Combining device

Abstract

A coupling device (100) for transferring fluid is provided. The coupling device includes a first housing (110), a tube portion (140) protruding into the first housing, and a second housing (200) displaceably disposed within the first housing. A third housing (300) is releasably connectable to the second housing and displaceably disposed within the first housing when connected to the second housing. The control element(s) are configured to conditionally seal the first and / or second sealing elements when the second and third housings are connected. In the first position of the second housing, the tube portion and the flow path are sealingly separated by the first and second sealing elements when the second and third housings are connected. In the second position of the second housing, the tube portion protrudes through the first and second sealing elements to allow transfer of fluid through the coupling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a coupling device for transferring fluids.

Background Art

[0002] During the treatment of a patient, it may be necessary to transfer one or more fluids (blood, blood products, one or more drugs, etc.) to and / or from the patient. Since the fluid is often supplied via an element (e.g., a needle, cannula, catheter, trocar, etc.) inserted into the patient during this type of treatment, it is desirable for the element to remain relatively fixed after insertion into the patient. Unintentional displacement and / or movement of the element after insertion into the patient can occur if the patient or any medical staff accidentally pulls on the tube connected to the element. Furthermore, tripping accidents of the patient and / or medical staff on the tube connected to the element can also lead to displacement of the element. It will be appreciated that this type of element displacement can not only be painful for the patient, but can also lead to the result of the treatment if the transfer of the fluid due to the displacement of the element is not correctly performed. Furthermore, it should be noted that forcefully pulling on an element inserted into a patient can damage the patient's blood vessels. Furthermore, in the case of a patient with a compromised immune system, damaged blood vessels can lead to serious infections.

[0003] In addition, it is desirable to reduce any leakage of fluid if the tube for transferring fluid to the patient is accidentally pulled. For example, if the infusion liquid is toxic, any leakage from the damaged tube can be particularly dangerous.

[0004] WO2018 / 087153 discloses a coupling device for transferring fluids, which can enable the transfer of fluids through the coupling device sealed against the external environment when the coupling device is connected, and the leak-free interruption of the transfer of fluids when the coupling device is disconnected. More specifically, when the coupling device is connected, the first and second sealing elements first provide a seal when contacting each other. Thereafter, the transfer of fluids is enabled by the tube portion of the coupling device protruding (penetrating) through the first and second sealing elements. When the coupling device is disconnected, which can be caused by the tensile force applied to the third housing and the second housing of the coupling device, the second housing can be displaced from its second (retracted) position to its first (extended) position. As a result, this results in the retraction of the tube portion from its position through the first and second sealing elements such that the second housing and the third housing are then sealed again by the first and second sealing elements respectively. In other words, each of the first and second sealing elements can stop the flow on both sides of the respective sealing element when the coupling device is disconnected / removed. Therefore, the coupling device can provide sealing characteristics and avoid leakage both while the fluid is being transferred through the coupling device and while the flow of the fluid through the coupling device is interrupted as a result of the removal or disconnection of the coupling device.

[0005] Alternative structures of the coupling device as described above may be of interest and may be even more suitable for conditions or areas of use involving the use of relatively high pressures and / or high flow rates of the fluid being transferred in the coupling device. For example, areas of use such as dialysis, veterinary use (e.g., related to relatively large animals), infusion, arterial use, blood transfusion, etc. can lead to relatively high pressures and / or high flow rates of the fluid. As a result, this leads to higher requirements for the coupling device regarding its ability to reduce the impact on the tubing with these types of coupling devices, and the tubing is subjected to forces such as tensile forces. The requirements for the coupling device are particularly high when the tubing is connected to elements for transferring fluid to / from the patient, while at the same time avoiding or reducing damage to the coupling device and / or maintaining its operation under conditions of relatively high pressures and / or high flow rates of the fluid being transferred therein.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to reduce one or more of the above problems, and in particular, when the tubing is connected to elements for transferring fluid to / from the patient, while at the same time avoiding or reducing damage to the device and / or maintaining its operation under conditions of relatively high pressures and / or high flow rates of the fluid being transferred therein, to advantageously reduce the impact of the tubing subjected to forces such as tensile forces, and to provide a device for medical purposes.

[0007] This object and other objects are achieved by providing a coupling device having the features in the independent claims of the present application. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims of the present application.

[0008] Accordingly, according to the present invention, a coupling device for transferring a fluid is provided. The coupling device comprises a first housing extending along a main axis A. The first housing comprises a first opening at its rear end portion and a second opening at its front end portion. Further, the coupling device comprises a tube portion extending into the first housing from the first opening. The coupling device further comprises a second housing displaceably arranged within the first housing along the main axis between a first position at the front end portion of the first housing and a second position at the rear end portion of the first housing. The second housing comprises a first sealing element. Further, the coupling device comprises a third housing releasably connectable to the second housing and configured for displaceable arrangement within the first housing along the main axis. The third housing comprises a flow path passing through the third housing and a second sealing element configured to seal the flow path. The coupling device further comprises at least one control element arranged in at least one of the first housing and the third housing, wherein a first control element of the at least one control element comprises a spring element extending along the main axis A and arranged in the flow path, and a head portion arranged at an end of the spring element, the head portion comprising a surface facing the second sealing element, and the at least one control element is configured to conditionally seal at least one of the first sealing element and the second sealing element from the fluid when the second housing and the third housing are separated. At the first position of the second housing, the third housing is insertable into the first housing through its second opening and between the first housing and the first sealing element, such that the first and second sealing elements abut against each other and are configured to sealingly separate the tube portion and the flow path, and the surface of the head portion of the first control element and the second sealing element are configured to sealingly abut against each other. At the second position of the second housing, the third housing and the second housing are connected, the tube portion projects through the first and second sealing elements, and the surface of the head portion of the first control element and the second sealing element are separated upon compression of the spring element for connection to the flow path enabling transfer of fluid through the coupling device.

