Sterile connection device

Abstract

To provide a sterile connection device capable of reducing stimulation applied to a finger when pulling a cover.SOLUTION: The sterile connection device 1 has a pair of sterile connection units 2. Each sterile connection unit 2 includes a flow path forming body 50, a seal member, a protective sheet 500, and a cover 400. The cover 400 includes a grip portion main body 442, a first engagement portion 444, and a second engagement portion 446. In an engaged state in which the first engaging portion 444 of the one sterile connection unit 2 is engaged with the second engaging portion 446 of the other sterile connection unit 2 and the first engaging portion 444 of the other sterile connection unit 2 is engaged with the second engaging portion 446 of the one sterile connection unit 2, each of the first engaging portion 444 and the second engaging portion 446 is located on the inner side of the 442S of the front face of the grip portion body 442.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterile connection device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0289517 discloses a sterile coupling arrangement including a pair of sterile coupling devices, each including a main body, a seal member, a protective cover, and a membrane, the main body including a conduit connection, and the protective cover including a prong portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0289517 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With a sterile coupling device such as that described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0289517, there is a concern that when grasping and pulling the lower end of the protective cover, the fingers may interfere with the claw portion of the protective cover, causing irritation to the fingers.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sterile connection device that can reduce irritation to the fingers when pulling on the cover. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sterile connection device according to one aspect of the present invention is a sterile connection device having a pair of sterile connection units connectable to each other, each of the sterile connection units comprising: a flow path former that forms a flow path for a fluid; a seal member that is arranged inside the flow path former and that forms part of the flow path; a protective sheet that is in contact with the seal member so as to close the flow path and that protects the seal member; and a cover that is connected to the flow path former so as to be rotatable relative to the flow path former, the cover being rotatable relative to the flow path former between a clamping position in which the protective sheet is clamped by the cover and the seal member and an opening position in which the protective sheet is opened, the cover comprising a gripping portion main body and a clamping member provided on the gripping portion main body. and a second engaging portion provided on the gripper body, the first engaging portion of one of the pair of sterile connection units being engageable with the second engaging portion of the other of the pair of sterile connection units, and the first engaging portion of the other sterile connection unit being engageable with the second engaging portion of the one sterile connection unit, and in an engaged state where the first engaging portion of the one sterile connection unit is engaged with the second engaging portion of the other sterile connection unit and the first engaging portion of the other sterile connection unit is engaged with the second engaging portion of the one sterile connection unit, each of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is located inside the surface of the gripper body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sterile connecting device that can reduce the irritation that is applied to the fingers when the cover is pulled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cover of the sterile connection device in one embodiment of the present invention is in a clamping position. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a perspective view showing the cover of the sterile connection device in an open position. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 shows a pair of sterile connection units connected to each other. [Figure 4] 4 is a view showing a state in which the cover and the protective sheet are removed from the pair of sterile connection units shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view of a sterile connection unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the aseptic connection unit with the cover and protective sheet removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a pair of sterile connection units connected to one another. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state before the connector and the stopper are connected to the connection body. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing a state before the stopper is connected to the connector connected to the connection body. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view showing a state after the stopper is connected to the connector connected to the connection body. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion in an engaged state in which they are engaged with each other. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of sterile connection units with the covers in a clamping position. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of sterile connection units with the covers in an open position. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of sterile connection units in a connected state. [Figure 16] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of sterile connection units connected to each other with the cover and protective sheet removed. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the grip portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the grip portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the gripping portion shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the grip portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a sterile connection device in one embodiment of the present invention with the cover in a clamping position. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the cover of the sterile connection device in an open position. Figure 3 is a view showing a pair of sterile connection units connected to each other. Figure 4 is a view showing the pair of sterile connection units shown in Figure 3 with the covers and protective sheets removed. This sterile connection device 1 is used for connecting lines for chemical solutions, etc.

[0011] 1 to 4, the sterile connection device 1 has a pair of connectable sterile connection units 2. The pair of sterile connection units 2 have the same structure. Each sterile connection unit 2 includes a flow path forming body 50, a seal member 300, a cover 400, and a protective sheet 500.

