connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector component (40,140,240,340) for use with medical or healthcare devices, for example for respiratory care equipment or for intravascular or hypodermic applications. The connector component (40, 140,240,340) comprises a male tapered inner part (21,121,221,321) having a first end to be received in a female taper (54) to form a fluid connection, and a separately formed sleeve (1,101,201,301) provided outside the inner part (21, 121,221,321). The inner part (21,121,221,321) and the sleeve (1,101,201, 301) are coupled together such that relative movement of the inner part (21, 121,221,321) and the sleeve (1,101,201,301) is permitted between at least first and second configurations, and the first end of the inner part (21,121,221, 321) does not protrude beyond an end of the sleeve (1,101,201,301) in the second configuration.

Description

[0001] Title - Connector

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector for use with medical or healthcare devices. In particular, the invention relates to a tapered small-bore connector of the type used when connecting a fluid conduit to respiratory care equipment, or for intravascular or hypodermic applications, for example in hospitals.

[0003] Patient care equipment / medical devices used in hospitals can present numerous connections for various different purposes. As many as forty connectors can be used with a single patient, and the similarity between the connectors mean that fatal misconnections, such as connecting oxygen tubing to a needleless IV port, can occur. Standards in the industry require connections to be designed and constructed in such a way as to minimise all possible risks, including misconnection.

[0004] Threaded connectors are often designed with a taper protruding from the front face of a nut / thread portion, in order to help alignment and prevent cross threading when connected. A drawback of such connectors is that there is nothing to prevent another similar connector misconnecting over the protruding taper.

[0005] If the front of the taper is instead made flush with the front of the face of the nut / thread, then the nut and threads reduce the risk of misconnection by providing further geometry to clash or interfere with the outer diameter (OD) of the other connector. However, in this instance the risk of cross threading is increased.

[0006] It would be desirable to provide a connector component that could reduce the risk of both cross-threading and misconnection.

[0007] Increasing the outer diameter of the connector from a typical wall section reduces the risk of misconnections, as it provides more material to restrict interactions with other connectors and reduces the risk of a potentially incorrect connection being made. Indeed, a relatively large outer diameter for connector ‘collars’ has been incorporated into various connector standards. However, the larger diameter alsoincreases the torque that a user can apply when joining and tightening the connectors, which can make it difficult to disconnect them when required. This exacerbates a known problem that connectors can often become ‘stuck’ and prove difficult to release if left engaged for a length of time.

[0008] It would therefore also be desirable to provide a connector component that could reduce the risk of over-tightening and / or ensure that the connector component can be easily / reliably released.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a connector component as defined in the appended claim 1. Further optional features are recited in the associated dependent claims.

[0010] The described connector component comprises a male tapered inner part through which a fluid flows in use, the male tapered part having a first end to be received in a female taper when forming a fluid connection, and a separately formed sleeve provided coaxially with but radially outside the inner part, the sleeve having an internally threaded portion, wherein the inner part and the sleeve are coupled together such that relative movement of the inner part and the sleeve is permitted between at least first and second configurations, and wherein the first end of the inner part does not protrude beyond an end of the sleeve in the second configuration.

[0011] The relative movement of the inner part and sleeve provides advantages when securing the connector component to, and / or releasing it from, a mating connector with a female taper and an external thread. The configuration where the first end of the inner part does not protrude beyond the end of the sleeve helps to prevent misconnections.

[0012] The relative movement may comprise rotation around the common axis and / or linear movement along or parallel to the axis.The relative movement may be limited by the engagement of features provided on the inner part and the sleeve. For example, tabs provided on one element can be positioned to engage with stops and / or shelves on the other element after a predefined amount of rotational and / or liner movement.

[0013] Linear movement, where provided, may be resisted by a spring force or a magnetic force, or by a frictional engagement feature. A spring force may be provided, by a mechanical spring, a torsion spring, compression of a resilient material such as foam or silicone, or by other known means. A frictional engagement feature may comprise one or more of an O-ring, a bump or cam feature, and an overmoulding of softer material on the inner part or the sleeve.

[0014] Resistance may be provided to relative movement in one or both directions. A greater resistance may be provided to movement in one direction, for example from the first configuration to the second configuration, than in the opposite direction.

[0015] The frictional engagement feature may be provided on the sleeve, and may comprise an aperture or clip at least partially surrounding a tube secured within the inner part and providing an interference fit with the tube. The frictional engagement feature may be elliptical or part elliptical to reduce or avoid any reduction in internal cross section of the tube during deformation caused by the interference fit.

[0016] The internally threaded portion may be set back from a first end of the sleeve to provide an unthreaded ‘lead in’ section at the first end of the connector sleeve. The internally threaded portion may comprise two threads, with only one of the two threads set back from a first end of the sleeve.

[0017] One or more axial channels may be provided in an outer surface of the inner part at the first end thereof, to provide one or more leak channels. The or each axial channel may extend no more than 5mm, 3mm or 2mm from the first end of the inner part.The sleeve may provide an outer collar of the connector component to be gripped by a user. Alternatively, the sleeve may be provided within an outer collar to be gripped by a user, the outer collar being integrally formed with the inner part. The sleeve may be received in an annular space defined between the tapered inner part and the outer collar.