[0009] Based on this, the present invention is based on the idea of providing a coupling device for transferring a fluid, which can enable the transfer of the fluid through the coupling device sealed against the external environment when the coupling device is connected, and an interruption of the fluid transfer without leakage when the coupling device is disconnected. More specifically, when the coupling device is connected, the first and second sealing elements first provide a seal when contacting each other. Thereafter, the transfer of the fluid is enabled by the tube portion of the coupling device protruding (penetrating) through the first and second sealing elements. When the coupling device is disconnected, which may be caused by the tensile force applied to the third housing and the second housing of the coupling device, the second housing can be displaced from its second (retracted) position to its first (extended) position. As a result, this results in the retraction of the tube portion from its position through the first and second sealing elements such that the second housing and the third housing are then sealed again by the first and second sealing elements respectively. In other words, each of the first and second sealing elements can conveniently stop the flow on both sides of each sealing element when the coupling device is disconnected / removed. Further, when the second housing and the third housing are disconnected, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element are efficiently and conveniently protected from the fluid by one or more control elements arranged in the first housing and / or the second housing. Therefore, the coupling device of the present invention provides excellent sealing characteristics and can avoid leakage both while the fluid is being transferred through the coupling device and while the fluid flow through the coupling device is interrupted as a result of the removal or disconnection of the coupling device.

[0010] The ability of the coupling device to reduce any leakage of the fluid will be recognized as advantageous for safety reasons. For example, if the coupling device is provided for the transfer of a toxic liquid, any leakage from the coupling device can be particularly dangerous. Therefore, the coupling device of the present invention can significantly increase the safety of medical staff and / or patients.

[0011] Furthermore, the coupling device of the present invention is advantageous in that it can save fluid due to its advantageous sealing characteristics. For example, when the coupling device is used for the transfer of blood, the coupling device can reduce any loss of blood and / or environmental contamination caused by leakage in the case of removal of the coupling device. Furthermore, due to its excellent sealing characteristics, the coupling device can reduce any contamination of the fluid (e.g., blood) transferred through the (connected) coupling device.

[0012] The present invention is further advantageous in that the coupling device provides for convenient removal (disconnection) of the coupling device. For example, when the coupling device is connected to a tube for medical purposes, pulling of the tube by, for example, a patient and / or medical staff can remove the third housing from the first and / or second housings of the coupling device, thereby reducing any further pulling of the tube at the other end of the tube. Since the coupling device can constitute a "weak connection" of the tube, it will be recognized that (medical) tubes commonly used in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, etc. may desirably be equipped with the coupling device of the present invention. Thus, when a tube is connected between a patient and a supply source (e.g., an infusion pump or bag) and further comprises a coupling device according to the present invention, the coupling device can constitute a "weak connection" of the tube, where the tube can be "disconnected" as a result of pulling on the tube.

[0013] The present invention is further advantageous in that when the coupling device is separated from the second housing and the third housing, it provides convenient and efficient protection from the fluid transferred through the coupling device by one or more control elements arranged in the first housing and / or the second housing. More specifically, at a first position of the second housing where the first and second sealing elements abut each other and are configured to hermetically separate the tube portion and the flow path, the surface of the first control element and the second sealing element are configured to be in sealing abutment with each other. At a second position of the second housing where the tube portion projects through the first and second sealing elements for connection with the flow path, the tube portion is configured to separate the surface and the sealing element when the spring element of the first control element is compressed to enable the transfer of fluid through the coupling device.

[0014] It should be noted that the coupling device of the present invention is particularly suitable for use conditions or areas with relatively high pressure and / or high flow rate of the fluid transferred in the coupling device, such as dialysis, veterinary use (e.g., related to relatively large animals), infusion, arterial use, blood transfusion, etc. For example, a coupling device provided on a tube can reduce the impact on the tube that is subjected to forces, such as tensile forces, especially when the tube is connected to an element for transferring fluid to / from a patient. At the same time, due to its innovative structure and concept via the control element, the coupling device avoids or reduces damage and maintains its operation under conditions of relatively high pressure and / or high flow rate of the fluid configured to be transferred therein. As a result, the coupling device reduces damage and / or malfunction of the components of the coupling device, which in turn leads to, for example, reduced leakage, maintained function of the coupling device, etc.

[0015] The coupling device is particularly advantageous when it is provided on a medical tube and is then connected to an element inserted into the patient for the transfer of fluid to and / or from the patient. This is achieved because not only can the displacement of the element be painful for the patient, but also the transfer of fluid due to the displacement of the element, if not carried out correctly, can lead to the patient's treatment outcome. It will be appreciated that the devices connected to the tube, such as (infusion) elements, pumps, and / or bags, etc., by the coupling device of the present invention provided on the medical tube can be protected from damage caused by pulling on the medical tube.

