Protective cover for aseptic tube connection device

Abstract

Protective cap (70) for an aseptic tube connection device (10), comprising: a cap (71) for covering one end of the device, the cap having a base from which a skirt (71.3) projects; and a removable tamper ring (74) extending from the skirt and connected to a free end of said skirt by frangible links (74.1); the ring comprising an inner surface provided with first means for securing said ring to the device when the cap is present, and the skirt comprising an inner surface provided with second means for securing the cap to the device when the ring is absent. Aseptic tube connection device (10) comprising one end equipped with such a protective cap (70). FIGURE IN ABRIDGED DIAGRAM: Fig. 6

Description

Title of the invention: Protective cover for an aseptic tube connection device

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transport of liquid or gaseous fluids and more particularly to a protective cover for an aseptic connection device intended to connect two sterile tubes.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Connection assemblies are known for connecting sterile pipes linked to circuit elements in the pharmaceutical industry, such as filters, centrifuges, pumps, flexible plastic tanks or processing containers such as bioprocessors.

[0004] Such an assembly generally comprises two connecting devices intended to be connected to each other 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 to which an annular sealing element is firmly fixed, with which the pipe end is intended to make a watertight contact. The sealing element is covered with a protective film in the form of a folded strip, one part of which adheres removably to a free lateral side of the sealing element, and another part forms a pull tab extending beyond the first part.

[0005] To prevent damage to the protective film and contamination of the sealing element during transport of the device, a protective cover is generally mounted removably on the body. The cover is intended to be removed just before coupling the two devices.

[0006] During a preliminary assembly step, the pipe ends are fitted into the bodies. The devices are then placed coaxially opposite each other and brought closer together until the protective films are in contact and the sealing elements are slightly compressed. The relative positions of the devices are then locked by means of a clamping flange. Simultaneous removal of the protective films by pulling the tabs results in a watertight contact between the lateral sides of the sealing elements, thus forming an aseptic channel for fluid flow between the two pipes.

[0007] To limit or even eliminate the flow of fluid trapped in the pipes when the devices are disconnected, it was envisaged in document FR-A-3117569 to equip the connection devices with a sealing element This allows both for a watertight seal at the tube connection and for completely blocking the channel before disconnection. It then becomes clear that such a sealing element needs to be protected at the end of the disconnection process, particularly when the corresponding device is used as a plug. While reattaching the protective cover to the device body can be considered to protect the sealing element from potential contamination or impacts, this cover can no longer be used to visually verify the physical integrity of the connection device before use.

[0008] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention therefore aims to provide an aseptic tube connection device that allows at least part of the aforementioned problem to be overcome. Summary of the invention

[0010] To this end, the invention proposes a protective cover for an aseptic tube connection device, comprising: • a headdress intended to cover one end of the device, the headdress comprising a base from which a skirt projects; and • a removable warranty ring, which extends in line with the skirt and is connected to a free end of said skirt by frangible links.

[0011] According to the invention, the ring includes an internal surface provided with first means for fixing said ring to the device in the presence of the cap, and the skirt includes an internal surface provided with second means for fixing the cap to the device in the absence of the ring.

[0012] Thus, the cap can be fixed on the device in the presence but also in the absence of the ring, so that the ring makes it possible to visually guarantee the physical integrity of the device before its connection to another device, the cap remaining nevertheless usable with or without the ring.

[0013] According to a particular feature, the first means of fixing and the second means of fixing are fir-tooth asperities.

[0014] According to another particular feature, the first fixing means and the second fixing means are each in the same radial plane.

[0015] According to another particular feature, the first fixing means are axially opposite the second fixing means.

[0016] According to another particular feature, the hood includes a retaining ring intended to be integral with the device, the ring being connected to the cap by a flexible band.

[0017] In particular, the retaining ring extends in line with the skirt of the headdress.

[0018] According to another particular feature, the cap and / or the ring are shaped to link the hood to the device in rotation.

