DE102019217984A1 - Coupling element for a closed fluid transfer system, mating coupling element for such a coupling element and coupling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a coupling element (100) for a closed fluid transfer system, comprising: a coupling element housing (10) with a fluid connection (12) and a coupling side (13), the coupling element housing (10) extending from the fluid connection (12) in the direction of the Coupling side (13) extending longitudinal axis (L1), a mandrel (30) with at least one fluid opening (31), which is held in a mandrel receptacle (11) of the housing (10) arranged on the fluid connection (12) and extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L1) extends into the coupling element housing (10), the at least one fluid opening being arranged in an end section of the mandrel (30) facing the coupling side, a sealing element receptacle (20) arranged in the coupling element housing (10) on the coupling side, a sealing element ( 21), which is arranged in the sealing element receptacle (20) and, together with the sealing element receptacle (20), at least part of a coupling-side end face he of the coupling element (100), wherein the sealing element receptacle (20) with the sealing element (21) can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L1) between a position with a maximum distance from the fluid connection (12) and a position with a minimum distance from the fluid connection (12) and wherein the at least one fluid opening (31) is arranged in the sealing element (21) when the sealing element receptacle (20) with the sealing element (21) is in the position at the maximum distance from the fluid connection (12).

Description

The invention relates to a coupling element for a closed fluid transfer system, a counter coupling element for such a coupling element and a coupling system with such a coupling element and counter coupling element.

Various medicinal products can have a harmful effect on health if they are improperly contacted. For example, CMR drugs (cancerogen mutagen reprotoxic drugs), such as those used for cancer therapy, damage primarily high-growth tumor cells when used therapeutically. Many of these drugs have carcinogenic properties due to their mechanism of action. In order to prevent people not in therapy from coming into contact with CMR drugs, closed fluid transfer systems, so-called "Closed System Transfer Devices" (CSTD), are increasingly being used in the manufacture and administration of ready-to-use preparations. An important component of this closed fluid transfer system are coupling systems that enable the safe transfer of substances that are hazardous to health, such as CMR drugs, and which seal the connection dry after the connection has been disconnected, in order to protect the environment from contamination, for example through leakage or droplet formation on the surface of the coupling partner after disconnection the connection to protect.

Coupling systems of this type are generally associated with the terms "Dry Connection", "Automatic Self-Sealing Technology" or "Closed Connection" and are an essential part of the implementation of closed fluid transfer systems, which are used, among other things, for the adjustment and administration of application-ready CMR- Medicines are becoming more and more important.

However, known coupling systems are often complex in their handling or connection. In addition, some of the systems have a poor flow rate or, due to the non-constant pressure of the elastomer surfaces used, residues of the pharmaceuticals can still occur on the elastomer or coupling surfaces. Furthermore, the usual coupling systems are relatively large. The disinfectability of their coupling surfaces is moreover made more difficult, since at least one of the coupling partners has a coupling surface that is set back and therefore difficult to access.

In view of the disadvantages associated with the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a coupling element, a mating coupling element and a coupling system for a closed fluid transfer system that improve the safe transfer of a fluid in a closed fluid transfer system in a connected state and in a disconnected state minimize or prevent contamination of the environment.

The object according to the invention is achieved by a coupling element for a closed fluid transfer system according to claim 1, a mating coupling element according to claim 9 and a coupling system according to claim 15. Further advantageous refinements of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention, the coupling element for a closed fluid transfer system comprises a coupling element housing with a fluid connection and a coupling side, the coupling element housing having a longitudinal axis extending from the fluid connection in the direction of the coupling side, a mandrel with at least one fluid opening, which is located in a mandrel receptacle of the housing arranged on the fluid connection and extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis into the coupling element housing, the at least one fluid opening being arranged in an end section of the mandrel facing the coupling side, a sealing element receptacle arranged in the coupling element housing on the coupling side, a sealing element arranged in the sealing element receptacle and together with the sealing element receptacle forms at least part of a coupling-side end face of the coupling element, wherein the sealing element receptacle with the sealing element in the direction of the longitudinal axis z wiping a position with the maximum distance from the fluid connection and a position with the minimum distance from the fluid connection is movable, and wherein the at least one fluid opening is arranged in the sealing element when the sealing element receptacle with the sealing element is in the position with the maximum distance from the fluid connection.

