Device for aseptically joining a pipe

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transporting liquid or gaseous fluids and more particularly to an aseptic connection device intended to connect two sterile tubes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Connection assemblies are known for connecting sterile pipes connected to circuit elements in the pharmaceutical industry, such as filters, centrifuges, pumps, flexible plastic tanks or processing containers such as bioprocessors.

[0003] Such an assembly generally comprises two connecting devices intended to be connected together after each has been connected to a pipe end. Each device comprises a tubular body defining a channel arranged to receive the pipe end. The body has a front face on which is firmly fixed an annular sealing element with which the pipe end is intended to come into sealing contact. The sealing element is covered with a protective film in the form of a strip folded back on itself, one part of which adheres removably to a free lateral flank of the sealing element and another part forms a pull tab extending projecting from the first part.

[0004] After the pipe ends have been fitted into the bodies, the devices are placed coaxially opposite each other and then brought together until the protective films come into contact and the sealing elements are slightly compressed. The simultaneous removal of the protective films by pulling the tabs results in the lateral sides of the sealing elements coming into sealed contact with each other and thus the formation of an aseptic fluid passage channel between the two pipes. The devices are brought together further before locking the relative positions of the devices by means of a clamping flange.

[0005] At the end of a pharmaceutical product manufacturing process, all the pipes and connecting devices are generally dismantled and incinerated. Their reconditioning (washing, sterilization, etc.) is indeed costly and presents a risk of degradation of the devices (wear, breakage, or even loss of a component).

[0006] However, it appears that such devices have many components, making them particularly expensive for single use. It would also be desirable to limit or even eliminate the flow of fluid trapped in the pipes when the devices are disconnected.

[0007] To this end, it was envisaged in document FR-A-3117569 to equip the connection devices with a sealing element making it possible both to ensure the sealing of the tube connection and to completely obstruct the channel before disconnection. However, it is possible, with such devices, to proceed with their disconnection without having first proceeded to the obturating of the channels by the sealing elements, so that human error is possible. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention therefore aims to propose a device for aseptically connecting a tube making it possible to at least partially overcome the aforementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] To this end, the invention proposes a device for aseptic connection of a tube comprising: a tubular insert delimiting a channel and having a first end section provided with means for its connection to the tube and a second end section which is intended to extend outside the tube; an annular body comprising a first end section mounted on the second end section of the insert and a second end section extending axially projecting from the second end section of the insert to define therewith a housing;an annular sealing element which is arranged in the housing between a front face of the second end section of the insert and an internal step of the second section of the annular body and which is deformable from a first state in which the sealing element delimits a fluid passage section and a second state in which the sealing element completely obstructs the channel, the sealing element being arranged to be brought from its first state to its second state under the effect of axial compression; and means for coupling to another connection device.

[0010] The first end section of the body is mounted on the insert to be axially movable between an axially projecting position of the insert in which the sealing element is in its first state and a flush position of the insert in which the sealing element is sufficiently axially compressed to be in its second state.

[0011] According to the invention: an operating sleeve is rotatably mounted on the body between a connection position and a disconnection position, and is coupled to the insert to axially move the body from the projecting position to the flush position in response to rotation of the sleeve from the connection position to the disconnection position; and the coupling means are arranged to allow decoupling of the connecting device and the other connecting device only when the sleeve is in the disconnection position.

[0012] Thus, it is necessary to bring the operating sleeve into the disconnection position, and therefore to proceed with the sealing of the channel by the sealing element to uncouple the devices from each other, so that any risk of human error is limited.

[0013] In particular, the device comprises means for locking the body in a flush position.

[0014] In particular, the sealing element comprises a front face projecting from the second section of the annular body and on which is removably fixed a protective film onto which is folded a pull tab having a first end connected to an edge of the protective film and a second end extending projecting from an edge of the film opposite the first end of the pull tab.

[0015] Thus, the sealing element allows both to ensure the sealing of the tube connection and to completely obstruct the channel, and therefore to limit the number of components of the device.

[0016] In particular, the first end section of the body comprises a locking tab extending projecting from a front face of the body and comprising at a free end a roughness intended to cooperate with an edge of the other connection device, and one end of the sleeve is provided externally with at least one collar portion intended to cooperate with a locking tab of the other connection device, the collar portion and the locking tab forming the locking means.