[0019] In particular, the base of the cap includes at least one cuff intended to accommodate a locking tab or an assembly pin of the device.

[0020] In particular, the ring includes at least one internal relief extending into an axial clearance path provided on the device.

[0021] The invention also relates to an aseptic tube connection device, comprising an end equipped with such a protective cap. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a connection device according to a a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view analogous to [Fig.1], in which the rac device The rope is missing its protective cover;

[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the connection device illustrated in [Fig.1]

[0026] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the connection device illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0027] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is an axial cross-sectional view of the connection device illustrated in the [Fig.l];

[0028] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a first perspective view of the protective cover fitted the connection device illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0029] [Fig.7] [Fig.6] is a second perspective view of the protective cover equipping the connection device illustrated in [Fig.1];

[0030] [Fig.8A] [Fig.8A] is a perspective view of a connection assembly aseptic according to a particular embodiment of the invention, after removal of the protective cover and before connection;

[0031] [Fig.8B] [Fig.8B] is a cross-sectional view of the connecting assembly illustrated in [Fig.8A];

[0032] [Fig.9A] [Fig.9A] is a view analogous to [Fig.8A], after connection and before removal of the protective film;

[0033] [Fig.9B] [Fig.9B] is a cross-sectional view of the connecting assembly illustrated in [Fig.9A];

[0034] [Fig.1OA] [Fig.1OA] is a view analogous to [Fig.8A], after the connection and after removing the protective film;

[0035] [Fig.1OB] [Fig.1OB] is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly illustrated in [Fig.1OA];

[0036] [Fig. 1 IA] [Fig. 1 IA] is a view analogous to [Fig. 8A], during disconnection;

[0037] [Fig. 1 IB] [Fig. 1 IB] is a cross-sectional view of the entire rac cordage illustrated in [Fig. 11 A];

[0038] [Fig.12A] [Fig.12A] is a view analogous to [Fig.8A], after disconnection;

[0039] [Fig.12B] [Fig.12B] is a cross-sectional view of the entire rac cordage illustrated in [Fig.12A];

[0040] [Fig.13A] [Fig.12A] is a view analogous to [Fig.8A], after disconnection and clipping of the protective cover cap;

[0041] [Fig.l3B] [Fig.l3B] is a cross-sectional view of the connecting assembly illustrated in [Fig.l3A]; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The invention is described herein in application to the connection of a first fluid transport conduit to a second fluid transport conduit.

[0043] With reference to Figures 8A to 13B, a fluid connection assembly, generally designated as 1, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, comprises two connection devices 10 intended to together establish an aseptic connection between a first sterile tube 100 forming the first fluid transport conduit and a second sterile tube 200 forming the second fluid transport conduit. The two devices 10 are identical and are distinguished in the figures by the addition of the letters A and B to reference numeral 10.

[0044] As illustrated in figures 1 to 7, each device 10 includes a tubular nozzle or insert 20 delimiting a channel 21 for the passage of fluid.

[0045] 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 relief 23 in the shape of a fir tree tooth and a collar 24 forming respectively a means of its anchoring in the tube 100, 200 and a stop to its insertion into said tube 100, 200.

[0046] The insert 20 comprises a second end section 20.2 defining 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 provided internally with a cylindrical rod 25 extending axially in a cantilevered fashion within the channel 21 such 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 first web 26.1 and a second web 26.2 extending axially on either side of the rod 25. The diameter of the rod 25 and the thickness of the first and second webs 26.1, 26.2 are here sufficiently small so that the fluid passage cross-section of the channel 21 is here almost identical in the first section 20.1 and the second section 20.2.

[0047] 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 serrated ring 28 having an outside diameter slightly larger than that of the collars 27.1, 27.2. The collars 27.1, 27.2 form first centering means for a tubular body 30 mounted on the insert 20. The serrated ring 28 forms a second centering means for the body 30 on the insert 20 and, as will be seen later, an axial locking means for the body 30 in position on the insert 20.