The position of the sealing element receptacle at the maximum distance from the fluid connection corresponds to a position of the sealing element receptacle in the disconnected state without a mating coupling element engaging the coupling element. The position of the sealing element receptacle at a minimal distance from the fluid connection corresponds to a position of the sealing element receptacle in the connected state in which the mating coupling element is connected to the coupling element for secure fluid transfer. Alternatively, the position of the sealing element receptacle with a minimal distance from the fluid connection can also be a position with a smaller distance from the fluid connection than the distance in the connected state. In the sense of a safe Positioning the fluid opening of the mandrel in a mating coupling element, however, the position of the sealing element receptacle with a minimal distance, which corresponds to the position of the sealing element receptacle in the connected state, is sufficient.

By moving the sealing element receptacle, the sealing element is also moved relative to the mandrel in the direction of the longitudinal axis. It is thus also possible to differentiate between a position of the sealing element with a maximum distance from the fluid connection and a position of the sealing element with a minimum distance from the fluid connection. The above statements on the sealing element receptacle are accordingly equally applicable to the sealing element.

As a result of the configuration described, the fluid opening of the mandrel is either arranged in the sealing element of the coupling element or is introduced into the mating coupling element housing through the mating coupling element sealing element. Consequently, no fluid enters the coupling element housing section between the sealing element and the fluid connection or the mandrel receptacle from the fluid opening of the mandrel. The requirements for fluid tightness in this section can thus be reduced without increasing the risk of contamination overall or without disturbing the subsequent flow in the connected state.

In one embodiment, the end of the mandrel facing the coupling side, including the at least one fluid opening, is arranged in the sealing element when the sealing element receptacle with the sealing element is in the position at the maximum distance from the fluid connection.

Accordingly, the mandrel does not penetrate the coupling element sealing element on the coupling side either, so that the surface of the coupling element sealing element facing the coupling side reliably seals the interior of the coupling element housing.

In particular, the sealing element receptacle has at least one holding arm pointing in the direction of the coupling side, which protrudes beyond the sealing element in the direction of the coupling side and is designed to be able to engage in a first holding structure of a mating coupling element.

The holding arm of the coupling element is designed to correspond to the first holding structure of the mating coupling element. The coupling element and mating coupling element are preferably held in the connected state via the holding arm in cooperation with the first holding structure. In particular, the at least one holding arm and the corresponding first holding structure are configured in such a way that the mutually facing surfaces of the coupling element sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element are pressed against one another with a predetermined compressive force in order to be able to ensure fluid tightness.

Since the holding arm of the coupling element protrudes beyond the sealing element in the direction of the coupling side, the holding arm can also be used to guide the mating coupling element in order to contact it with the coupling element.

The at least one holding arm can protrude in the shape of a ring beyond the sealing element or else only be designed in sections. If the holding arm is designed only in sections, the surface of the sealing element facing the coupling side is not covered over the entire circumference by the holding arm. The surface of the sealing element facing the coupling side and the surfaces adjoining it are therefore more easily accessible for disinfection. On the other hand, the mating coupling element is held uniformly circumferentially via an annular holding arm and thus a uniform compressive force is built up with which the mutually facing surfaces of the coupling element sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element are pressed against each other

In particular, the at least one holding arm has at least one snap hook, in particular at its end facing the coupling side.

The holding arm of the sealing element receptacle can easily engage in the first holding structure of the mating coupling element via the snap hook. In addition, this results in a predetermined holding position in a connected state. Alternatively, the holding arm can also comprise an internally threaded section pointing inward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element, so that the coupling element can be screwed onto the counter-coupling element via a corresponding externally threaded section of the counter-coupling element. In this way, the surface pressure of the mutually facing surfaces of the coupling element sealing element and of the mating coupling element sealing element can be adapted.

In one embodiment, at least two opposing holding arms are provided.

Comparable to an annular design of the holding arm, at least two holding arms enable uniform holding and opposite a holding arm, which is only provided in sections, a more even surface pressure. In addition, the mating coupling element cannot tilt away from the coupling element. The use of more than two holding arms can further support the uniform holding, the uniform surface pressure and the guidance of the mating coupling element in a connected state. Instead of an annular design of the holding arm, several holding arms distributed in sections have the advantage that between them the surface of the sealing element facing the coupling side as well as the adjoining surfaces are more easily accessible for disinfection.

