EP4072647A1

EP4072647A1 - Connector, system with connector and hose line, and method for connecting a connector to a hose line

Info

Publication number: EP4072647A1
Application number: EP20824472.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christoph Otto; Rolof Gräper; Christof SCHLITT
Original assignee: B Braun Melsungen AG
Current assignee: B Braun Melsungen AG
Priority date: 2019-12-10
Filing date: 2020-12-08
Publication date: 2022-10-19
Also published as: CN114761066A; WO2021116070A1; BR112022010863A2; US20230001176A1; DE102019219245A1

Abstract

Connector (1, 11, 21) for connecting a hose line (200) to an attachment element (100). The connector (1, 11, 21) comprises a housing (2) which has a coupling portion (21, 71, 81), wherein the coupling portion (21, 71, 81) is configured to be connectable to a complementary connection portion (121) of the attachment element (100) in an at least substantially fluid-tight manner. The connector (1, 11, 21) moreover comprises a hose attachment part (3) which is configured to be connectable on the one hand to a hose line (200) and on the other hand to the housing (2), in order to produce a fluidic connection between the hose line (3) and the coupling portion (21, 71, 81) of the housing (2). The housing (2) comprises at least one polyolefin.

Description

Connector, system with connector and hose line as well as method for connecting a connector to a hose line

The invention relates to a connector for connecting a hose line to a connection element, a system comprising such a connector and a hose line, and a method for connecting a connector to a hose line.

Giving infusions is a common method of administering medication, vitamins, nutrients, etc. to a human or an animal.

To administer an infusion, a hose line is regularly connected to another hose line or to another device such as a valve. Furthermore, one end of a hose line is usually connected to a venous catheter. The connections are often so-called Luer connections. Such connections are not only common in infusion technology, but also in other areas of medicine (e.g. transfusion technology, dialysis technology, etc.). The present invention is therefore not restricted to applications in infusion technology, but also relates to other technical areas.

The structure of the components of a Luer connection is standardized in relevant standards, for example ISO 80369-7. The principle of the Luer connection is based on the fact that a Luer outer cone ("male") is inserted into a Luer inner cone ("female"). In the case of a connection of the "Luer-Slip" type, the outer cone is held in the inner cone by the surface pressing. In the case of a connection of the "Luer-Lock" type, a threaded structure with a standardized design is also provided, via which the components of the connection are screwed together. In addition to the Luer connections, other connection geometries are available on the market and standardized in the corresponding standards. These are also, for example, plug-in connections or screw connections in which, instead of male and female cones, cylindrical connection structures are plugged into one another.

It is important that a Luer connection or a connection with a different geometry can be closed smoothly before use in the course of an infusion, transfusion or other medical activity and that it is reliably tight during this application. In addition, it may be desirable that it can be easily removed again during or after this application.

If a hose line is to be connected to a further element of the infusion system, which is hereinafter referred to as a "connection element", via such a connection, the hose line can be connected to a connector. This connector is intended to be connected to the connection element so that a liquid can flow from the hose line via the connector into the connection element.

The geometry of the components of such a connector is based on the one hand on the values specified in the standards and on the other hand on ergonomic aspects. For example, the grip area is to be designed in such a way that it can be securely gripped with the hand, in particular between the thumb and forefinger. Conversely, the components should be as small and light as possible. For example, patients find it annoying when a venous catheter is connected to a large and therefore heavy connector.

Conventional connectors of this type are glued to the hose lines. For this purpose, they preferably consist of a plastic which can be glued to the hose lines using organic solvents. This type of bonding is known as "solvent bonding". In this case, at least one of the parts to be bonded is treated with an organic solvent and made tacky in a surface area by the solvent. This kind of Gluing can be done quickly and easily by both manual and automatic production. Solvent bonding is therefore an inexpensive bonding method. In connections using these conventional connectors, there are often stresses that increase the torque required to loosen the connection. Therefore, this torque can only be applied manually with effort or not at all. This torque is particularly large if the connector and / or the connection element have been wetted with infusion liquid, disinfectant or another liquid during connection. Tools (for example pliers) then often have to be used to loosen the connection, which on the one hand is time-consuming and on the other hand involves the risk of damage. Damage to the infusion set can, for example, result in the infusion fluid, which can contain cytotoxic drugs, leaking out in an uncontrolled manner.

