CONNECTOR DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector device for connecting a first and a second fluid container. The connector device has an improved valve arrangement which permits fluid flow in two different directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When transferring a liquid substance from a vessel, for example a vial, by means of an injection needle, or when adding a liquid to a dry substance for dissolving this and when further transferring the substance to the intended use, e.g. injection to a patient's blood vessel or to an infusion bottle or the like, one cannot avoid that the injection needle, by which the liquid substance is removed from the vial, gives off aerosols and drops to the environment or that the persons handling the injection needle get contaminated. Especially in cases where the substance consists of cytotoxic drugs, radio-labelled or allergy-inducing substances it is for safety reasons important that the transfer of such substances from the vial to a patient, possibly by way of an infusion bag, takes place under satisfactory conditions and also so that an air contamination imparted by the injection needle during the transfer is avoided.

[0003] One example of a connector device used for the above mentioned purposes is disclosed in the publication of US 2003070726, in which an improved fluid transfer assembly comprising a bottle connector and a drug bottle is disclosed. The bottle connector comprises a neck element to which an injector can be fixedly coupled, and second connection means to connect the bottle connector to the drug bottle. The connector has a hollow needle to penetrate a closure on the bottle. A fluid transfer channel is arranged within the hollow needle. The bottle connector further comprises a pressure compensating means comprising a flexible container and a gas channel within the hollow needle for transporting gas from the bottle to the flexible container or vice versa in order to allow fluid to be transferred via the fluid transfer channel. The gas channel includes a filter to prevent liquid passage into said flexible container as this may damage the flexible container.

[0004] The above mentioned connector has some drawbacks, one drawback is that the filter can be blocked. If the filter is blocked, the function of the flexible container is reduced and the pressure inside the bottle can instantly increase or decrease to levels which could cause difficulties with respect to handling. As mentioned above when dealing with cytotoxic drugs, radio-labelled or allergy-inducing substances, pressure increases or decreases inside the bottle can be hazardous, since in theory, it could lead to an increased risk of leakage. It therefore seems to be a need for additional improvements in this field.

[0005] Another connector, in this case a vial adaptor, is disclosed in the patent application US 2007/0106244 A1. The vial adaptor has a housing, an expandable chamber, a filter to prevent fluid from entering the expandable chamber. A check valve is arranged in the proximity of the filter to enable a one way fluid flow. The connector is however not very flexible in terms of handling nor does it provide any means by which the filter can be prevented form being obstructed, i.e. clogged. The teaching of the publication is further that it is preferable that the check valve has as low cracking pressure as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The above mentioned drawbacks are at least partly solved by means of a connector device according to the present invention. More precisely they are solved by a connector device for establishing fluid communication after connecting with a first fluid container and a second fluid container. The connector device comprises a housing which in turn comprises first connection means having a pierceable barrier member to connect the first fluid container, and second connection means, to connect the second fluid container, and a fluid transfer channel to enable fluid communication between the first and second fluid containers after assembly. The housing further comprises at least one pressure normalization channel arranged to normalize the pressure in the second fluid container during fluid transfer. The at least one pressure normalization channel has an outlet opening, an inlet opening, a barrier filter and at least one valve arrangement.

[0007] The at least one valve arrangement is arranged to permit fluid to flow in a first and a second direction wherein the first direction is in a direction from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening and the second direction is from the outlet opening towards the inlet opening. Furthermore, the at least one valve arrangement has a cracking pressure in the first direction.

[0008] The connector device according to the present invention provides for a connector device which has an improved valve arrangement which effectively provides for a clogging protection arrangement with respect to the barrier filter; while at the same time enable fluid communication in two directions. The first check valve and its cracking pressure enable a build up of pressure in the pressure normalization channel which partly prevents fluid from the second fluid container to reach the barrier filter during administration if the assembly for instance is; shaken; held up side down; laid down on the side or; when an excessive amount of medicaments and possibly air are returned to the second fluid container.