In a further development, the at least one holding arm has a projection which points radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis and which corresponds to a projection of the coupling element housing which points radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Accordingly, the projection of the holding arm pointing radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis can only overcome the projection of the coupling element housing pointing radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis in a state in which the holding arm is moved radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis. In particular, the insertion section of the mating coupling element is configured in such a way that the inward movement of the holding arm over the outer contour of the insertion section of the mating coupling element is prevented until the mutually facing surfaces of the coupling element sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element meet, in particular have a predetermined surface pressure. In this position, the holding arm of the sealing element receptacle can engage in the first holding structure of the mating coupling element and thus be moved radially inward, as it were, by the first holding structure, which is located radially further inward with respect to the longitudinal axis. Accordingly, the first holding structure of the counter-coupling element is to be designed in such a way that the holding arm engages in engagement with the first holding structure by at least the amount required to overcome the projection of the coupling element housing. The projection of the coupling element housing forms an inner diameter of the coupling element housing which extends further in the direction of the fluid connection in order to maintain the state in which the at least holding arm engages in the first holding structure when the sealing element receptacle moves in the direction of the fluid connection. The inner diameter accordingly extends at least over the axial movement path with respect to the longitudinal axis of the radially outwardly pointing projection of the at least one holding arm. The inner diameter can also change over this movement path as long as the at least one holding arm is held in the first holding structure. The inner diameter can also only be configured in sections, even if the at least one holding arm is only configured in sections and not in the form of a ring. Thus, the at least one partially designed holding arm is guided like in a groove during a movement in the direction of the fluid connection as in a groove by the sectional inside diameter, which corresponds in its tangential width with respect to the longitudinal axis to the tangential width of the partially designed holding arm and is thus against twisting secured.

The projection of the coupling element housing that points radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis is in particular in a position on the with respect to the radially outwardly directed projection in which the sealing element receptacle is in the position at the maximum distance from the fluid connection. In this case, only a section of the coupling element housing, which comprises the projection, preferably protrudes beyond the surface of the coupling element sealing element facing the coupling side. As explained for the holding arm, this can improve the accessibility for disinfection.

In one embodiment, the sealing element receptacle has at an end facing the fluid connection at least one protrusion pointing radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis, which corresponds to a protrusion of the coupling element housing pointing radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Accordingly, the projection of the coupling element housing pointing radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis forms a stop for the sealing element receptacle, so that the sealing element receptacle is in the position at the maximum distance from the fluid connection when the projection of the coupling element housing is reached. In this way, not only can the position of the sealing element receptacle be defined at the maximum distance from the fluid connection, but the sealing element receptacle becomes at least one projection pointing radially outward in relation to the longitudinal axis with the projection radially in relation to the longitudinal axis via the interaction of its end facing the fluid connection inwardly pointing projection of the coupling element housing held in the coupling element housing. Here, too, the respective projections can each be configured in a ring shape or in sections.

As an alternative or in addition, the projection pointing radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis can be provided on the fluid connection facing end of the sealing element receptacle also correspond to a projection of the coupling element housing that points radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis, so that the sealing element receptacle is held in a connected state. In this way, an unintentional separation of the mating coupling element in the connected state from the coupling element can be prevented. If such a configuration is additionally provided, the coupling element housing can have at least two projections pointing radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis axially one behind the other, in particular the inwardly pointing projection of the coupling element housing of the at least two projections for engaging the radially outwardly pointing projection of the sealing element receptacle is provided in the connected state. Likewise, the radially outwardly pointing projection of the sealing element receptacle provided for holding in the connected state does not have to be formed by the radially outwardly pointing projection for holding the sealing element receptacle in the coupling element housing, but can be provided as a further radially outwardly pointing projection.

In a further development, the coupling element housing has at least one coupling element housing holding arm which is designed to hold the sealing element receptacle in the position at a minimal distance from the fluid connection.

For this purpose, the coupling element housing holding arm engages in a corresponding holding structure of the counter coupling element, which is formed by the first holding structure of the counter coupling element or a second holding structure of the counter coupling element. Alternatively, the coupling element housing holding arm can also engage in a third holding structure formed by the sealing element receptacle. The coupling element housing holding arm engages in the first, second or third holding structure when the sealing element receptacle is in the position with the minimum distance. In this position, when the coupling element is coupled to a mating coupling element, the fluid opening of the end of the mandrel facing the coupling side is at least partially arranged on a side of the mating coupling element sealing element facing the mating coupling element fluid connection. This state corresponds to a connected state in which a fluid can be exchanged between the coupling element and the mating coupling element.

According to the above statements, the coupling element can have at least two connection stages. The first connection takes place via the engagement of the holding arm of the sealing element receptacle of the coupling element in the first holding structure of the mating coupling element in a position in which the mutually facing surfaces of the sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element are pressed against each other with a predetermined compressive force in order to be able to ensure fluid tightness. This position essentially corresponds to the position of the sealing element receptacle with a minimal distance from the fluid connection. The second connection is then made by moving the sealing element receptacle in the direction of the fluid connection up to a position in which the coupling element housing holding arm engages in the first, second or third holding structure. This position corresponds to a connected state and is in particular the position of the sealing element receptacle with a minimal distance from the fluid connection. As described above, the fluid opening of the mandrel in this state for fluid exchange is at least partially, preferably completely, arranged on a side of the mating coupling element sealing element facing the mating coupling element fluid connection.

