COUPLING SYSTEM FOR A CLOSED FLUID TRANSFER SYSTEM

Description

[0001] Various pharmaceuticals can have harmful effects if exposed to improper contact. For example, CMR drugs (cancer-mutagen-reprotoxic drugs), such as those used in cancer therapy, primarily damage growth-intensive tumor cells during therapeutic use. Many of these drugs themselves have carcinogenic properties due to their mechanism of action. To prevent contact with CMR drugs by individuals not undergoing therapy, closed fluid transfer systems, so-called "closed system transfer devices" (CSTDs), are increasingly being used in the manufacture and administration of ready-to-use preparations.An important component of these closed fluid transfer systems are coupling systems that enable the safe transfer of hazardous substances, such as CMR drugs, and seal dry after the connection is separated, thus protecting the environment from contamination, for example through leaks or the formation of drops on the surface of the coupling partners after the connection is separated.

[0002] Coupling systems of this type are generally associated with the terms "dry connection", "automatic self-sealing technology" or "closed connection" and are an essential component for the realization of closed fluid transfer systems, which are becoming increasingly important for the adjustment and administration of ready-to-use CMR drugs, among other things.

[0003] In one known coupling system, for example, the inside of the coupling is based on a Luer lock, resulting in a small flow gap with very low flow. Other coupling systems can exhibit higher fluid residues on the elastomer surfaces due to poorly aligned flow gap geometries in the elastomers used. Furthermore, disinfection of the coupling surfaces of conventional coupling systems is further complicated because at least one of the coupling partners has a recessed and thus difficult-to-access coupling surface.

[0004] In this context, US 2005 / 0087715 A1 additionally discloses a male Luer connector that connects to a standard female Luer connector to open a flow channel for medical fluids between the two connectors. The connector has two internal valves and a vacuum-generating structure.

[0005] US 5492147 A relates to a coupling system for joining opposing passages and comprises a male element and a female element, each of which comprises an elastically deformable rubber flap with cross-hair slots positioned to engage one another when the male and female elements are moved axially into their coupled position.

[0006] US 2019 / 0184152 A1 relates to a male connector connectable to a female connector and comprising a tubular flow path member having an opening at an end portion, a valve body closing the opening, a housing main body, and a movable body moving with respect to the housing main body and deforming the valve body to change a mode between a first mode in which the opening is closed by the valve body and a second mode in which the opening is opened.

[0007] In view of the disadvantages associated with the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling system for a closed fluid transfer system which improves the safe transfer of a fluid in a closed fluid transfer system in a connected state and minimizes and, if possible, prevents contamination of the environment in the disconnected state.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by a coupling system for a closed fluid transfer system according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, the coupling system for a closed fluid transfer system comprises a coupling element. The coupling element comprises a coupling element housing with a fluid connection and a coupling side, wherein the coupling element housing has a longitudinal axis extending from the fluid connection in the direction of the coupling side, a fluid channel extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the fluid connection into the coupling element housing, a coupling element sealing element covering a fluid channel opening of the fluid channel facing the coupling side, wherein the coupling element sealing element has at least one reversibly openable and closable coupling element sealing element opening in the region of the overlap of the fluid channel opening facing the coupling side, and at least one region adjoining and encompassing the coupling element sealing element opening, in particular the entire coupling element sealing element,is formed from an elastic material, and at least one activation element which engages the coupling element sealing element and is movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis in the coupling element housing between a position with maximum distance to the fluid connection and a position with minimum distance to the fluid connection, wherein the activation element is configured such that the coupling element sealing element opening of the coupling element sealing element is closed in the position of the activation element with maximum distance to the fluid connection, and that the coupling element sealing element opening is open in the position of the activation element with minimum distance to the fluid connection.

[0010] The position of the activation element with the maximum distance from the fluid connection corresponds to a position of the activation element in the disconnected state, without a mating coupling element engaging the coupling element. The position of the activation element with the minimum distance from the fluid connection corresponds to a position of the activation element in the connected state, in which the mating coupling element is connected to the coupling element for safe fluid transfer. Alternatively, the position of the activation element with the minimum 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. However, for the purposes of a safe opening of the coupling element sealing element opening by the activation element, the position of the activation element with the minimum distance, which corresponds to the position of the activation element in the connected state, is sufficient.

[0011] The movement of the activation element between the aforementioned positions, i.e., the positions with minimum and maximum distance, results in a relative movement between the activation element and the fluid channel. Since the activation element also engages the coupling element sealing element, at least the area of ​​the coupling element sealing element at the point of engagement of the activation element is also moved relatively. Since the coupling element sealing element covers the fluid channel opening of the fluid channel facing the coupling side and has at least one reversibly openable and closable coupling element sealing element opening in this area of ​​overlap, a tensile force acts on the area made of elastic material adjoining and surrounding the coupling element sealing element opening via the relative movement initiated by the activation element.As a result of the deformation of the area made of elastic material, the coupling element sealing element opening opens with increasing relative movement and thus increasing tensile force. In the sense of the reversible opening and closing of the coupling element sealing element opening, the position of the activation element is preferably limited with a minimal distance from the fluid connection to a position and thus to a maximum movement distance at which the resulting tensile force neither exceeds the strength of a material of the coupling element sealing element exposed to the tensile force nor causes a plastic deformation of a material of the coupling element sealing element exposed to the tensile force. According to the above explanations, the reversible opening and closing of the coupling element sealing element opening can thus be easily realized via the movement of the activation element relative to the fluid channel in the direction of the longitudinal axis L1.

