Sleeve for a medical hose connection

Abstract

The present invention relates to sleeves for providing a medical hose connection, in particular for providing a sealed and mechanically stable connection between a medical hose and a connector received in the latter. Accordingly, a sleeve is proposed comprising a first sleeve part (12) and a second sleeve part (14) which are connectable to each other, wherein each sleeve part (12, 14) comprises two side walls (16) which are connected to each other and which form an inner wall (18), defining an inner cavity (22), with a portion (20) of continuous semi-circular cross section. In the connected state of the sleeve parts (12, 14), the inner walls (18) are designed to circumferentially enclose a medical hose portion (34) received in the inner cavity (22). Each semi-circular portion (20) has a sealing region (24) and a fastening region (26) which are designed continuously in the circumferential direction and parallel to each other.

Description

[0001] Sleeve for a medical hose connection

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to sleeves for providing a medical tube connection, in particular for providing a liquid-tight and mechanically stable connection between a medical tube and a connector received therein.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] For medical devices or systems that require a tube or tube set during use, such as a dialysis system and an extracorporeal circulatory support system, it must be ensured that the respective tube is connected in a fluid-tight manner and sufficiently secured. It must therefore be avoided that fluid leaks occur due to a faulty seal and / or an accidentally loosened tube connection. For example, for therapeutic treatment of a patient, one or more tubes may be provided to convey a medical fluid or the patient's blood. The respective tube is connected to a corresponding medical device, such as a pump or an oxygenator, or to another tube or attachment, by means of a tube connector.Such a connector is typically provided with a conical section that tapers radially in the longitudinal direction, which is inserted into the hose at one end and received therein. The connector, and in particular the conical section, are typically dimensioned for a given inner diameter of the hose.

[0006] To prevent leaks from occurring or developing between the tube and the conical section of the connector, even during long-term use, a fixation ring is pushed over the tube in conventional procedures. The fixation ring is designed to be positioned so that it presses the tube wall against the conical section of the connector at a designated point to provide an adequate fluid seal. Furthermore, the fixation ring is designed to prevent dead spaces from occurring between the connector and the tube over the duration of therapy, which are to be avoided from a therapeutic perspective. Once correctly positioned, an adhesive, such as a UV adhesive, is applied to the tube to secure the fixation ring in place. This adhesive fixes the ring in place after curing.

[0007] Furthermore, in the prior art, a cable tie is attached to the hose for strain relief. The cable tie is typically positioned and tightened with an axial offset from the fixing ring and behind an edge, such as an end edge or a barb edge of the conical section. This fixation also ensures the correct position of the fixing ring relative to the connector, and thus its proper function.

[0008] However, the attachment and positioning of the fixing ring and cable tie is done manually and successively, making providing a secure hose connection this way error-prone and time-consuming. Furthermore, the required process steps pose a risk of low reproducibility.

[0009] Accordingly, the task is to improve the provision of medical tube connections and, in particular, to realize a simplified tube connection with improved reproducibility.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The invention recognizes that the assembly of the fixation ring, in particular, requires precise positioning to achieve the desired seal. Ideally, positioning should be force-displacement controlled to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances that may occur in all components. If the fixation ring is not positioned precisely, leaks and / or dead spaces may occur. In the case of a blood line, dead spaces can lead to thrombi that endanger the patient. Larger leaks can also endanger the patient and pose a hygiene problem. Furthermore, the attachment of the fixation ring requires the application of an adhesive, whereby the fixation ring must be securely held in position during the curing process to prevent accidental slippage.

[0012] It was also recognized that manual positioning and precise alignment of the cable tie are also prone to errors. This is because the cable tie is preferably not attached directly adjacent to the barb edge to reduce excessive tensile stress on the hose wall and thus not place excessive strain on the hose wall. At the same time, the distance to the barb edge should not be too large to ensure strain relief and correct positioning of the fixing ring. Furthermore, it was determined that the tightening force of the cable tie is associated with low reproducibility.

[0013] Based on the known prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to establish an improved hose connection and in particular a simplified hose connection with improved reproducibility.

[0014] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description and the figures.

[0015] Accordingly, a sleeve for providing a medical hose connection is proposed, comprising a first sleeve part and a second sleeve part, which can be connected to one another. Each sleeve part comprises two side walls, which are connected to one another and form an inner wall defining an inner cavity with a semicircular section that is continuous in cross-section. The inner walls are designed to circumferentially enclose a medical hose section received in the inner cavity when the sleeve parts are connected. Each semicircular section has a sealing region and a fastening region, which are continuous, continuous, and parallel to one another in the circumferential direction.

[0016] According to the invention, the functions of a fixing ring and a cable tie were combined in a single sleeve by means of the corresponding sealing area or fastening area. The fastening area ensures that a hose accommodated in the inner cavity is securely held relative to a connector accommodated in the hose, at least in the longitudinal direction of the hose. This prevents the seal provided by the sealing area from slipping, even when tensile forces are applied to the hose. The sealing area is advantageously firmly connected to the fastening area via the inner wall or the semicircular section.