[0017] In particular, the tubular insert is provided with a rod extending axially in a cantilevered manner in the channel to have a free end portion projecting from the second end section of the insert. The fluid passage section delimited by the sealing element in its first state is then greater than a cross-section of the rod and the sealing element in its second state encloses the rod.

[0018] In particular, the rotation of the sleeve from the connection position to the disconnection position is substantially equal to 180 degrees.

[0019] The invention also relates to a two-tube connection assembly comprising two such connection devices.

[0020] Advantageously, the two connection devices are identical.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method of disconnecting two tubes connected using such a connection assembly, the method comprising the following steps: bring the sleeves of the two devices from the connection position to the disconnection position; and move the devices axially away from each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will be better understood in light of the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection device according to a particular embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a view analogous to the figure 1 , in which the connecting device is devoid of its protective cover. ; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is an exploded view of the connecting device illustrated in figure 2 ; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting device shown in figure 2 ; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is an axial sectional view of the connecting device illustrated in figure 2 ; [ Fig. 6A ] there figure 6A is a perspective view of an aseptic connection assembly according to a particular embodiment of the invention, before connection; [ Fig. 6B ] there figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in figure 6A ; [ Fig. 7A ] there figure 7A is a view analogous to the figure 6A , after connection and before removing the protective film; [ Fig. 7B ] there figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in figure 7A ; [ Fig. 8A ] there figure 8A is a view analogous to the figure 6A , after connection and after removing the protective film; [ Fig. 8B ] there figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in figure 8A ; [ Fig. 9A ] there figure 9A is a view analogous to the figure 6A , during disconnection; [ Fig. 9B ] there figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in figure 9A ; [ Fig. 10A ] there figure 10A is a view analogous to the figure 6A , after disconnection; [ Fig. 10B ] there figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in figure 10A ; [ Fig. 11 ] there figure 11 is an axial sectional view of a variant of the connection device illustrated in figure 1 , without its protective cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The invention is described here in application to the connection of a first sterile tube 100 forming a first fluid transport conduit to a second fluid transport conduit formed by a second sterile tube 200.

[0024] In reference to the figures 6A à 10B , a fluid connection assembly generally designated 1, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, comprises two connection devices 10 intended to together produce an aseptic connection between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200. The two devices 10 are identical and are distinguished in the figures by the addition of the letters A, B.

[0025] As illustrated in figures 1 à 5 , each device 10 comprises a tubular tip or insert 20 delimiting a channel 21 for the passage of fluid.

[0026] The insert 20 comprises a first end section 20.1 delimiting a first bore 22.1 forming a first portion of the channel 21. The first section 20.1 externally comprises a fir-tooth relief 23 and a collar 24 respectively forming a means for its anchoring in the tube 100, 200 and a stop for its insertion into said tube 100, 200.

[0027] The insert 20 comprises a second end section 20.2 delimiting a second bore 22.2 coaxial with the first bore 22.1 and forming a second portion of the channel 21. The second section 20.2 is internally provided with a rod 25 of cylindrical shape extending axially in a cantilevered manner in the channel 21 so that a free end portion 25.1 of the rod projects from the second section 20.2 of the insert 20. As illustrated in figures 4 And 5 , the rod 25 is axially connected to the second bore 22.2 by a web 26 extending axially. The diameter of the rod 25 is here sufficiently small so that the fluid passage section of the channel 21 is here almost identical in the first section 20.1 and the second section 20.2.

[0028] The second section 20.2 of the insert 20 is provided externally with two coaxial collars 27.1, 27.2 arranged at a free end of said second section 20.2, and with a notching ring 28 having an external diameter slightly greater than that of the collars 27.1, 27.2. The collars 27.1, 27.2 form first means for centering a tubular body 30 mounted on the insert 20. The notching ring 28 forms a second means for centering the body 30 on the insert 20 and, as will be seen later, a means for axially locking the body 30 in position on the insert 20.

