Aseptic connector system

Abstract

Aseptic connector system comprising a first connector (2, Fig 1) comprising a first housing 4 having a first fluid passageway (8, Fig 3) which opens into a first cavity (10, Fig 3), and a second conne

Description

The invention relates to an aseptic connector system. BACKGROUND Sterile connectors for aseptic processing (commonly referred to as “aseptic connectors”) enable two lines of tubing to be joined while maintaining a sterile fluid pathway. This may be particularly important in medical, pharmaceutical and bioprocessing applications. An end of each line of tubing may be provided with an aseptic connector which is configured to engage and mechanically connect with the opposing connector. Each aseptic connector is provided with a sealing arrangement which retains the sterility of the tubing (as well as any portions of the connector which form part of the fluid pathway) before, during and after their interconnection. For example, the end of each connector may be provided with a removable membrane which can be removed once the two connectors are interconnected, and the fluid pathway is sealed. It is desirable to provide aseptic connectors which are simple and easy to operate in order to avoid user errors which could inadvertently compromise the sterility of the fluid pathway. STATEMENTS OF INVENTION In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aseptic connector system comprising: a first connector and a second connector; wherein the first connector comprises a first housing which defines a first cavity, the first housing having a first fluid passageway which opens into the first cavity; wherein the second connector comprises a second housing which defines a second cavity, the second housing having a second fluid passageway which opens into the second cavity; wherein the first connector is configured to be mechanically connected to the second connector such that the first cavity is connected to the second cavity with the first fluid passageway offset from the second fluid passageway in an axial direction; wherein the first connector further comprises a first movable member having a first plunger portion, wherein the first plunger portion is movably mounted within the first cavity and has an interconnecting passageway extending therethrough between a pair of openings; wherein the interconnecting passageway is inclined such that the openings are offset from one another in the axial direction; wherein the first plunger portion is movable between a first position in which the first plunger portion is located entirely within the first cavity and a second position in which the first plunger portion is located in both of the first and second cavities such that the inclined interconnecting passageway extends between and connects the first and second fluid passageways. In some embodiments, in the first position, the openings of the interconnecting passageway are angularly offset from the first and second passageways, and wherein the first plunger portion is configured such that to move from the first position to the second position, the first plunger portion is translated axially and rotated about its axis in order to bring the openings of the interconnecting passageway into alignment with the first and second passageways. In some embodiments, the first plunger portion is translated axially and then subsequently rotated about its axis. In some embodiments, the first plunger is rotated by 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first connector further comprises a pair of sliding cover portions which engage the first plunger portion such that the sliding cover portions move with the first plunger portion in an axial direction, wherein the openings of the interconnecting passageway are sealed by the sliding cover portions in the first position. In some embodiments, the sliding cover portions are translatable along axial grooves formed in an inner surface of the first housing. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the second housing is provided with corresponding axial grooves such that the sliding cover portions are able to translate along the axial grooves of the first housing into the axial grooves of the second housing when the first plunger portion moves from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, the first plunger portion is rotated relative to the sliding cover portions such that the openings of the interconnecting passageway are no longer sealed by the sliding cover portions when in the second position. In some embodiments, the second connector comprises a rotatable seal member housed within the second housing, wherein the second fluid passageway is sealed by the rotatable seal member in the first position and the rotatable seal member is engaged by the first plunger portion such that it is rotated with the first plunger portion and such that the second fluid passageway is no longer sealed by the rotatable seal member when in the second position. In some embodiments, the first plunger portion comprises a pair of bosses which engage with a pair of slots in the rotatable seal member. In some embodiments, one of the slots of the rotatable seal member is aligned with the second fluid passageway when in the second position. In some embodiments, the pair of sliding cover portions engage the first plunger portion via the pair of bosses. In some embodiments, the first fluid passageway is sealed by an outer surface of the first plunger portion in the first position. In some embodiments, the second connector comprises a second movable member forming a second plunger portion, wherein the first plunger portion is engaged with the second plunger portion when the first and second connectors are mechanically connected such that the second plunger portion moves with the first plunger portion. In some embodiments, the first and second plunger portions are engaged via the rotatable seal member. In some embodiments, the second plunger portion comprises a pair of bosses which are translatable along the axial grooves formed in the inner surface of the second housing. In some embodiments, the second connector further comprises a circumferential groove formed in the inner surface of the second housing, wherein the axial grooves connect to the circumferential groove at their distal ends such that the bosses of the second plunger portion