[0017] On the one hand, this ensures that, due to the arrangement of the sealing area in axial respect or in the longitudinal direction and relative to the fastening area, which is defined in the semicircular section, a precise and best possible positioning of the sealing area is provided when the sleeve parts are guided around the hose and connected to one another in the area of ​​the connector.

[0018] This effectively avoids the need for manual positioning of a separate sealing ring or fixing ring, significantly improving the reproducibility of the seal provided. On the other hand, the fastening area already provided in the semicircular section eliminates the need for separate fastening or fixing of the sealing area. This eliminates the need for adhesive. The associated curing time and potentially cumbersome positioning can be avoided. This advantageously simplifies and shortens assembly and significantly simplifies the assembly time. Since assembly is usually carried out in a clean room or sterile environment, the available space can also be used more efficiently by eliminating the need for corresponding assembly workstations.

[0019] The design of the sealing region and the fastening region as continuous, radially parallel structures further provides a rotational symmetry of the semicircular section. As a result, a hose section accommodated in the inner cavity can be uniformly limited or prestressed at its circumference by the sealing region and the fastening region. The "parallel arrangement" of the regions is to be understood such that the sealing region and the fastening region are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction, so that the hose section contacts or engages both the sealing region and the fastening region at its accommodated circumference in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction furthermore runs perpendicular to the cross-section of the inner cavity orperpendicular to the lateral extension defined by the side walls and thus typically corresponds to the elongated extension of the hose and the connector accommodated in the hose.

[0020] The two-part design of the sleeve with a first sleeve part and a second sleeve part further simplifies the medical tube connection. For example, the tube section can first be inserted into the inner cavity of the first sleeve part. In this way, the circumference of the tube section is surrounded by the semicircular section of the inner wall of the first sleeve part and extends longitudinally through the inner cavity. The second sleeve part can then be guided around the same tube section so that the semicircular section of the inner wall of the second sleeve part surrounds the section of the tube circumference that is not surrounded by the inner wall of the first sleeve part. The first sleeve section and the second sleeve section are thus connected to one another to jointly form the sleeve and provide the tube connection.The initially unconnected state of the sleeve parts makes it easier to insert or place the hose section to be connected. In this way, a hose connection can be provided which does not require any special qualifications from the operator or user. The first sleeve part and the second sleeve part can accordingly together form an essentially annular sleeve. The semicircular sections are not offset from one another in the longitudinal direction, but rather merge into one another or overlap in the longitudinal direction when the sleeve is connected. The inner cavities form a single cavity which accommodates the entire circumference of the hose section. The overall cavity is therefore defined at least by the semicircular sections. The inner cavities accordingly form a channel or through-hole, wherein a radius of the semicircular sections ora diameter of the total cavity can vary and / or is preferably dimensioned for an outer diameter of the hose in the region of the connector accommodated therein. In other words, a varying diameter of the total cavity can advantageously be (exactly) adapted to the dimensions of the connector and the wall thickness of the hose or correspond to them.

[0021] The sleeve can, for example, be configured for a medical tube to be fluidically connected to a medical device. The total cavity is dimensioned for a corresponding predetermined wall thickness of the tube and a dimensioning of a connector or connection of the medical device, which is at least partially received by one tube end. The medical device can, for example, be a device of a dialysis system, for example a dialyzer or a pump, or a device of an extracorporeal circulatory support system, for example a (membrane) oxygenator or a pump. The tube is then typically designed to convey a medical fluid, and in particular the blood of a patient. In this way, the sleeve can, in particular, provide a secure fluid seal or liquid seal for a blood tube of a medical system.

[0022] The side walls of the respective sleeve part are preferably formed integrally with one another, so that each sleeve part is preferably formed from an integral part, more preferably can be produced by means of a cost-effective injection molding process.

[0023] The semicircular sections for the sleeve parts are preferably of identical design and / or, in the connected state, are arranged longitudinally without any offset from one another. In this way, the semicircular sections can overlap in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, they are preferably of identical design. In this way, a certain rotational symmetry of the inner wall can be provided around a received or inserted hose section and a connector section inserted or received therein. The exact alignment of the sleeve parts in the circumferential direction of the hose section is irrelevant here. This is particularly advantageous for providing a hose connection with a rotationally symmetrical connector. In order to ensure uniform sealing and uniform fixing orIn order to provide fastening to a hose section accommodated in the sleeve, the inner cavities, in the connected state and in cross-section, preferably together form a substantially circular inner cavity and / or the sleeve parts are preferably designed such that the inner cavity is defined only by the semicircular sections. Thus, the circumference of the hose section can be completely enclosed by the semicircular sections. In this way, it can be avoided that the overall inner cavity is provided by a (significant) section of the inner wall which does not form or need not form a semicircular section, so that, for example, an at least partially oval or ellipsoidal shape of the cross-section can be avoided and uniform contact between the sealing region and the hose circumference and between the fastening region and the hose circumference can be provided.