The invention is also directed to a mating coupling element for coupling with the coupling element according to the invention, comprising: a mating coupling element housing with a mating coupling element fluid connection and a mating coupling side, wherein the mating coupling element housing has a mating coupling element housing extending from the mating coupling element fluid connection in the direction of the mating coupling side, and a mating coupling element housing in the longitudinal axis of the mating coupling element is arranged and together with the mating coupling element housing forms at least part of a mating coupling-side end face of the mating coupling element.

The surface of the mating coupling element sealing element facing the mating coupling element has, in particular with respect to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis, a radial extent that is greater than the diameter of the mandrel in the area where the mandrel of the coupling element is received by the mating coupling element, so that the mandrel, in particular the fluid opening of the mandrel during whose penetration of the mating coupling element sealing element is sealed radially.

In one development, the mating coupling element housing has at least one first holding structure on an outer surface that is radial in relation to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis.

Via the first holding structure, the mating coupling element can be in a position in which the mutually facing surfaces of the sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element are pressed against one another with a predetermined compressive force, and / or are held in a connected state. Such a first holding structure is preferably provided on an outer surface of the mating coupling element housing that is radial with respect to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis and is located between the surface of the mating coupling element sealing element facing the mating coupling element and the mating coupling element fluid connection. Accordingly, disinfection of the surface of the mating coupling element sealing element facing the mating coupling side is not hindered by the holding structure.

In particular, the first holding structure is formed via at least one projection which points radially outward with respect to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis and which in particular forms the counter-coupling-side insertion section of the counter-coupling element housing.

The section of the projection facing the counter-coupling element fluid connection thus forms a shoulder into which a holding unit of the coupling element corresponding to this, such as the holding arm listed below, can engage.

In one embodiment, the first holding structure is designed such that the at least one holding arm of the sealing element receptacle and / or the at least one coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element can engage in the first holding structure.

If the at least one holding arm of the sealing element receptacle engages in the holding structure, the mating coupling element is held via the engagement in a position in which the mutually facing surfaces of the sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element are pressed against each other with a predetermined compressive force. If the at least one coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element engages in the first holding structure, the mating coupling element is held in a connected state. The first holding structure can, however, also be designed in such a way that both the at least one holding arm of the sealing element receptacle and the at least one coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element engage in the first holding structure. Accordingly, the at least one holding arm of the sealing element receptacle first engages in the first holding structure and the at least one coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element is in a position in which it also engages in the first holding structure when the sealing element receptacle with the mating coupling element is in the position of the connected state, in particular a position of the sealing element receptacle with a minimal distance from the fluid connection was moved. This makes it possible to provide a holding structure for different interventions, so that the structure of the counter-coupling element is simplified.

The coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element can also engage indirectly in the first holding structure via the holding arm of the sealing element receptacle. In this case, the at least one holding arm of the sealing element receptacle and the at least one coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element are tangentially essentially the same in position.

In a further development, the first holding structure is designed in such a way that the at least one holding arm of the coupling element can engage in the first holding structure, and the mating coupling element housing has at least one second holding structure on a radial outer surface with respect to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis, into which the at least one coupling element housing holding arm engages can.

In such a case, the first and second holding structure can have different tangential engagement sections, which are provided for the respective engagement, in a substantially same axial position with respect to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis. The different engagement sections have different contouring in the area of the different engagement sections. In this case, the at least one holding arm of the sealing element receptacle and the at least one coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element are arranged tangentially offset to one another.

The mating coupling element housing can accordingly have two holding structures, each of which is separated from one another in the tangential direction for different interventions. Depending on the configuration, corresponding coupling position alignments of the mating coupling element with respect to the coupling element can be specified here by the section-wise formation of the first and / or second holding structure.

In a further development, the at least one first holding structure and the at least one second holding structure are arranged at different axial positions in relation to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis.

The first and second holding structures can each be provided in their respective axial position in sections or continuously around the respective circumference of the outer surface of the mating coupling element housing. The coupling position alignments of the Counter-coupling element relative to the coupling element can be predetermined or freely selectable.

In particular, the first holding structure is closer to the mating coupling side in its axial position than the second holding structure. Thus, the second holding structure does not form an interfering contour when the mating coupling element moves into the coupling housing. It can accordingly be avoided that a component of the coupling element inadvertently engages prematurely in the second holding structure, although a connected state has not yet been reached and possibly also prevents the connected state from being reached.

