GB2630619A

GB2630619A - Aseptic connector system

Info

Publication number: GB2630619A
Application number: GB2308161.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Billau Izzy; Woods Simon; White Nick
Original assignee: Watson Marlow Ltd
Current assignee: Watson Marlow Ltd
Priority date: 2023-05-31
Filing date: 2023-05-31
Publication date: 2024-12-04
Also published as: WO2024246297A1; GB202308161D0

Abstract

An aseptic connector system comprising: a first connector 2 comprising: a first housing 4 defining a first cavity 10 with a fluid passageway 8 and a first rotatable member 14 rotatably mounted within the first cavity and having an interconnecting passageway 30 extending therethrough between a pair of openings, the first rotatable member being rotatable about an axis of rotation which passes through the first housing; a second connector 3 comprising: a second housing 104 which defines a second cavity 110 with a second fluid passageway 108 opening into the cavity; and a second rotatable member mounted within the second cavity; wherein the first connector is configured to be mechanically connected to the second connector such that the first cavity is connected to the second cavity and the first rotatable member engages the second rotatable member such that they rotate together about a common axis of rotation which passes through the first housing; wherein the first and second rotatable members are movable between a closed position in which the openings of the interconnecting passageway are sealed by the first housing and an open position which forms a fluid pathway across the aseptic connectors.

Description

ASEPTIC CONNECTOR SYSTEM

The invention relates to an aseptic connector system.

BACKGROUND

Sterile connectors for aseptic processing (commonly referred to as "aseptic connectors") enable two lines of tubing to be joined while maintaining a sterile fluid pathway. This may be particularly important in medical, pharmaceutical and bioprocessing applications.

An end of each line of tubing may be provided with an aseptic connector which is configured to engage and mechanically connect with the opposing connector. Each aseptic connector is provided with a sealing arrangement which retains the sterility of the tubing (as well as any portions of the connector which form part of the fluid pathway) before, during and after their interconnection. For example, the end of each connector may be provided with a removable membrane which can be removed once the two connectors are interconnected, and the fluid pathway is sealed.

It is desirable to provide aseptic connectors which are simple and easy to operate in order to avoid user errors which could inadvertently compromise the sterility of the fluid pathway.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an aseptic connector system comprising: a first connector comprising: a first housing which defines a first cavity, the first housing having a first fluid passageway which opens into the first cavity; and a first rotatable member rotatably mounted within the first cavity and having an interconnecting passageway extending therethrough between a pair of openings, the first rotatable member being rotatable about an axis of rotation which passes through the first housing; a second connector comprising: a second housing which defines a second cavity, the second housing having a second fluid passageway which opens into the second cavity; and a second rotatable member rotatably mounted within the second cavity; wherein the first connector is configured to be mechanically connected to the second connector such that the first cavity is connected to the second cavity and the first rotatable member engages the second rotatable member such that they rotate together about a common axis of rotation which passes through the first housing; wherein the first and second rotatable members are movable between a first, closed position in which the openings of the interconnecting passageway are covered and sealed by the first housing and a second, open position in which the openings of the interconnecting passageway are sealed against the first and second fluid passageways so as to form a continuous fluid pathway across the first and second aseptic connectors.

In some embodiments, the first cavity has a cross-section which corresponds to a major segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation and the second cavity has a cross-section which corresponds to a minor segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation such that the first housing and the second housing together define a circular cavity.

In some embodiments, the first rotatable member has a cross-section which corresponds to a major segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation and the second cavity has a cross-section which corresponds to a minor segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation such that the first and second rotatable members together define a circular rotatable member.

In some embodiments, the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway are diametrically opposed.

In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the first and second rotatable members passes through the interconnecting passageway.

In some embodiments, the first and second fluid passageways and/or one or both of the openings of the interconnecting passageway are each provided with a seal.

In some embodiments, the or each seal is compressed in an axial direction of the seal when the first and second rotatable members are in the first, closed position and expand in the axial direction when the first and second rotatable members are in the second, open position to seal the interconnecting passageway against the first and second fluid passageways.