[0012] The flow path forming body 50 forms a flow path FL for a fluid (air or a chemical liquid). In this embodiment, the flow path forming body 50 has a connection body 100, a connector 200, and a stopper 600.

[0013] The connection body 100 is made of synthetic resin etc. The connection body 100 has a main body 110, a first coupling part 120 and a second coupling part .

[0014] The main body 110 has an insertion hole 110h. The insertion hole 110h is formed in the center of the main body 110. A part of the connector 200 can be inserted through the insertion hole 110h. The main body 110 is formed in a block shape.

[0015] 6 and 9, the main body 110 has an enclosure 112. The enclosure 112 has an inner circumferential surface that defines the insertion hole 110h. The enclosure 112 is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0016] The first connecting portion 120 is connected to the main body 110. The first connecting portion 120 is formed on one side (the right side in FIG. 5) of the surrounding portion 112 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis thereof.

[0017] The second coupling portion 130 is connected to the main body 110. The second coupling portion 130 is formed on the other side (the left side in FIG. 5) of the surrounding portion 112 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis thereof.

[0018] The first coupling portion 120 of one of the pair of sterile connection units 2 is connectable to the second coupling portion 130 of the other of the pair of sterile connection units 2. The second coupling portion 130 of one of the pair of sterile connection units 2 is connectable to the first coupling portion 120 of the other of the pair of sterile connection units 2.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the first coupling portion 120 has a first wall portion 122 and a first claw portion .

[0020] The first wall portion 122 is connected to the main body 110. The first wall portion 122 extends in a direction parallel to the central axis of the enclosure portion 112. The first wall portion 122 is flexible.

[0021] The first claw portion 124 is formed at the tip of the first wall portion 122. The first claw portion 124 protrudes from the tip of the first wall portion 122 toward the insertion hole 110h.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the second coupling portion 130 has a second wall portion 132 and a second claw portion 134.

[0023] The second wall 132 is connected to the main body 110. The second wall 132 extends in a direction parallel to the central axis of the enclosure 112. The second wall 132 of one of the pair of sterile connection units 2 has a shape that receives the first wall 122 of the other of the pair of sterile connection units 2.

[0024] The second claw 134 is connected to the second wall 132. The second claw 134 protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the second wall 132 in a direction away from the insertion hole 110h. The second claw 134 of one of the pair of sterile connection units 2 is engageable with the first claw 124 of the other of the pair of sterile connection units 2.

[0025] When the first claw portion 124 of one of the pair of sterile connection units 2 engages with the second claw portion 134 of the other of the pair of sterile connection units 2, the first wall portion 122 bends to allow the first claw portion 124 to overcome the second claw portion 134.

[0026] The connector 200 is formed as a separate member from the connection body 100. The connector 200 is made of synthetic resin or the like. The connector 200 may be formed of a material different from the material that forms the connection body 100. For example, it is preferable that the connection body 100 is formed of a material that satisfies the functions (strength, etc.) required of the connection body 100, and the connector 200 is formed of a material that satisfies the functions (resistance to chemical solutions, stability, etc.) required of the connector 200.

[0027] The connector 200 is inserted into the insertion hole 110h of the connection body 100. The connector 200 forms a fluid flow path FL. The connector 200 can be connected to, for example, a tube 10 (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the connector 200 has a fitting portion 210 and a protrusion 220.

[0028] The fitting portion 210 is fitted into the main body 110. The fitting portion 210 has a step 212. The step 212 abuts against the main body 110 in the insertion direction (to the right in FIG. 6) in which the connector 200 is inserted into the main body 110.

[0029] The protruding portion 220 is connected to the fitting portion 210 and protrudes from the insertion hole 110h of the connection body 100. The protruding portion 220 has a base end portion 222 and a connection portion 224.

[0030] The base end portion 222 extends from the fitting portion 210 along the central axis of the surrounding portion 112. The base end portion 222 has an attachment portion 222a, a protrusion 222b, and a reduced diameter portion 222c.

[0031] 9 and 10, the mounting portion 222a has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The cylindrical outer circumferential surface may be continuous in the circumferential direction, or may have portions that are partially discontinuous in the circumferential direction.

[0032] The protrusion 222b protrudes radially from the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 222a. The protrusion 222b is provided at the tip of the mounting portion 222a. In this embodiment, the protrusion 222b is continuously connected in the circumferential direction.

