Protective cover for a device for aseptic connection of a tube

Abstract

A protective cover (70) for a device (10) for aseptic connection of a tube, comprising: - a cap (71) intended to cover an end of the device, the cap comprising a bottom from which a skirt (71.3) projects; and - a removable security ring (74) which extends in the continuation of the skirt and is connected to a free end of said skirt by frangible links (74.1); the ring comprising an internal surface provided with first fastening means (74.4) for fastening said ring to the device when the cap is present, and the skirt comprising an internal surface provided with second fastening means (71.4) for fastening the cap to the device when the ring is absent. A device (10) for aseptic connection of a tube, comprising an end equipped with such a protective cover (70).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] PROTECTIVE COVER FOR ASEPTIC TUBE CONNECTION DEVICE

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of transporting liquid or gaseous fluids and more particularly to a protective cover for an aseptic connection device intended to connect two sterile tubes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Connection assemblies are known for connecting sterile pipes connected to circuit elements of the pharmaceutical industry, such as filters, centrifuges, pumps, flexible plastic tanks or processing containers such as bioprocessors.

[0005] Such an assembly generally comprises two connecting devices intended to be connected together after each has been connected to a pipe end. Each device comprises a tubular body defining a channel arranged to receive the pipe end. The body has a front face on which is firmly fixed an annular sealing element with which the pipe end is intended to come into sealed contact. The sealing element is covered with a protective film in the form of a strip folded back on itself, one part of which adheres removably to a free lateral flank of the sealing element and another part forms a pull tab extending projecting from the first part.

[0006] In order to prevent damage to the protective film and contamination of the sealing element during transport of the device, a protective cover is usually removably mounted on the body. The cover is intended to be removed just before coupling the two devices.

[0007] During a preliminary assembly step, the pipe ends are fitted into the bodies. The devices are then placed coaxially opposite each other and then brought together until the protective films come into contact and the sealing elements are slightly compressed. The relative positions of the devices are then locked using a clamping flange. The simultaneous removal of the protective films by pulling the tabs results in the lateral sides of the sealing elements coming into sealed contact with each other and therefore the formation of an aseptic channel for the passage of fluid between the two pipes.

[0008] To limit or even eliminate the flow of fluid trapped in the pipes when the devices are disconnected, document FR-A-3117569 envisaged equipping the connection devices with a sealing element that both ensures the tightness of the tube connection and completely blocks the channel before disconnection. It then turns out that such a sealing element needs to be protected at the end of the disconnection process, particularly when the corresponding device is used as a plug. While reassembly of the protective cover on the body of the device can be envisaged to protect the sealing element against possible pollution or impacts, said cover can then no longer, in this case, be used to visually demonstrate the physical integrity of the connection device as it is before its use.

[0009] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention therefore aims to propose a device for aseptically connecting a tube making it possible to at least partially overcome the aforementioned problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a protective cover for a device for aseptically connecting a tube, comprising:

[0012] - a cap intended to cover one end of the device, the cap comprising a base from which a skirt projects; and

[0013] - a removable guarantee ring, which extends in the extension of the skirt and which is connected to a free end of said skirt by frangible links.

[0014] According to the invention, the ring comprises an internal surface provided with first means for fixing said ring to the device in the presence of the cap, and the skirt comprises an internal surface provided with second means for fixing the cap to the device in the absence of the ring.

[0015] Thus, the cap can be attached to the device in the presence but also in the absence of the ring, so that the ring makes it possible to visually guarantee the physical integrity of the device before its connection to another device, the cap nevertheless remaining usable with or without the ring.

[0016] According to a particular characteristic, the first fixing means and the second fixing means are fir-tooth asperities.

[0017] According to another particular characteristic, the first fixing means and the second fixing means are each in the same radial plane.

[0018] According to another particular characteristic, the first fixing means are axially opposite the second fixing means.

[0019] According to another particular characteristic, the cover comprises a retaining ring intended to be secured to the device, the ring being connected to the cover by a flexible band. In particular, the retaining ring extends in the extension of the skirt of the cover.

[0020] According to another particular characteristic, the cap and / or the ring are shaped to connect the hood to the device in rotation.

[0021] In particular, the bottom of the cap comprises at least one sleeve intended to accommodate a locking tab or an assembly pin of the device.

[0022] In particular, the ring comprises at least one internal relief to extend into an axial clearance path provided on the device.