can rotate once translated axially along the axial grooves and into the circumferential groove. In some embodiments, the first housing comprises an opening through which the first plunger portion can be pushed to axially translate the first plunger portion. In some embodiments, the first and / or second movable member comprises an actuation portion connected to the first or second plunger portion. In some embodiments, the first or second housing has a complementary opening which receives the actuation portion of the first or second movable member when in a stowed position. In some embodiments, the first and / or second cavities are cylindrical. In some embodiments, further comprising a visual indicator which is visible only when the first movable member is in the first position and / or a visual indicator which is visible only when the first movable member is in the second position. In some embodiments, the or each visual indicator is provided on the rotatable seal member and the second housing comprises a window through which the or each visual indicator can be seen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view an aseptic connector system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the aseptic connector system; Figure 3 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the aseptic connector system in a first, mechanically connected configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system in the first configuration; Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in the first configuration; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the aseptic connector system in a first stage of a transition between the first configuration and a second, fluidically connected configuration; Figure 9 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system in the first stage of the transition; Figures 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in the first stage of the transition; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the aseptic connector system in the second, fluidically connected configuration; Figure 13 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system in the second configuration; Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in the second configuration; Figure 16 is a perspective view an aseptic connector system according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 is an exploded view of the aseptic connector system; Figure 18 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system; Figure 19 is a perspective view of the aseptic connector system in a first, mechanically connected configuration; Figure 20 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system in the first configuration; Figure 21 is a lower perspective view of the aseptic connector system showing an activation button; Figure 22 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system in a first stage of a transition between the first configuration and a second, fluidically connected configuration; Figure 23 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system in the second, fluidically connected configuration; Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the aseptic connector system in the second configuration; and Figure 25 is an exploded view of an aseptic connector system according to another embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 to 3 show an aseptic connector system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The aseptic connector system 1 comprises a first connector 2 and a second connector 3. The first connector 2 comprises a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises a barb fitting 6 for insertion into a tube. As shown in Figure 3, a fluid passageway 8 extends through the fitting 6. The housing 4 comprises a cylindrical wall 5 and an end wall 7 which define an inner cavity 10, as seen in Figure 3. The fluid passageway 8 passes through the cylindrical wall 5 to form an opening in an inner circumferential surface 12 of the cylindrical wall 5. The first connector 2 further comprises a movable member 14 which comprises a plunger portion 15 and an actuation knob 28 (or any other actuation portion) which is connected to the plunger portion 15 by a shaft 17. The plunger portion 15 is received within the cavity 10 of the housing 4. The plunger portion 15 is cylindrical and comprises a circumferential surface 16 which conforms to the inner circumferential surface 12 of the cylindrical wall 5. The shaft 17 extends from the centre of a radial end surface 18 of the plunger portion and passes through a complementary hole 21 provided in the end wall 7 of the housing 4. The actuation knob 28 is thus disposed externally to the housing 4. The actuation knob 28 can be grasped and used to move the movable member 14 within the inner cavity 10 between a first, closed position and a second, open position, as will be described in further detail below. The plunger portion 15 further comprises an interconnecting passageway 30 which extends through the axis of the plunger portion 15 and has an opening at either end at diametrically opposed positions in the circumferential surface 16. As can be seen in Figure 7, the interconnecting passageway 30 is inclined such that the openings at either end are offset from one another in an axial direction of the plunger portion 15, as will be described further below. The first connector 2 further comprises a pair of sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. The sliding cover portions 22a, 22b are received in a pair of complementary axial grooves 20a, 20b formed in the inner circumferential surface 12 of the cylindrical wall 5. The axial grooves 20a, 20b are located at diametrically opposed positions and extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the end wall 7. The axial length of the axial grooves 20a, 20b corresponds to the length of the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b such that the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b can be held entirely within the axial grooves 20a, 20b. In this example, the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b and the axial grooves 20a, 20b have complementary T-shaped cross-sections which engage to allow the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b to slide axially relative to the housing 4, but to prevent radial and circumferential movement of