Holder for a fluid connector coupling and fluid dispenser including same - Patents.com

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present application relates to a holder for a fluid connector coupling, and a fluid dispenser containing same.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Technical Field SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present application relates to a holder for a fluid connector coupling, and a fluid dispenser containing same. [Background technology]

[0002] background In laboratory environments, situations frequently arise where liquid needs to be dispensed into a container or reservoir through a disposable flexible dispensing tube. For that purpose, the outlet or outlet opening of the tube needs to be reliably fixed in a stable position in order to accurately direct the flow into the container, as well as to avoid displacement of the position of the outlet or outlet opening due to ambient vibrations or shocks, i.e. from pumps or other equipment, as this may cause spills or drops. For this purpose, the tube is usually temporarily fixed to a stand using several clamps or tightening screws. However, such a fixing method is not always stable as far as the outlet position or the outlet direction from the outlet or outlet opening is concerned, if the tube is fixed in a position more or less distant from the outlet or not fixing the tube sufficiently. Moreover, the fixing method is often complex, involves multiple steps, is not intuitive and is often unsafe.

[0003] In some applications, where contamination is critical, the dispensing tube must be provided sterile and closed with a cap that is easy to remove without risk of touching the port and the discharge / outlet opening and any part of the receiving vessel. In such applications, contact between the operator's hand / glove and the dispenser generally needs to be limited. This is especially important in the prior art, where the port of the dispensing tube must be closed without removing the tube configuration and fixation, because the fixation is usually not strong or stable enough to provide the necessary counter force for the closing action.

[0004] There are situations where the dispensing tube must be stretched while or after the fixing arrangement of the dispensing tube is already in place, and in the prior art it is necessary to unfix the tube and replace it with another longer tube.

[0005] Finally, there are situations where access to the receiving vessel is required while the fixed portion of the tube is maintained in place for subsequent processing steps, which in the prior art can be difficult in view of the often unstable arrangement of the tube, stand and clamp. In the prior art, there are many known releasable connection assemblies for coupling tube sections. For example, US 2005 / 0082828 A1 discloses a connection assembly for forming a releasable fluid-tight connection between two or more tube sections, including a male fluid connector fitting and a female fluid connector fitting. The male fluid connector fitting has at least one, preferably a pair of resilient latches, catch protrusions or tabs with a corresponding catch structure on the female fluid connector fitting (the term "resilient latch" is used synonymously with all these terms in this specification to describe a protrusion configured to cooperate in a releasable form-locking engagement with a mating recess or catch structure due to its flexibility to restore an initial attitude or shape after a temporary deformation). The interaction between the female and male fluid connector fittings can be linear or rotatable with respect to the male and / or female fluid connector fittings.

[0006] A male fluid connector fitting typically has a port in the form of a male cylindrical shaft with a discharge or outlet opening at a proximal end, and a female fluid connector fitting has a port in the form of a female cylindrical receptacle or shaft with a bore dimensioned to receive and fluid-tightly seal against the male shaft in an insertion direction. The male fluid connector fitting also has a pair of resilient latches spaced from the male shaft and extending parallel to the axis of the male shaft. The distal ends of the latches are each formed with a latch tab that projects in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the male shaft adjacent the respective latch. The female fluid connector fitting has a pair of mating catches or recesses formed on opposite sides of the outer surface of the female shaft. The connection assembly is held together by the latch tabs of the latches being inserted axially into the slots or catches after the latches are pressed against each other against their resilience, and by a form-locking interface between the latch tabs and the catches when the latches return to their original position.

[0007] The latch tabs of the latch are biased by their resilience in an outward direction from the outer surface of the male shaft as they are forced towards each other. Inserting the latch tabs axially into the fastener more or less automatically forces the latch inward until locking engagement is completed. A supporting inward force is usually provided by the user by forcing the latch towards each other as the male shaft is inserted into the female shaft. To disengage, the user must manually press the latch inward towards the male shaft so that the latch tabs disengage from the fastener and fit through the fastener slots while pulling the male shaft axially out of the female shaft as the male and female fluid connector fittings are pulled apart and separated.