[0023] The invention also relates to a device for aseptically connecting a tube, comprising an end equipped with such a protective cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, among which: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connection device according to a particular embodiment of the invention; [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, in which the connection device is without its protective cover;

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

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

[0027] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is an axial sectional view of the connecting device illustrated in Figure 1;

[0028] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a first perspective view of the protective cover equipping the connection device illustrated in Figure 1; [Fig. 7] Figure 6 is a second perspective view of the protective cover equipping the connection device illustrated in Figure 1;

[0029] [Fig. 8A] Figure 8A is a perspective view of an aseptic connection assembly according to a particular embodiment of the invention, after removal of the protective cover cap and before connection;

[0030] [Fig. 8B] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 8A;

[0031] [Fig. 9A] Figure 9A is a view similar to Figure 8A, after connection and before removal of the protective film;

[0032] [Fig. 9B] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 9A;

[0033] [Fig. 10A] Figure 10A is a view similar to Figure 8A, after connection and after removal of the protective film;

[0034] [Fig. 10B] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 10A;

[0035] [Fig. 11A] Figure 11A is a view similar to Figure 8A, during disconnection;

[0036] [Fig. 11B] Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 11A;

[0037] [Fig. 12A] Figure 12A is a view similar to Figure 8A, after disconnection;

[0038] [Fig. 12B] Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 12A;

[0039] [Fig. 13A] Figure 12A is a view similar to Figure 8A, after disconnection and clipping of the protective cover cap;

[0040] [Fig. 13B] Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view of the connection assembly shown in Figure 13A;

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention is described here in application to the connection of a first fluid transport conduit to a second fluid transport conduit.

[0042] With reference to Figures 8A to 13B, a fluid connection assembly, generally designated 1, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, comprises two connection devices 10 intended to together produce an aseptic connection between a first sterile tube 100 forming the first fluid transport conduit and a second sterile tube 200 forming the second fluid transport conduit. The two devices 10 are identical and are distinguished in the figures by the addition of the letters A, B to the reference 10.

[0043] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, each device 10 comprises a tubular tip or insert 20 delimiting a fluid passage channel 21.

[0044] The insert 20 comprises a first end section 20.1 delimiting a first bore 22.1 forming a first portion of the channel 21. The first section 20.1 externally comprises a fir-tooth relief 23 and a collar 24 respectively forming a means for its anchoring in the tube 100, 200 and a stop for its insertion into said tube 100, 200.

[0045] The insert 20 comprises a second end section 20.2 delimiting a second bore 22.2 coaxial with the first bore 22.1 and forming a second portion of the channel 21. The second section 20.2 is internally provided with a rod 25 of cylindrical shape extending axially in overhang in the channel 21 so that a free end portion 25.1 of the rod extends in projection from the second section 20.2 of the insert 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rod 25 is axially connected to the second bore 22.2 by a first web 26.1 and a second web 26.2 extending axially on either side of the rod 25. The diameter of the rod 1

[0046] 25 and the thickness of the first and second webs 26.1, 26.2 are here sufficiently small so that the fluid passage section of the channel 21 is here almost identical in the first section 20.1 and the second section 20.2.

[0047] The second section 20.2 of the insert 20 is provided externally with two coaxial collars 27.1, 27.2 arranged at a free end of said second section 20.2, and with a notching ring 28 having an external diameter slightly greater than that of the collars 27.1, 27.2. The collars 27.1, 27.2 form first means for centering a tubular body 30 mounted on the insert 20. The notching ring 28 forms a second means for centering the body 30 on the insert 20 and, as will be seen later, a means for axially locking the body 30 in position on the insert 20.

[0048] The second section 20.2 of the insert 20 is also provided externally with two diametrically opposed axial ribs 29 arranged, as will be seen later, to connect the body 30 to the insert 20 in rotation. The ribs 29 comprise lateral faces comprising recesses arranged to form stop flanks 29.1 of the body on the insert 20.

[0049] The body 30 comprises a first end section 30.1 mounted on the second section 20.2 of the insert 20, and a second end section 30.2 extending axially projecting from said second section 20.2 of the insert 20.