[0009] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the at least one valve arrangement comprises a first and a second check valve to enable the fluid flow in the first and the second direction. The first and the second check valve are preferably arranged in opposite directions and/or substantially parallel of each other. The main function is however that the first and the second check valve enable a fluid flow in the first and the second direction. By using a first and a second check valve the cracking pressure of each check valve and for each direction can be customized. As it has been found, this flexibility can be utilized to protect the filter from clogging while still permitting a fluid flow in both directions.

[0010] For instance, in one embodiment according to the present invention, the cracking pressure of the first check valve is at least 0,04 atm, preferably between 0,04 - 0,5 atm. The cracking pressure of 0,04 atm is enough to provide for the clogging preventing function while at the same time not impart a cracking pressure which makes the handling uncomfortable or difficult for a user, when the user is administrating or retracting medicament from the second fluid container. It has been found that a to high cracking pressure can cause a user to use an excessive amount of force during which other accidents can occur such as the device can slip from the users hands.

[0011] It is advantageous if the cracking pressure of the second check valve is as low as possible since the barrier filter is on the safe side of the check valve arrangement, i.e. no fluid is present on that side of the barrier filter and the lower the cracking pressure of the second check valve is, the easier it is for a user to retract fluid from the second fluid container. Preferably, the second check valve has a cracking pressure in the second direction of less than 0,5 atm, preferably less than 0,25 atm, even more preferably less than 0,1 atm and most preferred of less than 0,02 atm. It may optionally be between 0,02-0,5 atm, 0,02-0,25 atm or 0,02-0,1 atm.

[0012] The housing can be arranged with at least a first and a second pressure normalization channel. The first check valve is then arranged in the first pressure normalization channel and the second check valve is arranged in the second pressure normalization channel. This embodiment can be advantageous for manufacturing reasons. The first and second pressure normalization channels may or may not further have mutual inlet- and outlet openings. Optionally they can have mutual inlet opening and separated outlet opening or vice verse.

[0013] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the at least one valve arrangement comprises a membrane having at least one slit. Such a membrane provides for a cracking pressure in both the first and the second direction.

[0014] In an embodiment according to the present invention, an expandable bladder is arranged at the outlet opening of the at least one pressure normalization channel and in communication with the at least one pressure normalization channel. As such, gas which has passed through the barrier filter is not exposed to the environment but collected in the volume defined by the expandable bladder. The expandable bladder is preferably connected with a parabolic formed disc.

[0015] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the volume of the pressure normalization channel between the first check valve and the inlet opening of the pressure normalization channel is preferably relatively small. For instance, the volume can be <1 ml, preferably between 0,01 ml - 0,9 ml. This enables a pressure build up inside the pressure normalization channel which effectively prevents parts of the fluid from reaching the barrier filter which thereby could cause clogging of the filter.

[0016] The present invention relates to a connector device to connect a first and a second fluid container, directly or indirectly. The connector device exhibit a first and a second connection means, a pierceable barrier member, a piercing member, a fluid transfer channel and a pressure normalization channel. The pressure normalization channel is arranged to normalize an increasing pressure inside second fluid container. A valve arrangement permitting fluid to flow in a first and a second direction is arranged in the pressure normalization channel. The valve arrangement exhibit a cracking pressure in at least the first direction. The present invention provides for a connector device which reduces the risk of clogging the barrier filter.

[0017] The present invention can be said to provide a fluid barrier to the barrier filter by means of the check valve arrangement and preferably the first and the second check valve. By this it is meant that the check valve arrangement provides directly for a hurdle, but also indirectly due to the pressure build up in the fluid transfer channel, for the fluid while permitting gas to pass the check valve arrangement and at the same time permit gas and fluid to flow in both the first and the second direction.