[0033] The reduced diameter portion 222c connects the fitting portion 210 and the mounting portion 222a. The reduced diameter portion 222c gradually reduces in diameter from the tip of the fitting portion 210 toward the mounting portion 222a. The tip of the reduced diameter portion 222c and the mounting portion 222a are radially opposed to the surrounding portion 112. As shown in Fig. 6, a radial gap S is formed between the surrounding portion 112 and the mounting portion 222a.

[0034] The connecting portion 224 extends from the base end portion 222 along the central axis of the surrounding portion 112. The tube 10 is connected to the connecting portion 224. As shown in FIG. 6 , the outer diameter of the base end portion 222 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 224.

[0035] The stopper 600 prevents the connector 200 from being removed from the connection body 100. The stopper 600 is attached to the attachment portion 222a of the connector 200. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 9 to 11, the stopper 600 has a clamping portion 610, a flange 620, and a guided portion 630.

[0036] The clamping portion 610 clamps the mounting portion 222a. The clamping portion 610 has a shape in which a portion of a cylinder is cut out. The clamping portion 610 has a protrusion abutting portion 612. The protrusion abutting portion 612 abuts against the protrusion 220 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the protrusion 220. Specifically, the protrusion abutting portion 612 abuts against the protrusion 222b in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The protrusion abutting portion 612 is configured at the tip of the clamping portion 610 in the axial direction.

[0037] The flange 620 has a shape that protrudes radially from the base end of the clamping portion 610. The flange 620 has a main body abutment portion 622. The main body abutment portion 622 abuts against the connection main body 100 in a direction parallel to the axial direction. Specifically, the main body abutment portion 622 abuts against the surrounding portion 112 in a direction parallel to the axial direction. The main body abutment portion 622 is formed on the back surface of the flange 620.

[0038] The guided portion 630 is connected to the flange 620. The guided portion 630 protrudes from the upper end of the flange 620 toward the opposite side from the side where the clamping portion 610 is located, with the flange 620 as the reference.

[0039] The main body 110 has a guide portion 114 that guides the guided portion 630. The guide portion 114 has a shape that extends in the radial direction of the protruding portion 220. The guide portions 114 are formed on both sides of the guided portion 630 in a direction parallel to the direction connecting the first connecting portion 120 and the second connecting portion 130.

[0040] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the connection body 100, the connector 200, and the stopper 600 are configured as separate bodies, but the connection body 100 and the connector 200 may be integrally formed from the same material, and the stopper 600 may be omitted. In other words, the flow path forming body 50 may be configured as a single member.

[0041] The seal member 300 is disposed inside the connector 200. The seal member 300 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The seal member 300 constitutes part of the flow path FL. The seal member 300 is made of rubber or the like. As shown in FIG. 6 , before one of the pair of sterile connection units 2 is connected to the other sterile connection unit 2, the seal member 300 protrudes from the end face of the fitting portion 210.

[0042] The cover 400 is connected to the connection body 100 so as to be rotatable relative to the connection body 100. In this embodiment, the cover 400 has a hinge 410 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) that is rotatably connected to the main body 110. The cover 400 is rotatable about the hinge 410 relative to the main body 110 between a clamping position (the position shown in FIG. 1) in which the cover 400 and the sealing member 300 clamp the protective sheet 500, and an opening position (the position shown in FIG. 2) in which the protective sheet 500 is opened.

[0043] The cover 400 has a protective portion 420 , a connecting portion 430 , and a grip portion 440 . The protective portion 420 is a portion that protects the protective sheet 500. When the cover 400 is in the clamping position, the protective portion 420 clamps the protective sheet 500 together with the seal member 300. The surface of the protective portion 420 that faces the protective sheet 500 is formed flat. The hinge 410 is connected to the protective portion 420.

[0044] The connecting portion 430 is a portion that is connected to the main body 110. The main body 110 has a locking claw 116. When the cover 400 is in the clamping position, the connecting portion 430 engages with the locking claw 116. When the cover 400 is in the open position, the connecting portion 430 extends from the protective portion 420 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the connector 200 protrudes from the main body 110.