The invention is also directed to a coupling system for a closed fluid transfer system which comprises at least one coupling element according to the invention and at least one mating coupling element according to the invention, the coupling system being configured in such a way that the fluid opening of the coupling element is in a state connected to the mating coupling element, in which the sealing element receptacle is is in the position at a minimal distance from the fluid connection of the coupling element, is at least partially arranged on a side of the mating coupling element sealing element of the mating coupling element facing the mating coupling element fluid connection.

The advantages of the coupling system result analogously to the advantages mentioned for the coupling element and mating coupling element. In particular, the mandrel or the fluid opening of the mandrel penetrates the coupling-side facing surface of the sealing element of the coupling element only when the mating coupling element is held by the at least one holding arm of the coupling element in a position in which the mutually facing surfaces of the sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element with a predetermined pressure force are pressed against each other. A fluid tightness can thus be guaranteed before the mandrel or the fluid opening of the mandrel for fluid exchange is no longer sealed by the sealing element.

Features, usefulness and advantages of the invention are also described below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

• 1 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines Kupplungselements in einer Ebene parallel zur Längsachse des Kupplungselements gemäß einer exemplarischen ersten Ausführungsform des Kupplungselements im dekonnektierten Zustand;
• 2 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines Gegenkupplungselements in einer Ebene parallel zur Gegenkupplungselementlängsachse des Gegenkupplungselements gemäß einer exemplarischen ersten Ausführungsform des Gegenkupplungselements im dekonnektierten Zustand; sowie
• 3 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines Kupplungssystems in einer Ebene parallel zur Längsachse bzw. Gegenkupplungselementlängsachse gemäß der exemplarischen ersten Ausführungsformen des Kupplungselements und des Gegenkupplungselements im konnektierten Zustand.
• 4 eine Übersicht aller Außenansichten des Kupplungssystems gemäß den 1 bis 3 sowie die Schnittansichten entlang der Schnittlinien A-A und B-B, eine perspektivische Ansicht und eine Explosionsdarstellung im dekonnektierten Zustand;
• 5 eine Übersicht aller Außenansichten des Kupplungssystems gemäß den 1 bis 3 sowie die Schnittansichten entlang der Schnittlinien A-A und B-B im konnektierten Zustand.

It shows

• 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling element in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element according to an exemplary first embodiment of the coupling element in the disconnected state;
• 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a mating coupling element in a plane parallel to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis of the mating coupling element according to an exemplary first embodiment of the mating coupling element in the disconnected state; as
• 3rd a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling system in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis or counter-coupling element longitudinal axis according to the exemplary first embodiments of the coupling element and the counter-coupling element in the connected state.
• 4th an overview of all external views of the coupling system according to the 1 to 3rd and the sectional views along the section lines AA and BB, a perspective view and an exploded view in the disconnected state;
• 5 an overview of all external views of the coupling system according to the 1 to 3rd and the sectional views along the section lines AA and BB in the connected state.

1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling element 100 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the coupling element 100 that differs from a fluid connector 12th towards one coupling side 13th of the coupling element housing 10 extends. Next to the coupling element housing 10 comprises the coupling element 100 a sealing element holder 20th , in the one on the clutch side 13th facing side of the sealing element holder 20th a sealing element 21 is arranged and together with the sealing element receptacle 20th at least part of a coupling-side end face of the coupling element 100 trains, as well as a thorn 30th with at least one fluid opening 31 in one on the fluid connection 12th arranged mandrel holder 11 of the housing 10 is held and in the direction of the longitudinal axis L1 in the coupling element housing 10 extends into it, wherein the at least one fluid opening in an end portion of the mandrel facing the coupling side 30th is arranged. The sealing element receptacle is in the disconnected state shown 20th in a position at a maximum distance from the fluid connection and the at least one fluid opening 31 is in the disconnected state in the sealing element 21 arranged.

In addition, the sealing element receptacle 20th at its end facing the fluid connection one with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 radially outwardly pointing projection 25th on, which is on one with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 radially inwardly pointing projection 15th of the coupling element housing 10 rests. This stop is the Position of the sealing element holder 20th with the maximum distance from the fluid connection, which here corresponds to the disconnected state.