[0012] Since the activation element tensions the coupling element sealing element when moving toward the fluid connection, essentially working against the spring force of the coupling element sealing element, the coupling element sealing element strives to return to its original position when the force applied by the activation element is removed. Therefore, if the activation element is unintentionally moved from a position with maximum distance to the fluid connection or held in a position that does not correspond to the position with maximum distance to the fluid connection, it is returned to this position by the coupling element sealing element, and the coupling element sealing element opening is automatically closed.

[0013] In addition, the coupling system comprises a counter-coupling element, comprising a counter-coupling element housing with a counter-coupling element fluid connection and a counter-coupling side, wherein the counter-coupling element housing has a counter-coupling element longitudinal axis extending from the counter-coupling element fluid connection in the direction of the counter-coupling side, and a counter-coupling element sealing element which is arranged in the counter-coupling element housing and, together with the counter-coupling element housing, forms at least part of a counter-coupling-side end face of the counter-coupling element, wherein the counter-coupling element sealing element has a reversibly openable and closable counter-coupling element sealing element opening in the region of the counter-coupling-side end face and at least one region adjoining and encompassing the counter-coupling element sealing element opening, in particular the entire counter-coupling element sealing element,is made of an elastic material.,

[0014] Due to the at least partially elastic design of the mating coupling sealing element, it can be easily opened and closed reversibly by applying force, similar to the coupling element sealing element. In a disconnected state, which corresponds to a state in which no force is applied, the mating coupling element sealing element opening is closed. If the end face facing the mating coupling side, i.e., the area of ​​the mating coupling element sealing element opening, is then subjected to a force in the direction of the mating coupling element fluid connection, at least the area of ​​the mating coupling element sealing element opening is pressed in the direction of the mating coupling element fluid connection, thus opening the mating coupling element sealing element opening.If such a force application is removed, the area of ​​the counter-coupling element sealing element opening returns to its original shape due to its elastic formation, whereby the counter-coupling element sealing element opening is closed again.

[0015] The reversibly openable and closable counter-coupling element sealing element opening is opened by the coupling element sealing element in a connected state.

[0016] To this end, the coupling element sealing element is less easily elastically deformed in the contact area with the surface of the mating coupling element sealing element facing it to open the mating coupling element sealing element opening than the corresponding contact area of ​​the mating coupling element sealing element. In other words, the coupling element sealing element causes the deformation of the mating coupling element sealing element to open the mating coupling element sealing element opening and is not itself deformed by the mating coupling element sealing element. Alternatively or additionally, the mating coupling element sealing element opening is opened indirectly via the end of the fluid channel facing the coupling side, against which the surface of the mating coupling element sealing element facing the coupling side is supported in this area.

[0017] When the reversibly openable and closable mating coupling element sealing element opening is opened by the coupling element sealing element in the connected state, the respective sealing element surfaces are pressed together, thus creating a dry seal and thus dry surfaces. Due to its elastic deformability, the reversibly openable and closable mating coupling element sealing element opening only opens when contact is made by the coupling element sealing element. If, in contrast, the reversibly openable and closable mating coupling element sealing element opening were to be opened in such a way that an area of ​​its surface facing outwards in the disconnected state is surrounded by the respective fluid during a fluid exchange, there is a risk that patients and / or medical personnel could come into contact with these contaminated surfaces after disconnection.

[0018] In one embodiment, the coupling element sealing element, starting from the area of ​​overlap of the fluid channel opening facing the coupling side, radially surrounds the fluid channel in the direction of the fluid connection at least over a predetermined section with respect to the longitudinal axis and has a projection pointing radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis, in particular at an end of the coupling element sealing element facing the fluid connection, on which projection an end facing the fluid connection or a projection of the activation element pointing radially inwards with respect to the longitudinal axis engages.

[0019] With such a configuration, not only the opening of the fluid channel facing the coupling side is sealed by the coupling element sealing element, but also the adjacent axial section of the fluid channel with respect to the longitudinal axis. In addition to the possibility of covering areas of the covered axial section, the reliability of the fluid-tight coverage of the opening of the fluid channel facing the coupling side is also increased and the tolerance requirements are reduced compared to a purely end-face coverage. If the entire coupling element sealing element or at least the part of the coupling element sealing element surrounding the fluid channel is elastic, a sufficient holding force can be provided by slightly expanding the coupling element sealing element when arranged around the fluid channel.