[0045] The grip portion 440 is a portion that is gripped by an operator. The grip portion 440 is connected to the connecting portion 430. The grip portion 440 has a grip portion main body 442, a first engagement portion 444, and a second engagement portion 446.

[0046] The grip body 442 is formed in a plate shape and extends from the connecting portion 430 in a direction away from the hinge 410.

[0047] The first engagement portion 444 is provided on the grip body 442. When the cover 400 is in the open position, the first engagement portion 444 extends from the grip body 442 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the connector 200 protrudes from the main body 110. The first engagement portion 444 is configured as a claw portion. The first engagement portion 444 is formed on one side (the right side in FIG. 5) in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the enclosure portion 112.

[0048] The second engagement portion 446 is provided on the grip main body 442. When the cover 400 is in the open position, the second engagement portion 446 is engageable with the first engagement portion 444. The second engagement portion 446 is configured with a claw portion that is engageable with the first engagement portion 444. The second engagement portion 446 is formed on the other side (the left side in FIG. 5 ) in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the surrounding portion 112.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 8, 12, etc., the grip body 442 has a knob portion 442a and a storage portion 442b.

[0050] 12, the gripping portion 442a has a thickness D1 that is uniform along the direction away from the hinge 410. The gripping portion 442a is a portion that is gripped by an operator.

[0051] The accommodation portion 442b accommodates the first engagement portion 444 and the second engagement portion 446. More specifically, the accommodation portion 442b defines an accommodation space that accommodates the first engagement portion 444 and the second engagement portion 446. The thickness of the accommodation portion 442b gradually increases as it becomes more spaced apart from the knob portion 442a. The maximum thickness D2 of the accommodation portion 442b is greater than the thickness D1 of the knob portion 442a. The first engagement portion 444 is connected to a lower end S2 of the inner circumferential surface that defines the accommodation space. The second engagement portion 446 is connected to an upper end S1 of the inner circumferential surface that defines the accommodation portion 442b.

[0052] 12, in an engaged state in which the first engagement portion 444 of one sterile connection unit 2 is engaged with the second engagement portion 446 of the other sterile connection unit 2 and the first engagement portion 444 of the other sterile connection unit 2 is engaged with the second engagement portion 446 of one sterile connection unit 2, each of the first engagement portions 444 and each of the second engagement portions 446 is located inside the surface 442S of the grip body 442. In other words, the tip of each of the first engagement portions 444 and each of the second engagement portions 446 does not protrude from the surface 442S of the grip body 442. This prevents the operator's fingers from interfering with each of the first engagement portions 444 and each of the second engagement portions 446 when the operator pinches the grip body 442.

[0053] The protective sheet 500 protects the sealing member 300. The protective sheet 500 is in contact with the sealing member 300 so as to block the flow path FL. The protective sheet 500 is made of a nonwoven fabric or the like. One end of the protective sheet 500 is connected to the end face of the fitting portion 210. The other end of the protective sheet 500 is connected to the cover 400.

[0054] Next, a method of using the sterile connection device 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 16. Figures 13 to 16 show cross sections on a plane passing through the centers of the surrounding portion 112 and the connector 200.

[0055] In the initial state (state before use of the sterile connection device 1), as shown in FIG. 13, the cover 400 of each sterile connection unit 2 is in a clamping position.

[0056] Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the cover of each sterile connection unit 2 is put into an open position. 15, the pair of sterile connection units 2 are connected to each other. Specifically, the pair of sterile connection units 2 are brought close to each other so that the first coupling part 120 of one sterile connection unit 2 is connected to the second coupling part 130 of the other sterile connection unit 2, and the second coupling part 130 of one sterile connection unit 2 is connected to the first coupling part 120 of the other sterile connection unit 2.

[0057] At this time, the first claw portion 124 of one of the sterile connection units 2 climbs over and engages with the second claw portion 134 of the other of the sterile connection units 2, and the first claw portion 124 of the other of the sterile connection units 2 climbs over and engages with the second claw portion 134 of the one of the sterile connection units 2.

[0058] Then, the first engagement portion 444 of one sterile connection unit 2 engages with the second engagement portion 446 of the other sterile connection unit 2, and the first engagement portion 444 of the other sterile connection unit 2 engages with the second engagement portion 446 of one sterile connection unit 2.