In some embodiments, one of the first rotatable member and the first housing comprises a groove and the other of the first rotatable member and the first housing comprises a rib which engages with the groove to rotatably mount the first rotatable member within the first housing; and/or one of the second rotatable member and the second housing comprises a groove and the other of the second rotatable member and the second housing comprises a rib which engages with the groove to rotatably mount the second rotatable member within the second housing.

In some embodiments, the groove and/or rib is arcuate.

In some embodiments, the first rotatable member comprises an actuation portion which extends externally to the first housing so as to allow the first rotatable member to be rotated and to thereby cause the second rotatable member to be rotated.

In some embodiments, the first and second rotatable members each comprise an axial end surface which abut and seal against one another such that the axial end surfaces do not form part of the fluid pathway.

12. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more liner seals are provided between the first and second rotatable members and the first and second housings.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second connector further comprises a sliding seal member which covers and seals the first or second fluid passageway when in the first, closed position and is rotated with the first and second rotatable members so as to allow the openings of the interconnecting passageway to seal against the first or second fluid passageway.

In some embodiments, the sliding seal member is disposed in a recess formed in the first or second rotatable member, wherein the recess is bounded at either end by first and second abutment shoulders which carry the sliding seal member during clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the first and second rotatable members.

In some embodiments, the first and second abutment shoulders are spaced sufficiently such that the sliding seal member moves within the recess during an initial portion of the rotation such that the sliding seal member does not rotate with the first and second rotatable members.

In some embodiments, the first and second rotatable members are rotated by 90 degrees to move between the first, closed position and the second, open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top view an aseptic connector system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aseptic connector system; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the aseptic connector system; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the aseptic connector system in a first, mechanically connected configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective cutaway view of the aseptic connector system in the first configuration; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the aseptic connector system in the first configuration; Figures 7 and 8 are perspective cutaway and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in a first position during a transition between the first configuration and a second, fluidically connected configuration; Figures 9 and 10 are perspective cutaway and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in a second position during the transition between the first configuration and the second configuration; Figures 11 and 12 are perspective cutaway and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in the second configuration; Figures 13 and 14 are perspective cutaway and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in a first position during a transition between the second configuration and the first configuration; Figures 15 and 16 are perspective cutaway and cross-sectional views of the aseptic connector system in a second position during a transition between the second configuration and the first configuration; and Figure 17 is a perspective view an aseptic connector system according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 to 3 show an aseptic connector system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The aseptic connector system 1 comprises a first connector 2 and a second connector 3.

The first connector 2 generally comprises a housing 4. The housing 4 comprises a fitting 6 for insertion into a tube. The fitting 6 may be a barb fitting. As shown in Figure 2, a fluid passageway 8 extends through the fitting 6. The housing 4 defines an inner cavity 10 which is bounded by a circumferential surface 12 and a pair of radial end surfaces 11, as seen in Figure 3. The fluid passageway 8 opens into the circumferential surface 12 (at its angular centre). The circumferential surface 12 has an angular extent which exceeds 180 degrees such that it defines a major arc of a circle and the inner cavity 10 defines a major segment of a circle.

The fluid passageway 8 comprises a counterbore section 9a where it opens into the circumferential surface 12. The counterbore section 9a receives a seal 13a. The seal 13a has an hourglass-like profile which comprises a section that tapers (i.e., reduces in diameter) from either end towards the middle in an axial direction. This structure allows the seal 13a to be easily compressed in an axial direction and to return quickly to its relaxed state. The counterbore section 9a has a depth which is less than the length of the seal 13a when in the relaxed state such that the seal 13a partially projects from the counterbore section 9a.

The seal 13a has a maximum outer diameter which corresponds to an inner diameter of the counterbore section 9a and an inner diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of the fluid passageway 8. Accordingly, the seal 13a forms a continuation of the fluid passageway 8 with no significant deviation in the diameter.