the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. Other cross-sections may be used in other examples which allow the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b to slide axially relative to the housing 4, but prevent circumferential movement of the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. In some examples, radial movement may be prevented by virtue of the presence of the plunger portion 15, instead of the cross-sectional shape. The sliding cover portions 22a, 22b form a continuation of the inner circumferential surface 12. The plunger portion 15 comprise a pair of bosses 24a, 24b which are provided on the circumferential surface 16. The bosses 24a, 24b are rectangular (e.g., square) projections, although other suitable forms may be used. As shown, the boss 24a is formed around one of the openings of the interconnecting passageway 30. The boss 24b is provided in a corresponding position on the opposite side of the plunger portion 15 and so is axially offset from the other opening of the interconnecting passageway 30 (but circumferentially aligned). An inner surface of each sliding cover portion 22a, 22b comprises a slot 26a, 26b which is sized to receive the bosses 24a, 24b. The slots 26a, 26b are open at either end in a circumferential direction. The bosses 24a, 24b engage the slots 26a, 26b so as to ensure that the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b move with the plunger portion 15 in an axial direction but to allow rotation of the plunger portion 15 relative to the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. The sliding cover portions 22a, 22b are arranged to selectively cover the openings of the interconnecting passageway 30. The second connector 3 comprises a housing 104. The housing 104 comprises a barb fitting 106 for insertion into a tube. As shown in Figure 3, a fluid passageway 108 extends through the fitting 106. The housing 104 comprises a cylindrical wall 105 and an end wall 107 which define an inner cavity 110, as seen in Figure 3. The fluid passageway 108 passes through the cylindrical wall 105 to form an opening in an inner circumferential surface 112 of the cylindrical wall 105. The second connector 3 further comprises a rotatable seal member 114 which comprises a cylindrical wall 116 and a base wall 119. The base wall 119 has a central opening and thus is annular. The rotatable seal member 114 is received in the cavity 110 of the housing 104 with the cylindrical wall 116 running parallel with (but slightly spaced from) the circumferential surface 112 of the inner cavity 110. The end wall 107 of the housing 104 comprises a complementary circular (i.e., annular) groove which receives the base wall 119 of the rotatable seal member 114. In other examples, the base wall 119 may be solid (i.e., circular) and be received in a circular recess formed in the end wall 107 of the housing 104 or the rotatable seal member 114 may comprise only a cylindrical wall 116 which is received in the circular groove. A retaining shoulder 130 projects radially inward from the cylindrical wall 105 of the housing 104 to retain the rotatable seal member 114 in an axial direction whilst allowing rotation. A pair of axial grooves 120a, 120b are formed in the inner circumferential surface 112 of the cylindrical wall 105. The axial grooves 120a, 120b correspond to the axial grooves 20a, 20b described previously. In particular, the axial grooves 120a, 12b are located at diametrically opposed positions and extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the end wall 107. The axial grooves 120a, 120b have a corresponding T-shaped cross-section for receiving the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b, as will be described further below. A pair of slots 136a, 136b are formed in the cylindrical wall 116. The slots 136a, 136b are located at diametrically opposed positions and extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the base wall 119. The slots 136a, 136b are sized to receive the bosses 24a, 24b of the plunger portion 15, as will be described further below. The cylindrical wall 105 comprises a window 132 through which the outer surface of the cylindrical wall 116 of the rotatable seal member 114 can be seen. The outer surface of the cylindrical wall 116 is provided with first and second visual indicators 134a, 134b. In this example, the first visual indicator 134a is an area which is red in colour and the second visual indicator 134b is an area which is green in colour. In order to connect the first and second connectors 2, 3, the first and second connectors 2, 3 are brought together as shown in Figures 4 to 7, with the housings 4, 104 abutting against one another to form an enclosed cavity. As shown, the fittings 6, 106 extend in opposite directions and the axial grooves 20a, 20b of the first connector 2 are aligned with the axial grooves 120a, 120b of the second connector 3. The first and second connectors 2, 3 may be mechanically connected to one another by a suitable interconnection mechanism. For example, the housing 4 may comprise a pair of cantilevered beams each having an opening (female element) which are provided at diametrically opposed sides of the housing 4. The housing 104 may comprise a pair of complementary retaining hooks (i.e., barbs) (male element) which are received in the openings of the cantilevered beams to form a snap fit connection with the hooks preventing withdrawal. In other examples, the positions of the male and female elements may be reversed or each connector 2, 3 may contain a male and a female element which engage with corresponding female and male elements on the opposing connector 2, 3. The interconnection mechanism connects and seals the housings 4, 104 of the first and second connectors 2, 3 to one another. The first and second connectors 2, 3 are assembled in a first, closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the plunger portion 15 is in a retracted position such that it is held entirely within the cavity 10. The circumferential surface 16 of the plunger portion 15 therefore covers and blocks the opening of the fluid passageway 8 at the inner circumferential surface 12 of the cylindrical wall 5. Further, the rotatable seal member 114 is positioned such that the cylindrical wall 116 of the rotatable seal member 114 covers and blocks the opening of the fluid passageway 108 