[0029] The second section 20.2 of the insert 20 is also provided externally with two diametrically opposed axial ribs 29 arranged, as will be seen later, to connect the body 30 to the insert 20 in rotation. The ribs 29 comprise lateral faces comprising recesses arranged to form stop flanks 29.1 of the body on the insert 20.

[0030] The body 30 comprises a first end section 30.1 mounted on the second section 20.2 of the insert 20, and a second end section 30.2 extending axially projecting from said second section 20.2 of the insert 20.

[0031] As shown in the figure 3 , the first section 30.1 comprises two axial grooves 31 opening onto a free edge of the first section 30.1 to delimit between them two diametrically opposed cylindrical portions 32. The cylindrical portions 32 each have one end secured to the remainder of the first section 30.1 and an opposite end comprising an internal relief 32.1 cooperating with a lateral flank of the notching ring 28, and an external annular groove 32.2 arranged, as will be seen later, to connect the body 30 in translation to an operating sleeve 60 mounted on said body 30. The grooves 31 delimiting the cylindrical portions 32 are arranged to receive the ribs 29 of the insert 20 so as to connect the body 30 in rotation to the insert 20 and to ensure axial movement of the body 30 on the insert 20. The cylindrical portions 32 are elastically deformable between a rest state in which the reliefs 32.1 delimit a passage section smaller than the diameter of the notching ring 28 and a first deformed state in which said reliefs 32.1 delimit a passage section greater than the diameter of said notching ring 28. It will be noted that the notching ring 28 has an outer periphery comprising a chamfer arranged so as not to hinder the mounting of the body 30 on the insert 20.

[0032] The grooves 31 delimiting the cylindrical portions 32 also comprise a section delimited by two arms 31.1 elastically deformable between a rest state in which the arms 31.1 delimit a passage section less than a width of the ribs 29 of the insert 20, and a deformed state in which said arms 31.1 delimit a passage section greater than the width of said ribs 29.

[0033] The ribs 29 comprise a front face arranged so as not to generally oppose an axial displacement of the body 30 from a projecting position, in which the reliefs 32.1 of the cylindrical portions 32 cooperate with the lateral flank of the notching ring 28 and in which the arms 31.1 are axially spaced from the ribs 29 ( figure 5 , 6B , 7B , 8B ), towards a position flush with the insert 20, in which a free end of the arms 31.1 cooperate in the rest state with the stop flanks 29.1 formed on lateral faces of the ribs 29 ( figure 9B And 10B ) so as to oppose an axial movement of the body 30 from the flush position to the projecting position. It is understood that after having reached the flush position, the body 30 can no longer reach the projecting position.

[0034] The second section 30.2 of the body 30 defines with the second section 20.2 of the insert 20, opposite the end portion 25.1 of the rod 25, a housing for receiving an annular sealing element 40 which is arranged between a front face 20.3 of the second section 20.2 and an internal annular step 33 of the second section 30.2 arranged at a free end of said second section 30.2.

[0035] The first section 30.1 and the second section 30.2 of the body 30 are each provided externally with a collar 34.1, 34.2 forming means for centering the sleeve 60 on the body 30. The second section 30.2 is also provided with another collar 34.3 which extends radially in the extension of the step 33 to define with the latter a front face 35 of the body 30. The collars 34.1, 34.2, 34.3 are coaxial and the front face 35 of the body 30 is provided with four studs 35.2 each delimiting a contact surface intended to cooperate axially with a contact surface of a stud 35.2 of another device 10 to guarantee, as will be seen later, a slight clearance between the front faces 35 after the two devices 10 have been brought together.

[0036] The body 30 further comprises a locking tab 36 and an assembly pin 37 which are diametrically opposed and which extend axially projecting from the front face 35 of the body 30, in the vicinity of a periphery thereof.

[0037] The locking tab 36 is elastically deformable and comprises a free end having an inner surface provided with a fir-tooth asperity 36.1 intended to ensure, as will be seen later, coupling of the device 10 with the other device 10.

[0038] The front face 35 of the body 30 comprises a slot 35.1 intended to receive a portion of the assembly pin 37 of the other device 10. The slot 35.1 is arranged in the vicinity of a periphery of the front face 35, close to the locking tab 36, the slot 35.1 and the assembly pin 37 being diametrically opposite.

