.

The definition of the maximum insertion depth can also be used to indicate to the user how deep the tube is to be inserted into the medium guide line, in order to ensure that all contaminated surfaces of the hose element are securely arranged between the tube and the medium guide line. This can ensure a sterile connection through the connector.

The projection can be shaped as a circumferential projection which extends along the outer surface of the tube with respect to a tube axis of rotation of the tube. However, the circumferential projection can also be interrupted in some areas or just be a single projection.

If the connector is designed as an adapter, a projection can be arranged for each pipe end that can be inserted into a corresponding medium guide line. If medium guide lines are connected to opposite ends of the pipe, a single projection can define the maximum insertion depth for both pipe ends.

The tube and the hose element can preferably be sterilized.

In particular, the tube and the tube element can be autoclaved or sterilized using gamma or UV radiation.

• - Bereitstellen des Verbinders, welcher umfasst:
  • o ein Rohr, durch welches sich ein Durchgangskanal hindurch erstreckt, wobei der Durchgangskanal von einem Medium, das durch die Mediumführungsleitung strömt, durchströmbar ist;
  • o zumindest ein Schlauchelemente, welches an zumindest einem Rohrende des Rohrs angeordnet ist;
    • ■ wobei in einem unverbundenen Zustand des Verbinders das Schlauchelement an einem ersten Schlauchende einen ersten Teilabschnitt aufweist, der in den Durchgangskanal eingesetzt ist, und an einem zweiten Schlauchende einen zweiten Teilabschnitt aufweist, der um einen Endbereich an dem Rohrende des Rohrs herumgestülpt ist, so dass der zweite Teilabschnitt zumindest teilweise auf einer äußeren Seite einer Mantelfläche des Rohrs aufliegt;
    • ■ wobei ein Innendurchmesser des Rohrs dimensioniert ist, den ersten Teilabschnitt des Schlauchelements derart zu komprimieren, dass in dem unverbundenen Zustand der Durchgangskanal durch das Schlauchelement hermetisch bzw. steril verschlossen ist;
• - Einschieben des Rohrendes des Rohrs mit den angeordneten Schlauchelement in ein Ende der Mediumführungsleitung, wobei das Rohr und das Schlauchelement derart dimensioniert sind, dass beim Einschieben des Rohrs mit dem angeordneten Schlauchelement, das Schlauchelement zwischen dem Rohr und der zu verbindenden Mediumführungsleitung gehalten wird, so dass dieses durch das Einschieben des Rohrs derart verschoben wird, dass das Schlauchelement aus dem Durchgangskanal herausgezogen wird und den Durchgangskanal freigibt.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the underlying object is achieved by a method for sterile connection of a connector to at least one medium guide line, which comprises the following steps:

• - Provision of the connector, which comprises:
  • o a pipe, through which a through-channel extends, the through-channel being able to be flowed through by a medium which flows through the medium-guiding line;
  • o at least one hose element which is arranged on at least one pipe end of the pipe;
    • ■ In an unconnected state of the connector, the hose element has a first section at a first hose end, which is inserted into the through-channel, and has a second section at a second hose end, which is turned around an end region at the pipe end of the pipe, so that the second section lies at least partially on an outer side of an outer surface of the tube;
    • ■ wherein an inner diameter of the tube is dimensioned to compress the first section of the hose element in such a way that in the unconnected state the through-channel is hermetically or sterile closed by the hose element;
• - Inserting the tube end of the tube with the arranged hose element into one end of the medium guide line, the tube and the hose element being dimensioned such that when the tube is inserted with the arranged hose element, the hose element is held between the tube and the medium guide line to be connected, so that this is shifted by pushing the tube in such a way that the hose element is pulled out of the through-channel and releases the through-channel.

The connector is preferably an adapter, the tube having at least two tube ends, a tube element being arranged on the tube ends, and the step of pushing in comprising the tube ends being inserted into a corresponding end of the medium guide lines.

It is further preferred that the tube with the arranged hose element is pushed deep into the medium guide line to be connected until the end of the medium guide line to be connected is arranged adjacent to a projection on the outer side of the outer surface of the tube.