[0016] It will be appreciated that the devices connected to the medical tube, such as (infusion) elements, pumps, and / or bags, etc., by the coupling device of the present invention provided on the medical tube can be protected from damage caused by pulling on the medical tube.

[0017] The coupling device of the present invention is further advantageous in that the consequences associated with medical staff and / or patients tripping and / or falling over a medical tube (s) equipped with one or more coupling devices can be reduced.

[0018] The coupling device of the present invention is further advantageous in that it can be easily, conveniently, and efficiently (re)connected when removed or detached. For example, when a medical tube equipped with the coupling device according to the present invention is disconnected, it may be desirable to resume the (infusion) treatment as quickly as possible. The coupling device meets this requirement because the (re)connection of the coupling device can be carried out quickly and intuitively due to the innovative configuration of the coupling device.

[0019] The coupling device of the present invention is further advantageous in that its components (e.g., the first, second, and / or third housings, the first and second sealing elements, etc.) are designed to have a relatively smooth outer surface so that they can be cleaned and / or disinfected in an easy and efficient manner. For example, after cleaning and / or disinfecting the disassembled coupling device, each component of the coupling device can then be reassembled into the coupling device.

[0020] The coupling device of the present invention is further advantageous in that it is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily assembled. As a result, the coupling device can be designed primarily for single - use, i.e., the coupling device can be used, for example, for one patient and one treatment (e.g., infusion).

[0021] The coupling device of the present invention is further advantageous in that its design minimizes the dead space in the fluid path through the coupling device, thereby reducing the generation of infectious pathogens. Further, the design of the coupling device of the present invention reduces fluid leakage.

[0022] The coupling device of the present invention is further advantageous in that the flow of fluid through the coupling device is linear along the main axis of the coupling device. In other words, the design of the coupling device can thereby avoid undesirable turbulent flow of fluid during operation of the coupling device.

[0023] The term "displaceably arranged" herein means that the second housing and the third housing can be arranged or installed in the first housing such that they are displaceable or movable within the first housing.

[0024] The term "displaceable arrangement" herein means that the third housing can be arranged or installed in the first housing such that the third housing is displaceable or movable within the first housing.

[0025] As used herein, the term "releasably connectable" means that the second housing and the third housing are configured to be attached and removed by applying respective forces.

[0026] As used herein, the term "seal conditionally" means that at least one of the first and second sealing elements is configured to seal a fluid configured such that at least one control element is transferred through a coupling device, and the sealing is based on a predetermined (set) criterion or condition. For example, the control element(s) may be configured to seal one or more of the first and second sealing elements based on one or more conditions related to the pressure of the fluid being transferred. According to another example, the control element(s) may be configured to seal one or more of the first and second sealing elements (directly or immediately) when the second and third housings of the coupling device are separated.

[0027] As used herein, the term "seal and separate" means that the first and second sealing elements seal and separate the tube portion and the flow path such that fluid cannot pass between the tube portion and the flow path.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one control element may be configured to seal at least one of the first and second sealing elements from the fluid when a first pressure P1 applied to the at least one control element via the fluid exceeds a first predetermined pressure threshold P T That is, the second housing and the third housing are separated, and P1 > P TIn this case, the control element(s) may be configured to conditionally seal one or more of the first and second sealing elements from the fluid (pressure), and the fluid is configured to be transferred through the coupling device when the second housing and the third housing are to be connected. It should be noted that when the second housing and the third housing are separated and the fluid is not transferred through the coupling device, the fluid may apply pressure to the first and / or second sealing elements. Since this pressure from the fluid is relatively high and can thus be potentially harmful or damaging to the components of the coupling device, the present embodiment protects the coupling device and its function. More specifically, the first sealing element and / or the second sealing element is efficiently and favorably protected from the pressure from the fluid by one or more control elements arranged in the first housing and / or the third housing when the second housing and the third housing are separated.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second control element of at least one control element may be arranged in the tube portion of the first housing.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the outer dimensions of the head portion may correspond to the dimensions of the flow path in the radial direction R of the flow path, and the head portion has at least one recess in the radial direction R to enable the transfer of the fluid passing through the coupling device through at least one recess.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the spring element includes a plurality of rings arranged in a stacked manner along the main axis A, and the adjacent rings are interconnected by bar portions arranged on the peripheral portions arranged on the opposite sides of the rings alternately along the main axis A.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling device further comprises a locking device. In the second position, the second housing is releasably connected to the first housing via the locking device. In other words, when the second housing is in its second retracted position in the first housing, the second housing can be releasably connected to the first housing. This position of the second housing implies a possible transfer of fluid through the coupling device, and it will be appreciated that this embodiment is advantageous in that the fluid can be transferred through the device in the stationary state of the coupling device, i.e., without any pressure being applied to one or more components of the coupling device.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a force F applied to a third housing connected to the second housing at the second position along the spindle towards the first position exceeds a predetermined threshold, the second housing is configured to be released from its connection to the first housing at the second position, the second housing is configured to be displaced from the second position to the first position, and the third housing is configured to be released from its connection to the second housing. Thus, when a (tensile) force applied to the third housing (or between the third housing and the second housing) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the third housing is configured to be removed (detached) from the second housing according to the disclosed configuration. This embodiment is advantageous in that the third and second housings of the coupling device are configured to be removed only when the coupling device is subjected to a tensile force applied to the third housing that exceeds a predetermined threshold, so that the transfer of fluid through the coupling device is interrupted. In other words, the third and second housings are configured to separate from each other only when subjected to a relatively strong tensile force. Thus, the third and second housings of the coupling device are configured to maintain their connection when the coupling device is subjected to a relatively weak force that does not exceed a predetermined threshold, so that the coupling device can remain operable for transferring fluid.