[0048] 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 link the body 30 to the insert 20 in rotation. The ribs 29 have lateral faces comprising recesses arranged to form stop flanks 29.1 of the body on the insert 20.

[0049] 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 in projection from said second section 20.2 of the insert 20.

[0050] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the first section 30.1 has 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 integral with the rest 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 link 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 link the body 30 in rotation to the insert 20 and to ensure axial displacement 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 notched ring 28 and a first deformed state in which said reliefs 32.1 delimit a passage section larger than the diameter of said notched ring 28. It should be noted that the notched ring 28 has an outer perimeter having a chamfer arranged so as not to interfere with the mounting of the body 30 on the insert 20. .

[0051] The grooves 31 delimiting the cylindrical portions 32 also include a section delimited by two elastically deformable arms 31.1 between a rest state in which the arms 31.1 delimit a passage section less than a width of 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.

[0052] The ribs 29 have a front face arranged so as not to globally oppose an axial displacement of the body 30 from a protruding 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 distant from the ribs 29 ([Fig.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 provided on lateral faces of the ribs 29 ([Fig.9B] and 10B) so as to oppose an axial displacement of the body 30 from the flush position to the protruding position. It is understood that after reaching the flush position, the body 30 can no longer reach the protruding position.

[0053] 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 receiving housing for a first sealing element 41 and a second sealing element 42 annular which are 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. The first sealing element 41 and the second sealing element 41 are coaxial and are in hermetic contact with each other.

[0054] The first section 30.1 and the second section 30.2 of the body 30 are each externally provided with a flange 34.1, 34.2 forming centering means for the sleeve 60 on the body 30. The second section 30.2 is also provided with another flange 34.3 which extends radially in line with the step 33 to define with it a front face 35 of the body 30. The flanges 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 are brought together.

[0055] The body 30 further includes a locking lug 36 and an assembly pin 37 which are diametrically opposed and which extend axially in projection from the front face 35 of the body 30, in the vicinity of a periphery thereof.

[0056] The locking tab 36 is elastically deformable and includes a free end having an inner surface provided with a fir-tooth asperity 36.1 intended to ensure, as will be seen later, a coupling of the device 10 with the other device 10.

[0057] The front face 35 of the body 30 includes a slot 35.1 for receiving 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, near the locking tab 36, the slot 35.1 and the assembly pin 37 being diametrically opposed.

[0058] The first sealing element 41 is in tight contact with the second sealing element 42 and the front face 20.3 of the second section 20.2 of the insert 20. The first sealing element 41 is deformable from a first state in which it defines a passage section larger than a cross-section of the rod 25 of the insert 20 and a second state in which it clamps 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.

[0059] The second sealing element 42 is in tight contact with the first sealing element 41 and an internal flank of the step 33 opposite said front face 20.3. The second sealing element 42 has a hardness substantially two to three times greater than that of the first sealing element 41 so as to promote and contain the deformation of the first sealing element 41 inside the body 30.

[0060] When the body 30 is moved axially from the protruding position to the flush position, the insert 20 compresses the first sealing element 41 against the second sealing element 42 sufficiently to bring it from its first state to its second state.

[0061] The second sealing element 42 comprises a front face that projects from the second section 30.2 of the body 30 and is covered with a protective film 50 removably attached to the front face 35 of the body 30. A pull tab 51 is folded over the front face, 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 projecting from an edge of the protective film 50 opposite the first end of the tab 51. The second end of the tab 51 has a hole 51.1 in its center, shaped to allow a finger to pass through said hole 51.1 so as to improve the grip on the tab 51 by forming a pull ring.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The cylindrical portions 32 are elastically deformable between their rest state in which the free end of the cylindrical portions 32 defines a passage section greater than the diameter of the step 61, and a second deformed state in which said free end defines a passage section less than the diameter of said step 61. It should be noted that the free end of the cylindrical portions 32 has an outer circumference having a chamfer arranged so as not to hinder the mounting of the sleeve 60 on the body 30.