The inner cavity 10 receives a rotatable member 14 which comprises a circumferential surface 16, a pair of radial end surfaces 18 and an axial end surface 19. The rotatable member 14 has a cross-section which represents a major segment of a circle and is complementary to the inner cavity 10 such that it can be received within the inner cavity 10 with the circumferential surface 16 of the rotatable member 14 running parallel with (but slightly spaced from) the circumferential surface 12 of the inner cavity 10.

The radial end surfaces 11 of the housing 4 each comprise an arcuate groove 20 and the radial end surfaces 18 of the rotatable member 14 each comprise a complementary arcuate rib 22 (or vice versa). Both the groove 20 and the rib 22 define a major arc of a circle. The grooves 20 are open at either end and the ribs 22 of the rotatable member 14 can be rotated into engagement with the grooves 20 in order to engage the rotatable member 14 with the housing 4 but to allow rotation of the rotatable member 14 relative to the housing 4. The rotating engagement is therefore located away (i.e., radially outward) from the axis of rotation of the rotatable member 14. As described, the rotatable member 14 represents a major segment of a circle and the axis of rotation of the rotatable member 14 is located at the centre of this circle. The axis of rotation therefore passes through the radial end surfaces 11 of the housing 4.

The rotatable member 14 is connected to an actuation knob 28 (or any other actuation portion). The actuation knob 28 is connected to a central shaft which extends from the centre of one of the radial end surfaces 18 and passes through a complementary hole provided in the corresponding one of the radial end surfaces 11 of the housing 4. The actuation knob 28 is thus disposed externally to the housing 4. The actuation knob 28 can be grasped and rotated in order to rotate the rotatable member 14 within the inner cavity 10 between a first, closed position and a second, open position, as will be described in further detail below.

The rotatable member 14 further comprises an interconnecting passageway 30 which has an opening at either end at diametrically opposed positions in the circumferential surface 16. The interconnecting passageway 30 extends through the rotatable member 14 in a direction which is parallel to the axial end surface 19 and which passes through the axis of rotation.

Like the fluid passageway 8, the interconnecting passageway 30 comprises a counterbore section 9b, 9c at either end which each receive a seal 13b, 13c. The seals 13b, 13c correspond to the seal 13a described previously. The counterbore sections 9b, 9c have a depth which is less than the length of the seals 13b, 13c when in the relaxed state such that they partially project from the counterbore sections 9b, 9c.

The seals 13b, 13c have a maximum outer diameter which corresponds to an inner diameter of the counterbore sections 9b, 9c and an inner diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of the interconnecting passageway 30. Accordingly, the seals 13b, 13c form a continuation of the interconnecting passageway 30 with no significant deviation in the diameter.

A pair of liner seals 48a, 48b are affixed to the circumferential surface 12. The liner seals 48a, 48b are provided at either end of the circumferential surface 12 and seal against the circumferential surface 16 of the rotatable member 14.

The second connector 3 generally comprises a housing 104. The housing 104 comprises a fitting 106 for insertion into a tube. The fitting 106 may be a barb fitting.

As shown in Figure 2, a fluid passageway 108 extends through the fitting 106. The housing 104 defines an inner cavity 110 which is bounded by a circumferential surface 112 and a pair of radial end surfaces 111, as seen in Figure 3. The fluid passageway 108 opens into the circumferential surface 112 (at its angular centre). The circumferential surface 112 has an angular extent which is less than 180 degrees such that it defines a minor arc of a circle and the inner cavity 110 defines a minor segment of a circle.

The fluid passageway 108 comprises a counterbore section 109 where it opens into the circumferential surface 112. The counterbore section 109 receives a seal 113. The seal 113 corresponds to the seals 13a, 13b, 13c described previously. The counterbore section 109 has a depth which is less than the length of the seal 113 when in the relaxed state such that the seal 113 partially projects from the counterbore section 109.