[0008] Such types of connector fittings are used herein and are generally referred to throughout this application as "side latch fluid connector fittings" or simply "connector fittings." Without being tied to a particular design for the holders and fluid dispensers defined in this application, different types of such connectors are used. In extreme cases, it is feasible for the present holders and fluid dispensers to operate with side latch connector fittings having only one side latch, or connector fittings having three or more latches. Although male connector fittings are preferably used and are used throughout the following description, female connector fittings may be used instead by reversing the mechanical components and engagement principles, and thus the present disclosure is not meant to be limited to male or female connector fittings.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present application to provide a holder for a fluid connector coupling and a fluid dispenser including the same that is improved to overcome at least some of the shortcomings in the prior art and provides an easy-to-use, stable, versatile and reliable solution for dispensing fluids in a laboratory environment. Summary of the Invention

[0010] overview Thus, the present application provides a holder for a fluid connector coupling having the features of claim 1, and a fluid dispenser encompassing it having the features of claim 13. Preferred embodiments are defined in the respective dependent claims. The present application specifically provides a holder for a fluid connector fitting, the fluid connector fitting including at least one resilient latch, preferably a pair of resilient latches, configured to form a laterally releasable connection designed to provide a releasable fluid-tight connection with a fluid port, an outlet, and a mating fluid connector fitting, the holder including a holder body including a retainer formed such that the connector fitting can be inserted into and fixedly held in place by releasable engagement of the at least one resilient latch with a portion of the retainer, such that the outlet of the fluid port is freely accessible and oriented in a predetermined direction so that fluid can be dispensed from the outlet.

[0011] Preferably, the retainer is configured such that releasable engagement of the at least one resilient latch with the retainer is effected by linear movement of the fluid connector coupling relative to the retainer and / or by rotational movement of the fluid connector coupling relative to the retainer. Preferably, the releasable engagement is a snap-in form-locking engagement of the at least one resilient latch, preferably by linear movement along the longitudinal direction of the fluid connector coupling, upon elastic deformation of the at least one resilient latch until a retaining protrusion of the at least one resilient latch engages with a mating locking feature on the retainer.

[0012] Preferably, the releasable engagement is a bayonet-type form-locking engagement of the at least one resilient latch, preferably by a combination of linear movement along the longitudinal direction of the fluid connector fitting followed by rotation of the fluid connector fitting about the longitudinal direction to engage a retaining protrusion of the at least one resilient latch with a mating locking feature on the retainer. Preferably, the holder body is configured such that the position of the retainer in the longitudinal direction along the holder body is adjustable, and preferably the retainer is formed on a slider that is slidable along guide rails on the holder body, or the holder body includes a portion configured to extend or contract in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] Preferably, the retainer is mounted to the holder body such that the inclination of the retainer relative to the holder body can be altered to change the orientation of the outlet of the fluid port of the fluid connector coupling when held within the retainer. Preferably, the holder body has at least one hinge mechanism for changing the angular orientation of the holder body relative to the longitudinal direction and / or relative to the vertical direction. Preferably, the holder body further includes a fluid shield arranged to occupy a portion of the periphery of the outlet of the fluid port of the fluid connector coupling when held within the retainer. Preferably, the holder further comprises a guide and / or a fixing portion for a tube section to be connected to the fluid connector fitting.

[0014] Preferably, the holder further includes a cap configured to releasably engage with the fluid port of the fluid connector fitting in the first orientation to fluid-tightly seal the outlet when the fluid connector fitting is retained within the retainer. Preferably, the cap is configured to prevent the at least one resilient latch from disengaging from the retainer when engaged with a fluid port of a fluid connector coupling held within the retainer in a first orientation, and preferably a portion of the cap mechanically limits elastic deformation of the at least one resilient latch in a release direction. Preferably, the cap is configured to be releasably engaged with the at least one resilient latch in the second orientation to maintain the cap on the fluid connector coupling while engaged with the fluid port.

[0015] The present application also provides a fluid dispenser comprising a holder as defined herein, a fluid connector fitting configured to be retained within a retainer of the holder and including at least one resilient latch, preferably a pair of resilient latches, configured to form a laterally releasable connection designed to provide a releasable fluid-tight connection with a fluid port, an outlet, and a mating fluid connector fitting, the port of the fluid connector fitting being configured to communicate with a flexible tube, and a stand preferably integrated with, connected to, or adapted to be connected to a holder body of the holder so that the fluid connector fitting held within the retainer of the holder can be maintained at a defined height position above a work surface, preferably such that the height position can be adjusted.