at the inner circumferential surface 112 of the cylindrical wall 105 and the slots 136a, 136b of the rotatable seal member 114 are aligned with the axial grooves 120a, 120b. Further, the openings of the interconnecting passageway 30 in the circumferential surface 16 are sealed by the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this configuration, the interconnecting passageway 30 of the first connector 2 is perpendicular to the fluid passageways 8, 108. In this configuration, while the first and second connectors 2, 3 are mechanically connected, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 8, 108. This is clearly indicated to a user by the first visual indicator 134a which is aligned with and visible through the window 132. In order to connect their fluid passageways 8, 108, the actuator knob 28 is first depressed, as shown in Figures 8 to 11, such that the plunger portion 15 translates axially into the second connector 3. As shown, the plunger portion 15 is partially received within the cylindrical wall 116 of the rotatable seal member 114. In some examples, the actuator knob 28 may be depressed until the plunger portion 15 abuts against the end wall 107 of the housing 104 and / or the base wall 119 of the rotatable seal member 114. As described previously, the bosses 24a, 24b of the plunger portion 15 engage the slots 26a, 26b in the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. Accordingly, as the plunger portion 15 translates axially, it carries with it the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. As described, the axial grooves 20a, 20b of the first connector 2 are aligned with the axial grooves 120a, 120b of the second connector 3, such that the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b are able to slide along the axial grooves 20a, 20b of the first connector 2 and into the axial grooves 120a, 120b of the second connector 3. In this position, the bosses 24a, 24b are disposed in the slots 136a, 136b formed in the cylindrical wall 105. In this position, the fluid passageways 8, 108 continue to be blocked by the circumferential surface 16 of the plunger portion 15 and the cylindrical wall 116 of the rotatable seal member 114 respectively. Similarly, the openings of the interconnecting passageway 30 continue to be sealed by the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b. The actuator knob 28 can then be rotated in a clockwise direction (although in other examples, it may be rotated in an anticlockwise direction) by 90 degrees, as shown in Figures 12 to 15. The rotation of the actuator knob 28 rotates the plunger portion 15. As described, the sliding cover portions 22a, 22b are located in the axial grooves 120a, 120b and thus are unable to rotate with the plunger portion 15. The bosses 24a, 24b therefore translate out of the slots 26a, 26b and are brought into contact with the cylindrical wall 105 (i.e., at the edges of the slots 136a, 136b) of the rotatable seal member 114. This causes the rotatable seal member 114 of the second connector 3 to rotate with the plunger portion 15 until the slot 136a is aligned with the fluid passageway 108 of the second connector 3. The bosses 24a, 24b are held by the retaining shoulder 130 such that the plunger portion 15 can no longer be withdrawn and the first and second connectors 2, 3 cannot be disconnected. With the actuator knob 28 rotated by 90 degrees, the interconnecting passageway 30 now extends between the fluid passageways 8, 108. Fluid can therefore pass across the fluid passageways 8, 108 of the first and connectors 2,3 via the interconnecting passageway 30 in this second, open configuration. This is clearly indicated to a user by the second visual indicator 134b which is now aligned with and visible through the window 132. It will be appreciated that the surfaces which are exposed prior to connection of the first and second connectors 2, 3 are not in contact with the fluid passing through the first and second connectors 2, 3. Accordingly, any contaminants which may have come into contact with these surfaces cannot be introduced into the fluid flow. In order to disconnect the first and second connectors 2, 3, the procedure can be reversed with the actuator knob 28 first being rotated in an anticlockwise direction (although in other examples, it may be rotated in a clockwise direction) and then being retracted. The first and second connectors 2, 3 are now in the closed configuration, as shown in Figures 4 to 7 and the first and second connectors 2, 3 can be mechanically disconnected from one another. The housing 4, 104 and movable member 14 and / or rotatable seal member 114 may have cooperating catch elements which retain the movable member 14 and / or rotatable seal member 114 in the closed and / or open configurations and which may be released by user action. For example, the catch elements may retain the movable member 14 until a predetermined force is applied to the actuator knob 28 or may require a button or other element to be depressed or otherwise activated to release the movable member 14. Figures 16 to 18 show an aseptic connector system 201 according to an embodiment of the invention. The aseptic connector system 201 comprises a first connector 202 and a second connector 203. The first connector 202 comprises a housing 204. The housing 204 comprises a barb fitting 206 for insertion into a tube. As shown in Figure 18, a fluid passageway 208 extends through the fitting 206. The housing 204 comprises a cylindrical wall 205 and an end wall 207 which define an inner cavity 210, as seen in Figure 17. The fluid passageway 208 passes through the cylindrical wall 205 to form an opening in an inner circumferential surface 212 of the cylindrical wall 205. The first connector 202 further comprises a first movable member 214 which forms a plunger portion. The first movable member 214 is received within the cavity 210 of the housing 204. The first movable member 214 is cylindrical and comprises a circumferential surface 216 which conforms to the inner circumferential surface 212 of the cylindrical wall 205. The first movable member 214 further comprises an interconnecting passageway 230 which extends through the axis of the first movable member 214 and has an opening at either end at diametrically opposed positions in the circumferential surface 216. As can be seen in Figure 24, the interconnecting