The seal 113 has a maximum outer diameter which corresponds to an inner diameter of the counterbore section 109 and an inner diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of the fluid passageway 108. Accordingly, the seal 113 forms a continuation of the fluid passageway 108 with no significant deviation in the diameter.

The inner cavity 110 receives a rotatable member 114 which comprises a circumferential surface 116, a pair of radial end surfaces 118 and an axial end surface 119. The rotatable member 114 has a cross-section which represents a minor segment of a circle and is complementary to the inner cavity 110 such that it can be received within the inner cavity 110 with the circumferential surface 116 of the rotatable member 114 running parallel with (but slightly spaced from) the circumferential surface 112 of the inner cavity 110.

The radial end surfaces 111 of the housing 104 each comprise an arcuate groove 120 and the radial end surfaces 118 of the rotatable member 114 each comprise a complementary arcuate rib 122 (or vice versa). Both the groove 120 and the rib 122 define a minor arc of a circle. The grooves 120 are open at either end and the ribs 122 of the rotatable member 114 can be rotated into engagement with the grooves 120 in order to engage the rotatable member 114 with the housing 104 but to allow rotation of the rotatable member 114 relative to the housing 104. The rotating engagement is therefore located away (i.e., radially outward) from the axis of rotation of the rotatable member 114. As described, the rotatable member 114 represents a minor segment of a circle and the axis of rotation of the rotatable member 114 is located at the centre of this circle. The axis of rotation is therefore located externally to the second connector 3 and thus does not pass through the radial end surfaces 111 of the housing 104.

A pair of liner seals 148a, 148b are affixed to the circumferential surface 112. The liner seals 148a, 148b are provided at either end of the circumferential surface 112 and seal against the circumferential surface 116 of the rotatable member 114.

The circumferential surface 116 comprises a circumferential recess 150 which has a reduced radius (measured from the axis of rotation) and is bounded at either end by first and second axial abutment shoulders 152, 154.

A sliding seal member 156 is disposed between the circumferential surface 116 of the rotatable member 114 and the circumferential surface 112 of the housing 104. The sliding seal member 156 is disposed in the circumferential recess 150 between the first and second axial abutment shoulders 152, 154. The sliding seal member 156 comprises a bar portion 158 and a tab portion 160 which extends from the bar portion 158. As can be seen in Figure 2, the bar portion 158 has a thickness which corresponds to the difference in diameter between the circumferential surface 112 of the housing 104 and the circumferential recess 150 of the rotatable member 114. The tab portion 160 has a reduced thickness which corresponds to the difference in radius between the circumferential surface 112 of the housing 104 and the circumferential surface 116 of the rotatable member 114. The tab portion 160 extends from a radially outer edge of the bar portion 158 and is therefore positioned so as to be received between the circumferential surface 112 of the housing 104 and the circumferential surface 116 of the rotatable member 114. The thickness of the tab portion 160 reduces towards its distal end to form a tapered section.

In order to connect the first and second connectors 2, 3, the first and second connectors 2, 3 are brought together as shown in Figures 4 to 6, with the axial end surfaces 19, 119 of the rotatable members 14, 114 abutting one another and the pairs of liner seals 48a, 48b and 148a, 148b abutting one another. As described previously, the circumferential surface 12 of the first connector 2 defines a major arc of a circle centred on the axis of rotation and the circumferential surface 112 of the second connector 3 defines a minor arc of the same circle. Similarly, the inner cavity 10 of the first connector 2 defines a major segment of the circle and the inner cavity 110 of the second connector 3 defines a minor segment of the same circle. Accordingly, the circumferential surfaces 12, 112 and the inner cavities 10, 110 together define a complete circle when the first and second connectors 2, 3 are connected to one another. Similarly, the rotatable member 14 of the first connector 2 has a cross-section which represents a major segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation and the rotatable member 114 of the second connector 3 has a cross-section which represents a minor segment of the circle. Accordingly, the rotatable members 14, 114 define a complete circle when the first and second connectors 2, 3 are connected to one another.