Preferably, the end of the medium guide line to be connected, which is to be connected to the connector, is closed in an unconnected state by means of a clamp, and the clamp is opened after the pipe of the connector is completely connected to the medium guide line to be connected.

• 1 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht eines als Adapter ausgebildeten Verbinders für eine sterile Verbindung;
• 2a) zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Adapters aus 1;
• 2b) zeigt eine Schnittanschitt des Adapters aus 2a);
• 3a) zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Adapters, der mit einer Mediumführungsleitung verbunden wird;
• 3b) zeigt 3a) im Querschnitt;
• 3c) zeigt eine Seitenansicht eines Adapters, der vollständig mit einer Mediumführungsleitung verbunden ist;
• 3d) zeigt 3c) im Querschnitt;
• 4 zeigt eine Mediumführungsleitung, welche in einem unverbundenen Zustand durch eine Klemme verschlossen ist;
• 5a) zeigt eine Mediumführungsleitung mit zwei Hilfsklemmen; und
• 5b) zeigt einen Adapter, welcher mit zwei Mediumführungsleitungen mit Hilfe eines Werkzeugs verbunden wird.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a study of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It can be seen that, although embodiments are described separately, individual features can be combined to form additional embodiments.

• 1 shows a perspective view of a connector designed as an adapter for a sterile connection;
• 2a) shows a side view of the adapter 1 ;
• 2 B) shows a sectional cut of the adapter 2a) ;
• 3a) shows a side view of the adapter, which is connected to a medium guide line;
• 3b) shows 3a) in cross section;
• 3c ) shows a side view of an adapter which is completely connected to a medium guide line;
• 3d ) shows 3c ) in cross section;
• 4th shows a medium guide line, which is closed in an unconnected state by a clamp;
• 5a) shows a medium guide line with two auxiliary terminals; and
• 5b) shows an adapter which is connected to two medium guide lines with the help of a tool.

1 shows a perspective view of a connector 1 for the sterile connection of medium guide lines (not shown here). The connector 1 includes a tube 3rd with opposite pipe ends 5 , each with a hose element 7 is arranged. The hose elements 7 are so at the pipe ends 5 arranged that, in an unconnected state, in which the connector 1 the pipe ends is not connected to the corresponding medium guide pipes 5 by the hose elements 7 are hermetically or sterile sealed.

The pipe 3rd can, as in 1 shown, be formed in one piece or be composed of several pipe parts. It is crucial here, however, that the way of connection between the pipe parts provides a hermetic or sterile seal between the pipe parts, so that a through-channel 9 (please refer 2nd ), which extends through the pipe 3rd or extends the pipe parts, can be kept sterile. Preferably the tube is 3rd made of plastic or metal and sterilizable.

The arranged hose elements 7 form elongated hollow bodies that are flexible. They are preferably made of silicone and / or can be sterilized.

As in 1 shown, the connector 1 be designed as an adapter. In this context, the term “adapter” is understood to mean a connecting element which connects at least two medium guide lines. That means that though 1 a pipe 3rd with only two pipe ends 5 has, which are used as connection ends, the pipe 3rd further pipe ends 5 can have, to which further medium guide lines can be connected. For example, the pipe 3rd a T-shape with three tube ends 5 exhibit.

There is also the possibility that the connector 1 represents a port or port. This could be the pipe 3rd be arranged directly on a container, for example, so that the through-channel 9 in the tube 3rd is in fluid communication with an interior of the container. The container can preferably be a bioreactor, for example a single-use bioreactor consisting, for example, of polyester (PE), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP) and / or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Alternatively, a reusable reactor made of glass and / or metal / stainless steel is also suitable. The bioreactor contains a medium, the medium preferably being a liquid, a solution, a suspension, a dispersion, an emulsion and / or a heterogeneous / homogeneous mixture of substances. The bioreactor preferably has a stirring device for circulating the medium, and also one or more feed and / or discharge lines for feeding or discharging media. The connector can be used to connect the inlets and / or outlets to the bioreactor 1 are used as a port. The pipe 3rd thus represents at least part of the connection or port of the container (eg bioreactor). The tube 3rd can be designed such that at least one pipe end 5 a medium guide line can be connected to the container by means of the port or connection. The pipe end 5 , which is connected to the container, preferably has no hose element here 7 on since the pipe 3rd at this point is connected to the container in such a way that a hermetic or sterile seal is provided between the two elements. The pipe 3rd preferably consists essentially of thermoplastics, such as, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and similar polyolefins.