[0018] The outer collar may be provided with gripping elements, which may take the form of asymmetric splines which provide different amounts of friction or grip when rotating the collar in clockwise and anticlockwise directions. The asymmetric splines may have a triangular cross section, with one side substantially normal to an outer surface of the collar and the other side inclined relative to the normal.

[0019] The outer collar may comprise a body having a first diameter, and a flange at a first end having a larger second diameter. The gripping elements may be provided on the body having the first diameter.

[0020] The inner part and the sleeve may be formed from different or dissimilar materials. The inner part may be formed from Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and / or the sleeve may be formed from Polypropylene (PP). The inner part and the sleeve may be differently coloured.

[0021] The connector component may be formed at least in part from one or more materials having a nominal modulus of elasticity either in flexure or in tension of greater than 700 MPa.

[0022] The connector component may comprising a chamfered or radiused surface around an aperture for receiving a tube provided at a second end of the connector component, opposite the first end of the inner part.

[0023] One example connector component described herein comprises a connector component comprising a male tapered inner part through which a fluid flows in use, the male tapered part having a first end to be received in a female taper whenforming a fluid connection, and a separately formed sleeve provided coaxially with but radially outside the inner part, the sleeve having an internally threaded portion and an outer surface to be gripped by a user, wherein the inner part and the sleeve are coupled together such that relative rotation of the inner part and the sleeve is permitted only between first and second defined configurations.

[0024] Another example connector component comprises a male tapered inner part through which a fluid flows in use, the male tapered part having a first end to be received in a female taper when forming a fluid connection, and a separately formed sleeve provided coaxially with but radially outside the inner part, the sleeve having an internally threaded portion and an outer surface to be gripped by a user, wherein the inner part and the sleeve are coupled together such that relative axial movement of the inner part and the sleeve is permitted between at least first and second configurations, and a biasing or frictional element configured to resist said relative axial movement from the first to the second configuration.

[0025] A further example connector component comprises a first element having a male tapered inner part through which a fluid flows in use, the male tapered part having a first end to be received in a female taper when forming a fluid connection, and an outer collar to be gripped by a user, and a separately formed sleeve provided in an annular space defined between the inner part and the outer collar, the sleeve having an internally threaded portion, wherein the first element and the sleeve are coupled together such that relative movement of the sleeve and the first element is permitted between at least first and second configurations.

[0026] Practicable examples of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0027] Figure 1 A shows a perspective view of a first part from a first example of a connector component;

[0028] Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of a second part from the first example of a connector component;Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled first and second parts from Figures 1 A and 1 B;

[0029] Figure 3 shows a part perspective view of the assembly from Figure 2;

[0030] Figure 4 shows a schematic end view of the first part of Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figures 5A to 5C show the connection of the connector component to a complementary connector;

[0032] Figures 6A to 6C show the disconnection of the connector component from a complementary connector;

[0033] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a second example of a connector component;

[0034] Figures 8A and 8B show cross-sectional views of the connector component of Figure 7 in two different configurations;

[0035] Figure 9 shows an end view of a variant of the connector component of Figure 7;

[0036] Figure 10 show a cross-sectional view of a further variant of the connector component of Figure 7;

[0037] Figure 11 shows a detail view of a further variant of the connector component of Figure 7;

[0038] Figures 12A and 12B show cross-sectional views of a third example of a connector component in two different configurations;Figures 13A and 13B show perspective views of the third example connector component during disconnection;

[0039] Figure 14A shows a correctly aligned connector component;

[0040] Figure 14B shows a cross-threaded connector component; and

[0041] Figure 15 shows a further alternative connector component.

[0042] Figure 1 A shows an outer sleeve 1 of a connector component. The interior of the sleeve 1 has a threaded portion 2 towards a first end thereof and a non-threaded portion 4 towards a second end. The threaded portion 2 is designed to engage with an external thread provided on a further small-bore connector component of a known type. The non-threaded portion 4 comprises a reduced diameter section 6 which defines an inwardly extending circumferential shelf 8 a short distance from the second end of the sleeve 1. The shelf 8 is interrupted by three stops 10 which extend to the second end of the sleeve at equally spaced locations around the circumference. Adjacent each stop 10 is a channel 12 extending into the reduced diameter section. The channels 12 cut into the circumferential shelf 8, reducing its depth in those three regions. The resulting shelf 8 therefore has areas of different depth, but extends continuously between the stops 10 around the inner circumference of the sleeve 1.