[0020] The projection of the coupling element sealing element, which points radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis and is engaged by an end facing the fluid connection or a projection of the activation element pointing radially inward with respect to the longitudinal axis, enables the section of the coupling element sealing element surrounding the fluid channel to expand in the direction of the longitudinal axis when the activation element is moved along the longitudinal axis toward the fluid connection. This expansion exerts a tensile force that reversibly opens the coupling element sealing element opening.

[0021] If the projection of the coupling element sealing element, which projects radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, is provided at an end of the coupling element sealing element facing the fluid connection, the position of the activation element with minimal distance from the fluid connection, which then corresponds to a connected state, can be a position in which the radially outward-pointing projection of the coupling element sealing element is clamped between the end of the activation element facing the fluid connection and a portion of the coupling element housing 10 opposite this end. The coupling element sealing element is thus securely held in the connected state, thereby ensuring the opening of the coupling element sealing element opening.

[0022] The radially outward-pointing projection of the coupling element sealing element can be formed in a continuous ring shape around the fluid channel or only in sections.

[0023] In a further development, the fluid channel comprises two fluid channel sections separated from one another by a partition wall, each having a lateral fluid channel section opening, and the coupling element sealing element has a fluid chamber which extends radially around the fluid channel with respect to the longitudinal axis between a coupling-side coupling element sealing element section and a fluid connection-side coupling element sealing element section, wherein the fluid connection-side coupling element sealing element section seals at least the fluid channel section opening of the fluid connection-side fluid channel section in a state in which the activation element is in the position with maximum distance to the fluid connection, and the fluid chamber in a state in which the activation element is in the position with minimum distance to the fluid connection,extends over the lateral fluid channel section opening of the clutch-side fluid channel section and the lateral fluid channel section opening of the fluid connection-side fluid channel section in order to form a fluid connection between the clutch-side fluid channel section and the fluid connection-side fluid channel section via the fluid chamber.

[0024] In other words, the fluid channel is divided into two regions by the partition wall, wherein fluid exchange can occur via the lateral fluid channel section openings, i.e., via an outer surface section of the fluid channel. However, according to the present development, when the activation element is in a position with maximum distance from the fluid connection, the fluid channel section opening on the fluid connection side is sealed by the coupling element sealing element section on the fluid connection side, so that no fluid exchange can occur. The opening of the coupling-side fluid channel section facing the coupling side is sealed in this state by the closed coupling element sealing element opening. The security against fluid leakage is thus increased.In addition, the coupling element sealing element has a fluid chamber which radially surrounds the fluid channel with respect to the longitudinal axis and surrounds the coupling-side fluid channel section opening. If the activation element is now moved from a position with maximum distance to the fluid connection to a position with minimum distance to the fluid connection or into a connected state, the fluid chamber is enlarged in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Preferably, at least the section of the coupling element sealing element which encompasses the fluid chamber is elastic, so that the enlargement in the direction of the longitudinal axis corresponds to an expansion of the fluid chamber in this direction. As a result of the enlargement of the fluid chamber, it extends in a position of the activation element with minimal distance to the fluid connection orIn a connected state, at least partially, in particular completely, via both the coupling-side and fluid connection-side fluid channel section openings, so that fluid exchange can take place between the coupling-side and fluid connection-side fluid channel sections via the fluid chamber. At the same time, in this position of the activation element, the coupling element sealing element opening is open to enable further fluid exchange with a mating coupling element described later. Thus, the fluid connection-side fluid channel section opening and the coupling element sealing element opening can be opened solely through the movement of the activation element.

[0025] In one embodiment, the projection of the coupling element sealing element pointing outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis has a fastening section which is fastened in the coupling element housing.

[0026] Thus, the coupling element sealing element is securely held in the coupling element housing, reducing the risk of unintentional displacement and the possible opening of the coupling element sealing element opening.

[0027] In particular, the coupling element housing comprises, along the longitudinal axis, a coupling-side housing section and a fluid connection-side housing section, between which the fastening section of the coupling element sealing element is held.

[0028] For example, the previously described radial projection of the coupling element sealing element or a further section adjoining it radially outwards can be used for such a fastening between the housing sections.

[0029] In one embodiment, the activation element is annular, wherein in particular the ring of the activation element engages the end of the coupling element sealing element facing the fluid connection.

[0030] The annular design ensures that the activation element engages the coupling element sealing element in every use position, even if the sections of the coupling element sealing element intended for engagement by the activation element are only provided in sections. Furthermore, an annular design allows the gap provided for receiving and moving the activation element between the coupling element housing and the coupling element sealing element to be closed by the activation element in the disconnected state or in the position of the activation element with maximum distance from the fluid connection. In this case, the wall thickness of the annular region corresponds to the gap formed between the coupling element housing and the coupling element sealing element on the coupling side.