The first and second connectors 2, 3 may be mechanically connected to one another by a suitable interconnection mechanism. An example of a suitable interconnection mechanism is shown in Figure 17. In this example, the interconnection mechanism is a slide-fit mechanism. In particular, the housing 104 of the second connector 3 extends to form a pair of tabs 180a, 180b. A slot 182 (female element) is formed in an inner surface of each of the tabs 180a, 180b. The slots 182 extend parallel to the axis of rotation and are closed at one end. The housing 4 of the first connector 2 comprises a pair of complementary keys 84 (male elements) which are provided at opposing sides on its outer surface. The keys 84 are received in the slots 182 by translating the first connector 2 along the axis of rotation relative to the second connector 3. In other examples, the interconnection mechanism may be a snap-fit connection. For example, the housing 4 may comprise a pair of cantilevered beams each having an opening (female element) which are provided at diametrically opposed sides of the housing 4.

The housing 104 may comprise a pair of complementary retaining hooks (i.e., barbs) (male element) which are received in the openings of the cantilevered beams to form a snap fit connection with the hooks preventing withdrawal. In other examples, the positions of the male and female elements described in the examples above may be reversed or each connector 2, 3 may contain a male and a female element which engage with corresponding female and male elements on the opposing connector 2, 3.

The interconnection mechanism connects and seals the housings 4, 104 of the first and second connectors 2, 3 to one another.

The first and second connectors 2, 3 are assembled with the rotatable members 14, 114 in a first, closed configuration. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this configuration, the interconnecting passageway 30 of the first connector 2 is perpendicular to the fluid passageways 8, 108 and thus the ends of the interconnecting passageway 30 are sealed by the circumferential surface 12 of the housing 4. In particular, the seals 13b, 13c at either end of the interconnecting passageway 30 are sealed by the liner seals 48a, 48b which compress the seals 13b, 13c in the axial direction so that they are flush with the circumferential surface 16 of the rotatable member 14. The fluid passageway 108 of the second connector 3 is sealed by the sliding seal member 156. The sliding seal member 156 compresses the seal 113 in the axial direction so that it is flush with the circumferential surface 112 of the inner cavity 110.

In this configuration, while the first and second connectors 2, 3 are mechanically connected, they remain fluidically disconnected with no fluid flow being possible between their respective fluid passageways 8, 108.

In order to connect their fluid passageways 8, 108, the actuation knob 28 is grasped and rotated in a clockwise direction (although in other examples, it may be rotated in an anticlockwise direction). The actuation knob 28 causes the rotatable member 14 of the first connector 2 to rotate which forces the rotatable member 114 of the second connector 2 to also rotate. The first connector 2 may therefore be regarded as a driver or master connector, while the second connector 2 may be regarded as a driven or slave connector.

The grooves 20 of the first connector 2 and the grooves 120 of the second connector 3 are continuous with one another and thus form a circular track. The ribs 22 of the rotatable member 14 of the first connector 2 are therefore able to move along the grooves 20 of the first connector 2 and into the grooves 120 of the second connector 3.

Similarly, the ribs 122 of the rotatable member 114 of the second connector 2 are able to move along the grooves 120 of the second connector 3 and into the grooves 20 of the first connector 2, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

During the initial rotation of the actuation knob 28, the sliding seal member 156 translates along the circumferential recess 150 from the first axial abutment shoulder 152 towards the second axial abutment shoulder 154.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the second axial abutment shoulder 154 is then brought into contact with the bar portion 158 of the sliding seal member 156, with the tab portion 160 riding over the circumferential surface 116 of the rotatable member 114 and being received between the circumferential surface 112 of the housing 104 and the circumferential surface 116 of the rotatable member 114.

As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the continued rotation of the actuation knob 28 carries the sliding seal member 156 along the circumferential surface 112 of the housing 104 and thus out of engagement with the seal 113. The sliding seal member 156 contacts a stop 162 formed by the liner seal 148b which prevents further rotation of the actuation knob 28.