In connectors made of polyolefins, there are usually significantly lower stresses, even if they have been wetted with a liquid before being connected. As a result, connectors made of polyolefins can easily be separated again from the respective connection element. In addition, polyolefins have a high chemical resistance, so that damage such as stress cracking can be reduced or even prevented even with highly concentrated drugs. However, it is difficult to glue polyolefins to the hose line material. In particular, polyolefins cannot be glued or not reliably glued by solvents. This requires other adhesives, such as acrylate-based adhesives, which increases the material costs and the time required to connect the connectors to hose lines. This is particularly true when the connectors are manually connected to hose lines. Furthermore, it may be necessary to provide a pin or other projection on the housing of the connector, onto which the hose line has to be pushed for gluing. This is particularly the case when the technique of solvent bonding is not available. The connector becomes relatively large and heavy due to the pin. One object of the invention is to provide an improved connector for connecting a hose line to a connection element, in particular a connector which reduces or avoids the disadvantages described above and provides better convenience for users and / or

Patient offers. It is particularly desirable to provide a connector which can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner and which nevertheless does not tend to be distorted when it is connected to a connection element, so that simple and safe handling is made possible. Another object of the invention is to provide a system with such a connector and a

Provide hose line. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for connecting a connector to a hose line.

These objects are achieved by a connector according to claim 1, a system according to claim 16 and a method according to claim 17. Advantageous

Refinements of the invention emerge in particular from the subclaims. The features cited in the subclaims and the following description relating to the subject matter of one claim category can also be used to design the subject matter of another claim category.

The connector according to the invention is a connector for connecting a hose line to a connection element. The connector comprises a housing which has a coupling section. The coupling section is designed to be connectable to a complementary connection section of the connection element at least essentially in a fluid-tight manner. The connector further comprises a hose connection part which is set up to be connectable on the one hand to a hose line and on the other hand to the housing in order to establish a fluid connection between the hose line and the coupling section of the housing. The housing comprises at least one polyolefin.

The term "include" is understood not only in its narrow meaning in the sense of "spatially enclose", "spatially enclose" etc., but also in its general meaning in the sense of "have", "contain" etc. Example that the housing is formed from a polyolefin-containing material or only from polyolefin, at least in the area in which it is to come into contact with the connection element, ie in particular in the coupling section, but can also mean that the entire housing material consists of a polyolefin-containing material or is formed only from polyolefin.

The connection element and the hose line are not part of the connector according to the invention per se. However, the connector according to the invention is configured in such a way that it can be connected to, or can be connected to, a hose line of a predefined diameter and a connection element of a predefined connecting geometry, such as a venous catheter.

The term "connection element" denotes a component which is to be connected to the hose line, in particular to introduce a liquid from the hose line into this component or, conversely, to introduce a liquid from this component into a hose line - depending on whether the connector is in the flow direction seen at the end or at the beginning of the hose line is arranged. The connection element can be a venous catheter, for example. However, the connection element can also be, for example, a coupling element complementary to the connector, which can be connected to a further hose line in order to couple the two hose lines to one another.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in attaching a first connector according to the invention to a first hose line and attaching a second connector to a second hose line. The second connector can also be a connector according to the invention. The first connector and the second connector can be connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner. This connects the two hose lines to one another.

The connector according to the invention has a housing with a coupling section. The coupling section is designed to be at least substantially fluid-tight with a complementary connecting section of the connection element to be connectable. This means that the coupling section has a shape or structure which is complementary to a connecting section of the connection element. This makes it possible to bring the coupling section and the connecting section into contact or engagement with one another, so that an at least substantially fluid-tight connection is obtained.

The connector according to the invention is ideally suited as part of a flexible modular system which is suitable for connecting different components of an infusion system, a transfusion system, a dialysis system and comparable devices. A hose line which is connected at one end to the hose connection part can namely be connected to different components at the other end. Furthermore, different components (i.e. connection elements) can be connected to the coupling portion of the connector. In addition, it is conceivable to put hose lines on the market that are already connected to the hose connector at one end or at both ends.

The phrase “essentially fluid-tight connection” expresses the fact that the connection has no or at least no significant leakage under the pressure conditions prevailing for the respective application.