[0018] This advantage and other advantages will be clear after reading the detailed description of preferred embodiments according to the present invention.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a valve arrangement, as described above, for a medical device, preferably a connector device, having a fluid flow channel with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, such as a pressure normalization channel for reducing a pressure build up in a connected fluid container. The valve arrangement comprises a first and a second check valve arranged in parallel with each other so that after assembly to the fluid flow channel, the valve arrangement is arranged to permit fluid to flow in a first and a second direction, wherein the first direction is in a direction from the inlet opening towards the outlet opening and the second direction is from the outlet opening towards the inlet opening, wherein at least the first check valve has a cracking pressure. Both the first and the second check valves can be provided with a cracking pressure. The valve arrangement is further described with reference to figures 1-5 below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures wherein;

figure 1 shows a cross section of an embodiment of the connector device according to the present invention;

figure 2 shows a cross section of the connector device shown in figure 1 in which the expandable bladder is shown in its expanded state, i.e. filled with gas;

figure 3 shows a close up of the valve arrangement comprising a first and a second check valve as shown in figure 1 and 2;

figure 4 shows parts of a first fluid container connected to a piercing member protection device, which in turn is connected to the connector device, according to the present invention, and as shown in figure 1 and 2, which in turn is connected to a second fluid container, to establish a fluid communication there between;

figure 5a-5b shows the connector device shown in figures 1-4, as seen in perspective with expandable bladder in its un-expanded state respectively in its expanded state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Figure 1 shows in a cross sectional view a connector device 10 for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The connector device 10 has a housing 11 to which a first and a second connection means 12, 13 are arranged. The first connection means 12 is substantially formed by a neck element 14 having a first and a second guiding groove 15, 16 arranged therein. The first and the second guiding groove 15, 16 is arranged to guide corresponding guiding protrusions on e.g. a piercing member protection device arranged to a first fluid container as shown in figure 4, to establish a firm attachment to the connector device 10 after which fluid communication can be established. The first connection means 12 is formed integrally with the housing 11. One type of connection means 12 which can be used on the connector device 10 is disclosed in the patent publication US 6,715,520 B2 which also discloses a piercing member protection device and an appropriate first fluid container connected thereto.

[0022] The second connection means 13, which is arranged at substantially the opposite end of the housing 11 of the connector device 10 and with respect to the first connection means 12, comprises a plurality of engaging hook elements 20. Each hook element 20 comprises a flexible tongue 21 having a distal and a proximal end 22, 23. The proximal end exhibits a hook protrusion 24 arranged to engage a corresponding flange on the second container, as is shown in greater detail in figure 4. One example of appropriate hook elements 20 and a coupling arrangement in the form of a neck element, for the hook elements 20 are disclosed in the patent publication of US 6,715,520 B2.

[0023] A fluid transfer channel 30 extends substantially between the first and the second connection means 12, 13. The purpose of the fluid transfer channel 30 is to permit e.g. a needle to extend through the housing 11 of the connector device 10 and to thereby permit fluid to be transferred through the connector device 10. The fluid transfer channel has a longitudinal direction with a first and a second end 31, 32. A pierceable barrier member 40 is arranged in the proximity of the first connection means 12 and at the first end 31 of the fluid transfer channel 30. The pierceable barrier member 40 provides for a liquid and gas tight seal between a piercing member and the pierceable barrier member 40 during fluid transfer so to minimize leakage and thereby exposure of hazardous medicaments to a user.

[0024] Protruding out from the housing 11 is a piercing member 50. The piercing member 50 has a proximal end 51 and a distal end 52. The fluid transfer channel 30 extends inside of the piercing member 50 in this embodiment. The proximal end 51 of the piercing member 50 is arranged in the proximity of the pierceable barrier member 40 and is supported by a supporting wall structure 41 of the housing 11. The piercing member 50 extends in a direction substantially parallel with the plurality of hook elements 20 and serves the purpose of piercing the second fluid container during assembly, as is shown in greater detail in figure 3. The second end 32 of the fluid transfer channel 30 is substantially at the distal end 52 of the piercing member 50, with the exception of a piercing tip 53 which extends slightly longer.

[0025] A pressure normalization channel 60 extends from the distal end 52 of the piercing member 50 and substantially parallel with the fluid transfer channel 30 inside the piercing member 50. Substantially at the supporting wall structure 41 of the housing 11, the pressure normalization channel 60 diverts in a direction perpendicular to the fluid transfer channel 30. The pressure normalization channel 60 has an inlet opening 61 arranged substantially at the distal end 52 of the piercing member 50 and an outlet opening 62. The outlet opening 62 is furthermore positioned substantially at the centre of a parabolic disc 63 having an expandable bladder 64. In figure 1 the expandable bladder 64 is in its unexpanded state.