With the actuation knob 28 rotated by 90 degrees, the interconnecting passageway 30 now extends between the fluid passageways 8, 108. The seals 13a and 13b and the seals 13c and 113 are free to expand axially and thus engage with one another to form a continuous fluid path through the first and second connectors 2, 3. Fluid can therefore pass across the fluid passageways 8, 108 of the first and connectors 2,3 via the interconnecting passageway 30 in this second, open configuration.

It will be appreciated that the surfaces which are exposed prior to connection of the first and second connectors 2, 3 (such as the axial end surfaces 19, 119 of the rotatable members 14, 114) are not in contact with the fluid passing through the first and second connectors 2. Accordingly, any contaminants which may have come into contact with these surfaces cannot be introduced into the fluid flow.

In order to disconnect the first and second connectors 2, 3, the actuation knob 28 can be rotated in an anticlockwise direction (although in other examples, it may be rotated in a clockwise direction).

As shown in Figures 13 and 14, during the initial rotation of the actuation knob 28, the interconnecting passageway 30 in the rotatable member 14 is disconnected from the fluid passageways 8, 108 and the sliding seal member 156 translates back along the circumferential recess 150 from the second axial abutment shoulder 154 towards the first axial abutment shoulder 152.

As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first axial abutment shoulder 152 is then brought into contact with the bar portion 158 of the sliding seal member 156. The continued rotation of the actuation knob 28 carries the sliding seal member 156 back along the circumferential surface 112 of the housing 104 and into engagement with the seal 113. The tapered section of the tab portion 160 causes the seal 113 to be compressed back into the counterbore section 109.

The first and second connectors 2, 3 are now in the closed configuration, as shown in Figures 5 and 6 and the first and second connectors 2, 3 can be mechanically disconnected from one another.

The housing 4, 104 and rotatable member 14, 114 of the first and/or second connector 2, 3 may have cooperating catch elements which retain the rotatable member 14, 114 in the closed and/or open configurations and which may be released by user action. For example, the catch elements may retain the rotatable member 14 until a predetermined force is applied to the actuation knob 28 or may require a button or other element to be depressed or otherwise activated to release the rotatable member 14.

The first and/or second connectors 2, 3 may be provided with one or more visual indicators which identify when the first and second connectors 2, 3 are in the open and/or closed configuration. For example, the circumferential surface 12, 112 of the housing 4, 104 may comprise a window through which the circumferential surface 16, 116 of the rotatable member 14, 114 can be seen. The circumferential surface 16, 116 of the rotatable member 14, 114 may be provided with a first visual indicator and a second visual indicator. The first visual indicator is positioned such that it is visible through the window when the rotatable member is in the first, closed position and the second visual indicator is positioned such that it is visible through the window when the rotatable member is in the second, open position. Accordingly, the window and visual indicators provide feedback to a user regarding the current state of the connector 2, 3. In other examples, only a single visual indicator may be provided which confirms that the connector 2, 3 is in one of the open and closed configurations and the absence of the visual indicator is used to demonstrate that the connector 2, 3 is in the other of the open and closed configurations. Further, the or each visual indicator may be provided in a different location. For example, the or each visual indicator may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 4 in a position which is selectively obscured/exposed by the actuation knob 28.

As described, the housings 4, 104 of the first and second connectors 2, 3 combine to define a cylindrical cavity and the rotatable members 14, 114 together form a cylindrical rotatable member. The combined cylindrical cavity and rotatable member have circular symmetry around an axis of revolution which is aligned with the rotational axis of the rotatable member. It will be appreciated that the combined cavity and rotatable member need not be cylindrical and could be formed by another solid of revolution which has circular symmetry. For example, the combined cavity and rotatable member could be spherical, conical, biconical, etc. Accordingly, references to major and minor arcs and segments may be defined with respect to such solids of revolution.

In other examples, the first connector 2 may also be provided with a sliding seal member 156 which selectively covers the seal 13a. In other examples, one or more of the seals 13a, 13b, 13c, 113 may not be expandable.