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 3, the first section 30.1 comprises two axial grooves 31 opening onto a free edge of the first section 30.1 to delimit between them two diametrically opposite cylindrical portions 32. The cylindrical portions 32 each have one end secured to the remainder of the first section 30.1 and an opposite end comprising an internal relief 32.1 cooperating with a lateral flank of the notching ring 28, and an external annular groove 32.2 arranged, as will be seen later, to connect the body 30 in translation to an operating sleeve 60 mounted on said body 30. The grooves 31 delimiting the cylindrical portions 32 are arranged to receive the ribs 29 of the insert 20 so as to connect the body 30 in rotation to the insert 20 and to ensure axial movement of the body 30 on the insert 20. The cylindrical portions 32 are elastically deformable between a rest state in which the reliefs 32.1 delimit a passage section smaller than the diameter of the notching ring 28 and a first deformed state in which said reliefs 32.1 delimit a passage section greater than the diameter of said notching ring 28. It will be noted that the notching ring 28 has an outer periphery comprising a chamfer arranged so as not to hinder the mounting of the body 30 on the insert 20.

[0051] The grooves 31 delimiting the cylindrical portions 32 also comprise a section delimited by two arms 31.1 elastically deformable between a rest state in which the arms 31.1 delimit a passage section less than a width of the ribs 29 of the insert 20, and a deformed state in which said arms 31.1 delimit a passage section greater than the width of said ribs 29.

[0052] The ribs 29 comprise a front face arranged so as not to generally oppose an axial displacement of the body 30 from a projecting position, in which the reliefs 32.1 of the cylindrical portions 32 cooperate with the lateral flank of the notching ring 28 and in which the arms 31.1 are axially spaced from the ribs 29 (figure 5, 6B, 7B, 8B), towards a position flush with the insert 20, in which a free end of the arms 31.1 cooperate in the rest state with the stop flanks 29.1 formed on lateral faces of the ribs 29 (figure 9B and 10B) so as to oppose an axial displacement of the body 30 from the flush position towards the projecting position. It is understood that after having reached the flush position, the body 30 can no longer reach the projecting position.

[0053] The second section 30.2 of the body 30 defines with the second section 20.2 of the insert 20, opposite the end portion 25.1 of the rod 25, a housing for receiving a first sealing element 41 and a second annular sealing element 42 which are arranged between a front face 20.3 of the second section

[0054] 20.2 and an internal annular step 33 of the second section

[0055] 30.2 arranged at a free end of said second section 30.2. The first sealing element 41 and the second sealing element 41 are coaxial and are in sealing contact with each other.

[0056] The first section 30.1 and the second section 30.2 of the body 30 are each provided externally with a collar 34.1, 34.2 forming means for centering the sleeve 60 on the body 30. The second section 30.2 is also provided with another collar 34.3 which extends radially in the extension of the step 33 to define with the latter a front face 35 of the body 30. The collars 34.1, 34.2, 34.3 are coaxial and the front face 35 of the body 30 is provided with four studs 35.2 each delimiting a contact surface intended to cooperate axially with a contact surface of a stud

[0057] 35.2 of another device 10 to guarantee, as will be seen later, a slight clearance between the front faces 35 after the two devices 10 have been brought together.

[0058] The body 30 further comprises a locking tab 36 and an assembly pin 37 which are diametrically opposed and which extend axially projecting from the front face 35 of the body 30, in the vicinity of a periphery thereof. The locking tab 36 is elastically deformable and comprises a free end having an inner surface provided with a fir-tooth asperity 36.1 intended to ensure, as will be seen later, a coupling of the device 10 with the other device 10.

[0059] The front face 35 of the body 30 comprises a slot 35.1 intended to receive a portion of the assembly pin 37 of the other device 10. The slot 35.1 is arranged in the vicinity of a periphery of the front face 35, close to the locking tab 36, the slot 35.1 and the assembly pin 37 being diametrically opposite.

[0060] The first sealing element 41 is in sealed contact with the second sealing element 42 and the front face 20.3 of the second section 20.2 of the insert 20. The first sealing element 41 is deformable from a first state in which it delimits a passage section greater than a cross section of the rod 25 of the insert 20 and a second state in which it grips the rod 25, and is arranged to be brought from its first state to its second state under the effect of axial compression. Such a sealing element is known from document EP2569665.

[0061] The second sealing element 42 is in sealed contact with the first sealing element 41 and an internal flank of the step 33 opposite said front face 20.3. The second sealing element 42 has a hardness substantially two to three times greater than that of the first sealing element 41 so as to promote and contain the deformation of the first sealing element 41 inside the body 30.

[0062] When the body 30 is axially moved from the protruding position to the flush position, the insert 20 compresses the first sealing element 41 sufficiently against the second sealing element 42 to bring it from its first state to its second state.