[0016] Preferably, the stand is connected or adapted to be connected with a holder body of the holder, whereby the holder can be rotated or translated to gain access to a reservoir located below the spout. Preferably, the stand further comprises a guide and / or a fixation for a tube connected to the fluid connector fitting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present holder and fluid dispenser described herein will now be described in preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying schematic illustrative figures: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the present fluid dispenser with a holder as described herein; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1 showing the connection process of the holder with the retainer; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the holder of FIG. 2 during the connection process; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the holder of FIG. 1 showing a cap closing the port and preventing removal of the connector from the retainer of the holder;

[0018] [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a modified version of the holder of FIG. 1, showing the connection process; [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b is a perspective cross-sectional view of a modification of the holder of FIG. 1 in an inserted position; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connector having a cap for use with the book holder; and [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fluid dispenser as described herein with a holder as described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Detailed Description An exemplary embodiment of a fluid dispenser as defined herein, particularly one suitable for use in a laboratory environment for dispensing fluids into vessels or containers, is shown in Figures 1 and 7 and generally comprises a holder 1 for a side latching fluid connector fitting as defined herein (where it is understood that the holder may be used in a universal manner independent of other components of the fluid dispenser), a first fluid connector fitting 2 including a fluid port 3 as described in the introductory part of this specification, an outlet or exit opening 4 at the distal end of the port 3, and at least one resilient latch 5, preferably a pair of resilient latches 5, configured to form a side releasable connection designed to provide a releasable fluid-tight connection with a mating fluid connector fitting. The first fluid connector fitting, in the exemplary embodiment, is a male fluid connector fitting, which is connected to a portion of a flexible tube 11 or, optionally, by a portion of the flexible tube 11 to a second fluid connector fitting (not shown) having a fluid port and designed to provide a releasable fluid-tight connection with a mating fluid connector fitting. In this manner, the flexible tube may fluidly connect the ports of the first and second fluid connector fittings.

[0020] The second fluid connector fitting (if present) may be a side-latch connector fitting of the same type as the first connector fitting, a female mating version of it (preferably providing a simple extension of a portion of the tubing with a compatible connector), or a different type or concept of connector fitting compatible with the upstream equipment. The second fluid connector is optional and may be replaced by a direct connection (e.g., a welded or glued connection) with a bag or other container, a syringe as well as other desired devices. The second end of the tubing may simply be left open.

[0021] The fluid dispenser may further include a stand 9 that is integral with, connected to, or adapted to be connected to the holder body 6 of the holder 1 so that the fluid connector fitting 2 held in the retainer 7 of the holder 1 can be maintained at a defined height position X above a work surface, and preferably such that the height position X can be adjusted. In an exemplary embodiment, the holder 1 is attached to a vertical post 9a of the stand 9 by a bracket 9b that can slide along the post 9a, and the proximal end of the holder body 6 is fixed at different height positions by a fastening screw 9c that is fastened between the bracket 9b and the post 9a. It is also possible to adjustably attach the holder body 6 to posts and other shapes of holders 9, provided that the stand is stable and rigid enough to support the holder 1 with the connector fitting in a predefined position and preferably to allow attachment of the cap and removal of the connector, as described below.

[0022] The stand 9 preferably has a base that can be placed on a work surface and fixed if necessary so as to be free-standing, however the stand 9 may be designed to be attached to other equipment or furniture in a laboratory environment. Fixation of the first fluid connector fitting 2 in a retainer 7 of the holder body 6, described in more detail below, ensures that the outlet 4 of the fluid port 3 is freely accessible and faces downwards in a defined orientation so that fluid can be dispensed from the outlet 4 into an opening 15 of a container or reservoir 14, as shown in Figures 1 and 7. The container or reservoir can be a bottle or bag, or it can be a well plate, or it can be any other type of reservoir used in a laboratory environment.

[0023] Although not shown in the drawings, the stand 9 may be connected or adapted to be connected to the holder body 6 of the holder 1 by a bracket designed to allow the holder 1 to rotate or translate laterally or upwardly while remaining mounted at a defined height position, thereby providing easy selective access to the opening 15 of the reservoir 14 located below the spout 4. Furthermore, the stand 9 may further comprise at least one guide and / or fixation 13 for the tube 11 to be connected to the fluid connector fitting 2. In an exemplary embodiment, the fixation 13 is integrated into the bracket 9b in the form of a simple recess or slot slightly smaller than the diameter of the tube, providing fixation when the tube is inserted into the recess / slot. Several such fixations or guides of different types and mechanical principles may be provided along the length of the stand.