[0031] Alternatively, the activation element can also be formed only in sections, at least in the region of its end facing the fluid connection, i.e., for example, it can only comprise activation element sections pointing in the direction of the fluid connection. In such a case, it can be ensured that the coupling element sealing element opening can only be opened in certain deployment positions of the activation element. With regard to the activation element, it should also be noted that it can be formed annularly overall, but does not necessarily have to completely enclose the fluid channel. It is also possible to provide the activation element only over a limited section that is tangential to the longitudinal axis or to provide several activation elements distributed along the circumference of the fluid channel or of the coupling element sealing element.

[0032] In a further development, the coupling element housing has at least one holding structure on the coupling side, in particular a holding structure which projects axially beyond the coupling element sealing element with respect to the longitudinal axis on the coupling side, by means of which a counter-coupling element can be held in a connected state.

[0033] Since at least a part of the coupling element sealing element is elastically formed and the activation element works against a spring force of the coupling element sealing element when moving from a position with maximum distance to the fluid connection, in which at least the elastic section is not prestressed with respect to the direction of movement of the activation element, the holding structure allows the connected state to be maintained without the need for an active holding force to continue to be applied, for example by a user.

[0034] In particular, the holding structure is formed by at least two holding arms with snap hooks or in a ring shape.

[0035] If holding arms are provided only in sections, accessibility to, for example, disinfected surfaces, such as the coupling-side end face of the coupling element sealing element, is improved. The at least two holding arms are arranged in such a way that tilting of a counter-coupling element to be held by them is largely prevented. For example, two holding arms are arranged substantially opposite one another, or three holding arms are arranged at a distance of substantially 120° from one another. Alternatively, an annular design of the holding structure can enable further sealing between the coupling element and a corresponding counter-coupling element.

[0036] The use of snap hooks to engage a mating coupling element allows the mating coupling element to be secured in a predetermined position. Alternatively, the retaining structure can include threaded sections to bridge a tolerance range or make other position adjustments.

[0037] In one embodiment, a counter-coupling-side end of the counter-coupling element housing can engage the at least one activation element of the coupling element and can be moved together therewith in the direction of the fluid connection of the coupling element into the coupling element housing.

[0038] For this purpose, the counter-coupling-side end of the counter-coupling element housing is particularly annular, but can also be formed only in sections. Furthermore, the counter-coupling-side end of the counter-coupling element housing has a radial thickness relative to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis, which is configured such that it can be moved into the coupling element housing between the coupling element housing and the coupling element sealing element. In particular, the radial thickness essentially corresponds to the radial thickness of the activation element.

[0039] In particular, the counter-coupling-side end of the counter-coupling element housing is designed as an axial projection with respect to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis and forms a shoulder section with an adjoining housing section of the counter-coupling element housing.

[0040] Through the shoulder section, a stop can be formed in interaction with the coupling element housing, the reaching of which corresponds to a connected state. By moving the mating coupling-side end of the mating coupling element housing in the direction of the fluid connection into the coupling element housing until the stop is reached, the activation element is thus moved into the connected state, in particular into the position with minimal distance from the fluid connection.

[0041] In one embodiment, the counter-coupling element housing has a counter-coupling element holding structure on an outer surface extending axially with respect to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis, via which the counter-coupling element can be held in a connected state with the coupling element.

[0042] As already explained for the coupling element with respect to the activation element, the counter-coupling element can be held in the connected state in a similar manner without the application of any additional active holding force. Without any additional active holding force or the corresponding holding structure or counter-coupling element holding structure, the counter-coupling element and the coupling element would otherwise be forced apart due to the recovery tendency of the elastically designed areas of the coupling element sealing element and the counter-coupling element sealing element.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the counter-coupling element housing comprises a counter-coupling element fluid channel with at least one lateral counter-coupling element fluid channel opening, which extends in the direction of the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis from the counter-coupling element fluid connection in the direction of the counter-coupling side in the counter-coupling element housing, and the counter-coupling element sealing element seals the lateral counter-coupling element fluid channel opening in a disconnected state, wherein the counter-coupling element sealing element has a counter-coupling element sealing element fluid chamber between the seal and the counter-coupling element sealing element opening, which is movable in the direction of the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis relative to the counter-coupling element fluid channel in order to form a fluid connection to the interior of the counter-coupling element fluid channel via the lateral counter-coupling element fluid channel opening in the connected state.