The sealing element receptacle also has second holding arms 22nd on that in the direction of the clutch side 13th about the sealing element 21 protrude and are designed to be in a first holding structure 43 a mating coupling element 200 ( 2 ) to intervene. For this purpose, each holding arm includes 22nd on his the clutch side 13th facing end each have a snap hook pointing radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis 22a . To move the sealing element receptacle out of the position at the maximum distance from the fluid connection 12th to prevent without the mating coupling element 200 has been properly inserted is on each of the coupling side 13th facing end of the holding arms 22nd one with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 radially outwardly pointing projection 22b provided to one with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 radially inwardly pointing projection 14th of the coupling element housing 10 corresponds. In other words, the respective holding arm-side projection is located 22b on one of the fluid connection 12th facing side initially, so in the position of the sealing element receptacle 20th with the maximum distance to the fluid connection 12th on the projection on the coupling element housing side 14th on.

2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mating coupling element 200 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mating coupling element L2 of the mating coupling element 200 extending from a mating coupling element fluid port 41 of the counter element coupling housing 40 in the direction of a mating coupling side 42 extends. Next to the mating coupling element housing 40 comprises the mating coupling element 200 a mating coupling element sealing element 50 that is in the mating coupling element housing 40 is arranged and together with the mating coupling element housing 40 at least part of a counter-coupling-side end face of the counter-coupling element 200 trains.

In the in 2 The embodiment shown has that of the mating coupling side 42 facing end of the mating coupling element housing 40 following the counter-coupling-side end face in the direction of the counter-coupling element fluid connection 41 an introductory section 44 on. The introductory section 44 is by one in relation to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis L2 and with respect to one in the direction of the counter-coupling element fluid connection 41 the introductory section 44 subsequent section of the mating coupling element housing 40 formed radially outwardly facing projection. The shoulder formed in this way embodies the holding structure 43 into which the holding arms 22nd the sealing element holder 20th of the coupling element 100 can intervene. Through the embodiment of the mating coupling element shown and described 200 is for example the counter-coupling-side end face of the counter-coupling element 200 freely accessible for disinfection.

The 3rd shows the coupling element described above 100 and the corresponding mating coupling element 200 in a coupling system 300 in the connected state, in which the sealing element receptacle 20th of the coupling element 100 in a position with a minimal distance to the fluid connection 12th is located, and the fluid port 31 of the thorn 30th on one of the mating coupling element fluid port 41 facing side of the mating coupling element sealing element 50 of the mating coupling element 200 is arranged.

Before the coupling system 300 is explained in more detail in the connected state, the procedure for introducing the mating coupling element is first described below 200 in the coupling element 100 described. here it is irrelevant whether the mating coupling element 200 towards the coupling element 100 is moved or vice versa. Based on an assumed movement of the mating coupling element 200 in the direction of the fluid connection 12th of the coupling element 100 along the longitudinal axis of the mating coupling element L2 or the longitudinal axis L1 becomes the introductory section 44 in between the holding arms 22nd of the sealing element 21 formed space introduced. The diameter of the insertion section is dimensioned such that the holding arms 22nd , specifically the radially outwardly pointing projection 22b of the respective holding arms 22nd , cannot be moved radially inward, around the radially inward-facing projection 14th of the coupling element housing 10 to overcome. The introductory section 44 Alternatively to a correspondingly dimensioned diameter, only correspondingly dimensioned sections in the area of the holding arms can also be used 22nd exhibit. The introductory section 44 with the protruding diameter extends in relation to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis L2 axially over a length that corresponds to the movement path starting at the snap hook 22a in the direction of the fluid connection 12th until it reaches a position in which the mutually facing surfaces of the sealing element 21 and the mating coupling element sealing element 50 be pressed against each other with a predetermined pressure to ensure fluid tightness. By referring to the introductory section 44 to the mating coupling element 200 described first support structure 43 can use the snap hook 22a when the above fluid-tight position of the surfaces is reached, the surfaces are now moved radially inward, so that the projections pointing radially outward 22b the radial after inwardly pointing protrusion 14th or in the case of a section-wise design, the radial projections 14 of the coupling element housing 10 can overcome. This is done by moving the mating coupling element further 200 and thus the sealing element holder 20th in the direction of the fluid connection 12th . To make it easier to overcome the protrusion pointing radially inwards 14th or the radially inwardly pointing projections 14th have this or this and the radially outwardly pointing projections 22b in relation to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis L2 or longitudinal axis L1 mutually corresponding beveled bearing surfaces. Because of the radially inwardly pointing projection 14th reduced diameter, also only in sections in the area of the holding arms 22nd can be formed, extending at least over a length that corresponds to the movement path of the holding arms 22nd until the connected state is reached, here a position of the sealing element receptacle 20th with a minimum distance from the fluid connection, the holding arms are 22nd held in a position in which the snap hooks 22a into the holding structure 43 engage so that the lead-in section 44 is held in the position in which the facing surfaces of the sealing element 21 and the mating coupling element sealing element 50 are pressed against each other with a predetermined compressive force.