[0034] When a tube for medical purposes equipped with the coupling device of the present invention is provided, the coupling device is recognized as being further advantageous in that the coupling device can be removed before any relatively large force applied to a portion of the tube on one side of the coupling device is transmitted to another portion of the tube on the other side of the coupling device. For example, when an element is connected to the tube, the coupling device can reduce any pulling, sudden movement, tugging, etc. of the element.

[0035] The coupling device of the present invention is further advantageous in that the consequences associated with medical staff and / or patients tripping and / or falling over a tube provided with one or more coupling devices can be reduced.

[0036] This embodiment is advantageous in that a threshold value of the force F can be conveniently set or determined according to the purpose of the coupling device. For example, when the coupling device is used when a needle is inserted into a patient, the threshold value of the force F can be determined to be relatively low. In contrast, when the coupling device is used when a urethral catheter is used, the threshold value of the force F can be determined to be relatively high.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling device includes a locking mechanism for releasable connection of a third housing to a second housing. This embodiment is advantageous in that the third housing can be conveniently connected to (or disconnected from) the second housing by a locking element(s).

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at the second position of the second housing, the third housing and the second housing are connected by a locking mechanism. Therefore, at the second retracted position of the second housing, when the tube portion protrudes into the passage through the first and second sealing elements to enable the transfer of fluid through the coupling device, the locking mechanism connects the second housing and the third housing to each other. This embodiment is advantageous in that the locking mechanism can provide a reliable connection between the second housing and the third housing, so that the second and third housings provide a sealed (leak - free) transfer of fluid through the coupling device.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third housing comprises a first locking element of the locking mechanism, the second housing comprises a second locking element of the locking mechanism, and the first and second locking elements are configured to be releasably locked upon rotation of the first and second locking elements relative to each other. For example, the locking mechanism for connecting the second housing and the third housing according to this embodiment or any previously disclosed embodiment may comprise a male - female type connection. It will be recognized that a male - female type locking mechanism may comprise at least one groove and at least one protrusion configured to protrude into the at least one groove.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking mechanism may be configured to achieve a predetermined connection strength between the third housing and the second housing upon connection of the third housing to the second housing. In other words, the locking mechanism may be constructed such that a predetermined connection strength between the third housing and the second housing is achieved upon connection of the third housing to the second housing.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, during displacement of the second housing and the third housing from a first position to a second position, the second locking element is configured to rotate relative to the first locking element for mating engagement with the first locking element such that the third housing and the second housing are connected at the second position. During displacement of the second housing and the third housing from the second position to the first position, the second locking element is configured to rotate relative to the first locking element to disengage the mating engagement such that the third housing and the second housing are separated at the first withdrawn position. In other words, when the second and third housings are pushed into the first housing of the coupling device from the first position to the second position, the second housing and the third housing are connected via rotation of the first and second locking elements relative to each other. Similarly, when the second and third housings are pulled out of the first housing of the coupling device from the second position to the first position, the second housing and the third housing are separated via rotation of the first and second locking elements relative to each other.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first and second sealing elements comprises an elastic membrane. It will be appreciated that the elastic membrane(s) is / are configured to be disposed (sandwiched) between the first sealing element and the second sealing element when the second housing and the third housing are connected. This embodiment is advantageous in that when the second housing and the third housing are connected, the sealing element(s) can provide an efficient seal between the second housing and the third housing via the elastic membrane(s), thus avoiding any leakage between the second housing and the third housing.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one elastic membrane has a convex shape and is configured to flatten when the first sealing element abuts against the second sealing element. It will be recognized that when each of the first and second sealing elements comprises an elastic convex-shaped membrane, when the membranes are pressed against each other, the membranes can push air away to form an airtight seal and further minimize dead space. Therefore, this embodiment can further improve the sealing characteristics of the coupling device.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the elastic membrane comprises silicone. This embodiment is advantageous in that silicone is particularly suitable for sealing purposes, thereby further improving the sealing of the coupling device. Furthermore, the use of silicone for the membrane is advantageous in that the tube portion can penetrate the membrane without tearing the material (or at least minimizing it), thus avoiding unwanted wear of the membrane and / or contamination of the fluid in the fluid flow through the coupling device.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one elastic membrane comprises a through-hole, and at least one elastic membrane is configured to be disposed in each fixture of the first and / or second sealing element, and the size of at least one elastic membrane is larger than the fixture such that the through-hole can be pushed in when the at least one elastic membrane is disposed into the fixture of the at least one elastic membrane. This embodiment is advantageous in that the tube portion can be guided by the pushed-in through-hole when protruding through the sealing element of the tube portion. This embodiment is further advantageous in that the pushed-in through-hole can avoid or at least minimize tearing of the membrane material when the tube portion penetrates through the sealing element.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling device further comprises an alarm device configured to generate an alarm when the second housing and the third housing are separated. This embodiment is advantageous in that the alarm device can quickly and efficiently warn patients, medical staff, and / or other people that the second and third housings of the coupling device have been separated or removed, and that fluid transfer through the coupling device (and through the medical tube if the coupling device is provided to the medical tube) has been interrupted.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the alarm comprises at least one of a visual alarm and an audible alarm. This embodiment is particularly advantageous considering that patients are often likely to suffer from visual and / or auditory impairments. This embodiment is further advantageous in that the alarm can warn medical staff who are not present in the same room as the patient.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling device is configured to generate tactile feedback to the operator when the second housing is in a second position. The term "tactile feedback" as used herein means a physical sensation, warning, etc. that an operator can feel when handling the coupling device. For example, the coupling device can be configured to generate tactile feedback to the operator when the second housing in its second position is connected to the first housing. This embodiment is advantageous in that the operator can be assured that the coupling device is properly coupled or connected when the second housing is in the second retracted position since the coupling device is thereby configured to allow transfer of liquid through the coupling device.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a medical tube for transferring fluid to or from a patient, the medical tube comprising at least one coupling device as described in any one of the preceding embodiments. In other words, the medical tube may comprise a first tube portion and a second tube portion, and the coupling device may be disposed between the first tube portion and the second tube portion. The term "medical tube" as used herein means substantially any tube for medical purposes, such as an infusion tube or a urinary catheter. This embodiment is advantageous in that the medical tube can be conveniently detached or removed via the coupling device. For example, pulling of the medical tube by a patient and / or medical staff, for example, can remove the third housing from the second housing of the coupling device, thereby reducing any further pulling of the tube at the other end of the tube. Thus, the medical tube can have a "weak connection" by the coupling device, which is particularly advantageous for medical tubes used in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, etc.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a medical kit comprising at least one medical tube as described in the previous embodiments. The at least one medical tube comprises at least one coupling device provided at at least one end thereof and at least one element connected to the medical tube via the at least one coupling device. It will be appreciated that the coupling device can be a standardized coupling that can couple to substantially any type, for example, many different types of elements. For example, the (medical) element(s) can be an element arranged for insertion into a patient, such as a needle, cannula, catheter, trocar, etc., and configured to transfer fluid into or out of the patient. Alternatively or in addition, the element(s) can be at least one container configured to supply fluid to / from the patient via the medical tube. This embodiment is advantageous in that the medical kit can increase safety during a medical process, such as an infusion process. More specifically, the medical kit can advantageously reduce the impact of the medical tube being subjected to force, for example, by pulling of the medical tube by the patient and / or medical staff, especially when the medical tube is connected to an element for transferring fluid to and / or from the patient.