[0039] The sealing element 40 is in sealed contact with the front face 20.3 of the second section 20.2 of the insert 20 and an internal flank of the step 33 opposite said front face 20.3. The sealing element 40 is deformable from a first state in which it delimits a passage section greater than a cross section of the rod 25 of the insert 20 and a second state in which it encloses the rod 25, and is arranged to be brought from its first state to its second state under the effect of axial compression. Such a sealing element is known from document EP2569665.

[0040] When the body 30 is axially moved from the protruding position to the flush position, the insert 20 compresses the sealing element 40 sufficiently against the step 33 to bring it from its first state to its second state.

[0041] The sealing element 40 comprises a front face extending in projection from the second section 30.2 of the body 30 and on which is removably fixed a protective film 50 on which is folded a pull tab 51 allowing the protective film 50 to be removed without touching it. The pull tab 51 has a first end connected to an edge of the protective film 50 and a second end extending in projection from an edge of the protective film 50 opposite the first end of the tab 51. The second end of the tab 51 comprises in its center a hole 51.1 shaped to allow the passage of a finger through said hole 51.1 so as to improve the gripping of the tab 51 by forming a pull ring.

[0042] The sleeve 60 internally comprises an annular step 61 received in the external grooves 32.2 of the cylindrical portions 32 of the body 30 so that the body 30 is linked in translation to the sleeve 60.

[0043] The cylindrical portions 32 are elastically deformable between their rest state in which the free end of the cylindrical portions 32 delimits a passage section greater than the diameter of the step 61, and a second deformed state in which said free end delimits a passage section less than the diameter of said step 61. It will be noted that the free end of the cylindrical portions 32 has an outer periphery comprising a chamfer arranged so as not to hinder the mounting of the sleeve 60 on the body 30.

[0044] The sleeve 60 also internally comprises a helical groove 62 forming a thread arranged to receive protrusions 29.2 extending radially projecting from the ribs 29 of the insert 20 so that an axial rotation of the operating sleeve 60 from a connection position to a disconnection position causes an axial movement of the insert 20 from the projecting position to the flush position. The rotation angle of the sleeve 60 from the connection position to the disconnection position is here substantially equal to 180 degrees.

[0045] The sleeve 60 comprises an end provided externally with two collar portions 63, identical and diametrically opposed, on which the locking tab 36 of the body 30 of the other device 10 is intended to clip via its fir-tooth asperity 36.1 to ensure coupling of the device 10 with said other device 10 whose sleeve 60 is in the connection position. The collar portions 63 are angularly spaced so as to delimit an axial release path for the locking tab 36 of the other device 10 when the sleeve 60 is in the disconnection position.

[0046] The sleeve 60 also externally comprises a plurality of recesses 64 distributed angularly in a regular manner to form means for gripping the sleeve 60 making it easier to rotate it.

[0047] In order to avoid any deterioration of the protective film 50 and contamination of the sealing element 40 during storage and transport of the device 10, a protective cover 70 is removably mounted on the end of the sleeve 60. The cover 70 is here arranged to clip (by elastic fitting) onto an external annular step 65 of the sleeve 60 and is intended to be removed just before coupling the device 10 to the other device 10.

[0048] It should be noted that the entire device 10 is factory sterilized to be free from any contamination prior to storage.

[0049] The operation of the connection assembly 1 will now be detailed with regard to the figures 6A à 10B .

[0050] The end section 20.1 of the first device 10A is first fitted into the first tube 100 until the latter abuts against the collar 24 of said first device 10A. Similarly, the end section 20.1 of the second device 10B is fitted into the second tube 200 until the latter abuts against the collar 24 of said second device 10B, so that the first and second devices 10A, 10B are respectively anchored in the first and second tubes 100, 200.

[0051] The protective covers 70 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are then removed from the sleeves 60, making visible in particular the locking tabs 36 and the assembly pins 37 of the bodies 30.

[0052] The first and second devices 10A, 10B are then presented coaxially facing each other, the first device 10A being rotated axially by substantially 180 degrees relative to the second device 10B so that the assembly pin 37 and the slot 35.1 of the first device 10A are respectively facing the slot 35.1 and the assembly pin 37 of the second device 10B ( figures 6A And 6B ).