[0064] The sleeve 60 also includes internally a helical groove 62 forming a thread arranged to receive radially projecting protrusions 29.2 extending from the ribs 29 of the insert 20 such that an axial rotation of the operating sleeve 60 from a connection position to a disconnection position results in an axial displacement of the insert 20 from the protruding position to the flush position. The angle of rotation of the sleeve 60 from the connection position to the disconnection position is here substantially equal to 180 degrees.

[0065] The sleeve 60 comprises an end externally provided with two identical and diametrically opposed collar portions 63, 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 connected position. The collar portions 63 are angularly spaced so as to define an axial clearance path for the locking tab 36 of the other device 10 when the sleeve 60 is in the disconnected position.

[0066] The sleeve 60 also includes externally a plurality of reliefs 64 distributed angularly in a regular manner to form gripping means for the sleeve 60 to facilitate its rotation.

[0067] In order to prevent any deterioration of the protective film 50 and contamination of the second sealing element 42 during the storage and transport of the device 10, a protective cap 70 is removably mounted on the end of the sleeve 60. The cap 70 is intended to be removed just before coupling the device 10 to the other device 10.

[0068] The cover 70 comprises a cap 71 connected to a retaining ring 72 by a flexible U-shaped band 73. The cap 71 comprises a base having a first sleeve 71.1 and a second sleeve 71.2 shaped to receive respectively the locking tab 36 and the assembly pin 37 of the body 30 so as to rotationally link said cap 71 to said body 30. The cap 71 also comprises a skirt 71.3, generally cylindrical in shape, which extends axially projecting from the base of said cap 71. The skirt 71.3 has a free end which is connected to a retaining ring 74 by bridges 74.1 forming frangible links, and comprises an internal surface which is provided with four fir-tree tooth-shaped protrusions 71.4 intended to ensure, as will be seen later, clipping (by elastic interlocking) of the cap 70 onto the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 after disconnection of devices 10. The asperities 71.4 extend substantially in the same radial plane.

[0069] The ring 74, which is generally cylindrical in shape and axially split, extends in line with the skirt 71.3 and includes an internal surface provided with four fir-tree tooth-shaped asperities 74.4 which cooperate with the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 to achieve, in the presence of the cap 71, a clipping (by elastic interlocking) of the ring 74 onto the sleeve 60. The asperities 74.4 extend substantially in the same radial plane and are here axially opposite the asperities 71.4 of the cap 71. The internal surface of the ring 74 also includes a relief 74.2 extending between the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 to link in rotation the sleeve 60 to the ring 74 and therefore, in the presence of the cap 71, to the body 30 so as to prohibit any axial displacement of the insert 20 as long as the ring 74 is not removed.

[0070] The ring 74 includes an end forming a pull strip allowing the removal of said ring 74 by breaking the bridges 74.1. The ring 74 is intended to be removed just before coupling the device 10 to the other device 10 so as to allow the release of the cap 71 and to make visible, in particular, the locking tab 36 and the assembly pin 37 of the body 30. The ring 74 is therefore removable and serves in particular to guarantee the integrity of the cover 70 and what it covers since the cover 70 cannot be removed without removing the ring 74.

[0071] The retaining ring 72 extends in line with the ring 74 and bears substantially against an external annular step 65 of the sleeve 60. The ring 72 comprises teeth extending regularly radially from an inner periphery of said ring 72, between the collar portions 63 and the step 65 of the sleeve 60. The teeth form centering means for the ring 72 on the sleeve 60, and axial stops against the movement of the ring 72 on the sleeve 60 by coming into contact with the collar portions 63 in the absence of the ring 74. It is understood that, being connected to the ring 72 by the flexible band 73, the cap 71 is said to be captive in that it cannot be detached from the sleeve 60, even in the absence of the ring 74.