The mating coupling element 200 is now so far further into the coupling element 100 moved in until the in 3rd The connected state of the coupling system shown 300 is achieved. The sealing element holder is in the connected state 20th in the illustrated embodiment in a position with a minimal distance to the fluid connection 12th . The minimum distance between the sealing element holder 20th for fluid connection 12th in the connected state results from the engagement of the in relation to the longitudinal axis L1 radially outwardly facing projection 25th at the end of the sealing element receptacle facing the fluid connection 20th into the further protrusion pointing radially inward 16 of the coupling element housing 10 . As an alternative or in addition, the connected state can take place by engaging at least one coupling element holding arm, not shown here, in a second holding structure of the mating coupling element, also not shown. The at least one coupling element holding arm is to the holding arms 22nd with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 tangentially offset and tangentially formed only in sections in order to use the sealing element 21 towards the clutch side 13th With the above configuration, there is still improved accessibility to the surface of the sealing element facing the coupling side 21 to enable disinfection or the like.

When connected, it penetrates the clutch side 13th facing end of the mandrel 30th with the fluid port 31 the sealing element 21 and the mating coupling element sealing element 50 so that the fluid opening on one of the mating coupling element fluid connection 41 facing side of the mating coupling element sealing element 50 is arranged. The fluid opening is through the sealing element until this state is reached 21 and the mating coupling element sealing element 50 securely sealed so that no fluid can escape to the outside.

When the coupling system is decoupled 300 from the connected state, the at least one coupling element holding arm and the mating coupling element are first released from the second holding structure 200 moved in the opposite direction to the introduction, so from the fluid connection 12th moved away. This is the introductory section 44 of the mating coupling element as long as in the position in the mutually facing surfaces of the sealing element 21 and the mating coupling element sealing element 50 are pressed against each other with a predetermined pressure via the snap hooks 22a held until the respective radially outwardly facing projection 22b from the radially inwardly pointing projection 14th is moved out, so that the respective radially outwardly pointing projection 22b no longer with the corresponding first holding structure 43 is engaged. The coupling element 100 is configured so that in this position the sealing element holder 20th the end of the mandrel facing the coupling side 30th and thus the fluid opening 31 completely in the sealing element again 21 is arranged. Possible drops at this end of the mandrel are previously at the counter-coupling element fluid connection 41 facing surface of the mating coupling element sealing element 50 stripped. Because the facing surfaces of the sealing element 21 and the mating coupling element sealing element 50 before the end of the engagement of the snap hook 22a with the first support structure 43 are pressed against one another with a predetermined pressure force, that is to say until a point in time at which the end of the mandrel facing the coupling side 30th and thus the fluid opening 31 completely in the sealing element again 21 is arranged, have the mutually facing surfaces of the sealing element 21 and the mating coupling element sealing element 50 also no traces of the clutch system 300 to be exchanged fluids.

The 4th and 5 show the embodiment described above for the coupling system again in an overview of all views in the disconnected state according to FIG 4th and in the connected state according to 5 . This results in further design features of the embodiment described.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described. The coupling element does not have to have a coupling element housing arm, for example, and the connected state may or may not be held by other additional elements, such as a clamping ring. In addition, the holding arms described for the coupling element can also be formed by the mating coupling element, which then in turn engage in holding structures of the coupling element. The mandrel of the coupling element can also have more than one fluid opening. In addition, a relative movement of the mandrel can also be provided, as long as this does not impair the fluid-tight states described.

List of reference symbols

10

Coupling element housing

11

Mandrel holder

12th

Fluid connection

13th

Clutch side

14th

radially inwardly pointing projection

15th

radially inwardly pointing projection

16

radially inwardly pointing projection

20th

Sealing element holder

21

Sealing element

22nd

Holding arm

22a

Snap hook

22b

radially outwardly pointing projection

25th

radially outward projection

30th

mandrel

31

Fluid opening

40

Mating coupling element housing

41

Counter-coupling element fluid connection

42

Mating coupling side

43

first support structure

44

Introductory section

50

Mating coupling element sealing element

100

Coupling element

200

Mating coupling element

300

Coupling system

L1

Longitudinal axis (coupling element)

L2

Mating coupling element longitudinal axis

Claims (15)