It will be appreciated that other examples may use different forms of seal which have a structure that is configured in order to reduce the compressive stiffness in an axial direction (i.e., beyond the mechanical properties of the material itself). For example, the seal may have a helical groove which runs around the outer surface of the seal.

It will be appreciated that in other examples, the first and second connectors 2, 3 may have an alternative fitting instead of the barb fitting described above. For example, one or both of the first and second connectors 2, 3 may be provided with a flange fitting.

In other examples, the first and second connectors 2, 3 may be provided with a protective cover which seals over the axial end surface of the rotatable member prior to use.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be modified or adapted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An aseptic connector system comprising: a first connector comprising: a first housing which defines a first cavity, the first housing having a first fluid passageway which opens into the first cavity; and a first rotatable member rotatably mounted within the first cavity and having an interconnecting passageway extending therethrough between a pair of openings, the first rotatable member being rotatable about an axis of rotation which passes through the first housing; a second connector comprising: a second housing which defines a second cavity, the second housing having a second fluid passageway which opens into the second cavity; and a second rotatable member rotatably mounted within the second cavity; wherein the first connector is configured to be mechanically connected to the second connector such that the first cavity is connected to the second cavity and the first rotatable member engages the second rotatable member such that they rotate together about a common axis of rotation which passes through the first housing; wherein the first and second rotatable members are movable between a first, closed position in which the openings of the interconnecting passageway are covered and sealed by the first housing and a second, open position in which the openings of the interconnecting passageway are sealed against the first and second fluid passageways so as to form a continuous fluid pathway across the first and second aseptic connectors.
2. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cavity has a cross-section which corresponds to a major segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation and the second cavity has a cross-section which corresponds to a minor segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation such that the first housing and the second housing together define a circular cavity.
3. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first rotatable member has a cross-section which corresponds to a major segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation and the second cavity has a cross-section which corresponds to a minor segment of a circle centred on the axis of rotation such that the first and second rotatable members together define a circular rotatable member.
4. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway are diametrically opposed.
5. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of rotation of the first and second rotatable members passes through the interconnecting passageway.
6. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second fluid passageways and/or one or both of the openings of the interconnecting passageway are each provided with a seal.
7. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the or each seal is compressed in an axial direction of the seal when the first and second rotatable members are in the first, closed position and expand in the axial direction when the first and second rotatable members are in the second, open position to seal the interconnecting passageway against the first and second fluid passageways.
8. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first rotatable member and the first housing comprises a groove and the other of the first rotatable member and the first housing comprises a rib which engages with the groove to rotatably mount the first rotatable member within the first housing; and/or wherein one of the second rotatable member and the second housing comprises a groove and the other of the second rotatable member and the second housing comprises a rib which engages with the groove to rotatably mount the second rotatable member within the second housing.
9. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the groove and/or rib is arcuate.
10. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first rotatable member comprises an actuation portion which extends externally to the first housing so as to allow the first rotatable member to be rotated and to thereby cause the second rotatable member to be rotated.
11. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second rotatable members each comprise an axial end surface which abut and seal against one another such that the axial end surfaces do not form part of the fluid pathway.
12. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more liner seals are provided between the first and second rotatable members and the first and second housings.
13. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and/or second connector further comprises a sliding seal member which covers and seals the first or second fluid passageway when in the first, closed position and is rotated with the first and second rotatable members so as to allow the openings of the interconnecting passageway to seal against the first or second fluid passageway.
14. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the sliding seal member is disposed in a recess formed in the first or second rotatable member, wherein the recess is bounded at either end by first and second abutment shoulders which carry the sliding seal member during clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of the first and second rotatable members.
15. An aseptic connector system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first and second abutment shoulders are spaced sufficiently such that the sliding seal member moves within the recess during an initial portion of the rotation such that the sliding seal member does not rotate with the first and second rotatable members.
16. An aseptic connector system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, 30 wherein the first and second rotatable members are rotated by 90 degrees to move between the first, closed position and the second, open position.