[0059] This maintains the pair of sterile connection units 2 connected to each other, and each protective sheet 500 is sandwiched between the sealing member 300 of one sterile connection unit 2 and the sealing member 300 of the other sterile connection unit 2.

[0060] Finally, while grasping (pinching) the gripping portions 440 of each cover 400 of the pair of sterile connection units 2, each cover 400 is pulled downward relative to the connection body 100. This causes the hinges 410 of each cover 400 to detach from the connection body 100, and the protective sheet 500 is removed together with each cover 400.

[0061] As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the pair of seal members 300 come into close contact with each other, so that the flow path FL in one sterile connection unit 2 and the flow path FL in the other sterile connection unit 2 communicate with each other.

[0062] As described above, in the sterile connection device 1 of this embodiment, in the engaged state, the engagement portions 444, 446 are located inside the surface 442S of the handle body 442, which prevents fingers from interfering with the engagement portions 444, 446 when gripping the handle body 442 and pulling the cover 400. Therefore, the irritation applied to the fingers when pulling the cover 400 is reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the connector 200 is configured as a separate member from the connection body 100, it is possible to form the connection body 100 from a material that satisfies the functions (for example, strength) required of the connection body 100, and to form the connector 200 from a material that satisfies the functions (for example, resistance and stability to fluids such as chemical solutions) required of the connector 200. This increases the degree of freedom in selecting materials for the connection body 100 and the connector 200.

[0064] Furthermore, since this sterile connection device 1 is provided with the stopper 600 having the protrusion abutting portion 612 and the main body abutting portion 622, the removal of the connector 200 from the connection main body 100 is effectively restricted.

[0065] Modifications of the above embodiment will now be described. <First Modification> 17, the first engagement portion 444, the second engagement portion 446, and the accommodating portion 442b may be provided at the end of the grip body 442 that is closer to the connecting portion 430. In this example, the second engagement portion 446 is connected to the lower end S2 of the inner circumferential surface that defines the accommodating space. The first engagement portion 444 is connected to the upper end S1 of the inner circumferential surface that defines the accommodating portion 442b.

[0066] <Second Modification> 18 and 19, the grip body 442 may have a through-hole 442h through which an operator's finger can be inserted. The first engagement portion 444 and the second engagement portion 446 may be provided at an end of the grip body 442 closer to the connecting portion 430. The thickness of the grip body 442 is set to be uniform. In this example, as in the first modified example, the second engagement portion 446 is connected to the lower end S2 of the inner circumferential surface that defines the storage space, and the first engagement portion 444 is connected to the upper end S1 of the inner circumferential surface that defines the storage portion 442b. In this example, the outer shape of the lower end of the grip body 442 is formed in an arc shape.

[0067] <Third Modification> 20, the grip body 442 may have a through-hole 442h through which the operator's finger can be inserted. In this example, unlike the second modified example, the outer shape of the lower end of the grip body 442 is rectangular. The other configurations are the same as those of the second modified example.

[0068] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0069] [Aspect 1] A sterile connection device having a pair of sterile connection units connectable to each other, Each of the sterile connection units comprises: a flow path formation member that forms a flow path for a fluid; a seal member disposed inside the flow path forming body and constituting a part of the flow path; a protective sheet that is in contact with the sealing member so as to close the flow path and protects the sealing member; a cover connected to the flow path forming body so as to be rotatable relative to the flow path forming body, the cover being rotatable relative to the flow path forming body between a clamping position in which the protective sheet is clamped between the cover and the sealing member and an opening position in which the protective sheet is opened; The cover is A gripping portion main body, a first engagement portion provided on the grip body; a second engaging portion provided on the grip body, the first engaging portion of one of the pair of sterile connection units is engageable with the second engaging portion of the other of the pair of sterile connection units, and the first engaging portion of the other of the sterile connection units is engageable with the second engaging portion of the one of the sterile connection units, a sterile connection device in which, in an engaged state in which the first engagement portion of one of the sterile connection units is engaged with the second engagement portion of the other of the sterile connection units and the first engagement portion of the other of the sterile connection units is engaged with the second engagement portion of the one of the sterile connection units, each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is located inside the surface of the handle body.