An example of the coupling section of the housing of the connector is a Luer cone corresponding to the design according to the ISO 80369-7 standard. The coupling section of the housing can be a male Luer cone which is matched to a female Luer cone of the connection element. The

Conversely, the coupling section of the housing can also be a female Luer cone which is matched to a male Luer cone of the connection element. In both cases, a thread structure can be provided through which the housing and the connection element can be screwed to one another (ie connected to one another by a screw connection) in order to hold the male Luer cone securely in the female Luer cone. According to the invention, the connector is at least in two parts, so that the individual parts can be made from specifically different materials. This allows the advantageous properties of the various materials to be used and the disadvantages associated with the materials to be reduced or avoided.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the hose connector comprises at least one solvent-bondable material.

The term "comprise" in relation to the hose connection part can mean that at least in the area in which it is to come into contact with the hose line it comprises at least one solvent-adhesive material or is only formed from it, but it can also mean that the entire hose connection part comprises at least one solvent-adhesive material or is only formed therefrom.

By using polyolefins for the housing of the connector, the stresses that lead to an increase in the torque required to loosen the connection can be reduced or entirely avoided. Thus, a connection between a connector according to the invention and a connection element can be established and released again in a comparatively simple manner, even if these parts have been wetted with a liquid before the connection. Although polyolefin, which is not solvent-bondable, is used for the housing, in the embodiments particularly preferred according to the invention, in which the hose connection part comprises at least one solvent-bondable material, a solvent-bonding technique can be used for the connection to the hose line. As a result, it is possible, for example, to dispense with applying a separate adhesive layer to the hose connection part or providing a projection on the housing on which the hose line is pushed for gluing. As a result, the connector can be built relatively small and light, which can be advantageous for the comfort of users and / or patients. Furthermore, solvent bonding techniques are effective and automatable joining techniques, which is economically advantageous for the production of the connector according to the invention. In addition, by using polyolefins for the connector housing, good chemical resistance of this component can be achieved, which reduces the risk of cracking. The housing is preferably shaped with an ergonomic handle structure. Since the grip area is designed independently of the hose joining area, the grip area can be optimally designed for good handling (ie ergonomic). If the connector is not made according to the invention but from one part, the formation of an ergonomic grip structure can impair the quality of the adhesive area. The grip area usually has webs in order to enable ergonomic gripping by hand. In the area of these webs there is more material than in the areas in between, ie the webs are formed by thickenings in the lateral surface. Due to the sequence of thicker and thinner areas, sink marks, distortions or other deviations from the target geometry can occur in the interior of the housing structure. Such deviations considerably impair the quality of the bond with a hose line.

In other words, the invention decouples the material requirements that are placed on the connector due to the Luer connection or a comparable connection, and the material requirements that are placed on the connector due to the hose joint, so that one in each case particularly suitable material can be used.

The housing and the hose connection part are preferably produced by injection molding or another economically advantageous primary molding process and are connected to one another by means of an economically advantageous pressing. Overall, the production of the connector according to the invention is therefore economical.

The components that are used together with the connector according to the invention, ie the hose line and the connection element, are connected to the Invention made no special requirements. This means that hose lines and connection elements that are already available on the market can continue to be used.

The material used for the housing contains or consists of polyolefin or a polyolefin mixture. The polyolefin is preferably a polypropylene. The material sold by Borealis AG under the trade name "Bormed 810MO" is preferably used as the polypropylene.

A plastic that is different from the polyolefin used for the housing is preferably used as a solvent-bondable material for the hose connector, the term “plastic” being understood to mean a material that consists mainly of polymers more preferably a plastic is used which can be glued with a conventional hose line using methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or tetrahydrofuran (THF) or a mixture containing MEK and THF.

It is also preferred to use the solvent-bonded polymer from the methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MABS), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer ( SAN), polyurethane (PU) and styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC) existing group, or to be selected so that it includes one or more of the polymers mentioned. Methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MABS), for example the MABS material sold by Ineos Styrolution under the trade name “Terlux 2802”, is particularly preferred.

The hose lines used in the medical field (often also referred to as "hoses" or "lines") are infusion hoses for conveying an infusion liquid from an infusion liquid container to a patient, transfusion hoses, dialysis hoses, etc. Such hose lines are conventionally transparent. Such hose lines consist, for example, of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and / or PUR (polyurethane) and / or a styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBC) and / or a polyolefin and / or a Silicone. In the case of a polyolefin hose line, polypropylene is mostly used.