[0044] Since the mating coupling element sealing element opening could be inadvertently opened by slight pressure, the sealing of the mating coupling element fluid channel opening via the mating coupling element sealing element prevents the inadvertent escape of any fluid present in the fluid channel from the mating coupling element fluid channel. To provide a fluid connection between the mating coupling element fluid channel and the mating coupling element sealing element fluid chamber, the mating coupling element sealing element fluid chamber can be moved toward the mating coupling element fluid connection along the mating coupling element longitudinal axis relative to the mating coupling element fluid channel.This can be achieved by displacing the counter-coupling element sealing element in the direction of the counter-coupling element fluid connection or by compressing at least one section of the counter-coupling element sealing element that adjoins the counter-coupling element sealing element fluid chamber in the direction of the counter-coupling element fluid connection, which section is in particular made of elastic material. If a displacement is provided, the counter-coupling element sealing element is supported on a spring element at an end of the counter-coupling element sealing element facing the counter-coupling element fluid connection. This spring element is compressed against its spring force upon displacement in order to return the counter-coupling element sealing element to its initial position in the sense of a disconnected state upon release.If the counter-coupling element sealing element itself or at least a portion of the counter-coupling element sealing element is compressed, the counter-coupling element sealing element is supported, in particular at an end of the counter-coupling element sealing element facing the counter-coupling element fluid connection, on a counter-coupling element housing portion facing this end, in order to be only compressed and not displaced, so that the counter-coupling element sealing element returns to its original state upon decompression. The two variants can also be combined with one another, for example, to realize greater movement distances of the fluid chamber.

[0045] The invention also relates to a coupling system for a closed fluid transfer system, comprising at least one coupling element according to the invention and at least one counter-coupling element according to the invention, wherein the counter-coupling element is configured such that it moves the activation element into the position with a minimum distance from the fluid connection during a coupling, wherein an opening of the coupling element sealing element opening caused by the movement of the activation element only occurs when the coupling element sealing element opening is sealed to the outside via the counter-coupling element.

[0046] Such sealing is achieved in particular when the mutually facing surfaces of the coupling element sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element are pressed against each other with a predetermined compressive force. This prevents fluid residues from forming on the surfaces of the coupling element sealing element and / or the mating coupling element sealing element when the coupling element and mating coupling element are uncoupled.

[0047] Features, expediencies and advantages of the invention are described below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0048] It shows Fig. 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling element for use in a coupling system 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; Fig. 2a schematic cross-sectional view of a counter-coupling element for use in a coupling system in a plane parallel to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis of the counter-coupling element according to an exemplary first embodiment of the counter-coupling element in the disconnected state; Fig. 3 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; Fig. 4 an overview of all external views of the coupling system according to Figures 1 to 3 as well as the sectional view along the section line AA, a perspective view and an exploded view in the disconnected state; and Fig. 5an overview of all external views of the coupling system according to Figures 1 to 3 as well as the sectional view along the section lines AA and a perspective view in the connected state.

[0049] Figure 1shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling element 100 for use in a coupling system 300 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the coupling element 100, which extends from a fluid connection 12 in the direction of a coupling side 13 of the coupling element housing 10. In addition to the coupling element housing 10, the coupling element 100 comprises a coupling element sealing element 20 with a reversibly openable and closable coupling element sealing element opening 21. The coupling element sealing element 20 encloses an end of the fluid channel 11 facing the coupling side 13, which end is formed by the coupling element housing 10. The coupling element sealing element opening 21 is arranged in a region of the opening of the fluid channel 11 facing the coupling side 13. In addition, the fluid channel 11 is divided by a partition wall 11c into a coupling-side fluid channel section 11a and a fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11b.The coupling-side fluid channel section 11a and the fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11b each have a lateral fluid channel section opening 11d via which they can be in fluid communication.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling element sealing element 20 extends from the coupling side 13 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L1 over both fluid channel section openings 11d. In a position of the activation element 30, described below, in which the coupling element sealing element 20 or parts thereof have not been moved, i.e., no tensile force has been applied, a fluid connection-side coupling element sealing element section of the coupling element sealing element 20 seals the fluid channel section opening 11d of the fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11b. In addition, the coupling element sealing element 20 comprises a fluid chamber 24, which extends radially around the fluid channel 11 between the fluid connection-side coupling element sealing element section and a coupling-side coupling element sealing element section of the coupling element sealing element 20 with respect to the longitudinal axis L1, i.e., encircles the fluid channel in a tangential direction.The clutch-side fluid channel section opening 11d of the clutch-side fluid channel section 11a is arranged in the region of the fluid chamber 24.

[0051] To hold the coupling element sealing element 20 in the coupling element housing 10, the coupling element sealing element 20 has a fastening section 23 extending radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis L1, the outer end of which is fastened in the coupling element housing 10. For this purpose, the coupling element housing 10 is formed, for example, as in this embodiment, from a coupling-side housing section 10a and a fluid connection-side housing section 10b, which clamp the fastening section 23 between two opposing sections, for example by screwing them together.