A coupling element (100) for a closed fluid transfer system comprising: a coupling element housing (10) with a fluid connection (12) and a coupling side (13), the coupling element housing (10) having a longitudinal axis (L1) extending from the fluid connection (12) in the direction of the coupling side (13), a mandrel (30) with at least one fluid opening (31), which is held in a mandrel receptacle (11) of the housing (10) arranged on the fluid connection (12) and extends into the coupling element housing (10) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L1) , wherein the at least one fluid opening is arranged in an end section of the mandrel (30) facing the coupling side, a sealing element receptacle (20) arranged in the coupling element housing (10) on the coupling side, a sealing element (21) which is arranged in the sealing element receptacle (20) and, together with the sealing element receptacle (20), forms at least part of a coupling-side end face of the coupling element (100), wherein the sealing element receptacle (20) with the sealing element (21) can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L1) between a position with a maximum distance from the fluid connection (12) and a position with a minimum distance from the fluid connection (12), and wherein the at least one fluid opening (31) is arranged in the sealing element (21) when the sealing element receptacle (20) with the sealing element (21) is in the position at the maximum distance from the fluid connection (12). Coupling element (100) according to Claim 1 , the end of the mandrel (30) facing the coupling side (13), including the at least one fluid opening (31), being arranged in the sealing element (21) when the sealing element receptacle (20) with the sealing element (21) is in the position with maximum distance to the fluid connection (12). Coupling element (100) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the sealing element receptacle (20) has at least one holding arm (22) pointing in the direction of the coupling side (13), which protrudes over the sealing element (21) in the direction of the coupling side (13) and is designed to be inserted into a first holding structure (43) a mating coupling element (200) to be able to intervene. Coupling element (100) according to Claim 3 wherein the at least one holding arm (22) has at least one snap hook (22a), in particular at its end facing the coupling side (13). Coupling element (100) according to Claim 3 or 4th , wherein at least two opposing holding arms (22) are provided. Coupling element (100) according to one of the Claims 3 to 5 , wherein the at least one holding arm (22) has a projection (22b) pointing radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) which leads to a projection (14) of the coupling element housing (14) pointing radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1). 10) corresponds. Coupling element (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , the sealing element receptacle (20) having at an end facing the fluid connection (12) at least one projection (25) pointing radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1), which protrudes radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) pointing projection (15, 16) of the coupling element housing (10) corresponds. Coupling element (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th wherein the coupling element housing (10) has at least one coupling element housing holding arm which is designed to hold the sealing element receptacle (20) in the position with a minimal distance from the fluid connection (12). Counter-coupling element (200) for coupling with a coupling element (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , comprising: a mating coupling element housing (40) with a mating coupling element fluid connection (41) and a mating coupling side (42), the mating coupling element housing (40) having a mating coupling element longitudinal axis extending from the mating coupling element fluid connection (41) in the direction of the mating coupling side (42), as well as (L2) a mating coupling element sealing element (50) which is arranged in the mating coupling element housing (40) and together with the mating coupling element housing (40) forms at least part of a mating coupling-side end face of the mating coupling element (200). Mating coupling element (200) after Claim 9 wherein the mating coupling element housing (40) has at least one first holding structure (43) on a radial outer surface with respect to the mating coupling element longitudinal axis (L2). Mating coupling element (200) after Claim 10 , wherein the first holding structure (43) is formed via at least one projection which points radially outward in relation to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis (L2) and which in particular forms the counter-coupling-side insertion section (44) of the counter-coupling element housing (40). Mating coupling element (200) after Claim 10 or 11 , wherein the first holding structure (43) of the sealing element receptacle (20) is designed such that the at least one holding arm (22) and / or the at least one coupling element housing holding arm of the coupling element (100) can engage in the first holding structure (43). Mating coupling element (200) after Claim 12 , wherein the first holding structure (43) is designed in such a way that the at least one holding arm (22) of the coupling element (100) can engage in the first holding structure (43), and the mating coupling element housing (40) on a longitudinal axis ( L2) radial outer surface has at least one second holding structure in which the at least one coupling element housing holding arm can engage. Mating coupling element (200) after Claim 13 wherein the at least one first holding structure (43) and the at least one second holding structure are arranged at different axial positions in relation to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis (L2). A coupling system (300) for a closed fluid transfer system, comprising at least one coupling element (100) according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th and at least one mating coupling element (200) according to one of the Claims 9 to 14th , the coupling system (300) being configured in such a way that the fluid opening (31) of the coupling element (100) is in a state connected to the mating coupling element (200) in which the sealing element receptacle (20) is in the position with the minimum distance from the fluid connection ( 12) of the coupling element (100) is located, at least partially on a side of the mating coupling element sealing element (50) of the mating coupling element (200) facing the mating coupling element fluid connection (41).

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