[0024] The first sleeve part and the second sleeve part can be at least partially connected to one another when the sleeve is not connected. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a hinge formed or provided on two adjacent side walls of the two sleeve parts, or by means of a flexible connecting arm. However, the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part are preferably separate and distinct sleeve parts when not connected. This can further facilitate the provision of the medical tube connection and, in particular, the insertion or insertion of the tube section.

[0025] The first sleeve part and the second sleeve part can also be detachably and / or reversibly connected to one another. Thus, a connection mechanism, for example, by means of at least one locking element, can be provided, which allows disassembly and / or readjustment after actuation of the connection mechanism. In this way, an existing hose connection to a medical device can be easily released, for example, for successive treatment. Likewise, the contact force of the sealing area or the fastening area on a received hose section can be adjusted, thus providing a desired or required seal or fixation.

[0026] In order to provide improved sealing of a hose section to a connector received therein, the sealing region of a respective sleeve part preferably defines an inner surface which is inclined towards the inner cavity.

[0027] The inner surface is thus inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. An angle of inclination of the inner surface of the sealing area is preferably predetermined and corresponds to an angle of inclination of a connector section inserted into the hose section. The inner surface of the sealing area can thus particularly preferably run parallel to the connector section. This achieves surface contact with, and thus surface compression of, the hose section(s).

[0028] In particular, the inner surface of the sealing region can be designed to provide a contact surface with the received medical tube when the sleeve is in the connected state and when a medical tube is received.

[0029] The inclined contact surface, which preferably runs parallel to the connector section, can thus provide a significant improvement in sealing and essentially prevents point contact. Due to the contact surface and, in particular, a parallel guide, the inclined contact surface, when connected, ensures that the hose wall engages evenly with the surface of the connector inserted into the hose section. This advantageously largely eliminates dead spaces inside the hose, while simultaneously providing improved pressure distribution with respect to the hose wall.

[0030] However, the angle of inclination of the inner surface can also deviate from the angle of inclination of the connector section, at least in certain sections. This can provide linear contact, with the greatest compression occurring along a circumferential line. A seal can thus be specifically optimized for a given section of the connector. Preferably, the angle difference can achieve self-locking between the conical elements of the connection.

[0031] Preferably, the sealing region is conical in the longitudinal section of the sleeve. Thus, the inner surface of the sealing region can be linear or stepless in longitudinal section. Its radial extension, starting from the inner wall, can change substantially at a predetermined angle of inclination. In particular, the radial extension of the inner surface of the sealing region can progressively increase from a longitudinal end region closest to the fastening region to the opposite longitudinal end region of the inner surface of the sealing region.

[0032] The conical design has the advantage of providing a uniform contact pressure from the hose wall to a connector accommodated therein. The conical design of the inner surface of the sealing area corresponds, in particular, to a conical design of the corresponding connector section.

[0033] To ensure uniform attachment and the largest possible contact area between the attachment area and the circumference of a received hose section, the attachment area preferably defines an inner surface with a constant radius. Such an inner surface preferably runs substantially parallel to the inner wall or the semicircular section, but is preferably spaced therefrom by a constant radius.

[0034] In this way, a contact surface can also be provided that runs parallel to a substantially cylindrical section of a connector section accommodated in the hose section. Such a cylindrical section is typically provided behind a barb edge of a conical section of a connector. Consequently, when the sleeve is connected and the hose section is accommodated, a uniform contact force can be provided to secure the hose wall to the connector. Due to the contact surface, the contact force provided can be increased and potentially less advantageous stress on the hose wall can be reduced.

[0035] Alternatively, the inner surface of the fastening area can also be at least partially convex toward the inner cavity. This design has the advantage that the hose wall is not subjected to excessive stress even under high contact pressure and / or that there are no edges between an end edge or barb edge of the connector and the inner surface of the fastening area. Even if the hose wall is clamped longitudinally by the fastening area when connecting the sleeve parts, kinking of the hose wall can be largely avoided.

[0036] Preferably, the fastening region has a wall at least at one longitudinal end region towards the sealing region, which wall extends substantially perpendicular to the inner wall and / or exclusively radially into the cavity. As described above, conventional hose connectors typically comprise a conical section and a cylindrical section adjacent to a corresponding barb edge. The provision of a substantially perpendicular or radial wall in the fastening section therefore not only has the advantage of enabling a spacing of a contact surface of the fastening section from the inner wall, which has a beneficial effect on the contact pressure. This approach also means that a contact surface can be provided with a substantially perpendicular, adjacent connector section at the barb edge.In this way, an improved attachment of the hose wall to the connector section can be provided, whereby the vertical wall of the attachment section can still form a stop element or retaining element. This can prevent the attachment area from being accidentally pulled over the barb edge when a tensile force is applied.