passageway 230 is inclined such that the openings at either end are offset from one another in an axial direction of the first movable member 214, as will be described further below. The first connector 202 further comprises a pair of sliding cover portions 222a, 222b. The sliding cover portions 222a, 222b are received in a pair of complementary recesses 227a, 227b. The recesses 227a, 227b are located at diametrically opposed positions and extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the end wall 207. The sliding cover portions 222a, 222b each comprise a rib 229a, 229b which extends in an axial direction along a radially outer surface of the sliding cover portion 222a, 222b. The ribs 229a, 229b each engage in a complementary axial groove 220a, 220b formed in the inner circumferential surface 212 of the cylindrical wall 205. The axial grooves 220a, 220b extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the end wall 207. The axial length of the recesses 227a, 227b corresponds to the length of the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b such that the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b can be held entirely within the recesses 227a, 227b. The sliding cover portions 222a, 222b form a continuation of the inner circumferential surface 212. The first movable member 214 comprise a pair of bosses 224a, 224b which are provided on the circumferential surface 216. The bosses 224a, 224b are rectangular projections, although other suitable forms may be used. As shown in Figure 24, the boss 224a is formed around one of the openings of the interconnecting passageway 230. The boss 224b is provided in a corresponding position on the opposite side of the first movable member 214 and so is axially offset from the other opening of the interconnecting passageway 230 (but circumferentially aligned). An inner surface of each sliding cover portion 222a, 222b comprises a slot 226a, 226b which is sized to receive the bosses 224a, 224b. The slots 226a, 226b are open at either end in a circumferential direction. The bosses 224a, 224b engage the slots 226a, 226b so as to ensure that the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b move with the first movable member 214 in an axial direction but to allow rotation of the first movable member 214 relative to the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b. The sliding cover portions 222a, 222b each comprise a foot (projection) 231a, 231b which projects inwardly and engages a lip (groove) 233 formed at the base of the first movable member 214. Again, the engagement of the feet 231a, 231b with the lip 233 ensures that the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b move with the first movable member 214 in an axial direction but allow rotation of the first movable member 214 relative to the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b. The sliding cover portions 222a, 222b are arranged to selectively cover the openings of the interconnecting passageway 230. The second connector 203 comprises a housing 304. The housing 304 comprises a barb fitting 306 for insertion into a tube. As shown in Figure 18, a fluid passageway 308 extends through the fitting 306. The housing 304 comprises a cylindrical wall 305 and an end wall 307 which define an inner cavity 310, as seen in Figure 18. The fluid passageway 308 passes through the cylindrical wall 305 to form an opening in an inner circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical wall 305. The second connector 203 further comprises a second movable member 314 which comprises a plunger portion 315 and an actuation knob 328 (or any other actuation portion) which is connected to the plunger portion 315 by a shaft 317. The plunger portion 315 is received within the cavity 310 of the housing 304. The plunger portion 315 is cylindrical and comprises a circumferential surface 316 which conforms to the inner circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical wall 305. The shaft 317 extends from the centre of a radial end surface 318 of the plunger portion 315. The end wall 307 of the housing 304 comprises an opening 321 which corresponds to the shape of the actuation knob 328. The actuation knob 328 can therefore be received in the opening 321. As will be described further below, the second movable member 314 is movable between a first position in which the actuation knob 328 is stowed within the opening 321 (e.g., flush with an external surface of the end wall 307) and a second position in which the actuation knob 328 is raised above the opening 321 (i.e., externally to the housing 304) and thus can be grasped by a user. The second movable member 314 has an axial length which corresponds to the axial length of the housing 304 and thus, with the actuation knob 328 in the stowed position, the plunger portion 315 does not project from the cavity 310 (i.e., the bottom of the plunger portion 315 is level with the bottom of the cylindrical wall 305). When in the stowed position, the actuation knob 328 may engage with the opening 321 in the end wall 307 such that it cannot be rotated. The actuation knob 328 may be shaped such that it has rotational symmetry of order 2 and thus can be received in the opening 321 in 2 angular orientations (180-degree intervals) or may be shaped such that it can be received in the opening 321 in a single angular orientation only. The plunger portion 315 of the second movable member 314 comprise a pair of bosses 324a, 324b which are provided on the circumferential surface 316. The bosses 324a, 324b are rectangular projections, although other suitable forms may be used. The bosses 324a, 324b are received in a pair of complementary recesses 327a, 327b formed in the inner circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical wall 305. The recesses 327a, 327b are located at diametrically opposed positions and extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the end wall 307. The recesses 327a, 327b correspond to the recesses 227a, 227b of the first connector 202 and thus can receive the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b, as will be described further below. The bosses 324a, 324b each comprise a rib 329a, 329b which extends in an axial direction along a radially outer surface of the boss 324a, 324b. The ribs 329a, 329b each engage in a complementary axial groove 320a, 320b formed in