Although the use of solvent-bondable plastics for the hose connection part is preferred, the invention is not restricted to this. For example, it is possible for the hose connector to be made from a silicone that cannot be solvent-bonded. Such a hose connector would usually be compatible with the use of a silicone hose line. The connection of the hose line and the hose connection part can be made, for example, by means of a UV-activatable silicone-based adhesive. This results in an advantageous combination of materials with regard to the hose line and the part of the connector that is connected to it. According to the invention, the housing is made of polyolefin, so that the advantages of the polyolefin can also be used in combination with a silicone hose line.

The system according to the invention comprises a connector according to the invention and a hose line and optionally a connection element. The hose connector is preferably connected on the one hand to the hose line and on the other hand to the housing, so that there is an at least substantially fluid-tight connection between the hose line and the housing. The coupling section of the housing of the connector is designed to be connected to the complementary connection section of a connection element at least essentially in a fluid-tight manner. The coupling section of the housing of the connector can also already be connected at least essentially in a fluid-tight manner to the complementary connection section of the connection element. The stated components of the system according to the invention can also be present in combination, but separately in a common “kit”.

The method according to the invention is a method for connecting a connector to a hose line comprising the steps:

(A) providing a connector according to the invention with a housing and a hose connection part,

(B) Provision of a hose line, (C) Connect the hose line to the hose connector,

(D) Connect the hose connector to the housing.

Steps (C) and (D) can be carried out in any order, but step (C) is preferably carried out first and then step (D).

After the method according to the invention has been carried out, there is a connector which is connected to a hose line so that a liquid that is conveyed through the hose line can flow through the connector or, conversely, a liquid is introduced into a hose line via the connector.

The method can be carried out in such a way that first the hose connector and the hose line are connected and in a subsequent step the hose connector is connected to the housing. This procedure can be advantageous for several reasons: On the one hand, the hose connector can be connected to the hose line in advance; in the case of the patient, for example in the operating room, only the relatively simple step of connecting the hose connector to the housing then needs to be carried out. On the other hand, the hose connection part is smaller and lighter than the housing, so that handling when connecting is easier if only the hose connection part and not the entire connector has to be handled. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent the solvent or other adhesive used for gluing from coming into contact with parts of the housing. These advantages of the method are also immediate advantages inherent in the connector according to the invention, since these advantages cannot be achieved with conventional connectors.

However, the method can also be carried out in such a way that first the hose connector and the housing are connected and, in a subsequent step, the hose connector with the hose line.

In both cases, the steps do not have to follow one another. So it is conceivable that the one step already at the factory after the manufacture of the Components and the other step in the course of patient use.

Further features, practicalities and advantages of the invention are described below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawing figures.

1 shows a schematic isometric external view of a connector according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which is additionally connected to a hose line and a connection element.

4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2 show the connector 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a state in which the connector is connected neither to a hose line nor to a connection element.

The connector 1 has a housing 2. The housing 2 is made of a polyolefin. A polypropylene is preferably used as the polyolefin. "Bormed 810MO" (trade name of Borealis AG) is used in a specific example. Fillers or auxiliaries can be incorporated into the polyolefin. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the housing consists only partially of polyolefin. For example, it can consist of a polyolefin-containing combination material. The housing 2 has two ends in the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the flow direction of a liquid flowing through the connector 1. At one end, the housing 2 has a coupling section 21, at the other end a recess 23 for receiving a hose connection part 3, which is described in detail below. The coupling section 21 has a shape or structure which is complementary to a connecting section of the connection element. In the present exemplary embodiment, the coupling section 21 has a male cone 211 which is matched to a female cone of the connection element. In addition, the coupling section 21 has a thread structure 212, by means of which the housing 2 of the connector 1 and the connection element 100 can be screwed together in order to hold the male cone 211 securely in the female cone. In the present exemplary embodiment, the thread structure 212 is an internal thread structure. In alternative exemplary embodiments, other fastening means can be provided in addition or as an alternative to the thread structure, for example a snap-in one

Fasteners. FIG. 3 shows the situation in which a connection element 100 (for example a venous catheter, shown schematically in FIG. 3) is connected to the connector 1 with a connection structure 121 complementary to the coupling section 21. The connection element 100 is not part of the connector 1 according to the invention. The connection structure 121 has a female cone 1211 which is complementary to the male cone 211 of the connector 1. The connection structure 12.1 has an outer thread structure 1212 which is complementary to the inner thread structure 212 of the connector 1. For example, the structure of the coupling section 21 and the complementary connecting section is the structure of a connection of the "Luer lock" type, the structure of which is standardized, for example, in the ISO 80369-7 standard.