[0070] In this sterile connection device, the engagement parts are located inside the surface of the handle body when engaged, which prevents fingers from interfering with the engagement parts when gripping the handle body and pulling the cover, thereby reducing the irritation to the fingers when pulling the cover.

[0071] [Aspect 2] The grip body includes: A knob portion and a housing portion having a thickness greater than a thickness of the grip portion, A sterile connection device as described in aspect 1, wherein the accommodation portion accommodates the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in the engaged state.

[0072] [Aspect 3] A sterile connection device according to aspect 2, wherein the thickness of the containing portion gradually increases with increasing distance from the gripping portion.

[0073] [Aspect 4] The grip body includes: a through hole through which an operator's finger can be inserted; a storage section, A sterile connection device as described in aspect 1, wherein the accommodation portion accommodates the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in the engaged state.

[0074] [Aspect 5] The flow path formation body is a connection body having an insertion hole; a connector formed as a separate member from the connection body, inserted into the insertion hole of the connection body, and forming the flow path; A stopper that prevents the connector from being removed from the connection body.

[0075] In this embodiment, since the connector is made of a separate member from the connection body, it is possible to form the connection body from a material that satisfies the required functionality of the connection body (e.g., strength), and to form the connector from a material that satisfies the required functionality of the connector (e.g., resistance to fluids and stability), thereby increasing the freedom of material selection for the connection body and the connector.

[0076] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 sterile connection device, 2 sterile connection unit, 50 flow path forming body, 100 connection body, 110 main body, 112 surrounding portion, 114 guide portion, 120 first coupling portion, 122 first wall portion, 124 first claw portion, 130 second coupling portion, 132 second wall portion, 134 second claw portion, 200 connector, 210 fitting portion, 220 protrusion portion, 222 base end portion, 224 connection portion, 300 seal member, 400 cover, 410 hinge, 420 protection portion, 430 connection portion, 440 grip portion, 442 grip portion body, 442a grip portion, 442b storage portion, 442h through hole, 442S surface, 444 first engagement portion, 446 second engagement portion, 500 protective sheet, 600 Stopper, 610 clamping portion, 612 protruding portion abutment portion, 620 flange, 622 main body abutment portion, 630 guided portion, FL flow path.

Claims

1. A sterile connection device having a pair of sterile connection units connectable to each other, Each of the sterile connection units comprises: a flow path formation member that forms a flow path for a fluid; a seal member disposed inside the flow path forming body and constituting a part of the flow path; a protective sheet that is in contact with the sealing member so as to close the flow path and protects the sealing member; a cover connected to the flow path forming body so as to be rotatable relative to the flow path forming body, the cover being rotatable relative to the flow path forming body between a clamping position in which the protective sheet is clamped between the cover and the sealing member and an opening position in which the protective sheet is opened; The cover is A gripping portion main body, a first engaging portion provided on the grip body; a second engaging portion provided on the grip body, the first engaging portion of one of the pair of sterile connection units is engageable with the second engaging portion of the other of the pair of sterile connection units, and the first engaging portion of the other of the sterile connection units is engageable with the second engaging portion of the one of the sterile connection units, a sterile connection device in which, in an engaged state in which the first engagement portion of one sterile connection unit engages with the second engagement portion of the other sterile connection unit and the first engagement portion of the other sterile connection unit engages with the second engagement portion of the one sterile connection unit, each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is located inside the surface of the handle body.

2. The grip body includes: A knob portion and a storage portion having a thickness greater than a thickness of the grip portion, The sterile connection device according to claim 1 , wherein the accommodation portion accommodates the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in the engaged state.

3. The sterile connection device according to claim 2 , wherein the thickness of the housing portion gradually increases with increasing distance from the grip portion.

4. The grip body includes: a through hole through which an operator's finger can be inserted; a storage section, The sterile connection device according to claim 1 , wherein the accommodation portion accommodates the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in the engaged state.

5. The flow path formation body is a connection body having an insertion hole; a connector formed as a separate member from the connection body, inserted into the insertion hole of the connection body, and forming the flow path; The sterile connection device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a stopper that prevents the connector from being removed from the connection body.

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