[0053] Initially, the first and second devices 10A, 10B are brought together until the pull tabs 51 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are in contact, the slot 35.1 of the first device 10A then receiving a portion of the assembly pin 37 of the second device 10B and the slot 35.1 of the second device 10B receiving a portion of the assembly pin 37 of the first device 10A.

[0054] By continuing to bring the first and second devices 10A, 10B together until the pads 35.2 of the front faces 35 are in contact with each other, the protective films 50 are pressed against each other, which results in a slight compression of an end portion of the sealing elements 40 extending projecting from said front face, but also a cooperation of the asperity 36.1 of the locking tab 36 of the first device 10A with one of the collar portions 63 of the second device 10B and a cooperation of the asperity 36.1 of the locking tab 36 of the second device 10B with one of the collar portions 63 of the first device 10A ( figures 7A And 7B ). We then speak of coupling of the first and second devices 10A, 10B. The pads 35.2 define a slight clearance between the front faces 35, which makes it possible to avoid pinching of the protective films 50 between said front faces 35.

[0055] The protective films 50 are then removed by passing the same finger through the holes 51.1 of the tabs 51 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B and simultaneously pulling on said tabs 51, then causing decompression of the end portions of the sealing elements 40 and bringing them into sealed contact ( figures 8A And 8B ). The first and second devices 10A, 10B thus together form a channel for the passage of a fluid between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200.

[0056] It will be understood that the slight play between the front faces 35 makes it easier to remove the protective films 50.

[0057] When it is necessary to disconnect the first device 10A from the second device 10B, a rotational driving torque C 1 , C 2 is exerted, preferably simultaneously, on each of the sleeves 60 so as to bring said sleeves 60 from the connection position to the disconnection position and thus axially move the bodies 30 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B from the projecting position to the flush position.

[0058] Once the bodies 30 are in the flush position ( figures 9A And 9B ) : the arms 31.1 of the grooves 31 oppose the axial movement of the bodies 30 towards the projecting position under the effect of the forces generated by the compression of the sealing elements 40; the sealing elements 40 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are sufficiently compressed to grip the rods 25 of the inserts 20 so that the fluid can no longer circulate between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200, and more particularly between the first device 10A and the second device 10B;and the locking tab 36 of the first device 10A is opposite the release path delimited by the collar portions 63 equipping the sleeve 60 of the second device 10B, and the locking tab 36 of the second device 10B is opposite the release path delimited by the collar portions 63 equipping the sleeve 60 of the first device 10A, so that said locking tabs 36 no longer oppose the disconnection of the first and second devices 10A, 10B. ;

[0059] The driving torques C 1 , C 2 exerted on the sleeves 60 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are then stopped.

[0060] An axial force F 1 , F 2 is then exerted on the sleeves 60 so as to separate the first device 10A and the second device 10B from each other ( figures 10A And 10B ).

[0061] In order to protect the sealing elements 40 in their deformed state, the protective covers 70 are clipped onto the sleeves 60.

[0062] It is thus understood that the clamping of the rods 25 by the sealing elements 40 makes it possible to prevent the flow of the fluid remaining trapped in the tubes 100, 200 when the devices 10A, 10B are disconnected.

[0063] It is also understood that the disconnection of the first device 10A from the second device 10B is only possible after the rotation of the sleeves causing the displacement of the bodies 30 from the projecting position to the flush position in which they are blocked by the arms 31.1 of the grooves 31, and therefore only after the clamping of the rods 25 by the sealing elements 40, which makes it possible to avoid any risk of human error.

[0064] There figure 11 illustrates a connection device 10' which is none other than a variant of the connection device 10 illustrated in figures 1 à 5 .

[0065] The device 10' differs from the device 11 in that the sealing element 40' does not project from the front face 35' of the body 30' and in that it comprises an annular seal 80' which is housed in a bore formed in the front face 35' of the body 30' and which projects from said front face 35' to ensure sealing between the device 10' and another device 10'. It is understood that unlike the sealing element 40, the sealing element 40' is arranged only to prevent the circulation of fluid through the device 10' when the body 30' is in a flush position, and not to ensure sealing between the device 10' and another device 10'.