[0072] It will be noted that the cap 71, the ring 74 and the ring are coaxial, the ring 74 extending between the cap 71 and the ring 72.

[0073] It should also be noted that the flexible band 73 has just enough length to allow the cap 71 to be released once the ring 72 has been removed.

[0074] It should also be noted that the release of the cap 71 is only possible after the removal of the ring 72.

[0075] It will also be noted that the presence of the ring 74 prevents any clipping of the cap 71 onto the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 via the asperities 71.4: the presence of the ring 74 prevents any sufficient axial translation of the cap 71 to allow its clipping onto the collar portions 63 via the asperities 71.4, the step 65 of the sleeve 60 forming an axial stop to the movement of said cap 71 equipped with said ring 72 then in support against the ring 72.

[0076] Finally, it should be noted that once clipped onto the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60, the cap 71 can no longer be removed: the first and second sealing elements 41, 42 are then irrevocably protected.

[0077] It should also be noted that the entire device 10 is sterilized at the factory to ensure it is free from any contamination before being packaged in a plastic bag.

[0078] The operation of the connection assembly 1 will now be detailed with reference to figures 8A to 13B.

[0079] The end section 20.1 of the first device 10A is first inserted into the first tube 100 until the latter butts against the collar 24 of said first device 10A. Similarly, the end section 20.1 of the second device 10B is inserted into the second tube 200 until the latter butts 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.

[0080] The rings 74 of the protective covers 70 are then removed by applying sufficient tensile force to one end of them to break the bridges 74.1 one by one so as to be able to subsequently separate the caps 71 from the sleeves 60. The rings 74 are discarded and an elastic deformation of the flexible bands 73 makes it possible to release the caps 71 from the bodies 30 and more particularly to make visible the locking tabs 36 and the assembly pins 37 of said bodies 30.

[0081] The first and second devices 10A, 10B are then presented coaxially opposite each other, the first device 10A being rotated axially by substantially 180 degrees with respect to the second device 10B so that the assembly pin 37 and the slot 35.1 of the first device 10A are respectively opposite the slot 35.1 and the assembly pin 37 of the second device 10B (Figures 8A and 8B).

[0082] 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.

[0083] By continuing to bring the first and second devices 10A, 10B closer together until the studs 35.2 of the front faces 35 are in contact with each other, the protective films 50 are pressed against each other, resulting in a slight compression of the first end elements 41 and a retraction of an end portion of the second sealing elements 42 extending outward from said front faces 35, 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 The second device 10B is coupled with one of the collar portions 63 of the first device 10A (Figures 9A and 9B). This is referred to as coupling the first and second devices 10A, 10B. The pads 35.2 define a slight gap between the front faces 35, which prevents the protective films 50 from being pinched between said front faces 35.

[0084] The protective films 50 are then removed by passing a single finger through the holes 51.1 in the tabs 51 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B and simultaneously pulling on said tabs 51, thereby decompressing the first sealing elements 41 from the end portions of the second sealing elements 40 and bringing them into a watertight contact (Figures 10A and 10B). 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.

[0085] It will be understood that the slight play between the front faces 35 makes it easier to remove the protective films 50.

[0086] When it is necessary to disconnect the first device 10A from the second device 10B, a rotational driving torque Ci, C2 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 protruding position to the flush position.

[0087] Once the bodies 30 are in a flush position (figures 11A and 11IB): • the arms 31.1 of the grooves 31 oppose the axial displacement of the bodies 30 towards the protruding position under the effect of the forces generated by the compression of the first sealing elements 41; • the first sealing elements 41 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 flow 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 clearance 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 clearance 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.

[0088] The driving couples Ci, C2 exerted on the sleeves 60 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are then stopped.

[0089] An axial force FH F2 is then exerted on the sleeves 60 so as to separate the first device 10A and the second device 10B from each other (figures 12A and 12B).