[0043] The outer diameter of the sleeve 1 comprises grip elements 14, and an outwardly extending flange 16 is provided at the first end. The diameter of the flange 16 is approximately equal to that of other standard small-bore connectors, so will interfere with standard features provided on or around connectors to prevent misconnection. For example, the flange diameter may be from 18-19mm in accordance with the standard for outer collar diameter of R2 connectors. The larger diameter flange 16 also provides a ‘stop’ to prevent the fingers of a user being trapped or pinched during connection / tightening.Figure 1 B shows an inner part 21 of a connector component. The inner part 21 is designed to fit within the sleeve 1 of Figure 1 A, and comprises a tapered outer surface 22. In use, a first end of the inner part 21 is received within a female taper (not shown) forming the other half of a connector for a fluid conduit. A second end of the inner part 21 comprises three tabs 24 which extend radially outwardly at equal circumferential spacings. Three similarly outwardly extending clips 26 are also provided on the inner part 21. The clips 26 are located approximately half way between the first and second ends, and each clip 26 is diametrically opposite a tab 24. Each clip 26 has a maximum width that is the same as or smaller than the width of each channel 12 provided in the sleeve 1 , and a chamfer 28 towards the first end of the inner part 21. An axial hole 30 is provided through the inner part to receive the end of a gas conduit.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the assembly of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21 together to form a complete connector component 40. A gas conduit 32, in the form of a flexible tube as is common in the industry, is received within the inner part 21. The second end of the inner part 21 is shaped to provide a radius 34, which helps to reduce kinking of the tube / conduit 32 during use. It can also be seen that the first ends of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21 are substantially flush in the assembled connector component 40. This helps to prevent the tapered outer surface 22 being inserted or forced into an incorrect female taper, because the larger diameter flange 16 will clash with other features before the inner part 21 can engage. This helps to ensure that misconnections are avoided.

[0045] During assembly, the inner part 21 is inserted into the sleeve 1 in the direction of arrow 36 until the clips 26 pass the reduced diameter portion 6 of the sleeve 1 and engage with a second shelf 38 which is provided by the reduced diameter portion and facing towards the first end of the sleeve 1. The second shelf 38 is similar to the first shelf 8, but is not interrupted by any stops 10. Further movement of the inner part 21 in the direction of arrow 36 is prevented by engagement of the tabs 24 with the first shelf 8.By aligning the clips 26 of the inner part 21 with the channels 12 of the sleeve 1 the deformation of the sleeve 1 and / or the inner part 21 during assembly (as the clips 26 move past the reduced diameter portion 6) can be minimised because there is a smaller amount of interference. However, the depth of each channel 12 is such that some deformation of one or both parts is still required during assembly, to provide a ‘snap fit’ between the clips 26 and the second shelf 38. The thinner wall of the sleeve 1 in the area of the channels 12 can help to provide the necessary deformation, and the chamfers 28 assist with the initial insertion of the clips 26 into the channels 12. The stops 10 on the sleeve 1 can provide a tactile indication of the location of the channels 12 to help with alignment of the parts prior to assembly.

[0046] The described ‘assembly’ position / configuration can be seen in Figure 3, which shows the assembled connector component 40 from the second end, and clearly shows the greater depth of the first shelf 8 (which is replicated on the second shelf 38). The gas conduit 32 is omitted in this view. As illustrated, the tabs 24 are aligned with deeper portions of the first shelf 8, so the clips 26 are aligned with the channels 12 and thus the shallower portions of the second shelf 38.

[0047] Once the clips 26 are engaged with the second shelf 38, the inner part 21 can be rotated by around sixty degrees so that each tab 24 abuts the next stop 10 of the sleeve 1. The clips 26 are then engaged with a greater depth of the second shelf 38 and aligned with thicker wall sections of the sleeve 1. This is the configuration shown in the cross section of Figure 2, and helps to ensure that the clips 26 do not ride over or disengage from the second shelf 38 on application of a force in a direction opposite to arrow 36. .

[0048] The grip elements 14 on the exterior of the sleeve 1 can also be seen in Figure 3, and take the form of splines with an asymmetric cross section. As more clearly shown in the schematic view of Figure 4, each grip element 14 has a chamfered side 42 and a perpendicular side 44 normal to the surface of the sleeve, with the result that less grip is provided when turning the sleeve 1 clockwise 46 (as shown in Figure 4) than when turning the sleeve anticlockwise 48. The result is that it iseasier to apply torque to release the sleeve 1 from the thread of another connector component than it is to apply torque to tighten / assemble the connection.

[0049] The outwardly extending flange 16 can also be seen in Figure 4, illustrating how the grip elements 14 are provided at a smaller radius than for known threaded connectors of this type. This too reduces the torque that can be applied when tightening the sleeve 1 onto another threaded connector component.

[0050] The described connector component 40 therefore helps to avoid over-tightening, while also allowing more torque to be applied when releasing the connection. This helps to ensure that connections can be reliably released in all circumstances, including when a connector has been engaged for an extended period. The connection and disconnection is also enhanced by the permitted, limited, relative rotation of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21 during use, as will be described below.

[0051] Figure 5A shows a fixed / static female small-bore connector 50 with an external thread 52, for engagement with the threaded portion 2 of the sleeve 1 of the connector component 40, and an internal taper 54 corresponding to the tapered outer surface 22 of the inner part 21. The end view of the connector component 40 shows a configuration as in Figure 3, with the clips 26 visible through the channels 12 and engaged with the shallower portions of the second shelf 38.

[0052] There is minimal axial loading of the connector component 40 at this stage, so the reduced engagement does not risk unintended separation of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21. The stops 10 are abutting the tabs 24 such that clockwise rotation of the sleeve 1 (as indicated by arrow 56) will move the stops 10 out of engagement.