[0063] The second sealing element 42 comprises a front face which projects from the second section 30.2 of the body 30 and which is covered with a protective film 50 removably attached to the front face 35 of the body 30 and onto which is folded a pull tab 51 allowing the protective film 50 to be removed without touching it. The pull tab 51 has a first end connected to an edge of the protective film 50 and a second end projecting from an edge of the protective film 50 opposite the first end of the tab 51. The second end of the tab 51 comprises in its center a hole 51.1 shaped to allow the passage of a finger through said hole 51.1 so as to improve the gripping of the tab 51 by forming a pull ring.

[0064] The sleeve 60 internally comprises an annular step 61 received in the external grooves 32. 2 of the cylindrical portions 32 of the body 30 so that the body 30 is linked in translation to the sleeve 60.

[0065] The cylindrical portions 32 are elastically deformable between their rest state in which the free end of the cylindrical portions 32 delimits a passage section greater than the diameter of the step 61, and a second deformed state in which said free end delimits a passage section less than the diameter of said step 61. It will be noted that the free end of the cylindrical portions 32 has an outer periphery comprising a chamfer arranged so as not to hinder the mounting of the sleeve 60 on the body 30.

[0066] The sleeve 60 also internally comprises a helical groove 62 forming a thread arranged to receive protrusions 29. 2 extending radially projecting from the ribs 29 of the insert 20 so that an axial rotation of the operating sleeve 60 from a connection position to a disconnection position causes an axial displacement of the insert 20 from the projecting position to the flush position. The angle of rotation of the sleeve 60 from the connection position to the disconnection position is here substantially equal to 180 degrees.

[0067] The sleeve 60 comprises an end provided externally with two collar portions 63, identical and diametrically opposed, on which the locking tab 36 of the body 30 of the other device 10 is intended to clip via its fir-tooth asperity 36.1 to ensure coupling of the device 10 with said other device 10 whose sleeve 60 is in the connection position. The collar portions 63 are angularly spaced so as to delimit an axial release path for the locking tab 36 of the other device 10 when the sleeve 60 is in the disconnection position.

[0068] The sleeve 60 also externally comprises a plurality of reliefs 64 distributed angularly in a regular manner to form means for gripping the sleeve 60 making it easier to rotate it.

[0069] In order to avoid any deterioration of the protective film 50 and contamination of the second sealing element 42 during storage and transport of the device 10, a protective cover 70 is removably mounted on the end of the sleeve 60. The cover 70 is intended to be removed just before coupling the device 10 to the other device 10.

[0070] The hood 70 comprises a cap 71 connected to a retaining ring 72 by a flexible U-shaped band 73. The cap 71 comprises a bottom which comprises a first cuff 71. 1 and a second cuff 71. 2 shaped to receive respectively the locking tab 36 and the assembly pin 37 of the body 30 so as to connect in rotation said cap 71 to said body 30. The cap 71 also comprises a skirt 71.3, of generally cylindrical shape, which extends axially projecting from the bottom of said cap 71. The skirt 71.3 has a free end which is connected to a guarantee ring 74 by bridges 74.1 forming Tangible links f, and comprises an internal surface which is provided with four asperities 71.4 in fir-shaped form intended to ensure, as will be seen later, a clipping (by elastic fitting) of the cap 70 on the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 after the disconnection of the devices 10. The asperities 71.4 extend substantially in the same radial plane.

[0071] The ring 74, of generally cylindrical shape and axially split, extends in the extension of the skirt

[0072] 71.3 and comprises an internal surface provided with four fir-tooth asperities 74.4 which cooperate with the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 to achieve, in the presence of the cap 71, clipping (by elastic fitting) of the ring 74 onto the sleeve 60. The asperities

[0073] 74.4 extend substantially in the same radial plane and are here axially opposite the asperities 71.4 of the cap 71. The internal surface of the ring 74 also comprises a relief 74.2 extending between the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 to connect in rotation the sleeve 60 to the ring 74 and therefore, in the presence of the cap 71, to the body 30 so as to prevent any axial movement of the insert 20 as long as the ring 74 is not removed.

[0074] The ring 74 comprises one end forming a pulling strip allowing the removal of said ring 74 via a break in the bridges 74.1. The ring 74 is intended to be removed just before coupling the device 10 to the other device 10 so as to allow the release of the cap 71 and in particular to make the locking tab 36 and the assembly pin 37 of the body 30 visible. The ring 74 is therefore removable and serves in particular to guarantee the integrity of the cover 70 and what it covers since the cover 70 cannot be removed without removing the ring 74.