[0052] For the reversible opening of the coupling element sealing element opening 21, the coupling element 100 comprises an activation element 30. The activation element 30 is annular and, viewed in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L1, is arranged between the coupling element sealing element 20 surrounding the fluid channel 11 and an outer coupling element housing wall. In a position of the activation element 30 with maximum distance from the fluid connection, here a disconnected state, the end of the activation element 30 facing the coupling side 13, together with the surface of the coupling element sealing element 20 facing the coupling side 13, forms a coupling-side end face. The wall thickness of the activation element essentially corresponds to the distance between the radial outer surface of the coupling element sealing element 20 and the outer coupling element housing wall for receiving the activation element 30.The term "substantially" refers in particular to the fact that the inner diameter of the activation element 30 can be slightly smaller than the radial outer diameter of the coupling element sealing element 20 before the activation element 30 is placed on the coupling element. This creates a surface pressure upon placement of the activation element, which holds the activation element 30 on the coupling element sealing element 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation element 30 extends in the disconnected state from the coupling-side end face in the direction of the fluid connection 12 up to a maximum distance therefrom that allows sufficient movement in the direction of the fluid connection 12, wherein the activation element 30 also covers the fluid section opening 11d of the fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11b.The aforementioned overlap supports the sealing across the coupling element sealing element section on the fluid connection side, particularly when the aforementioned surface pressure is provided. Furthermore, the end of the activation element 30 facing the fluid connection 12 engages a projection 22 of the coupling element sealing element 20 that points radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis L1.

[0053] Next, a counter-coupling element according to the invention for use in a coupling system will be described with respect to Figure 2based on a schematic cross-sectional view of a counter-coupling element 200 in a plane parallel to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis L2 of the counter-coupling element 200, which extends from a counter-coupling element fluid connection 41 of the counter-element coupling housing 40 in the direction of a counter-coupling side 42. In addition to the counter-coupling element housing 40, the counter-coupling element 200 comprises a counter-coupling element sealing element 50, which is arranged in the counter-coupling element housing 40 and, together with the counter-coupling element housing 40, forms at least part of a counter-coupling-side end face of the counter-coupling element 200.

[0054] The counter-coupling element housing 40 has a counter-coupling-side end 43, which adjoins and surrounds the counter-coupling element sealing element 50 in the radial direction with respect to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis L2. This counter-coupling-side end 43 forms an axial projection with respect to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis L2 and, together with an adjoining housing section of the counter-coupling element housing 40, also forms a shoulder section 47, which functions as a stop for a corresponding coupling element section of the coupling element housing 10.In addition, the counter-coupling element housing 40 has, in the housing section of the counter-coupling element housing 40 adjoining the axial projection formed by the counter-coupling side end 43, a counter-coupling element holding structure 44 which, in the present embodiment, is formed by a circumferential groove into which the snap hooks of the holding structure 14 of the in . Figure 1 shown coupling element can engage. A counter-coupling element fluid channel 45 extends from the counter-coupling element fluid connection 41 into the counter-coupling element housing 40. The counter-coupling side fluid channel end is axially spaced from the counter-coupling side 42 with respect to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis L2 and is closed, wherein a lateral counter-coupling element fluid channel opening 46 is provided, which is sealed in the disconnected state by the counter-coupling element sealing element 50.

[0055] The Figure 2The counter-coupling element sealing element 50 shown has, on the surface facing the counter-coupling side 42, a reversibly openable and closable counter-coupling element sealing element opening 51, which is closed in a disconnected state. The counter-coupling element sealing element 50 is designed to be elastic overall and is supported at its fluid connection-side end against a housing section of the counter-coupling element housing 40 facing it, wherein it encloses the counter-coupling element fluid channel 45. In the disconnected state, the counter-coupling element sealing element 50 forms a counter-coupling element sealing element fluid chamber 52 between the surface of the counter-coupling element sealing element 50 facing the counter-coupling side 42 and the closed end of the counter-coupling element fluid channel 45 facing the counter-coupling side 42.

[0056] Figure 3shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a coupling system 300 in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 or counter-coupling element longitudinal axis L2, which comprises the exemplary embodiments of the coupling element 100 according to Figure 1 and the counter-coupling element 200 according to Figure 2 and represents it in the connected state.

[0057] The connected state is achieved by moving the counter-coupling element 200 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L1 or counter-coupling element longitudinal axis L2 in the direction of the fluid connection 12 and / or the coupling element 100 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L1 or counter-coupling element longitudinal axis L2 in the direction of the counter-coupling element fluid connection 41. The axial projection formed by the counter-coupling-side end 43 is thereby moved into the distance between the coupling element sealing element 20 and the coupling element housing 40 and thereby pushes the activation element 30 from a position with maximum distance from the fluid connection 12 in the direction of the fluid connection 12. As a result, the coupling element sealing element 20 made of elastic material is stretched, whereby a tensile force is exerted on the area surrounding the coupling element sealing element opening 21, which opens the coupling element sealing element opening 21.Due to the expansion of the coupling element sealing element 20, the fluid chamber 41 simultaneously expands in the axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 in the direction of the fluid connection 12, so that the fluid channel section opening 11d of the fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11b is no longer sealed. In the connected state, in which the shoulder section 47 rests on the coupling element housing 10 and the holding structure 14 of the coupling element 100 engages in the mating coupling element holding structure 44, a fluid can thus be exchanged with the mating coupling element 200 via the fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11b, the fluid channel section opening 11d of the fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11b, the fluid chamber 24, the fluid channel section opening 11d of the coupling-side fluid channel section 11a, the coupling-side fluid channel section 11a and the coupling element sealing element opening 21, as indicated by the arrow line in . Figure 3is displayed.