[0053] The threaded portion 2 is set back from the first end of the connector component 40 so that the inner part 21 can engage with the female connector 50 before the threaded portion 2 engages with the external thread 52. The tapered surface 22 of the inner part 21 engages with the internal taper 54 of the female connector 50 to provide initial alignment and reduce the risk of cross-threading during connection.In Figure 5B the tapers 22,54 have been engaged, and the thread 2 of the sleeve 1 is engaged with the thread 52 of the female connector 50. The sleeve 1 has been rotated by ~ 60 degrees, from A to B as indicated, to start tightening the connection. Each of the stops 10 is now shown abutting the opposite side of a different tab 24 at position B. It will be understood that rotating the sleeve 1 from A to B does not drive rotation of the inner part 21 of the connector component 40, particularly given the friction at the interface between the tapers 22,54. The inner part 21 is therefore driven straight into the female connector 50 during the engagement of the threads 2,52 to the point shown in Figure 5B. The tabs 24 are now aligned with shallower portions of the first shelf 8, so the clips 26 are aligned with the second shelf 38 where its depth is greatest, and aligned with thicker wall sections of the sleeve 1.

[0054] Continued rotation, as illustrated in Figure 5C, will drive rotation of the inner part 21 with the sleeve 1. The abutment of the stops 10 with tabs 24, as shown in Figure 5B, results in both parts rotating during the continued tightening of the connection. Axial movement is still provided by the continued engagement of the threads 2,52. As a result, rotation of the sleeve from positions B to C as shown will cause a ‘push and twist’ action of the inner part 21 within the taper 54 of the female connector 50. This is beneficial in improving taper mating and sealing within the connection.

[0055] The clips 26 remain aligned with the deepest portions of the second shelf 38, as in Figure 5B, helping to ensure secure engagement of the sleeve 1 and the inner part 21 and resist loading that might be applied when the connector component 40 is fully engaged. Although the tabs 24 are aligned with shallower portions of the first shelf 8, they are designed not to deform and define a greater outer diameter than the clips 26. They are also wider than the channels 12, so still prevent the inner part from being pulled through the sleeve 1. The combination of features therefore prevents separation of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21 when the engaged connector component 40 is loaded from either directionRelease of the connector component 40 is illustrated in Figures 6A-6C. Starting from the position shown in Figure 5C, the sleeve 1 is rotated anticlockwise, as indicated by arrow 58, to the position shown in Figure 6A. This initial rotation, from C to D as shown, releases the friction in the thread and takes up the axial clearance so that the internal thread 2 of the sleeve 1 engages with the opposite side of the thread 52 on the female connector 50 compared with Figure 5C. Since there is no drive from the threads, and the stops 10 are moving away from the tabs 24, the inner part 21 does not move during this initial rotation of the sleeve 1. As a result, there is no need to overcome the friction between the mating tapers22,54, and the torque required to achieve the initial rotation is therefore relatively low.

[0056] During continued rotation of the sleeve 1 from position D to E, as shown in Figure 6B, the now engaged threads 2,52 drive the connector component 40 to the right as shown, and start to draw the inner part 21 out of the female connector 50. The threads 2,52 provide a mechanical advantage to overcome the friction at the interface between the tapers 22,54, which is typically higher than the thread friction previously overcome. However, the stops 10 only abut the tabs 24 at point E, so there is still no rotation of the inner part 21 at this stage.

[0057] Continued rotation beyond point E, as illustrated in Figure 6C, continues to draw the inner part 21 out of the female connector 50, but the engagement of the stops 10 and tabs 24 now additionally causes rotation of the inner part 21. This helps to overcome any residual friction at the taper interface. The entire connector component now rotates as one until full disconnection is achieved.

[0058] Although the clips 26 are again engaged with the shallower portions of the second shelf 38 at this stage, the primary axial forces experienced by the connector component 40 during disconnection will be resisted by the engagement of the tabs 24 with the first shelf 8, so there remains minimal risk of unintended separation of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21. It should be noted that the connector component only has this configuration on initial engagement (before tightening) and in the final part of disengagement. The design ensures that any relative rotation of the sleeve1 and inner part 21 causes the clips 26 engage with a deeper part of the second shelf 38 so that connector component 40 can resist greater axial loads.

[0059] The relative rotation of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21 , between defined limits, therefor helps to ensure a secure connection and also helps to ensure the connection can be released when required. Similar known ‘luer lock’ connectors, where the sleeve and inner part are formed as a single part, provide the push and twist action to ensure a secure connection, but fail to separate the thread and taper friction during disengagement. Both friction regimes need to be overcome simultaneously, which increases the amount of torque required to separate the connection. In cases where a connection has been over tightened and / or has been engaged for a prolonged period, it can be difficult to apply enough torque to separate known connectors of this type. Alternative known connectors with a freely rotating sleeve help to address this disconnection problem, but fail to provide the ‘push and twist’ action on engagement, so risk compromising the integrity of the seal. This is clearly undesirable when transporting gases or other fluids.