[0075] The retaining ring 72 extends in the extension of the ring 74 and is substantially in abutment against an external annular step 65 of the sleeve 60. The ring 72 comprises teeth extending regularly in radial projection from an internal periphery of said ring 72, between the collar portions 63 and the step 65 of the sleeve 60. The teeth form means for centering the ring 72 on the sleeve 60, and axial stops for the movement of the ring 72 on the sleeve 60 by coming into contact with the collar portions 63 in the absence of the ring 74. It is understood that by being connected to the ring 72 by the flexible band 73, the cap 71 is said to be captive in that it cannot be separated from the sleeve 60, even in the absence of the ring 74.

[0076] It will be noted that the cap 71, the ring 74 and the ring are coaxial, the ring 74 extending between the cap 71 and the ring 72.

[0077] It will also be noted that the flexible strip 73 has a length just sufficient to allow the release of the cap 71 once the ring 72 has been removed.

[0078] It will also be noted that the release of the cap 71 is only possible after the removal of the ring 72.

[0079] It will further be noted that the presence of the ring 74 prevents any clipping of the cap 71 onto the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60 via the asperities 71.4: the presence of the ring 74 prevents any sufficient axial translation of the cap 71 to allow it to be clipped onto the collar portions 63 via the asperities 71.4, the step 65 of the sleeve 60 forming an axial stop for the movement of said cap 71 provided with said ring 72 then bearing against the ring 72. Finally, it will be noted that once clipped onto the collar portions 63 of the sleeve 60, the cap 71 can no longer be removed: the first and second sealing elements 41, 42 are then irremediably protected.

[0080] It should further be noted that the entire device 10 is sterilized in the factory to be free from any contamination before being packaged in a plastic bag.

[0081] The operation of the connection assembly 1 will now be detailed with reference to figures 8A to 13B.

[0082] The end section 20.1 of the first device 10A is first fitted into the first tube 100 until the latter abuts against the collar 24 of said first device 10A. Similarly, the end section 20.1 of the second device 10B is fitted into the second tube 200 until the latter abuts against the collar 24 of said second device 10B, so that the first and second devices 10A, 10B are respectively anchored in the first and second tubes 100, 200.

[0083] The rings 74 of the protective covers 70 are then removed by exerting on one end of these a sufficient tensile force to break the bridges 74.1 one by one so as to subsequently be able to separate the caps 71 from the sleeves 60. The rings 74 are discarded and an elastic deformation of the flexible bands 73 makes it possible to release the caps 71 from the bodies 30 and more particularly to make the locking tabs 36 and the assembly pins 37 of said bodies 30 visible.

[0084] The first and second devices 10A, 10B are then presented coaxially facing each other, the first device 10A being rotated axially by substantially 180 degrees relative to the second device 10B so that the assembly pin 37 and the slot 35.1 of the first device 10A are respectively facing the slot 35.1 and the assembly pin 37 of the second device 10B (figures 8A and 8B).

[0085] Initially, the first and second devices 10A, 10B are brought together until the pull tabs 51 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are in contact, the slot 35.1 of the first device 10A then receiving a portion of the assembly pin 37 of the second device 10B and the slot 35.1 of the second device 10B receiving a portion of the assembly pin 37 of the first device 10A.

[0086] By continuing to bring the first and second devices 10A, 10B together until the pads 35.2 of the front faces 35 are in contact with each other, the protective films 50 are pressed against each other, which causes a slight compression of the first end elements 41 and a withdrawal of an end portion of the second sealing elements 42 extending in projection from said front faces 35, but also a cooperation of the asperity 36.1 of the locking tab 36 of the first device 10A with one of the collar portions 63 of the second device 10B and a cooperation of the asperity 36.1 of the locking tab 36 of the second device 10B with one of the collar portions 63 of the first device 10A (figures 9A and 9B). We then speak of coupling of the first and second devices 10A, 10B. The pads 35.2 define a slight clearance between the front faces 35, which makes it possible to avoid pinching of the protective films 50 between said front faces 35.

[0087] The protective films 50 are then removed by passing the same finger through the holes 51.1 of the tabs 51 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B and simultaneously pulling on said tabs 51, then causing a decompression of the first sealing elements 41 of the end portions of the second sealing elements 40 and a sealing contact between them (FIGS. 10A and 10B). The first and second devices 10A, 10B thus together form a channel for the passage of a fluid between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200.

[0088] It will be understood that the slight clearance between the front faces 35 makes it easier to remove the protective films 50.