[0058] For fluid exchange between the mating coupling element 200 and the coupling element 100, the surface facing the mating coupling side 42 with the mating coupling element sealing element opening 51 is pressed over the surface of the coupling element sealing element 20 facing the coupling side 13 or indirectly through the end of the fluid channel 11 facing the coupling side 13 in the direction of the mating coupling element fluid channel 41. This opens the mating coupling element sealing element opening 51. At the same time, the mating coupling element sealing element 50 is compressed in the direction of the mating coupling element fluid connection 41, whereby the mating coupling element sealing element fluid chamber 52 is moved in the direction of the mating coupling element fluid connection 41 in order to cover at least a portion of the mating coupling element fluid channel opening 46 in the connected state, thus enabling fluid exchange.Thus, according to the arrow line, the fluid exchange in the connected state can continue via the counter-coupling element sealing element opening 51, the counter-coupling element fluid chamber 52, the counter-coupling element fluid channel opening 46 and the counter-coupling element fluid channel 41.

[0059] The Figure 4 and 5 show the above-described embodiment of the coupling system 300 again in an overview of all views in the disconnected state according to Figure 4 and in the connected state according to Figure 5 This results in further design features of the described embodiment.

[0060] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. For example, the surface of the coupling element sealing element facing the coupling side shown in the figures is convex, and the surface of the counter-coupling element facing the mating coupling side is correspondingly concave. Even if this supports the respective opening formation, straight surfaces or other contours can alternatively be provided. As already mentioned, the coupling element sealing element and the mating coupling element sealing element do not have to be made entirely of elastic material, as in the described embodiments, but can only comprise this material in sections. In particular, elastic structures, such as spring joints or the like, can also be used as an alternative or in addition to the use of an elastic material. List of reference symbols

[0061] 10 Coupling element housing 10a Coupling-side housing section 10b Fluid connection-side housing section 11 Fluid channel 11a Coupling-side fluid channel section 11b Fluid connection-side fluid channel section 11c Partition wall 11d Fluid channel section opening 12 Fluid connection 13 Coupling side 14 Retaining structure 20 Coupling element sealing element 21 Coupling element sealing element opening 22 Projection 23 Fastening section 24 Fluid chamber 30 Activation element 40 Counter-coupling element housing 41 Counter-coupling element fluid connection 42 Counter-coupling side 43 Counter-coupling side end 44 Counter-coupling element retaining structure 45 Counter-coupling element fluid channel 46 Counter-coupling element fluid channel opening 47 Shoulder section 50 Counter-coupling element sealing element 51 Counter-coupling element sealing element opening 52Mating coupling elementSealing elementFluid chamber 100Coupling element 200Mating coupling element 300Coupling system L1Longitudinal axis (coupling element) L2Mating coupling elementLongitudinal axis

Claims

1. Coupling system (300) for a closed fluid transfer system, comprising at least one coupling element (100) and at least one counter-coupling element (200), wherein the coupling element (100) comprises a coupling element housing (10) with a fluid port (12) and a coupling side (13), wherein the coupling element housing (10) has a longitudinal axis (L1) extending from the fluid port (12) in the direction of the coupling side (13), a fluid channel (11), which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L1) from the fluid port (12) into the coupling element housing (10), a coupling element sealing element (20), which covers a fluid channel opening of the fluid channel (11) facing the coupling side (13), wherein the coupling element sealing element (20) has at least one reversibly openable and closable coupling element sealing element opening (21) in the region of the covering of the fluid channel opening facing the coupling side (13) and at least one region adjoining and encompassing the coupling element sealing element opening (21), in particular the entire coupling element sealing element (20), is formed from an elastic material, and at least one activating element (30), which engages with the coupling element sealing element (20) and can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L1) in the coupling element housing (10) between a position with a maximum distance from the fluid port (12) and a position with a minimum distance from the fluid port (12), wherein the activating element is designed such that the coupling element sealing element opening (21) of the coupling element sealing element (20) is closed in the position of the activating element (30) with a maximum distance from the fluid port (12), and the coupling element sealing element opening (21) is open in the position of the activating element with a minimum distance from the fluid port (12), and wherein the counter-coupling element (200) comprises for coupling to the coupling element (100) a counter-coupling element housing (40) with a counter-coupling element fluid port (41) and a counter-coupling side (42), wherein the counter-coupling element housing (40) has a counter-coupling element longitudinal axis (L2) extending from the counter-coupling element fluid port (41) in the direction of the counter-coupling side (42), and a counter-coupling element sealing element (50), which is arranged in the counter-coupling element housing (40) and together with the counter-coupling element housing (40) forms at least part of a counter-coupling side end face of the counter-coupling element (200), wherein the counter-coupling element sealing element (50) has a reversibly openable and closable counter-coupling element sealing element opening (51) in the region of the counter-coupling side end face and at least one region adjoining and encompassing the counter-coupling element sealing element opening (51), in particular the entire counter-coupling element sealing element (20), is formed from an elastic material, and wherein the counter-coupling element (200) is designed in such a way that it moves the activating element (30) into the position with a minimum distance from the fluid port (12) during coupling, wherein opening of the coupling element sealing element opening (21) caused by the movement of the activating element (30) only occurs if the coupling element sealing element opening (21) is sealed to the outside via the counter-coupling element (200), and characterised in that the reversibly openable and closable counter-coupling element sealing element opening (51) is opened in a connected state by the coupling element sealing element (20).