the inner circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical wall 305. The axial grooves 320a, 320b are located at diametrically opposed positions and extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the end wall 307. The axial grooves 320a, 320b correspond to the axial grooves 220a, 220b of the first connector 202 and thus can receive the ribs 229a, 229b of the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b, as will be described further below. A circumferential groove 340 is provided around the inner circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical wall 305. The axial grooves 320a, 320b open into the circumferential groove 340 such that a distal end of the axial grooves 320a, 320b forms part of the circumferential groove 340 (i.e., the distal end of the axial grooves 320a, 320b is formed by the circumferential groove 340). The axial grooves 320a, 320b and the circumferential groove 340 therefore form a continuous groove. The second connector 203 further comprises a rotatable seal member 313 which comprises a cylindrical wall 356. The cylindrical wall 356 is open at either end. The rotatable seal member 313 is received in the cavity 310 of the housing 304 with the cylindrical wall 356 running parallel with (but slightly spaced from) the circumferential surface 312 of the inner cavity 310. The circumferential surface 312 comprises a recessed portion 330 adjacent the end wall 307 which has a larger diameter than the remainder of the circumferential surface 312 (i.e., a portion adjacent the open end of the housing 304 in which the opening of the fluid passageway 308 is located). The cylindrical wall 356 of the rotatable seal member 313 comprises a rim 319 at one end which has a larger outer diameter which corresponds to the diameter of the recessed portion 330. The rim 319 is received in the recessed portion 330 to retain the rotatable seal member 313 in an axial direction but to allow rotation of the rotatable seal member 313 relative to the housing 304. A pair of slots 336a, 336b are formed in the cylindrical wall 356 of the rotatable seal member 313. The slots 336a, 336b are located at diametrically opposed positions and extend in an axial direction from an open distal end towards the rim 319. The slots 336a, 336b are sized to receive the bosses 224a, 224b of the first movable member 214 and the bosses 324a, 324b of the second movable member 314, as will be described further below. In order to connect the first and second connectors 202, 203, the first and second connectors 202, 203 are brought together as shown in Figures 19 to 21, with the housings 204, 304 abutting against one another to form an enclosed cavity. As shown, the fittings 206, 306 extend in opposite directions and the axial grooves 220a, 220b of the first connector 202 are aligned with the axial grooves 320a, 320b of the second connector 203. The first and second connectors 202, 203 may be mechanically connected to one another by a suitable interconnection mechanism. For example, the housing 204 may comprise a pair of cantilevered beams each having an opening (female element) which are provided at diametrically opposed sides of the housing 204. The housing 304 may comprise a pair of complementary retaining hooks (i.e., barbs) (male element) which are received in the openings of the cantilevered beams to form a snap fit connection with the hooks preventing withdrawal. An example of such an arrangement is shown in Figure 25 (which may also be applied to the aseptic connector system 1). In other examples, the positions of the male and female elements may be reversed or each connector 202, 203 may contain a male and a female element which engage with corresponding female and male elements on the opposing connector 202, 203. The interconnection mechanism connects and seals the housings 204, 304 of the first and second connectors 202, 203 to one another. The first and second connectors 202, 203 are assembled in a first, closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the first movable member 214 is in a retracted position such that it is held entirely within the cavity 210. The circumferential surface 216 of the first movable member 214 therefore covers and blocks the opening of the fluid passageway 208 at the inner circumferential surface 212 of the cylindrical wall 205. Similarly, the second movable member 314 is in a retracted position such that plunger portion 315 is entirely within the cavity 310 and the actuation knob 328 is stowed within the opening 321. Further, with the bosses 324a, 324b located in the recesses 327a, 327b, the bosses 324a, 324b position the rotatable seal member 313 such that the cylindrical wall 316 of the rotatable seal member 313 covers and blocks the opening of the fluid passageway 308 at the inner circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical wall 305. In this position, the openings of the interconnecting passageway 230 in the circumferential surface 216 are sealed by the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b. In this configuration, the interconnecting passageway 230 of the first connector 202 is perpendicular to the fluid passageways 208, 308. In this configuration, while the first and second connectors 202, 203 are mechanically connected, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 208, 308. As shown in Figure 21, the end wall 207 of the first connector 202 has an opening 247 which provides access to the first movable member 214 located within the housing 204. In order to connect the fluid passageways 208, 308, the first movable member 214 is pushed through the opening 247 which causes it to translate axially into the cavity 310 of the second connector 203, as shown in Figure 22. As shown, the first movable member 214 is partially received within the cylindrical wall 316 of the rotatable seal member 313. The first movable member 214 abuts the plunger portion 315 of the second movable member 314 such that the second movable member 314 translates with the first movable member 214. During this translation, the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b also translate with the first movable member 214, with the ribs 229a, 229b sliding along the axial grooves 220a, 220b and into the grooves 220a, 220b of the second connector 203. The bosses 324a, 324b translate relative to the rotatable seal member 313 such that