[0037] Preferably, the vertical wall borders an inner surface of the fastening area with a constant radius or with a convex section. Thus, the fastening area can initially run vertically from a longitudinal end closest to the sealing area and then parallel to the inner wall, or curved toward the inner cavity.

[0038] To avoid any less desirable linear contacts or contact points, the wall is preferably rounded at the radial end opposite the inner wall so that the wall and adjacent inner surfaces do not have sharp edges.

[0039] To accommodate an end edge or barb edge of a connector accommodated in the hose section, the sealing region and the fastening region are preferably spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction by a gap. The sealing region and the fastening region thus extend at least partially radially from the inner wall into the inner cavity. The maximum radial extension can be different or substantially the same depending on the design of the connector.

[0040] However, the radial extent of the inner wall is smaller between the sealing area and the fastening area. The radius of this gap or such a recess can be adapted to the end edge of the connector. In particular, the longitudinal spacing and / or the radial depth of the gap can be dimensioned for a given conical section and / or a radial extent of an end edge of a connector. In this way, the sealing area overlaps longitudinally with a given section of the connector when the sleeve is connected and when a hose section is received. Furthermore, the gap can be used to keep the radial extent of the sleeve small or reduce it. Unlike a curved cavity for receiving the entire connector, only the end edge of the connector can be accommodated.Likewise, the gap allows the sealing area to fit more closely to the specified section of the connector.

[0041] According to the invention, this ensures that a predetermined seal is provided on a conical section of the connector when connecting the sleeve, largely preventing leaks and / or the creation of dead spaces. This also has the advantage that the sealing area and the fastening area can be forced into the intended position when connecting the sleeve. This further simplifies the positioning of the sleeve.

[0042] The sealing region and the fastening region are preferably designed to engage in a form-fitting manner with a connector inserted in the tube when the sleeve is in the connected state and when a medical tube is received. For example, the sealing region and the fastening region can be designed such that an end edge of the connector is received between the regions when the sleeve is in the connected state, and displacement of the sleeve in the longitudinal direction relative to the connector is prevented. As explained above, a gap can be provided for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing region can, for example, also have an inclined contact surface or be conical overall. In this way, the sealing region is delimited at least in one longitudinal direction by a corresponding conical section of the connector.A movement of the sleeve in an opposite longitudinal direction can be prevented, for example, by means of a vertical wall of the fastening area, wherein such a wall can be limited by a corresponding end edge of the connector.

[0043] In other words, longitudinal movement can be almost completely prevented by contacting the connector with a conical section and contacting the wall of the fastening area, in particular a vertical wall or a vertical wall section. The connector can thus be held in a form-fitting manner by the sealing area and the fastening area, and preferably by the gap. Such a design also has the advantage that the sleeve can be brought or forced into a predetermined position relative to the connector. This further facilitates the attachment of the sleeve and ensures the functions of the sealing area and fastening area.

[0044] In order to facilitate assembly or connection of the sleeve parts to a hose section received therein, the contour of the sleeve, which is essentially defined by the side walls of the sleeve parts, can be at least partially divided between the sleeve parts' adjacent side walls. Preferably, at least the first sleeve part has a nose on at least one side wall at an end that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state. The nose can extend from the inner wall and, starting from the end, in the circumferential direction, in particular flush with the inner wall. The sleeve preferably has a radial recess for receiving the nose at least on the inner wall of the second sleeve part on at least one side wall at an end region that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state.

[0045] According to the invention, the inner wall of one side wall can have a radial offset at its end region, so that the inner wall defines a larger radius of the inner cavity. The nose of an adjacent inner wall of the other sleeve part can be inserted into the corresponding wall recess. In this way, a press fit when connecting the sleeve parts can be facilitated and a certain tolerance can be provided for the accommodated hose section. Due to the recess, expansion of the hose section can be taken into account when connecting the sleeve parts and entrapment of the hose section between the end regions of the adjacent side walls can be largely avoided. However, the nose ensures that any leakage due to an otherwise reduced contact force at the hose circumference can be prevented.Accordingly, the nose is advantageously made of a flexible material and / or has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the inner wall. This ensures a certain degree of flexibility and deformation of the nose when connecting the sleeve parts.

[0046] The nose and the recess extend at least partially in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, a nose is provided at both corresponding end regions of the side walls of the first sleeve part, and a recess is provided at both corresponding end regions of the side walls of the second sleeve part. In this way, the relative alignment of the sleeve parts to one another can be simplified when connecting the sleeve parts.

[0047] Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that each sleeve part is provided with a corresponding end region of a side wall with a corresponding projection, wherein the radially opposite end region has a corresponding recess. This allows, for example, first partially connecting one side wall of the first sleeve part to one side wall of the second sleeve part, and then connecting the other side wall of the first sleeve part to the other side wall of the second sleeve part. A quasi-stepped connection of the sleeve parts can thus be enabled or facilitated.