[0026] Figure 2 shows the connector device 10 shown in figure 1 but with the difference that the expandable bladder 64 is shown in its expanded state. As can be seen in figure 1 and figure 2, and with reference to figure 2, the pressure normalization channel 60 comprises a barrier filter 70 arranged to cover the outlet opening 62 of the pressure normalization channel 60. The barrier filter 70 serves the purpose of preventing any fluid from reaching the expandable bladder 64 and the volume defined by the parabolic disc 63 and the expandable bladder 64. The barrier filter 70 is preferably a hydrophobic filter which permits gas to pass but prevents liquid to pass. Filters like the barrier filter 70 are know per se and will need no further description herein.

[0027] A valve arrangement 80 is positioned to intersect the fluid flow of the pressure normalization channel 60. In figure 1 and 2, and in one embodiment according of the present invention, the valve arrangement 80 is positioned in the proximity of the outlet opening 62 of the pressure normalization channel 60..The main purpose of the valve arrangement 80 is to prevent clogging of the filter barrier 70 by providing a cracking pressure to the valve arrangement 80 for the fluid which flows in a direction from the inlet opening 61 to the outlet opening 62 of the pressure normalization channel 60 while permitting preferably a minimal cracking pressure in the opposite direction.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a part of the connector device 10 seen in greater detail. More specifically, figure 3 shows part of the pressure normalization channel 60, the outlet opening 62 of the pressure normalization channel 60, parts of the supporting wall structure 41, parts of the parabolic disc 63 and parts of the expandable bladder 64, the barrier filter 70 and the valve arrangement 80. In the shown embodiment, according to the present invention, the valve arrangement 80 comprises a first and a second check valve 81, 82. It should be noted that valve arrangement 80 is positioned to snugly fit inside the pressure normalization channel 60 as a separate component. This is done for manufacturing reasons, although it is possible that the valve arrangement 80 and the first and the second check valves 81, 82 are integrated parts of the housing 11.

[0029] The valve arrangement 80 comprises a substantially cylindrical housing 83 with a longitudinal centre line A and a transverse centre line B. The cylindrical housing 83 exhibits a first and a second end 84, 85 and an inner and outer surface 86, 87. The outer surface 87 of the cylindrical housing 83 is positioned towards an inner surface 65 of the pressure normalization channel 60 so as to provide for a liquid and gas tight seal there between. The outer surface 87 of the cylindrical housing 83 is further provided with a slightly tilting surface 88, which tilts towards the longitudinal centre line A of the cylindrical housing 83 so that a substantially wedge-like form is provided at least at the first end 84 of the cylindrical housing 83. The inner surface 65 of the pressure normalization channel 60 is likewise tilted in a direction towards the longitudinal centre line A of cylindrical housing 83, to provide for a substantially funnel-like form and to receive the tilting surface 88 of the cylindrical housing 83. The tilting surfaces provides for a secure attachment of the valve arrangement 80 to the pressure normalization channel 60. The cylindrical housing 83 is further equipped with a centre wall 89 extending out from the inner surface 86 of the cylindrical housing 83 and towards the longitudinal centre line A. The first and the second check valves 81, 82 are attached to the centre wall 89 in opposite directions so that the second check valve 82 prevents fluid from flow, through the second check valve 82, in a direction from the inlet opening 61 towards the outlet opening 62, while the first check valve 81 prevents fluid from flow, through the first check valve 81, in a direction from the outlet opening 62 to the inlet opening 61.

[0030] The inner surface 65 of the pressure normalization channel 60 can further be provided with a recess 66 to receive the cylindrical housing 83 so that the inner surface 86 of the cylindrical housing 83 is aligned with the inside of the pressure normalization channel 60 which provides for a smooth transition there between.