[0051] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure, drawings, and appended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that the different features of the present invention can be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the embodiments below.

[0052] Here, this and other aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments (s) of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053]

Fig. 1a

Fig. 1b

Fig. 2a

Fig. 2b

Fig. 2c

Fig. 2d

Fig. 3a

Fig. 3b

Fig. 4a

Fig. 4b

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0054] Figures 1a - 1b are schematic views of a coupling device 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1a - 1b are provided for an initial description of the coupling device 100, and it will be recognized that a more detailed description of the characteristics and operations of the coupling device 100 will be provided in the following figures and related text.

[0055] The coupling device 100 is provided for the transfer of fluid P through the coupling device 100 when the coupling device 100 is in its connected state. In Figure 1a, the connection of the coupling device 100 is initiated, which will be described in more detail in the following text and related figures. In Figure 1b, the disconnection of the coupling device 100 is initiated. Finally, the coupling device 100 is disconnected (removed), thereby interrupting the transfer of fluid through the coupling device 100.

[0056] Figures 2a - 2d are schematic cross - sectional views of the coupling device 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It will be recognized that the four figures 2a - 2d disclose illustrative and instantaneous positions of the connection of the coupling device 100 to enhance the understanding of the operation of the coupling device 100. Therefore, a similar disconnection of the coupling device 100 can be anticipated in the reverse order of the figures and will not be presented in more detail.

[0057] Figure 2a is a schematic view of the coupling device 100 for transferring fluid, with the coupling device 100 shown in a disconnected state. The coupling device 100 comprises a cylindrical first housing 110 having an elliptical cross - section, and the first housing 110 extends along a main axis A. The first housing 110 comprises a first opening 120 at the central portion of the rear end portion (e.g., bottom) of the first housing 110 and a second opening 130 at the front end portion of the first housing 110. The coupling device 100 further comprises a tube portion 140 extending from the first opening 120 of the first housing 110 into the interior of the first housing 110. The end of the tube portion 140 facing the interior of the first housing 110 may be formed to be sharp or pointed, and the end of the tube portion 140 illustrated in Figure 2a is chamfered. However, the end of the tube portion 140 may alternatively be straight, i.e., may have no sharp or pointed end.

[0058] The coupling device 100 further includes a second housing 200 surrounded by a first housing 110 and displaceably arranged within the first housing 110 along the main axis A. It will be recognized that the second housing 200 can be fitted and arranged within the first housing 110, for example, by means of grooves or the like. In FIG. 2a, the second housing 200 is positioned at a first (retracted) position within the first housing 110. For example, the first retracted position may constitute a position towards (or at) the front end portion of the first housing 110. The second housing 200 includes a first sealing element 220, which is illustrated as an element such as a cushion or pad arranged at the end of the tube portion 140 of the first housing 110.