For the sake of simplicity, however, only the embodiment of an adapter is discussed below. The description of a pipe end 5 with the arranged hose element 7 and the corresponding connection of the pipe 3rd with a medium routing line, however, also applies to the embodiment of a port or connection.

2a) shows a side view of the connector 1 , which is designed as an adapter 1 . 2 B) also shows a sectional view of the connector 1 out 2a) to illustrate how the hose elements 7 at the pipe ends 5 are arranged in the unconnected state.

In particular, the hose elements have 7 each at a first hose end 11 a first section 11 on that in the through channel 9 of the pipe 3rd is used. A second section 15 at a second hose end 17th is around an end portion of the pipe end 5 turned over so that at least a portion of the second section 15 on an outer side of a lateral surface 19th of the pipe 3rd abuts or rests. An inside diameter d of the pipe 3rd at the pipe end 5 on which the hose element 7 is arranged, is dimensioned such that the first section 11 of the hose element 8th through the pipe end 5 is compressed so that the through-channel 9 at this point through the hose element 7 is hermetically sealed or sterile sealed.

Like from the 2a) and 2 B) can be seen are in the disconnected state of the connector 1 , Parts of the hose element 7 in contact with the ambient air. Because the connector 1 can also be used outside of a clean room of the highest class, these parts of the hose element 7 contaminated by the ambient air. To avoid these contaminated sub-areas of the hose element 7 come into contact with a sterile medium, which flows through the medium guide line and thus, when connected, also through the connector 1 , the connector 1 connected to a medium management line in the following way:

3a) shows the connection of a medium guide line 21 which over the pipe 3rd is pushed or into which the pipe 5 with the arranged hose element 7 at least partially is inserted. The arrows show the thrust directions.

How out 3b) can be seen, which is a sectional view of the 3a) is by inserting the tube 3rd into the medium management line 21 the part of the hose element 7 , which is on the outer side of the lateral surface 19th of the pipe 3rd rests between the pipe 3rd and the medium management 21 arranged. With a dash-dot line, the contaminated area is thereby 23 of the hose element 7 featured.

The pipe 3rd , the hose element 7 or the medium management line 21 are dimensioned so that by inserting the tube 3rd with the arranged hose element 7 into the medium management line 21 the hose element 7 like that between the tube 3rd and the medium management line 21 is noted that the hose element 7 the further the pipe into the medium guide line 21 the hose element is inserted 7 ever further over the lateral surface 19th of the pipe 3rd is pulled. This is preferably done until the hose element 7 essentially entirely from the through channel 9 is pulled out and completely on the outer surface 19th of the pipe 3rd rests (see 3c ) and 3d)). In other words, is in a fully connected state like this in the 3c ) and 3d) is shown, the hose element 7 completely between the tube 3rd and the medium management line 21 arranged. Especially the contaminated areas 23 of the hose element, as in 3d ) are securely held between the elements mentioned, so that they cannot come into contact with a medium which is the connector 1 and the medium management line 21 flows through.

In addition, the hose element enables 7 in the connected state, a hermetic or sterile seal or seal between the connector 1 and the medium management line 21 . Thus, through the connector 1 a sterile connection is provided in both the disconnected state and the connected state, even when the connector 1 is not used in a clean room.