they move further into the slots 336a, 336b formed in the cylindrical wall 356, with the ribs 329a, 329b of the bosses 324a, 324b sliding along the axial grooves 320a, 320b and into the circumferential groove 340. The bosses 224a, 224b of the first movable member 214 are also received in the slots 336a, 336b. In some examples, the first movable member 214 may be pushed until the plunger portion 315 of the second movable member 314 abuts against the end wall 307 of the housing 304 and / or the bosses 324a, 324b abut against the rotatable seal member 313 at the base of the slots 336a, 336b. In this position, the fluid passageways 208, 308 continue to be blocked by the circumferential surface 316 of the first movable member 314 and the cylindrical wall 316 of the rotatable seal member 313 respectively. Similarly, the openings of the interconnecting passageway 230 continue to be sealed by the sliding cover portions 222a, 222b. As shown in Figure 22, in this position, the actuator knob 328 is now raised above the opening 321 (i.e., externally to the housing 304) and thus can be grasped by a user. As described, the ribs 329a, 329b of the bosses 324a, 324b are located in the circumferential groove 340 and so the second movable member 314 is now allowed to rotate. The actuator knob 328 can therefore be used to rotate the second movable member 314. Specifically, the actuator knob 328 is rotated in a clockwise direction (although in other examples, it may be rotated in an anticlockwise direction) by 90 degrees, as shown in Figure 23. The bosses 324a, 324b engage with the rotatable seal member 313 in the slots 336a, 336b and thus cause the rotatable seal member 313 to rotate with the plunger portion 315. The rotatable seal member 313 of the second connector 203 is rotated until the slots 336a, 336b are aligned with the fluid passageways 208, 308 of the first and second connectors 202, 203. In turn, the rotatable seal member 313 engages the bosses 224a, 224b of the first movable member 214 such that the first movable member 214 rotates with the second movable member 314. The sliding cover portions 222a, 222b are unable to rotate with the first movable member 214. The bosses 224a, 224b therefore translate out of the slots 226a, 226b. The bosses 224a, 224b are held by the recessed portion 330 such that the first movable member 214 cannot translate axially back towards the end wall 207 of the first connector 202. With the actuator knob 328 rotated by 90 degrees, the interconnecting passageway 230 now extends between the fluid passageways 208, 308, as shown in Figure 24. Fluid can therefore pass across the fluid passageways 208, 308 of the first and connectors 202,203 via the interconnecting passageway 230 in this second, open configuration. It will be appreciated that the surfaces which are exposed prior to connection of the first and second connectors 202, 203 are not in contact with the fluid passing through the first and second connectors 202, 203. Accordingly, any contaminants which may have come into contact with these surfaces cannot be introduced into the fluid flow. In order to disconnect the first and second connectors 202, 203, the procedure can be reversed with the actuator knob 328 first being rotated in an anticlockwise direction (although in other examples, it may be rotated in a clockwise direction) and then pushed back into the opening 321 to the stowed position. The first and second connectors 202, 203 are now in the closed configuration, as shown in Figures 18 to 20 and the first and second connectors 202, 203 can be mechanically disconnected from one another. The housing 204, 304 and movable members 214, 314 and / or rotatable seal member 313 may have cooperating catch elements which retain the movable members 214, 314 and / or rotatable seal member 313 in the closed and / or open configurations and which may be released by user action. For example, the catch elements may retain the first movable member 214 until a predetermined force is applied to the first movable member 214 or may require a button or other element to be depressed or otherwise activated to release the first movable member 214. Although not shown, the aseptic connector system 201 may also comprise one or more visual indicators which indicate to a user if the first and second connectors are in the open or closed configuration, as per the aseptic connector system 1. It will be appreciated that in other examples, the first and second connectors (of the aseptic connector system 1, 201) may have an alternative fitting instead of the barb fitting described above. For example, one or both of the first and second connectors may be provided with a flange fitting. In other examples, the first and second connectors may be provided with a protective cover which seals over the open end prior to use. To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be modified or adapted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aseptic connector system comprising:a first connector and a second connector;wherein the first connector comprises a first housing which defines a first cavity, the first housing having a first fluid passageway which opens into the first cavity;wherein the second connector comprises a second housing which defines a second cavity, the second housing having a second fluid passageway which opens into the second cavity;wherein the first connector is configured to be mechanically connected to the second connector such that the first cavity is connected to the second cavity with the first fluid passageway offset from the second fluid passageway in an axial direction;wherein the first connector further comprises a first movable member having a first plunger portion, wherein the first plunger portion is movably mounted within the first cavity and has an interconnecting passageway extending therethrough between a pair of openings; wherein the interconnecting passageway is inclined such that the openings are offset from one another in the axial direction;wherein the first plunger portion is movable between a first position in which the first plunger portion is located entirely within the first cavity and a second position in which the first plunger portion is located in both of the first and second cavities such that the inclined interconnecting passageway extends between and connects the first and second fluid passageways.

2. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the first position, the openings of the interconnecting passageway are angularly offset from the first and second passageways, and wherein the first plunger portion is configured such that to move from the first position to the second position, the first plunger portion is translated axially and rotated about its axis in order to bring the openings of the interconnecting passageway into alignment with the first and second passageways.

3. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first plunger portion is translated axially and then subsequently rotated about its axis.

4. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the first plunger is rotated by 90 degrees.

5. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first connector further comprises a pair of sliding cover portions which engage the first plunger portion such that the sliding cover portions move with the first plunger portion in an axial direction, wherein the openings of the interconnecting passageway are sealed by the sliding cover portions in the first position.

6. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sliding cover portions are translatable along axial grooves formed in an inner surface of the first housing.

7. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 6, wherein an inner surface of the second housing is provided with corresponding axial grooves such that the sliding cover portions are able to translate along the axial grooves of the first housing into the axial grooves of the second housing when the first plunger portion moves from the first position to the second position.

8. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first plunger portion is rotated relative to the sliding cover portions such that the openings of the interconnecting passageway are no longer sealed by the sliding cover portions when in the second position.

9. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the second connector comprises a rotatable seal member housed within the second housing, wherein the second fluid passageway is sealed by the rotatable seal member in the first position and the rotatable seal member is engaged by the first plunger portion such that it is rotated with the first plunger portion and such that the second fluid passageway is no longer sealed by the rotatable seal member when in the second position.

10. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first plunger portion comprises a pair of bosses which engage with a pair of slots in the rotatable seal member.

11. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 10, wherein one of the slots of the rotatable seal member is aligned with the second fluid passageway when in the second position.

12. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 when appended to claim 5, wherein the pair of sliding cover portions engage the first plunger portion via the pair of bosses.

13. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid passageway is sealed by an outer surface of the first plunger portion in the first position.

14. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second connector comprises a second movable member forming a second plunger portion, wherein the first plunger portion is engaged with the second plunger portion when the first and second connectors are mechanically connected such that the second plunger portion moves with the first plunger portion.

15. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 14 when appended to claim 9, wherein the first and second plunger portions are engaged via the rotatable seal member.

16. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 15 when appended to claim 7, wherein the second plunger portion comprises a pair of bosses which are translatable along the axial grooves formed in the inner surface of the second housing.

17. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the second connector further comprises a circumferential groove formed in the inner surface of the second housing, wherein the axial grooves connect to the circumferential groove at their distal ends such that the bosses of the second plunger portion can rotate once translated axially along the axial grooves and into the circumferential groove.

18. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing comprises an opening through which the first plunger portion can be pushed to axially translate the first plunger portion.

19. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second movable member comprises an actuation portion connected to the first or second plunger portion.

20. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first or second housing has a complementary opening which receives the actuation portion of the first or second movable member when in a stowed position.

21. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second cavities are cylindrical.

22. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a visual indicator which is visible only when the first movable member is in the first position and / or a visual indicator which is visible only when the first movable member is in the second position.

23. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 22 when appended to claim 9, wherein the or each visual indicator is provided on the rotatable seal member and the second housing comprises a window through which the or each visual indicator can beseen.

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