[0059] In the disconnected state of the coupling device 100, the coupling device 100 further includes a third housing 300 separated from the first housing 110 and the second housing 200 of the coupling device 100. The third housing 300 includes a flow path 310 arranged therethrough. The third housing 300 further includes a second sealing element 320 arranged to seal the flow path 310.

[0060] In the disconnected state of the coupling device 100 as shown in FIG. 2a, it will be recognized that fluid passage through the coupling device 100 is not possible. More specifically, the first sealing element 220 of the second housing 200 seals the tube portion 140 so that there is no fluid passage through the second housing 200 or the first housing 110. Similarly, the second sealing element 320 seals the flow path 310 so that there is no fluid passage through the third housing 300.

[0061] The first sealing element 220 and / or the second sealing element 320 may comprise or consist of respective elastic membranes 600 for sealing purposes. The membrane 600 may comprise or consist of substantially any material suitable for sealing purposes, such as silicone. Further, the first sealing element 220 and / or the second sealing element 320 may have a convex shape. According to an alternative embodiment, the elastic membrane(s) 600 may comprise through holes and the elastic membrane(s) 600 may be configured to be disposed within the fixture(s) (not shown) of the first sealing element 220 and / or the second sealing element 320. The size of the elastic membrane(s) 600 may thereby be larger than the fixture(s) such that the through hole(s) are compressed and pushed in when the elastic membrane(s) 600 are disposed into the fixture(s).

[0062] The third housing 300 is insertable into the first housing 110 through the second opening 130 of the first housing 110. Thus, the first housing 110 can receive the third housing 300 through its second opening 130 and accommodate the third housing 300 within the first housing 110. The first housing 110 and the third housing 300 may have an elliptical cross-section, whereas the second housing 200 may have a circular cross-section. It will be appreciated that providing an elliptical cross-section may facilitate the coupling between the housings. For example, the third housing 300 may be connected to the second housing 200 by a relative arrangement of 0° or 180° between the third housing 300 and the second housing 200.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment of the coupling device 100 in FIG. 2a, the coupling device 100 comprises a locking mechanism 500 for releasably connecting the second housing 200 to the third housing 300. The third housing 300 comprises a first locking element 510 of the locking mechanism 500, and the first locking element 510 has the form of one or more hooks protruding from the third housing 300. The second housing 200 comprises a second locking element (not shown) of the locking mechanism 500 for locking engagement with the first locking element 510 of the locking mechanism 500.

[0064] The coupling device 100 further comprises a locking device 400 for releasably locking and / or connecting the second housing 200 to the first housing 110. The locking device 400 comprises at least one groove 410 in the first housing 110, configured such that a locking element of the second housing 200 is fitted therein (shown in FIG. 3a). The locking device 400 of the coupling device 100 may be configured to generate a tactile feedback to the operator when the second housing 200 is in the second position. For example, the locking device 400 may be configured to generate a snap and / or click sensation upon locking such that the operator may be informed or made aware that the second housing 200 is connected to the first housing 110 in the second position.

[0065] Figure 2b is a schematic view of a coupling device 100 for transferring fluid. Compared with Figure 2a, a third housing 300 is inserted into the first housing 110 through its second opening 130 and along the main shaft A. Further, in this state or position of the coupling device 100, the first sealing element 220 of the second housing 200 and the second sealing element 320 of the third housing 300 are in contact. Here, both the first sealing element 220 and the second sealing element 320 are provided with a convex elastic membrane 600. Therefore, the central portion of each element is configured to contact first when the third housing 300 is inserted into the first housing 110. In this embodiment, the convex membranes of the first sealing element 220 and the second sealing element 320 are configured to flatten when the first sealing element 220 abuts against the second sealing element 320. In this way, the first and second sealing elements 230, 320 can seal and separate the tube portion 140 of the first housing 110 and the flow path 310 of the third housing 300.

[0066] Figure 2c is a schematic view of a coupling device 100 for transferring fluid. The second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are displaced within the first housing 110. In this currently illustrated state of the coupling device 100, the convex membranes of the first sealing element 220 and the second sealing element 320 are flat as a result of the force between the first sealing element 220 and the second sealing element 330, schematically showing the original shape of the convex membrane. During the movement of the second housing 200 (and the third housing 300) from the first withdrawal position to the second retraction position of the second housing, the tube portion 140 of the first housing 110 gradually protrudes through the first sealing element 220 and the second sealing element 320 for connection with the flow path 310 to enable the transfer of fluid through the coupling device 100. Further, during this movement, the third housing 300 and the second housing 200 are configured to be lockably and releasably locked via a locking mechanism when the first locking element and the second locking element rotate relative to each other.

[0067] FIG. 2d is a schematic view of a coupling device 100 for transferring fluid, where a second housing 200 is positioned at a second position in a first housing 110, and a third housing 300 is connected to the second housing 200. At this position, the third housing 300 and the second housing 200 are connected by a locking mechanism (not shown). A tube portion 140 protrudes or passes through a first sealing element 220 and a second sealing element 320. Further, the tube portion 140 is fittingly inserted into and extends into a flow path 310 of the third housing 300. In this configuration of the coupling device 100, transfer of fluid through the coupling device 100 is enabled.