2. Coupling system (300) according to claim 1, wherein the coupling element sealing element (20), starting from the region of the covering of the fluid channel opening facing the coupling side (13), radially surrounds the fluid channel (11) in the direction of the fluid port (12) at least over a predetermined section in relation to the longitudinal axis (L1) and has a projection (22) pointing radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1), in particular on an end of the coupling element sealing element (20) facing the fluid port (12), with which an end facing the fluid port (12) or a projection of the activating element (30) pointing radially inwards in relation to the longitudinal axis (L1) engages.

3. Coupling system (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid channel (11) comprises two fluid channel sections (11a, 11b) separated from one another by a partition (11c) and which respectively have a lateral fluid channel section opening (11d), and wherein the coupling element sealing element (20) has a fluid chamber (24), which extends radially in relation to the longitudinal axis (L1) around the fluid channel (11) between a coupling element sealing element section on the coupling side and a coupling element sealing element section on the fluid port side, wherein the coupling element sealing element section on the fluid port side seals at least the fluid channel section opening (11d) of the fluid channel section (11b) on the fluid port side in a state in which the activating element (30) is in the portion with a maximum distance from the fluid port (12), and the fluid chamber (24) extends over the lateral fluid channel section opening (11d) of the fluid channel section (11a) on the coupling side side and the lateral fluid channel section opening (11d) of the fluid channel section (11b) on the fluid port side in a state in which the activating element (30) is in the position with a minimum distance to the fluid port (12) in order to form a fluid connection between the fluid channel section (11a) on the coupling side side and the fluid channel section (11b) on the fluid port side via the fluid chamber (24).

4. Coupling system (300) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the projection (22) of the coupling element sealing element (20) pointing outwards in relation to the longitudinal axis (L1) has a fastening section (23), which is fastened in the coupling element housing (10).

5. Coupling system (300) according to claim 4, wherein the coupling element housing (10) comprises a housing section (10a) on the coupling side side and a housing section (10b) on the fluid port side along the longitudinal axis (L1), between which the fastening section (23) of the coupling element sealing element (20) is held.

6. Coupling system (300) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the activating element (30) is formed in the shape of a ring, wherein in particular the ring of the activating element (30) engages with the end of coupling element sealing element (20) pointing towards the fluid port (12).

7. Coupling system (300) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the coupling element housing (10) has at least one retaining structure (14) on the coupling side (13), in particular a retaining structure (14) projecting axially beyond the coupling element sealing element (20) in relation to the longitudinal axis (L1) on the coupling side (13), by means of which a counter-coupling element (200) can be retained in a connected state.

8. Coupling system (300) according to claim 7, wherein the retaining structure (14) is formed by at least two retaining arms with snap hooks or in the shape of a ring.

9. Coupling system (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an end (43) of the counter-coupling element housing (40) on the counter-coupling side side can engage with the at least one activating element (30) of the coupling element (100) and can be moved together with it in the direction of the fluid port (12) of the coupling element (100) into the coupling element housing (10).

10. Coupling system (300) according to claim 9, wherein the end (43) of the counter-coupling element housing (40) on the counter-coupling side side is designed as an axial projection in relation to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis (L2) and forms a shoulder section (47) with an adjoining housing section of the counter-coupling element housing (40).

11. Coupling system (300) according to the preceding claims, wherein the counter-coupling element housing (40) has a counter-coupling element retaining structure (44) on an outer surface extending axially in relation to the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis (L2), via which the counter-coupling element (200) can be held in a connected state with the coupling element (100).

12. Coupling system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the counter-coupling element housing (40) comprises a counter-coupling element fluid channel (45) with at least one lateral counter-coupling element fluid channel opening (46), which extends in the direction of the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis (L2) from the counter-coupling element fluid port (41) in the direction of the counter-coupling side (42) in the counter-coupling element housing (40), and wherein the counter-coupling element sealing element (51) seals the lateral counter-coupling element fluid channel opening (46) in a disconnected state, wherein the counter-coupling element sealing element (51) has a counter-coupling element sealing element fluid chamber (52) between the seal and the counter-coupling element sealing element opening (51), which can be moved in the direction of the counter-coupling element longitudinal axis (L2) relative to the counter-coupling element fluid channel (45) in order to form a fluid connection to the inside of the counter-coupling element fluid channel (45) in the connected state via the lateral counter-coupling element fluid channel opening (46).