At a maximum insertion depth of the pipe 3rd into the medium management line 21 to define and / or to indicate to the user how deep the pipe 3rd into the medium management line 21 to insert a secure connection, can be on the pipe 3rd at least a head start 26 be arranged. Preferably the protrusion 26 on the outer side of the outer surface 19th of the pipe 3rd educated. The lead 26 is arranged and designed so that the tube 3rd by the lead 26 is prevented from going deeper into the medium management line 21 can be inserted. 3d ) shows the case when the pipe 3rd completely or correctly with the medium management line 21 connected is. There is an end here 25th the medium management line 21 on the ledge 26 on. As in the 1 and 2nd shown, the projection 26 be a circumferential projection, which on the lateral surface 19th of the pipe 3rd around a pipe axis of rotation R runs around. The lead 26 can, however, only in sections around the pipe axis of rotation R run around or be a single lead. The pipe rotation axis " R “Refers to the section of the pipe 3rd for which the lead 26 defines the maximum insertion depth.

The in the 1 and 2nd shown embodiment of a tube 3rd has opposite pipe ends 5 on. Here's a head start 26 as insertion limit for both pipe ends 5 be used. However, it can be done regardless of the shape of the pipe 3rd , for each pipe end 5 a separate lead 26 be provided.

The medium guide line is preferably 21 trained flexible. In an unconnected state, this can end 25th the medium management line 21 into which the pipe 3rd with the arranged hose element 7 is to be used by means of a clamp 27 be disconnected as in 4th shown. the clamp 27 is constructed in such a way that the clamp 27 the medium management line 21 hermetically sealed to sterile conditions in the medium guide line 21 to maintain in the disconnected state. The medium guide line is preferably 21 sterilizable. Once the connector 1 completely with the medium management line 21 is connected, the terminal 27 be opened so that the connector 1 with the medium management line 21 is in fluid communication.

Around the pipe 3rd with the arranged hose element 5 into the medium management line 21 can insert a tool 29 , as in 5b) shown, used. The tool 29 is especially for connectors 1 in the form of an adapter with opposite tube ends 5 advantageous, each in a medium management line 21 are to be inserted.

This is done at the ends 25th the medium guide lines 21 , in each case the pipe end 5 of the pipe 3rd is to be inserted, an auxiliary clamp 31 be arranged. The auxiliary clamp 31 has a main body for this 33 with a through hole 35 through which the medium management line 21 can be at least partially pushed through. Preferably, the medium guide line 21 essentially completely through the through hole 35 pushed through.

To the auxiliary clamp 31 on the medium management line 21 The auxiliary clamp indicates that it can be fixed 31 at least one fixing pin 37 on which is at least partially in a fixing pin receptacle 39 in the main body 33 can be inserted. The fixing pin holder 39 is with the through hole 35 in connection. In particular, the fixing pin 37 designed and dimensioned so that it is in a fixing position when it is completely in the fixing pin receptacle 39 is added to the medium management line 21 presses and, if necessary, flexibly deformed or pressed in. The medium guide line is preferably used 21 completely disconnected so that the medium continues to flow in the medium guide line 21 is prevented. This is the fixing pin 37 in the fixing pin receptacle 39 by hand. The fixing pin is in this fixing position 37 on the main body 33 fixable so that the auxiliary clamp 31 firmly on the medium management line 21 is held.

On an edge around the fixing pin receptacle 39 around an at least partially circumferential fixing wall 41 be formed by the main body 33 protrudes. The fixing wall preferably has 41 however, at least two surfaces that face each other. In the fixing position of the fixing pin 37 surrounds the fixation wall 41 the fixing pin at least partially. At least one fixing pin 43 is through the fixing wall 41 and the fixing pin used 37 insertable, so that the fixing pin 37 is fixed in the fixing position. Like in the 5a) is shown, the fixing pin extends 43 especially through the fixing pin 37 and the opposite surfaces of the fixing wall 41 . To the fixing pin 43 through the fixing wall 41 and the fixing pin 37 to be able to push through have the fixing wall 41 and the fixing pin 37 corresponding recesses.

Alternatively, the fixing pin 43 but also through the main body 33 and the fixing pin 37 be pushed.

The fixing pin 43 can be an elongated pin or as in 5a) shown to be U-shaped.