[0048] Preferably, the at least one projection and the at least one recess extend longitudinally exclusively over the sealing area. In this way, leakage in the most relevant area of ​​the connector or hose section can be largely avoided. At the same time, this indicates a relative alignment of the sleeve parts required for connecting the sleeve parts. The connection of the sleeve parts can thus be simplified and the user can be further supported in a cognitively simple manner. The restriction to the sealing area also ensures that a predetermined contact force at the level of the fastening area is not influenced, or at least not significantly influenced, by the projection(s) and recess(es).

[0049] The at least one nose can also be chamfered in the radial direction. In this way, the effect on the corresponding region with regard to the contact pressure to be provided can be reduced and, for example, can be limited to a longitudinal end region of the sealing region. In addition to or alternatively to the above-described configuration of the sleeve by means of at least one nose and at least one recess, at least the first sleeve part can have a nose on at least one side wall at an end that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state. This nose extends from the inner wall and, starting from the end, in the circumferential direction and is arranged such that, in the connected state, it engages with a longitudinal end of an adjacent side wall of the second sleeve part.

[0050] Thus, for example, a nose can be provided on each side wall in front of the inner wall, preferably at the longitudinal end region of the sealing region, which nose, when the sleeve is connected, terminates at the longitudinal end of an adjacent side wall of the respective other sleeve part.

[0051] In order to connect the two sleeve parts to one another, the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part preferably comprise a connecting mechanism, which is each arranged radially outside the semicircular section. The connection of the sleeve parts can be provided in different ways. However, the arrangement of the connecting mechanism radially outside the semicircular section enables the sleeve to be completely closed. The semicircular sections of the sleeve parts border on one another and / or are aligned with one another. This allows an inner cavity which is essentially circular in cross-section to be formed. Furthermore, this enables the sleeve parts to be securely guided relative to one another when the sleeve parts are connected. It also largely prevents a received hose section from being enclosed by the connecting mechanism due to expansion during connection.

[0052] Alternatively, the connecting mechanism can also be provided without radial offset, for example, from the inner wall or the respective side wall. In this way, the inner wall between the semicircular sections can partially define the inner cavity, so that a completely circular inner cavity may not be possible. However, this can provide a certain amount of clearance or tolerance for different outer diameters of the hose section to be accommodated. Likewise, this can reduce the radial or lateral extension of the sleeve parts.

[0053] The connecting mechanism of a sleeve part preferably has at least one locking element on each end region of the side wall that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state. This locking element can extend from the respective end region. The connecting mechanism of the other sleeve part can also have a holding element on each of the end regions of the side walls that are adjacent in the connected state for positively holding the respective locking element. The at least one locking element can be designed, for example, as a radially extending hook. The holding element can preferably be designed as a corresponding edge or groove in order to be brought into engagement with the hook and to receive it. The holding element can, for example, be provided in a pocket or recess in the respective side wall so that the locking element can be inserted into the pocket and brought into engagement with the holding element.In this way, a guide for the locking element and thus a relative alignment of the sleeve parts to each other can be supported or even predetermined. Alternatively, however, the retaining element can also be arranged on an outer surface of the side wall to enable a tangible and, if necessary, detachable or adjustable connection.

[0054] The at least one locking element and retaining element are preferably configured to be connected to one another in a snap-fit ​​manner. For example, the locking element can be provided with a bevel that serves as a guide when sliding along the retaining element toward the retaining element. However, in the opposite direction, it can form a stop element that limits or even prevents movement.

[0055] The locking element and the holding element are preferably arranged such that the inner walls of the sleeve parts can be connected to one another or can adjoin one another and are securely held in such an arrangement.

[0056] The design of the at least one locking element and the corresponding at least one holding element thus enables simple assembly or connection of the sleeve parts with further improved reproducibility.

[0057] The connecting mechanism of one sleeve part preferably has a plurality of locking elements at each free end region. These can be spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance along a substantially linear extension from the respective end region. Depending on the design of the sleeve parts, the linear extension can be understood as a perpendicular extension to an end face of the side wall, which, when the sleeve is connected, borders a corresponding end face of the side wall of the other sleeve part. The linear extension can, alternatively or additionally, run collinearly with the extension of the end region of the side wall and / or run tangentially or parallel to the end region of the inner wall. In simple terms, the locking elements can preferably be connected to one another.They can preferably extend at the level of the end of the semicircular section essentially straight to the adjacent end of the semicircular section of the other sleeve part. The provision of several locking elements enables tolerance compensation for deviations in the specified outer diameter of the hose section to be accommodated. In this way, a contact force can be varied and set lower in the case of over-dimensioning, and higher in the case of under-dimensioning. In this way, the hose section can be sufficiently sealed and held thanks to the corresponding locking element. The locking elements are preferably spaced at the same distance from one another so that fine adjustment of the contact force and the connection of the sleeve parts can be facilitated by successive adjustment.

[0058] In another possible sleeve design, both sleeve parts are identical. This further simplifies assembly. In the case of multiple identical sleeve parts, each sleeve part can be designed to fit another sleeve part.