[0060] The limited rotation can also provide a visual indication for a user of whether the connector component has been properly tightened. As described above, the stops 10 on the sleeve 1 engage with different sides of the tabs 24 during tightening and release, and this alone provides some visual indication of the status of the connector component 40. Appropriate colour coding or marking of the different sides of the tabs 24 would provide further clarity to an observer.

[0061] Providing a two-part connector component 40 also has other advantages. For example, different materials can be chosen to optimise the properties of each part, and of the connector component 40 as a whole. For example, it may be beneficial to select a material for the sleeve 1 that has a higher coefficient of friction than the material used for the inner part 21 , to improve grip for a user on the sleeve 1. Providing a harder material for the inner part 21 can also help to avoid potential misconnections by avoiding or minimising deformation if a user tries to force the inner part 21 into an incorrect female taper and / or from torque applied to theconnector component 40. Avoiding or minimising deformation also helps to maintain correct axial alignment, reducing the chances of cross-threading.

[0062] The radius 34 provided at the second end of the inner part 21 means that there is less need for the inner part 21 to deform to avoid kinking in the tube / conduit 32 during use. This allows the entire connector component 40 to be formed of more rigid material than would otherwise be the case. A more rigid material, for example a material with a nominal modulus of elasticity either in flexure or in tension greater than 700 MPa, reduces the risk of misconnection compared to an elastomeric connector which could stretch over a component. A more stable material also helps to ensure that the manufacturing process can achieve the required tolerances for the tapers 22,54 provided on the inner part 21 female connector 52.

[0063] The two parts could also be differently coloured to enhance the contrast between the stops 10 and tabs 24, providing a clearer indication of the relative rotational position of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21. As discussed above, this relative position can help to indicate to a user that the connector component has been properly tightened. Using two different colours in a single connector component 40 would also allow improved colour coding of connectors, including for two different purposes / classifications. For example, one part can be coloured green, indicating that the connector component 40 is generally for respiratory use, with the other part being separately coloured either white for oxygen or black for air.

[0064] Materials can also be separately selected based on how they will interact with the materials used in corresponding connectors, or with other materials or substances encountered during manufacture or use. For example, Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a solvent that is commonly used during assembly to soften or break down polymer bonds and bond or fuse a conduit / tube 32 to connectors of this type. However, there is a risk that excess or misplaced THF could inadvertently bond the sleeve 1 to the inner part 21. This can be avoided if the inner part 21 is formed from a material that is compatible with THF, for example Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and the sleeve 1 is formed from a different material, such as Polypropylene(PP), which is not. Adhesives could alternatively be used in construction, and again the freedom to select different materials which are more or less compatible with a particular adhesive can give similar benefits. The choice of two dissimilar materials can also be beneficial in reducing sliding friction between the parts.

[0065] The first ends of the sleeve 1 and inner part 21 are substantially flush in the assembled connector component 40 discussed above. As previously mentioned, this arrangement helps to avoid misconnections that can occur when a central part extends beyond an outer sleeve or collar, as in known luer-lock connectors for example, is forced into an incorrect female connector. Indeed, the requirement for a flush connector end has been incorporated into certain standards for respiratory connectors precisely because it is important to avoid such misconnections. The change, however, has the drawback that the alignment provided by a protruding taper is lost, meaning that cross-threading of connectors is more likely. This is mitigated in the connector component 40 discussed above by setting the threaded portion back from the first end, but a drawback of this solution is that the effective length of thread available for engagement is reduced.

[0066] Figure 7 shows an alternative connector component 140 that seeks to address this problem.

[0067] The assembled connector component 140 in Figure 7 is shown from a second end, with a flexible gas conduit 32 extending into a sleeve 101 through a ring 160 provided at the second end of the sleeve 101. The ring 160 is sized to provide an interference fit with the gas conduit 32 when assembled. Within the sleeve, but obscured in Figure 7 the end of the gas conduit 32 is received in and bonded to a tapered inner part 121.

[0068] The alternative connector component 140 shares a number of features with the connector component of Figures 1-6C. For example, the sleeve 101 has an outwardly extending flange portion 116 to provide a suitable diameter at the first end of the connector component 140 while maintaining a smaller diameter section for gripping by a user. This reduces the torque that can be applied and providesprotection against pinching or trapping of a user’s fingers, as before. Asymmetric splines may also be provided on the outer surface of the sleeve 101 as previously described, and the sleeve 101 and inner part 121 can again be formed from different materials and / or be differently coloured.

[0069] Figures 8A and 8B show cross sectional views of the alternative connector component 140, in which the inner part 121 can be clearly seen. A threaded portion 102 and reduced diameter section 106 can also be seen on the inside surface of the sleeve 101. The inner part 121 of the connector component 140 provides a ‘floating’ taper. In Figure 8A, the inner part 121 is shown in an extended position, with an end of the tapered outer surface 122 extending beyond the first end of the sleeve 101. Tabs 124 at the second end of the inner part 121 abut the reduced diameter portion 106 to limit movement of the inner part 121 and prevent it from extending further from the sleeve 101. The ring 160 is shaped to provide a radius 134 at the interface with the gas conduit 32.