[0090] In order to protect the first sealing elements 41 in their deformed state, the caps 71 of the protective covers 70 are clipped onto the collar portions 63 of the sleeves 60 via the asperities 71.4 of said caps 71 (Figures 13A, 13B). The caps 71 can then no longer be removed: the first and second sealing elements 41, 42 are thus irrevocably protected.

[0091] It is thus understood that the clamping of the rods 25 by the first sealing elements 41 makes it possible to prevent the flow of the fluid which remained trapped in the tubes 100, 200 when the devices 10A, 10B were disconnected.

[0092] 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 movement of the bodies 30 from the protruding position to the flush position in which they are blocked by the arms 31.1 of the grooves 31, and therefore after the clamping of the rods 25 by the first sealing elements 41, which makes it possible to avoid any risk of human error.

[0093] It is further understood that: • the guarantee ring 74 allows, by its presence, to visually attest to the physical integrity of the connection device 10; • the ring 74, by its presence, prevents the sleeve 60 from accidentally moving from the connection position to the disconnection position; • The cap 71 secures the sealing of the fluid passage channel by protecting the first sealing element 41 in a deformed state and the second sealing element 42; and • The flexible band 73 prevents the cap 71 from being lost after it has been detached from the sleeve 60 by removing the ring 74.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] Although the coupling of devices 10A, 10B is achieved here by clipping, it can also be achieved by any other means such as by screwing a part of the device 10A on the other device 10B.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] Although the first sealing element 41 is symmetrical here, it may be non-symmetrical.

[0100] The rod 25 is optional, particularly when the channel delimited by the insert 20 is of small diameter. The first sealing element 41 in its deformed state then completely and by itself obstructs the channel.

[0101] The steps necessary to disconnect devices 10A, 10B can be carried out simultaneously on each of devices 10A, 10B or on one of the devices and then the other.

[0102] The warranty ring 74 can also be connected to the retaining ring 72 by bridges or breakable links.

[0103] Although the ring 74 is here completely removed to free the cap 71, it can be envisaged that said ring 74 remains linked to said cap 71 but no longer having any function of retaining the latter.

[0104] The asperities 71.4, 74.4 can be replaced by any means of fastening allowing the warranty ring 74 and the cap 71 to be fixed to the sleeve 60.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective cover (70) for a device (10) for aseptically connecting a tube, comprising: - a cap (71) intended to cover one end of the device, the cap comprising a base from which a skirt (71.3) projects; and - a removable guarantee ring (74), which extends in the extension of the skirt and which is connected to a free end of said skirt by frangible links (74.1); the ring comprising an internal surface provided with first means (74.4) for fixing said ring to the device in the presence of the cap, and the skirt comprising an internal surface provided with second means (71.4) for fixing the cap to the device in the absence of the ring.

2. Protective cover (70) according to claim 1, in which the first fixing means (74.4) and the second fixing means (71.4) are fir-tooth asperities.

3. Protective cover (70) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the first fixing means (74.4) and the second fixing means (71.4) are each in the same radial plane.

4. Protective cover (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first fixing means (74.4) are axially opposite the second fixing means (71.4).

5. Protective cover (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a retaining ring (72) intended to be secured to the device (10), the ring being connected to the cap (71) by a flexible band (73).

6. Protective cover (70) according to claim 5, in which the retaining ring (72) extends in the extension of the skirt (71.3) of the cap (71).

7. Protective cover (70) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cap (71) and / or the ring (74) are shaped to connect the cover in rotation to the device (10).

8. Protective cover (70) according to claim 7, in which the bottom of the cover (71) comprises at least one sleeve (71.1, 71.2) intended to accommodate a locking tab (36) or an assembly pin (37) of the device (10).

9. Protective cover (70) according to claim 7, in which the ring (74) comprises at least one internal relief (74.2) intended to extend in an axial clearance path provided on the device (10).

10. Device (10) for aseptically connecting a tube, comprising one end equipped with a protective cover (70) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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