The fixing pin 37 preferably has a rectangular base body 45 on in the fixing position of the fixing pin 37 at least partially from the fixation wall 41 is surrounded. The fixing pin can also be used 37 a fixation tip 47 have, which are in one piece with the base body 45 is formed or with the base body 45 is connected by, for example, gluing. The fixing tip 47 tapers from the base body 45 to a free end of the fixation tip 47 there. The free end of the fixation tip 47 presses in the fixing position of the fixing pin 37 to the medium management line 21 .

In the auxiliary terminals 31 which are now at the respective ends 25th the medium guide lines 21 are fixed, each a pull arm or lever 49 of a tool 51 , as in 5b) shown to intervene. The pull arm preferably engages 49 in at least one holding recess 53 in the base body 45 the fixing pin 37 a. Alternatively, the holding recess 53 however also in the main body 33 be trained.

The pull arm 49 of the tool 51 has a first arm portion 55 on which one in the auxiliary clamp 31 engages and is essentially perpendicular to the pipe axis of rotation R of the pipe 3rd extends. Furthermore, the pull arm has 49 a second arm section 57 on which with the first arm section 55 is connected and is substantially parallel to the pipe axis of rotation R of the pipe 3rd extends. The second arm sections 55 the drawbar 49 of the tool 51 extend parallel to each other and can be pushed past each other in the connection process. On surfaces of the second arm section 55 , which face each other, there is a groove surface 59 whose grooves are parallel to the first arm section 55 extend. The groove surfaces 59 the drawbar 49 partially engage in the grooves of a gear wheel (not shown here). The gear is preferably in a tool housing 61 arranged. To rotate the gear, the gear is with a shaft 63 connected, which is along a gear rotation axis ZR extends and preferably upwards from the tool housing 61 protrudes. At the protruding end of the wave 63 are two lever arms 65 stored with a lever arm 65 firmly with the wave 63 is connected and the other lever arm 65 rotatable on the shaft 63 is stored. By means of a scissor movement in which the two lever arms 65 are moved towards each other, the gear is rotated so that the two pull arms 49 to each other along the pipe axis of rotation R to be pulled. Especially the first two arm sections 55 the drawbar 49 move towards each other so that the auxiliary clamps 31 on the medium guide lines 21 are also drawn to each other. The pipe ends 5 of the connector 1 which between the medium guide lines 21 is arranged, are automatically in the medium guide lines 21 inserted.

With the help of the tool 51 can thus be the connector in a simple and safe manner 1 with the medium guide lines 21 get connected.

As in the 5a) and 5b) shown, can be on the respective medium management lines 21 an additional auxiliary clamp 31 be arranged. The tool 51 is designed so that it is preferably in the auxiliary terminal 31 the respective medium management line 21 engages that in the end 25th the medium management line 21 is arranged.

Double closing of the medium guide lines 21 advantageously keeps the connection point depressurized if there are residues of the medium in the medium guide line 21 would be.

Furthermore, the sterility of the system can only be ensured when the connector 1 completely into the medium guide pipes to be connected 21 were pressed in. It is therefore advantageous to be in the medium management line 21 Retain the medium until the connection has been made properly.

Reference list

1

Interconnects

3rd

pipe

5

Pipe end

7

Hose element

9

Through channel

11

First hose end

13

First section of the hose element

15

Second section of the hose element

17th

Second hose end

19th

Outer surface of the pipe

21

Media management line

23

Contaminated area

25th

End of the medium management line

26

head Start

27

Clamp

29

Tool

31

Auxiliary clamp

33

Main body

35

Through hole

37

Fixing pin

39

Fixing pin holder

41

Fixing wall

43

Locating pin

45

Base body of the fixing pin

47

Fixing tip of the fixing pin

49

Pull arm

53

Retaining recess

55

First arm section of the pull arm

57

Second arm section of the pull arm

59

Groove surface

61

Tool housing

63

wave

65

Lever arm

R

Pipe rotation axis

ZR

Gear rotation axis

d

Inner diameter of the pipe

Claims (10)