[0031] The first and the second check valves 81, 82 can be of any conventional type although some preferred are listen below. For instance, the first and the second check valve 81 ,82 can be a ball check valve, in which the disc, the movable part to block the flow, is a spherical ball. The ball can be spring-loaded to help keep it shut. In the case of no spring load on the ball, reverse flow is required to move the ball towards the seat and create a seal. The interior surface of the main seats of the ball check valves are more or less conically-tapered to guide the ball into the seat and form a positive seal when stopping reverse flow. Optionally, the ball can be replaced by a poppet energized by a spring.

[0032] The first and the second check valves 81, 82 can optionally be a diaphragm check valve. Such check valve uses a flexing rubber diaphragm positioned to create a normally-closed valve. Pressure on the upstream side must be greater than the pressure on the downstream side by a certain amount, known as the pressure differential, for the check valve to open allowing flow. Once positive pressure stops, the diaphragm automatically flexes back to its original closed position.

[0033] Optionally can swing check valves be used. A swing check valve is a butterfly-style check valve in which a disc, the movable part to block the flow, swings on a hinge or trunnion, either onto the seat to block reverse flow or off the seat to allow forward flow. The seat opening cross-section may be perpendicular to the centerline between the two ports or at an angle. Optionally can a clapper valve be used having a hinged gate, preferably with a biasing spring to urge it shut. Optionally lift check valves can be used. Combinations of the above mentioned check valves are of course also possible:

[0034] The first and the second check valves 81, 82 can optionally be replaced by a membrane having at least one slit. This embodiment is however less preferable.

[0035] With reference to figure 4, the function and advantages of the connector device 10 according to the present invention will be described in greater detail. Figure 4 shows the connector device 10 shown in figures 1-3. As can be seen, the connector device 10 is assembled via its first connection means 11 to a piercing member protection device 5, which in turn can be connected to a first fluid container 1, e.g. a syringe, and via its second connection means 12 with a second fluid container 2. As the connector device 10 is assembled with the second fluid container 2, the distal end 52 and especially the piercing tip 53 of the piercing member 50 is pierced through a septum 3 arranged to cover the opening of the second fluid container 2. The hook elements 20 fixedly connects the connector device 10 as the flexible tongues 21 having hook protrusions 24 engages the corresponding flange 4 on the second fluid container 2. After assembly, a user is enabled to insert fluid into the second container 2, or optionally to retract fluid.

[0036] As a fluid is inserted into the second fluid container 2, using the piercing member protection device 5, an overpressure is created inside the second fluid container 2. In normal circumstances the pressure normalization channel 60 would directly normalize the pressure inside the second fluid container 2 by relieving the pressure inside the second fluid container 2 to the expandable bladder 64 (seen in its expanded state in figure 2). With a connector device 10 according to the present invention, the first check valve 81 has a cracking pressure, in the shown embodiment, of about 0,04 atm. As there is a small cracking pressure of the first check valve 81 and the pressure normalization channel 60 has a relatively small volume, in this embodiment according to the present invention <1 ml, a relatively high counter pressure is quickly built up in the pressure normalization channel 60 between the inlet opening 61 and the first check valve 81. The relatively high counter pressure efficiently reduces the amount of medicament which reaches the barrier filter 70 and thereby significantly reduces the risk of clogging the barrier filter 70. While at the same time, the cracking pressure of the first check valve 81 is low enough not to cause any inconvenience to the user.

[0037] The second check valve 82 preferably has a low cracking pressure so that retraction of gas from the expandable bladder 64 can be done as simply as possible, e.g. when a user retracts fluid from the second fluid container 2.

[0038] By having a first and a second check valve 81, 82 the cracking pressures of each check valve 81, 82 can be customized, permitting a very flexible valve arrangement 80 which can be fitted to any connector device, independently of the size of the pressure normalization channel used for that specific connecter device.

[0039] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the pressure normalization channel can comprise two individual channels in which the first check valve 81 is positioned in one channel and the second check valve 82 is positioned in another channel. The two individual channels can have mutual inlet and openings.