[0070] The interference fit between the ring 160 and the gas conduit 32 provides a degree of resistance to movement of the inner part 121 within the sleeve, but the conduit 32 (and thus the inner part 121 ) is still able to move vertically under the application of sufficient force. As shown in Figure 8A, the connector component 140 provides a protruding taper to assist with alignment. Where the connector component 140 is properly mated, the tapered outer surface 122 will engage with a corresponding tapered female connector with relatively little resistance, and the inner part 121 will therefore provide alignment to ensure proper engagement of the thread 102. Subsequent tightening of the sleeve 101 will then cause the inner part 121 to move back within the sleeve 101 to the position shown in Figure 8B because the resistance of the engaged tapers will be greater than that between the ring 160 and the gas conduit 32. Clips 126 on the inner part 121 prevent movement of the inner part 121 beyond the position shown in Figure 8B, where its first end is flush with the first end of the sleeve 101.

[0071] In contrast, when a user tries to force the connector component 140 onto an incorrect female connector, the resistance experienced by the inner part 121 willbe significantly higher. This higher resistance will overcome the resistance at the interface between the ring 160 and the gas conduit, resulting of movement of the inner part to the position shown in Figure 8B before there is any significant engagement of the tapered outer surface 122. With the end of the connector component 140 now flush, the flange 116 will clash or interfere with other connector features to prevent any further engagement of the inner part 121 with the incorrect female connector.

[0072] The connector component 140 thus combines the benefits of a flush connector with those of a protruding central taper. The floating taper also means that the threaded portion 102 of the sleeve 101 can extend to the first end of the sleeve 101 , maximising the available thread for engagement to provide a secure connection. The resistance provided within the connector component 140 also helps to avoid the sleeve 101 and inner part 121 rattling or moving when not desired, for example during transit or handling of the connector component 140 prior to use.

[0073] To avoid a reduction in the internal cross section of the conduit 32, the ring 162 may be elliptical, as shown for example in Figure 9. In order to provide the required resistance, the internal diameter of a circular ring 160 must be smaller than that of the gas conduit 32, which pinches the gas conduit 32 reducing its internal cross section during use. This reduction in cross section can cause an undesirable increase in back pressure of the gas flowing through the conduit. The elliptical shape of the ring 162 shown in Figure 9 provides a minor diameter 164 that is smaller than the outer diameter of the gas conduit 32 and a major diameter 166 that is larger. A resilient gas conduit 32 received in the elliptical ring 162 will still be deformed, providing the necessary resistance within the connector component 140, but the overall cross-sectional area of the conduit 32 remains unrestricted. The ring 160,162 could also be incomplete, to provide a c-clip for the conduit 32, and / or may have an asymmetric cross section providing higher resistance to movement of the inner part from the position shown in Figure 8A to the position shown in Figure 8B, and lower resistance to movement in the opposite direction.Alternative or additional means may also be used to provide some degree of resistance to movement of the inner part 121. For example, a spring or similar biasing element could be included between the sleeve 101 and the inner part 121 to bias the inner part 121 towards the position shown in Figure 8A. The spring could be a separate component, or could be integrally formed with either the sleeve 101 or the inner part 121. Friction could be introduced directly between the sleeve 101 and the inner part 121 , for example by over moulding one or other part with an elastomeric material, or through the provision of an O-ring 168 as illustrated in Figure 10. This avoids the need to pinch or otherwise deform the gas conduit 32.

[0074] The sleeve 101 may be configured to provide unlimited rotation relative to the inner part 121 , or may provide similar limited rotation to the connector component 40 of Figures 1-6C to give similar benefits, in particular a ‘push and twist’ connection.

[0075] Misuse of the connector component 140 could still lead to misconnection. For example, a user might try to pinch the gas conduit 32 and thereby directly push the inner part 121 into engagement with a female connector. While the conduit would typically flex or deflect sufficiently to prevent this, there is a possibility that a user could, through misuse, achieve engagement of the tapered outer surface 122 with an incorrect female connector. To further mitigate this risk, leak channels 170, as shown in Figure 11 , could be provided at the first end of the inner part 121 , extending along the length of the inner part 121 that protrudes from the sleeve 101 in the configuration of Figure 8A. Any incorrect engagement of the connector component 140 is likely to be less than this distance (for example ~ 2mm), so the leak channels 170 provide a path for gases to escape in such circumstances, reducing the consequences of any such misconnection. When properly connected, the inner part 121 would be more fully engaged, and the sleeve 101 would also be secured with a threaded connection. The connector component 140 would therefore be assembled past the length of the leak channels 170, and they would not prevent or compromise normal use of the connector component 140.A third example of a connector component 240 is illustrated in cross section in Figures 12A and 12B. The connector component 240 in this example comprises a connector body 272 with a tapered inner part 221 for receiving a gas conduit 32, and an integrally formed outer collar 274 which can be gripped by a user. A sleeve 201 with an internally threaded portion 202 is enclosed within an annular space 276 defined between the inner part 221 and the outer collar 274 of the body 272, and can move within the space 276 as will be described below. The body 272 presents a larger outer diameter for gripping than the previous example connector components 40,140, but this diameter is still smaller than known connectors, so a small flange 216 is still provided at a first end of the body 272 to provide a diameter at that end that is suitably large to reduce misconnections. A radius 234 is provided at the second end of the body 272, as in earlier examples, to prevent kinking of the gas conduit 32.