Connector (1) for sterile connection to at least one medium guide line (21), the connector (1) comprising: - A tube (3) through which a through-channel (9) extends, the through-channel (9) being able to flow through a medium which flows through the medium-guiding line (21); and - at least one hose element (7) which is arranged on at least one pipe end (5) of the pipe (3), o wherein in an unconnected state of the connector (1) the hose element (7) has a first section (13) on a first hose end (11), which is inserted into the through-channel (9), and one on a second hose end (17) has a second section (15) which is turned around an end region on the pipe end (5) of the pipe (3), so that the second section (15) lies at least partially on an outer side of a lateral surface (19) of the pipe (3) ; o wherein an inner diameter (d) of the tube (3) is dimensioned to compress the first section (13) of the hose element (7) in such a way that in the unconnected state the through-channel (9) is hermetically sealed by the hose element (7); o the pipe end (5) of the pipe (3) with the arranged hose element (7) can be pushed into one end (25) of the medium guide line (21); o the tube (3) and the tube element (7) are dimensioned such that when the tube (3) is inserted with the tube element (7) arranged, the tube element (7) between the tube (3) and the medium guide line to be connected ( 21) is held so that it is pushed in by pushing in such a way that the hose element (7) is pulled out of the through channel (9) and releases the through channel (9). Connector (1) after Claim 1 , wherein the hose element (7) is made of silicone. Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (3) is a connection port. Connector (1) after Claim 1 or 2nd , wherein the connector is an adapter which can be connected to a plurality of medium guide lines (21), the pipe (3) having at least two pipe ends (5), a hose element (7) being arranged on the pipe ends (5), and wherein the pipe ends (5) with the arranged hose elements (7) can each be inserted into a corresponding end (25) of the medium guide lines (21). Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (3) on the outer side of the lateral surface (19) has at least one projection (26) which is designed to the maximum insertion depth of the tube (3) into the to be connected To define medium guide line (21). Connector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (3) and the hose element (7) can be sterilized. Method for the sterile connection of a connector (1) to at least one medium guide line (21) comprising the steps: - Providing the connector (1), which comprises: o a pipe (3), through which a through-channel (9) extends, the through-channel (9) being able to flow through a medium which flows through the medium-guiding line (21); o at least one hose element (7) which is arranged on at least one pipe end (5) of the pipe (3); ■ In a non-connected state of the connector (1), the hose element (7) has a first partial section (13) at a first hose end (11), which is inserted into the through-channel (9), and one at a second hose end (17) has a second section (15) which is turned around an end region on the pipe end (5) of the pipe (3), so that the second section (15) lies at least partially on an outer side of a lateral surface (19) of the pipe (3) ; ■ wherein an inner diameter (d) of the tube (3) is dimensioned to compress the first section (13) of the hose element (7) in such a way that the through-channel (9) is hermetically sealed by the hose element (7) in the unconnected state; - Pushing the pipe end (5) of the pipe (3) with the arranged hose element (7) into one end (25) of the medium guide line (21), the pipe (3) and the hose element (7) being dimensioned such that when pushed in of the pipe (3) with the arranged hose element (7), the hose element (7) is held between the pipe (3) and the medium guide line (21) to be connected, so that this is displaced by the insertion of the pipe (3), that the hose element (7) is pulled out of the through-channel (9) and releases the through-channel (9). Procedure according to Claim 7 , wherein the connector (1) is an adapter, the tube (3) has at least two tube ends (5), a tube element (7) being arranged on each of the tube ends (5), and the step of inserting comprising that the pipe ends (5) are each inserted into a corresponding end (25) of the medium guide lines (21). Procedure according to Claim 7 or 8th , wherein the tube (3) with the arranged hose element (7) is pushed deep into the medium guide line (21) to be connected until the end (25) of the medium guide line (21) to be connected is adjacent to a projection (26) on the outer side the outer surface (19) of the tube (3) is arranged. Procedure according to one of the Claims 7 to 9 , wherein the end (25) of the medium guide line (21) to be connected, which is to be connected to the connector (1), is closed in an unconnected state by means of a clamp (27) and the clamp (27) is opened after the pipe (3) of the connector (1) is completely connected to the medium guide line (21) to be connected.

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