[0040] Figure 5a-5b shows the connector device as shown in figures 1-4. Figure 5a shows the expandable bladder 64 before expansion, while figure 5b shows the expandable bladder after expansion, i.e. being filled with gas. Furthermore the first connection means 12 and the second connection means 13 is seen as being formed as an integrated part of the housing 11 of the connector device 10. The hook elements 20 having the flexible tongues 21 and the piercing member 50 in which both the fluid transfer channel 30 and the pressure normalization channel 60 extends. The pressure normalization channel 60 is in communication with the volume defined by the expandable bladder 64 and any fluid container connected to the connector device 10 by means of the second connection means 13.

Example

[0041] Without being bound by theory, a non-limiting example of how the impact of the present invention can be estimated will be described below. The non-limiting example uses an assembly as shown in figure 4.

[0042] The second fluid container 2 has a total volume of 120 ml (V_tot) but is only filled with 100 ml of a cytotoxic liquid (V_l).
30 ml is intended to be aspired although 32 ml of liquid is actually aspired from the second fluid container 2, leaving 52 ml of gas inside the second container 2. Alternatively some air bubbles are aspired into the syringe so that for example 0,5 ml or air is inside the syringe and 51,5 ml is inside the second container 2.

[0043] Assuming that the volume of the pressure normalization channel 60 is V_pnc=1 ml. The total volume of the gas inside the system is then 53 ml. As the aspiration starts, the pressure which surrounds the inlet opening 61 of the pressure normalization channel 60 (P_{pnc opening}) is :

[0044] The height of the liquid column is assumed in this case to be about 50 mm (although different diameter of the second fluid container would give a different liquid column), hence;

[0045] If 2 ml of fluid-liquid and/or air is injected back into the second fluid container 2 then:

[0046] Having a check valve arrangement 80 with a first check valve 81 with a cracking pressure of about 0,05 atm, the cracking pressure of the first check valve 81 is not reached, hence the first check valve is not opened by the imparted pressure.

[0047] The amount of fluid which penetrates the pressure normalization channel 60 is then:

[0048] Hence in the current example, only about 0,04 ml of liquid will penetrate into the pressure normalization channel 60 although as much as 2 ml has been re-introduced into the second fluid container. As only a low amount of liquid penetrates the pressure normalization channel 60, the risk of clogging the barrier filter is substantially reduced.

Claims

1. A connector device for establishing fluid communication by connecting a first fluid container (1) with a second fluid container (2), said connector device (10) comprises
a housing (11), said housing (11) comprises first connection means (12) having a pierceable barrier member (40), to connect said first fluid container (1) to said housing (11), and second connection means (.13), to connect said second fluid container (2),
and a fluid transfer channel (30) to enable fluid transfer between said first and second fluid container (1,2) after assembly,
said housing (11) further comprises at least one pressure normalization channel (60) arranged to normalize the pressure in said second fluid container during said fluid transfer,
said at least one pressure normalization channel (60) having an outlet opening (62), an inlet opening (61), a barrier filter (70) and at least one valve arrangement (80),
characterized in
that said at least one valve arrangement (80) is arranged to permit fluid to flow in a first and a second direction, wherein said first direction is in a direction from said inlet opening (61) towards said outlet opening (62) and said second direction is from said outlet opening (62) towards said inlet opening (61),
and in that said at least one valve arrangement (80) has a cracking pressure in at least said first direction.

2. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one valve arrangement (80) comprises a first and a second check valve (81, 82) arranged in substantially opposite direction of each other.

3. The connector device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first and second check valves (81, 82) are arranged substantially parallel with each other.

4. The connector device according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said cracking pressure of said first check valve (81) is at least 0,04 atm.

5. The connector device according to claim 4, characterized in that said cracking pressure of said first check valve (81) is between 0,04 - 0,5 atm.

6. The connector device according to any preceding claims, characterized in that said second check valve (82) has a cracking pressure in said second direction.

7. The connector device according to claim 6, characterized in that said cracking pressure of said second check valve (82) is between 0,02-0,5 atm.

8. The connector device according to any preceding claims, characterized in said housing (11) comprises a first and a second pressure normalization channel and in that said first check valve (81) is arranged in said first pressure normalization channel and in that said second check valve (82) is arranged in said second pressure normalization channel.