A standardized structure of the coupling section 21 advantageously ensures that the connector 1 according to the invention can be used together with conventional venous catheters, cannulas, spikes for connection to an infusion bag or bottle, urinary catheters, drains, hose connections and other medical devices and fittings that are connected to a connection section which is also standardized to the coupling section 21 can be used.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the connecting section 21 has a male cone 211 and an internal thread 212. In alternative

In embodiments, the connecting section 21 has a female cone and an external thread, so that a connection with a connection element which has a male cone and an internal thread is possible. This is again preferably a connection of the "Luer lock" type.

The housing 2 has a grip area 22 on its outside. The grip area 22 is shaped in such a way that the connector 1 can be gripped and handled by hand as simply and safely as possible. According to the present exemplary embodiment, this is achieved in that, in a partial area of the outer surface of the housing 2, elevations 221 are provided in the longitudinal direction, between which there are grooves. In alternative exemplary embodiments, instead of such elevations or in addition to these, other structural elements can be provided which improve the grippability, for example grooves, knobs, roughening or non-slip surfaces.

The connector 1 also has a hose connection part 3. The hose connection part 3 is designed in the shape of a socket, i.e. it has a hollow body. The housing 2 has a recess 23 into which the hose connector 3 can be inserted in order to connect the housing 2 and hose connector 3 to one another.

The inner wall of the recess 23 and the outer wall of the hose connection part 3 are matched to one another. In FIGS. 2 and 3, a situation is shown in which the hose connection part 3 is located in the recess 23. The outer wall of the hose connection part 3 seals in a sealing area 4 with respect to the inner wall of the recess 23, so that the connection between the housing 2 and the hose connection part 3 is at least essentially fluid-tight. The areas of the inner wall of the recess 23 and the outer wall of the hose connector 3, which are located in the sealing area 4 are referred to as "sealing sections". The sealing area 4 can extend over the entire length of the outer wall of the hose connection part 3 or the inner wall of the recess 23 or a part of this length. The seal can be achieved by a conical connection between the housing 2 and the hose connection part 3 in the sealing area 4. However, the housing 2 and the hose connection part 3 can also have a cylindrical or arched shape in the sealing area 4. The hose connection part 3 in the sealing area 4 preferably has an outside diameter (diameter of the outside wall of the hose connection part 3) which is greater than the inside diameter of the recess 23 (diameter of the inside wall of the recess 23) in the sealing area 4

The hose connection part 3 then has an oversize (difference in diameter) in the sealing area 4 in relation to the recess 23. Due to the oversize, a particularly tight connection between the hose connection part 3 and the housing 2 is achieved. The size of the oversize is matched to the structure and the material of the hose connection part 3 and the housing 2. In specific examples, the oversize is 0.1 to 0.25 mm. Such an excess has proven to be expedient in the case of a housing 2 made of polypropylene and / or a hose connector 3 made of methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MABS).

Furthermore, the housing 2 and the hose connection part 3 lock with one another in the form of a connection in a joining area 5. This connection is achieved in the present exemplary embodiment in that in the area of the end of the housing 2 in the inner wall of the recess 23 a preferably annular recess 233, ie a Groove is embedded and the outer wall of the

Hose connection part 3 has a projection 33 corresponding to this recess 233. The projection 33 can run around the entire circumference of the hose connection part 3 or have interruptions. When the hose connector 3 is inserted into the recess 23, the projection 33 engages in the recess 233, since the housing 2 and / or the hose connector 3 have at least a certain degree of elasticity. The projection 33 preferably has a maximum external diameter (external diameter of the projection at its widest point) which is greater than the minimum internal diameter of the recess 23 (inner diameter of the recess 23 at its narrowest point) in the sealing area 4. The projection 33 is then oversized in relation to the recess 233. As a result of the oversize, a press connection and thus overall a particularly firm connection between the hose connection part 3 and the housing 2 is also achieved. The size of the oversize is matched to the structure and the material of the hose connection part 3 and the housing 2 and is preferably selected in such a way that a loose fit is excluded. In specific examples, the oversize is 0.05 to 0.13 mm. Such an oversize has proven to be particularly useful in the case of a housing 2 made of polypropylene and / or a hose connection part 3 made of MABS.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the connection can also be provided in that the inner wall of the recess 23 has a protrusion in the joining region 5 and the outer wall of the hose connection part 3 has a corresponding depression, again preferably being oversized. In further alternative exemplary embodiments, a sufficiently firm connection between the inner wall of the recess 23 and the outer wall of the hose connection part 3 is achieved without special depressions and projections being provided. This is preferably achieved by surface pressure in the sealing area and / or another area of the inner wall of the recess 23 or the outer wall of the hose connection part 3.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the plastic used as the material for the hose connector 3 can be glued to a hose line using an organic solvent, preferably using MEK or TFIF or a corresponding mixture. For example, a methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MABS) can be used.