[0066] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0067] Although the connection assembly here comprises two identical devices 10A, 10B, it can also comprise two different devices. For example, the locking tab 36 of the first device 10A can be replaced by an assembly pin and the assembly pin 37 of the second device 10B can be replaced by a locking tab so as to form a male connector and a female connector.

[0068] Although the coupling of the devices 10A, 10B is here achieved by clipping, it can also be achieved by any other means such as by screwing a part of the device 10A onto the other device 10B.

[0069] Although the anchoring of the tubes 100, 200 on the devices 10A, 10B is here achieved by a fir-tooth relief, it can also be achieved by any other means such as a ring, an externally toothed washer or elastically deformable arms.

[0070] Although the locking of the body 30 in the flush position is here achieved by the use of elastically deformable arms 31.1, it can also be achieved by any other means such as by the use of pins.

[0071] Although the sealing element 40 is here symmetrical, it may be non-symmetrical.

[0072] The rod 25 is optional, in particular when the channel delimited by the insert 20 is of small diameter. The sealing element 40 in its deformed state then completely and alone obstructs the channel.

[0073] The steps necessary for disconnecting the devices 10A, 10B can be carried out simultaneously on each of the devices 10A, 10B or on one of the devices then the other.

Claims

1. Aseptic junction device (10) for a tube, comprising: - a tubular insert (20) defining a channel (21) and having a first end segment (20.1) provided with means for connecting it to the tube and a second end segment (20.2) which is intended to extend outside the tube; - an annular body (30) comprising a first end segment (30.1) mounted on the second end segment of the insert, and also a second end segment (30.2) projecting axially from the second end segment of the insert to define therewith a housing; - an annular sealing element (40) that is disposed in the housing between a front face of the second end segment of the insert and an internal step (33) of the second segment of the annular body and that is deformable from a first state in which the sealing element delimits a fluid flow section and a second state in which the sealing element completely obstructs the channel, the sealing element being arranged to be brought from its first state to its second state under the effect of an axial compression; and - means (36, 63) for coupling to another junction device, the first end segment of the body being mounted on the insert so as to be movable axially between an axially projecting position of the insert and in which the sealing element is in its first state, and a flush position with the insert in which the sealing element is sufficiently axially compressed to be in its second state, characterised in that: - a maneuvering sleeve (60) is rotatably mounted on the body between a connection position and a disconnection position, and is coupled to the insert so that a rotation of the sleeve from the connection position to the disconnection position leads an axial movement of the body from the projecting position to the flush position; and - the coupling means are arranged to allow decoupling of the junction device and the other junction device, only when the sleeve is in the disconnection position.

2. Device according to claim 1, including locking means (29.1, 31.1) for locking the body (30) in the flush position.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (40) comprises a front face projecting from the second segment of the annular body, and on which a protective film (50) is removably fastened, the film having a pull-tongue (51) folded down thereon with a first end connected to an edge of the protective film and a second end projecting from the edge of the film that is opposite the first end of the pull-tongue.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end segment of the body comprises a locking tab (36) projecting from a front face of the body (30) and including, at a free end, a serration (36.1) intended to co-operate with an edge of the other junction device, and wherein one end of the sleeve (60) is provided externally with at least one collar portion (63) intended to co-operate with a locking tab of the other junction device, the collar portion and the locking tab forming the locking means.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular insert is provided with a rod (25) extending axially cantilevered into the channel to have a free end portion (25.1) projecting from the second end section (20.2) of the insert (20), the fluid flow section delimited by the sealing element (40) in its first state being greater than a cross-section of the rod, and the sealing element in its second state enclosing the rod.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation of the sleeve (60) from the connection position to the disconnection position is substantially equal to 180 degrees.

7. Junction assembly (1) of two tubes (100, 200) comprising two junction devices (10A, 10B) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. Assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the two junction devices (10A, 10B) are identical.

9. Method for disconnecting two tubes (100, 200) joined by means of a junction assembly according to claim 8, the method comprising the following steps: - bringing the sleeves (60) of the two devices from the connection position to the disconnection position; and - axially moving the devices away from each other.