[0059] Short description of the characters

[0060] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures.

[0061] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a sleeve according to the invention;

[0062] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the semicircular section according to Figure 1 in a longitudinal section;

[0063] Figure 3 shows a semicircular section according to the invention in engagement with a hose section and a connector section guided therein;

[0064] Figure 4 shows a schematic longitudinal section of the semicircular sections of the first sleeve part and the second sleeve part in the connected state of the sleeve and with a hose section received therein;

[0065] Figure 5 shows schematically a connecting mechanism of the sleeve parts;

[0066] Figures 6 and 7 show in perspective and with a detailed view an embodiment in which the contour of the sleeve parts is divided by means of lugs and recesses;

[0067] Figures 8 and 9 show a sleeve part according to Figure 6 with alternative designs of the lugs; and

[0068] Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of alternative arrangements and designs of the nose(s) and recess(es). Detailed :the implementation example

[0069] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures.

[0070] Identical, similar, or functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference symbols in the various figures. Repeated reference to these elements is sometimes omitted to avoid duplicate attributions.

[0071] Figure 1 schematically shows a sleeve 10 according to the invention in a perspective view, wherein the sleeve 10 is formed by a first sleeve part 12 and a second sleeve part 14, which are shown in Figure 1 in an unconnected state. The sleeve 10 is designed to provide a medical hose connection, wherein the sleeve 10 enables a permanent, liquid-tight connection between a medical hose or a corresponding hose section and a connector section inserted in the hose section. The sleeve parts 12, 14, which are connectable to one another, each comprise two side walls 16, which in the present case are integrally formed from a single part. The side walls 16 extend laterally and in the circumferential direction and, in the unconnected state of the sleeve 10, each have only one free end in the circumferential direction.The side walls 16 together form a continuous inner wall 18, which includes a semicircular section 20 with a continuous cross-section, as shown by the dashed lines and arrows in Figure 1. In this way, the inner wall 18 defines an inner cavity 22, which is bounded radially outwardly by the inner wall 18 and in particular by its semicircular section 20.

[0072] The inner cavity 22 further extends in a longitudinal direction and thus forms a receptacle for a hose section (not shown). In this way, the hose section can be inserted at least into the semicircular cross-section of the inner cavity 22 and enclosed by the inner wall 18. When the sleeve parts 12, 14 are connected to one another, the circumference of a corresponding medical hose section can thus be completely enclosed by the inner wall 18 and engaged therewith. The semicircular sections 20 each have a sealing region 24 and a fastening region 26, which are continuous, continuous, and parallel to one another in the circumferential direction. In other words, the semicircular sections 20 can be annular. The sealing region 24 and the fastening region 26 have different annular regions in the longitudinal direction with corresponding geometries that are constant in the circumferential direction.In this way, a single sleeve 10 can fulfill two functions when connected: namely, on the one hand, a seal against the connector and, on the other hand, a fixation of the accommodated hose section. Connection of the sleeve parts 12, 14 can be achieved by a connecting mechanism 40, which is arranged radially outside the semicircular section 20.

[0073] The semicircular section 20 extends along the inner wall 18 and can be provided along the entire inner wall 18 or form it. Alternatively, the inner wall 18 can extend beyond the semicircular section 20, for example, tangentially or perpendicularly to an end region or end surface of the side wall 16.

[0074] Figure 2 shows the semicircular section 20 according to Figure 1 in a detailed view, as illustrated by the dashed section in Figure 1, which corresponds to a longitudinal section. Accordingly, the sealing region 24 has an inner surface 28 which is inclined towards the inner cavity 22. Its radial extent increases continuously from the inner wall 18 towards the inner cavity 22 and relative to the side wall 16 or its outer wall. Accordingly, the sealing region 24 is conical in this case, with the inner surface 28 extending towards the further inner wall 18 or the side wall 16 at a predetermined angle of inclination. The inclined inner surface 28 of the sealing region 24 is advantageously designed as a contact surface and oriented such that it corresponds to an angle of inclination of a connector section 36 inserted in the hose section 34, as shown in Figure 3.

[0075] When the sleeve parts 12, 14 are connected to one another and the hose section 34 is inserted in the inner cavity 22 so that it extends longitudinally through the sleeve 10, the inner surface 28 of the sealing area 24 engages with the hose wall and the conical section of the connector section 36. Due to the angle of inclination, this enables a gapless seal of the hose section 34 to the connector section 36, so that no (potentially hazardous) dead spaces are present or arise.

[0076] Furthermore, the fastening area 26 comprises an inner surface 28, which is curved and convex toward the inner cavity 22. This prevents any potentially disadvantageous clamping of the hose wall or a double fit toward a barb edge or end edge 38 when the sleeve 10 is connected and the hose section 34 is inserted. Furthermore, the shape allows for pre-tensioning of the sleeve 10 into a predetermined position relative to the connector section 36, which facilitates assembly of the sleeve to provide the hose connection.