[0024] As shown in the figures, the holder 1 for the present fluid connector fitting 2 (side latch connector fitting) includes a holder body 6 containing a retainer 7 formed so that the connector fitting 2 can be inserted into and fixedly held in place by releasable engagement of a resilient latch(es) 5 with a portion 8 of the retainer 7 such that the connector fitting 2 faces downward in a defined orientation such that the outlet 4 of the fluid port 3 is freely accessible and fluid can be dispensed from the outlet 4.

[0025] In the holder variant shown in Fig. 5a, the retainer 7 is formed such that releasable engagement of the latch(es) 5 with the retainer 7 can only be effected by linear movement of the fluid connector fitting 2 relative to the retainer 7 in the insertion direction I. The retainer in this variant has a main opening 7a dimensioned to receive at least the port 3, preferably a portion of the outer contour of the casing of the connector fitting 2, and a transverse slot or groove 7b extending in the insertion direction I for receiving the latch 5. The groove 7b is dimensioned to automatically urge the latch inwards against its resiliency, i.e. towards the port 3, during insertion. An assisting inward force can be provided by the user squeezing the latches towards each other when inserting the connector fitting into the retainer.

[0026] As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 5b, catches 8a are formed at the lower end of each groove 7b or in a groove along its length, providing a form-locking engagement between the latch tabs 5a of the latches and catches 8a in the fully inserted position due to the outward biasing force of the deformed latch. The dimensions of the main openings, grooves and catches provide a tight and secure fixation of the connector coupling in a defined orientation in the fully inserted position. To remove the connector coupling, the latches 5 are manually pushed towards each other while pulling the connector coupling in a linear direction opposite to the insertion direction I, or the connector coupling is simply pulled with a certain force in that direction that overcomes the form-locking engagement between the latch tabs 5a and catches 8a. To adjust the force required to overcome the engagement, the engagement portion may be rounded to some extent. Furthermore, the holder body and the retainer may be designed to allow a finger to touch a portion of the latches sufficiently to pinch the latches towards each other and assist in disengaging them from the catch.

[0027] The releasable engagement is therefore a snap-in type locking engagement of the resilient latch 5 by linear movement along the longitudinal direction Z of the fluid connector coupling 2 upon elastic deformation of the latch 5 until the retention protrusion or latch tab 5a of the latch 5 engages with a mating locking feature or fastener 8a on the retainer 7.

[0028] In the variant of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the fixing or locking of the latch(es) 5 is achieved by a rotational movement in the rotational direction R of the fluid connector coupling 2 relative to the retainer 7, followed by a linear movement in the insertion direction I, so that the attachment is similar to a bayonet-type mechanical connection. In this case, the main opening 7a is formed to allow the insertion of the port and latch(es) of the connector coupling and their rotation in the inserted state, at least as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The groove may be formed to extend in the circumferential direction or may be replaced by a circumferential protrusion that guides the latch tab 5a to the final engagement with the catch 8a. In this case, a dedicated catch may be dispensed with, if the groove or protrusion provides sufficient fixing force in the defined rotational position. To remove the connector coupling, the connector coupling is rotated in the counter-rotational direction until the latch tab 5a is free of the circumferential protrusion or groove, and then the connector coupling is linearly withdrawn from the main opening. This variation may be preferred as less force is required to remove the connector coupling from the holder.

[0029] The releasable engagement is therefore a bayonet-type form locking engagement of the elastic latch(es) 5 by linear movement along the longitudinal direction Z of the fluid connector fitting 2 in combination with subsequent rotation of the fluid connector fitting 2 about the longitudinal direction Z, which upon elastic deformation of the latch 5 engages the retaining protrusion of the latch tab 5a of the latch 5 with the mating locking feature or catch 8a on the retainer 7.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the present holder 1 may further include a fluid connector cap 12 configured to releasably engage the fluid port 3 of the fluid connector fitting 2 in a first orientation to fluid-tightly seal the outlet 4 when the fluid connector fitting 2 is held within the retainer 7. The cap 12 may be connected to the port 3 from below the holder body 6 through a main opening or an enlarged window in the holder body. The cap 12 is formed such that when engaged with the fluid port 3 of the fluid connector fitting 2 held within the retainer 7 in the first orientation, the latch 5 is prevented from disengaging from the groove or protrusion of the retainer 5, either by linear motion or rotation, in that a portion of the cap 12 mechanically limits the elastic deformation of the latch 5 in the release direction required for the latch tab 5a to disengage from the catch 8a. Thus, as long as the cap 12 is in this first position, the connector is prevented from being unintentionally disengaged from the retainer 7.