In specific examples, the plastic “Terlux 2802” (trade name of Ineos Styrolution) is used as the material for the hose connector 3.

FIG. 3 shows the situation in which a connection element 100 and a hose line 200 are connected to the connector 1. Connection element 100 and hose line 200 are not part of connector 1. The hose line 200 is connected to the inner wall of the hose connection part 3 by means of a solvent-gluing process, the material on the outside of the hose line 200 and the material on the inside of the hose connection part 3 being glued to one another at least in one adhesive area 6. In addition, there can be an adhesive connection between the hose line 200 and the hose connection part.

4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the connector 11 according to the invention. The second embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment only with regard to the coupling section 71. The other components of the connector 11 according to the second exemplary embodiment correspond to those of the connector 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, so that the same reference symbols are used for this. In the second exemplary embodiment, the connecting section 71 has a male cone 711. There is no internal thread. The cone 711 is preferably designed as a Luer cone. If this Luer cone 711 is connected to a corresponding inner cone, there is a connection of the "Luer slip" type. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the connecting section 71 has a female cone, so that a connection with a connection element which has a male cone is possible. This is again preferably a connection of the "Luer slip" type. The advantages of the present invention described above can also be achieved with the connector 11 according to the second exemplary embodiment.

In Fig. 5, a third embodiment of the connector 21 according to the invention is shown. The third embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment only with regard to the coupling section 81. The other components of the connector 21 according to the third exemplary embodiment correspond to those of the connector 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, so that the same reference symbols are used for this. In the third exemplary embodiment, the connecting section 81 has a stop surface 811 which has a corresponding structure of a corresponding Connection element can be connected. Connection elements (not shown in FIG. 5) with which the connection element can be connected to the connector 21 are optionally provided. Threads, clamps, sleeves, etc. come into consideration as connecting elements. The advantages of the present invention described above can also be achieved with the connector 21 according to the third exemplary embodiment.

The system according to the invention comprises a connector 1, 11, 21 according to the invention according to one of the exemplary embodiments described above or a modification thereof. The system further comprises a hose line 200. A connection element 100 can optionally be provided. The system, which comprises a connector 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, is shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3 it can be seen that the hose connection part 3 is connected on the one hand to the hose line 200 and on the other hand to the housing 2, so that there is an at least essentially fluid-tight connection between the hose line 200 and the housing 2. A system according to the invention is also present when these connections are not present, but the housing 2, hose connection part 3 and hose line 200 are coordinated with one another in such a way that these connections can be established. The connection between hose connection part 3 and hose line 200 is or will be made by solvent gluing.

Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 3 that the coupling section 21 of the housing 2 of the connector 1 is connected to the complementary connecting section of the connection element 100 at least essentially in a fluid-tight manner. The connection element 100, however, is only regarded as an optional component of the system.

During operation, the connector 1, 11, 21 can be connected to a hose line 200 using the method according to the invention. For the method according to the invention, the housing 2 and the hose connection part 3 of the connector as well as a hose line 200 are provided. According to an exemplary embodiment of the method, one end of the hose line 200 is first treated with an organic solvent. To do this, it is wetted with the organic solvent, for example by immersion or a spray. Then the treated end of the Hose line 200 introduced into the hose connection part 3 and brought into contact therewith in order to glue it to it. According to an alternative exemplary embodiment of the method, the hose connector 3 is treated with an organic solvent in an area that is to be connected to the hose line 200. The end of the hose line 200 is then inserted into the hose connection part 3 and brought into contact with the treated area of the hose connection part 3 in order to glue it to it.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the method, both one end of the hose line 200 and the hose connection part 3 are treated with an organic solvent in an area that is to be connected to the hose line 200. The treated end of the hose line 200 is then inserted into the hose connection part 3 and brought into contact with the treated area thereof in order to produce an adhesive connection.