[0077] The curved or convex section or inner surface 28 of the fastening region 26 extends in the present example from a substantially vertical wall 32, which borders a gap 30 between the sealing region 24 and the fastening region 26 or defines a longitudinal extension of the gap 32. The fastening region 26 and the sealing region 24 are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction by the gap 30. The substantially vertical wall 32 of the fastening region 26 enables the sleeve 10 to be held in a form-fitting manner relative to the hose section 34 and the connector section 36 in the connected state. Movement in the longitudinal direction is limited in one direction, on the one hand, by the end edge 38 and the wall 32, and in the other direction, on the other hand, by the inclined contact surface of the sealing region 24 and the conical section of the connector section 36.This configuration is shown in Figure 4 with the sleeve 10 connected to both sleeve parts 12, 14. Accordingly, the end edge 38 is received in the gap 30. The connector is thus held in a form-fitting manner in the longitudinal direction by the geometry of the sealing area and the fastening area. The sleeve 10 is held in a form-fitting manner relative to the hose section 34 and the connector section 36 due to the geometry of the connector section 36.

[0078] Figure 5 schematically shows an exemplary connecting mechanism 40 of the sleeve parts 10. Both the first sleeve part 12 and the second sleeve part 14 comprise a connecting mechanism 40, which is each arranged radially outside the semicircular section 20. According to the embodiment shown, the first sleeve part 12 is provided, for example, with a plurality of locking elements 44 on the respective side walls 16 or their free end regions 42. The locking elements 44 are designed as hooks and are connected to one another. They can extend together linearly and at equal spacing from the respective end region. In this way, the locking elements 44 extend essentially perpendicular to an end surface of the side wall 16, which is free in the unconnected state of the sleeve 10, but which is overlapped by a corresponding free end surface of the adjacent side wall 16 of the other sleeve part in the connected state of the sleeve 10.

[0079] The connecting mechanism 40 of the second sleeve part 14 has a holding element 46 for positively holding the respective locking element 44 on each of the end regions 42 of the side walls 16 that are adjacent when the sleeve 10 is connected. The holding element 46 can be designed as a corresponding edge or groove in order to be brought into engagement with the locking hook and to receive it in a positive or snap-fitting manner. For this purpose, the locking hook has a chamfer that is pretensioned as it slides along and engages the edge. The edge or groove is provided in a pocket 48 or recess so that the locking element 44 can be inserted into the pocket 48 and engaged with the holding element 46. The pocket 48 serves as a guide for the locking element 44 and thus specifies a relative alignment of the sleeve parts 12, 14 to one another.An example of how the contour of the sleeve parts 12, 14 can be divided is shown in Figures 6 and 7 in a perspective view and a detailed view, respectively. Accordingly, for example, the first sleeve part 12 can have a nose 50 on both free end regions 42 of the side walls 16, which nose extends, for example, tangentially to the inner wall 18, starting from the circumferential end of the inner wall 18. The nose 50 can extend along the entire length of the side wall 16 or its inner wall 18 and can thus be provided both in the sealing region 24 and in the fastening region 26.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7 with respect to Figure 6, the inner wall 18 of the second sleeve part 14 has a radial recess 52 on both side walls 16 at an end region 42 that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state, for receiving a corresponding lug 50. The inner wall 18 thus has a radial offset at its end region 42, so that the inner wall 18 defines a larger radius of the inner cavity 22. The lug 50 of an adjacent inner wall 18 of the first sleeve part 12 can be inserted into the corresponding wall recess 52 when connecting the sleeve parts 12, 14.

[0081] Figures 8 and 9 show alternative designs of the lugs 50 for a sleeve part (for example, the first sleeve part 12). Accordingly, the lugs 50 extend longitudinally exclusively over the sealing area 24 of the sleeve 10. The lug 50 according to Figure 9 is also radially beveled to enable an even more compact design and optimized sealing while simultaneously reducing the risk of leaks.

[0082] Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of alternative arrangements and configurations of the nose(s) 50 and recess(es) 52. A corresponding embodiment is shown in Figure 10A. A nose 50 and a recess 52 are located at the longitudinal end regions of the sleeve parts, respectively, so that the contour of the sleeve 10 is divided both in the sealing region 24 and in the fastening region 26, but not over its entire longitudinal extension.

[0083] Figures 10B to 10D show alternative designs of the nose(s) 50, which are arranged at a longitudinal end region. No separate recess 52 is provided; instead, the nose 50 adjoins the respective longitudinal end surface of the side wall 16 of the adjacent sleeve part. Thus, according to Figure 10B, a nose 50 is provided in the longitudinal direction in front of the corresponding sealing region 24, and according to Figure 10C, a nose 50 is provided longitudinally behind the corresponding fastening region 26. According to Figure 10D, a respective nose 50 is also provided at both longitudinal end regions, i.e., both in front of the sealing region 24 and behind the fastening region 26. This figure also shows that the noses 50 can be arranged or dimensioned in such a way that they do not disappear into the overall contour.This means they can also sit in front of the contour, as illustrated by the larger dimensions of the lower sleeve part.