[0031] In this first position, the cap 12 is not necessarily used to provide a leak-tight seal against internal overpressure within the connector tube 11, but is used primarily to prevent external contamination of the outlet and to avoid undesirable dripping of liquid from the outlet when the system is not in use. In this configuration, the side latches 5 are not used to retain the cap 12 and therefore may be easily deployed or removed by the user.

[0032] Meanwhile, cap 12 is configured to releasably engage latch 5 in a second orientation or position (rotated 90 degrees from its orientation in the first position) when the fluid connector fitting is removed from retainer 7, securely maintaining cap 12 on fluid connector fitting 2 with latch tab 5a engaged with fluid port 3 in that latch tab 5a enters into form-locking engagement with catch 12a on cap 12 (see FIG. 6). In this second position, cap 12 seals port 3 even at higher pressures in the tube and / or during prolonged handling.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the holder body 6 is integrally formed with the retainer 7. However, the retainer and the holder body may be formed as separate elements that are attached together. This modification offers certain advantages and possibilities. For example, the holder body 6 may be configured such that the position of the retainer 7 in the longitudinal direction Y along the holder body 6 is adjustable, e.g., the retainer 7 is formed on a slider slidable along guide rails on the holder body 6, or the holder body 6 includes portions configured to extend or expand in the longitudinal direction Y, e.g., by providing one or more hinge mechanism(s) between portions of the holder body, one moveable one of which contains the retainer. Thus, by moving the portion of the holder body bearing the retainer, the angular orientation of the retainer with respect to the longitudinal direction Y of the holder body 6 and / or with respect to the vertical direction can be changed. In another modification, the retainer 7 formed as a separate element may be attached to the holder body 6 so as to change the inclination of the retainer 7 relative to the holder body 6 to change the orientation of the fluid connector fitting 2 when held by the retainer 7, and thus the position and orientation of the outlet 4 of the fluid port 3.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5, for example, the holder body 6 includes a fluid shield 16 arranged to occupy a portion of the circumference of the outlet 4 of the fluid port 3 of the fluid connector fitting 2 when held in the retainer 7. In the exemplary embodiment, the shield 16 is integrally formed with the holder body 6 in that a portion of the distal end of the holder body 6 is bent downwards. The shield may have different shapes or widths and may be formed of a separate element attached to the holder body. Such a fluid shield may be completely or at least partially transparent. The shield helps to prevent the user from accidental spills or contamination when handling or manipulating the dispensing device. By providing a shield to the distal end of the holder body, it will always be in the proper place and position for liquid to be dispensed from the outlet during use.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the holder body 6 of the holder 1 is formed in the form of a solid piece of material. It may be formed of plastic, or metal, or other material depending on the requirements of time of use, rigidity, and / or cleaning. It may also be composed of several elements, as partially described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the proximal end 6b may be formed to function as a mounting portion that is mechanically connected with a suitable stand. In an exemplary embodiment, the main portion 6a of the holder body 6 adjacent the proximal end is inclined upwards relative to the end when in the intended mounting position. The transition from the proximal end 6b to the main portion 6a may include a hinge portion 10, e.g., a "living hinge", that allows the tilt to be set.

[0036] In another modification not shown, the holder 1 may further include guides and / or fasteners for the tube section 11 connected to the fluid connector fitting 2 in order to secure the tube section in place and away from the fluid and to avoid the user's hands getting tangled in the tube during use. For the guides or fasteners similar structures as those described above for the stand may be used. The holder and a section of tubing having one or two fluid connector fittings (single or more) at its axial end (single or more) may be provided sterilely packaged. One fluid connector fitting may be pre-fitted within the retainer of the holder body.

Claims

1. A holder (1) for a fluid connector fitting (2), the fluid connector fitting (2) having a fluid port (3), an outlet (4), and at least one resilient latch (5), preferably a pair of resilient latches (5), configured to form a laterally releasable connection designed to provide a releasable fluid-tight connection with a mating fluid connector fitting; The holder (1) includes a holder body (6) including a retainer (7) formed so that the connector coupling (2) can be inserted into and fixedly held in the retainer (7) by releasable engagement of at least one resilient latch (5) with a portion (8) of the retainer (7) so that the outlet (4) of the fluid port (3) is freely accessible and oriented in a predetermined direction so that fluid can be dispensed from the outlet (4). The holder.