9. The connector device according to claim 8, characterized in that said first and second pressure normalization channels have mutual inlet- and outlet openings.

10. The connector device according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one valve comprises a membrane having at least one slit.

11. The connector device according to any preceding claims, characterized in that an expandable bladder (64) is arranged at said outlet opening (62) of said at least one pressure normalization channel (60) and in communication with said at least one pressure normalization channel (60).

12. The connector device according to any preceding claims, characterized in that the volume of the pressure normalization channel between said first check valve (81) and the inlet opening (61) of the pressure normalization channel (60) is <1 ml, preferably between 0,01 ml - 0,9 ml.

Ansprüche

1. Verbindungsvorrichtung für den Aufbau einer Strömungsmittelverbindung durch Verbinden eines ersten Strömungsmittelbehälters (1) mit einem zweiten Strömungsmittelbehälter (2), wobei die Verbindungsvorrichtung (10) folgendes aufweist:

ein Gehäuse (11), wobei das Gehäuse (11) eine erste Verbindungseinrichtung (12) mit einem durchstechbaren Sperrenteil (40) zum Verbinden des ersten Strömungsmittelbehälters (1) mit dem Gehäuse (11) und eine zweite Verbindungseinrichtung (13) zum Verbinden des zweiten Strömungsmittelbehälters (2) aufweist, sowie einen Kanal (30) zur Überleitung eines Strömungsmittels, um eine Überleitung des Strömungsmittels zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Strömungsmittelbehälter (1, 2) nach dem Zusammenbau zu ermöglichen,

wobei das Gehäuse (11) des Weiteren mindestens einen Drucknormalisierungskanal (60) aufweist, der so angeordnet ist, dass er während der Überleitung des Strömungsmittels den Druck in dem zweiten Strömungsmittelbehälter normalisiert,

wobei der mindestens eine Drucknormalisierungskanal (60) eine Auslassöffnung (62), eine Einlassöffnung (61), ein Sperrfilter (70) und mindestens eine Ventilanordnung (80) aufweist,

dadurch gekennzeichnet,

dass die mindestens eine Ventilanordnung (80) so angeordnet ist, dass sie eine Strömung des Strömungsmittels in eine erste und eine zweite Richtung gestattet, wobei die erste Richtung in einer Richtung von der Einlassöffnung (61) zu der Auslassöffnung (62) hin verläuft und die zweite Richtung von der Auslassöffnung (62) zu der Einlassöffnung (61) hin verläuft,

und dass die mindestens eine Ventilanordnung (80) zumindest in der ersten Richtung einen Öffnungsdruck besitzt.

2. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mindestens eine Ventilanordnung (80) ein erstes und ein zweites Rückschlagventil (81, 82) aufweist, welche in einer im Wesentlichen entgegengesetzten Richtung relativ zu einander angeordnet sind.

3. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste und das zweite Rückschlagventil (81, 82) im Wesentlichen parallel zu einander angeordnet sind.

4. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach den Ansprüchen 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Öffnungsdruck des ersten Rückschlagventils (81) mindestens 0,04 atm beträgt.

5. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Öffnungsdruck des ersten Rückschlagventils (81) zwischen 0,04 und 0,5 atm liegt.

6. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das zweite Rückschlagventil(82) einen Öffnungsdruck in der zweiten Richtung besitzt.

7. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Öffnungsdruck des zweiten Rückschlagventils (82) zwischen 0,02 und 0,5 atm liegt.

8. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gehäuse (11) einen ersten und einen zweiten Drucknormalisierungskanal aufweist und dass das erste Rückschlagventil (81) in dem ersten Drucknormalisierungskanal angeordnet ist, während das zweite Rückschlagventil (82) in dem zweiten Drucknormalisierungskanal angeordnet ist.

9. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste und der zweite Drucknormalisierungskanal beiderseitige Einlass- und Auslassöffnungen aufweisen.

10. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das mindestens eine Ventil eine Membran mit mindestens einem Schlitz aufweist.

11. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine ausdehnungsfähige Blase (64) an der Auslassöffnung (62) des mindestens einen Drucknormalisierungskanals (60) angeordnet ist und in Strömungsverbindung mit dem mindestens einen Drucknormalisierungskanal (60) steht.

12. Verbindungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Volumen des Drucknormalisierungskanals (60) zwischen dem ersten Rückschlagventil (81) und der Einlassöffnung (61) des Drucknormalisierungskanals unter 1 ml liegt und vorzugsweise zwischen 0,01 ml und 0,9 ml beträgt.

Revendications

1. Dispositif formant raccord destiné à établir une communication fluidique lors du raccordement d'un premier conteneur de fluide (1) avec un second conteneur de fluide (2), ledit dispositif formant raccord (10) comprend :

un logement (11), ledit logement (11) comprend un premier moyen de raccordement (12) présentant un élément formant barrière pouvant être percé (40), afin de raccorder ledit premier conteneur de fluide (1) audit logement (11), et un second moyen de raccordement (13), destiné à raccorder ledit second conteneur de fluide (2),

et un canal de transfert de fluide (30) destiné à permettre un transfert de fluide entre lesdits premier et second conteneurs de fluide (1, 2) après assemblage,

ledit logement (11) comprend, en outre, au moins un canal d'équilibrage de pression (60) agencé afin d'équilibrer la pression dans ledit second conteneur de fluide au cours dudit transfert de fluide,

ledit au moins un canal d'équilibrage de pression (60) comportant un orifice de sortie (62), un orifice d'entrée (61), un filtre de barrière (70) et au moins un agencement formant clapet (80),

caractérisé en ce que :

ledit au moins un agencement formant clapet (80) est agencé afin de permettre l'écoulement du fluide dans un premier et un second sens, dans lequel ledit premier sens est un sens à partir dudit orifice d'entrée (61) vers ledit orifice de sortie (62) et ledit second sens est à partir dudit orifice de sortie (62) vers ledit orifice d'entrée (61),

et en ce que ledit au moins un agencement formant clapet (80) présente une pression d'ouverture suivant au moins ledit premier sens.

2. Dispositif formant raccord selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit au moins un agencement formant clapet (80) comprend un premier et un second clapet (81, 82) agencés dans des sens sensiblement opposés l'un par rapport à l'autre.

3. Dispositif formant raccord selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que lesdits premier et second clapets (81, 82) sont agencés sensiblement parallèlement l'un à l'autre.

4. Dispositif formant raccord selon les revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que ladite pression d'ouverture dudit premier clapet (81) est supérieure ou égale à 0,04 bar.

5. Dispositif formant raccord selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que ladite pression d'ouverture dudit premier clapet (81) est comprise entre 0,04 et 0,5 bar.

6. Dispositif formant raccord selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit second clapet (82) présente une pression d'ouverture dans ledit second sens.

7. Dispositif formant raccord selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que ladite pression d'ouverture dudit second clapet (82) est comprise entre 0,02 et 0,5 bar.

8. Dispositif formant raccord selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit logement (11) comprend un premier et un second canal d'équilibrage de pression et en ce que ledit premier clapet (81) est agencé sur ledit premier canal d'équilibrage de pression en ce que ledit second clapet (82) est agencé sur ledit second canal d'équilibrage de pression.

9. Dispositif formant raccord selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que lesdits premier et second canaux d'équilibrage de pression comportent des orifices d'entrée et de sortie mutuels.

10. Dispositif formant raccord selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit au moins un clapet comprend une membrane présentant au moins une fente.

11. Dispositif formant raccord selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'une vessie pouvant être dilatée (64) est agencée au niveau dudit orifice de sortie (62) dudit au moins un canal d'équilibrage de pression (60) et en communication avec ledit au moins un canal d'équilibrage de pression (60).

12. Dispositif formant raccord selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le volume du canal d'équilibrage de pression entre ledit premier clapet (81) et l'orifice d'entrée (61) du canal d'équilibrage de pression (60) est < 1 ml, de préférence, compris entre 0,01 ml et 0,9 ml.

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