[0089] When it is necessary to disconnect the first device 10A from the second device 10B, a rotational driving torque Ci, Ci is exerted, preferably simultaneously, on each of the sleeves 60 so as to bring said sleeves 60 from the connection position to the disconnection position and thus axially move the bodies 30 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B from the projecting position to the flush position.

[0090] Once the bodies 30 are in a flush position (figures 11A and 11B):

[0091] - the arms 31.1 of the grooves 31 oppose the axial movement of the bodies 30 towards the projecting position under the effect of the forces generated by the compression of the first sealing elements 41;

[0092] - the first sealing elements 41 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are sufficiently compressed to grip the rods 25 of the inserts 20 so that the fluid can no longer circulate between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200, and more particularly between the first device 10A and the second device 10B; and

[0093] - the locking tab 36 of the first device 10A is opposite the release path delimited by the collar portions 63 equipping the sleeve 60 of the second device 10B, and the locking tab 36 of the second device 10B is opposite the release path delimited by the collar portions 63 equipping the sleeve 60 of the first device 10A, so that said locking tabs 36 no longer oppose the disconnection of the first and second devices 10A, 10B.

[0094] The driving torques C1, C2 exerted on the sleeves 60 of the first and second devices 10A, 10B are then stopped.

[0095] An axial force F1, F2 is then exerted on the sleeves 60 so as to separate the first device 10A and the second device 10B from each other (figures 12A and 12B).

[0096] In order to protect the first sealing elements 41 in their deformed state, the caps 71 of the protective covers 70 are clipped onto the collar portions 63 of the sleeves 60 via the asperities 71.4 of said caps 71 (figures 13A, 13B). The caps 71 can then no longer be removed: the first and second sealing elements 41, 42 are then irremediably protected.

[0097] It is thus understood that the clamping of the rods 25 by the first sealing elements 41 makes it possible to prevent the flow of the fluid remaining trapped in the tubes 100, 200 when the devices 10A, 10B are disconnected.

[0098] It is also understood that the disconnection of the first device 10A from the second device 10B is only possible after the rotation of the sleeves causing the displacement of the bodies 30 from the projecting position to the flush position in which they are blocked by the arms 31.1 of the grooves 31, and therefore only after the gripping of the rods 25 by the first sealing elements 41, which makes it possible to avoid any risk of human error.

[0099] It is further understood that:

[0100] - the guarantee ring 74 makes it possible, by its presence, to visually testify to the physical integrity of the connection device 10; - the ring 74 makes it possible, by its presence, to prevent the sleeve 60 from accidentally passing from the connection position to the disconnection position;

[0101] - the cap 71 makes it possible to secure the closure of the fluid passage channel by protecting the first sealing element 41 in the deformed state and the second sealing element 42; and

[0102] - the flexible strip 73 prevents the cap 71 from being lost after it has been separated from the sleeve 60 by removing the ring 74.

[0103] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0104] Although the connection assembly here comprises two identical devices 10A, 10B, it can also comprise two different devices. For example, the locking tab 36 of the first device 10A can be replaced by an assembly pin and the assembly pin 37 of the second device 10B can be replaced by a locking tab so as to form a male connector and a female connector.

[0105] Although the coupling of the devices 10A, 10B is here achieved by clipping, it can also be achieved by any other means such as by screwing a part of the device 10A onto the other device 10B.

[0106] Although the anchoring of the tubes 100, 200 on the devices 10A, 10B is here achieved by a fir-tooth relief, it can also be achieved by any other means such as a ring, an externally toothed washer or elastically deformable arms.

[0107] Although the locking of the body 30 in the flush position is here achieved by the use of elastically deformable arms 31.1, it can also be achieved by any other means such as by the use of pins. Although the first sealing element 41 is here symmetrical, it can be non-symmetrical.

[0108] The rod 25 is optional, in particular when the channel delimited by the insert 20 is of small diameter. The first sealing element 41 in its deformed state then completely and alone obstructs the channel.

[0109] The steps necessary for disconnecting the devices 10A, 10B can be carried out simultaneously on each of the devices 10A, 10B or on one of the devices then the other.

[0110] The warranty ring 74 can also be connected to the retaining ring 72 by bridges or breakable links.

[0111] Although the ring 74 is here completely removed to release the cap 71, it can be envisaged that said ring 74 remains linked to said cap 71 but no longer has any function of retaining the latter.

[0112] The roughnesses 71.4, 74.4 can be replaced by any fixing means allowing the guarantee ring 74 and the cap 71 to be fixed on the sleeve 60.

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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