[0084] Where applicable, all individual features presented in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

[0085]

[0086] 10 sleeves

[0087] 12 First sleeve part

[0088] 14 Second sleeve part

[0089] 16 Side wall

[0090] 18 Interior wall

[0091] 20 Semicircular section

[0092] 22 Cavity

[0093] 24 Sealing area

[0094] 26 Mounting area

[0095] 28 inner surface

[0096] 30 gap

[0097] 32 Wall

[0098] 34 hose section

[0099] 36 Connector section

[0100] 38 End edge

[0101] 40 Connection mechanism

[0102] 42 End area

[0103] 44 locking element

[0104] 46 Holding element

[0105] 48 bag

[0106] 50 Nose

[0107] 52 Deepening

Claims

Claims Sleeve (10) for providing a medical hose connection, comprising a first sleeve part (12) and a second sleeve part (14) which can be connected to one another, wherein each sleeve part (12, 14) comprises two side walls (16) which are connected to one another and form an inner wall (18) defining an inner cavity (22) and having a semicircular section (20) which is continuous in cross-section, wherein the inner walls (18) are designed to circumferentially surround a medical hose section (34) received in the inner cavity (22) when the sleeve parts (12, 14) are connected, wherein each semicircular section (20) has a sealing region (24) and a fastening region (26) which are continuous, continuous and parallel to one another in the circumferential direction.Sleeve (10) according to claim 1, wherein the semicircular sections (20) for the sleeve parts (12, 14) are identically formed and / or are arranged longitudinally without offset from one another in the connected state. Sleeve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner cavities (22) together form a substantially circular inner cavity in the connected state and in cross-section and / or the sleeve parts (12, 14) are formed such that the inner cavity (22) is defined only by the semicircular sections (20). Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sleeve part (12) and the second sleeve part (14) are separate and separate sleeve parts (12, 14) in the unconnected state. Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sleeve part (12) and the second sleeve part (14) are detachably and / or reversibly connectable to one another.Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing region (24) of a respective sleeve part (12, 14) defines an inner surface (28) which is inclined towards the inner cavity (22). Sleeve (10) according to claim 6, wherein the inner surface (28) of the sealing region (24) is designed to be in the connected state of the sleeve (10) and in the received state. state of a medical tube to provide a contact surface with the accommodated medical tube. . Sleeve (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the sealing region (24) is conical in longitudinal section of the sleeve (10). . Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening region (26) defines an inner surface (28) with a constant radius or is at least partially convex towards the inner cavity (22).

0. Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening region (26) has, at least at one longitudinal end region towards the sealing region (24), a wall (32), which extends substantially perpendicular to the inner wall (18) and / or exclusively radially into the inner cavity (22).

1. Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing region (24) and the fastening region (26) are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction by means of a gap (30). 2.Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing region (24) and the fastening region (26) are designed to positively engage with a connector inserted into the tube when the sleeve (10) is in the connected state and when a medical tube is received.

3. Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first sleeve part (12) has a nose (50) on at least one side wall (16) at an end that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state, which nose extends from the inner wall (18) and from the end in the circumferential direction, and wherein at least the inner wall (18) of the second sleeve part (14) has a radial recess (52) for receiving the nose (50) on at least one side wall (16) at an end region (42) that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state.Sleeve (10) according to claim 13, wherein the at least one nose (50) and the at least one recess (52) extend in the longitudinal direction exclusively over the sealing region (24).

5. Sleeve (10) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one nose (50) is chamfered in the radial direction.

6. Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the first sleeve part (12) is connected to at least one side wall (16) at a point which is arranged in the circumferential direction and. in the unconnected state, the free end has a nose (50) which extends from the inner wall (18) and from the longitudinal end in the circumferential direction and is arranged such that, in the connected state of the sleeve (10), it engages with a longitudinal end of an adjacent side wall (16) of the second sleeve part (14). Sleeve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sleeve part (12) and the second sleeve part (14) comprise a connecting mechanism (40) for connecting the sleeve parts (12, 14), each of which is arranged radially outside the semicircular section (20).Sleeve (10) according to claim 17, wherein the connecting mechanism (40) of one sleeve part (12, 14) has at least one locking element (44) on each end region (42) of the side wall (16) that is free in the circumferential direction and in the unconnected state, which locking element extends from the respective end region (42), and the connecting mechanism (40) of the other sleeve part (12, 14) has a holding element (46) on each of the end regions (42) of the side walls (16) that are adjacent in the connected state for positively holding the respective locking element (44). Sleeve according to claim 18, wherein the connecting mechanism (40) of the one sleeve part (12, 14) has at each free end region (42) a plurality of locking elements (44), which are spaced apart from one another at a predetermined distance along an essentially linear extension from the respective end region (42).

Images