[0076] The connector component 240 is shown being engaged with a standard fixed female connector 50 of the type shown in Figures 5A-6C above. The connector component 240 is initially pushed onto the female connector 50 as indicated by arrow 278 to the position shown in Figure 12A. The external thread 52 of the female connector 50 abuts the sleeve 201 and drives it back into the connector body 272 by a distance 280 of ~2mm, allowing engagement of the end of the inner part 221 with the female connector 50. This axial movement provides the connector component 240 with an alignment feature before the threads 52,202 engage.

[0077] The body 272 can then be twisted, as indicated in Figure 12B, to tighten the connection. The engagement of the threads 52,202 draws the sleeve 201 forward until it is flush with the first end of the body 272, from which point continued rotation draws the inner part 221 further into engagement with the female connector 50. Since the tapered inner part 221 is integral with the outer collar 274, this tightening action will provide the desirable push and twist action to ensure secure engagement of the tapered inner part 221 with the internal taper of the female connector 50.The floating sleeve 201 allows the connector component 240, to provide the benefits of a protruding central taper, while still maximising the available length of thread for engagement, similar to the connector component 140 of Figure 7. The threaded sleeve 201 will be provided flush with the end of the body 272, in particular the tapered inner part 221 , and will assume this configuration when tightened into place, but can be displaced to ‘expose’ a length of taper to provide alignment and prevent cross threading during the connection process. At all times, the flange 216 presents a suitably large diameter interference feature around the first end of the inner part 221 to reduce or prevent misconnections.

[0078] Movement of the sleeve 201 within the annular space 276 is limited by ribs 282 on an exterior surface of the sleeve 201 engaging with channels 284 on the interior of the body 272. The engagement prevents the sleeve 201 from moving axially beyond the position shown in Figure 12B when the connector component 240 is tightened into place. The channels 284 are wider than the ridges 282 to also allow limited relative rotation of the sleeve 201 and the body 272.

[0079] Disconnection of the third connector component 240 from the female connector 50 is illustrated in Figures 13A and 13B, which show perspective views of the connector component 240.

[0080] Rotation of the connector component 240 in the direction of arrow 286 (anticlockwise if viewed from the second end) initially results in rotation of just the body 272 due to its permitted rotation relative to the sleeve 201. During this initial rotation, of around 15 degrees, the taper interface friction between the inner part 221 of the connector component 240 and the female connector 50 is overcome before sleeve 201 begins to move. The threads 202,52 therefore remain engaged and static while the taper friction is overcome. Once each ridge 282 abuts an internal wall of a respective channel 284, continued rotation 286 drives rotation of the sleeve 201 with the body 272, as illustrated in Figure 13B, first releasing the thread friction at the interface of threads 52,202, and then driving the sleeve 201 axially into the body 272. When the sleeve 201 abuts the end of the annularspace 276, continued rotation 268 will drive the entire connector component 240 away from the female connector 50. The limited relative rotation of the body 272 and the sleeve 201 therefore allows for separation of the thread and taper frictions during disengagement of the connector component 240.

[0081] A variant of the connector component 240 allowing only axial movement of the sleeve 201 relative to the body 272 would also function. Such a variant would require the taper and thread friction to be overcome simultaneously, similar to the known one-piece connectors discussed above, but would still provide improved alignment and thread engagement.

[0082] As shown, the outer surface of the collar 274 is provided with symmetrical grip features 214, but asymmetric spines as provided on the first connector component 40, or similar, could instead be provided to transmit greater torque to during release than during tightening of the connector component 240. The benefits of forming the body 272 and sleeve 201 from different materials are as previously described.

[0083] Indeed, it should be understood that various features described above in connection with one specific example could also be applied to the other examples to provide the same or similar benefits. For example, the leak channels 170 of Figure 11 could equally be incorporated into the inner part 21 ,221 of the other described examples of the connector component 40,240.

[0084] The risks of cross-threading a connector without some form of guidance / alignment feature are discussed above, and as noted above the first example connector component 40 addresses these problems by recessing the threaded portion 2 from the first end of the sleeve 1. Figure 14A again shows this connector component 40 correctly engaged with a female connector 50. The threaded portion 2 is set back from a first end of the sleeve 1 by a distance 80, meaning that the inner part 21 of the connector component 40 will engage with the female connector 50 to provide alignment before the threaded portion 2 engages with the external thread 52 of the female connector 50. However, there is a risk that the integrity of theconnection is compromised if the threaded portion 2 is set back by too great a distance 80. It is possible that only a very small amount of thread engagement will be achieved, because the resistance caused by engagement of inner part 21 with the female connector 50 either prevents further axial movement or gives a user the impression that the connection is fully secure before there is sufficient, or in extreme cases any, thread engagement.