2. 2. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) according to claim 1, wherein the retainer (7) is formed such that the releasable engagement of the at least one resilient latch (5) with the retainer (7) is effected by a linear movement of the fluid connector coupling (2) relative to the retainer (7) and / or by a rotational movement of the fluid connector coupling (2) relative to the retainer (7). The holder.

3. 3. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) according to claim 2, wherein the releasable engagement is a snap-in type locking engagement of at least one resilient latch (5), preferably by linear movement along the longitudinal direction (Z) of the fluid connector coupling (2) upon elastic deformation of the at least one resilient latch (5) until a retaining protrusion (5a) of the at least one resilient latch (5) engages with a mating locking feature (8a) on the retainer (7). The holder.

4. 3. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) according to claim 2, wherein the releasable engagement is a bayonet-type form locking engagement of at least one resilient latch (5), preferably by a linear movement along the longitudinal direction (Z) of the fluid connector coupling (2) in combination with a subsequent rotation of the fluid connector coupling (2) about the longitudinal direction (Z), to engage a retaining protrusion (5a) of the at least one resilient latch (5) with a mating locking feature (8a) on the retainer (7). The holder.

5. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holder body (6) is configured such that the position of the retainer (7) in the longitudinal direction (Y) along the holder body (6) is adjustable, preferably the retainer (7) is formed on a slider that is slidable along a guide rail on the holder body (6), or the holder body (6) includes a portion configured to expand or contract in the longitudinal direction (Y). The holder.

6. 2. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) as described in claim 1, wherein the retainer (7) is attached to the holder body (6) so that the inclination of the retainer (7) relative to the holder body (6) can be changed to change the orientation of the outlet (4) of the fluid port (3) of the fluid connector coupling (2) when held within the retainer (7).

7. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) as described in claim 1, wherein the holder body (6) has at least one hinge mechanism for changing the angular orientation with respect to the longitudinal direction (Y) of the holder body (6) and / or with respect to the vertical direction.

8. 2. The holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) as described in claim 1, further comprising a fluid shield (16) arranged to occupy a portion of the periphery of the outlet (4) of the fluid port (3) of the fluid connector coupling (2) when the holder body (6) is held in the retainer (7).

9. 2. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) according to claim 1, wherein the holder (1) further comprises a guide and / or a fixing part for a tube section (11) to be connected to the fluid connector coupling (2).

10. 2. The holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) as described in claim 1, further comprising a cap (12) configured to releasably engage with the fluid port (3) of the fluid connector coupling (2) in a first orientation to fluid-tightly seal the outlet (4) when the fluid connector coupling (2) is held within the retainer (7).

11. 11. The holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) according to claim 10, wherein the cap (12) is configured to prevent the at least one resilient latch (5) from coming off the retainer (7) when the cap (12) is engaged with the fluid port (3) of the fluid connector coupling (2) held in the retainer (7) in a first orientation, and preferably a portion of the cap (12) mechanically limits the at least one resilient latch (5) from elastically deforming in a release direction. The holder.

12. 11. A holder (1) for a fluid connector coupling (2) as described in claim 10, wherein the cap (12) is configured to be releasably engaged with at least one resilient latch (5) in a second orientation to maintain the cap (12) on the fluid connector coupling (2) while engaged with the fluid port (3).

13. 1. A fluid dispenser comprising: A holder (1) according to claim 1; and A fluid connector fitting (2) configured to be held within a retainer (7) of a holder (1), the fluid connector fitting having a fluid port (3), an outlet (4), and at least one resilient latch (5), preferably a pair of resilient latches (5), configured to form a laterally releasable connection designed to provide a releasable fluid-tight connection with a mating fluid connector fitting, the port (3) of the fluid connector fitting (2) being configured to communicate with one end of a flexible tube (11). The fluid dispenser comprising:

14. 14. The fluid dispenser according to claim 13, further comprising a stand (9) integrated with, connected to or adapted to be connected to the holder body (6) of the holder (1) so as to enable the fluid connector coupling (2) held in the retainer (7) of the holder (1) to be maintained at a defined height position (X) above a work surface, preferably such that the height position (X) can be adjusted. The fluid dispenser.

15. 15. A fluid dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the stand (9) is connected or adapted to be connected to the holder body (6) of the holder (1), whereby the holder (1) can be rotated or translated to gain access to a reservoir arranged below the outlet (4).

16. 16. Fluid dispenser according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the stand (9) further comprises a guide and / or fixing part (13) for a tube (11) connected to the fluid connector fitting (2).

Images