In the course of the method according to the invention, the hose connection part 3 is also connected to the housing 2, this being possible before or after or during the establishment of the adhesive connection between the hose connection part 3 and the hose line. Optionally, in the course of the method according to the invention, the connector 1, 11, 21 is connected to the connection element 100, it being possible for this to take place before or after or during the establishment of the adhesive connection between the hose connection part 3 and hose line.

Claims

1. Connector (1, 11, 21) for connecting a hose line (200) to a connection element (100) comprising a housing (2) which has a coupling section (21, 71, 81), the coupling section (21, 71, 81) is set up to be at least substantially fluid-tightly connectable to a complementary connecting section (121) of the connection element (100), a hose connection part (3) which is set up on the one hand with a hose line (200) and on the other hand with the housing (2) to be connectable in order to establish a fluid connection between the hose line (3) and the coupling section (21, 71, 81) of the housing (2), the housing (2) comprising at least one polyolefin.

2. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to claim 1, wherein the hose connection part (3) comprises at least one solvent-adhesive material.

3. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing (2) consists of the polyolefin or a mixture of several polyolefins.

4. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the hose connection part (3) consists of the solvent-adhesive material.

5. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the solvent-bondable material consists of a solvent-bondable plastic or a solvent-bondable mixture of several plastics.

6. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the solvent-adhesive material is transparent.

7. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the polyolefin is a polypropylene.

8. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the solvent-adhesive material can be adhesively bonded to the hose line using methyl ethyl ketone and / or tetrahydrofuran.

9. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the solvent-adhesive material is at least one of the methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer , Polyurethane and styrene-butadiene copolymer consisting of group selected polymer.

10. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the hose line (200) to be connected comprises polyvinyl chloride and / or polyurethane and / or styrene-butadiene copolymer and / or polyolefin, preferably made of polyvinyl chloride and / or polyurethane and / or styrene-butadiene copolymer and / or polyolefin.

11. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hose connection part (3) has a connecting section (33) via which a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection between the hose connection part (3) and the housing ( 2) can be produced, and wherein the hose connection part (2) has a sealing section via which the connection between the hose connection part (3) and the housing (2) can be sealed at least substantially in a fluid-tight manner.

12. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hose connection part (3) is designed as a socket which is intended to receive one end of the hose line (200) in its interior, and wherein the housing (2) has a recess (23) which is intended to receive the socket (3) in its interior so that between a

There is an at least substantially fluid-tight connection between the outer wall section of the socket and an inner wall section of the recess (23) at least in a sealing area (4).

13. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the coupling section (21, 71, 81) is designed as a Luer cone (211, 711), which is intended to have a Luer counter-cone ( 1211) of the connection element (100) to enter into an at least substantially fluid-tight connection.

14. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to claim 13, wherein the Luer cone (211, 711) is a Luer outer cone (211, 711) which is set up with a Luer inner cone (1211) at least one in To enter into a substantially fluid-tight connection.

15. Connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the hose connection part (3) is designed to be connectable to the housing (2), wherein the hose connection part (3) is preferably non-positively connected to the housing (2) , in particular by a press connection, and / or positively, in particular by a latching connection, can be connected.

16. System comprehensive

- a connector (1, 11, 21) according to one of claims 1 to 15, - a hose line (200) and

- Optionally a connection element (100), wherein the hose connection part (3) can be connected to the hose line (200) on the one hand and to the housing (2) on the other hand in order to establish an at least substantially fluid-tight connection between the hose line (200) and the housing (2) is or is connected, and wherein the coupling section (21, 71, 81) of the housing (2) of the connector (1) is set up to be at least substantially fluid-tight or optionally connected to the complementary connecting section of the connection element (100).

17. A method for connecting a connector (1) to a hose line (200) comprising the steps: (A) providing a connector (1) with a housing (2) and a hose connection part (3), in particular providing a connector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15,

(B) providing a hose line (200), (C) connecting the hose line (200) to the hose connection part (3),

(D) connecting the hose connection part (3) to the housing (2), wherein steps (C) and (D) can be carried out in any order.

18. The method according to claim 18, wherein in step (C) the connection of the hose line (200) with the hose connection part (3) takes place in that at least a portion of the hose connection part (3) and / or one end of the hose line (200) with a organic solvent is treated and the end of the hose line (200) is brought into contact with the hose connection part (3) for solvent gluing.