[0068] Figures 3a - 3b are schematic views of a first control element 325 of a coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the coupling device may include, for example, a first control element 325 disposed in a flow path 310 of a third housing 300 of the coupling device as shown in FIG. 3a, and / or a second control element (not shown) that may be disposed in a tube portion of the first housing of the coupling device. The first control element 325 includes a spring element 326 that extends along the spindle of the coupling device. The spring element 326 illustrated in FIGS. 3a - 3b is merely an example, and it will be recognized that the spring element 326 may have substantially any other structure and / or design. The spring element 326 includes a head portion 327 disposed at an end of the spring element 326. The head portion 327 includes a surface 328 that faces the second sealing element 320. In the state or position of the first control element 325 as shown in FIG. 3a, i.e., in the first position of the second housing of the coupling device, the surface 328 of the head portion 327 of the first control element 325 is in sealing contact with the second sealing element 320 so that fluid does not pass through the coupling device. The outer dimensions of the head portion 327 correspond to the dimensions of the flow path 310 in the radial direction R of the flow path 310. The spring element 326 includes a plurality of rings 332 arranged in a laminated manner along the spindle A. Adjacent rings 332 are interconnected by bar portions 333 disposed in peripheral portions disposed on opposite sides of the rings 332 along the spindle A. The head portion 327 includes at least one recess 329 in the radial direction R. One or more recesses 329 allow for the transfer of fluid through the coupling device at a second position of the second housing (see FIG. 3b).

[0069] The first control element 325 is configured to conditionally seal the second sealing element 320 from fluid when the second housing and the third housing are separated as shown in FIG. 2a. For example, the first control element 325 may be configured to seal the first sealing element from fluid when a first pressure P1 applied to the first control element 325 via the fluid exceeds a first predetermined pressure threshold P T threshold.

[0070] Figure 3b schematically shows the first control element 325 of Figure 3a when the second housing of the coupling device is in its second position. For an increased understanding and functionality of the first control element 325, Figure 3a, the related text, and the references are referred to. In the state of the first control element 325 as shown in Figure 3b, the tube portion of the coupling device is configured to separate the surface 328 of the head portion 327 of the first control element 325 from the second sealing element 320 upon compression of the spring element 326 along the spindle A to enable the transfer of fluid through the coupling device. The transfer of fluid through the coupling device is further enabled via the recess(es) 329 of the head portion 327.

[0071] Figure 4a schematically shows a simplified view of a portion of the coupling device 100 as previously described. Here, the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are drawn out from the coupling device for an understanding of the locking operations of the second housing 200 and the third housing 300. The locking mechanism in Figure 4a comprises a first locking element 510 of the third housing 300, and the first locking element 510 comprises two protruding portions each with a groove. The locking mechanism in Figure 4a further comprises a second locking element 520 of the second housing 200, and the second locking element 520 comprises two protrusions. As shown by the arrow 535, upon movement of the third housing 300 towards the second housing 200, the second locking element 520 is configured to rotate as shown by the arrow 545 as a result of the second locking element 520 being guided by a groove (not shown) in the first housing. The second locking element 520 is thereby rotated relative to the first locking element 510 for a mating engagement with the first locking element 510 such that the third housing 300 and the second housing 200 are connected at the second position of the second housing 200. It will be recognized that the second housing 200 in the second position is releasably connected to the first housing 110 via at least one groove 410 (see Figure 2a) and the second locking element 520.

[0072] Similarly, FIG. 4b schematically shows a partial view of the coupling device 100 as described above, and further schematically shows the unlocking operation of the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 of the coupling device 100. As shown by arrow 555, during the displacement of the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 from the second retracted position to the first extended position, the second locking element 520 is configured to rotate relative to the first locking element 510, as shown by arrow 565. As a result, the second locking element 520 disengages the mating engagement with the third housing 300. The second locking element 520 is thereby rotated relative to the first locking element 510 such that the third housing 300 and the second housing 200 are separated at the first position of the second housing 200.

[0073] The first locking element 510 and / or the second locking element 520 may be further constructed such that a predetermined or desired pressure is provided between the first sealing element and the second sealing element of the coupling device 100. For example, the distance between the first locking element 510 and the second locking element 520 along the spindle of the coupling device may be set according to one or more characteristics (e.g., thickness, material, compressibility, etc.) of the first and / or second sealing elements in order to obtain a predetermined or desired pressure between the first sealing element and the second sealing element. Alternatively, or in combination with the previous example, the first locking element 510 may be inclined and include a groove extending at least partially along the spindle of the coupling device in order to obtain a predetermined or desired pressure between the first sealing element and the second sealing element.

[0074] FIG. 5 shows that the force F applied to the third housing 300 along the spindle A is a predetermined threshold F TSchematically shows the disconnection of the coupling device 100 when exceeding. In this case, the second housing (not shown) is configured to be released from the connection to the first housing 110 when the second housing is in its second retracted position. Thereafter, the second housing and the third housing 300 are configured to be displaced from the second position to the first position, and the third housing 300 is configured to be released from its connection to the second housing. Finally, the coupling device 100 is disconnected (removed), thereby interrupting the transfer of fluid through the coupling device 100.

[0075] It will be appreciated that the coupling device 100 may further comprise an alarm device (not shown). The alarm device may be configured to generate an alarm when the second housing 200 and the third housing 300 are disconnected. The alarm may comprise, for example, a visual alarm and / or an audible alarm. Further, the alarm may be coupled (wirelessly or wired) to any other device used by the medical staff to monitor the patient(s).