[0085] Reducing the distance 80 by which the threaded portion 2 is set back helps to avoid the problem, but reintroduces the problem of cross-threading, as illustrated in Figure 14B. The threaded portion 2a, 2b of the connector component shown in Figure 14B is far closer to the first end of the sleeve. As a result, the inner part 21 has not been able to provide an alignment feature, and the threads have been engaged with the connector assembly misaligned by a small angle 90. An upper part 52a of the external thread is engaged with a different pitch 2a of the threaded portion from a lower portion 52b, and this cross threading can lead to jamming of and / or damage to the connection under continued tightening. A compromise must, therefore, be found for the optimum distance 80 to set back the thread.

[0086] The alternative connector component 340 of Figure 15 provides an alternative recessed thread solution that helps to avoid the compromise mentioned above.

[0087] Known luer-lock connectors, and similar, typically have a relatively coarse thread so that a minimal amount of rotation is required to engage a required length of thread. Often, two distinct short lugs 52a.52b are provided at diametrically opposite parts on the outside of the female connector 50 rather than a single continuous thread. The threaded portion of a connector component would likewise comprise two separate threads. The connector component 340 of Figure 15 takes advantage of this by providing a first thread 302a adjacent the first end of the sleeve 301 (similar to Figure 14B) and setting back the second thread 302b by a distance 380. Moving the starting position of one of the threads 302b in this manner reduces he possibility of the mating thread engaging in the wrong thread pitch.The connector component 340 shows the same misalignment angle 90 as shown in the cross-threaded Figure 14B as the first thread 302a engages with a first lug 52a of the female connector. However, because the second thread 302b of the sleeve 301 is set back by distance 380 it is not yet engaged with the second lug 52b, the connector component 340 is still able to tilt in the direction of arrow 392 and correct the alignment as the inner part 321 of the connector component 340 is drawn into the female connector 50.

[0088] The present invention provides connectors, giving an improved connection which can be manufactured in high volumes in a cost-efficient manner. The examples above help to provide a secure leak-proof pathway for fluid between the outer wall of a cylindrical male taper and inner wall of a cylindrical female taper, for example standard medical tapers. Most commonly the male taper is at the outlet of a conduit, from a medical equipment or therapy tubing, and the female taper is at the inlet of a conduit, for example on a patient interface. A friction fit is provided between the tapers, with an additional threaded engagement to ‘lock’ the male and female tapers together.

[0089] The various examples provide lead-in or alignment features to reduce the risk of cross-threading, prevent misconnections, can push and twist the taper (to provide a more secure join than simply pushing), and can be easily and / or reliably released, which is particularly necessary in instances where the connectors may have been left assembled for some time and taken a set.

[0090] Various minor modifications to the described examples would be apparent to a skilled reader. As such, it is emphasised that the forgoing description is provided for illustration only, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined with reference to the appended claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A connector component comprisinga male tapered inner part through which a fluid flows in use, the male tapered part having a first end to be received in a female taper when forming a fluid connection, anda separately formed sleeve provided coaxially with but radially outside the inner part, the sleeve having an internally threaded portion, wherein the inner part and the sleeve are coupled together such that relative movement of the inner part and the sleeve is permitted between at least first and second configurations, the relative movement being limited by the engagement of features provided on the inner part and the sleeve, and whereinthe first end of the inner part does not protrude beyond an end of the sleeve in the second configuration.

2. A connector component according to claim 1 , wherein the relative movement comprises rotation around the common axis.

3. A connector component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relative movement comprises linear movement along the common axis.

4. A connector component according to claim 3, wherein the linear movement is resisted by a spring force or a magnetic force, or by a frictional engagement feature.

5. A connector component according to claim 4, wherein the frictional engagement feature is provided on the sleeve and at least partially surrounds a tube secured within the inner part providing an interference fit with the tube.

6. A connector component according to claim 5, wherein the frictional engagement feature is elliptical or part elliptical.

7. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein the internally threaded portion is set back from a first end of the sleeve.

8. A connector component according to claim 7, wherein the internally threaded portion comprises two threads, and wherein only one of the two threads is set back from a first end of the sleeve.

9. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more axial channels are provided in an outer surface of the inner part at the first end thereof.

10. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve provides an outer collar of the connector component to be gripped by a user.

11. A connector component according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sleeve is provided within an outer collar to be gripped by a user, the outer collar being integrally formed with the inner part.

12. A connector component according to claims 10 or 11 , wherein the outer collar is provided with asymmetric splines to provide different amounts of grip when rotating the collar in clockwise and anticlockwise directions.

13. A connector component according to claim 12, wherein the asymmetric splines have a triangular cross section, with one side normal to an outer surface of the collar.

14. A connector component according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the outer collar comprises a body having a first diameter, and a flange at a first end having a larger second diameter.

15. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner part is formed from Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

16. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve is formed from Polypropylene.

17. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner part and the sleeve are formed from different materials.

18. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner part and the sleeve are differently coloured.

19. A connector component according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector component is formed from one or more materials having a nominal modulus of elasticity either in flexure or in tension greater than 700 MPa.

20. A connector component according to any preceding claim, comprising a chamfered or radiused surface around an aperture for receiving a tube provided at a second end of the connector component, opposite the first end of the inner part.

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