[0076] FIG. 6 shows a medical kit 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The medical kit 800 includes a medical (e.g., infusion) tube 700, and the medical tube 700, in turn, includes a coupling device 100 shown schematically. One or more elements may be connected to the medical tube via a coupling device(s) provided at an end of the medical tube 700, and the coupling device(s) may be of a standardized type for coupling to different types of elements. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an element 810 is connected to an end of the medical tube 700, and the element 810 is arranged for insertion into a patient and is configured to transfer fluid to and / or from the patient. Further, at the other end of the medical tube 700, the medical tube 700 is coupled to a container 820 (e.g., an infusion bag) configured to supply (infusion) fluid to the patient via the medical tube 700 and the element 810. The medical tube 700 may include a plurality of coupling devices 100, but it will be recognized that FIG. 6 shows only the use of one coupling device 100 for simplicity. The coupling device 100 may further include at least one coupling device arranged at one or both ends of the coupling device 100, for example, to couple to different types of elements. Further, the coupling device(s) may be a standardized coupling that can couple to substantially any type, e.g., many different types of elements. For example, the coupling device(s) may include a luer lock type and / or a luer slip type coupling.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, it will be recognized that the figures are only schematic diagrams of the coupling device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. Thus, any element / component of the coupling device may have dimensions, shapes, and / or sizes different from those shown and / or described.

Claims

1. A coupling device (100) for transferring a fluid, wherein the coupling device (100) comprises: a first housing (110) extending along a main axis (A), wherein the first housing has a first opening (120) at its rear end portion, a second opening (130) at its front end portion, and a tube portion (140) extending from the first opening into the first housing; a second housing (200) displaceably arranged within the first housing along the main axis between a first position at the front end portion of the first housing and a second position at the rear end portion of the first housing, wherein the second housing comprises a first sealing element (220); a third housing (300) releasably connectable to the second housing and configured for displaceable arrangement within the first housing along the main axis, wherein the third housing comprises a flow path (310) passing through the third housing and a second sealing element (320) configured to seal the flow path; at least one control element (325) arranged in at least one of the first housing and the third housing, wherein a first control element of the at least one control element comprises a spring element (326) arranged in the flow path and extending along the main axis (A), and a head portion (327) arranged at an end of the spring element, the head portion having a surface (328) facing the second sealing element, and the at least one control element is configured to conditionally seal at least one of the first sealing element and the second sealing element from the fluid when the second housing and the third housing are separated; comprising; at the first position of the second housing, the third housing is insertable into the first housing through the second opening thereof and insertable between the first housing and the first sealing element, such that the first and second sealing elements are in contact with each other and configured to seal and separate the tube portion and the flow path, and the surface of the head portion of the first control element and the second sealing element are configured to be in sealing contact with each other. At the second position of the second housing, the third housing and the second housing are connected, the tube portion projects through the first and second sealing elements, and when the spring element is compressed for connection to the flow path for enabling transfer of fluid through the coupling device, the surface of the head portion of the first control element and the second sealing element are separated, coupling device (100).

2. The at least one control element is configured to seal at least one of the first sealing element and the second sealing element from the fluid when a first pressure (P 1 ), applied to the at least one control element via the fluid, exceeds a first predetermined pressure threshold (P T ). The coupling device (100) according to claim 1.

3. The second control element among the at least one control element is disposed in the tube portion of the first housing, coupling device (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The outer dimensions of the head portion correspond to the dimensions of the flow path in the radial direction (R) of the flow path, and the head portion comprises at least one recess in the radial direction (R) for enabling transfer of fluid through the coupling device via at least one recess (329), coupling device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The spring element comprises a plurality of rings (332) arranged in a laminated manner along the spindle (A), and adjacent rings are interconnected by bar portions (333) arranged on peripheral portions arranged on opposite sides of the rings along the spindle (A), coupling device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. When the force (F) applied to the third housing connected to the second housing at the second position along the spindle towards the first position exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the second housing is configured to be released from the connection to the first housing at the second position, the second housing is configured to be displaced from the second position to the first position, the third housing is configured to be released from the connection to the second housing, coupling device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The coupling device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further comprises a locking mechanism (500) for releasable connection of the third housing to the second housing.

8. The third housing includes a first locking element (510) in the locking mechanism, the second housing includes a second locking element (520) in the locking mechanism, and the first and second locking elements are configured to be releasably locked when rotating relative to each other. The coupling device (100) according to claim 7.

9. While the second housing and the third housing are displaced from the first position to the second position, the second locking element is configured to rotate relative to the first locking element for fitting engagement with the first locking element such that the third housing and the second housing are connected at the second position. While the second housing and the third housing are displaced from the second position to the first position, the second locking element is configured to rotate relative to the first locking element to disengage the fitting engagement such that the third housing and the second housing are separated at the first position. The coupling device (100) according to claim 8.

10. At least one of the first and second sealing elements includes an elastic membrane (600). The coupling device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The coupling device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an alarm device configured to generate an alarm when the second housing and the third housing are separated.

12. A medical tube (700) for transferring fluid to or from a patient, the medical tube comprising at least one of the coupling devices (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A medical kit (800), Further comprising at least one medical tube according to claim 12, provided with at least one coupling device at at least one end thereof, And at least one element (810) connected to the medical tube via the at least one coupling device A medical kit comprising.

Images